On your trip to Tuscany in Italy,, when planning what to visit in Florence, it may be difficult to try to encompass all the great artistic and cultural heritage that this city offers. If it was for us, we could stay in this city for weeks, to see everything it has to offer.
Precisely because Florence is so rich in art, it is important to plan your visit well before you set off on your journey. And we will give you a suggestion regarding where to stay, to make your trip to Florence perfect!
Some Practical Info for Your Arrival in Florence, the Renaissance City
You also have the option of signing up for guided tours of Florence, so that you can make certain visits with a guide specialized in art that gives you elucidations in your language.
You may arrive by plane at Florence airport, which is about 10 kilometres from the Tuscan capital.
To go to the city, you can get on the bus that takes you to the city for a ticket price of 6 euros or go by taxi (about 25 euros).
But if you are looking for the most comfortable option to go from the airport to your hotel, you can hire a private transfer, a very suitable service for a family group or friends.
What to See and Do in Florence
Climb to Brunelleschi’s dome in the Duomo
The Cathedral Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence is a monumental complex with several buildings and corners of great beauty.
Even if it may be a little fatiguing, it is going to be worth it! Don’t stop climbing and reach the top of the great dome that Brunelleschi built in the fifteenth century, which in its time became one of the great masterpieces of the Renaissance.
See the Neo-gothic façade of the Duomo
Completed in 1887, the neo-Gothic façade of the Duomo of Florence deserves time to appreciate its beauty.
You won’t be the only tourist who stays for a while appreciating its artistic richness.
See the Doors of Paradise
Just in front of the mentioned façade of the Duomo you have the Doors of Paradise of the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Visit the Palazzo Vecchio on the Signoria square
The Palazzo Vecchio is the historic centre of the Government of Florence and is the great monument that stands on the Piazza della Signoria, which is now the seat of the city council.
To get to know the palace better, I would advise you to take a guided tour of the Palazzo Vecchio, as it is undoubtedly the best way to learn about its history and discover its corners.
Visit the Ponte Vecchio
It is one of the icon images of Florence, and undoubtedly one of the most visited corners by tourists who visit the Tuscan capital.
Your walk along the Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno River, will give you the feeling of moving back to medieval times.
Climb to the belvedere of Piazzale Michelangelo
From this viewpoint on the hill on the south bank of the river Arno, you have the most famous panoramic views of Florence.
An essential visit to the viewpoint par excellence of the city of Florence, where with the river in the foreground, you have the best views of places such as Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio or the Cathedral Duomo with its impressive dome.
See the sculpture of the magnificent David in the Accademia Gallery
You can’t leave Florence without seeing the impressive sculpture of Michelangelo’s David.
Although there are several copies in the city, you must enter the museum known as the Accademia Gallery to be surprised with the dimensions and beauty of the original sculpture.
Take note of how to avoid queues to enter this museum, it’s worth having a good time appreciating the various artistic details of this great work by Michelangelo.
See the sepulchres of historical characters in Santa Croce
In Florence you will find the sepulchres of many characters from the history of Italy, such as Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo and Machiavelli.
You can visit them in the church of Santa Croce, one of the most outstanding corners of the city of Florence, which you should not miss.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is the best art gallery in the world in Italian painting and it is an easy museum to visit, although, yes, you must take into account how to avoid queues to visit the Uffizi Gallery.
Where to stay in Florence: Make it the perfect trip
Florence is not very large, everything can be seen by walking distance and what is it better than having your hotel in the centre of Florence, two minutes walking distance from the Dome? A dream? No, we recommend you to stay at the Brunelleschi Hotel, named after the Renaissance talent Filippo Brunelleschi. The building that today hosts the Hotel, was owned by Brunelleschi Family! Isn’ it cool? Even more so are the amazing rooms and ambience, a mix between ancient culture and modern design. Choose the suite with jacuzzi at Brunelleschi Hotel and let your breath be taken away by the stunning views. It is worth it for a lifelong memory!