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Things to do in Florence

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Florence is a city in central Italy known as the cradle of the Renaissance and famed for its rich cultural heritage, art treasures, and architectural marvels.

Florence is home to iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei.

Florence boasts world-renowned museums, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, housing masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David.

Discover the top tourist attractions in this fascinating city with our list of the things to do in Florence.

Cinque Terre

Florence to Cinque Terre
Image: Mike L on Unsplash

The Cinque Terre National Park comprises five villages along the Italian Riviera and holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.

These villages evoke a soul-soothing charm, resembling a picturesque vision brought to life. Buildings cascade down cliffs, resembling vibrant watercolor paintings, while vineyards grace terraced hillsides. 

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa
Image: Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most renowned historical landmarks that stands proudly within the expansive architectural complex known as ‘Piazza Dei Miracoli’ or the ‘Square Of Miracles.’

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a repository of extraordinary architectural masterpieces that not only defy belief but also inspire profound reverence.

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio Florence
Image: Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

The Palazzo Vecchio was constructed between 1299 and 1314 and was initially conceived as Florence’s governmental hub, envisioned by Arnolfo di Cambio and renowned for creating another Florentine marvel, the Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore.

Florence Galileo Galilei Science Tour

Florence Galileo Galilei Science Tour
Image: Museogalileo.it

The Florence Galileo Galilei Science Tour is a fascinating journey through the life and findings of the renowned astronomer and physicist, taking visitors through historic sites and museums like the Museo Galileo, where Galileo’s original telescopes and scientific instruments are displayed.

This educational excursion highlights Galileo’s contributions to modern science and immerses travelers in the rich cultural and historical context of Renaissance Florence.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Image: Eugeniya Belova on Unsplash

The Ponte Vecchio bridge is Europe’s most picturesque bridge; it had quite a different scene in the past, with buzzards, meat, and leather shops adorning its structure.

Cosimo I de Medici’s concern for his safety led to the construction of a kilometer-long corridor connecting his private palace (Pitti Palace) and the government headquarters (Palazzo Vecchio).

Brunelleschi’s Dome

Brunelleschi's Dome
Image: Science.howstuffworks.com

The Brunelleschi dome is an incredible work of art, captivating the world since its creation.

At the time of its construction, it was the largest dome in the world and is still the largest masonry vault in the world.

Chianti Wineries

chianti wineries
Image: Italyandwine.net

The Chianti Wineries region, nestled in Tuscany, Italy, boasts renowned vineyards that yield the esteemed Chianti red wine.

Spanning various subregions, it encompasses over 170,000 acres of vineyards and hosts a rich tapestry of more than 5,000 wineries.

Palatina Gallery
Image: CulturalHeritageOnline.com

The Palatina Gallery resides on the Pitti Palace’s first floor, once the home of the influential Medici family.

Established during the late 18th and early 19th centuries by the Habsburg-Lorraine family, this gallery exhibits about 500 masterpieces carefully chosen from the primary Medici collections.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Arial view of Giotto’s Bell Tower
Image: Duomo.firenze.it

Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence stands as a remarkable symbol of Italian Gothic architecture, a must-visit for any traveler in this captivating city.

This majestic masterpiece soars 84.7 meters (277.9 feet) high, embodying the grandeur of Italian Gothic design.

Florence Hot Air Balloon Rides

Florence Hot Air Balloon Rides
Image: Firenzemadeintuscany.com

Florence Hot Air Balloon Rides provides a fresh perspective, allowing visitors to witness the enchanting Tuscan landscape from the skies.

Balloon enthusiasts can indulge in timeless emotions, experiencing Florence in a way that transcends the ordinary.

Duomo Museum

Duomo Museum Florence
Image: Pinterest.com

The Duomo Museum stands as Florence’s premier museum, showcasing exceptional artworks sourced from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

There are numerous paintings, sculptures, and other decorative art pieces from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Museo di San Marco

Museo di San Marco
Image: ItalyMagazine.com

The Museo di San Marco is an art museum inside the monumental section of the medieval Dominican convent of San Marco.

Built by the fifteenth-century architect Michelozzo, the museum is a masterpiece in its own right and holds great historical importance for the city.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Image: Duomo.firenze.it

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was envisioned by Arnolfo Di Cambio in the 13th century, but the dome’s construction remained a mystery after his death. 

Centuries later, Filippo Brunelleschi, a self-taught architect, won the commission to design the elusive dome with a challenge involving an egg.

Bargello Museum

Bargello Museum
Image: FlorencePrivateGuide.com

The Bargello Museum displays iconic artworks, including Michelangelo’s Bacchus, Pitti Tondo, Brutus, and David Apollo, among others.

It also has an impressive collection of ceramics, textiles, tapestries, ivory, silver, armor, and coins.

Florence Gondola Tour

Florence Gondola Tour
Image: Tuscanynowandmore.com

The Florence Gondola tour holds a special place in the city’s history because the serene waters of the Arno River have been integral to Florence’s story for centuries. 

The gondola tours allow you to see Florence from a different perspective, providing a tranquil respite from the bustling streets.

Italian Opera in Santa Monaca Church

Italian Opera in Santa Monaca Church
Image: GetYourGuide.com

Italian Opera in Santa Monaca Church offers a mesmerizing experience, blending the spiritual ambiance of this historic Florence church with the passionate intensity of Italian opera.

Indulge in performances from renowned operas like ‘The Marriage of Figaro,’ ‘Tosca,’ ‘The Barber of Seville,’ ‘Madame Butterfly,’ ‘La Bohème,’ and ‘La Traviata.’

Florence Inferno Tour

Florence Inferno Tour
Image: ArchitecturalDigest.com/

The Florence Inferno tour in allow visitors to follow Robert Langdon’s footsteps on an immersive journey through the city’s historic center and stunning landmarks, such as Palazzo Vecchio and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.

Accademia Gallery Florence
Image: GalleriaAccademiafirenze.it

The Accademia Gallery Florence, located in the heart of the Renaissance city, stands as a testament to human creativity and genius.

The Accademia Gallery, or Galleria dell’Accademia, was originally established in 1784 as the “Gallery of the Academy of Design.”

Basilica di Santa Croce

Basilica di Santa Croce
Image: Santacroceopera.it

The Basilica di Santa Croce, a timeless masterpiece located in the center of Florence, draws tourists and art lovers worldwide. 

This Franciscan cathedral is a must-see location because of its fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and the allure of famous tombs.

Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum

Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum
Image: GetYourGuide.com

The Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum in Florence is a unique property dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest geniuses ever.

The Museum has a collection of over 50 interactive machines and mechanisms designed by Leonardo da Vinci, including his famous flying machines, war machines, and engineering devices.

Art Galleries in Florence

Art Galleries in Florence
Image: TheFlorentine.net

Art Galleries in Florence stand at the heart of the Renaissance, showcasing a wealth of masterpieces from the 14th to the 17th centuries.

These galleries, including the world-renowned Uffizi and the Accademia, house iconic works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, offering a deep dive into the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Medici Chapel

Medici Chapel inside view
Image: Visit-florence-italy.com

The Medici Chapel in Florence acts as a monumental tribute to the Medici family, showcasing the artistic legacy they left behind.

Lorenzo de’ Medici wanted to build a mausoleum befitting his distinguished family, one of the most influential in history.

Florence Duomo Complex

Florence Duomo Complex
Image: Tom Wheatley on Unsplash

The Florence Duomo complex is home to five iconic monuments: the St John Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile), the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola), and the Santa Reparata Crypt.

Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella
Image: Britannica.com

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was founded by Dominican monks in the 13th century and is widely regarded as the first great Basilica in the city. It serves as the principal Dominican church. 

The church, along with the adjoining cloister and chapter house, houses numerous art treasures and funerary monuments.

Pitti Palace Florence

Pitti Palace Florence
Image: Uffizi.it

Pitti Palace Florence is one of the city’s most popular attractions for both locals and tourists.

Built in 1458, this building initially stood as the personal abode of banker Luca Pitti. It later transitioned into the possession of the Medici family, transforming into their principal residence and the primary dwelling for the ruling lineages of Tuscany.

National Archaeological Museum Florence

National Archaeological Museum
Image: Namuseum.gr

The National Archaeological Museum Florence is an Italian museum that showcases a range of archaeological artifacts.

Housed in the Palazzo della Crocetta, the museum has a rich history that dates back to the Medici and Lorraine art collections.

Vespa Tour Florence

Vespa Tour Florence
Image: Facebook.com/Vespatourstuscany

The Vespa tour Florence offers a fantastic solution, allowing you to traverse the city’s narrow roads, easily reaching iconic sites.

Professional Vespa tour guides will accompany you, providing historical insights and local anecdotes.

Uffizi Gallery
Image: Uffizi.it

The Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the world’s most renowned and treasured art museums. 

The Uffizi Gallery was established in 1584 by Francesco I de’ Medici to showcase the extraordinary collection of art gathered by the Medici family over centuries.

Sources
# Feelflorence.it
# Wikipedia.org
# Tripadvisor.com

The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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