20 best places to visit in Florence: attractions and top sights

Whether you’re an art buff, a food fanatic or simply just after a taste of la dolce vita, Florence is almost overflowing with places to visit and sights to see. But with this in mind, you’ll need to build your list of things to do in Florence carefully. Which art galleries should you include in your itinerary? What are the must-see spots if traveling with kids? Where should you go if you want to learn about Florence’s rich culture and history?

Gaze at Botticelli’s masterpieces at the unmissable Uffizi; meet Michaelangelo’s David; and learn about Leonardo da Vinci’s innovations at these top 20 best places to visit in Florence.

Best places to visit in Florence for history

1. The Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is a must-visit tourist attraction for anyone interested in history. It’s been a seat of power in Florence since 1299 and currently serves as the town hall. Explore its impressive stonework, courtyards, frescoes, and works of art.

Highlights:

Take a tour to discover secret parts of the Palazzo normally closed to the public.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence. Open Friday-Wednesday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM, Thursday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.

2. The Duomo

Brunelleschi’s Duomo is one of the most iconic sights in Florence. With its stunning frescoes and its unparalleled panoramic views of the city, it’s a sightseeing must-visit and one of the most important historical Florence landmarks.

Highlights:

Book in advance to get 72-hour access to the Florence Cathedral Complex, including Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Duomo Museum, and the Santa Reparata Crypt — explore these other important tourist attractions at your own pace.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Florence. Open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

3. The Synagogue and Jewish Museum

Florence’s Jewish community has a rich legacy of history and art. Explore the museum’s extensive collection of historical Jewish art, learn about this important part of the city’s history, and admire the building’s beautiful Moorish architecture and gardens.

Highlights:

Admire the rich décor of the Synagogue’s interior, with its golden arabesques and geometrical motifs.

Address and opening hours:

Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 6, 50121 Florence. Open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-5:00 PM. Closed Fridays and Saturdays.

4. The National Archaeological Museum

A treasure trove of ancient Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts, this is one of the best places to visit in Florence for history buffs. A tour will help you get the most out of your visit and learn fascinating facts about the exhibits.

Highlights:

The museum is home to the world-famous François Vase, one of the most important examples of ancient Greek art.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 9b, 50121 Florence. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 AM-1:15 PM, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8:30 AM-6:15 PM. Closed Sundays.

5. The Stibbert Museum

A fascinating blend of historical artifacts, armor, art, and archaeology, the Stibbert Museum ranks as one of the best museums in Florence. Eclectic but well-curated, the museum is home to over 36,000 treasures, including an outfit worn by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Highlights:

The museum is famous for its extensive collection of Samurai swords and armor.

Address and opening hours:

Via Federico Stibbert, 26, 50134 Florence. Open Monday-Wednesday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed Thursdays.

Best things to see in Florence for art fans

6. Uffizi Gallery

Housing some of the world’s most famous Renaissance masterpieces, the Uffizi Gallery is easily one of the best places to visit in Florence. It attracts millions of visitors a year — so booking in advance is essential.

Highlights:

It’s impossible to pick just one highlight: the gallery hosts masterpieces by numerous great artists, including Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, and Caravaggio.

Address and opening hours:

Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 AM-6:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

7. The Accademia Gallery

At the Accademia Gallery, you can immerse yourself in the world of Renaissance Florence, with its tales of political intrigues, artistic masterpieces, and the powerful Medici family. Learn the stories behind some of the greatest Renaissance artworks, including, of course, Michelangelo’s celebrated David.

Highlights:

While David is the most famous masterpiece at the Accademia, it is far from the only one: enjoy paintings by Lippi, Ghirlandaio, and many more.

Address and opening hours:

Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 AM-6:20 PM. Closed Mondays.

8. Palatine Gallery

This magnificent palace, formerly home to the King of Italy, now houses one of the best art museums in Florence. Take a tour of the Pitti Palace to learn about masterpieces by famed Renaissance artists like Caravaggio, Titian, and Rubens.

Highlights:

The Pitti Palace is home to several astonishing collections. With a guided tour entry ticket, you can enjoy the Galleria d’Arte Moderna and the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, both impressive tourist attractions.

Address and opening hours:

Pitti Palace, Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1:30 PM-6:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

9. Bargello Museum

The Bargello Museum is the National Sculpture Museum, home to the largest Italian collection of Gothic and Renaissance sculpture. There’s plenty to see, so allow yourself enough time to truly take in the collection of masterpieces by Michelangelo, Cellini, and Verrocchio, among others.

Highlights:

Donatello’s famous bronze David can be seen here: this is a must-see attraction.

Address and opening hours:

Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence. Open Wednesday-Thursday 8:15 AM-1:50 PM, Friday-Monday 8:15 AM-6:50 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

10. Novecento Museum

Sure, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance. But did you know it’s also an important center of modern art? Find out how this city continues to inspire creativity at the Museo Novecento.

Highlights:

There are 300 works in the museum's collection spread over 15 exhibition rooms: learn about them from a professional art expert guide.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 10, 50123 Florence. Open Friday-Wednesday 11:00 AM-8:00 PM. Closed Thursdays.

Best places to visit in Florence for families

11. Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is known for its breathtaking collection of statues. Make sightseeing fun with a Florence guided tour, a colorful introduction for young children to the Greek mythology which inspired these artworks, including the stories of Medusa, Hercules, and Poseidon.

Highlights:

Look for the replicas of Michelangelo’s famous David and Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at the Square's Fountain of Neptune. Tours start at 9:00 AM and last 1 hour.

12. Leonardo Interactive Museum

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest minds in human history, with discoveries spanning painting, anatomy, engineering, and physics. Head to the Leonardo Interactive Museum to engage curious minds both old and young.

Highlights:

Take part in interactive workshops and build structures based on da Vinci’s work.

Address and opening hours:

Via dei Servi, 66/R, 50122 Florence. Open daily, 9:30 AM–7:30 PM.

13. Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace are a fascinating mixture of wild vegetation and beautiful sculptures, fountains, and grottoes. Not your average park, the artworks in the gardens have their own story. A guided tour will help you make the most of your visit, so you can discover the secrets hidden in this spectacular attraction.

Highlights:

Pack a picnic and enjoy the wonderful views of Florence from the gardens after the tour.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza dei Pitti, 50125 Florence. Tours start at 10:30 AM and last 1.5 hours.

14. Galileo Museum

One of the most famous scientists in history, Galileo Galilei, spent much of his life in Florence. Learn more about his astonishing discoveries and legacies at the Museo Galileo, and understand why his work is still relevant today.

Highlights:

In this museum, you can see a number of the original scientific instruments used by Galileo himself.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Florence. Open Wednesday-Monday 9:30 AM-6:00 PM, Tuesday 9:30 AM-1:00 PM.

15. Cinque Terre

Escape from the city and see one of Italy’s most magical scenic attractions by heading to Cinque Terre. Known for its picturesque pastel cliffside fishing villages, this is a family sightseeing day out to be remembered.

Highlights:

Take a breathtaking boat ride to Riomaggiore, and in summer, swim in the warm Ligurian sea.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Villa Costanza, 50018 Scandicci, Florence. Tours start at 7:00 AM and last 13.5 hours.

Best places to visit in Florence for culture

16. Santa Maria Novella Basilica

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the best places to visit in Florence, both for its beautiful 15th-century architecture and for its extraordinary 13th-century perfumery, still in operation. A private tour will show you the sounds and smells of the Basilica and the perfumery.

Highlights:

The Basilica is home to several important works of art by Renaissance artists, such as Ghirlandaio, Brunelleschi, and Giotto.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Florence. The Basilica is open Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.

17. Val d’Orcia region

Absorb the local culture and enjoy delicious food at the same time with a day trip out to Valdorcia, Brunello Montalcino and Montepulciano. Sample wine tastings of world-renowned wines in the villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano, enjoy a sumptuous Tuscan lunch in Pienza and admire the rolling hills and castles of the Tuscan countryside.

Highlights:

The Val d'Orcia region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an area of legendary natural beauty.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Piazza Antinori, 50123 Florence. Tours start at 8:00 AM and last 10.5 hours.

18. Santa Monaca Church

Whether you’re an opera buff or new to classical music, you won’t want to miss this impressive Santa Monaca Church Italian Opera house. Featuring arias from the most beloved Italian composers sung by professional singers in the beautiful Santa Monaca Church, this memorable experience is also one of the most romantic things to do in Florence.

Highlights:

The Santa Monaca Church is a tourist attraction in its own right, with breathtaking frescoes from the 1400s.

Address and opening hours:

Via Santa Monaca 6, 50124 Florence. The concert starts at 9:15 PM and lasts 65 minutes.

19. San Marco Museum

The San Marco Museum is a stunning 15th century Dominican convent and widely considered one of the most distinguished examples of Florentine architecture. Visit the cell where the famous friar Girolamo Savonarola lived.

Highlights:

The museum is particularly famous for its artworks by Beato Angelico, one of Florence’s most important Renaissance artists.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza San Marco 3, 50121 Florence. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:15 AM-1:50 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

20. Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano

For a culture-packed day trip from Florence, head out of town to Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti, and Pisa. Discover highlights of the Tuscan region, with the UNESCO site of San Gimignano and its cobbled streets and artisan shops, visit Siena’s beautiful Cathedral and, of course, see the leaning tower of Pisa.

Highlights:

Opt for enjoying a traditional Tuscan lunch at a family-run farm, and taste the delicious local Chianti wine.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Piazzale Montelungo, 50129 Florence. Tours start at 7:30 AM and last 12 hours.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Florence?

Although it’s not a very big city, there is plenty in Florence to keep you occupied for weeks. Plan for at least 4 days to take in all the top attractions, but if you can take longer, you won’t regret it.

What is the best time of year to visit Florence?

The summer months can get very hot in Florence: the best time to visit is April to June and September to October. However, there are plenty of sights to make it a great place to visit year-round.

How do I get around Florence?

The historic center of Florence is small, making it easy to get around while sightseeing on foot. Many of the streets are pedestrianized, and using a car is not advisable. There are small electric buses to get around the center, and the city also has a tram system.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Florence?

Outside the famous sites of the old town, the Santo Spirito neighborhood, south of the river, is abuzz with artisan workshops and a bohemian vibe. San Lorenzo is where you'll find some of the best food in Florence, with cafes and trattorias (traditional Italian restaurants) and the San Lorenzo food market. San Frediano is a fun place to go at night, with its buzzing bars and nightlife.

What are the best places to go shopping in Florence?

Florence’s most famous shopping street is the Via de’ Tornabuoni, where you can find high-end boutiques and luxury designer brands such as Gucci, Versace, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Alternatively, check out one of the city’s many markets, like the ones at Piazza Santo Spirito, where you can find vintage clothes, artisan products, antiques, jewelry, and much more.

[HEADER IMAGE CREDIT] Katarzyna Skrzypek. Some rights reserved