13 Bucket List Must-Visit Sights in Florence
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, chances are that Florence is on your list! If not, let us take you on a tour that will make you want to visit the city as soon as possible.
From incredible churches to breathtaking museums, here are 13 sights that cannot miss on your Florence bucket list!
We organised this list starting from the centre and going to the south, but you can visit in the order that your prefer. Florence is a small city, and all the major sights are in walking distance from each other!
(Don’t forget to download our Bucket List Free PDF at the bottom of this article!)
Take a look at the map for an overview of all the sights we list in this Blog post:
The Florence Cathedral
This incredible cathedral must be on your list! Located in the heart of Florence, it dominates the Piazza del Duomo with its enormous size and with its beautiful coloured marble façade.
The interior is more simple but not less impressive, and is worth visiting just to admire the Last Judgement painting covering the interior of the Brunelleschi Dome.
For a fee, you can also climb to the top of the dome. This experience is not for anyone suffering from either claustrophobia or a fear of heights, as the top is 40m high and the passages to reach it are extremely narrow.
If you can make it though, you’ll be rewarded with a close look at the paintings covering the inside of the dome, as well as with an incredible view of the entire city below you!
Giotto’s Campanile
This amazing bell tower is hard to miss, and you’ll find right next to the Florence Cathedral. Because of the marble decorating the exterior, one might be led to believe it is part of the cathedral, but it is actually a separate building!
Like the dome, it is possible to climb all the way to the top for an amazing view of the city and the cathedral!
Just beware that the climb is not an easy one and it is not for the faint of heart, as you’ll have to go up 414 steps that will take you almost 85m in the air!
The Baptistery of St. John
Complete your visit of the Piazza del Duomo by going to the Baptistery of St. John, in front of the Florence Cathedral. This church is one of the oldest and most important buildings in Florence, and is dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city.
It’s definitely worth taking the time for a visit to see the beautiful artwork on the inside, depicting several scenes from the Bible and the Old Testament.
Also worth a closer look are the amazing decorated bronze doors, called the Doors of Paradise!
Basilica of San Lorenzo
The Basilica Of San Lorenzo was designed by the Medici, the most powerful ruling family in Florence.
While simpler and less decorated in appearance, the Basilica still has an impressive and powerful look, reflecting the characteristics of the family that had it built.
Inside you’ll be able to see a large selection of artworks, as well as the decorated tombs of several members of the Medici family.
Basilica di Santa Croce
Designed with the same beautiful marble exterior as the Duomo, Santa Croce is smaller and less imposing. It is still worth exploring to see the amazing artwork inside, which includes several works by famous renaissance painters.
The church also contains the tombs of many Italian artists and writers, such as the artist Michelangelo, the composer Rossini and the scientist Galileo!
It is because of this that it has earned the nickname of “Temple of the Italian Glories”!
Piazza della Signoria
This beautiful square was the centre of Florence’s political life, and the backdrop to many of the city’s most important historical events.
The first thing you’ll notice is the large number of statues, which turn the square into an open air museum!
Piazza della Signoria was also the original location for the famous David by Michelangelo, until it was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia. In it’s place there is a replica, so don’t forget to go and see the original!
Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) that dominates the Piazza della Signoria is one of the most important political buildings in the history of the city.
The palace now houses a large museum, featuring paintings, statues and even a map room! Because of its centuries of history and prominent place as a seat for the powerful of the city, the interior is also beautifully decorated. The most impressive room is the Salone dei Cinquecento, a relic of one of the most troubled times in the history of Florence.
For an extra fee you can also visit the bell tower and get yet another view of Florence from above!
Uffizi Gallery
A visit to Florence is all about the breathtaking art and culture, and there are few places in the world where you’ll find more than in the Uffizi Gallery!
This museum occupies the first and second floor of what was once an administrative and judicial building for the powerful Medici family.
Here you’ll find the largest collection of works from Raffaele and Botticelli in the World, along with art from Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto, Rubens and many more.
It is a Mecca for art lovers, and cannot miss on your bucket list!
Galleria dell’Accademia
Only a ten minute walk away from Piazza Della Signoria, Galleria dell’Accademia is one of the most important art museums in Italy, second only to the Uffizi.
Here you’ll find an incredible collection of sculptures and paintings from several Florentine artists, but the main reason to visit is to see the David, by Michelangelo.
This masterpiece is widely considered one of the best sculptures in the World, and you’ll be amazed at the level of detail that the artist was able to pull out of a single block of marble!
Bargello Museum
This building was once a medieval fort and prison, and this can easily be seen in its bare and imposing appearance. It is now a museum that holds a huge collection of artwork that is definitely worth seeing!
The first thing you’ll notice when entering is large courtyard, decorated with insignias and sculptures.
Inside you’ll find works from the likes of Michelangelo, Bernini and Brunelleschi, along with armors, weapons and other artifacts collected over its centuries of history.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval era bridge that stretches across the Arno, the river that separates the north and south of the city. It is easily one of the most bizarre and charming sights of Florence, as the large bridge is filled on both sides by shops.
While these were once stores catering to the common folk, such as groceries and butchers, they are now mostly high-end brands and souvenir stores for tourist.
Even if the shopping situation isn’t great, crossing the bridge is still a charming walk worth experiencing!
Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti is one of the most impressive building you’ll see in the city, and was used as a residence for the Medici, the powerful family that ruled Florence for centuries.
While not as beautiful as others, the palace gives off an intimidating feeling of power, which would have served the Medici well in holding control over the city.
Palazzo Pitti is now a huge museum where one can visit the interior and admire the luxury the Medici and their successors lived in, as well as see works from Raphael, Botticelli, Rubens, Van Dyck, Caravaggio and many more!
Piazzale Michelangelo
This is the perfect spot to end a day in Florence or to escape the crowd. Located not far from Palazzo Pitti, this square offers the most amazing view of the city.
It’s also great to go in the late evening and catch the sunset, with the Brunelleschi Dome, the Palazzo Vecchio and Giotto’s Campanile on the other side of the city, across the Ponte Vecchio.
If you’re looking for a free of charge location to get the most instagrammable shots, look no further!
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If it’s art and culture you’re looking for, few places can compete with Florence.
There is something to see for everyone and, with amazing food and incredible sights, you’ll be counting the days until you can return!
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