Art, history and beauty blend together in this Tuscan gem, giving life to a city that’s worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. The cradle par excellence of the Renaissance, Florence is home to legendary attractions, unmissable activities and guided tours of all kinds in which you can take part. From the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery to the majesty of the Duomo, you’ll discover a timeless city, where every stone tells a story. And then there’s dinner in one of the trademark trattorias, with an authentic and genuine flavour, before rounding off the evening in style with a romantic walk along the Lungarno.
The six best activities to do in Florence
1. Visit the Duomo of Florence
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, is the symbol of the city of Florence, as well as one of its most visited attractions. While its exterior is beautiful thanks to the multicoloured marble façade, the interior is a treasure trove of frescoes, statues and stained-glass windows. Among these is the famous fresco created by Vasari and Zuccari, one of the largest surfaces in the world decorated with this technique. The climb to the dome and a visit to Giotto’s bell tower are spine-tingling.
2. Cross the Ponte Vecchio
Among the most romantic attractions in Florence is the historic Ponte Vecchio. Standing since the 14th century, the bridge has survived the ravages of floods and the devastation of war – it was the only bridge in Florence to make it through WWII. Today, the Ponte Vecchio is closed to traffic but can be crossed on foot, when you can browse the old-fashioned shops that line both sides. A walk where you will feel like you’re going back in time and returning to medieval Florence.
3. Explore the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Once you’ve crossed Ponte Vecchio from the old town, continue a little further until you reach Palazzo Pitti and the adjacent Boboli Gardens. The palace was one of the residences of the Medici family and is rich in history and elegance. But even more eye-catching are the gardens, considered the greatest example of an Italian garden, decorated with sculptures, fountains, labyrinths and, of course, plants and flowers of all kinds. It’s particularly worth visiting in spring when the flowers bloom, making it even more beautiful and fragrant.
4. Take a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery
If you only had time to visit one museum during your trip to Florence, it should be the Uffizi Gallery. A museum of international prestige, the Uffizi is one of the most opulent museums in Italy, where you can admire absolute masterpieces of Renaissance art. See Botticelli’s Venus and Spring, Leonardo’s Annunciation, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, the Doni Tondo and many other works that have marked the history of art. The museum is very large, which is why to make the most of your visit we recommend you join a guided tour.
5. Don’t miss the Accademia Gallery
Although the statue of David in Piazza della Signoria is an impressive sight, to see Michelangelo’s original work you need to visit the Accademia Gallery. This museum houses a number of very important Italian paintings and sculptures, making it a must-see for art lovers. And, as if that wasn’t enough, the building itself, originally intended as an academy of fine arts, is itself a work of art.
6. Discover the Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels are located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo and while not among Florence’s most famous attractions, they’re well worth a visit. They’re the mausoleum of the Medici family, whose tombs are decorated with wonderful sculptures by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists. The New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, is an architectural jewel. Its allegorical figures and symbols reflect the power of the Medici dynasty. And then there’s the Chapel of the Princes, made entirely of marble and semi-precious stones. A real journey through time and a joy for art and architecture aficionados.
