Florence is a charming city located in the Tuscany region of Central Italy. Also known as “Firenze” in Italian, it is renowned for its cultural and artistic legacy.
Florence features fascinating buildings, art pieces, and history. Its roots date back to Roman times, but the city rose to prominence in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance under the influence of the Medici family.
If you are visiting Florence for the first time, these are three stops that you do not want to miss. In this guide, I will give you tips so you can make sure you take advantage of the best that Florence has to offer.
If you want a full detailed guide on visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice, make sure to check out my latest 10-day, fully-guided itinerary!
Read: 10-day fully guided itinerary to Rome, Florence, and Venice
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About Florence
Overlooking Florence with a view of the Duomo
Florence has a long and fascinating history that began as a small Roman settlement and evolved into a powerful city that became the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Florence was established as a Roman colony by Julius Caesar around 59 BC and was initially named Florentia which meant flourishing. The town was located along the Arno River. It served as a military and commercial center.
During the early Middle Ages, Florence faced invasions and shifting control among the Goths, Byzantines, and Lombards. By the eighth century, Florence had been incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire and the Christian church played a significant role in the city’s life.
Today Florence remains a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited cities in the world. It continues to be a hub for art culture in history and attracts millions of tourists every year. Florence expresses the legacy of the Renaissance and the enduring charm of Italy’s beauty.
The Duomo
The Duomo is Florence’s iconic cathedral and is famous for its stunning exterior design by Brunelleschi. It features beautiful pink, green, and white marble. On the inside, there are intricate displays of art covering the dome. You can also climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
How to get there?
The Duomo is located just steps away from the city’s main Square. Florence is a very accessible city on foot, so walking would be the best way to get there.
You can also take a taxi or shuttle to the Duomo if your hotel is too far away.
The majestic exterior of the Duomo
Do I need tickets?
The short answer is yes, you will need tickets to enter the Duomo. There are a couple of different ways you can approach buying tickets to see this historical wonder.
The best option is to purchase a guided tour of the church. Not only will you learn about the fascinating history of the Domo, but most guided tours allow you to skip the line to enter.
During the summer months, the Duomo gets extremely crowded, often making you wait more than one hour to enter. A guided tour provides a hassle-free experience so you can make the most of your time in Florence.
Click here to book your guided tour of the Duomo.
When is the best time to go?
As stated earlier, the Duomo can get very busy during the day, especially during the summer months when Italy is at its peak tour season. If you don’t want to purchase a Skip the Line tour, it is best to arrive at the Duomo early in the morning when crowds are at their lowest.
The church is open Monday through Saturday from 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM and is closed on Sundays. If you want to climb the dome, it is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM, and Saturday from 8:15 AM to 5:15 PM.
If you are looking to see the Bell Tower, it is open daily from 8:15 AM to 7:45 PM.
What can’t I miss when visiting?
The first thing to do when arriving at the Duomo is marvel at the grand exterior of the church. It is quite amazing to see just how tall it is.
Once you are inside the church, make sure to see Brunelleschi’s Dome. It features a double shell structure with an inner and outer layer that provides strength while reducing weight. The construction began in 1420 and was completed in 1436. The dome spans 149 feet in diameter and is the largest brick dome ever built.
Adjacent to the Duomo is the Doto Bell Tower. The construction was started by Giotto de Bondone in 1334. The tower is 85 m tall and was completed by Andrea Pisano after Giotto’s death and later by Francesco Talenti. If you decide to enter the bell tower, you can climb the 414 steps for an unparalleled view of the Duomo and Dome and see the surrounding cityscape.
The David (Galleria Dell’academia)
David stands in glory!
The David is an impressive marble sculpture that stands over 17 feet tall and is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance and a symbol of human beauty, strength, and intellect.
The story of David began in 1501 when Michelangelo was commissioned by the Opera del Duomo of Florence to create a statue for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The commission was originally part of a project to create a series of Old Testament sculptures for the cathedral.
The sculpture took over two years to carve and was completed in 1504. David stands over 17 feet tall and weighs over 12,000 pounds. The sculpture portrayed the biblical hero David at the moment of contemplation and determination, rather than his victory over Goliath.
How to get there?
The David statue is located at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. This art gallery is A 20-minute walk from the Piazza del Limbo. The best way to get to the museum is to either walk or take a taxi.
Do I need tickets?
You will need tickets to enter the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. They can be purchased online or by phone. There are a couple of different ways to gain access to the museum.
The best way to see the David is to buy a timed entry ticket for the museum. This will allow you to show up at your preferred time so you won’t have to wait hours in line. Keep in mind that there will still be a short queue, even if booking a timed entry ticket.
There is also a cancellation penalty if you cancel your ticket. If you cancel at least four days before your visit, the penalty is around nine euros per ticket. If you cancel three days or before your visit, you will be charged the full price of your ticket.
Also, those under six do not need to reserve a ticket. However, you should still specify the amount of people in your group before reserving tickets to the museum.
You can buy tickets to the David here.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to see the David depends on the waiting times to enter the museum. Arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon will give you the best chance of a small line. However, booking a timed entry ticket will allow you to get into the museum anytime you like.
The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM with the last admission at 6:20 PM. It is closed on Mondays, January 1, and December 25.
During the summer, the museum holds special hours that extend to 10 PM on Thursdays and 9 PM on Tuesdays for tourists.
What can’t I miss when visiting?
The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze holds many more fascinating works of art along with the David.
There is a room dedicated to marble sculptures of bodies and faces that is truly impressive to see. Another popular marble sculpture inside the gallery is the Rape of Sabines by Giambologna. The sculpture can be seen in the first room as soon as you enter the museum.
Along with The Statue of David, there are also other works by Michelangelo. Make sure to see the prisoners, which were unfinished sculptures intended for the tomb of Pope Julius the Second.
These figures appear to be emerging from the marble giving insight into Michelangelo’s creative process and technique. This work of art symbolizes the struggle of human beings to escape their earthly bonds.
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Ponte Vecchio
A night view of the Arno River
The Ponte Vecchio, or “Old Bridge,” is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most famous bridges in the world. Spanning the Arno River, it has a fascinating history, unique architectural features, and a vibrant cultural life. Here’s a closer look:
How to get there?
The Ponte Vecchio is just a five-minute walk away From the Piazza Della Signoria. The best way to experience it. The bridge is by walking. You will be able to visit all the shops along the bridge, as well as take in views of the Arno River.
Do I need tickets?
There is no charge to walk along the Ponte Vecchio. It can be accessed at all times of day, although shops will normally be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit the Ponte Vecchio is during the day when the bridge will be bustling with merchants and tourists.
The early morning is quiet and peaceful and is ideal if you want a tranquil experience with fewer tourists around. The shops will be closed, allowing you to enjoy the bridge’s architecture. You will also be able to snap photos without crowds and enjoy the beauty of the Arno River.
In the nighttime, the shops will close and the Ponte Vecchio takes on a peaceful almost mystical quality. The bridge is illuminated at night and casts reflections along the Arno River, giving you a unique view of Florence by moonlight.
What can’t I miss when visiting?
Make sure to visit some of the unique shops located along the bridge. The Ponte Vecchio is renowned for its gold and silver jewelry shops, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century.
There are also local artists and shops located along the bridge which sell handcrafted, souvenirs, art prints, and unique decor items.
Art galleries and studios are also located on the Ponte Vecchio. These galleries showcase local and contemporary artists and offer paintings, sculptures, and drawings that reflect the beauty of Florence and its surrounding landscape. You can also grab a souvenir at one of the souvenir shops and take a piece of Florence home with you.
Summary
I hope that this guide provided some insight into my three favorite places in Florence to visit. The Duomo, the David, and the Ponte Vecchio each offer some insight into the cultural significance of Florence and its unique history.
If you have gone to see these beautiful landmarks, leave a comment to let me know what you think of them! Also, you can read my full guide to visiting Rome Florence in Venice if you want to learn more about central Italy.
Read: 10-day fully guided itinerary to Rome, Florence, and Venice.
