Things to do in Florence
Museums and galleries, attractions, special things to do
Florence's treasures are mainly found in the historic centre, north of the River Arno. Visit the iconic domed Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its exquisite 11th-century Baptistery. The Uffizi Gallery boasts the world's largest collection of Renaissance paintings. Cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge to the Oltrarno district, home to Pitti Palace and its romantic Boboli Gardens. Charges apply to most sights. Opening hours vary and can change at short notice.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Uffizi Gallery - World's finest Renaissance collection
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The queues for the Uffizi Gallery in central Florence are a clue: it's the world's finest collection of Renaissance art. You'll never see it all. Look out for Botticelli's Birth of Venus and early works by Leonardo da Vinci.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€6.50; concessions €3.25; EU under-18s & over-65s free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 8.15am-6.50pm
Address
Piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 238 8651
2. Bargello Museum - Renaissance sculptures
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Renaissance masterpieces including sculptures, textiles and armoury fill the Bargello Museum in central Florence. This imposing former prison houses sculptures by artists like Michelangelo, Giambologna and Donatello. Don't miss the latter's famous bronze version of David, which is displayed here.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€4; concessions €2; EU under-18s & over-65s free
Opening Hours
Daily 8.15am-1.50pm (closed 1st, 3rd and 5th Mon and 2nd and 4th Sun of each month)
Address
4, Via del Proconsolo, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 238 8606
3. Galleria dell'Accademia - World-famous artworks
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The Galleria dell'Accademia, near bustling Piazza San Marco square in central Florence, was the world's first school of art. It's now a fascinating gallery, home to one of the world's most famous sculptures - Michelangelo's stunning marble statue of David.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€6.50; concessions €3.25; EU under-18s & over-65s free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 8.15am-6.50pm
Address
58-60, Via Ricasoli, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 2388 609
Attractions
Expand all4. Pitti Palace - Collection of museums
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Former residence of the powerful Medici rulers, Pitti Palace sits south of the River Arno. Today it houses the Palatine Gallery, with its astonishingly lavish Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Porcelain Museum, among many others.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free; individual museum charges apply
Opening Hours
Individual museum opening times vary
Address
1, Piazza Pitti, Florence, 50125
Telephone
+39 055 294 883
5. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - Iconic architecture
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Florence's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo, was begun in 1296 and still today dominates the city centre, topped by Brunelleschi's iconic dome. The vast interior features frescoes, including one of the famed English mercenary, Sir John Hawkwood.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Wed & Fri 10am-5pm; Thu until 3.30pm; Sat until 4.45pm; Sun 1.30pm-4.45pm
Address
17, Piazza Duomo, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 215 380
Transport
Bus 23 from Santa Maria Novella to the Cathedral
Website
6. Ponte Vecchio - 14th-century bridge
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The medieval Ponte Vecchio spanning the River Arno is Florence's oldest bridge and one of the city's most photographed sights. Dating back to the 14th century, it's lined with goldsmiths' shops and contains a hidden corridor used by the Medici.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, 50122
Transport
Electric bus A from Santa Maria Novella to Piazza Goldoni, or electric bus B to Ponte Vecchio
7. Casa Buonarroti - Michelangelo's house
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Michelangelo bought Casa Buonarroti, near the Basilica of Santa Croce, in 1508 and lived there until 1515. The attractive 17th-century building, enlarged and beautified by his great-nephew, contains original masterpieces by Michelangelo, including the Madonna of the Steps.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€6.50
Opening Hours
Wed-Mon 9.30am-2pm
Address
70, Via Ghibellina, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 241752
8. San Miniato al Monte - Frescoed marble church
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Perched on a hill in the Oltrarno district, south of the Arno, the church of San Miniato al Monte dates back to the 13th century. It's a steep climb, but worth it for the colourful marble facade and fine frescoes.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily approx 8am-7.30pm (closed 12pm-3pm in winter)
Address
off Via delle Porte Dante, Florence, 50125
9. Baptistery - 1000 years of history
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The little Baptistery, Battistero, beside the Cathedral in central Florence, is probably the city's oldest building. Built around the 11th century, on the site of a Roman temple, it is where Dante was baptised. The carved bronze doors are stunning.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€3
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12pm-7pm; Sun 8.30am-2pm
Address
Piazza Duomo, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 230 2885
10. Fontana del Porcellino - Famous fountain
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The gleaming snout of the Fontana del Porcellino, a bronze boar in the city centre, is testament to the fact that it is rubbed hundreds of times a day. According to legend, giving it a rub ensures a return visit.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
off Piazza Davanzati by Mercato Nuovo (New Market), Florence, 50123
Transport
On foot
11. Piazza della Signoria - Picturesque square
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Bustling Piazza della Signoria square, in the centre of Florence, is dominated by the striking medieval Palazzo Vecchio and is home to some fine classical sculptures. Have a coffee or aperitivo while joining the Italians in a spot of people-watching.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza della Signoria, Florence, 50122
Transport
Bus A from Santa Maria Novella to Via Porta Rossa
12. Medici Chapels - Opulent resting place
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The sumptuous Medici Chapels, Capelle Medicee, form part of the San Lorenzo basilica in the city centre. The burial place of the powerful Medici rulers, they contain masterpieces by Michelangelo and opulent decorations of marble and semi-precious stones.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€4; concessions €2; EU under-18s & over-65s free
Opening Hours
Daily 8.15am-1.50pm (closed 1st, 3rd & 5th Mon and 2nd & 4th Sun each month)
Address
6, Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini, Florence, 50123
Telephone
+39 055 294 883
Special things to do
Expand all13. Boboli Gardens - Renaissance retreat
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The romantic Boboli Gardens adjoin the Pitti Palace in the Oltrarno district, offering a tranquil escape from the city centre bustle. Designed for the Medici rulers, they're filled with statues, grottoes and fountains. Shelter from the sun under shady trees.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€6; concessions €3; EU under-18s & over-65s free
Opening Hours
Daily 8.15am-dusk (closed 1st & last Mon of month)
Address
1, Piazza Pitti, Florence, 50125
Telephone
+39 055 2388786; +39 055 294883
14. Certosa del Galluzzo - Medieval monastery
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The Certosa del Galluzzo is a tranquil monastery outside Florence, in the village of Galluzzo. It dates back to 1342. A guided tour shows visitors sights such as the cloisters, the monks' cells and the refectory.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Donations for guided tour
Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 9.15am-11.15am & 3pm-5pm (until 4.15pm in winter)
Address
2, Buca di Certosa, Galluzzo, Florence, 50124
Telephone
+39 055 204 9226
15. Bike Tour of Chianti - Rolling hills and vineyards
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This full day Bike Tour of Chianti is a great way to explore the countryside surrounding Florence. It starts from the Ponte Vespucci bridge in central Florence, includes lunch and a visit to one of the famous Chianti vineyards.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€70
Opening Hours
Mar-Nov Daily 10am
Address
Ponte Vespucci, Florence, 50123
Telephone
+39 055 222 580
