Top 20 Interesting places to see in Florence

1. Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary, whose dome is familiar to tourists from postcards and guidebook photos, has long become an iconic landmark and a hallmark of Florence. Like many churches and temples in Italy, Santa Maria del Fiore is a true treasure trove. The magnificent architecture of the building is matched by the grandeur and opulence of its interior decor, as well as the cathedral's artistic gems — Michelangelo's "Pietà" and Donatello's "Mary Magdalene". The observation deck on the cathedral's dome offers a stunning view of Florence.

Address: The cathedral is located at Piazza del Duomo, 17.
Opening Hours:

• Monday–Wednesday, Friday from 10:00 to 17:00;
• Thursday — from 10:00 to 15:30,
• Saturday — from 10:00 to 16:45 (until 15:30 every first Saturday of the month);
• Sunday — 13:30–16:45.

Prices:

• Entrance to the cathedral is free.
• Entrance to the museum and crypt — €14.5.

2. Ponte Vecchio

Probably the most recognizable bridge in the city, and definitely a place to add to your list of must-see spots in Florence. The bridge spans the Arno River and in the evenings, under the twinkling lights, it looks like a living fairytale.

Location: Ponte Vecchio is located near Palazzo Vecchio and the Galileo Museum on one bank, and Piazza Santa Felicita on the other.

3. Palazzo Vecchio

After being captivated by the romance of the Vecchio Bridge, visit the eponymous palace in Florence, known to the locals as "palazzo". Initially conceived as a fortress, it later became the residence of the ruling Medici family. Today, visitors can marvel at the palace's rich interior decor and the majestic splendor of its interiors, showcasing the finest traditions of Italian nobility.

Address: The palace is located at Piazza Signoria, 1.
Prices: Admission ticket costs €24.5.

4. Uffizi Gallery

It would be a crime to visit Florence and not see the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. It truly deserves the title of Florence's treasure trove: here you will find such world art masterpieces as Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus", Michelangelo's "Holy Family", as well as works by Giotto, Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday–Saturday from 08:15 to 18:50.
• Closed on Monday, December 25 and 31, and May 1.

Price: €24.

5. Piazza della Signoria

Like every corner of Florence, this square is a living embodiment of history: in the past, it was the seat of the government of the Florentine Republic (the Signoria), from which it gets its name.

It was here that state affairs were conducted and sentences were carried out. Today, people come to Piazza della Signoria to admire its beautiful statues: a replica of Michelangelo's "David", Donatello's "Hercules" and "Judith", and to toss a coin into the "Neptune" fountain — to ensure a return visit.

How to get there: You can walk to the square in 15 minutes from Santa Maria Novella Station.

6. Piazzale Michelangelo

A must-visit spot in Florence if you are "hunting" for the best panorama of the city: the viewpoint at Piazzale Michelangelo is rated 5+!

The view is especially stunning at sunset and in the evening, with the city below illuminated by thousands of lights.

7. Boboli Gardens

A unique example of Renaissance landscape art — the Boboli Gardens. Stroll along winding paths, explore mysterious grottos, or enjoy the park's beauty in one of the gazebos or by a fountain. Visit the park's viewpoint for a beautiful view of Florence.

Location: The Boboli Gardens are located at Piazza Pitti (adjacent to the Pitti Palace).
Opening hours:

• November–February: 08:15 to 16:30,
• March: 08:15 to 17:30;
• April, May, September, October: 08:15 to 18:30;
• June–August: 08:15 to 19:30.

Prices: Tickets are €17.

8. Basilica of San Lorenzo

The chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo is undoubtedly one of Michelangelo's most outstanding creations and a significant landmark in Florence. Everything in it, including the decorations and numerous sculptures, leaves an indelible impression. Particularly noteworthy are the allegorical figures of the times of day — Day, Night, Evening, and Morning — adorning the sarcophagi, as well as the magnificent statue of Madonna and Child.

How to get there: Bus No. C1 goes to the San Lorenzo church (get off at the stop with the same name).
Opening hours: The chapel is open daily from 08:15 to 16:50, except on holidays (December 25, January 1, and May 1).
Prices: Ticket costs €10.

9. Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

Once the residence of the powerful Medici family, today the palace serves as the Prefecture of the city and is partially open to visitors. Tourists will surely be interested in visiting the Chapel of the Magi, adorned with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, as well as some apartments of the palace.

Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 3.
Opening hours: The palace is open daily (closed on Wednesdays) from 09:00 to 19:00.
Prices: Ticket costs €14.5.

10. Loggia dei Lanzi

Visit this true open-air museum in Florence – the Loggia dei Lanzi on Piazza della Signoria is definitely worth seeing!

It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll under the arcade, admiring sculptures of ancient heroes created by the best Italian masters with each step, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the historic city. Plus, it won't cost you a penny – it's one of Florence's interesting places that you can visit for free!

11. Bardini Gardens

Another green oasis amidst the stone labyrinths of Florence's streets, located at Costa San Giorgio, 2. This tranquil corner is not yet widely known among tourists, thus it has preserved the unique spirit of medieval Florence. Moreover, from the garden's viewpoints, you can enjoy magnificent views of the city.

Prices: Admission to the Bardini Gardens is included with the same ticket as the Boboli Gardens (price: €17).

Opening hours:

• Winter hours: daily from 08:15 to 16:30,
• March: from 08:15 to 17:30,
• April–May and September–October: from 08:15 to 18:30,
• Summer: from 08:15 to 19:30.

12. Basilica of Santo Spirito

The Basilica of Santo Spirito, located on the square Piazza Santo Spirito, is considered one of the finest works of the renowned architect Brunelleschi. Don't let the modest exterior of this Florentine church deceive you — inside, it will impress you with its magnificent decoration in the best traditions of the Renaissance. The church houses a museum of medieval art where visitors can admire two reliefs by Donatello, as well as "The Last Supper" and "Crucifixion" by Andrea Orcagna.

Ticket Price: Admission to the museum is €2, entrance to the basilica is free.

Opening Hours:

• Summer: daily from 09:00 to 17:00,
• Winter: daily from 10:30 to 13:30, closed on Mondays.

13. Stibbert Museum

An excellent stop on the tourist route in Florence that is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Middle Ages. The museum features an extensive collection of European and Eastern weapons and ammunition, as well as exhibitions of costumes and art objects from that era.

Price: Admission costs €9.8.

Museum Address: Via Federigo Stibbert, 26.

14. Villa La Petraia

Florence, like a jewelry box, never ceases to amaze: here you constantly come across something unexpected and interesting. For example, the amazing Villa Petraia - a former residence of the Medici family (Via della Petraia, 40).

You can stroll through the apartments where members of the famous family lived, or imagine yourself as Florentine nobility, having a wonderful picnic in the villa's garden. An additional plus — entrance to the villa and garden is free.

Location: The villa is located near Amerigo Vespucci Airport.

Entrance: Free.

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15. Fountain of Neptune

When you visit Piazza della Signoria, be sure to see the Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati.

The impressive sculptural group in white marble depicts the lord of the seas surrounded by various mythical creatures such as nymphs, satyrs, and mermaids. Pay special attention to Neptune's chariot, pulled by sea horses and skillfully adorned with whimsical shells.

16. Galileo Museum

We all remember from school the famous phrase of the great scientist that became proverbial: "And yet it moves". You can learn more about Galileo and his discoveries by visiting the museum named after him.

Here they will show and tell you (in Italian or English) what else besides astronomy made this Italian famous. The museum's rich and diverse collection will impress even those who didn't tolerate exact sciences in school.

Address: Piazza dei Guidici, 1 within walking distance from Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.
Opening hours: the museum is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00 (Tuesday from 09:30 to 13:00).

Price: Admission ticket costs €16.5.

17. Museum of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Often tourists, having visited one of Florence's main cathedrals, Santa Maria del Fiore, mistakenly think they've seen everything interesting. But no! There is a museum associated with the cathedral, and this is something we strongly advise not to miss. Here you will find all the treasures of the cathedral, such as Michelangelo's "Pietà", Donatello's wooden statue of Mary Magdalene, gilded plates from Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise", and much more.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 9.
Price: Admission costs €9.

Opening hours:

• From 09:00 to 19:30 Monday to Saturday,
• On Sundays from 09:30 to 13:40.

18. Historic Center of Florence

If you find yourself passing through the city and are wondering what to do in Florence and still want to see its local beauties, we recommend visiting its historic center. This area is rightfully included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Baptistery of St. John, Medici Palace, Basilica of San Lorenzo, San Marco Museum, and the Academy Gallery — this is far from a complete list of treasures you will find here.

Opening hours: The Baptistery is open Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 19:00.

Prices: Admission ticket costs €10.

20. Museum Complex at Palazzo Pitti

The museum is located in the Palazzo Pitti and is known for its extensive collection of artworks, initially gathered by Lorenzo de' Medici, known as "The Magnificent". Here you will find not only silver and gold jewelry, but also ancient amphorae and vases, ivory artifacts, and famous jewelry by Venetian masters from the 14th century. Don't miss the main treasure of the exhibition — a miniature of Piazza della Signoria adorned with gold and gemstones.

Address: Piazza Pitti, 1.

Opening hours:

• November–December — from 08:15 to 16:30;
• March — from 08:15 to 17:30;
• April–May and September–October — from 08:15 to 18:30;
• Summer — from 08:15 to 19:30.