If you’re heading to Florence soon, you’ve come to the right place! This guide of Florence includes our favorite things to experience in this marvelous city. While Italy is arguably the major cultural superpower, Florence is its pinnacle and the heart of the Renaissance. Wherever you go in this city, you will always contemplate art, culture, history, and… delicious food.
1. Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Florence is so packed with art, culture, and history that you can easily become overwhelmed. We usually don’t recommend tours due to their excessive touristic vibe. However, we think that booking a walking tour with a local guide is the perfect way to have the first impression of Florence and get to know this city’s general history and some not so known facts. We booked this one and absolutely loved it! Thanks Andrea!
2. Uffizi
This museum houses the greatest, more relevant, and impressive Renaissance art collection in the World. You can find art pieces made by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Rafael, Ticiano, Rubens, Rembrandt or Sandro Botticelli.
If you are an art passionate you could literally spend days at the Uffizi. Even if you are not a big art connoisseur, we recommend spending a few hours at this magnificent building soaking up art made by some of the most renowned artists ever.
3. Palazzo Vecchio
This Palace is one of the oldest buildings of Florence, and even if you don’t want to pay for a tour inside, you will be able to see its unique architecture – different from everything else in Florence. Don’t miss the full-size copy of the statue of David at the front entrance and the amazing First Patio, which can be seen at no charge.
4. Ponte Vecchio
Vecchio bridge is Florence’s ex-libris. Its picturesque looks and untouched views of the Arno river can bring you to another era. Despite being a very tourist place, it has a special vibe and glamour with its goldsmith shops and frequent music concerts. We recommend visiting it at sunset – the sky colors turn the experience even more special.
5. Palazzo Pitti
Pizzi Palace was bought and amplified by Cosimo de Medici because his wife felt that Palazzo Vecchio was too small for her. Well, that says it all! Besides the imponent building, you can also visit the marvelous Boboli Gardens, a park with unique flora, architecture, and statues.
Fun fact: Cosimo de Medici had many enemies and was afraid that someone would try to kill him. Hence, he created a personal indoors path from Palazzo Vecchio through Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and ending in Palazzo Pitti. This way, he did not need to walk through Florence streets, risking being killed.
6. Piazza Santo Spirito
It’s no secret we like to blend in with the locals. If you are like us, then Piazza Santo Spirito is the place to go. It is a square with lots of restaurants, bars, and music, where everyone goes after a working day. Order yourself an Aperol Spritz and do some people-watching.
7. Il Vivandiere - Cantina Vinicola
In Florence (well, in Italy in general), it is almost impossible to have a bad meal. However, this place took it to another level. There is not much we can say about it besides showing these pictures. It is a must-go!
8. Gelatos, Gelatos
If you have been to Italy or done a proper investigation, you already know that gelato is quite a thing in this country. Seriously, we have lost count of how many ice-creams we tasted during our trip! While in Florence, you can try the famous ones from Gelateria Dei Neri, or go straight to the lesser-known Cantina del gelato, which for us was even better! (By this point, you have already noticed that this is not the right country to start your diet, right?)
9. Sunset at Angel Rooftop
You can see Florence from high above if you go on a tour of one of the well-known Palazzos or museums. However, it is not easy to find a cool, relaxing place to sip a drink while soaking up the views. Well, look no further because we found one! Head to Calimala Hotel and go up to the last floor of the building. Angel Rooftop has some great vibes, and the place is stunning! Just make sure you book it to avoid disappointment.
10. All' Antico Vinaio
Did you really go to Florence if you haven’t tried these sandwiches? All’ Antico Vinaio is almost a tourist landmark, and despite their long queues, you will be served within 20/30 minutes (they have a very efficient serving method). Are they the best ones in Florence? We are sure there are equally delicious places with less hype. But are they worth every minute waiting? Yep, they most certainly are.
11. Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
This church is one of the largest ones in the world. Its facade is all over Instagram, and for a good reason. It stands on one of the most touristic Piazzas of Florence, but there’s no way around it: it’s a must-visit and something you need to see with your own eyes. We didn’t make it to the top, but the observation deck is supposed to have stunning views.
12. Santa Croce
In any other place in the world, this church would be a masterpiece. Unfortunately for Santa Croce, it was built in Florence, where Santa Maria del Fiore steals all the attention. While more discreet, it’s a beauty. Actually, we have to say that, in a way, it even feels more authentic. Go inside it to see the famous graves of Galileo Galilei and Michelangelo.
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