tourist map florence

Map of Florence - Interactive Florence Map

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Florence. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Florence interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

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48-Hour Itinerary

We have written a travel itinerary of Florence and its surroundings, so that you don't miss out on any of the top attractions and make the most of your holidays in this charming region, even if it is only a weekend.

General Info

Get all the information about Florence you need to plan your trip, such as the city's business hours, language, holidays, and many other essential facts.

comprehensive tourist maps for busy professionals

Ultimate tourist map of florence.

This Tourist Map of Florence includes 30+ of the top Florence attractions, recommended restaurants, authentic gelato shops and more! We’ve mapped the best museums, the most beautiful squares, historic churches and scenic lookouts. Save this Florence sightseeing map, download it for offline use, and easily navigate from one attraction to the next.

Tourist Map of Florence

Table of Contents

Michelangelo Square

Florence cathedral, brunelleschi’s dome, giotto’s bell tower, the baptistery of st. john, uffizi gallery, gallery of the academy, pitti palace & boboli gardens, gucci garden, basilica of the holy cross, republic square, st. minias on the mountain, santa maria novella, holy trinity bridge, bargello palace national museum, san lorenzo market, basilica of san lorenzo, plaza of the rulers, piglet fountain, galileo museum, zoological & anatomical museum, museum of semi-precious stones, bardini gardens, more resources.

A little background on this map … The top sites in Florence are marked with blue pins. Green pins with knife and fork icons show you some of my favorite restaurants . Pink ice cream cones point out some natural gelato shops . Purple pins with a cocktail glass icons will help you find the coolest rooftop bars. When you click on a pin, you’ll find out more information about it.

How to Use This Map: If you click the tab at the top left corner, you’ll be able to select specific layers. Click the checkmark to select or hide specific categories.

Save This Map: Click the brackets in the top right corner to expand the map in full view. It will open in a new tab. Under the map title, right of the map description, there is a star. Click this star and the map will be saved to your Google account  in Google Maps. You can access it later from your computer or device. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click ‘Your Places,’ and ‘Maps.’ On app view, select ‘Saved, scroll down and click ‘Maps.’

Florence Attractions

Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in our Florence Tourist Map. Take a look at photos & prioritize your top picks.

This square is located on a hill just south of the Arno River. It’s of the most impressive Florence tourist attractions! From Michelangelo Square, you’ll see dramatic views of Florence and Tuscany’s rolling hills as the backdrop.

The square is named for Michelangelo Buonarotti. You can find bronze replicas of some of Michelangelo’s famous sculptures here.

Make sure to check out the Rose Garden nearby. It’s free to visit and heavenly during warmer months. Not only do they have over 400 varieties of roses, but they also have over a thousand total plants! It’s especially ideal for a romantic sunset stroll.

Duomo Square

Duomo Square is one of Tuscany’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most popular of Florence tourist spots. It is one of the most visited places in the world!

Duomo Square is where you’ll find the beautiful Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistry of St. John.

The Florence Cathedral is breathtaking. It is the 4th largest church in the world. The gothic façade is made from intricately carved marble pillars that glimmer in the sun. Visit the inside of the cathedral and you’ll find priceless frescoes. You’ll also find beautifully preserved stained glass windows and wood carvings.

The church and dome structure took over 200 years to complete! Work started in the late 13th Century on the cathedral and then slowed to a halt. At the time, the envisioned dome was so large that architects couldn’t figure out how to build it! The project laid unfinished for years. It wasn’t until the 15th Century that the dome was finally completed! Filippo Brunelleschi was the one who engineered a solution and made it possible to build the largest dome of its time.

Vising the Duomo is an unforgettable experience. It should be on any Florence bucket list! You’ll want to reserve your spot on a tour early, as these do sell out. Also, make sure to visit the Duomo’s excellent Museum —The Opera del Duomo holds over 750 works of art that have originated from the Duomo and Baptistery over the years.

Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for distinct panoramic views of Florence. It’s a cramped and narrow trek up, but completely worth it!

Like the Florence Cathedral, the Bell Tower is distinctly Gothic. It’s also called Giotto’s Campanile.

The Baptistery dedicated to St. John is one of the most important monuments in Florence. Before it was a baptistery, it was a minor basilica. Historians believe that the basilica was built on top of the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. That makes the baptistery the oldest religious site in Florence!

The outside of the Baptistery of St. John is adorned in white and green marble. It is a stunning example of Florentine Romanesque style architecture. When inside, you’ll notice the baptistery’s unique octagonal layout. Be sure to check out the impressive bronze doors and their sculptures. The original doors are on display in the Duomo museum.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important museums in all of Italy and one of the most visited museums in the world! Their collections of Italian Renaissance works is unmatched.

The Uffizi Gallery is also one of the world’s oldest museums. It was open to visitors even in the 16th Century! The collections were primarily founded on donations by the Medici family. Today, at the Uffizi Gallery you can visit masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello (just to name a few).

The Gallery of the Academy of Florence, or Galleria dell’Accademia, should be only any Florence itinerary. This museum is home to Michelangelo’s sculpture David. David is a Renaissance masterpiece —a marble structure of the masculine form.

He was originally built to sit on the roof line of the Florence Cathedral. Instead, he was placed in the famous Piazza della Signoria (roughly translated as “Plaza of the rulers”). In the Piazza della Signoria today, you can find a replica of Michelangelo’s David.

You can find more of Michelangelo’s works in the Gallery of the Academy. Also, large collections of Florentine paintings. Due to the popularity of these museums, it may be worthwhile to book a skip-the-line tour for your visit. Buy your tickets, and book your tours in advance!

The Palzzo Pitti , or Pitti Palace, is best known for being owned and lived in by the Medici family. Although, many other famous rulers (such as Napoleon) did use it. It’s currently the largest museum complex in Florence.

You can purchase a single ticket that provides access to all the Pitti Palace museums and the Boboli Gardens.

The Boboli gardens are an open air museum. Surrounded by centuries old trees, you’ll find a collection of sculptures that date back to the 16th Century. Make sure to check out the views from Kaffeehaus!

For fashion lovers will delight at the Museo Gucci , or Gucci Garden . This Italian Gucci boutique has a small but charming museum dedicated to the iconic Italian label.

Basilica of the Holy Cross is a unique Franciscan style church. Also, the largest Franciscan church in the world! It is the final resting place for my greats such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiaveli.

The lavish neo-Gothic marble facade that makes this church memorable was added in the 19th Century. The beautiful frescoes inside were painted by Giotto. Donatello carved out the limestone that decorate the southern wall.

Inside the museum, there is also a small museum and a monument dedicated to Florence Nightingale. For $8 euros you can get access to the church and museum. This is one of the best places to see in Florence!

Republic Square is one of the top Florence attractions you can visit for free. Also, you don’t need to spend much time here. My favorite restaurant in this square is Irene Firenze. A few minutes away is GROM for gelato!

This plaza was center of the city during ancient Roman times. You’ll notice a column with a statue on top. These are remnants from Medieval times when this square was a bustling hub for commerce. While the square has changed much in recent years, it still retains some of its Medieval features.

The Ponte Vecchio , or Old Bridge, was the first bridge to span the Arno River. It was the only bridge that crossed the Arno until 1218. Since then, it’s been rebuilt, but has retained its medieval stones and segmental arches. It’s now one of the top places to visit in Florence.

Fun Story: the Medici family used secret passages above the shops to traverse the bridge and listen to townspeople gossip.

This bridge connected the Uffizi to the Medici home (Pitti Palace). When the Medici took over this passageway, they wanted it to reflect their status and wealth. So, they drove out the butchers, fishmongers and tanners. They replaced them with goldsmiths and jewelers! As you walk along the Old Bridge today, notice the jewelry shops.

The San Miniato al Monte (St. Minias on the Mountain) is one of the top Florence tourist spots. It’s another basilica style church that’s thought to be one of the prettiest in Tuscany. It’s an excellent example of the Romanesque style.

St. Minias is literally located “on the mountain,” or at least on the highest point of the city. You can gain access to this church’s lovely frescoes for free.

Sick of churches yet? The Santa Maria Novella is another must-see. This is another Romanesque style church of the Dominican denomination. It holds more masterful frescoes, but is especially famous for its collection of funerary monuments and other art treasures.

You can gain entry for 7.50 euros. Inside, you’ll notice the familiar arches. This is another one of Brunelleschi’s works. Make sure to check out Masaccio’s Trinità and Giotto’s Crucifix.

The Ponte Santa Trinita , or Holy Trinity bridge, is characteristic of the renaissance style. It holds the title of being the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the whole world.

Just across the Arno, there are a few great rooftop bars. I love Golden View Open Bar! It’s an ultra posh restaurant with excellent sunset views of the Old Bridge. Another favorite is Panorama Restaurant at the Hotel La Scaletta. Call ahead for reservation!

Palazzo Vecchio or ‘old palace’ is one of the top places to visit in Florence. It was originally built as a fortress in the 13th Century, and it was built on top of the ruins of a Roman theater. You can visit the underground ruins of this Roman theater!

This palace was built to house the civil government. It was designed an expression of wealth and power. Make sure to visit the Hall of Five Hundred. Its paneled ceilings and gold detailing will take your breath away!

Fun Fact: This palace has a secret labyrinth of passage ways and escape routes.

Bargello Palace was used as a fortress, living quarters for officials and eventually a prison. Currently, it’s home to an impressive museum that displays many masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture. Including works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Dante.

Aside from the art, the building itself is enchanting. Take the time to appreciate the grand courtyard and the armory relics decorating its walls.

There’s an amazing gelato place just few minutes walk from the Bargello Museum. It’s called Vivoli.

Visit the San Lorenzo Market is the perfect refuge from museums and churches. Turn your brain off and take a relaxing stroll.

First, visit the indoor Central Market and grab farm fresh meats and artisanal cheeses. Purchase olive oils, truffle butter & balsamic vinegar to bring home. You have to eat here! Next, head back outside and shop for leather. The Italian leather sold here is of the finest quality. Grab that perfect leather jacket or icon tote for an unbelievable price. This is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for the family!

The rustic looking facade of the San Lorenzo Church may not appear to be as impressive… but this was the original Florence Cathedral! Its Duomo was the original Duomo! It held this title for over 300 years before it was upstaged by today’s Duomo.

The San Lorenzo church was also the parish church of the Medici family. The head of the ruling Medicis, Cosimo di Medici, is entombed here. Also, his friend the infamous artist Donatello. It’s also notably mentioned in Dan Brown’s Inferno .

The outside of the San Lorenzo Basilica isn’t the only unique aspect of this church. Notice the distinct style of the church’s interior. Visit the enchanting green space of San Lorenzo’s cloister. If you can, make sure to check out the incredible library! The library holds the Medici family’s collection of thousands of precious manuscripts.

The Piazza della Signoria has always been one of the top places for Florence sightseeing… because there’s so much to see here! This square is basically a free outdoor museum. During medieval times, it was the focal point of the Florentine Republic. One prominent feature of this square is the Vecchio Palace.

Make sure to visit all the remarkable sculptures. This was the original resting place for Michelangelo’s David (although, now a replica sits here). It’s a great place to see David if you don’t have time to visit the Uffizi Gallery.

Also, visit the Loggia dei Lanzi — an open-air sculpture museum. Notice the Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna. Find the Fountain of Neptune here too!

The new market has been used by traders since the 16th Century. It was the place to go for luxury goods like gold and silk. It was also the site of public humiliations and punishments.

Today, the New Market is a semi-enclosed leather market. Underneath a beautiful loggia, it’s a great place to shop even in rainy weather.

My favorite Florence sightseeing spot in the New Market is Piglet Fountain. Make sure to rub the snout of this boar… Legend has it, that if you do, you’ll return to Florence! Although, there’s a way to go about it. First, you have to place a coin in the boar’s mouth. Wait for the coin to fall into the water, and then you can rub its snout.

Galileo is considered “the father of modern science.” The Galileo Museum in Florence has one of the world’s coolest collections of historic scientific instruments. Including some telescopes used by Galileo himself. Exhibits showcase the historical pursuit of astronomy, timekeeping, scientific measurement and chemistry.

It’s a pretty small museum that you can easily visit in 1-2 hours. It costs 9 euros to enter. It’s located a few steps away from the Uffizi Gallery.

This museum is best known for its anatomical wax collection. Their whole collection includes over a million animals, but nearly 5,000 are on display. Kind of creepy… Although, considering some of these animals have long been extinct, it’s pretty cool! It’s one of the few places in the world you can see what a Tasmanian tiger looked like.

Another one of the lesser known Florentine attractions, but you shouldn’t miss this place! The Museum sits on the site of a historic workshop. In the 16th Century the Medici established this place as a laboratory for the development of semi-precious mosaics.

Throughout history, the laboratory expanded its interests and restored everything from tapestries to bronze pieces, terracotta and archaeological finds. It became one of the premier restoration workshops in the world! You can find many of these restored items in the museum. Also, learn about the restoration process.

The Bardini Gardens are one of the newer tourist attractions in Florence. They’ve only opened to the public in recent years.

In the garden, you’ll find roses, azaleas and endless hydrangea. There are many sculptures, fountains and panoramic views of Florence here. Make sure to visit the breathtaking Wisteria Tunnel and the great Baroque staircase.

Visiting other Italian Cities?

• Tourist Map of Venice 
• Tourist Map of Rome

Thinking about booking a tour, but not sure if you want to spend the money? Italy’s Best Guided Tours   

If you think I missed something on this map, please comment below! I’d be happy to add your favorite attractions, restaurants, gelato spots and rooftops!

This post may contain compensated links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.

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I just wanted to send a huge thanks for the Google map that you put together. It was so helpful, and it’s actually changed the way I will plan my holidays from now on. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Really glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support 🙂

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• Maps of Italy >
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• Florence, Italy Map & Guide

Florence, Italy Map & Guide

Visit firenze, everyone's favorite renaissance city in tuscany.

Why go to Florence, or Firenze as the Italians say? Well, certainly you know that Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, was one of Italy's first UNESCO world heritage sites and stands as one of the top tourist destinations in Tuscany . The Arno river flows through it--and sometimes over and under it.

Florence is 172 miles north of Rome and 185 miles south of Milan. Despite traffic jams on the perifery, Florence isn't a huge city. It has a population of around 400,000 people, with around 200,000 more in suburban areas.

In the summer, Florence's centro storico , the historic center, is hot, humid and clogged with tourists. The mass of tourists shouldn't be a surprise to you. After all, nearly everyone wants to see its palaces and museums. Besides, summer offers a chance for the tourist to extend their days into the evenings. According to the folks planning these things, April 30 marks the "First Night of Summer", which kicks off "Estate Fiorentina" (Florentine Summer) which features six months of concerts, shows and events of various kinds taking place in venues across the central city.

Yes, along with tourists come the dollars that encourage historical preservation and hedonistic celebration, so don't let them tell you to skip Florence if you haven't explored it.

Just don't think you can drive around the center of Florence at will. The train will do nicely, because the ZTL, the limited traffic zone that marks the heart of Florence, is one of the most diabolical tourist traps of them all. Really, they have this one covered. Don't plan on driving in central Florence. Parking lots ring the ZTL for your convenience, and here's a page that maps the best lots and explains it all to you: Parking in Florence: Where to park?

When to Go to Florence

We have already discussed summer. Go if it appeals to you, but you might want to make sure your hotel or apartment includes air conditioning--or at least decent ventilation. I prefer spring and fall climate conditions, specifically April and May or September and October. November is a fine time to buy that leather coat and wrap yourself in one of the iconic Fiorentine jackets while touring in the chill of Autumn. Of course we have historic climate information and the latest, up to date weather in Florence .

Florence Airport

The Aeroporto di Firenze, commonly referred to as Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci or simply Peretola, is located 4 km from the center of Florence. A taxi can make the trip in 15 minutes, and the Sita/Ataf "Fly by Bus" between the airport and Firenze SMN (Santa Maria Novella) railway station takes 20 minutes. The Florence bus station is adjacent to Santa Maria Novella.

Find a Good Price on a Flight

If you are coming into Florence from an international destination, you are probably using Galileo Galilei airport, closer to Pisa.

To order a trip to a hotel with a private driver in advence of your trip, we recommend our partner Welcome Pickups.

Welcome Pickups, Florence, Italy

Florence Train Stations

Florence's main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella , is located in the historical center of Florence. Most tourist attractions are within walking distance. It's a busy station with many services; nearly 60 million people a year pass through it.

Most of the important city buses (orange) stop across the road from the station on Via Valfonda.

You might decide to use Florence as a base and explore other Tuscan cities via train. It's the convenient way to do it, since you don't have to look for parking for a car every time you leave the city. Arezzo , for example, is 40 minutes away by train, and the cost of a ticket is around $13. Venice is a little over two hours away, if that's your next destination, and costs about $54 per person.

Florence has two other outlying stations, Firenze Campo di Marte , which handles regional traffic to the south, and Firenze Rifredi , which handles regional traffic to Prato, Bologna, Pisa, Livorno, Pistoia, Lucca, Viareggio, Carrara, La Spezia, Siena, Campiglia Marittima and Grosseto.

Finding a Taxi in Florence

As is usual in Italian cities, one generally gets a taxi at a taxi stand or by calling. Taxis don't roam the narrow streets for fares. You can find the cost of a taxi using the widget below. 

There are no Uber services in Florence. The Tour Guy explains:

In the past, Uber was tested in Florence Italy but in the end, it didn’t make much sense. The city is majority pedestrian with a strong train system getting travelers in and out. You can walk from Accademia on one side of the city to the Pitti Palace on the opposite side in 20 minutes. -- Why Is Uber Not in Florence, Italy ?

Calling (or messaging) a Radio Taxi

Local Telephone: 055-4242 or see Taxi 4242

Map of Florence

The top attractions in florence.

To get a ticket that allows for "beat the line" tours of Florence's top things to do, see: The Florence Pass , which allows for visits to the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, a climb up Brunelleschi's Dome and a Florence app for your phone.

Duomo di Firenze

Officially it's the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Pick a time when the tourist traffic is minimal, like in the early morning, and just walk all around this amazing building. The details will astound you. The piazza contains Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's Dome (popular, best done on a skip the line tour ), Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Opera Museum.

What to See in Piazzo del Duomo

Uffizi Gallery

Cosimo I di Medici wanted offices, so Giorgio Vasari began building them in 1560. After the age of the Medici's passed, the building was opened to the public as a museum in 1765. The Uffizi is ranked as the 25th on the most visited art museums in the world, with around 2 million visitors annually. In high season (particularly in July), waiting times can be up to five hours. Buy your tickets in advance.

Website Skip the Line Tickets & Tours

Pitti Palace

The Palazzo Pitti is a major tourist attraction on the south side of the Arno river not for from the Ponte Vecchio. Originally the residence of Luca Pitti, the Florentine banker, it dates from 1458. It is now the largest museum complex in Florence. Besides paintings, you'll see Museums of Silver, Porcelain, Consumes and Carriages and you'll be able to stroll through the adjacent Boboli Gardens.

Find out more... Pitti Palace Tours

More Florence Attractions

• Florence's Archaeological Museum -- Museo archeologico nazionale di Firenze is housed in a palace built in the 1620s and filled with great, Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan collections. 1 piazza Santissima Annunziata, in the Palazzo della Crocetta, Admission € 4,00, free on the first Sunday of the month. [ Information and Skip the line tickets for the National Archaeological Museum ]
• House-Museum of Dante -- ok, it's a little offbeat, but I liked the medieval section of the city and visiting a house of the famous Dante. Via S. Margherita, 1, 3 Euros, closed Tuesday.
• The Ponte Vecchio -- The Old Bridge looks from the outside as if it were still crowded with the crammed blacksmith and butcher shops of the medieval period, but it's all glittery gold and tourist baubles today. Spared from bombing in WWII, it used to be built of wood but a rebuild in the 1300's made it mostly stone. Free, unless you run afoul of a jewelry or porcelain statue salesman.
• The Church of San Lorenzo -- It's not impressive from the outside, but it's probably the oldest religious structure in Florence. They say it was probably founded before year 400 and its art holdings include stuff by Donatello and Bronzino.

Top Sites in Florence

Hidden Florence

Church of Ognissanti

See the recently restore Crucifix by the Giotto school (pictured) as well as the Last Supper by Domenico Ghirlandaio in this church founded in 1251 by the Umiliati, who had come to Florence from Lombardy in 1239

Find out more...

Museo Nazionale di San Marco

Don't let the name put you off. This is an inexpensive visit to the Dominican church and convent of San Marco with its atmosphere--and spectacular Fra Angelico frescoes--intact. The early renaissance painter frescoed each cell of the monks cloister. Founded in 1436, the complex was also home to Girolamo Savonarola in the late 15th century.

Hours and Opening Times Tickets

Secret Itineraries Tour, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Our guide shows us the clothing of the Signoria, the group of men who formed the ruling body of the Republic of Florence. We have squeezed through a narrow door and a tiny flight of stairs to reach the the red clothing dyed with the eggs of an insect, distinguishing these men from the hoi palloi . This is our favorite tour of Florence.

Palazzo Vecchio Tours

Eat and Drink

Piero, our Florence Food Guy, recommends some interesting places he like to take meals in the city.

Piero's favorite Breakfast Bar: Cucciolo Bar Pasticceria. The Cucciolo Bar Pasticceria is known for its Bombolone, a sort of Tuscan donut that here is cooked and immediately send town a chute from the kitchen upstairs so that each one slides down to the front of the bar where you can grab one and chow down. Your breakfast bombolone doesn't get fresher than that. Also try the Fishermen's Bread. Via del Corso 25r, Florence.

Lunch among the Leather Jackets: Trattoria Sergio Gozzi. Look up from the rows of leather jackets and search out the old fashioned sign. Get there early. Locals pack the place.

Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R, 50123 Florence, Italy

Drinks With a View: Biblioteca delle Oblate

The Biblioteca delle Oblate is a former convent; the nuns here did the laundry for the adjacent hospital--you can see the wash tubs downstairs. And there really is a historic library here. But the star of the show is the second floor cafe with a view of the dome of the duomo.

(In the evening the space features an antipasto buffet and occasionally concerts; Patty Smith has played here.)

Biblioteca de le Oblate

Via dell’Oriuolo 26

Closed on Sundays and Holidays

Dinner and Wine:

There are many ways to enjoy your evenings out in Florence. One of our favorites includes fancy drinks and dinner at the traditional Cafaggi. Another includes dinner at La Cucina del Ghianda and dessert at Cibreo Cafe . Both are fantastic choices.

We also like L' Osteria di Giovanni on a narrow street, Via del Moro, 22, between the Arno and Santa Maria Novella train station in Santo Spirito. You can reserve online through the website.

Tired of restaurants? Another dining option you might wish to consider is to go to the place of residence of a "home chef" and have an evening of discovery over some good, home cooked food. See: Where to Eat in Florence, Italy .

Where to Stay

We enjoyed our stay at the Adler Cavalieri Hotel . a four star historic hotel near the train and bus stations. Free wifi and Gluten free breakfast is available. The hotel is marked on the map above.

For a hotel you can drive to, the Classic Hotel is an old palace converted to a hotel near the Boboli Gardens that offers free parking and WiFi.

Looking for an great apartment within spitting distance of the Duomo? We enjoyed our stay at Asso's Place , which includes spectacular views of the dome of the Duomo.

Looking for a cheap, centrally located hotel that folks who've stayed there like? The Hotel Giappone will do.

For choosing a hotel, B&B or vacation apartment by location, see the map below:

Shopping in Florence

Tourist junk is on sale everywhere, so you will need no assistance to find the ubiquitous tee shirts people foist upon their kids and friends. Things good for poking a stranger in the eye like selfie sticks and umbrellas are handled conveniently by immigrants. Here are some specialty shopping opportunities.

Housewares and Cooking Supplies: Bartolini - Food is special in Italy, so If you're looking for a special device to make ravioli for your Florence apartment or want a small kitchen trinket to bring as a gift, this emporium on Via dei Servi 66/68R should have what you want.

Arty Stuff: Galleria Alessandro Bagnai - unique art works and jewelry by More than two dozen artists exhibit their unique art in a rotating display at the gallery in Piazza Goldoni 2 near the Arno. Even if you don't buy anything, you can admire the frescoes on the store's ceiling.

Come up and see their etchings: Il Tamarino Stampe d'Arte - Purchase etchings and prints using ancient engraving and printing techniques hand painted with watercolors. You can special order subjects. Via del Moro 46R.

What's your perfect scent? Acquaflor - Yes, a perfume shop like no other. You can take classes on perfumery or have them make you a scent tailored to who you are and what you smell like normally. Read about Acquaflor .

We totally like the concept of shopping provided by Florentine Experience Shopping . Instead of buying cheap tourist crap made by political prisoners in China, you can be guided by Maria to the best artisans in Florence. You can get shoes made just for you, see and buy stone mosaics and more. Be a responsible traveler. Buy something real.

Our Favorite European Plug Adapter for Italy

Day Trips from Florence

If you are convinced Florence is the town for you, it's not a bad idea to consider it as a base for travels in Northern Tuscany, which offers many interesting towns and places to visit. You could spend a week or two in an apartment and use the train to visit such places as the popular walled town of Lucca or the Spa town of Montecatini Terme for example.

If you prefer coach tours you can get out into the Tuscan countryside without a car. Viator's top Florence tours include walking and Segway tours of Florence itself, or tours of Pisa and the Tuscan wine country. You can also tour Tuscany in a Vespa .

Your itinerary for two weeks could focus on this interesting bit of Tuscany, or you could combine Florence and Tuscany with a trip to Rome , perhaps.

How to Visit Italy's Big Three Cities Via train, bus, car, or airline

How to get from Rome to Florence

More Italy Travel Planning Resources

• Travel Planning Timeline : Learn what you need to plan when.
• What Will an Italy Vacation Cost? : Tools for budgeting your Italian vacation.
• Unplanned Attractions : Save time for the good life in Italy.

Interactive Map of Florence

Florence may not be the capital of Italy but it’s certainly a well-deserving contender. The city is filled to the brim with natural beauty, fascinating history, and unique architecture. Unlike a regular street map of Florence Italy, this interactive and informative map of Florence will ensure you are well-prepared for your visit. We highlight not only the best sites in Florence but also provide interactive, explorable maps of the best hotels, restaurants, and bars. Use our comprehensive map of Florence to help you find your bearings in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities!

Table of Contents

Map of Florence Italy Attractions:

As the standout city of Tuscany, Florence has so much to offer in summer, winter , spring, or Fall. From spectacular buildings to Florence pizza-making classes , there is an abundance of things to see and do . It can be difficult to plan your days around the many attractions located all over the city. For this reason, we recommend a guided tour of Florence . All of our tours include an expert guide who will escort you around the city and teach you fascinating insights about the sights. There’s even a historical food tour that will take you on a tasting journey through traditional Tuscan cuisine. If you’d still rather do it yourself, use this tourist map of Florence which is essentially a map of the Florency Ital attractions. Using this will help you visualize your itinerary and serve as a walking map of Florence when you arrive. For an extra magical experience, make sure to schedule a nighttime stroll through the city!

Visit Florence's attractions

Map of Florence’s Top-Rated Restaurants:

No Italian visit would be complete without a food sampling or two! Make sure to prepare ahead of time and note where the city’s top-rated restaurants are located. It might also be worthwhile browsing through our handy Florence restaurant guide . Book reservations in advance to avoid disappointment!

Map of Hotels in Florence Italy (Top-Rated, 3-5 Stars)

You’ve booked the flights to Florence but now you’re left with the overwhelming challenge of booking accommodation. A good approach to this is selecting a hotel based on its proximity to certain spots. This map of hotels in Florence Italy will help you to visualize your options and make the right choice for you. The various hotels have been placed on a map of the Florence neighborhoods, so you can choose your accommodation accordingly. If you know which Florence neighborhood you want to be based in but having trouble selecting a suitable accommodation, check out our guide on where to stay in Florence based on the area. If it’s all the same to you, check out our list of recommended hotels in Florence !

See all Florence Hotels

Map of Top-Rated Bars in Florence

There’s no better way to end a day of touring Florence’s hotspots than with a refreshing Italian aperitivo in a local bar. Florence’s Center has many great bars to visit, and we recommend checking out as many as you can. If time constraints are an issue, check out below which top-rated bar is near you! Alternatively, we’ve listed the best bars in Florence for you to choose from.

We’re Just Getting Started!

Looking through this map of Florence Italy should be a key stage of your trip-planning process. If you’re still looking for more information on Florence and want to understand what makes it such an incredible city, check out our in-depth Florence travel guide . If you’re still unsure how much time to spend in Florence , allow us to help you make that decision. Exploring Florence is just the beginning! Once you’ve ticked off all of Florence’s best attractions, there’s so much more to see beyond its borders. From trips to the Tuscan countryside to Cinque Terre’s quaint villages, our guided tours from Florence will transport you to the best spots in the region!

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Florence Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

Florence offers a wide range of attractions for different travelers. It is for this reason why the city remains busy all year long. For first time visitors, Florence can be a bit difficult to navigate. So if you're coming for the first time, you better grab a copy of the Florence tour map so you can familiarize the city and easily find your way.

In order to explore Florence with ease, Tripindicator has provided Florence interactive map, which everyone can access for free and use as their guide in exploring Florence's attractions . Whether you are visiting the Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery , Ponte Vecchio or Palazzo Vecchio , the Florence tourist map pdf will come in handy.

Those who have been to Florence would agree that the city is best explored on foot. When exploring the city on foot, you need to have a copy of the Florence tourist map walking. Although the historic center is compact and can be easily explored, the streets can get confusing for first time visitors. Thus, having a copy of the Florence tourist map printable is indeed very useful. Tripindicator has created these Florence sightseeing maps in order to help tourists to easily find their way in the city's busy streets.

The printable map of Florence includes information on the various attractions, monuments, museums, and popular landmarks of Florence. Thus, it's ideal for tourists who prefer to navigate the city on their own instead of hiring a guide. The map of Florence is very easy to use and comes with detailed instructions on how to get from one place to another.

Like most of the major cities in Europe, there's a hop on hop off bus in Florence that will take you to the city's most famous attractions in a more convenient way. To find out where the bus will take you, check out the Florence hop on hop off bus map.

Sure, there are lots of tour agencies that you can book for your trip to Florence, but if you want to get a taste of the local city life, the best way is to explore on your own. When it comes to this the printable tourist map Florence will be a great help.

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Florence, Italy

By Kay Pierce · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is internationally esteemed for its high concentration of Renaissance art and architecture. Because it served as a wealthy and important center for medieval trade and commerce, the city gave birth to the Italian Renaissance movement.

Florence is also credited with propagating many artists, inventors, writers, scientists and explorers as well as inventing opera and the florin currency, which lifted Europe from the Dark Ages.

Map of Florence

Simulating one enormous outdoor art museum, the city of Florence attracts millions of tourists every year. Walking is the best way to see the major tourist attractions in Florence. Some of the best places to walk include the Ponte Vecchio, a beautiful bridge spanning the Arno River and featuring a number of high-end jewelry shops.

15. Mercato Nuovo

Covered with an ornate loggia supported by open arches, the Mercato Nuovo is one of the most unusual marketplaces in Florence. While souvenirs like straw hats are sold here, it’s the history and legends connected with Mercato Nuovo that most attract visitors. In the center of the loggia is the “stone of shame,” a place where debtors were once punished with bare-bottom spankings.

A colorful Italian expression for winding up broke may have originated from this practice. On the southern side of the loggia is the Fontana del Porcellino, a fountain that features a bronze boar statue. Rubbing the snout of the “Piglet” is said to bring good fortune.

14. San Miniato al Monte

Perched high atop a hill, the oldest church in Florence offers panoramic views of one of Italy’s most scenic cities. Behinds its charming green-and-white façade is a treasure trove of beautiful art. Medieval frescoes, mosaics and inlaid-marble floors adorn the chapels of the Romanesque structure. The Renaissance era is well represented too.

With its carved pilasters, medallion ceilings, marble statuary and colorful frescoes, the Cappella del Cardinale del Portogallo showcases the diversity of the era. San Minato is most enchanting in the early evening when Benedictine monks celebrate mass with Gregorian chanting.

13. Piazza della Repubblica

One of the oldest sections of Florence, the Piazza della Repubblica sits on the site of the city’s Roman forum. The Colonna dell’Abbondanza, a monument built in 1431, marks the exact center of the ancient settlement. Densely inhabited during the Medieval Era, the square was completely renovated during the 1800s.

A triumphal arch on the west side of the plaza commemorates its transformation. Today, the plaza is best known for its elegant Neoclassical structures, luxury shops and outdoor eateries, including the famous Giubbe Rosse café, a notable meeting place for artists and writers.

12. Loggia dei Lanzi

Renaissance art and architecture are on full display at this ceremonial building adjacent to a corner of the Piazza della Signoria. Supported by columns topped with Corinthian capitals, wide arches invite visitors to view the sculptures under the bay of this open-air gallery.

Benvenuto Cellini’s bronze statue of Perseus holding the head of Medusa is a star attraction. Carved from a single block of white marble, the “Rape of the Sabine Women” by Giambologna is awe-inspiring as well. Considered a masterpiece of composition and movement, the dramatic sculpture was constructed to be viewed from all sides.

11. Santa Croce Church

No visit to Florence is complete without paying homage to the city’s most famous inhabitants, many of whom are buried within the church nicknamed the Temple of the Italian Glories.

The world’s largest Franciscan church, Santa Croce is the final resting place for luminaries like Michelangelo, Rossini, Galileo and Dante. The cathedral’s 16 chapels also feature breath-taking works of art, including frescoes by Giotto painted at the height of his talent.

The realism of his “Death of St. Francis” helped lay the foundation for the Renaissance Era. Located in the cathedral’s first cloister, the Pazzi Chapel is a must-see as well. Built after a design by Filippo Brunelleschi, it’s regarded as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

10. Palazzo Pitti

The Palazzo Pitti is a large 15th century palace situated on the quieter south bank of the Arno river The palace was long the residence of Florence’s rulers until 1919, when it was handed over to the Italian state, which transformed the palace into a museum complex.

In spite of its metamorphosis from royal residence to a state-owned public building, the palazzo, sitting on its elevated site overlooking Florence, still retains the air and atmosphere of a private collection in a grand house.

9. Piazzale Michelangelo

The Piazzale Michelangelo is a large, partly pedestrianized square located across the Arno River from the center of Florence. From the square visitors have a magnificent view over the city.

The spacious square was laid out in 1860 by Giuseppe Poggi, a local architect who is also known for his creation of boulevards around the center of Florence.

8. Boboli Gardens

Located behind the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens were created by the Medici family in the 16th century. The beautiful and varied Italianesque garden is home to a large number of statues and fountains. The gardens have passed through several stages of enlargement and restructuring work.

They were enlarged in the 17th century to their present extent and have come to form an outdoor museum of garden sculpture that includes Roman antiquities as well as later works.

7. Basilica di San Lorenzo

Situated at the center of the city’s main market district, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches of Florence and was the burial place of all

The church, originally designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, is an early example of ecclesiastical Renaissance architecture. The façade of this church was never completed, giving it a striking, rustic appearance. Inside the church is pure Renaissance neo-classical splendor.

6. Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia or “Gallery of the Academy” is certainly the most famous for its sculptures by the great Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. His Prisoners (or Slaves), his St. Matthew and, above all, the outstanding statue of David are what draw most of the hundreds of thousands of visitors the museum welcomes every year.

Other works on display are Florentine paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, including works by Sandro Botticelli and from the High Renaissance such as Giambologna’s original plaster for the Rape of the Sabine Women.

5. Palazzo Vecchio

One of Florence’s most significant buildings is the Palazzo Vecchio, a grand palace overlooking the Piazza della Signoria. Built in the 12th century, the Palazzo Vecchio housed the powerful Medici family as well as Florence’s supreme governing body for six centuries.

Since 1872, it has served in part as a museum and as the city town hall. This impressive palace packs a wealth of artifacts and art works that include beautiful frescoes, sculptures, painted ceilings, intricate carvings and tapestries that all depict historic and Biblical events.

4. Piazza della Signoria

Serving over the centuries as an important center for politics and the site of several historic episodes, the Piazza della Signoria is a beautiful square centered among some of the top attractions in Florence.

It is here that tourists can visit remarkable places like the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Museum, the Palazzo Uguccioni, the Loggia de Lanzi and the nearby Ponte Vecchio bridge. This town square is also a treasure trove of notable sculptures such as a replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David, the Fountain of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus as well as Perseus with the Head of Medusa.

3. Uffizi Gallery

Regarded today as one of the world’s greatest art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is located off the Piazza della Signoria. This former palace was first built in 1560 to house the offices of the city magistrates.

After the ruling dynasty of the Medici family relinquished its power, the palace evolved into an art gallery to showcase its stunning collection of Renaissance art treasures. Opened to the public since 1765, the museum offers thousands of art works by masters like Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Titian.

2. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest, as well as the most famous, of the six bridges that cross Florence’s Arno River. Up until 1218, this bridge, also known as the Old Bridge, was the only bridge to cross that river.

Historians believe that the original bridge goes back to Roman times. The bridge connected the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace across the river from it. Unfortunately, a flood destroyed the structure in 1333.

Twelve years later, in 1345, the bridge was rebuilt. Workers replaced the original five arches with three, and widened the main part of the bridge. At this time, the bridge hosted shops and houses authorized by the Bargello, who was a combination mayor and magistrate.

Towards the 15th century, the shops were sold to private owners. Butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers occupied most of the shops. However, in 1593, due to the rank smell of the waste from these shops, Ferdinand I dictated that only goldsmiths and jewelers were allowed to own shops on the bridge. Today the shops sell affordable jewelry as well as expensive antiques and leather goods. In addition, the bridge serves as an art museum.

During WWII, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge crossing the Arno in Florence that the Germans did not destroy. Instead, they demolished the buildings on each end of the bridge to block access to it. In November 1966, the river again went through a serious flood. This time, however, the bridge withstood the weight of the silt and the water.

The Ponte Vecchio is a work of art, created with elements from all parts of the Florentine character. A walk across it gives one the chance to view and enjoy the many aspects of Florentine life both old and new.

1. Santa Maria del Fiore

Dominating the panoramic view of Florence is the Santa Maria del Fiore, the domed cathedral that is often called the Duomo. Known today as the world’s largest masonry dome, this majestic cathedral features 600 years worth of stunning architecture and art works.

Planning for the new church began in the late 1200s and building started in 1296. Unfortunately, politics and the plague interrupted the construction several times. In 1375, workers were instructed to tear down the partially completed church and start over. Except for the marble on the outside, the Florence Cathedral was completed in 1436.

The first architect to work on the Cathedral was Arnolfo di Cambio. He designed it in the Gothic style and left space for a huge dome to top the building. However, he had no idea how to build this dome. Fortunately, Filippo Brunelleschi, a goldsmith and clockmaker, solved this puzzle.

Added in the 15th century, Brunelleschi’s dome is 45 meters wide and 114.5 meters high (148 and 377 feet), and it is the largest masonry dome ever built. Because of the size of the dome, Brunelleschi made use of a unique building technique that had been used previously in Persia. He used 37,000 tons of brick, stone and timber, along with a unique herringbone pattern of laying the bricks, to create the dome. Four hundred sixty three steps were included to allow access to the top of the dome.

The facade of the Florence Cathedral was only partially built and remained that way for some time. It was then dismantled in 1587-1588. Architects at that time felt that the original Gothic exterior was old fashioned. In 1864, a competition was held to design a new façade. Emilio de Fabris won the competition, and in 1887, his façade was completed. It was a neo-Gothic façade in green, white and red marble, which complemented the cathedral’s 14th century bell tower. The use of circles, squares and triangles distinguished it from other French churches.

There are many great works of art in the interior of the Cathedral. Some of the most beautiful aspects of the Cathedral are the frescoes. The largest of these depicts the Last Judgment, designed by Giorgio Vasiri, but painted by his student, Federico Zuccari.

Through close inspection of the Cathedral, one can notice the differences in architectural styles used through the years. For instance, while the inside of the church, with the big arches and vaults is Gothic style, the dome is Renaissance style. One can find differences such as these throughout the Florence Cathedral.

Best Time to Visit Florence

The best times of year to visit Florence are either in spring or autumn – so from April to June and September to October. This is when the weather is mild but sunny and prices are a bit lower.

In summer, the city is overrun with tourists and the scorching heat makes sightseeing quite unpleasant at times. While July is the hottest month, averaging highs of 29°C (84°F though often much hotter), August is when most locals take their holidays and head out of Florence, closing their shops and restaurants in the meantime.

For a more authentic experience, you may also want to consider visiting between December and February. During this time the city is very quiet, prices are low and there are almost no queues and crowds. The weather is much cooler however, averaging from a low of 8°C (46°F) to a high of 9°C (49°F).

Although Florence doesn’t go all out for Christmas, the decorations and lights make it pretty magical to explore in wintertime. Due to all its romantic streets, many people head here for Valentine’s Day with its carnival also enticing plenty of visitors in the run up to Lent.

Another unforgettable event is the fiercely-contested Calcio Storico which is held each June in Piazza di Santa Croce. An early form of football, it sees colourfully-clad players representing each quarter of the city battle it out before baying crowds of locals and tourists alike.

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Reader interactions.

February 25, 2019 at 1:41 am

Thanks for good advice and tips for places to visit in Florence. We planning to go this summer and looking forward to seeing the places mentioned.

January 19, 2019 at 5:58 am

The streets of Florence are a museum and a tribute to the incredible history of the capitol city of Tuscany. we spent many days getting to know the city by walking and also taking in the entire list that is discussed here. We have been to Florence twice and although it is a long way from Australia it is worth every moment spent travelling. Go to this city and lose youself in the beauty and magic that it has to offer.

August 12, 2018 at 1:55 am

What a great guide! We definitely will keep this in mind, for when we are going to Florence. It is such a lovely place.

April 25, 2017 at 1:47 pm

Wauw. This is a great post with a lot of valuable information. I haven’t been in Florence, but now I will def. consider it again when going to Italy

April 4, 2017 at 7:09 am

Yeah, it is a great list! I think you pick up the most important places and it is not easy because Florence is just full of things to see! I have one extra place to add and that is Piazza Santa Croce and its church. To me that’s the most authentic square you can find and it has a special charm. Of course it is a touristic attraction but less then others and its light is very special. I love to sit on one of its stone bench and just stare at light changing the colour of the Santa Croce Church facade by the sunset. Here you can find some history too, and it is peculiar. http://www.fibnb.com/insights/florence/basilica-of-santa-croce-in-florence/

December 4, 2016 at 4:25 am

Great post with all the best things to do in Florence. I have a few pieces of extra advice: Choose Forti di Belvedere insteaf of Piazzale Michelangelo. The view is at least as awesome, and there are almost no tourists. Do take your time to get lost in the old streets of Florence. Actually this might be the true number 1 thing to do in Florence. If you can – time your visit in Florence for one the many festivals in the city. Especially Scoppio del carro – festival of the exploding cart is fantastic. Hope to see you in Florence sometime.

May 17, 2016 at 3:12 pm

I agree with Jacob’s comment. I went through the list and couldn’t believe that the Galleria dell’Accademia was absent. I have been to Florence many times and always, ALWAYS take friends to see “THE DAVID” first thing.

October 23, 2015 at 12:28 am

Just realized I haven’t written a comment here, so I just wanted to say thank you for this awesome post. I bookmarked it before we went to Florence for 2 days in July this summer and it proved really helpful.

Thank you so much for an awesome guide!

September 12, 2015 at 2:47 am

Great article! I agree, Florence is fantastic. Just imagine all the great artists who lived here.

And yeah, Il Duomo is definitely the #1 attraction. I think you could add Galleria dell’Accademia to the list though – besides from that it’s perfect.

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Map of Florence: Top attractions

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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence, Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

It would take weeks to see everything Florence has to offer. Almost any one of its dozens of churches would be the prize tourist attraction of a smaller city. Some of its sights are among Italy's best-known icons — Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David , Brunelleschi's Dome — and the entire city is a showcase of the Italian Renaissance, the humanist artistic movement that broke Europe out of the Dark Ages.

But even among such an illustrious collection of palaces , churches , museums , and landmarks, some stand head and shoulders above the rest. As you consider all the things to see and do in Florence and plan your days of sightseeing, you won't want to miss the highlights that have made Florence one of Europe's most popular cities.

You'll be sure to find the best places to visit by using this handy list of the top attractions and things to do in Florence.

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo

2. battistero di san giovanni (baptistery of st. john), 3. see florence from piazzale michelangiolo, 4. uffizi palace and gallery, 5. piazza della signoria and the loggia dei lanzi, 6. galleria dell'accademia (academy gallery), 7. san lorenzo and michelangelo's medici tombs, 8. palazzo vecchio (palazzo della signoria), 9. santa croce, 10. ponte vecchio, 11. palazzo pitti (pitti palace), 12. santa maria novella, 13. san miniato al monte, 14. bargello palace national museum, 15. stroll through boboli gardens, 16. explore the oltrarno and take a break in piazza santo spirito, 17. palazzo medici-riccardi, 18. mercato centrale: florence's food market, 19. bardini museum and gardens, 20. brancacci chapel, 21. museo galileo, 22. shop for leather at piazza santa croce, where to stay in florence for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to florence, map of tourist attractions in florence, italy, florence, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do.

Piazza Duomo and the group of buildings that form its cathedral complex gather some of Italy's greatest artistic treasures into one relatively small area. As you tour the baptistery, the bell tower, the cathedral, and its museum, you'll see some of the best-known masterpieces of art and architecture by the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance -- Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Giotto, and Michelangelo.

Begin by walking around the square to admire the intricate inlaid marble exteriors, then step inside each one to look more closely at the stained-glass works of art that greet you wherever you look.

If waiting in long lines to buy a ticket is not your idea of fun - especially on a hot day - consider the Skip the Line: Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi's Dome Climb tour. This 2.5-hour guided tour includes the cathedral, the dome, the baptistery, entrance fees, and the option to visit the Opera del Duomo Museum on your own.

• Read More: Exploring Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

From any angle, inside or out, the 12th-century octagonal baptistery is a consummate work of art. Its marble façade, the intricate mosaics of its interior, and the art works it holds all merit a place high on your list.

But the magnificent bronze panels that Ghiberti created for the doors facing the cathedral trump them all. Nowhere has bronze been worked with such exquisite expression as in these Gates of Paradise . For a closer look, and to see some of the treasures that have been made for the baptistery, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , the cathedral's museum.

So often misspelled as Piazzale Michelangelo that even city tourism material occasionally slips up, this terrace above the city is an obligatory stop for tour buses, and the spot from which all those postcard shots of the cathedral are taken. During busy tourist seasons, the best time to enjoy it in relative peace is late afternoon or early evening; it's especially lovely at sunset.

Although you can get a 360-degree panorama of Florence from the dome of the cathedral, only from this terrace can you fully appreciate how Brunelleschi's dome dominates the city center. Nor can any other height give you this sweeping city view that encompasses the Ponte Vecchio , Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, and other landmarks.

You can walk here, climbing from the riverbank through the gardens, or take bus 12 or 13. While you're here, continue up to the church of San Miniato al Monte or stay on the bus to the church and walk back down.

Few would argue the Uffizi's place among the handful of world's top art museums. Its collections are simply staggering in their diversity and quality, and even if art is not your main interest, you should see the highlights of the paintings here.

You'll come away understanding a lot more of how Florence's 14th- to 16th-century painters changed the face of western art, as you see the transition from the stilted Byzantine images to the life-like figures and landscapes of the Renaissance artists.

The vast building stretching along the river was one more of the Medici palaces but was intended not as a residence, but to house governmental offices, scientific studies, and part of their growing art collection. One of its loveliest spaces, the octagonal Tribuna , was commissioned especially to display the most prized paintings and jewels of Francesco I de' Medici.

You can bypass the long wait for admission and go straight to the entrance with a Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour that gives you priority access as well as a guided tour.

• Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: 12 Top Highlights, Tips & Tours

This broad square has been the center of power in Florence since its 14th-century origins - and perhaps even before, as Etruscan and Roman remains have been found below its pavement. Today, it is the social center as well, a favorite meeting place filled with tourists and locals. At its center is the Neptune Fountain , at one side the Palazzo Vecchio , still housing the city's government.

Against the wall of the Uffizi, which forms one end of the piazza, is the Loggia dei Lanzi , an outdoor sculpture gallery with several notable pieces. Most widely recognized of these is Benvenuto Cellini's best-known work, Perseus with the Head of Medusa . In front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a copy of Michelangelo's David .

• Read More: Exploring Piazza della Signoria in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

Michelangelo's best-known work, David , is copied all over Florence, but inside this art museum, you'll find the original. Unfortunately, as a result of an attack on the sculpture, it is now behind glass, but it still never fails to inspire.

The David isn't the only Michelangelo here, nor is it the only important masterpiece. In the sculptures shown in the same gallery, you can almost watch Michelangelo at work as you see the four unfinished slaves, meant for a tomb in Rome, seemingly in the process of being released from the marble.

Here, also, is his St. Matthew for Florence cathedral, also unfinished. You'll want to look in the other galleries to see highlights by 13th- to 16th-century Florentine artists, especially if you do not plan to see the Uffizi Gallery collections. Sandro Botticelli's Madonna is a highlight.

You can save time waiting in the long lines at both these outstanding art museums with a Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour that takes you straight to the entrance, as well as a guided tour.

The Medici commissioned the best talent for the family church and burial chapels: Brunelleschi for the church and Michelangelo for the chapel intended to memorialize their most illustrious princes. Both artists died before finishing the work, but Brunelleschi's church was completed according to his plans.

Michelangelo's chapel, called the New Sacristy, was not; in fact, it was never completed at all. But what he did finish is considered one of the world's crowning achievements in marble sculpture. As you tour the church, the Old Sacristy , the New Sacristy , the Princes' Chapel and the Laurenziana Library, you'll find the works of other Renaissance masters, including Donatello and Lippi.

• Read More: Exploring San Lorenzo in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

History, art, and power echo in the opulent rooms and grand galleries of this fortress-like palace in the center of Florence. From here, the city/republic was ruled, and its powerful Medici family commissioned the leading artists and architects of the day to design and decorate their offices and apartments.

Be sure to sign up early for one of the free tours, so you'll get to see some of the secret passages the Medici used to move among the rooms; return in the evening (save your ticket) to climb to the roof for sunset views of the city.

• Read More: Exploring Palazzo Vecchio (Palazzo della Signoria) in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

Behind the geometric marble inlay of its typical Tuscan façade, Santa Croce is both art-filled church and mausoleum for some of Florence's greatest names. Among its treasures are several landmarks of Renaissance art.

You will want to look especially for Cappella Bardi with some of Giotto's major frescoes, and in the adjacent Cappella Peruzzi, for more of them, which inspired Masaccio and Michelangelo. Donatello's Christ Crucified is considered one of the finest examples of Florentine Renaissance humanism. The frescoes in Cappella Baroncelli are the greatest work of Taddeo Gaddi.

But the most famous is Cimabue's magnificent Crucifix, one of the first to move from stiff Byzantine to naturalistic Renaissance styles, influencing the greatest artists that followed. In the nave, you'll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, the composer Gioacchino Rossini, even Machiavelli.

The Ponte Vecchio may well be the most widely recognized icon of Florence, and its graceful arches topped by a jumble of shops is most certainly one of the city's prettiest scenes. The bridge has traditionally been the home for the shops of Florence's talented goldsmiths, and a stroll across it still shows a dazzling array of fine jewelry.

But most tourists don't realize that another set of treasures hides above their heads. The purpose of the bridge, of course, was to link the two sides of the Arno, and the Medici needed to cross frequently between their offices in the Palazzo Vecchio and their apartments in the Pitti Palace . So they commissioned the architect Vasari to build a passageway, officially called the Percorso del Principe (Passageway of the Prince), but now more often known as the Corridoio Vasariano, Vasari Corridor .

You can see its line of evenly matched windows above the shops. It's not just a hallway; lining its walls is a priceless collection of portraits, mostly self-portraits, by artists that include Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Velásquez.

A day at the Pitti Palace complex (and you could spend a day seeing it all) gives you a little taste of the many things Florence has to offer: an outstanding art gallery, a Medici palace, Florentine craftsmanship, museums, history, royal apartments, and one of Italy's premier gardens.

If a day isn't quite what you had in mind, at least tour the palace to see the Royal Apartments and the sumptuous rooms, where you'll find paintings by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Tintoretto, and other masters - a collection almost rivaling the Uffizi - hanging not in gallery style, but as decoration for rooms designed for entertaining and show.

• Read More: Exploring the Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

Although this Dominican church has the familiar striped façade of inlaid marble worn by several other churches in Florence , here it has been interpreted quite differently, tracing graceful curving designs, imitating windows, and highlighting rows of arches in the lower story.

The artistry continues inside, with some of the city's finest frescoes, by such masters as Masaccio, Giotto, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Lippi, Paolo Uccello. As if that weren't enough, an entire chapel is lined with Andrea di Bonaiuto's frescoes, some of the greatest artworks of 14th-century Italy.

In addition to the frescoes are a marble pulpit designed by Brunelleschi, his wooden crucifix, Vasari's Rosary Madonna, and a bronze by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Stop in at the convent's historic pharmacy, where they sell herbal balms and floral lotions.

The sight of San Miniato al Monte's inlaid green-and-white marble façade is worth the short climb beyond the favorite viewpoint of Florence, Piazzale Michelangiolo (or you can stay on the bus to ride here).

This was the first time this dramatic effect was used in Florence, where it soon became the most popular façade decoration. But unlike the later facades, this one rises to a large gold mosaic. The portico effect looks back to Classical Roman architecture, and the mosaics are distinctly Byzantine inspired, both influences that blend into the new Tuscan Romanesque architectural style.

Inside, there's a spacious open nave, with a mosaic floor and painted wooden ceiling, ending at a magnificent Renaissance chapel under a glazed blue-and-white terracotta ceiling. More Byzantine-style mosaics, a 12th-century marble pulpit, and the decorated choir screen are all highlights,

Even more outstanding is the sacristy. Its walls are lined by the vibrant panels of Spinello Aretino's 14th-century masterpiece, Life of St. Benedict . It is among the most splendid rooms in Florence, and equal to those in any palace.

Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, Florence

The four Michelangelo masterpieces alone are reason enough to put the Bargello Palace on your list of things to do in Florence. Works by Donatello, the della Robbias, Cellini, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and 14th- to 16th-century Tuscan artists fill the palace, along with a room of ivory carvings and a collection of majolica.

An entire room is filled with enamels and gold work, a Florentine specialty during the Renaissance. This emphasis on decorative arts and sculpture sets the Bargello apart from the rest of Florence's art museums .

Address: Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence

Behind the Pitti Palace, the Medicis' Boboli Gardens rise up the hillside in 111 acres of green terraces. Grand Duke Cosimo I spared no expense in their building, between 1550 and 1560, and the result became the model for royal gardens all over Europe (including Versailles ). Still beautifully manicured, the gardens climb to overlooks that reveal increasingly sweeping views over the city.

Throughout are fountains, statuary, and a faux cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites carved into the hillside, the Grotta del Buontalenti .

Other things to see include a maze, formal beds, even an amphitheater in the quarry hole left from removing stone to build the palace. At the highest point is the terrace of the Kaffeehaus, and at the top of the hill overlooking Boboli Gardens, Casino del Cavaliere houses a rich collection of porcelains owned by ruling families, including the Medici and the Savoy.

The Oltrarno is worth exploring for its atmospheric lanes and the workshops and studios of Florence's famous artists in wood, silver, and gold work; gilding; miniature mosaics; decorative papers; and leather bookbinding. You're sure to be tempted by the works for sale in the small shops, and there is no better souvenir or gift than a beautifully bound journal or a gilded wooden box.

Make your way to Piazza Santo Spirito, a lively square that's more intimate than the grander, busier ones across the river. Find an outdoor table at a café or restaurant and watch shoppers at the morning market or children playing ball after school.

Although it's not one of the best-known churches in Florence, the Basilica of Santo Spirito is one of the purest Renaissance churches and is filled with notable paintings and sculpture, especially in the transept chapels

More restrained in its furnishing and décor than the showy palaces of later members of the Medici family, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi is more in line with the earlier dukes, who governed a more democratic society. Completed in 1464, it was the home of the Medicis for nearly a century until Cosimo I moved to the Palazzo Vecchio.

A staircase leads from the courtyard to the Palace Chapel, decorated with well-preserved frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli that give a good sense of court life in 15 th -century Florence.

Although the Riccardi family, which owned the house after the Medicis, made alterations, the Medici Museum on the ground floor retains the original Medici interior. Here, also, is one of Filippo Lippi's most important works, Madonna and Child, painted in1442.

Address: Via Cavour 1 & 3, Florence

Official site: www.palazzo-medici.it

If you have begun to worry that Florence is just one giant open-air museum, it's time to meet some Florentines as they go about their daily routines. There's no better place to find them than in the enormous food market, Mercato Centrale.

To get here, you may have to run a gauntlet of street stalls selling everything from cheap plastics to "authentic Italian crafts" that are mass-produced, mostly in Asia. But once inside and immersed in the fragrance of fresh herbs, flowers, and garden produce, you'll rub elbows with women shopping for ingredients for today's dinner.

Don't overlook this as a source of welcome gifts to take home, including fine Tuscan olive oils, olives, candied fruits, and luscious nougat. On the upper floor, you'll find food courts, a good place to visit for a quick lunch.

Address: Piazza del Mercato, Florence

In the late 19 th century, artist and collector Stefano Bardini bought a group of buildings on a hillside in the Oltrarno, overlooking Florence. From these, which included a chapel and a former palazzo dating from the 14 th century, he created a setting for his collections of art and priceless antiquities.

To create this museum, he used architectural features salvaged from demolished medieval and Renaissance buildings. Monumental fireplaces, doors and windows, columns, carved stonework, entire staircases, paneling, carved Venetian woodwork, even entire ceilings have been retrofitted into a highly eccentric home for his equally eccentric collections.

But the resulting palazzo and its magnificent artworks are not the only attraction for tourists. After completing his museum, Bardini bought a neighboring garden overlooking the river and transformed it into an outdoor gallery to display some of his sculpture collections.

The Bardini Gardens overlook Florence, a lovely place to get away from the crowds and rest your eyes amid the greenery and flowers. The best time is in April, when brilliant purple wisteria covers the pergola and fills the air with fragrance. A long staircase, mosaic fountains, an English garden, and a terrace with a café make it a pleasant place to relax. Entrance to the garden is separate from the museum.

Bardini Gardens

• Costa San Giorgio 2, Florence

Bardini Museum

• Via dei Renai 37, Florence

You would never guess by looking at the plain façade of Santa Maria del Carmine church that inside holds one of the great masterpieces of the 15 th century . Frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the chapel depict the life of St. Peter and Old Testament scenes by Masaccio and Masolino, who were well-known artists in the early 1400s, friends of Brunelleschi and Donatello.

The works, especially those of Masaccio, are remarkable for their vivid color and vitality, demonstrating some of the first use of perspective, and showing facial expressions that give life and energy to his figures.

Masaccio is considered the first great Italian painter of the Quattrocento period (15 th century) of the Italian Renaissance and the founder of the Early Italian Renaissance . The chapel was left unfinished by the two painters and was completed later in the 1400s by Filippino Lippi. Although the chapel is an important landmark, and a magnificent work of art, it is one of the least known treasures of Florence.

Address: Piazza del Carmine 14, Florence

With the abundance of Renaissance painting, sculpture, architecture, and other masterpieces in Florence, it's easy to forget that the Renaissance was about more than art. Science was a major concern of the Humanists as they broke away from the confines of religion to explore their universe. And they saw art and science as connected and inseparable.

The Museo Galileo proves this, with tools of astronomy, navigation, surveying, and exploring that are priceless works of art. You'll see Galileo's own instruments, and the work of some of Florence's foremost artists in metal, wood, gold, and other arts in the collections of compasses, tools, and magnificent world globes.

Address: Piazza dei Giudici 1, Florence

Official site: https://www.museogalileo.it/en/

Fine leatherwork has been a tradition in Florence at least since Renaissance times, when leatherworkers had their workshops around Santa Croce, close to the tanneries along the river. That neighborhood is still the best place to shop for Florentine leather goods. To find the best quality, and at fair prices, shop at the leatherwork school or at an artisan's studio shop; some of the other shops, like the street market vendors, sell imported and imitation leather goods.

Inside the cloister of Santa Croce, the Scuola di Cuoio leatherworking school produces fine handmade leather goods, and you can watch the students fashion wallets, boxes, handbags, and leather jackets. There you'll find Francesca Gori's one-off handbags in rare and exotic leathers, designed especially for the school. You'll also find luggage, bound books, belts, jewelry boxes, and leather clothing.

Also on Piazza Santa Croce is Misuri, in a former palazzo covered in frescoes, with equally fine traditional craftsmanship and designs.

Address: Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

Official site: www.scuoladelcuoio.com

From the UNESCO-acclaimed complex of the cathedral, baptistery, and Giotto's Campanile to the museums and gardens of the Pitti Palace, on the opposite side of the Arno River, Florence's main tourist attractions lie within easy walking distance. And surprisingly, there are plenty of places to stay in the centro storico (historic center). Here are some highly rated hotels in Florence:

Luxury Hotels :

• Adjacent to the cathedral and some of the best shopping streets, Brunelleschi Hotel has recently renovated guest rooms in a historic building with a medieval tower. Superb service, views of the Duomo, and complimentary breakfast add to its appeal.
• Close to attractions but just beyond the crowded streets of the main tourist area, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze rooms have views over Florence and the gardens.
• Famed for its exceptional guest services, Portrait Firenze is on the Arno River overlooking Ponte Vecchio, a block from the Uffizi Gallery.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Family-run Hotel Davanzati , in the historic center near Piazza della Signoria and the cathedral, offers free breakfast and a relaxing patio but no elevator.
• In the historic center, but a short walk from the busiest streets, Hotel Orto De Medici has individually decorated, soundproof rooms, some with private balconies.
• The highly popular Hotel David , on the Oltrano side of the Arno on the way to Piazzale Michelangelo, includes free breakfast and is especially handy for those driving to Florence, offering free parking.

Budget Hotels:

• In a historic home halfway between Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria, Hotel Santa Croce has free breakfasts that include cappuccino; there's no elevator, but the staff helps with luggage.
• Free buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi, a short walk from Santa Maria Novella rail station and the major attractions, make Hotel Fiorita a good choice for budget travelers.
• In a quiet residential neighborhood a few streets from Santa Croce, Hotel Orcagna is an inviting budget option, with attractive rooms (some with balconies) and free breakfast.
• Getting Around : You can save both time and energy with a Florence City Hop-on Hop-off Tour that stops at 18 of the top attractions in the city, including the must-see view from high above the city at Piazzale Michelangiolo. You can choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass for unlimited rides and 360-degree views from the open-air bus.
• Tuscany Day Trip: Rolling hills bathed in golden light and quaint hilltop villages surround the city of Florence, and the Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour is a great way to see the highlights. An experienced guide will you in a luxury air-conditioned coach to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. The tour includes a three-course lunch, entrance fees to Siena Cathedral, and a detailed map of all the destinations.
• Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip: If you want to add another of Italy's famous attractions to your itinerary, the Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence is an excellent option. See the colorful, cliff-hugging villages of this stunning stretch of coast and cruise across the water between Manarola and Vernazza. This full-day tour allows time for you to explore the villages and includes entrance fees to the coastal walking path, round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, the boat ride, and a snack. To ensure personalized service, the tour is only for small groups, with a maximum of eight people.
• Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hiking : For incomparable views and one of the top experiences in Italy, hike a 5.5-kilometer stretch of the famed Cinque Terre walking path between towns on a Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking . The tour includes time for a swim, and transport from Florence on an air-conditioned coach.

Places to Visit near Florence: Several of the best places to visit in Italy are close to the city. The beautiful medieval city of Siena to the south is crowned by one of Italy's most magnificent - and largest - cathedrals, filled with more art masterpieces than some major museums. This and a string of Medici villas are all easy day trips from Florence .

Where to Go from Florence: Pisa's famous Leaning Tower is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy , and only the beginning of beautiful Renaissance monuments and artworks to see there. Less well-known - and less crowded- is the charming, small city of Lucca , surrounded by walls so thick, there's a popular promenade along their tops. Beyond, the Tuscan coast leads into Liguria, with the five villages and magnificent scenery of the Cinque Terre .

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19 BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Florence, Italy (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Florence, Italy, and feeling overwhelmed?

Indeed, with so many impressive landmarks and museums, deciding what to see and do in Florence is not always easy, especially if your time in the city is limited and you also want to make a few day trips nearby.

So to help you figure out where to go and what to see in Florence, in this guide we focus mainly on the VERY BEST sights and TOP tourist attractions in Florence that are worth your time the most if you are visiting the city for the first time .

In addition to the ‘must-sees’, we also share a couple of our personal favorite things to do in Florence – experiences that will make your visit so much more memorable.

For all the sights and attractions in Florence mentioned in this guide, we also include our experience-based tips and useful information for your visit.

At the end of this article, you will also find a map of the best places in Florence . It will help you plan your sightseeing itinerary and make the most of your first trip to the beautiful Firenze . Take a look!

The cultural capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy , Florence (Firenze) is famous for its art, spectacular architecture, and rustic cuisine. Nestled on the banks of the Arno River and surrounded by the scenic Tuscan countryside, it is home to the world-famous artworks of Michelangelo, but also Botticelli, da Vinci, Rafaello, and many others.

You’ll find gorgeous Renaissance buildings and monuments at every turn and the city is filled with traces of its historic wealth and power.

With so much to explore, it’s really not easy to decide which of Florence’s landmarks to see unless you have at least 3-4 days in the city. So in this guide, we mostly focus on the top sights, places that are worth it the most if your time is limited.

At the same time, your visit will be much more pleasant if you get a bit off the beaten path as well, even if just to get a drink and enjoy the views from some of the amazing rooftop bars in Florence . So in our guide, we include a few additional recommendations, beyond the ‘musts’.

TIP: I also recommend that you check our Florence 1- day itinerary for recommendations on how to see the very best of Florence in a short time.

Here are the best things to see and do in Florence:

1. Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome

The most recognizable landmark of Florence, the Cathedral or the Duomo is absolutely not to be missed when visiting Florence for the first time.

And there’s a lot more to see and do here than it looks at first sight! So much, in fact, that we listed the main attractions as separate points in this guide.

But let’s start with the main sight – the Duomo – first. The spectacular Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is an enormous structure towering high above the skyline of Florence. The fourth-largest cathedral in the world, its beautiful exterior is covered in a combination of pink, green, and white marble.

Inside you’ll see many beautiful frescoes and mosaic pavements, along with a magnificent 15th-century clock that still works to this day. However, the interior of the Dome is not nearly as impressive as that of the other magnificent churches in Florence. The most decorative is the inside of Brunelleschi’s Dome above the altar.

One of the best things to do at the Duomo is climb Brunelleschi’s Dome , which covers the cathedral. Climbing the 463 steps to the top is the only way to see its incredible paintwork from close by. In addition, the panoramic views of Florence from the top of the dome are simply stunning and well worth the effort.

Climbing the dome is one of the most popular things to do in Florence. Luckily, you can get timed tickets in advance , so you don’t have to waste time ( guided tours are also available). These tickets/tours normally also include a visit to Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and Cathedral Museum (you can find more information about these places further below).

Alternatively, there are many more tours that include a climb here, usually in combination with some other sights nearby.

Good to know: The cathedral itself is free to visit, but there’s usually a long queue to get in. If you climb the dome, you can enter the cathedral via a separate entrance and get to see it without extra queuing. Be sure to dress appropriately when you visit the cathedral (knees and shoulders covered).

TIP: Not widely known is the fact that in addition to climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome, you can also visit the Duomo Terraces .

This level can only be visited with a guided tour (it also includes the Dome climb) . While the Duomo terraces aren’t an absolute must, we opted for this option and found that it was quite interesting.

It gives you a very different perspective on the Cathedral itself, plus you get to enjoy some nice city views from yet another angle. It’s also really special to be able to visit a place that not many people get to see.

Our experience: Because we wanted to see the Duomo terraces and also visit Galleria Accademia with a guide, we opted for this amazing tour . It includes the Duomo Dome climb, exclusive access to the Duomo terraces, as well as Galleria Accademia (Michelangelo’s David).

2. Giotto’s Bell Tower

Standing right next to the cathedral, you’ll find another landmark of Florence, Giotto’s Campanile . This is the cathedral’s bell tower .

The construction of this magnificent tower began in 1334. Thanks to its unique coloring and sculptural decorations it is considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful spires.

If you like to see the best high-angle view of the Duomo and its impressive dome, be sure to climb the 414 steps to the very top! The views from here are almost as impressive as from Brunelleschi’s Dome, except that you also get to see the dome itself .

TIP: If you have the time and are physically capable, I highly recommend both – the dome climb and Giotto’s bell tower. If you have to choose just one, most people go for the dome. Both towers give you great views of Florence, but the artwork of the Last Judgment in Brunelleschi’s Dome is just too special to miss.

We did both and found that each experience was unique and worth the effort. This ticket includes everything there is to see at the Duomo including Giottos’ Bell Tower, the Dome climb, and more. While the dome climb is timed, you can come back to Giotto’s Tower at any time you like. It’s also open quite late and tends to be much less busy.

3. Piazza del Duomo & the Baptistery of St. John

Piazza del Duomo is Florence’s main square, home to the cathedral and the splendid buildings of Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery of St. John.

There are other impressive buildings to see there, too. These include the Loggia del Bigallo (originally a place for lost or abandoned children awaiting adoption) and the Palazzo Nonfinito (Unfinished Palace), which now houses the Museum of Mankind.

The Baptistery of St. John is the oldest religious site in Florence. It dates right back to the middle of the 12th century. It’s wrapped in marble just like the Duomo and the bell tower, but its most stunning features are its incredible bronze doors , which were added in the 15th century. You can see the impressive doors from the square – no need to enter inside.

However, the interior of the Baptistery is equally spectacular, with some beautiful mosaics lining the ceiling of this octagonal building. So if it’s not too busy, be sure to check it out! The good thing is that most people only spend a few minutes inside, so even if there’s a queue, it moves very fast.

Good to know: The ticket to the Baptistery of St. John is usually included with the tickets for the Dome climb and/ or Giotto’s Tower. Most tickets also include admission to Museo dell’Opera del Duomo , which contains many of the original works of art created for the Duomo, and also the Crypt of Santa Reparata , where you can see archeological remains under the cathedral.

You can easily spend half a day at the Duomo complex if you want to visit all these places. But if your time is limited, my personal top-3 would be the Dome climb, Giotto’s Tower, and the Baptistery. If it’s not busy, the Crypt of Santa Reparata can be visited in 10-15 minutes, so I’d consider that too.

4. Uffizi Gallery

It would be unthinkable to go to Florence without paying a visit to the Uffizi Gallery . Established in the 16th century, this is one of the oldest museums in the world. This galleria actually gave name to all the art galleries in the world.

This awesome art museum is the most visited museum in Italy. It’s considered equally as important as the Louvre in Paris or New York’s Metropolitan Museum. You’ll find some of the most important renaissance masterpieces in the world here. These include works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaelo, and Leonardo da Vinci .

You could easily spend an entire day admiring the thousands of unique exhibits, but it’s so overwhelming too. As a minimum, allow yourself at least 2 hours to see the very best pieces. However, the challenge is to know where to go and what to see, so I highly recommend visiting the Uffizi Gallery with a guide .

TIP: There are so many tours that visit Uffizi that the choice can get really overwhelming. After lots of research, we opted for this small-group tour and it was absolutely excellent.

Good to know: If you decide to go on your own, be sure to get timed entrance tickets ! The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, so the crowds here are enormous.

PRO TIP: If you can, try to visit very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The busiest hours are between 10 am and 3 pm. Also, be sure to do some research about the main paintings in the gallery so that you don’t miss them. Also, please note that Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays.

TIP: Check out the Uffizi Gallery Café on the top floor. It has a lovely outdoor terrace with a view of Palazzo Vecchio – it’s a nice place to rest a bit after all the sightseeing.

5. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge) is the most iconic bridge and one of the must-sees in Florence. It’s located right next to the Uffizi Gallery and connects the city center to the other side of the river.

Until 1218, this was the only bridge crossing the River Arno, and later it remained the only bridge that the fleeing Germans did not destroy in World War II! What you see today is a slightly more recent version which was rebuilt in 1345 after a flood.

There have always been shops on the bridge, however, originally, they were occupied by butchers, tanners, and blacksmiths. This changed in the 16th century when the Medici family built the Vasari Corridor over the bridge and found the meat smell disturbing. Since then, the colorful bridge is lined with gold- and jewelry shops.

The bridge makes a lovely spot for a romantic evening stroll. But my personal favorite time to come here is very early in the morning when there are hardly any people around. This is the only time when you can see the bridge empty.

TIP: In addition to walking over this bridge, it’s just as interesting to simply see it from the sides. That way, you can better appreciate its unique structure. The Ponte Vecchio is especially impressive from a distance. For the best views and photos, head to Ponte Santa Trinita, but don’t forget to see the bridge from the west side too – it’s from here that you can also see the Vasari Corridor (more about it further below).

6. Michelangelo’s David – Galleria dell’Accademia

Galleria dell’Accademia (Accademia Gallery) is another must-see in Florence, attracting huge crowds. The Gallery of Fine Arts was founded here in 1563, making it Europe’s very first art academy.

The main attraction in this museum is the most famous statue in the world – Michelangelo’s ‘David’. Also not to be missed are Giambologna’s ‘Rape of the Sabines’, plus Botticelli’s ‘Madonna and Child’ and ‘Madonna of the Sea’.

In addition to its famous statues, you’ll find collections of paintings from local artists, religious prints dating back to the Middle Ages, and even works created by Accademia’s students.

The building also houses a fascinating Museum of Musical Instruments. It contains more than 50 instruments, some of which were owned by the Medici family and made by famous violin maker Antonius Stradivarius.

Good to know: This is Florence’s second most visited museum and it’s much smaller than the Uffizi Gallery. So the queues here are usually very long. Be sure to get the timed priority entrance tickets online , as they allow you to jump the queue. Please note that Accademia Gallery is closed on Mondays.

TIP: If you want to visit both the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi museum with a guide, you’ll find plenty of tours that include the two museums .

7. Piazza della Signoria

Located in the heart of the old town, the L-shaped Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence’s most beautiful town squares. Filled with incredible sculptures, statues, Neptune Fountain, and home to the impressive Palazzo Vecchio, this square feels somewhat like an open-air museum.

Don’t miss the extraordinary sculptures at Loggia dei Lanzi, right under the terrace of the Uffizi Gallery café. Also note a copy of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio. If you don’t have the time to see the original at Galleria dell’Accademia, this gives you a bit of an idea of how special it really is. And if you think this one is impressive, the details of the original will take your breath away.

Be sure to pop back and visit the square in the dark as well. The lit fountains, statues, and buildings give it a magical appearance.

Piazza della Signoria is a great place to learn more about the city’s history, or simply hang out and people-watch. There are many cafes nearby and lots of benches on which to take a break and enjoy a gelato .

TIP: Try to avoid the tourist-oriented gelaterias selling ‘mountains’ of colorful ice cream. Instead, ask locals for recommendations or go for the less colorful, artisanal gelato. One of the better gelaterias in this area is ‘Perché no!’, just 2 minutes walk from Piazza della Signoria. Be sure to try the traditional Florentine ice cream flavor ‘buontalenti’ . It’s named after Bernardo Buontalenti, a 16th-century artist, who is often credited as an inventor of Italian gelato .

8. Palazzo Vecchio & Views from Torre di Arnolfo

The city’s most important historic government building, the 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio now serves as Florence’s town hall and houses a museum. In addition, you can also climb Arnolfo Tower for some of the best views in Florence. The most famous postcard views of the city are photographed from this tower.

Some people prefer to do this to climbing the Duomo dome, as it gives you a great view of the Duomo itself. Having done them all, I think that each is worth it (I know, I’m not helping here). But Arnolfo Tower climb is not as high as the Duomo Dome or Giotto’s Tower, and it’s also less busy and cheaper.

Soaring to 95 meters high, the palace towers over the city, its foundations resting on the remains of an ancient Roman theatre. This means that a visit here gives you a glimpse of three different eras – Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance.

With its cubic shape and battlements, the building of Palazzo Vecchio looks quite impressive and unique from the outside. But its interior is even more stunning. You can see beautifully carved columns and a fountain in the courtyard, then climb the grand staircase to reach the main floor housing the incredible Salone dei Cinquecento .

Good to know: Just as for all the main sights in Florence, it’s best to book your Palazzo Vecchio tickets in advance . This allows you to skip the line and avoid the disappointment of not being able to visit (tower tickets are timed too).

The standard museum ticket doesn’t include the entrance to the tower, so be sure to select that option if you want to do it. Here you can get a ticket that includes both – entry to the palace as well as Arnolfo Tower.

TIP: If you have extra time, consider a guided ‘secret passages’ tour . This tour takes you to the areas of the building that are not accessible to the general public and helps bring the incredibly interesting history to life. Of course, there are regular tours too.

9. Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti is another incredibly beautiful place to see in Florence. Located on the other side of the river in the Oltrarno district, this magnificent palace has had many famous residents over the years, including the Savoy, Lorraine, and Medici families, along with the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

Once the largest residence in Florence, it is still one of its most impressive! The Galleria Palatina – filled with Italian works of art – is its most famous room, but you can also see contemporary pieces in the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and silverware in the Museo degli Argenti.

The Royal Apartments are also open to visitors, along with the Galleria del Costume. Here you can see how tastes in clothing worn at the palace changed over time. Once you have seen all the rooms and exhibits inside the palace, take time to stroll through the famous Boboli Gardens (more info below).

This palace has a reputation for closing some of the smaller museums quite regularly. If there is one you particularly want to see, then I recommend checking it is open before buying your ticket. On the other hand, there is so much to explore here that you won’t be able to see everything anyway. Some parts of the palace and the gardens were indeed closed during our visit, but we didn’t feel like we missed much. We ran out of time just trying to quickly see some of the musts.

Good to know: The cost of admission to Palazzo Pitti includes all the museums housed within. You need to buy a separate ticket to visit the Boboli Gardens. You can get your tickets for the palace and Boboli Gardens in advance, but normally, you should also be able to get them on the spot. Online tickets will save you time since you won’t have to queue. Keep in mind that Pitti Palace is open daily except on Mondays, whereas the gardens are open daily.

These combination tickets include Piti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and Bardini Gardens. While not nearly as impressive as Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens are very pretty too, and they offer really nice views of Florence.

TIP: You can also opt for the Palazzo Pitti tickets that also include Uffizi Gallery (+ the gardens and two other museums as well). These are valid for 5 days, so you don’t have to visit all the places on the same day either. However, as already mentioned before, I’d really consider visiting the Uffizi Gallery with a guided tour, so in that case, your ticket to this museum will already be included.

10. Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens are located right behind the Palazzo Pitti. Dotted with beautiful fountains, sculptures, and ancient oak trees, these spectacular gardens have become one of my personal favorite places in Florence. Somehow we completely overlooked them on previous trips, but now that we visited here recently, I can’t recommend them highly enough!

These gardens were designed by the Medici family and their layout was used as a model for many other European courts, Versailles in particular.

One of the prettiest parts is the lovely Viottolone (Cypress Lane), a sloping avenue fringed with trees and the perfect spot for a romantic stroll. It takes you all the way to Vasca dell’Isola (Island Pond), a pretty pond with a fountain and sculptures at its center.

Don’t miss the beautiful rose garden Giardino dei Cavalieri (the Knights Garden). It’s a bit uphill at the very end of the garden and you may wonder if it’s worth the effort, but it sure is. The view of the Tuscan countryside from here is so beautiful.

Other must-sees inside the gardens include Grotta del Buontalenti , an impressive grotto right at the start/end of the Vasari Corridor. Just nearby, there’s also a smaller Grotta di Madama , that’s really special too.

Good to know: Boboli Gardens are usually open daily and the main entrance is through the courtyard of the Pitti Palace. You can get a ticket in advance , but you should also be able to get it on the spot.

TIP: There is A LOT to see at both Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. If you are short on time, I recommend taking a tour that includes both, so you don’t miss the highlights. Tours run all year round and take around 3 hours. This is one of the best tours that covers all the highlights here.

11. Vasari Corridor

Connecting Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery in the city center with the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno River, the Vasari Corridor ( Corridoio Vasariano ) is one of the most intriguing places in Florence. It was built in 1565 by the Medici family to give them easy and secure access between the two palaces.

This 1 km-long elevated passageway can best be seen from the Uffizi Gallery or from the western side of the Ponte Vecchio bridge (the corridor is actually built on top of the shops located on the bridge). It contains antique statues, 16th-century frescoes that were once on the exterior of the corridor’s walls, and memorials connected to bombings that occurred in Florence in the mid to late 20th century.

Good to know: This passage has never been really open to the general public, with few exceptions, and has always been surrounded by some mystery. However, this is about to change. The Vasari Corridor is undergoing a complete renovation. It was supposed to open to the public a few years ago, but the opening was delayed time and again. At the moment of the last update, they don’t even show the approximate date anymore.

When/if it opens, you’ll be able to walk from the ground floor of the Uffizi Gallery, over Ponte Vecchio, and all the way to Boboli Gardens. You’ll need a separate ticket for this and more information will be available here by the time when the actual opening date is in sight.

12. Basilica di Santa Croce

Florence has many wonderful churches, but this one may just be the best! If you visit just one church in Florence inside, make it the Basilica of Santa Croce , located on the Piazza di Santa Croce in the city center. It’s worth it even more than seeing the inside of the Duomo.

This impressive Basilica has a stunning neo-Gothic facade with colored marble and white stone. Just as most other Basilicas in Florence, it also has an impressive courtyard. However, in the case of Basilica di Santa Croce, it’s the inside of the church that is worth visiting the most.

Inside, light pours onto the wide nave through the gorgeous stained glass windows and highlights the imposing marble pulpit created by the Renaissance sculptor Benedetto da Maiano. The church is also filled with Donatello sculptures, beautiful frescoes, and the tombs of some very famous people .

Don’t miss the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Rossini, and Machiavelli, to mention just a few. You’ll also see the tomb of Dante, although he’s actually buried in Ravenna and not in Florence where he was born.

Good to know: The entry fee includes admission to the entire church complex, including the museum, cloisters, etc. You can get tickets online in advance , but when we visited, they were more expensive because they charged an extra reservation fee. We found that it was easy enough to visit without advance reservation (and it’s more flexible too), but this might depend on when you visit, of course.

13. Basilica di San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels

No list of the best things to do in Florence would be complete without mentioning Basilica di San Lorenzo . Consecrated in 393 by Saint Ambrose of Milan, Basilica di San Lorenzo claims to be Florence’s oldest church. For a period of around 300 years, it was actually the city’s cathedral. But one of its main claims to fame is that it was also the parish church of the Medici family, so it remained an incredibly important building.

Located in the center of Florence’s main market district, the basilica complex has 5 different sections to explore. These include the pretty cloister, the library, the church itself, The Old Sacristy, and the Medici Chapels – the burial place of the Medici family.

While the church and the cloisters are interesting to see, I find that the Medici Chapels ( Capelle Medici ) are worth a visit most of all. I’d even dare say that this is one of the most remarkable places to see in Florence. In addition to the Medici tombs, you can also see some sculptures by Michelangelo, such as the statues of Dawn and Dusk at the Tomb of Lorenzo Duke of Urbino.

Good to know: You need separate tickets for the basilica (which give you access to the main church, crypt, and cloisters), the library, and the Medici Chapels.

The church is easy to visit and you can just get the tickets on the spot without any advance planning. I’m not sure about the library – it wasn’t open when we visited, and frankly, it didn’t look like it was an absolute must-see in Florence. But the Medici Chapels are well worth it and this is one of the places where you might want to consider booking tickets in advance.

The Medici Chapels have somewhat unusual opening times, so it requires some planning. Also, because the chapel isn’t big, they only allow a certain number of people. You may get lucky that the queue is not too long and you can just get a ticket upon arrival. However, if you absolutely want to be sure to visit inside without wasting time, it’s best to get a timed entrance ticket in advance.

14. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

There are so many churches in Florence that you could spend days and days trying to see all of them (and who has the time or interest, right?).

But as far as the very best ones go – and well worth a visit – there’s one more church that deserves a mention among the top places in Florence. That’s the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella .

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is located right next to the main railway station of Florence (which is actually named after this church). Founded between 1279 and 1357 by Dominican monks, the basilica has stunning stained glass windows and a Gothic interior filled with frescoes. You can see lots of works by famous artists here, including Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Vasari’s ‘Madonna of the Rosary’.

We found that the cloisters of this basilica are particularly impressive. As you leave the hustle and bustle of the busy city behind the thick walls, it feels like stepping inside a real oasis of calm.

Good to know: The Basilica is open daily, with hours depending on the season and day of the week. While they also offer online tickets , we just got ours on the spot and it wasn’t busy at all. See their website for more practical info. Please also note that you are not allowed to take large bags into the church and there is no cloakroom. The closest place to leave them is in the lockers at the railway station. Regular day-backpacks should be ok.

TIP: If you visit around noon, you may see how the sun shining through the stained glass window marks the time of the year on the calendar on the floor.

15. San Lorenzo Market

Mercato Centrale Firenze , aka San Lorenzo Market , is one of the most popular places to visit in Florence for tourists. If you are looking for a nice place for lunch or even dinner, it’s definitely a great choice.

This bustling market is actually made up of two markets. The Mercato Centrale is indoors and devoted to food , whilst the outdoor section lining the surrounding streets sells everything from clothing and leather to pottery and souvenirs. This is a great place to buy gifts to take home, but it’s so overwhelming that I wouldn’t even know where to start choosing… Also, nearly all the goods sold here are marked at prices higher than you should expect to pay, so be sure to haggle.

I recommend that you come to San Lorenzo Market for some local food from various regions in Italy . The indoor market has many cafes and various places selling food, including a big food court on the top floor. And since the market is located so close to most of the main tourist sights in Florence center, it’s really simple to plan a visit (or a few) here.

We had lunch at Mercato Centrale a few times. From Tuscan specialties at one of the wine shops ( enoteca ‘s) on the ground floor to fresh pasta in the food court upstairs, everything was delicious, well-priced, and served with a smile. If you are brave enough to try the traditional Florentine sandwich lampredotto (made with tripe/cow stomach), head to the ‘Da Nerbone’ restaurant upstairs.

TIP: If you want to avoid the crowds and find a good place to sit, it’s best to arrive at the market before the popular Italian dining times. So for lunch, it’s best to come a bit before noon. Most locals have lunch at around 1-2 pm and the market gets really busy at that time.

Good to know: If you want to take food from the market back home with you, chat to your vendor about which products are permitted across different borders. The vendors all speak very good English and are very knowledgeable on this subject. They will also vacuum pack items for you on request.

16. Views from Piazzale Michelangelo

Located on a hill on the Arno’s south bank, Piazzale Michelangelo is Florence’s most famous sunset spot. It offers truly jaw-dropping panoramic views across the city. And whilst it is extremely popular (and crowded) in the evenings, the views across the city skyline and Tuscan hills are spectacular whatever time of day you choose to visit.

There is plenty to see and do on the square itself, which contains lots of replicas of Michelangelo’s statues and a memorial to the artist. There is also a loggia containing a restaurant and coffee bar, lots of street vendors, live music from time to time, and a very vibrant atmosphere.

If you come here in the evening on a nice sunny summer’s day, it almost feels like you are attending some kind of festival…

Good to know: You can drive to the square (there is a car park) or take the bus or a taxi. But if you don’t mind a bit of uphill climbing, you can also easily walk here from the city center! On the way, you’ll see the Porta San Niccolò – a high watchtower that was once part of the city’s defenses – and the beautiful Giardino delle Rose (rose garden) which is free to visit.

TIP: We visited Piazzale Michelangelo with this highly-rated e-bike city tour . We opted for the 6 pm tour in summer and were at the viewpoint about an hour before the sunset. We got to enjoy some spectacular views in a beautiful light with little effort. However, please note that biking in the center of Florence is not something you should do if you haven’t biked for a while. But if you bike at home once in a while, you should be just fine.

17. Piazza Santo Spirito & Basilica di Santo Spirito

One of Florence’s liveliest neighborhoods, the area around Piazza Santo Spirito is one of the nicest places to soak up a more local atmosphere in Florence!

Constantly busy, this area attracts an ever-changing crowd of local artisans, intellectuals, and students. In the morning, you can visit a local market here. But the area really comes to life at night, when the surrounding galleries and boutiques close, and the restaurants and bars begin to open.

In addition to enjoying a refreshing drink at one of the square’s many open terraces, be sure to visit the Basilica di Santo Spirito . This little church was Brunelleschi’s last masterpiece. It looks quite plain from the outside, but inside it is filled with many noteworthy pieces of art. These include The Cenacolo – a depiction of the Last Supper.

Good to know: In keeping with its hip and happening atmosphere, Piazza Santo Spirito holds regular markets and fairs. Local artisans display their wares on weekdays, whilst the weekends are set aside for vintage goods and food.

TIP: If you are looking for a nice restaurant for dinner , you’ll find plenty of great choices in this area. However, it’s best to book in advance. Or hope for some luck and use the trick of arriving at the restaurant as soon as it opens, before the locals start to arrive at 8-8.30 pm.

I indicated some of our favorite restaurants (not just in this area) on our map below.

18. Fontana del Porcellino

No list of the best things to do in Florence would be complete without mentioning the Fontana del Porcellino . And no, it can’t compare to the incredible architecture and Renaissance masterpieces you see in the city, but it’s one of those places that you really can’t miss when visiting Florence.

Fontana del Porcellino is the local nickname for the rather unique bronze boar fountain , located in the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, also known as the Leather Market. It’s just a short walk from the main tourist attractions in Florence, just one block from Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Well worth a quick stop.

This famous pig has appeared in the 2001 film Hannibal and two different Harry Potter films. Originally placed to provide water to merchants trading locally, it is now a popular spot for making wishes! Tradition also has it that if you rub the boar’s nose before you leave Florence (and put a coin in its mouth), you are sure to return one day in the future.

Good to know: The fountain stands at the small market where you can buy all kinds of leather goods – purses, wallets, etc. If you find the street vendors at Mercato San Lorenzo overwhelming, this market is much smaller.

19. Florence Rooftops

Now that we covered all the must-sees in Florence, there’s something else that I’d like to add. Something that is not a must in any way, but will make your visit to this beautiful city so much more memorable. The stunning views from the rooftop bars and restaurants in Florence.

With such incredible architecture and a stunning setting surrounded by the Tuscan hills, Florence has some of the most beautiful skylines of any European city. You’ll see some amazing views if you climb the dome of the Duomo or the towers mentioned in our guide, but this doesn’t compare to a more relaxing experience of enjoying the amazing views from the rooftop bars and restaurants.

TIP: If you want to enjoy the best views without having to plan much, visit rooftop terraces during the day. For the best light and sunset views, go about an hour before sunset, but try to reserve a table in advance if possible.

There are so many beautiful rooftop bars in Florence that I felt they deserve a separate guide with more info. So if you are looking for a nice place to enjoy some of the best views in the city without too much effort, definitely check it out via the link below. It also includes the best hotels with rooftops – something to consider for an even more memorable stay!

LEARN MORE: Florence Rooftop Guide

More suggestions for things to do in Florence

As you can imagine, there is much more to see and do in Florence than covered in this guide.

While the places mentioned above will keep you busy for at least 2-3 days, here are some additional suggestions for what to see and do in Florence that are worth it if you have more time and/or want to escape the biggest crowds.

More things to do in Florence city:

• Riccardi Medici Palace . A beautifully-preserved Renaissance palace, just near the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
• Bargello National Museum . Located in one of the oldest buildings in Florence (1255), this is now a beautiful art museum where you can see the sculptures of Michelangelo and Donatello, among many other masterpieces.
• Leonardo Interactive Museum . This is a very popular museum featuring life-size machines based on the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, you can actually interact with the exhibits, so it’s really fun for the whole family. This is quickly becoming a very popular place to visit in Florence, beyond the traditional ‘must-sees’, so it’s best to get timed tickets in advance .
• Cooking classes. If you are looking for something special and more local to do in Florence, check out the big selection of cooking experiences .

Of course, one of the best things to do in Florence is simply wandering around the city center, exploring its incredible architecture, cozy streets, and looking for little hidden gems that will make your trip even more special.

In addition to the main attractions in Florence city center, there’s so much to see nearby . You can visit Bologna from Florence or Cinque Terre (even if just for a day), or rent a car and explore the nicest places and towns in Tuscany on your own. Or you can also opt for one of the many organized tours.

Here are some of the best day tours from Florence:

• Cinque Terre: This is the most popular and best-rated day tour .
• Tuscan towns & countryside: This is the best-rated day tour (you visit Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, and more).
• Wine & Tuscan countryside: This is a very popular half-day tour . This full-day tour takes you to the beautiful Val d’Orcia (including Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano).

READ ALSO: What to See & Do in Siena & Best Things to Do in Montepulciano

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Florence

Florence is a very walkable city and all the main sights are located really close to each other.

But to help you orient, I created this map indicating all the best things to do in Firenze mentioned in our guide. I also included a few restaurant recommendations, based on our most recent experience in the city.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to some of the best experiences and things to do in Florence. I hope that this guide helps you plan your visit to this incredibly beautiful historic city and make the most of your time there.

No matter what you have learned about the Renaissance period from books or television, there is nothing quite like visiting its birthplace and seeing its marvels first-hand.

READ ALSO: How to see the best of Florence in 1 day

Where to Stay

As already mentioned, Florence’s city center is quite compact and very walkable. So you can stay pretty much anywhere within 15-20 minutes walking distance from the Duomo and it will be ok.

That being said, one of the most convenient areas – especially if you are traveling by train – is the area close to the main railway station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella), or between the station and the river. It’s just a few minutes walk from the main landmarks AND you don’t have to take a taxi or walk far with your luggage.

Here are some hotel suggestions within a short walking distance from the railway station:

• €€€€€+ The Westin Excelsior .
• €€€€€ Hotel Calimala .
• €€€€ Hotel Croce di Malta (this is where we stayed on a recent trip – it has a beautiful rooftop bar and a garden pool!).
• €€€ Hotel Machiavelli Palace .
• €€ B&B Le Stanze del Duomo (one of the best-rated affordable hotels near Duomo).
• €+ Plus Florence (one of the most popular low-budget options).
• € Hotel Bodoni .

More travel inspiration for some of the nicest Italian cities:

• Best cities to see in Italy
• Best things to do in Rome
• Hidden gems of Rome
• Best things to do in Venice (+ Doge’s Palace & Venice Gondola )
• Best things to do in Milan
• Best things to do in Bologna
• Best things to do in Siena (+ Siena Cathedral )
• Best things to do in Montepulciano
• Best things to do in Naples
• Best things to do in Verona
• Best things to do in Ravenna
• Rome in 1 day
• Rome in 2 days
• Rome in 4 days
• Venice in 1 day
• Venice in 3 days
• Milan in 1 day
• Naples in 1 day

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Some of our favorite places in Italy:

• Best places to visit in Italy
• Best Places to See at Lake Como
• Capri Island
• Naples area
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Bellagio (Lake Como)
• Varenna (Lake Como)
• Best towns to visit in Lake Como
• Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast
• Most Beautiful Coastal Towns of the Italian Riviera
• Tuscany Itinerary
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• Italy trip itinerary for 2 weeks (all the ‘musts’ in the shortest possible time)
• For more inspiration, please see our Italy travel blog .

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Thursday 12th of October 2023

I'm putting together my FIRST trip/MBM to Italy (talk about overwhelming).... so glad I found your site! I would like to take a day trip via train from Florence to Siena, is that an option and if so, what is the speed train system? Thank you ~

Saturday 14th of October 2023

Hi Terri, yes, of course, you can easily visit Siena from Florence in a day. There are also tours available (but they usually visit several towns, spending little time in each - ideal if you want to see a lot in a day, but not ideal if you want to explore deeper). So if you just want to explore Siena, it's better to go on your own. Traveling in Italy by train is really simple and straightforward. You can use websites like Omio to compare all the best transportation options for any route you want to take and book your train/bus tickets. Between Florence and Siena, you can opt for a train or a bus. In this specific case, the bus is faster, but the train can be more comfortable and trains run more frequently. PS You may also want to take a look at our guide to the best places to see in Siena. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 23rd of August 2022

You write the the best blogs! I enjoy reading them and they help a great deal in planning my trips. Thank you! :)

Friday 26th of August 2022

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Rima. Happy travels!

Michael Cicchi

Monday 13th of June 2022

I will save this article for use also. I believe I would have to live here for two weeks.😀

Tuesday 14th of June 2022

:) Yes, indeed, Michael, there's so much to see in and around Florence. You could easily spend a few weeks in Tuscany and never get bored. Happy travels!

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17 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

The most popular attractions of Florence, Italy, center around the famous architecture and artwork found in the city – from the works hung in the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia  to the incredible construction and design of the Duomo and

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
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Piazza della Signoria Piazza della Signoria free

Loggia dei Lanzi, in the Piazza della Signoria, is an open-air (and free) museum that was designed in the 14th century by Orcagna, an influential architect and artist. Below the building's curved arches are dozens of sculptures (notable ones include Giambologna's Rape of the Sabines and a statue of Perseo holding Medusa's head, by Benvenuto Cellini), which draw crowds of tourists and locals alike. Behind it sits the  Galleria degli Uffizi , which is one of the city's most famous art museums. The Piazza della Signoria is also filled with its (more than) fair share of sculptures, including a towering replica of Michaelangelo's David.

Take your time wandering around, and if you get tired, grab a seat along the Loggia dei Lanzi, or make your way to a cafe near the Fountain of Neptune. Recent visitors said this is a must-see spot and a great area to people-watch, view magnificent sculptures and rest travel-weary feet (though past travelers recommended avoiding the restaurants in this area, calling them "outrageously overpriced"). To avoid the height of the crowds, visit in the early morning or the evening. Access to the area is free 24/7.

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) free

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as the Duomo) is not only Florence's religious center, but it's also the city's most recognizable attraction. Occupying the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city, this massive Gothic cathedral was erected during the 14th century on the former site of the Roman church, Santa Reparata. You'll know you're in the right place when you find yourself straining your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome and the intricate marble statues on its facade staring down at you. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike.

Visitors like to joke that the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. For many, the main reason to visit is to climb the 463 stairs to the top of the dome (the cupola) where you'll find spectacular views of the city. (Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Some visitors report this is not for the claustrophobic.) However, if you are interested in looking around inside, guided tours are available.

Ponte Vecchio Ponte Vecchio free

Much like  London 's Tower Bridge, the Ponte Vecchio was built to replace an earlier bridge. Once dominated by butchers, fishmongers and bakers, the original bridge was washed away during a flood in the early 14th century. When the new Ponte Vecchio was completed, it too was home to local food stores until Grand Duke Ferdinand I of the Medici family decided to designate this unadorned bridge the epicenter of the city's gold and jewel trade. It has maintained this purpose ever since.

Recent visitors said it is especially beautiful at sunset. If you don't want to overpay for souvenirs, heed the advice of past travelers and avoid shopping along the bridge. You can also book a gondola tour of the Arno River to experience sailing beneath the bridge, though prices can be high (typically starting at 65 euros, or around $71, per person).

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Piazzale Michelangelo Piazzale Michelangelo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're eager to get your steps in, climb up another 1,500 feet to the doors of the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte, one of the oldest churches in Florence. Admission is free and the views even higher up are worth the climb. – Holly D. Johnson

Overlooking the city from its perch in the Oltrarno district, the Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city, and it's definitely worthwhile if you're a first-time visitor. This ornate square is known for its spectacular views and its towering replica of Michelangelo's David. Getting to the piazza can be quite the trek on foot, yet a meandering path in front of and below the piazza makes it within reach if you're reasonably fit.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Spanning 28 rooms and three floors, the massive Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses more than 750 works of art covering nearly 720 years of history. In short, it serves to preserve the artistic masterpieces that were once on display in the Duomo . Highlights from the collection include Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise from the Baptistery (the Baptistery is currently adorned with replicas of the original gates) and Michelangelo's Pietà, which many believe he created to adorn his tomb.

Many past travelers suggested stopping at the museum prior to visiting the Duomo to better understand the historical context of the cathedral and surrounding monuments. Plus, entrance to the museum is covered by the combo ticket you're required to buy if you want to climb the steps of the Duomo or enter any of the other sites within the square. Other visitors advised setting aside plenty of time to admire all of the works housed here. What's more, many others mentioned that this museum is not as crowded as the Uffizi .

Galleria dell'Accademia Galleria dell'Accademia

If you only have a limited amount of time for art museums while you're here, devote some of it to the Galleria dell'Accademia for one simple reason: the David. This is your chance to see one of Michelangelo's most famous works in all his authentic glory and recent visitors say it doesn't disappoint. However, you aren't alone on your mission: The gallery can get flooded with other tourists also eager to see the famous piece, which is why some recent reviewers suggest booking a reservation ahead. While you're waiting for the crowds to clear so you can get your photo of David, take the time to see some of the artist's lesser-known works, including the unfinished Slaves or Prisoners.

While the David is undoubtedly the star here, the museum houses a variety of other works and artifacts, including works by the greatest Florentine painters from the 13th to early 15th centuries, such as Giotto and Bernardo Daddi. What’s more, it displays approximately 50 musical instruments from the private collections of the grand dukes of Tuscany, Medici and Lorraine.

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Occupying the first and second floors of the U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi along the banks of the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery was created by the Medici family at the end of the 16th century. Today, the museum is any art lover's dream: it still displays the family's prominent art collection, which includes such masterpieces as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch" and Titian's "Venus of Urbino." What’s more, it’s housed in a building designed by Giorgio Vasari that dates back to 1560.

Because of the many works of art housed here, you're going to need to take your time. One of the best ways to see the highlights and learn about the lesser-known pieces is to take a guided tour from a third-party operator, which many recent visitors highly recommend. Some tour operators also offer "skip-the-line" tours, which reviewers also spoke highly of. If you’re not up for a guided tour, you can also rent an audio guide from the museum for an additional 6 euros (about $6.50).

Mercato Centrale Firenze Mercato Centrale Firenze free

Located in an iron-and-glass building designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in 1874, the Mercato Centrale Firenze is a great place to browse and stock up on tasty Italian foods. The ground floor of the market features vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fish, olive oil, vinegars, truffle products and other local goods. Upstairs from the vendors, you'll find a modern food hall with shops selling everything from pizza and gelato to Tuscan specialties, such as lampredotto, porchetta and trippa. Here, you can sit down to a meal or pick up items for a picnic. Surrounding the building, dozens of vendors also sell artwork, pottery, jewelry, leather, clothing, souvenirs and anything else you can think of. 

Recent visitors called the market fun and lively to visit, with lots of tempting things to eat and buy. Some recommended stopping in a few times over the course of your Florence visit, although recent visitors have said food you can purchase to eat on-site has become rather expensive. If you want a local to show you around, consider signing up for one of the best tours in Florence , many of which stop at the market.

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Baptistry (Battistero) Baptistry (Battistero)

The Battistero is the oldest religious monument in all of Florence, and although the current façade dates from the 11th century, historians have dated the Baptistery back to the fifth century. It hasn't been proven, but many say that this octagonal building was once a temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war.

Today, this ancient building is a must-see for any art lover. Wake up early to beat the crowds, who flock to the Battistero in search of the Gates of Paradise. Designer Lorenzo Ghiberti's delicate depictions of Christ and other religious symbols on these massive doors inspired awe in even the most renowned artists, including Michelangelo, whose praise of the doors reportedly earned them their name. Note: The doors at the Baptistery are replicas of the originals. If you would like to see the originals, you'll have to pay a visit to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , which can be found just a short walk behind the Baptistery.

Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

Designed by Giotto in the early 14th century, this ornate 277-foot high bell tower is part of the renowned  Duomo  in central Florence's Piazza del Duomo. Although it is known as Giotto's Bell Tower, it actually required three architects to finish. The changes in style and design are apparent. Today, you can marvel at the tower's external design from the square below – make sure to spend plenty of time admiring the statues and reliefs by such famed artists as Donatello and Andrea Pisano. Or you can climb the more than 400 steps to the top for spectacular views of central Florence, a hike that recent visitors said leads to a better panorama than you get at the top of the Duomo because you get to view the Duomo from this vantage point.

However, the climb can be a real workout, so make sure to pace yourself. Travelers appreciated that there were several places where they could stop to catch their breath and admire the views on the way up to the top, which they said were well worth the steep climb. However, if you're visiting during the summer months, reviewers say you'll want to time your visit for the morning (or right before closing), as the climb only gets hotter as the day progresses.

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

U.S. News Insider Tip: After perusing the gardens, treat yourself to a glass of wine at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, a popular wine bar that sits opposite Palazzo Pitti. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Originally, these beautiful gardens belonged to the Medici family; it wasn't until the late 18th century that the gates opened to the public. Today, Boboli Gardens (located in the Oltrarno behind Pitti Palace ) offers sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-trodden city center. While you stroll through this extensive green, keep your eyes peeled for the numerous sculptures and grottos strategically placed along the paths, like Giambologna's Bathing Venus. Also swing by the Isolotto, a large fountain located at the southwestern end of the park.

Basilica di Santa Croce Basilica di Santa Croce

Santa Croce is similar to the  Duomo  in style (both churches represent dominant Gothic traits), and the exterior is stunning, despite not being as elaborate as the Florence Duomo. Visitors come here to pay respects to such notable Italians as artist Michelangelo, scientist Galileo Galilei and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, whose tombs and memorials are housed here. Santa Croce is also home to what some say is the most important art collection of any church in Italy, the most notable works being spectacular frescoes done by Giotto.

Recent visitors raved about the architecture of the church and suggested giving yourself plenty of time to explore. Others appreciated that it was removed from the main tourist areas and less busy than other Florence attractions.

Palazzo Pitti Palazzo Pitti

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting the Pitti Palace because of an interest in Medici history, consider booking a private entry into the Vasari Corridor – a hidden passageway Medici members once used to cross the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery all the way to Pitti Palace. – Holly D. Johnson

If you're headed to Oltrarno for a stroll through the  Bóboli Gardens , it's worth it to take some time to tour the  Palazzo Pitti  (Pitti Palace) as well. This former Renaissance residence is now home to Florence's most extensive grouping of museums. The most notable of the Pitti's galleries is the Galleria Palatina, which – with its impressive collection of works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens – is second in prestige only to the  Uffizi Gallery . Other museums within the palace spotlight everything from historical fashion to household treasures once belonging to the Medici family.

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Palazzo Vecchio Palazzo Vecchio free

Palazzo Vecchio is a central Florence landmark with a long and storied history that dates back to 1299. The ruins of an ancient theater of the Roman colony of Florentia can be seen below from the first floor of this iconic building, and visitors can admire a range of artworks and medieval architecture here.

The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) is the most visited and impressive hall in the building due to its massive size, large wall frescoes and various sculptures throughout. There are also many secret routes through the palace, which you can explore with one of many available group tours of Palazzo Vecchio.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Basilica di San Lorenzo

U.S. News Insider Tip : The Church of San Lorenzo is where the famous Medici Chapel is located. You can book a tour to see these elaborate tombs, including the "Chapel of the Princes," through various tour companies. – Holly D. Johnson

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is the oldest Florentine cathedral, thus its external architecture is not as ornate and embellished as others built throughout Florence in later centuries. The church is said to have been consecrated in the presence of Saint Ambrose in 393 and also dedicated to the martyr Lorenzo. That said, the basilica was reconstructed in 1418 by Medici family founder Giovanni di Bicci.

Piazza Santo Spirito Piazza Santo Spirito free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pick up a delicious pizza or two from Gustapizza on nearby Via Maggio and enjoy it on the steps that surround the square. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Located in the Oltrarno, the neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River (opposite the Duomo ), this square is a lively hub of activity, especially at night when its many cafes and restaurants draw locals out to relax on terraces and patios for a meal or a drink. A main feature of the square is Filippo Brunelleschi's last church, the Basilica di Santo Spirito, which he designed in 1444, but was unable to finish before his death. Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole and Salvi d'Andrea finished the church by the end of the 1400s.

Santa Maria Novella Santa Maria Novella

While Santa Maria Novella is not nearly as grand as the world-famous Duomo , it is still one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. Located just 750 feet from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (the city's train station), this cathedral is also easy to find or run into by surprise.

The impressive exterior was designed by artists Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti, and the interior features a range of master works, such as Masaccio's Holy Trinity fresco, Ghirlandaio's fresco cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel and Giotto's crucifix. The Nativity by Botticelli and the Pulpit by Buggiano are also located within the church and worth a look. Recent travelers note that the church museum is also worth exploring, and that even roaming the grounds of Santa Maria Novella can be worth the time and effort due to the natural beauty found on the property.

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Florence Map: The Attractions

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Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine.

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Florence Italy Map of Attractions

Florence self guided walking tour, 16 things to do in florence, most visited must see attractions in florence.

Besides Rome and Venice, Florence is the third most visited city in Italy. Florence is a walkable city so bring some good walking shoes. The Florence Italy map below will guide you on a walking tour of the many Florence attractions. Everything is within the small compact historic centre. Unless you accidentally book accommodations outside the city centre, you most likely won’t need to use the bus. Everything is within reach by walking. In the event that you need a bus, Florence’s public transportation system is easy to use. I would highly advise not bringing a rental car within the city centre which is very difficult to navigate and park

So what is there to do in Florence? Florence has many attractions (some are listed on the Florence Italy map below to be sued as part of your self guided walking tour) including: many art museums; but not just art museums; there is the weird museum, the perfume museum and the wax medical model museum. Florence has fantastic food, incredible gelato including local favourites called Vivoli or Festival del Gelato or La Carraria

Florence is known for its culture and architecture, welcoming about 13 million tourists a year. In Florence, you can walk along the river and visit the Florence Cathedral – Duomo as well as other Florence attractions with this easy Florence Italy Map and Attractions Guide

A little history about the Medici 

The Medici family and the city of Florence seem are tied together historically. The Medici came from northern Italy and settled in Florence during the 13th century. Initially in textiles trade they eventually founded the Medici Bank rising to become one of the most influential European families for 300 years connecting to other elite European families through partnerships and marriages. They dominated the Florentine political landscape and were generous patrons of art and the humanities. Their mark on the city is seen at many of the attractions. 

Download INTERACTIVE Florence Italy Map for self guided walking tour HERE

Download a PDF of the Florence Italy Map HERE

Florence italy map – gates of florence.

The gates are on the Florence Italy Map and identified by an orange map pin in the shape of a gate. As you walk around Florence as part of the self guided tour, you may run across these gates or you can take slight detours from the Florence Italy map to visit a nearby gate. Additional information on each gate is HERE

Florence was a fortified city with a defensive wall system dating back to 15BC. The wall fortification and refortification continued until 1333AD with the last know restoration taking place in the 16 th century. Fortification involved several stages that encircled the city

First Fortification

With a population of 10,000 the first wall was completed in the 2 nd century. You can see the center point of the wall at Piazza della Repubblica. Orange map pin on the walking tour map above

Second Fortification

After the fall of Rome, there were only about 1,000 people living in Florence and a wall protecting a smaller population was built in 550AD. It was called the Byzantine circle. The Tower still exists today and you may run across it on the self guided tour below. It is called Torre della Pagliazza  ( Tower of Pagliazza ). The Brunelleschi Hotel’s entrance is part of the old wall system; see the orange map pin on the walking tour map above

Third Fortification

Florence saw an influx of inhabitants and the Eastern and Western walls were restored. Additionally a third wall was added extending to the Arno River, running parallel to the river on Via Lambertesca in the 10 th century

Fourth Fortification

The population continued to grow reaching 20,000. The walls were refortified and successfully withstood the invasion of Emperor Henry IV

Fifth Fortification

From 1172 to 1175 additional walls were built encompassing the Church of San Larenzo and the district of Oltarno. The district was on the south side of the Arno river and was the location of church Santo Spirito di Firenze, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli gardens and Fort Belvedere

Sixth Fortification

The sixth fortification started in 1284 but never really gained momentum

Fortified City Walls – Present Day

Very little of the wall system remains as it was demolished to make room for a road system in the 19th century. You will find as you walk around Florence, part of the wall system and several gates are still standing.

Start of Self Guided Walking Tour, Florence Italy Map

Top 16 things to see and do in florence:, 1. academia gallery, galleria dell’accademia.

The Grand Duke of Lorena named Pietro Leopoldo decided to put all the art schools in Florence in one location and calling it the fine arts academy. It also included exhibition rooms to showcase the work of the students.  Today this is the academia galleria and the second most popular museum in Florence. It has several rooms that display art works. Click on the Map Pin of the Florence Italy map for video of the Galleria dell’Accademia

Hall of Colossus 

This has huge sculptures on display including Michelangelos “David and the prisoners”, Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine” and Botticelli‘s “Madonna and the Child” and “Madonna of the Sea”. There are a number of large panel paintings hanging on the floor walls and elaborate brocade garments from Nobel family of the 1450s

Musical Instrument Museum

A great little gallery that displays a variety musical instruments and their history. Many instruments are found in orchestras including pianos,  violin, wind instruments. and harpsichords

Other exhibition halls include the Hall of the Prisoners and the Tribune, Florentine 13th Century Gothic Paintings and late 14th century art that is located on the upper floor

2. San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale

Florence has a variety of outdoor markets. One of the best known is the San Lorenzo and Mercato Centre. Just behind the basilica of San Lorenzo, it is one of Florence’s great outdoor markets. Here you can pick up fresh fruit, cheese, leather, household goods, pottery, even if you don’t want to buy anything it’s just a great place to walk around and feel the energy. You will also find the Mercato Central, an immense marketplace of fresh food, meats, vegetables, fruit, spices, fish, pickled and cured foods. There is a huge food court where it is difficult to pick from the wide range of delicious offerings. Stop by for lunch or take out, you will also find stalls with multitude of spices well packaged and ready to take home 

3. Florence Cathedral – Basilica di San Lorenzo

Located in the San Larenzo neighbourhood which was the original home of the Medici family. Central to the area is the huge Mercato Centrale market. The church itself also claims to be one of the oldest churches in Florence and it was consecrated in 393 by Saint Ambrose. It’s location at that time was outside of the city walls. It was reconsecrated in 1059 and rebuilt entirely by the Medici family in 1418 and was the parish church of the Medici family. It was the main church in Florence for about 300 years before the seat was transferred to Santa Reparata which is the present day Duomo (Cattedrale de Santa del Fiore). The basilica was also the Parish church for the Medici family. It is divided into several sections: the cloister, the crypt, the Medici chapels, the church itself and the library

Cloister and Crypt

As you enter the church you will find yourself in the cloister which was constructed in 1457. It is called cannons cloister and has a two-story arched loggia (covered patio). Originally administrative offices, living spaces, and the kitchen would have looked out onto the cloister 

From the cloister there’s an entrance to an area referred to as a crypt or sometimes called the cellar. It is an underground chamber where you will find the tombs of Cosimo I of the Medici family and a Donatello, the famous Italian sculptor and close friend of Cosimo I. Many of the churches treasures are also found in the crypt 

Laurentian Library

The focal point is the staircase design by Michelangelo. The library holds a large selection of antique books. It’s not always open but when there’s an exhibition, it is open to the public. The long rectangular room has two isles with desks and benches where people can sit and study. The benches have a dual purpose as they also store 3000 manuscripts. If you are able to visit this library, you should do so as it is breathtaking

The front façade of the church was never completed however the renaissance interior is magnificent with white walls and rounded columnar arches. A marble stone slab in front of the main altar which marks the tomb of Cosimo the elder who was buried directly underneath. From the main altar on the left-hand side is the entrance to the old sacristy

Medici Chapels

The Medici chapels are found in the apse of the church accessed from an entrance at the back of the church. Approximately 50 members of the Medici family are buried here. Explore the Old Sacristy, the New Sacristy and the elaborate octagonal Chapel of the Princes

4. Piazza del Duomo , Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

• Map of Duomo, click HERE
• You will be asked to reserve a time slot when purchasing the ticket

Florence Cathedral – Duomo, Cattedrale de Santa del Fiore

The fourth largest cathedral in the world after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St Pauls in London and the Duomo in Milan The Cathedral was built in the 7th  century on the site of the original church, the church of Santa Reparata. The remains of this ancient church are in the crypt. You will also find an old Roman house and pavement in the crypt. The new cathedral was built in honour of Santa Maria Del Fiore in the 1296 century and the dome was added in the 15th century which means it took almost 200 years to build the church. It was consecrated in 1436 as soon as the dome was completed, however the exterior was not completed at that time. The exterior was considered a decoration and it was not finished until the 19th century

Inside the Florence Cathedral – Duomo

Climb the florence cathedral dome (cupola).

You can climb the tower which has 463 steps to the top. The dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. His large statue is in the piazza thoughtfully looking at his accomplishment. Brunelleschi was a local Florentine resident who was a trained goldsmith. He bid on the dome project making bold statements without plans to back them up. His stubborn hot tempered personality eventually won him the bid with the stipulation that his competitor would be his co- superintendent on the project. 

The climb up isn’t for everybody.  The way up and down the cathedral is very narrow as you are using the same corridors used by construction and maintenance staff. They were not built or meant for public use. Visiting the octagonal dome will get a close-up view of the “The Last Judgement” fresco lining the dome which took 11 years to paint. It has a 3,600 sq meter surface area. You will also see spectacular views of the city of Florence

Giottos Bell Tower, Giottos Campanile

No matter where we travel my husband and my adult children will climb anything that gives them a spectacular view of the area and Giotto’s Bell Tower, a Florentine symbol and will leave you with memorable insta-gramable moments. 

It has 414 steps to the top of the tower that took 25 years to build. It was completed in 1334 after Giotto’s death who dedicated 3 years to work on the tower before his passing. The tower has 7 bells and 16 life size statues 

Baptistery of St John

Baptistery of St John is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It is from the 11th century. The baptistery is built on the ruins of the Temple of Mars, dating back to the 4th century. Originally built as a minor basilica in 897, it was consecrated as a Baptistery in 1128. It is the oldest religious site in Florence and until the 19th century, all Catholics were baptized here. 

The Baptistery has three spectacular bronze cast doors:

–  The northern doors show the story of the Life of Christ from the New Testament. Above the northern doors you’ll find three groups of statues showing Saint John the Baptist teaching

– The older doors are on the southside showing St. John’s life. The set of statues above the doors show the beheading of Saint John

– The eastern door is the most famous and leads to the Duomo referred to as the gates of paradise, showing scenes from the Old Testament. Above the eastern door you will also see statues from the baptism of Christ

The doors are copies and the originals are in the Opera del Duomo Museum

Florence Cathedral – Duomo Tickets

The OPA pass can be purchased to enter the Duomo. You will need to select a time slot to visit the Duomo when purchasing the ticket

5. Mercato del Porcellino (Mercato Nuovo)

Close to Piazza Della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio a loggia, there are merchants selling silk and jewelry. Built in 1547 AD, Mercato del Porcellino translated means market of the piglet and takes its name from the fountain of the Piglet, which is actually a wild boar. According to tradition if you want good luck you should touch or rub the nose of the statue. Notice how shiny it is from all the running hands. After that put a coin in the boars mouth and wait until the water makes it fall. Today it is called the new market or Mercato Nuovo and is a very busy high energy market that sells souvenirs

6. Piazza Della Signoria

One of Florence’s most important squares where concerts, fairs and demonstrations are held. It is a popular meeting spot for both locals and tourists. Central to the piazza is the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio also known as the “Old Palace”.  Florence’s city hall was completed in 1302 with a huge clock tower and statues of both David and Hercules. The Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) connects Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza was built on the site of a first century Roman theatre. You can visit the ruins of the theatre located beneath the piazza by purchasing a ticket from HERE . You can also purchase a ticket in person at the ticket office at the Palazzo Vecchio Museum. Check to see if tours are available in english

Loggia dei Lanzi

To the right of the Palazzo is the Loggia dei Priori built around 1376. It is a covered area with wide arches used as a shelter during outdoor ceremonies. Today it is called Loggia Dei Lanzi. It still provides shelter. You will notice that there are many tourists sitting in the covered area. The loggia is home to a number of restored statues including: the bronze “Perseus” from 1545, the “ Mannerist  Rape of the Sabine” from 1583, the Medici Lions, the “Rape of Polyxena” and the statue of “Hercules and the Centaur”

Tribunals Della Mercanzia (Tribunal of Merchandise)

Built in 1349, it was used as a place for trials between lawyers and merchants when it functioned as a courthouse. Today it is the Gucci museum

Palazzo Uguccioni

It is located on the north entrance of Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Della Assicurazione Generali

The building was built as the local office of the General Insurance Company founded in 1831. It was constructed in1871 and today it still has the historical Café Rivoire on the main floor

On either side of the Palazzo you will find two statues in a prominent place. A copy of Michelangelo’s David is in the exact location it stood in 1504, and to the far left of the Palazzo and towards the centre of the Piazza is the statue of Cosimo I on horseback

You will find Fountain of Neptune also known as the White Giant showcasing Florence’s domination of the seas.  In front of the fountain is a round plaque marking the location where a Dominican friar was hanged and burned for heresy. The next day the exact spot was filled with flowers, palm trees and petals. Every year the Florentines mark the day, May 23, by bringing flowers to this spot and throwing leaves and petals in the Arno River

7. Palazzo Vecchio

Built in 1299, this was the place of government buildings and administrative offices for the city of Florence and the ruins of a theatre. In the 16th century Cosimo I of the Medici family decided to turn this building into his own private residence. It became known as Palazzo Ducale. Eventually the Medicis moved their residence to Palazzo Pitti across the Arno River and built the Corridor connecting Palazzo Ducale to Palazzo Pitti cutting into the Ufizzi gallery.  The Palazzo Ducale was renamed Palazzo Vecchio and once again became government administrative offices

8. Piazza Santa Croce

A favorite place for both tourists and locals, the basilica that it is named after was originally a Franciscan church built on marshy land just outside the city. The 1210 church of the Franciscan order was replaced by the present day basilica which was built in 1295AD and consecrated in 1443AD.  

9. Florence Cathedral – Basilica di Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross)

The basilica is the burial place of great masters and is therefore known as the Temple of Italian Glories, Tombs of the composer Rossini, the poet Foscolo and others such as Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, are located here including a cenotaph dedicated to Dante.  Michelangelo was originally buried in Rome, however he had wanted to be buried in his native Florence. His nephew, Leonardo, stole the body in Rome and brought it to Florence. Michelangelo was then buried in Florence with the permission of the Duke of Florence

The Basilica is not only the burial place of renowned Italians. It has 16 chapels from prominent Italian families, three cloisters, a crypt, a bell tower, and the main church. The basilica is full of art, history, architecture. You can easily spend hours admiring and viewing the multitude of sculptures, frescoes, and monuments. 

The bell tower was destroyed by lightning in 1512. It was not completely restored due to lack of funds until 1847. It is often to referred to as the Santa Croce stone because it stood unfinished for over 100 years

The crypt was discovered after a flood in 1884 and it was transformed into a shrine in 1934. In between, it was used as a storage space and as a war Memorial

Founded by Saint Francis chapter, it is the first Franciscan church in the world. The Chapels had frescoes, frieze and sculptures by Italian masters depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament. Wealthy Italian families acquired patronage of chapels allowing them to decorate and furnish them. They were also named in their honour. These included families like the Peruzzi, the Alberti, the Bardi, the Rinuccino, the Bonaparte, the Baroncelli, the Medici and the Pazzi. The Pazzi family were wiped out by the Medici for an attempted assassination by the Pazzi on the Medici. The Medici took revenge by killing the entire Pazzi family. The event is known as the Pazzi conspiracy 

There are three cloisters, a covered walkway with arches and columns surrounding a rectangular open space. It’s a place for reflection, meditation or prayer

10. Uffizi Palace and Gallery (Florence’s administrative offices)

Here you will find works from the greatest Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Giotto, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. It has over 22,000 works of art

The exhibition area is about 8000 m² with 45 rooms and an unbelievable amount of artwork from the middle ages to modern times including sculptures wall hangings and paintings that are seen by 1.5M tourists a year. 

Vasari Corridor

It’s a U-shaped building with an elevated 1km passage called the Vasari Corridor built in 1565. It gave the Medici family passage from the historic center to the Pitti Palace, on the other side of the Arno River. Built for and used by the Medici family, it allowed them to enter the center without having to walk with the commoners and also allowed for a quick exit in the event of an uprising. A plain doorway depicts the entrance to the passage which is lined with great works of art. The corridor runs above the goldsmith shops on the old bridge

The lineup is very long to visit this museum, so I would suggest that you buy reservation tickets. Reservations tickets are exactly that. You have a reservation to purchase a ticket which means you have to stand in a much shorter line to purchase your ticket when you get there

Once you are done here, stroll down to the river and take a walk across the bridge

11. Florence Bridge – Pointe Vecchio (Old Bridge)

The oldest historic bridge, it is a beautiful iconic symbol of Florence consisting of three prominent arches spanning the narrowest portion of the Arno River. Referred to as the “old bridge”, it is documented in history as far back as 996 AD. The bridge spans the narrowest portion of the Arno River which flooded and destroyed the bridge in 1133 and 1333. Both times the bridge was reconstructed. Miraculously, it was not destroyed during the WWII. However the two entrances to the bridge were destroyed so it was not accessible at that time. Over the years that have been several reconstructions due to flooding of the bridge including an 1117 and 1333. It survived the floods of 1966. There have always been stores and shops spanning the bridge. Originally these were butcher shops and fish markets. However in 1565 after the Vasari Corridor was built atop the shops connecting Palazzo Vecchio, Florences town hall, to Palazzo Pitti and the Medici Palace, the Medici Grand Dukes prohibited butchers from selling on the bridge.  After that decree, the old butcher shops were replaced with gold merchants by 1593 

12. Palazzo Pitti

This was built by the wealthy Florentine banking family Luca Pitti in 1458. His goal was to build a palace that rivalled that of the Medici family. The Pitti Palace was located across from the Arno River and just a short distance from Florence historic city Centre. The area was considered a rural area at the time and was sparsely populated. In 1549 the Pitti descendants ran into some financial difficulties and they sold the palace to Cosimo Medici who needed a rural location where his ill wife could recover. He moved his family into the Palazzo Pitti and then created the Varasi corridor connecting historic Florence city Centre to his home, Palazzo Pitti. This allowed him quick passageway into the city administration offices without being seen on the streets

After moving in, Cosimo I expanded Plazzo Pitti by adding a courtyard, terrace, fountains, and the Boboli Gardens. After the fall of the Medici’s, the Palace became the House of Savoy, the Boubons, Napoleon and eventually King Vittorio Emanuele III. The King opened the palace to the public

13. Boboli Gardens

These 45,000 m² English style gardens that are located behind the Pitti palace. Under the Medici family the grounds of Palazzo Pitti were expanded becoming the largest green area in Florence. The gardens have fountains, a Pergola, a small lake, grottoes, marble statues, terraces and a wonderful view of the city. Tickets can be purchased separately for the gardens or in combination with Piazza Pitti

14. Forte di Belvedere

It was built on the highest hills of the Boboli Gardens in 1590. It took five years to build and overlooked the entire city of Florence. Designed not only to protect the government of Florence, it was also designed to protect the Medici family who lived in the Palazzo Pitti next door. Not surprising, the Fortress is connected by the Vasari Corridor to Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s City Hall) and the Petti Palace (the Medici family Palace) with pathways through the Boboli gardens.

Interestingly, Galileo used the fort for astronomical observations and his conclusions based on these observations led to his imprisonment.  An opulent palace, Palazzina di Belvedere is found at the center of the fortress.

15. Piazale Michelangelo

Central to the Piazale is Michelangelo’s most famous statue, David.  It’s set on a monument base honoring Michelangelo. The base of the statue is surrounded by four smaller statues depicting day, night, sunset and sunrise. With a great view of the city it is very crowded with tourists taking pictures of the hills and the scenic surroundings. From here you have a clear view of prominent landmark such as Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo

Getting there is pretty easy. You can walk up to it from the city center. Take the historic walking route from Porta San Miniato and climb up via scale del monte alle croc and scalinata del monte alle croci. Or you can take bus 12 or 13 from the city center. Here is a map

16. Florence Italy Map – City Gates of Florence

The gates were about 35 meters tall and decorated with religious scenes and events. The gates are: Porta San Miniato, Porta San Frediano, Porta San Gallo, Porta alla Croce, Porta San Niccolò, Porta San Giorgio, and Porta al Prato. In front of each gate you will notice a statue of a famous Florentine citizen. The gates are in orange on the Florence Italy map above and clicking on the map pins will provide images and details for each gate

Gate: Piazza della Repubblica

The gate located at Piazza della Republica was once part of the ancient defense wall system of Florence. The center point of the wall is at Piazza della Repubblica

Gate: Torre della pagliazza

After the fall of Rome, there were only about 1,000 people living in Florence and a wall protecting a smaller population was built in 550AD, it was called the Byzantine circle. The Tower still exists today and you may run across it on the self guided tour below. It is called Torre della Pagliazza (Tower of Pagliazza). The Brunelleschi Hotel’s entrance and reception are part of the old wall system

Gate: Porta alla Croce – Piazza Beccaria

Another gate in the Florence wall defense system; The gate was part of the fourth fortification of walls in the 13th century. Construction began in 1284 and it was named after a cross that was at this location in ancient Florence. The cross is located where the first martyr of Florence was beheaded.  This gate, like other gates, was lowered in the sixteenth century so that it was not vulnerable to gunfire. There is a plaque to the south side of the gate that commemorates the fallen in WW1

Gate: Torre della Zecca

The Mint Tower; it closes off the city from the Arno River and was once connected to a number of buildings that were powered by the Arno River. There are underground passages that are said to pass under the River. They are now flooded. Today it stands in an isolated spot.  The tower was once connected to the Florence’s Mint factory. There are plans to open a museum here in the future.  

Gate: Porta San Niccolò-San Niccolò Tower

Part of the defensive wall system and built in 1324AD, it is located in Piazza Giuseppe Poggi in Oltrarno.  The gate was the doorway from the south and stands majestically at its original height, not being lowered in the 16th century like the other gates.  If you have the opportunity to climb it, there are 160 steps to the top which has a spectacular view of the city

Gate: Porta San Miniato

At the site of the Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte, it was built in 1320 where the road from this gate led to the hills of San Minato.  Stairs on the inner side lead to a gallery while the outer sides of the door has a two symbols representing the City of Florence (the Lily and the Cross)

Gate: Porta San Giorgio

It is a small doorway into the city, named after the Church of San Giorgio which was close to the gate. The gate was built in 1324AD. Parts of the Belevedere fort are adjacent to the gate. Note the two reliefs on the gate including St George Slaying the Dragon and Madonna and Child with St Leonardo and St George located on the city side of the gate.

Gate: Porta Romana, Florence

Constructed in 1326, it was the southmost entrance to the city and was also known as  Porta San Pier Gattolino as it was on the site of church of San Pier Gattolino that had stood there since at least 1068. The larger gate entrance was for horse drawn carriages while the smaller one was limited to pedestrian traffic. The wooden doors on the gate are originals, where on most gates they are copies of the original door

Gate: Porta di San Frediano

The 13th century western gate to the city was built around 113AD and part of the last fortification of the city. The road from this gate leads to the city of Pisa and the gate was lowered in the 16th century. The gate is named after the church that is located close by, the Church of San Frediano. The doors and the bolts are original. Note the iron rings on the outer walls that were used to tie horses.

Gate: Torrino di Santa Rosa

This marks the defense wall system end point. Also known as the Tower of Garbage as garbage and animal carcass were abandoned here just outside the city wall

Gate: Porta A Prato

The gate is surrounded by the city traffic and was built in 1285. It is perhaps the oldest of all the gates. The gate area was once an unpaved cattle market located on a field (Il Prato = The Field), hence its name Porta a Prato

Gate: Porta San Gallo

The gate construction started in 1285. It faces the huge Arch of Triumph and is located in the south end of Piazza della Liberta (Freedom Square).

Other Attractions in Italy

• Visit the Roman Colosseum. Click on the Roman Colosseum attractions map HERE and accompanying Colosseum attractions guide HERE
• Take the Rome attractions map and self guided tour: It includes the Vatican City attractions map HERE and the Vatican attractions guide HERE
• Self Guided Walking tour to explore the neighborhood of Trastevere with map of attractions HERE and guide of attractions HERE
• Visit St Peters Basilica . Explore all the attractions in St Peter’s Basilica with the attractions guide HERE
• One of my favorite places is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . The map of attractions is HERE and the self guided walking tour is HERE
• Visit Pompeii with a complete self guided tour map HERE and the attractions guide to the 49 points of interest HERE
• Spend the day in Florence , this was by far one of my best day trips. The self guided walking tour map is HERE and the attractions guide is HERE

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Florence tourist attractions map

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Articles , Florence

How To Get A Free Tourist Map Of Florence

This article has been written,  reviewed, and fact-checked  by Rick and I.  We live in Italy  and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece  to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy.  Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

In this article, you'll learn how:

• The Santa Maria Novella train station is an ideal starting point for exploring Florence, whether you arrive by train or car. It offers secure parking options, making it a practical choice for travelers.
• The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge is a unique attraction on the map, known for its jewelry stores and a historic secret passage used by the Duke of Tuscany. 
• At the Mercato del Porcellino, travelers can shop for Florentine leather goods and participate in a superstitious tradition. They can place a coin on the boar's tongue, let it fall in the fountain, and then rub the boar's nose for good luck.

Are you planning a trip to the amazing city of Florence, Italy, but don’t know how to get there ? Well today we will give you a Map of Florence with the perfect itinerary to explore all the best spots in the city!

Also, if you follow this link , we will give a link for you to download the Map of Florence to take with you!

Stops On Our Map of Florence

If you’re wondering whether you can tour Florence alone or not, the answer is YOU CAN . Just follow this easy and simple Map of Florence to visit this incredible city’s best attractions.

Santa Maria Novella Train Station

Florence is a very walkable city , and all the best spots are a few steps away from each other! For this reason, our Map of Florence begins at the Santa Maria Novella train station, which receives over 400 trains daily . 

Tip: If you’re starting your trip to Italy in Rome, you can travel to Florence by train in just a few short hours.

This is the perfect gateway to Florence if you plan to take the train. But it is also a great spot for you if you plan to drive to Florence . In fact, on the side of the train station, you can find a couple of great underground parking lots that are the most convenient places to park.

Now, these are not the cheapest parking spots in Florence, but they are the most convenient, the easiest to reach, and very secure. So if you decide to drive to Florence , we recommend you park here. And speaking of cars, a rental is the best option if you want to get around the Florence countryside. 

Santa Maria Novella Church and Pharmacy

You can walk a few steps from the train station and reach the beautiful Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. You can admire the Church of Santa Maria Novella in the piazza with its colorful facade. This church was completed in the year 1350 , which means it’s around 674 years old. 

From the Piazza of Santa Maria Novella, you can reach Via Della Scala, where you can find another beautiful place in Florence, the Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. This very old and ornate pharmacy is a must-see in Florence. This ancient pharmacy has been crafting fragrances, soaps, elixirs, and more since 1221, making it an over 800-year-old pharmacy , yet you can still shop around nowadays. 

Walking to the Duomo

After visiting the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, we continued on our map of Florence and reached via dei Banchi. At the end of this short street, you’ll find one of the most beautiful monuments in Florence and maybe in the world. The Duomo!

The church of Santa Maria del Fiore is also known as the Duomo. This church has stood for nearly 600 years since its completion in 1436 . The Florence Cathedral is entirely free to visit , you just need to reserve your time online.

Walking is surely the best way to get around Florence, but how long does it take to walk around Florence? To give you a hint, most visitors walk 6-7 hours to get enough, but it can take 2-3 days to see everything in Florence. 

Off to Palazzo Vecchio

Next on our Map of Florence , we take via dei Calzaiuoli, one of the main strolls of Florence. On this street, you can enjoy one of the many stores, coffee shops, gelateria, and so on.

At the end of this street, we reach another incredible Piazza. Piazza della Signoria with the majestic Palazzo Vecchio . Also, in this Piazza, you can admire the Loggia dei Lanzi with its stunning sculptures, the Fountain of Neptune, and of course, the David of Michelangelo. Now this is not the real statue of David, but it is a replica. We will get to the real deal in a bit!

Right on the side of Palazzo Vecchio, you’ll find one of the most famous museums in Italy and maybe in the world! The Galleria degli Uffizi . Inside of the Uffizi, you can admire some of the most important Renaissance paintings in the world. Remember that if you plan on visiting the Uffizi, you must buy your tickets in advance; otherwise, you might risk waiting in line for hours or, worse, find it sold out!

At the end of the Galleria degli Uffizi, you reach the Lungarno (or the Arno river banks), where you have a stunning view of the most famous bridge in the city.

Ponte Vecchio

We continue our Map of Florence by walking on this beautiful bridge to admire the many jewelry stores. On the bridge is a secret passage that the Duke of Tuscany used to go freely from his Palace to Palazzo Vecchio . 

Let us give you a fun fact: in the old days, those stores were butcher stores. The butchers used to throw scraps of meat and bones in the river. In 1594, the Duke of Tuscany Ferdinand the First signed a law to remove the butcher stores from the bridge because the smell of the rotten meat bothered him when he was walking in the secret passage. 

Palazzo Pitti and The Gardens

Right after crossing the river Arno on Ponte Vecchio, we continue our Map of Florence on via dei Guicciardini to reach Palazzo Pitti .

This huge Palace was the residence of the Duke of Tuscany. The Palace inside is very ornate and has an incredible art collection.

But the real gem here is the Gardens right beside the Palace, Il Giardino di Boboli. These gardens represent one of the best examples of Italian gardens, with statues, fountains, and beautiful views. Definitely a must see when visiting Florence.

Porcellino Market and Fountain

Let’s continue our Map of Florence tour by walking back on the Ponte Vecchio and continuing on the Via Por Santa Maria.

We reach the Mercato del Porcellino on this street with the famous fountain. At this market, you can shop for the famous Florentine leather goods. At the market, you can find the Fontana del Porcellino.

According to superstition, you must put a coin on the boar’s tongue, let it fall in the fountain, and then rub the nose for good luck. Who doesn’t want some good luck?

Santa Croce

From the market, we walk on Via della Condotta and then on via dell’Anguillara until we reach another famous landmark of Florence. (For a complete list of what to see and do in Florence, click here) The church of Santa Croce. Inside this magnificent church, you can admire the tombs of Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Galileo. 

See The Real David

From Santa Croce, we walk on via del Proconsolo until we reach the back of the Duomo. We can then walk alongside the stunning duomo until we reach via Ricasoli, the same family that makes the fantastic chianti!

We walk a few minutes on via Ricasoli until we reach the Galleria Dell’Accademia. Inside this Galleria, we can admire the real David. Again, if you plan on visiting the David, book your skip-the-line tickets way in advance because they get sold out quickly!

Off to San Lorenzo Market

Let’s continue our Map of Florence by walking back on via Ricasoli until we reach Via De’ Gori and then the Piazza San Lorenzo with the church of San Lorenzo. From here, we are just a few steps away from one of Florence’s best Markets: The market of San Lorenzo. This market is the perfect place to shop for Tuscan specialties or to sit for a quick lunch or a glass of wine – or both 🙂

Take your time at the market, and explore the many things it has to offer. Also, just outside the market, you can find many places that sell leather goods. From the market, we walk on via Nazionale to reach our final destination of, Santa Maria Novella Station. 

Final Thoughts

Well, this concludes our Map of Florence tour. Florence has so much more beauty to offer, but for the purpose of this article, we picked the ones that are easy to walk to from the Santa Maria Novella train station.

Also, remember we told you that we would give you a downloadable version of the map? Here it is. Visit this link , and you’ll receive the map right in your inbox. Also, if you have any questions about Florence, leave a comment below, and we will get back to you.

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