The first time I visited Florence in Italy, I made the mistake many first-time visitors do. I rushed from one famous landmark to the next, ticking off attractions without really taking time to appreciate the city.
When I came back, I did things differently. I wandered quiet streets, lingered over long lunches, sipped coffee in peaceful piazzas, and discovered that Florence is a city best enjoyed at a slower pace.
Hi, I’m Phoebe Lee from Travel For Phoebe, and after returning to Florence, I can honestly say it’s become one of my favourite cities in Italy. Yes, it’s home to some of the world’s greatest Renaissance masterpieces, but it’s also a place where slowing down often leads to the best experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or adding Florence to a longer Italy itinerary, here are the best places to visit in Florence that I think deserve a spot on your list.
What Is Florence Like?
Florence is often called the birthplace of the Renaissance, and it’s easy to see why. Around almost every corner, you’ll find magnificent churches, elegant piazzas, world-famous museums, and beautiful buildings that have stood for centuries.
It can also be incredibly busy, especially during the summer. When I visited, temperatures in Florence reached around 34°C, and by the middle of the day, the historic centre was packed with visitors. Starting early, taking long lunch breaks, and exploring again in the evening made the experience far more enjoyable.
For me, two nights felt just about perfect, and as a solo traveller, I felt very safe throughout my stay.
The Best Places to Visit in Florence
One of the things I loved most about Florence is that many of its biggest attractions are within walking distance of one another. You can spend a full day in Florence exploring without ever needing public transport, and along the way you’ll constantly stumble across beautiful piazzas, hidden churches, and little cafés that weren’t even on your itinerary.
Here are my favourite places to visit in Florence.
1. Ponte Vecchio
If there’s one landmark that instantly comes to mind when people think of Florence, it’s the Ponte Vecchio. Dating back to the 1300s, it’s the city’s oldest and most famous bridge. It was once home to butchers and fishmongers before the Medici family replaced them with jewellers and goldsmiths in the 16th century, a tradition that continues today.
Walking across the bridge is an experience in itself. The small jewellery shops, the views over the River Arno, and the lively atmosphere make it one of Florence’s most iconic sights. One fact I found particularly interesting is that Ponte Vecchio was one of the only bridges in Florence to survive the Second World War.
If you can, return around sunset. Watching the bridge glow in the evening light while the Arno reflects the colours of the sky was one of my favourite moments in Florence.
2. Duomo di Firenze
No visit to Florence feels complete without seeing the Duomo. Even after seeing countless photos, I still wasn’t prepared for just how enormous it is. The intricate white, pink, and green marble exterior is absolutely breathtaking, while Brunelleschi’s famous red dome remains one of the Renaissance’s greatest engineering achievements. The square surrounding the cathedral is always buzzing, making it one of the city’s liveliest spots.
If you’re visiting during peak season, be prepared for long queues. When I arrived, the line stretched around the square, so I chose to admire the cathedral from outside instead. If climbing the dome or exploring the interior is high on your list, booking tickets well in advance is definitely worthwhile.
3. Palazzo Strozzi
One of the highlights of my trip to Italy was Palazzo Strozzi. During my visit, it was hosting a fascinating Mark Rothko exhibition, following his artistic journey from early cityscapes through to the darker, more emotional works he became famous for later in life.
I also discovered that Rothko visited Florence in the 1950s, and the Renaissance masterpieces he saw here helped influence his later paintings, which made the exhibition even more meaningful.
Even when there isn’t a major exhibition on, Palazzo Strozzi regularly hosts outstanding contemporary art shows. If you’re looking for something beyond Renaissance masterpieces, it’s well worth checking what’s on during your visit.
4. Galleria dell’Accademia
If you’re only planning to visit one museum in Florence, I’d probably recommend the Accademia Gallery. It’s home to Michelangelo’s original Statue of David, and seeing it in person is an entirely different experience from seeing photos or the replicas scattered around the city. Standing over five metres tall, the level of detail is extraordinary.
I’d already seen David on a previous visit, so this time I decided to experience Florence a little differently by slowing down and spending more time exploring the streets. But if it’s your first trip, I absolutely think the Accademia is worth visiting.
Alongside David, you’ll also find Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners sculptures, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative process.
5. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s greatest art museums and a must-visit for anyone interested in Renaissance art. Inside you’ll find masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio, with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus being one of the gallery’s biggest highlights.
The building itself is also beautiful, with windows framing lovely views across the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio. Like many of Florence’s most popular attractions, queues can be long, particularly during summer, so booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
6. Piazzale Michelangelo
If there’s one place I’d recommend for sunset, it’s Piazzale Michelangelo. Perched on a hill overlooking Florence, it’s the city’s most famous viewpoint, and for good reason. From here, you can see the Duomo rising above the terracotta rooftops, the Arno River winding through the city, and the rolling Tuscan hills beyond.
Yes, it gets busy, especially in the evening, but the view is absolutely worth it. Bring a drink, find a spot on the steps, and stay for sunset. Watching Florence slowly glow in the golden light is one of those travel moments you’ll remember long after you’ve gone home.
7. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
If you’ve had your fill of museums and busy streets, Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens offer the perfect change of pace. Once home to the powerful Medici family, the palace is filled with royal apartments, impressive art collections, and fascinating exhibitions that provide a glimpse into Florence’s royal past.
For me, though, the real highlight was stepping outside into the Boboli Gardens. With elegant fountains, sculptures, tree-lined paths, and lovely viewpoints overlooking the city, they provide a peaceful escape from Florence’s bustling historic centre. It’s the perfect place to slow down for an afternoon and simply enjoy your surroundings.
8. Visit Florence’s Beautiful Churches
While the Duomo understandably steals the spotlight, Florence is home to plenty of other beautiful churches that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Basilica of Santa Croce
Often called the “Temple of the Italian Glories”, Santa Croce is one of Florence’s most historically important churches. Inside are the tombs of some of Italy’s greatest figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini.
Along with its remarkable history, you’ll also find beautiful frescoes, peaceful cloisters, and a much calmer atmosphere than the Duomo. If you’re looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing Florence’s incredible history, this is a wonderful place to visit.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Just a short walk from Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella is often overlooked by visitors. Its striking marble façade is one of the city’s most recognisable, while inside you’ll find magnificent frescoes created by some of the Renaissance’s greatest artists.
Because it’s slightly removed from the busiest streets, it usually feels much quieter than many of Florence’s other famous attractions, making it well worth adding to your itinerary.
9. Piazza della Signoria
If Florence has a living room, this is it. Piazza della Signoria is one of the city’s most famous squares and somewhere you’ll almost certainly find yourself passing through more than once. Surrounded by grand Renaissance buildings, it’s been the political heart of Florence for centuries.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the impressive collection of statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David standing outside the Palazzo Vecchio. Nearby, the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi almost feels like a free sculpture museum, with remarkable works that you can admire without buying a ticket.
Whether you’re stopping for a coffee, people-watching or simply taking in the atmosphere, this is one of the best places to slow down and appreciate Florence’s history and architecture.
10. Palazzo Vecchio
Overlooking Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio is one of Florence’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in the late 13th century, this impressive fortress-like palace has served as Florence’s town hall for more than 700 years and remains an important symbol of the city’s history.
Inside, you’ll find beautifully decorated halls, Renaissance frescoes and lavish rooms once used by the powerful Medici family. If you have time, it’s also worth climbing the Arnolfo Tower for panoramic views across Florence’s rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan hills.
Even if you don’t go inside, Palazzo Vecchio is one of those buildings that’s impossible not to admire. Its towering clock tower dominates the skyline and makes Piazza della Signoria one of the most impressive squares in the city.
What Else to Do in Florence
Beyond Florence’s iconic landmarks, there are plenty of other reasons to fall in love with the city. From unforgettable food experiences to scenic day trips and hidden corners waiting to be discovered, here are a few more ways to make the most of your Florence tour.
Discover Florence’s Hidden Gems
Step away from the busiest streets, and you’ll find a quieter, more local side of Florence. Wander through artisan workshops in the Oltrarno district, browse local markets, take in panoramic viewpoints, or simply get lost in the charming side streets filled with cafés and boutiques. These are often the moments that end up staying with you the longest.
Check Out the Odeon Cinema
The Odeon Cinema was one of those unexpected discoveries that ended up becoming one of my favourite places in Florence. From the outside, it looks like a historic theatre, but step inside, and you’ll find a beautiful blend of bookstore and cinema.
During my visit, an old Charlie Chaplin film was playing on the giant screen while people browsed books beneath the ornate ceiling. It had such a relaxed, almost timeless atmosphere that I could easily have spent an entire afternoon there.
Visit Mercato Centrale
If you love food, Mercato Centrale is well worth a stop. Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh pasta and artisan cheeses to pizza, sandwiches, pastries, and Tuscan specialities. It’s lively, a little chaotic in the best way, and perfect for a relaxed lunch in the city.
I actually made the mistake of trying to walk around and compare everything before deciding what to eat, and ended up completely overwhelmed by the choices. Everything looked so good that I somehow left without ordering anything at all. So my advice is simple: pick something that catches your eye and just enjoy it.
Day Trip to Cinque Terre, Pisa, or Tuscany
If you have a little extra time, Florence is an excellent base for exploring more of Tuscany and beyond.
One of the most popular day trips is Cinque Terre, where colourful fishing villages cling dramatically to the cliffs above the Mediterranean. It’s a long day, but the scenery is absolutely unforgettable.
Pisa is another easy option, just under an hour away by train, and perfect if you’ve always wanted to see the iconic Leaning Tower in person.
Or, if you’re craving a slower pace, head into the Tuscan countryside. Between wine tastings in the Chianti region, medieval hill towns, and rolling vineyard landscapes, it offers a completely different side of Italy that’s every bit as memorable as Florence itself.
Experience the Best of Florence Beyond the Landmarks
Florence is home to some of Italy’s most iconic attractions, and they’re absolutely worth seeing. But often, it’s the slower moments that stay with you longest; watching the sunset by the Arno, finding a quiet piazza, or wandering streets that have barely changed in centuries.
I hope this guide helps you discover the best places to visit in Florence and experience the city at a gentler pace than I did on my first trip.
If you’re planning a bigger Italian adventure, you can explore more destination guides on my blog, Travel For Phoebe. You can also join me on my YouTube channel for travel vlogs, walking tours, and practical tips to help you plan your own unforgettable trip to Italy.