Florence City or Firenze will make you fall in love with the city’s enchanting cultural, architectural, artistic, and culinary heritage that the city holds true to its heart. Florence is home to some of the best artworks, the best museums, famous churches, and breathtaking views. As you walk through its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter the iconic Florence, Italy landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Florence Cathedral.
Beyond the paths most taken lie some hidden gems tucked away from the crowd. In this list of top 10 places to visit in Florence, from timeless secret passages to the best food market corners, you will find things to do in Florence that will make your Italian experience an authentic stay.
1. Uffizi Gallery, Florence Italy
Uffizi Gallery is located in the historic center of the city at Piazzale degli Uffizi 6 Florence Italy. The nearest airport to this majestic museum is the Florence Airport Peretola, which is about 5 km from the city center. This museum is well connected with several bus and metro stations making it easier to get to the gallery. It is located near the historic Piazza della Signoria both sharing the same cultural and architectural richness. It has witnessed the city’s long history, standing tall along the Arno River.
- Hidden Gems: Vasari Corridor
- Average Estimated Cost: €60-€110
- Best time to Visit: Spring Season (April – May)
- Local Foods to Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) and Pappa al Pomodoro (Tomato Pappa)
2. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence Italy
The Cathedral of Santa Mari del Fiore, also known as the Duomo is located at Piazza del Duomo Florence Italy. The Florence Airport is 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the cathedral. It lies in the center of Florence and is easily accessible using public transportation. Several bus lines including C1, C2, 6A, and 6B will take you to the Florence cathedral. You can also take T1 or T2 on the tram lines and reach Santa Maria Novella, which is about a 17-minute walk away.
- Hidden Gems: Florence Cathedral, Tombs
- Average Estimated Cost: €70-€100
- Best time to Visit: Spring (April-June) & Fall (September – October)
- Local Foods to Try: Ribollita (Tuscan Soup)
3. Palazzo Vecchio, Florence Italy
Palazzo Vecchio is among some of the most beautiful palaces in the world. It is located right around the center of the city at Piazza della Signoria, Florence Italy. It proudly resides in the heart of the city and overlooks the Piazza della Signoria. This palace is approximately 5 kilometers away from its nearest airport- Florence Peretola. Following that there are various options for public transportation that you can opt for. You can take a taxi, bus, or train from the airport that will drop you at the city center.
- Hidden Gems: Salone dei Cinquecento
- Average Estimated Cost: €60-€110
- Best time to Visit: Spring (April-June) & Fall (September – October)
- Local Foods to Try: Pane Toscano (Tuscan Bread) & Lampredotto (Traditional Florentine Dish)
4. Ponte Vecchio, Florence Italy
Ponte Vecchio is the most famous and oldest bridge in Florence city. It is a medieval stone arch bridge that spans across the Amo River. It connects the Piazza del Duomo and Uffizi Gallery on the northern bank of the river with the Palazzo Pitti and Basilica of Santo Spirito on the southern bank. The bridge’s central location makes it easily accessible by foot from various parts of Florence.
- Hidden Gems: Vasari Corridor
- Average Estimated Cost: €45-€70
- Best time to Visit: Spring (April -June)
- Local Foods to Try: Crostini di Fegatini, Gelato and Ribollita
5. Accademia Gallery
The world-famous Galleria dell’Accademia is located at the Via Ricasoli, 58/60, Florence Italy. This gallery is situated just around the center of Florence. It is at a distance of approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the museum. It is well connected by all the means of public transport including buses, taxis, and trains.
- Hidden Gems: Galleria dell’ Accademia
- Average Estimated Cost: €45-€80
- Best time to Visit: Fall (September – October)
- Local Foods to Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita and Pappa al Pomodoro
6. Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria is the main square center in the heart of the city located at Piazza dell Signoria, Florence Italy. It is the most beautiful square and is within walking distance apart from various attractions including Palazzo Vecchio. The nearest airport is the Florence Airport Peretola which is about 5 kilometers away from the square. Being at a central location, this place is well connected with public transportation including busses, taxis, and trains.
- Hidden Gems: The Chapel of the Magi.
- Average Estimated Cost: €50-€100
- Best time to Visit: Spring & Fall
- Local Foods to Try: Ribollita, Gelato, Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Pappa al Pomodoro.
7. Basilica of Santa Croce
The beautiful Santa Croce church is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce, and is at a walking distance of 800 meters southeast of the Duomo. The Florence airport is close to this Basilica and is at a distance of over 6 kilometers. It is easy to each here from the city center and various public transportation have direct lines for this location.
- Hidden Gems: Primo Chiostro & Cappella Pazzi
- Average Estimated Cost: €30-€55
- Best time to Visit: Spring Season (April – May)
- Local Foods to Try: Florentine steak, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pappa al Pomodoro
8. Pitti Palace, Florence
The Palazzo Pitti is an enormous palace adorned with beautiful artworks. The Pitti Palace is located at Piazza de’ Pitti, Florence Italy. The palace resides on the south side of the river Arno, just a short distance from the iconic Ponte Vecchio. The nearest airport is the Florence airport Peretola which is approximately 6 kilometers away. The Palazzo Pitti and the Palazzo Vecchio are separated by the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.
- Hidden Gems: Boboli Gardens
- Average Estimated Cost: €35-€55
- Best time to Visit: Spring & Fall season
- Local Foods to Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Cantucci & Vin Santo Vine.
9. Piazzale Michelangelo
On top of a hill in Florence lies the Piazzale Michelangelo Square. It is located just a few minutes walk from other attractions like the central Duomo. You can opt for various ways to reach this square like walking for 15 minutes from the city or a 1.5-kilometer walk along the long stretch of city wall. You can choose to drive there or take the hop-on hop-off bus which drops you right in front of the Piazzale Michelangelo square. Bus line 12 will also take you to the Piazzale station.
- Hidden Gems: San Miniato al Monte Church
- Average Estimated Cost: €30-€80
- Best time to Visit: Spring & Fall seasons
- Local Foods to Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pappa al Pomodoro
10. Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale lies in the San Lorenzo district and is the indoor market hall of the city. It is located at the Piazza del Mercato Centrale in Florence Italy. There are various ways to reach this hall. You can take a 20 min walk from the city center and enjoy the city life on foot. You can also reach there by bus or taxi.
- Hidden Gems: La Toraia di Enrico Lagorio.
- Average Estimated Cost: €35-€65
- Best time to Visit: July – August
- Local Foods to Try: Lampredotto, Riboliita
Your journey through Florence will be remarkable, woven with threads of history, art, culture, and culinary delights. From the grandeur of the Uffizi Gallery to the charm of the Boboli Gardens, each destination will take you back to the rich heritage and history of the city. While you are savoring gelato by the Duomo or strolling through the Arno River, this city will make your holiday the best yet.
Consider this list as a starting point for your Florentine adventure. Let your curiosity guide you through the tucked-away corners and help you find places that best suit your stay and requirements. Make your bucket list of the fascinating sights this city has to offer. So, pack your bags and let Florence weave its magic around you.
FAQ’s
What is the most visited area in Florence?
The Uffizi Gallery is the most visited museum and sells out days in advance. It is one of the best attractions and things to do in Florence.
What is Florence most famous for?
Florence is world-famous for its art, culture, and history. It is best known best known for outstanding art. Renaissance architecture, and cultural heritage of the Italy landmarks.
What is the prettiest part of Florence?
The Piazza del Duomo is not only the prettiest part of Florence but also the most beautiful square in the world
Places to Visit in Florence for Free?
Attractions like the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and Mercato Centrale are some of the major places that you can visit in Florence for free.
