Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city that never fails to enchant. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-renowned art, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Whether you’re wandering through cobblestone streets, exploring iconic landmarks, or enjoying a perfect Tuscan sunset, Florence offers something for every traveler. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 5 best things to do in Florence, from timeless masterpieces to hidden gems, ensuring your visit is as unforgettable as the city itself.
Getting to Florence by Air
If you’re traveling by air, Florence is conveniently served by two airports. The main one is Amerigo Vespucci Airport, located just 4 km from the city center. It takes only 15 minutes to reach downtown Florence, either by taxi or the Busitalia SITA Nord “Vola in Bus” shuttle. The shuttle is affordable and operates daily, including weekends, making it easy to get from the airport to the Santa Maria Novella Railway Station in about 20 minutes.
Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport connects to major European cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Paris, and more. It’s also well connected to other Italian cities, including Rome, Bologna, Milan, and Palermo. For more details, visit the airport’s official website: www.aeroporto.firenze.it.
How to Reach Florence from Pisa Airport
If you’re flying into Pisa Airport, you can take the Pisa Mover Shuttle to Pisa Centrale Station. From there, you can hop on a train to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station. The entire journey takes about an hour, making it a quick and affordable option for travelers.
The Easiest Way to Reach Florence’s Center
For a budget-friendly and easy way to get to the city center, the Tramvia T1 is the ideal option. At just €1.70 per ride, the tram will get you from the airport to the city center in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect if you’re traveling light, but keep in mind that there’s a limit of two pieces of luggage per person.
Taking the Bus for a Quick Ride to Florence
If you prefer taking the bus, the “Vola in Bus” shuttle provides a direct service from the airport to Santa Maria Novella Station in just 20 minutes. This shuttle runs every day, including weekends, and is a great choice if you have a lighter load and want a hassle-free journey.
Taxi Services for Comfort and Convenience
For those with heavy luggage or seeking a more direct route to your accommodation, taxis are the best option. A taxi ride from the airport to your hotel or destination within Florence will depend on factors like distance, time of day, and luggage. The cost typically includes a base fare and a per-kilometer charge (about €1.10/km during regular hours, and €2.10/km at night). For slower travel or traffic conditions, the taxi is also charged by the hour (€29.30/hour), and there are additional fees for luggage or extra passengers.
1 UFFIZI GALLERY
Are you a fan of enjoying ancient outstanding paintings and sculptures? Then you must not forget to visit the Uffizi gallery, which is occupied entirely on two floors of a large building that was built between 1560 to 1580s.
These paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, from the 14th century and the Renaissance period, including the utter masterpiece of Giotto, Piero fella Francesca, Simone Martini, Beato Angelico, Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Leonardo, Mantegna, Raffaello, Correggio, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. In addition, the gallery comprises invaluable work of European, German, Dutch and Flemish painters.
Thus it is an excellent opportunity to compare details of different painters’ skills in art while enjoying within one place. This gallery presents you with that magnificent moment. Especially if you are a passionate artist.
Moreover, the collection of busts from the Medici family and ancient statues, ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures adorn everyone’s eyes and mind to the gallery. Leaving no regret in visiting there for hours and hours.
Regular Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM.
Extended Hours: From March 26 to December 17, 2024, the gallery remains open until 10:00 PM every Tuesday, with the last admission at 8:30 PM.
Closures: The gallery is closed on Mondays, January 1st, and December 25th.
Ticket Office: Closes at 5:30 PM during regular hours.
Special Openings: The Uffizi Gallery offers special openings on holidays such as Easter, Easter Monday, April 25th, and May 1st.
Please note that operating hours and special openings may vary; it’s advisable to check the official Uffizi Gallery website for the most current information before planning your visit.
There are many services provided for visitors in the Uffizi gallery. This creates a favourable atmosphere for a guest to get access to any service easily.
For instance the elevators, cloakroom to leave the bags, umbrellas and backpacks, washrooms, baby pit-stop dedicated for breastfeeding, relax and change, info desk to obtain information, cafeteria, bookshop to buy guidebooks, gallery inspired-gadgets and art history books, post office and Audioguides at the entrance.
At the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, individual audio guide rentals are available for €6.00 and are offered in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. These guides can be obtained at the audio guide desk inside the museum. Alternatively, free audio guides are accessible through the official Uffizi Gallery App, as well as through other sources like Rick Steves’ Uffizi audio tour and the iTunes Uffizi audio tour app, which costs $2. Please note that if you choose to rent an individual audio guide set, the cost is €6.00
Additionally, let’s get to know some tips to save your time and euro during your trip to this remarkable gallery in Florence.
Use the official website of the Museum to book tickets.
The best way to save your money in visiting the gallery is by getting the tickets from the official website of the Museum. Since there are many other third parties involved in advertising tickets, they charge additional fees for every ticket.
Reserve early…!
Spending an extra €4 to book a ticket online will leave you enough time to enjoy your visit. And remember to visit 15mins before your ticket time.
Visit on a free day
Usually, in Italy, state museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. Arranging your visit to Uffizi on these days can save your money but expect a crowd both in and out. So go early and get your stuff.
Don’t bring unnecessary clothes.
You will have to remove items such as bags, coats and umbrellas before you enter. Therefore avoid bringing unnecessary items and only get what you need. This is also time to have extra visits.
Skip the Audioguides
If you are not a huge fan of Audioguides, skipping the phase will allow you to save time and money (€6 extra)
2 CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE
As for the next top destination, The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was the major church in the period of the Renaissance. But it was known to be built in the 14th century, which is before pre-dating the Renaissance.
This masterpiece was built upon the work of Arnolfo di Cambio who immensely operated to enlarge the existing religious structure. The Cathedral was entirely covered by coloured marbles, just like early Baptistery. Except for the unfinished facade and terminated in the 19th century.
This display of inlaid marble in red, green and white had the main focus of every visitor during their journey.
As expected, the most significant and exceptional feature of the outside of the construction is called “Porta Della Mandorla” (Della mandorla means almond). This given due to the large aureole around the sculpture of the Virgin, designed by Nanni di Banco.
The interior of the church is a work of art. For someone with such passion, visiting the Cathedral will be an unforgettable moment. “Niccolò da Tolentino” And “Condottiero Giovanni Acuto” by Paolo Uccello (1436) and Andrea del Castagno in 1456 are located on the left side. There’s a clock frescoed by Paolo Uccello, displaying “head of a saint.”
Many of the stained glass windows are designs of prominent old masters such as Donatello, Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno. The beauty of these arts has already attracted people, especially ones with a taste of true art. There are more artistic wonders to explore in the Cathedral.
As a visitor, there are main things to see while visiting the Cathedral. Some of them are,
The dome
The dome of the Cathedral in Florence is the largest in the world from 500 years until the Modern period. The built-up of the dome has a fascinating history of architecture. You can learn about that interesting story while enjoying the construction. If you are interested in such stories, don’t forget to visit the dome!
The funerary monument of Sir John hawkwood.
This is actually a fresco. What makes this work of art interesting? Because of what it doesn’t do, than what it does. This fresco does not use perspective accurately. If you look at the rider and horse, they are visible at one angel while the pedestal appears to be at another.
The Baptistery door
With the creation of two sets of doors. One was to display the new testimony, and the second one, which is more famous, displays the scenes of old testimony.
The second set was more naturalistic and had a better perspective of the name “the gate of paradise” given by Michelangelo L. However, the sets located at the Baptistery are replicas. If you want to see the original ones, you have to go to the Duomo museum.
There are so many positive reviews about the Cathedral in Florence that make anyone visit with one reading. Most reviews about the breathtaking art, full of history behind it.
The details in figures that are sculptured and the paintings all over the construction with the combination of colours have created a truly incredible sight to the eyes.
Even after six centuries, the Cathedral stays still and looks spectacular. Every landmark, the banner achievement, determined that the Renaissance has brought light to the darkness of the middle ages, implying power and worship.
Rules and regulations
However, when you visit such a holy place as a visitor. There are some important things to be careful about. And follow the rules and regulations. Inside the church, the visitors are only allowed if they are wearing clothes that are suitable for a place of worship.
Clothes that do not cover or show bare shoulders legs and who are wearing sandals, hats and sunglasses are not allowed to enter the holy place. Even the bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed inside the Cathedral.
Open food is not allowed or permitted, nor pets are allowed inside the Cathedral. The cell phones must be set to silent or turned off.
Photos are permitted without the flash but no tripods or selfie sticks.
Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore):
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:15 AM – 3:45 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Admission: Free entry to the main cathedral.
Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi):
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:15 AM – 6:45 PM
- Saturday: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 12:45 PM – 4:30 PM
- Admission: €15 for adults; €5 for children aged 7-14; free for children under 7.
- Note: Access involves a climb of 463 steps; advance booking is recommended.
Baptistery of San Giovanni:
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM daily.
- Admission: €15 for adults; €5 for children aged 7-14; free for children under 7.
- Note: Combined tickets are available for multiple sites.
Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto):
- Opening Hours: 8:15 AM – 6:45 PM daily.
- Admission: €15 for adults; €5 for children aged 7-14; free for children under 7.
- Note: Climbing the bell tower involves 414 steps; advance booking is recommended.
Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo):
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM daily.
- Closed on the first Tuesday of each month.
- Admission: €15 for adults; €5 for children aged 7-14; free for children under 7.
Crypt of Santa Reparata (Crittpo di Santa Reparata):
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:15 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Admission: Included with tickets for the Baptistery, Museum, or Dome.
Ticket Options:
- Ghiberti Pass (€15): Access to the Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata. Valid for 3 days.
- Brunelleschi Pass (€30): Access to all sites: Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. Valid for 3 days
Additional Information:
- Dress Code: Modest attire is required; shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Advance Booking: Highly recommended for dome and bell tower climbs due to limited access.
- Purchasing Tickets: Available online through the official Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore website or on-site at the ticket office.
Please note that operating hours and admission fees are subject to change. It’s advisable to verify the latest information closer to your visit.
3 VASARI CORRIDOR
The Vasari Corridor is one of the most exclusive and unique attractions in Florence, offering a rare opportunity to explore art and history in a way few tourists get to experience. This secretive passageway was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565 to connect the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti, allowing the Medici family to move between the two palaces in private. Today, it remains a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the Medici’s lavish lives.
What You Need to Know About the Vasari Corridor:
- Opening Hours: The Vasari Corridor is open to the public only with guided tours, and its hours can vary depending on the day and the time of year. Typically, the corridor is open:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (unless special openings are scheduled)
- Booking Tickets: The Vasari Corridor is not an attraction you can visit without a reservation, and only guided tours are allowed. Tickets can be booked on the official Uffizi Gallery website, as it is part of the Uffizi Gallery museum complex. It’s highly recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Ticket Price: The ticket for the Vasari Corridor guided tour generally costs around €40 – €50 per person.
- How to Book:
- You can also book via third-party tour operators offering exclusive experiences.
- Since tours have a limited number of participants, it’s a good idea to book at least a couple of weeks in advance.
- Book directly through the Uffizi Gallery website or authorized resellers.
What You’ll See Inside the Vasari Corridor:
- Art Collection: The corridor houses an impressive collection of portraits from the Medici family, mainly focused on the Italian Renaissance. You’ll also see works from other notable artists, including Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo.
- Scenic Views: The Vasari Corridor runs above Ponte Vecchio, offering stunning views of Florence. As you walk along this path, you’ll be able to glance down at the iconic bridge, which is bustling with life.
- Architectural Marvel: The architecture of the Vasari Corridor itself is fascinating, as you’re walking through a private space built centuries ago. It’s a rare opportunity to explore a hidden part of Florence not typically open to the public.
- Historical Significance: The corridor’s construction was a symbol of power for the Medici family. You’ll be guided through its story, learning about the families who ruled Florence, and how this secretive passageway allowed them to move undetected through the city.
How the Tour Works:
- Tour Length: The Vasari Corridor tour typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, including a walk through the corridor, explanations from your guide, and a look at the art pieces along the way.
- Access Points: The tour starts from Piazza della Signoria, passes through the Uffizi Gallery, and ends at the Palazzo Pitti. The walk itself is a fascinating glimpse into Florence’s history and art.
- Guided Tour: Each tour is led by a professional guide who will explain the history, the artwork, and the significance of the corridor. Guides usually speak in English, but other languages may be available on request.
- Group Size: The tours are usually small groups to provide a more intimate experience and ensure you get a better view and personalized interaction with the guide.
Practical Information:
- Accessibility: The corridor includes stairs and narrow pathways, so it might not be the best option for visitors with mobility issues.
- Best Time to Visit: To avoid crowds, try to book a morning tour, as they tend to fill up quickly. Visiting in the off-season (late autumn or early spring) is also a great way to ensure a more relaxed experience.
- Combination Tickets: Many tours offer a combination of the Vasari Corridor tour with visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, or Boboli Gardens at a discounted rate. Check for these deals if you want to explore multiple attractions in one go.
Why Visit the Vasari Corridor?
The Vasari Corridor offers a truly exclusive experience, providing insight into Florence’s grand history and the Medici family’s legacy. It’s an essential stop for those who are passionate about art, history, and exploring Florence beyond the typical tourist path. Whether you’re an art lover or a history buff, walking through this secret passageway will leave you with a deeper understanding of Florence’s rich cultural past. Plus, the chance to see the city from a different angle and walk in the footsteps of the powerful Medici family is something that truly sets this tour apart from the typical museum experience.
So if you’re looking for something special and unique to do in Florence, be sure to book your Vasari Corridor tour—it’s one of the most exclusive and unforgettable experiences in the city!
4 PALAZZO VECCHIO
This spectacular historic government building is also known as Palazzo Della Signoria, making it one of the fascinating things that you can visit during your trip to Florence. The construction itself reflects the authority of the Florentine state of the Medici family during the 14th and 16th centuries. Today it houses both Florence’s Town Hall and a museum.
It consists of several rooms, out of the several rooms, Salone Dei Cinquecento is the most famous. In addition, the Sala dei Gigli, the Sala delle Mappe and the Cappella di Eleonora are other impressive rooms
Salone Dei Cinquecento was built in 1495. As “Hall of five hundred” was frescoed and designed by Giorgio Vasari. As a significant event, this hall was used for meetings of the people’s counsel where accurately five hundred people could attend at the same time.
The coffered ceiling of the hall has divided panels with paintings, and the most famous one out of them all can be found at the centre of the ceiling, which is called Apotheosis of Cosimo from Vasari. The walls are contained famous frescoes such as The victory by Michelangelo.
The top floor of the Palazzo Vecchio transformed into a small Chapel with the marriage of Cosimo de Medici and Eleanora from Toledo. Cosimo de Medici transformed the floor into a small Chapel for his wife – Eleanor’s private adherence.
The Chapel consisted of biblical allusions, painted by Bronzino. The walls portray the frescoes of the scenes of the life of Moses. The altarpiece was a copy that Bronzino made from his original in 1545.
The Bell Tower is the oldest part of the Palace which is assumed to be designed by Di Combo. You can climb up this 95m Tower for a beautiful view of the historical centre of Firenze. Although you have to climb four hundred steps, it is clearly worth it, and you can stop at several points too.
For safety reasons, it is not allowed to enter the Tower during rainy days. Due to the same reason, children under the age of six are not allowed to enter. Children over the age of 6 can enter only with the presence of an adult.
Palazzo Vecchio Visiting Hours:
- April to September:
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – Midnight
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Public Holidays (April 25, May 1, June 2, June 24, August 15): 9:00 AM – Midnight
- October:
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- October 13, 28, 29, 30, 31: 9:00 AM – Midnight
- November:
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- November 1, 2, 3, 10: 9:00 AM – Midnight
- December:
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- December 7, 8: 9:00 AM – Midnight
- December 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30: 9:00 AM – Midnight
- December 25: Closed
Mezzanine (Loeser Collection):
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tower of Arnolfo:
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
April 1 to September 30:
Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
October 1 to March 31:
Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Access to the tower is not permitted for children under 6 years and is suspended in case of rain.
Ticket Prices:
- Palazzo Vecchio Museum:
- Full Ticket: €10.00
- Reduced Ticket: €8.00 (for visitors aged 18 to 25, including college students)
- Free Admission: Children under 18, individuals with disabilities and their assistants, authorized tour guides and group leaders, teachers accompanying school groups, and Firenze Card holders.
- Arnolfo Tower and Camminamento di Ronda:
- Full Ticket: €10.00
- Reduced Ticket: €8.00
- Combined Tickets:
- Museum + Tower and Camminamento di Ronda: €14.00 (full), €12.00 (reduced)
- Museum + Archaeological Trail: €14.00 (full), €12.00 (reduced)
- Museum + Tower, Camminamento di Ronda, and Archaeological Trail: €18.00 (full), €16.00 (reduced)
Note: Ticket prices may vary during special events or exhibitions.
Booking Information:
- Advance Booking: It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance to skip the lines. An advance booking fee of €1.00 per ticket applies.
- Official Box Office: Tickets can be purchased through the official website of the Florentine Civic Museums:
Contact Information:
- Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence, Italy
- Ticket Office Phone: +39 055 2768325
- Email: info.museicivici@comune.fi.it
For the most current information, including any changes to ticket prices or booking procedures, please visit the official website or contact the museum directly.
Tips to make your visit.
Always expect to spend at least 90 mins on your tour.
The Tower will be closed in case of rain and not advised in case of heart conditions, breathing difficulties, claustrophobia or acrophobia.
Tours change and must be reserved. So it is a good idea to stop and reserve spaces.
During summer, you can visit the battlements at night times: between 8.00 pm to 11.00 pm. It will cost an additional fee. For that, you must sign up at the place where you buy tickets to the Palace.
5 BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE IN FLORENCE
Santa Croce was rebuilt by Arnolfo di Cambio for the Franciscan order in 1294. This is the burial site for the great in Florence. The basilica also has one of the prominent accumulations of sculptures and paintings in addition to funeral tombs.
Santa Croce became the largest Franciscan church, as an excellent sample of Italian gothic style. It is a place where you can easily enjoy the culture, especially with the taste of art as I mentioned before. So it is crucial to say that Santa Croce is a hidden gem in the beautiful city of Florence.
What you get to see inside of the Basilica of Santa Croce
Santa Croce Croce is home to many Renaissance treasures and valuables. There is a large area to cover up, starting from Donatello sculptures, Chapels, Celebrity tombs and basilica museum.
Santa Croce’s Chapel
Having frescoed chapels was a common feature that could be seen in Franciscan churches at that time. The prominent families in the era employed the greatest artists and painters to design the church.
Although the frescoes are damaged, lost or restored from the 14th century to the modern period, there are 16 chapels in Santa Croce that survived to attract many eyes all around the world. Bradi Chapel: Giotto Frescos, Peruzzi Chapel, Pazzi Chapel, Baronceilli Chapel and Maggiore Chapel are some of them.
Donatello’ sculptures
There are three Donatello monumental sculptures in Santa Croce. The artist Donatello was the most famous and influential during the 15th century. Having a profound effect on Renaissance artists and especially Michelangelo, he became the first to move away from gothic portraits.
Accordingly, through the way, reintroduction of the elements of the classical Greco-Roman was done by him with his studies. You can learn about the sculptures: St. Louis of Toulouse (1425) as one of the earliest bronze sculptures, Annunciation (1435) and Crucifix (1406 – 1408) during your visit to Santa Croce.
Santa Croce’s Tombs
Being the “Temple of Italian glories”, Santa Croce is home to several famous Tombs over 300, which honour artists and painters of the Renaissance period. Some tombs are old, so you are not allowed to walk on them. Michelangelo’s Tomb, Galileo’s Tomb, Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Tomb, Nicollo Machiavelli’s Tomb, Dante Alighieri’s memorial and Italian Mozart – Gioachino Rossini’s Tomb are some of the famous celebratory Tombs you can visit.
Museo dell’opera di Santa Croce or Santa Croce Museum
Santa Croce has its own Museum, just like the Cathedral in Florence. Established in 1900 and is in the former refectory of the church. The damage was caused by the flooding of river Arno during 1966 but was restored carefully and reopened in 1975.
There are many artworks, sculptures, paintings you can find in the Museum. Some of the prominent works are Crucifix of Cimabue 1280, Taddeo Gaddi, The last supper and the Life tree 1335, Bronzino, Christ’s Descent into Limbo 1552 and Francesco Salviati deposition from the cross 1547- 1548.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
- Sunday and Religious Holidays (Epiphany, All Saints, Immaculate Conception): 12:30 PM – 5:45 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
- Closed on: New Year’s Day, Easter, Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (June 13), Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), Christmas Day, Boxing Day
Please note that operating hours may vary on public holidays.
Admission Prices:
- Adults: €8.00
- Students (ages 11 to 17): €6.00
- Children under 11 and individuals with disabilities: Free entry
Dress Code:
- As a place of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs. Disposable robes are available free of charge for those needing appropriate attire.
Visitor Guidelines:
- Behavior: Maintain silence and appropriate conduct during your visit
- Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use only; tripods are not allowed.
- Mobile Phones: Keep phones on silent mode; use is restricted to photography or using the official Santa Croce App.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available via the side ramp or raised platform at the cloister entrance. Guide dogs are permitted with proper documentation.
- Prohibited: Smoking, eating, drinking, and pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed on the premises.
For the most current information, please visit the official Santa Croce website or contact their visitor services directly.