Historical Sites
Florence, Italy, is known for its outstanding historical sites and monuments. From the Renaissance art galleries of the Uffizi to the Piazza della Signoria, Florence is home to some of the world’s most iconic architecture and art.
This section will focus on the city’s historical sites and will provide an overview of what to explore in Florence, Italy:
The Duomo
The Duomo, or the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the historical symbol of Florence and one of Italy’s most recognizable places to visit. Construction began in 1296, and the intricate exterior of polychrome marble has been called the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo. The dome atop the building is 143 feet high and 90 feet in diameter, making it a marvel of engineering even today. Filippo Brunelleschi designed it, and its brick construction without an inner hump took great skill to create.
Visitors can view Michelangelo’s sculpture of “The Pieta” and Galileo’s Florence home: Thel Tower Campanaria de San Giovanni. Visiting the Duomo should be at the top of any list when visiting Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s oldest and most famous art museums in Florence, Italy. It was built in 1560 and opened to the public two centuries later. The museum houses Renaissance and Baroque works of art by famous masters such as Sandro Botticelli, Caravaggio, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Parmigianino. In addition, the building is a marvel of architecture with ornate hallways and impressive chapels.
The Uffizi Gallery was initially built to house administrative offices for the Medicis family but was converted into an art gallery in 1765 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo. This collection reaches as far back as ancient Rome and features a large selection from Greek civilizations — the works range from sculptures to stunning wall paintings — many created thousands of years ago.
Though some important works have been relocated due to theft or revisionary politics throughout the centuries, these items have been replaced with modern artwork from today’s most famous artists. So whether you’re an art lover or not, this is a must-see for anyone visiting Florence!
The Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio, or the “Old Palace,” is a historical symbol of Florence, Italy. It is located in the Piazza della Signoria and is one of Florence’s oldest and most impressive buildings. The Palazzo Vecchio was initially built as a fortified palace for the ruling Medici family during the 13th century but was later converted into a city hall after they were expelled from Florence in 1494. During its long and varied history, it has been used as both governmental offices and royal apartments.
Today, visitors can explore its lavish interior, filled with incredible artwork and sculptures from some of the greatest Florentine artists, such as Michelangelo and Piero di Cosimo. It also contains an impressive armory hall with suits of armor that date back to 1475 and comprehensive historical collections reflecting Florence’s unique past. Additionally, visitors can climb to the top of its 94-meter-high tower for a spectacular view of Florence’s historic city center.
The Palazzo Vecchio is like living history; no trip to Florence would be complete without seeing this remarkable building!
Shopping
Florence, Italy, offers many attractions, and one must-visit when visiting Florence is its shopping hotspot. Florence provides a range of shopping experiences, from designer stores to local markets. From luxurious handbags to artisan goods and souvenirs, shopping in Florence will satisfy any shopaholic.
Let’s take a closer look at what Florence has to offer for shoppers:
The San Lorenzo Market
The San Lorenzo Market in Florence is a must-see for any traveler to this beautiful Italian city. It is located along Via San Lorenz and spans from Piazza San Lorenzo to the Porcellino Fountain, where you’ll find plenty of souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It will provide an excellent shopping experience for all types of travelers, whether you’re looking for new clothes, unique food items, fine leather products, local artwork, or even antiques.
When coming here, you should bargain – it’s expected! Plus, many stalls also accept credit cards, so there is no need to worry about cash unless you want to buy something rare or handmade. Remember that most shops have fixed prices on clothes or jewelry.
Food lovers can find almost everything here – from freshly caught fish to imported dried spices and herbs – but you should try traditional Tuscan street foods such as lampredotto (a typical Florentine sandwich with seasoned offal) and schiacciata con l’uva (flatbread with grapes). Best of all are the bargains on fresh produce like fruits and vegetables – look out for signs that say “frutta di metà mattina” (mid-morning fruit), meaning they will be fresher than anything else at the market!
The Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most significant and celebrated landmarks. Located over the Arno River, this “old bridge” was first built in the 14th century and contains many shops selling wares, such as jewelry, souvenirs, leather goods, art, and antiques.
In addition to taking in the stunning view of the river, visitors who travel to the Ponte Vecchio will have plenty of opportunities to shop. The banks of the Arno are lined with open terraces that make it easy to wander between shops while enjoying the fresh air. On either side of this historic bridge are bags, jewelry, and accessories shops that are great for finding souvenirs you can bring home or unique finds you can’t leave without. Several specialty stores also offer individual items from exclusive designer labels – perfect for those seeking something special when shopping in Florence.
To finish your visit to The Ponto Vecchio in style, it’s worth making time for some gelato – arguably Italy’s finest treat! The array of flavors retailers offer here won’t disappoint even dedicated sweet-toothed shoppers. A must-visit day hotspot for those short on time while exploring Florence!
The Leather Market
The Leather Market in Florence, Italy, is busy and vibrant. Visitors can search the market for goods such as purses, wallets, bags, briefcases, belts, jackets, hats, and umbrellas. Prices vary depending on the quality of leather goods you’re looking for – from high-end designer pieces to more affordable items.
The leather merchants here offer goods for all price points. The trademark smell of tanned leather and occasional noise from hammer-pounding hides mixed with the hustle and bustle of locals hovering around helps make this one of Florence’s most popular tourist attractions. But, even if you don’t buy anything, it is worth visiting–just taking it all in!
Food and Drink
Florence has a wealth of culinary delights to offer, from its traditional Italian cuisines to its delicious street food. In addition, the city is renowned for its quality wines and hearty dishes, making it a great place if you’re looking to sample some of the finest Italian food and wine.
Here we’ll look at the best places to eat, drink and have fun in Florence:
Gelato
No visit to Florence, Italy, would be complete without trying one of the many different gelato flavors in the area. This Italian-style ice cream is made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar and can be combined with various flavors like chocolate and hazelnut. Gelato is denser than regular ice cream because it contains less air and is churned slower. It can be found in various cafes and shops throughout Florence, making it an accessible treat for travelers.
In addition to traditional flavors like chocolate or Stracciatella (vanilla custard with chocolate flakes), try flavors like Fior di Latte (a simple gelato made from only milk, sugar, and natural flavorings) or Mandorla (an almond-flavored gelato). Inventive selections include combinations like olive oil Gelato or rosemary honey Gelato, popular local specialties.
Many cafes serve small batches of handmade gelato using all-natural ingredients — the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day in Florence!
Pizza
For pizza lovers, Florence is the ultimate destination. Italy’s most famous pizza is Neapolitan-style – thin crust with a thick long-rise dough, few toppings, and flavorful tomato sauce – but the restaurants and pizzerias of Florence have taken this classic dish to the next level.
From traditional Margherita to inventive flavor combinations like truffle oil and gorgonzola, you’ll find plentiful options in every city neighborhood. For an authentic Florentine experience, order a “focaccia di pizza al taglio” (pizza by the cut), which you can enjoy as an appetizer or stand-alone meal. No matter where you want your slice, you will indeed have one of the best pizzas!
Wine Tasting
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is renowned for its many cultural attractions, but it also offers an incredible culinary experience focused on unique wines and fine food. This city is home to hundreds of vineyards producing some of Italy’s finest wines, which you can taste through various wine-tasting experiences.
Wine tasting in Florence can include visiting one or more wineries in the Chianti countryside. You can learn about the production process and explore the area’s rolling hills and picturesque villages. You may enjoy a full meal alongside your chosen wines at some wineries. Alternatively, you can participate in a scheduled private tasting right in Florence.
For a truly luxurious day out exploring Tuscan wines and their regional food production methods, visit some of Florence’s high-end restaurants for great pairings or guided tasting menus featuring specialty dishes from across the region.
Whether you prefer an outdoor tour among vineyards or an indoor tasting session amid centuries-old buildings in the heart of the city’s historic center, Wine Tasting in Florence promises an unforgettable experience that gives visitors insight into the flavors and specialties that make this region so unique.
Outdoor Activities
Being one of the top cities for tourism in the world, Florence, Italy, has no shortage of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. There’s something for everyone, from the beautiful architecture and stunning surroundings to the natural parks and gardens.
Let’s take a look at some of the top outdoor activities to enjoy in Florence:
The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy, offer visitors one of Europe’s largest and oldest parks and a perfect place to explore the city’s cultural history. The 16th-century gardens are positioned behind the Pitti Palace and open daily to the public. Visitors rave about the fantastic designs of fountains and sculptures set alongside terraces in what many consider one of Florence’s top attractions.
The Boboli Gardens cover over 60 acres with various paths and gardens to explore. An arena with amphitheater-style seating was built for operas and concerts during special occasions, offering visitors multiple activities beyond enjoying plants and art. A must-see on any visit is Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici’s (1642 – 1723) grotto covered with shells from his trips worldwide — now hosting several sculptures by Italian artist Giambologna (1529 – 1608). Further down a path lined with holm oaks, visitors will find abundant plants, including magnolias, roses, cypress trees, conifers, laurels, myrtles, and an impressive array of citrus trees divided into sections to protect them during the cold winter season best.
Many recommend that visitors give themselves plenty of time within these stunning gardens to fully enjoy all its offerings, including museums inside Pitti Palace, such as Bardini Museum or Palatina Gallery, which house priceless pieces of art not seen elsewhere Florence. There are also ongoing exhibits such as antique carriages or musical instruments from around Europe – all easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from various points along the garden’s perimeter. Boboli Garden is your one-stop destination for outdoor exploration like no other, where you can quickly join locals on picnics or just admire old-fashioned grandeur at its finest.
The Piazzale Michelangelo
The Piazzale Michelangelo is a popular sightseeing destination in the historic city of Florence, Italy. It’s located just minutes away from the city center. This large square offers spectacular views over the entire town and its monuments. Take the stunning panoramic vista across Buca della Verità (the hole of truth), Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi’s Dome at the city’s heart.
Located atop Monte alle Croci, you can easily reach the Piazzale Michelangelo by bus from Florence’s central train station, Santa Maria Novella. Alternatively, stroll along Lungarno dei Pioppi for about 10 minutes to get it.
Aside from admiring the view from this iconic spot, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy at the Piazzale Michelangelo. Take a romantic stroll during sunset to watch the sky perform warm red and orange hues. Capture photo shots amidst statues of Florentine heroes like Dante Alighieri and Galileo Galilei placed around its perimeter walls or explored ancient streets arranged into terraces around it. Plenty of restaurants are nearby where you can grab some traditional Tuscan delicacies or satisfy your sweet tooth with crunchy schiacciata Fiorentina (Florentine biscuits).
The Vasari Corridor
The Vasari Corridor is an enclosed elevated passage built in 1564 by the Florentine architect Giorgio Vasari. Connecting Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti, the passage was created by Cosimo I de Medici as a picturesque shortcut for private walks. Today, it offers visitors breathtaking views of the city’s architecture and many exquisite churches, palaces, and monuments.
The almost two-mile-long walkway also features several masterpieces of oil paintings by famous Italian artists such as Andrea del Sarto, Bronzino, and Allori. The corridor is open to the public on special occasions, such as the annual Calcio Storico Fiorentino (traditional Italian football) game. It can also be accessed all year round through special guided tours and museum visits that include other highlights of Florence, such as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and Uffizi Gallery.
Nightlife
Florence is one of the most celebrated cities in the world, and its nightlife undoubtedly reflects this. It has an eclectic mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes. As a result, you can find something for everyone in Florence, from jazz bars to sophisticated lounges to bustling nightclubs.
In this section, we’ll be taking a look at the best of Florence’s nightlife:
The Oltrarno
The Oltrarno district of Florence, situated south of the Arno river, is a favored nightlife haunt of locals and visitors alike. Of all the communities in Italy’s beautiful city, the Oltrarno holds unique marvels for those looking for a thrilling adventure and nightlife experience.
Although it does not offer many of the famous attractions that one might think of for Florence – such as the Uffizi Gallery or The Duomo – this area has charms of its own that make it particularly attractive at night. From intimate cafes to venues that draw live music acts from across Europe, there are plenty of spots to kick back, enjoy a drink, or take in eclectic musical performances. In addition, visiting nighttime hotspots on both sides of the water – such as Piazza Pitti on the Oltrarno side – can be an entertaining way to spend an evening or even hang out till morning.
The area also provides plenty of late-night food options like restaurants specializing in traditional Italian dishes and street food favorites like kebab wraps and Italian-style pizza slices – perfect for when you need some sustenance after burning your midnight oil around town. Cycling tours of Florence at night provide an exhilarating way to explore this city’s secrets, primarily when guided by local experts who can offer insider tips on lesser-known dining spots and hidden bars worth checking out. Whatever you choose to do during your Florentine nights outing, you can rest assured that The Oltrarno will provide plenty of amusement!
The Santo Spirito
The Santo Spirito neighborhood is lively and picturesque, making it one of Florence’s most sought-after nightlife destinations. It is located on the city’s left bank; this bustling area is known for its quirky bars, music venues, and other nighttime hotspots.
From traditional jazz bars to underground electro spots and beach club-style lounge bars, this diverse selection of venues caters to all tastes. So whether you want to enjoy a chilled glass of local vino at an inviting wine bar or let it all out on the dance floor after dark – the Santo Spirito area truly has something for everyone!
Check out famous spots like ‘Il Santino,’ a multi-roomed local favorite featuring DJs playing everything from house to reggae and hip hop. And if you need a break before heading back home? Stroll down La Vigna di Leonardo, aptly named after Florence’s renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci himself!
The Santa Croce
The Santa Croce neighborhood is perfect for an exciting night out in Florence. Filled with bars, clubs, and live music venues, visitors can find something to suit any mood after dark.
Bar Mazzo is a top choice among locals and visitors, offering live music six nights a week from all genres – from blues and jazz to rockabilly and reggae. In addition, the bar regularly hosts themed events, such as their popular 70s disco night, which is sure to get the crowds going. Other trendy bars nearby include Just Bob and Fuori di Taste.
For a slightly more sophisticated evening out in Florence’s, head to Jazz Club Firenze. This small venue hosts local jazz nights every Thursday evening and occasional visits from international artists. Jazz fans in Florence on a Saturday night are recommended to check out Caffè Letterario, where they can catch up-and-coming acts playing classic hits from all eras of jazz history.
If you’re looking for something with an electric atmosphere that rivals some of the best clubs in Europe, then look no further than Il Santino. Located just across Ponte Vecchio, this club appeals to the younger crowds of Florence and has some of the best DJs on its lineup who spin everything from nu-disco classics to hip-hop bangers until late into the night every weekend. Finally, it’s worth noting that some bars offer happy hours that last all day – so there’s always somewhere great to go no matter what time it is!