If you have set out on a venture to see everything best that Florence has on offer, then here is the list of the must-visit destinations in this beautiful city.
1. Cinque Terre: Cinque Terre is one of the unique landscapes in Italy that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an archipelago of five coastal fishing villages that are located on the Mediterranean Sea and are the favorite spot of photography enthusiasts as well as nature lovers. The pristine blue water, sculpted houses out of the cliffs, coastal paths, and lively town square make Cinque Terre an absolute gem of Florence. You can also enjoy the stunning view of the unspoiled and scenic stretch of Italian Riviera over here.
2. Santa Croce: This Franciscan church was built in the Middle ages and is an absolute gem for architecture lovers. It has an open timber roof and many tomb slabs erected in the pavement area. Santa Crose is known as the “Pantheon of Florence” because it contains the tombs of many Renaissance legendaries such as Michelangelo, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Brunelleschi. The huge collection of art pieces in this church makes it the most important church in Florence. The most acclaimed works are the Giotto frescoes in the chapels to the right side of the altar.
Location: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Timing: 9:30 AM-5 PM (Mon-Sat), 2-5 PM(Sunday)
3. Ponte Vecchio: This is one of the most significant landmarks of Florence and the oldest crossing of Arno. It was erected during Roman times and is characterized by two wide arcades and three distinct arches on each side of the bridge. It is one of the few bridges where you can enjoy the enthralling performance of musicians, entertainers, and portraitists. You can also find wooden Goldsmith shops, butcher shops, antique boutiques, and teeming shops over here.
Location: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Timing: 9:30am - 12pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm (Mon-Sat)
4. Santa Maria Novella: This is a Dominican church that has a striking white and green marble facade and extremely breathtaking interiors. It was planned and designed by two Dominican brothers, Ristoro and Sisto, and the construction of the church got completed in 1350. The church is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, and everything from the Holy Trinity to chapels to stained glass windows is a worth visit over here.
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Entry Fee: 5 Euros per adult
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm(Mon-Sat)
5. Bargello Palace National Museum: This museum is located in an imposing red-brick palace called Palazzo del Bargello that dates back to the 13th century. Throughout the years, it has been enriched with a splendid collection of ceramics, enamel, wax, amber, ivory, textiles, furniture, and tapestries. It formerly served as a prison and barrack, but now it has been transformed into an art museum. This museum holds an incredible collection of Renaissance works of art and sculpture. You can find here the masterpieces by Luca Della Robbia, Verrocchio, Cellini, Michelangelo, and Donatello.
Location: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Entry Fee: 5 Euros per adult
Timings: 8:15-1:50 PM(Sun-Tue), Mon-Closed
6. Mercato Centrale: Whether you’re looking for an authentic Tuscan meal or some fresh ingredients to stock up your pantry, Mercato Centrale should be your go-to destination. This is an indoor food market in Florence that is divided into two distinct sections. The ground floor of this market hosts traditional vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat, and the food court upstairs is the gastronomic goldmine with five hundred different seats to choose from. It is the favorite food destination of gourmet cuisine lovers as well as those who love street food.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 8 AM-12 AM
7. Basilica Di San Lorenzo: Located in the main market of Florence, Basilica Di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Italy. This 15th-century church is known for its splendid Medici chapels and mausoleums. It is fascinating both as a church as well as a museum and is extremely renowned for its unfinished basilica and breathtaking Medici Chapels. It is considered to be the burial ground of the principal family members of the Medici family.
Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Entry Fee: 6 euros per adult
Timings: 10 AM-5 PM
8. Uffizi Gallery: This is a prominent art museum in Piazza Della Signoria that holds an incredible collection of paintings dating back to the Renaissance era. You can also witness here the masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. The gallery also boasts of housing an incredible collection of busts and ancient statues from the Medici family and ancient Roman carbon copies of the lost Greek sculptures.
Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Entry Fee: 20 euros in the high season & 2 euros in the low season
Timings: 8:15 AM-6:50 PM
9. Cathedral Of Santa Maria Fiori And Piazza Duomo: If you appreciate architecture and art, then this cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Florence. It has a bell tower, cathedral, baptistery, and museum that are extremely unique on their own. It also houses the best masterpieces of art by the greatest artists such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Michelangelo, Ghiberti, and Giotto.