14 Must Visit Spots In Florence

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, attracting millions of tourists a year. For many of us who visit Florence, we fall in lifelong love with it. It's easy to understand why. Brimming with beautiful architecture, world-famous museums and churches, stunning vistas, and so much more, Florence is an unforgettable destination. With origins dating back to Ancient Roman times, the city grew to become a cultural center that influenced the world during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. It's astonishing how many artists, architects, and writers lived and worked here. Many of their masterpieces are still in Florence, and seeing them in person is well worth it.

Florence is a fairly small city, but it's absolutely packed with things to do, see, eat, drink, and discover. It's the kind of place that can be visited in a few days but still offers plenty of things to do over weeks or months, as those of us who love it and visit often can attest. Whether you're planning a trip in high season (mid-May through September) or in the less crowded (and thus more enjoyable) period from October through April, these are just a few of the must-visit spots in Florence.

Officially called Santa Maria del Fiore (Saint Mary of the Flower), Florence Cathedral is commonly referred to as il Duomo (the cathedral). It's especially famous for its dome, which was considered impossible to build at the time of its construction. However, in 1418, Renaissance architect Brunelleschi astonished everyone by finding a solution. Today, his dome dominates Florence's skyline and is still the largest masonry dome in the world. The dome's warm-red bricks offer a contrast to the rest of the cathedral's colorful, candy-like marble façade, which was added centuries later. 

Inside, the dome is decorated with a breathtaking fresco, "The Last Judgment" by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, and you can get a little closer to Heaven by climbing the dome. To do so, you can purchase tickets through the official website of the Florence Cathedral, or consider taking a private tour of Florence's Duomo, which allows you to skip long lines.

Beside the Duomo is Giotto's Bell Tower, named for the famous Renaissance painter and overseer of the cathedral's construction, and you'll find the Baptistery of San Giovanni in front of the Duomo. In addition to its beautiful mosaic ceiling, the Baptistery is famous for the bronze bas-relief sculptures at the eastern entrance. Known as "The Gates of Paradise," the sculptures were created by Ghiberti from 1425 to 1452 and have influenced countless artists since. Climbing the bell tower and visiting the inside of the Baptistery are included in some official Duomo pass options.

Michelangelo's "David" is one of the world's most famous works of art. Seeing "David" in person — not the copy in the Piazza della Signoria (its proportions seem wonky) — will make you truly understand why the statue is considered one of the greatest sculptures in history. Carved of flawless white marble, it towers over you — magnificently. Look closely to appreciate details like the veins in David's hands, a reminder that artists like Michelangelo often studied corpses (an illegal practice at the time) to bring realism to their works. Be sure to view "David" from all sides; from the back, he's equally impressive (and some say quite attractive).

The Galleria dell'Accademia isn't just home to this famed statue, though. The museum boasts an impressive permanent collection, including works by Renaissance masters. Four of Michelangelo's "Slaves" can also be viewed here. These largely unfinished sculptures make up a striking display, lining the corridor that leads to "David," as if to show the struggle of the artist to create perfection, or the struggle we all experience to be our best selves. You can buy Galleria dell'Accademia tickets onsite, but if you do, you'll probably face long wait times. The museum itself advises guests to preorder them online or by phone.

If a "must visit" for you includes the offbeat and macabre, Florence offers the perfect place. La Specola is the city's smallish, charming natural history museum. One of its floors houses the largest anatomical waxworks collection in the world, featuring 1,400 realistic-looking wax models of body parts, organs, and signs of disease. There are also full body figures, including a few anatomical Venuses, idealized beautiful, sensual women whose torsos could be opened to reveal realistic-looking organs and a fetus inside. La Specola's extremely realistic-looking models were made in the late 1700s and early 1800s, copied from real-life specimens from living or dead subjects. However, the hair is real human hair, often taken from corpses.

Despite their somewhat creepy nature, the anatomical waxworks are treated with great respect. They are considered both works of art and were helpful resources for scientific and medical research. Displays are organized and academic, and visiting hours are limited. Since the waxworks are so sensitive, too much vibration from visitors walking on the floors can damage them. Because of this, be sure to check the museum's official website for admission rules and times. As of this writing, La Specola is closed for renovations but is due to reopen in February 2024.

Gelato is like ice cream on overdrive, with a richer flavor and a creamier texture. The delicious frozen treat was supposedly invented in Florence in the 16th century by Bernardo Buontalenti. Although some dispute this, one thing is certain: Gelato is ubiquitous in Florence today. You don't have to walk far to find a gelateria (gelato shop), whether it's a small hole in the wall or a large, even grandiose-looking parlor.

An online search for "best gelato" or "best gelateria" in Florence results in an abundance of different answers. However, two that often appear in lists and rankings are Gelateria Perchè No and classy, somewhat pricey La Carraria. But the truth is, no matter where you get it, gelato will probably taste good, especially if you're visiting Florence in the stiflingly hot summer. Also, since Florence has so many places to get gelato, prices are competitive, making it an affordable treat to enjoy as you explore the city.

Florence's main square is a large, open space that can be brutally hot in the summer. Still, there's much to love and see at the Piazza della Signoria. Most noticeable is the Palazzo Vecchio, the old town hall. Despite its high tower, the Palazzo Vecchio is often overshadowed by other museums and attractions, including the nearby Uffizi. But a visit here's worth considering. You'll see, among other things, lavishly decorated Renaissance-era rooms, as well as ruins from Florence's Ancient Roman past in a section beneath the current Palazzo. Even if you don't visit the museum, you'll usually be able to step just inside the entrance, where you can admire a beautiful courtyard.

Just outside the Palazzo Vecchio, you can see a copy of Michelangelo's "David." The original (which looks a million times better) used to be located here. Not far from it, near the entry door and behind a statue of Hercules, you can see l'Importuno di Michelangelo, a graffiti-engraved head that's said to have been drawn by Michelangelo himself to mock an annoying person talking to him. You'll also see Loggia dei Lanzi, a small group of covered arches housing sculptures, some of which are originals dating to the 16th century. In summer, the Piazza della Signoria is probably best enjoyed at night, when the weather's cooler, vendors display their wares, families let their kids scamper around, and street performers strike up songs.

Its facades are less ostentatious than most of Florence's other famous churches, but don't let that fool you. San Lorenzo Basilica is actually made up of several structures, and as befits anything sponsored by the Medici, the structures are full of architectural and artistic masterpieces. In the 15th century, the Medici called on several superstars to contribute architectural and decorative elements to a newly rebuilt church, crypt, and library. Brunelleschi (the architect of the Duomo's dome) designed the basilica's interior. Instead of following Gothic-inspired tradition, he called on Classical and geometric elements. The sober style of balance and harmony had an immense influence on Renaissance art and architecture to come. 

Donatello added decorative elements throughout the complex, and a century or so later, Michelangelo contributed. In addition to designing the Laurentian Library, whose staircase is known for seeming to flow like water, Michelangelo also designed the New Sacristy (part of the Medici Chapel) and sculpted "The Medici Madonna," as well as two of the Medici tombs here. The tombs' statues ("Night," "Day," "Dusk," and "Dawn") are some of his most famous works. These are just a few of the highlights you'll see inside the Basilica di San Lorenzo and its complex. But you can't access all of its buildings with the same ticket. Tickets are sold separately for the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library, which is an impressive historical library, reading room, and monument.

Florence is relatively small and very walkable, but even if it wasn't, it would be hard to resist strolling through the city. You'll come upon everything from centuries-old architecture to charming little shops and tempting gelaterias. As in any city with a lot of history, you're also sure to discover some peculiar things. Take, for instance, Florence's iconic wine windows. These small wine windows, known as buchette del vino, were used by merchants to hand out wine during the plague of the 16th and 17th centuries to limit contact and contagion. Sound familiar? Understandably, wine windows went viral during the pandemic, but very few are still in use today.

So much of the charm of Florence is the city itself — a beautiful, fascinating blend of old and new enveloped in the centuries-old stones all around you. No matter what you're here to see, Florence itself is the main attraction. You can take in its unique and unforgettable ambiance, countless stunning views, and artistic treasures (or replicas) that seem to be around every corner — for free. Florence is an amazing destination for travelers on any sort of budget, and its beauty, history, and surprises will surely enrich your soul.