aventuro
Italy
Things to do in Florence
560 attractions · Italy
Tuscany, Italy · 43.783, 11.250
About Florence
Florence serves as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, housing one of the world's highest concentrations of artistic masterpieces. The city is defined by the massive terracotta-tiled dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which remains a landmark of engineering innovation. Visitors can explore vast collections at the Uffizi Galleries or view the iconic statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. The historical center is dominated by the medieval Ponte Vecchio, which continues to support a dense cluster of shops spanning the Arno River.
Good to know
- 1
Florence served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy for five years between 1865 and 1870.
- 2
The city is the birthplace of the Italian language, as the dialect spoken in Florence became the standardized form of modern Italian through the works of Dante Alighieri.
- 3
Local regulations strictly control the external aesthetics of the city center, forbidding the installation of modern signage or neon lighting on historic storefronts.
- 4
The Florentine year officially began on March 25th, rather than January 1st, until the year 1749.
- 5
Florence is home to the world's oldest pharmacy, the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, which has been operating since 1221.
Plan your visit to Florence
Best time to visit
May to June or September to October, as these months offer mild weather for extensive walking while avoiding the peak summer humidity and tourist density.
How many days
3-4 days, which allows sufficient time to visit major museums and walk the historic center without rushing through the dense concentration of art galleries.
Getting around
The historic center is almost entirely pedestrianized and best explored on foot, supplemented by a comprehensive local bus network and a modern tram system connecting the outskirts to the center.
Where to stay
Stay in the Oltrarno district for a quieter atmosphere and artisanal workshops, or choose the area surrounding the Duomo for maximum proximity to major transit and primary attractions.
Budget
Florence is a mid-to-high range destination, with premium pricing for centrally located accommodations and dining, though it remains accessible with strategic planning.
Highlights of Florence
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Ponte Vecchio
This medieval stone bridge is unique for its continuous rows of goldsmith shops built directly over the Arno River.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Climb the massive dome, an architectural marvel engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi without the use of a traditional support frame.
Uffizi Galleries
Access one of the world's most significant collections of Renaissance paintings, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
David
Witness the sheer scale and anatomical precision of Michelangelo's marble masterpiece in person.
Boboli Gardens
Stroll through these expansive Medici-designed gardens that provide a sweeping elevated view of the city skyline.
Palazzo Pitti
Tour the opulent former residence of the Medici family, which currently houses several specialized art and decorative museums.
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Visit the final resting place of notable Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli.
Palazzo Vecchio
Explore this fortress-like palace that has served as the center of Florentine civic power since the 13th century.
Top things to do in Florence
The 560 most popular places in Florence.
-
241
Places of interest Hidden gem
Judith and Holofernes
Judith and Holofernes is a bronze sculpture by Donatello housed under the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence's Piazza della Si...
-
242
Museums Hidden gem
Museum of Masonic symbols
The Museum of Masonic symbols, located on Via dell'Orto in Florence, is dedicated to the history, philosophy, and materi...
-
243
Places of interest Hidden gem
English Cemetery
The English Cemetery in Florence, officially known as the Cimiterio degli Inglesi, is an island of romantic architecture...
-
244
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro Ponte a Ema Circolo Acli
Teatro Ponte a Ema Circolo Acli is a community-run performing arts space located in the Bagno a Ripoli area on the south...
-
245
Venues Hidden gem
Comune di Firenze
The Comune di Firenze serves as the central administrative municipal seat of Florence, housed primarily within the histo...
-
246
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo dei Vescovi in San Miniato al Monte
The Palazzo dei Vescovi in San Miniato al Monte is a historic residential palace located adjacent to the famous abbey co...
-
247
Temples Hidden gem
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Florence serves as a local hub for the region's Latter-d...
-
248
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di San Giovannino dei Padri Scolopi
Chiesa di San Giovannino dei Padri Scolopi is a historic Florentine church located on Via de' Martelli, managed by the P...
-
249
Historical places Hidden gem
Ponte alle Volpi sul Torrente Zambra
Ponte alle Volpi is a historic stone bridge crossing the Zambra torrent on the slopes of Monte Morello in Sesto Fiorenti...
-
250
Places of interest Hidden gem
Statue of Michelangelo Buonarroti
The Statue of Michelangelo Buonarroti is a notable marble sculpture dedicated to the legendary Renaissance artist, posit...
-
251
Museums Hidden gem
Aria Art Gallery
Aria Art Gallery is a contemporary art space situated in the historic center of Florence within a space that retains ori...
-
252
Temples Hidden gem
Scientology
The Church of Scientology of Florence is located in the Isolotto district and serves as a local hub for the practice and...
-
253
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro del Romito
Teatro del Romito is an intimate independent performance space located on Via del Romito in Florence, operated under the...
-
254
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Mary Immaculate and Saint Martin 'a Montughi'
The Church of Saint Mary Immaculate and Saint Martin 'a Montughi' is located in the northern residential neighborhood of...
-
255
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Francis and Saint Claire
The Church of Saint Francis and Saint Claire is located on Via dei Cappuccini in the Montughi district of Florence, serv...
-
256
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Norma Cossetto
Giardino Norma Cossetto is a public garden located in the Gavinana district of Florence, specifically dedicated to the m...
-
257
Museums Hidden gem
Pitti Mosaici
Pitti Mosaici is a workshop and gallery dedicated to the traditional Florentine art of 'pietra dura', or hardstone inlay...
-
258
Venues Hidden gem
Castello di Montauto - Vallecchi
Castello di Montauto is a historic fortified estate located in the hills of Impruneta, just south of Florence. The site...
-
259
Temples Hidden gem
St. James Episcopal Church
St. James Episcopal Church serves as the primary English-speaking parish in Florence, catering to both the local expatri...
-
260
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di San Remigio
The Chiesa di San Remigio is a 11th-century Romanesque-style church situated in the historic center of Florence near the...
-
261
Temples Hidden gem
Convento Padri Cappuccini Montughi
The Convento Padri Cappuccini di Montughi is a historic Franciscan complex located on the northern hills of Florence. It...
-
262
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa dei Santi Simone e Giuda
Chiesa dei Santi Simone e Giuda is a historic Romanesque-style church located in Florence, tucked away in the medieval V...
-
263
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro Sala Ruah
Teatro Sala Ruah is a community-focused performing arts space situated in Bagno a Ripoli, on the southeastern outskirts...
-
264
Museums Hidden gem
Archaeological site of Fiesole
The Archaeological Site of Fiesole preserves a remarkably layered ancient complex set into a hillside overlooking Floren...
-
265
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Mary Mother of the Church
The Church of Saint Mary Mother of the Church, located on Via Torregalli in the southwestern area of Florence, serves as...
-
266
Temples Hidden gem
Church of the Holy Cross 'a Quinto'
The Church of the Holy Cross 'a Quinto' is located in Sesto Fiorentino, just northwest of Florence, serving the local Qu...
-
267
Historical places Hidden gem
Tomb of Galileo Galilei
The Tomb of Galileo Galilei is located within the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, serving as the final resting plac...
-
268
Historical places Hidden gem
Tabernacolo di Santa Rosa..
-
269
Museums Hidden gem
Garden of Archimedes
-
270
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Florence on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Florence?
Aventuro lists 560 curated attractions in and around Florence, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Florence?
Piazza del Duomo is the most popular place to visit in Florence right now.
What kind of attractions does Florence have?
The largest category is temples, with 156 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Turin.
