Florence, the capital of Tuscany region, has a lot to offer. The beauty and art in this city is definitely unmatched – and while Florence may not be the biggest city in Italy, it is the birthplace of renaissance and has a unique atmosphere and rich history. Did you know that the entire city centre of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? That naturally means an interesting day of discovery. So be prepared to walk and take lots of pictures here. Galleries and museums abound here – and among the most famous ones, there is the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia (which houses the original State of David).
Well, we haven’t told you yet about the churches and buildings around the city that host masterpieces by the greatest artists, such as Michelangelo and Donatello just to name a few.
Here is what you must not miss when you are in this beautiful city. Let us assure you that it is impossible to condense all the beauty of the city in one blog post, but no matter what, you are going to love it. To make the most of your visit and explore the city's hidden gems, consider our curated International tour packages for a comprehensive and memorable experience.
Duomo
Dominating the Florence skyline is Duomo, one of the top sights to visit in Florence. In fact, you really cannot go anywhere in the city without walking past this cathedral with its red-tiled cupola. Its pink and green exterior is sight in itself. To get a bird’s eye view of the city, climb the Duomo – of course it is not easy (there are 463 steps), but imagine yourself enjoying a gelato as a treat later. It is worth the climb. You can also visit the Baptistery right across from the Duomo and climb the Bell Tower.
Ponte Vecchio
This medieval stone bridge serves many purposes. Besides being one of the most iconic symbols of the city, it is also a “shopping street.” Strange as it might sound, there are plenty of jewellery shops on the bridge – so you can snap the perfect picture of Florence as you shop!
Galleries
Now, every tourist will agree to this fact – Florence has a great nightlife. And what is even better is that you can hop from one spot to another on foot – there is no need to look for transport. You just walk. While on the topic of nightlife, let us give you a quick tip on what you should eat (besides gelato, of course). Eat a very Florentine panino con lampredotto. There are lampredotto stalls near every important square in the city or pick up one the trippaio just in front of the market, you’ll save some time! You can only have this local delicacy in Florence, so this is your chance!
Of course, you will see plenty of “David” statues all over the city, but we will have you know that the original statue is (and of course, the most spectacular of all) is at the Accademia Gallery. There are tons of beautiful paintings and sculptures in the Accademia but the main attraction is the David. We cannot even begin to tell you just how marvelous this museum is – there is so much to see here. It is an art lover’s paradise; such is the richness of art to be found here.
Next, take the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the western world. The Renaissance masterpieces that you will find are quite unique and one of a kind (we are talking about paintings by famous artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, for example).
Hike for best views
Well, Florence as a city is best explored on foot. But if you are up to a little more than just a casual stroll, do a little hiking. Make your way across the river and up to Piazzale Michelangelo to get the most amazing view of Florence and the surrounding hillside. Grab a gelato or two and hike up. If you stay long enough, you will be rewarded with a glorious sunset as well.
Immensely walkable city
Now, the best thing about Florence is that you can walk to almost anywhere! Whether you are looking for a church or a museum, they are all close to each other, so you really save up on the transport.
Great nightlife and food
