Florence things to do

Florence is the capital of Tuscany province and one of the most beautiful cities of Italy. It is located in the central part of the Italian peninsula and it has the highest number of inhabitants from the entire province.

Florence is a very popular destination because of its wonderful monuments and very accessible location from Rome.

Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Uffizi Gallery are just some of the most important places to visit when in Florence.

For a complete tour of the city, you will need somewhere between 3 to 5 days.

Book your accommodation at Hotel Pierre Florence and explore the most important attractions of the city. The hotel is conveniently located close to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Ponte Vecchio, making this hotel the perfect accommodation for your holiday.

Here is a complete list of the most important places to visit when in Florence:

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Probably one of the most visited cathedrals in the world and one of the best Florence things to do is Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or simply Duomo as it is world-known. This architectural masterpiece attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1436 and was completed in the XIX century.

The exteriors and the facade of the cathedral are impressively contrasting the interiors which are simple and modest.

The tour of the cathedral should end with some memorable photos of Florence from the Duomo terrace.

Because everybody wants to climb up there, the queue might be long and you might lose precious time getting to the top.

Why don’t you book your tickets in advance and reserve the hours for your climbing experience with Florence Dome Climb: Priority Entrance Tour. You’ll get priority entry to the Dome, 1 hour guided tour in English and the unique opportunity to see the world from above.

2. Uffizi Gallery

Located close to the Piazza Della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery or Galleria Degli Uffizi is considered to be one of the most important Italian museums in the world and one of the most interesting Florence things to do.

Artworks signed by Botticelli, Raphael, Da Vinci and Titian are displayed at Uffizi Gallery.

The Adoration of the Magi by Botticelli, the Baptism of Christ by Da Vinci or the Sacrifice of Isaac by Caravaggio are just some of the items which could be seen when visiting Uffizi Gallery.

For art lovers, this is heaven on Earth! You will need at least two hours to admire all the pieces displayed in this gallery!

To save time and energy we recommend you to book Skip-the-Line Uffizi Tour, a guided tour in English which offers you the privilege to skip the line when entering the museum and admire the masterpieces from the inside.

3. Ponte Vecchio

The oldest bridge from the city and the most beautiful one is Ponte Vecchio.

It is believed that the bridge was built before the year 1000, but the exact date is unknown.

The bridge is famous for its architecture and age and is one of the best places to go if you are interested in buying souvenirs and all kinds of things which will remind you about this beautiful city.

The shops are displayed all along the bridge with a few exceptions. Right in the middle of the bridge, there is an opening from where you can admire the river from below.

4. Giotto’s Tower

Giotto’s Tower is located right near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore but the two buildings are not connected to each other.

The tower is a stand-alone structure and was designed and built by Giotto between 1335- 1359.

It is one of the most interesting Florence things to do!

The tower has a Gothic architecture and is built on 5 levels. Each level is very well delimited and is covered with marble, in the same colours and design as the cathedral.

The tower is open to the public and if you are interested you can climb its 415 steps up to the top for a breathtaking view of Florence

5.Palazzo Vecchio

One of the most important administrative buildings from Florence, Palazzo Vecchio was designed and built by the same architects who worked at the Duomo.

According to the historical resources the palace was built in 1299 and was used as the palace of the Signoria of the Republic of Florence.

On the palace facade, you can admire the coast of arms which represent individuals and families which played a very important role in Florence history.

The interior of the palace is amazing! You can admire a few rooms decorated and furnished with original furniture. Have a closer look at The Hercules Room and the Room of Cybele which have their original pieces inside.

The best way to explore the palace is with Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket & Audioguide. You can explore the palace at your own pace and listen to experts’ comments on the audio guide received at the entrance.

6.Piazza Della Signoria

After Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Della Signoria is the second square from the city after importance and beauty and one of the most interesting Florence things to do.

The square is located on the south part of Piazza del Duomo and is very easy to reach because of its central location.

The most important building from the square is Palazzo Vecchio with the statue of David and Hercules and the clock tower.

Actually, the square is full of incredible statues and artworks: the Loggia dei Lanzi with its wonderful Renaissance sculptures, the fountain of Neptune and the statue of Cosimo Medici.

7.Boboli Gardens

With a total surface of over 45.000 square metres, Boboli Gardens are the largest gardens from Florence. They are located right near Palazzo Pitti and were created around 1630.

A wide selection of trees, plants and flowers, a huge fountain and an obelisk in the centre together with some pounds form the wonderful landscape of the gardens.

Boboli Gardens  are the ideal place to hide if you want to escape from city noise and stress!

8.Corridoio Vasariano

Built around 1500 for the Cosimo de Medici to walk from Palazzo Pitti to Palazzo Vecchio, Corridoio Vasariano is one of the most fascinating Florence things to do.

During that time, the high ranking individuals were reluctant to appear in public and because of this, there was the necessity of building such a tunnel.

The Corridor stretches along the Arno river and crosses over the Ponte Vecchio, continuing on the other side of the river. Along the corridor, you can find artworks and paintings from the glory period of the tunnel.

Besides these amazing attractions, Florence has many other interesting places and monuments waiting to be discovered.

I am sure you will enjoy each moment spent in this city! Before you leave, taste their traditional cuisine and local wine! I am sure you will be delighted!