Florence, also known as Firenze in Italian, is a historic city in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. It is renowned for its rich history, art, architecture, and cultural heritage.
How to get there
The main train station in Florence is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella. It is a major transportation hub with regular train services from cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, and other European destinations. You can check the schedule and book your tickets at Trenitalia.com or ItaliaRail.com
The closest airport to Florence is the Florence Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR). It is located about 6 kilometers northwest of the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, an airport shuttle, or a bus to reach the city center.
Things to do
The Duomo
One of the most iconic landmarks in Florence is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Florence Cathedral or the Duomo. It features a magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, a Renaissance engineering masterpiece.
The church is free to enter but often has long lines. Be prepared to wait for an hour or more to enter. I recommend getting there an hour before opening or an hour before closing. In the middle of the day, the lines are the longest.
The dome’s interior features stunning artwork. It was created by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari in the 16th century, and it depicts various scenes from the biblical Last Judgment.
Dome Climb
You can climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city. You are required to climb 463 steps, no lifts (elevators) are available and need to buy your tickets in advance for a fixed time slot. Brunelleschi Pass costs 30€ and includes access to all monuments with a single ticket including the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Duomo Museum, and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
The Bell Tower has a stairway of 414 steps, and no lifts (elevators) are available. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city, and admire the stunning architecture. You can also buy Giotto Pass which costs 20€ and includes Giotto’s Bell Tower, Baptistery, the Duomo Museum, and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata.
Baptistery
It is an octagonal building made of white Carrara marble, featuring beautiful arches, columns, and intricate detailing. You can also buy the Ghiberti Pass which cost 15€ and includes the Baptistery, the Duomo Museum, and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata.
The Baptistery has three sets of bronze doors that depict scenes from the Renaissance and are admired for their exquisite craftsmanship.
Academia Gallery
The Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s famous statue of David as well as other works of art. The ticket costs (13€ + 4€ fee) and you can buy it online here to avoid long lines. It usually takes an hour to visit the museum.
The centerpiece of the Accademia Gallery is the renowned sculpture of David, created by Michelangelo. Standing at over 5 meters tall, this masterpiece is a symbol of strength and beauty.
The Prisoners (Prigioni) are unfinished sculptures that showcase Michelangelo’s unique approach, with figures emerging from blocks of marble, seemingly struggling to break free.
This hall features a selection of large-scale plaster models created by 19th-century sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini.
“The Rape of the Sabine Women” is a marble sculpture depicting the moment when the Sabine women are being forcefully taken by Roman men.
The museum’s Musical Instruments Collection showcases a remarkable assortment of historical instruments.
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio has been the city’s town hall for centuries. The palace features a distinctive medieval and Renaissance architectural style. Its tower, known as the Arnolfo Tower, stands tall and offers panoramic views of the city. The tickets cost €12.50 for the museum and €12.50 for the tower.
Piazza della Signoria
It is situated in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and has been the center of civic life since the Middle Ages. One of the most famous sculptures in the square is the imposing Statue of David by Michelangelo. The original statue was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia to protect it from weather damage.
Another notable sculpture is the Fountain of Neptune, sculpted by Bartolomeo Ammannati in the 16th century.
The Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery adjacent to the Palazzo Vecchio, showcases a collection of sculptures, including Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa and Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s most famous art museums. The gallery features works by Renaissance masters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. You need to buy your tickets in advance on the official website.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the historic bridge that spans the Arno River and is lined with shops selling jewelry and other goods.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Pitti Palace was originally built for the Pitti family. Today it consists of several museums and galleries, showcasing a vast collection of art, historical artifacts, and luxurious furnishings.
Adjacent to Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens is a vast Renaissance-style garden complex. The gardens feature terraced landscapes, intricate geometric patterns, sculptures, fountains, and beautiful flora.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The Piazzale Michelangelo is a scenic square that offers panoramic city views. You can get there by taking a short hike up the hill or by taking a bus or taxi.
From here, you can see the historic city center, the Arno River, the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio.
Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale, also known as the Central Market, is a vibrant food market located in Florence, Italy. It offers a wide range of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, and spices. You can also find specialty food items, such as truffles, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Day trip to Pisa
A day trip to Pisa from Florence allows you to explore the iconic Leaning Tower and other attractions in the city. You can reach Pisa from Florence by train which takes around an hour. Click here to see a complete guide on how to visit Pisa from Florence.
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