What is Florence famous for?

Florence is renown for its cultural and academic significance. The historic city has an abundance of churches, museums and galleries for you to explore. Take your time to appreciate the nuances of the city, and let the Italian oasis consume you.

Located in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Florence is a must-visit on any Italian trip. Here are just some of the fantabulous places you can visit while there.

• The Uffizi

  The Uffizi is the most visited museum in Italy, and for good reason. It is home to many significant pieces of work, including a large collection of priceless works from the Italian Renaissance.
  Florence was once ruled by the house of Medici, once the house died out their entire art collection was gifted to the city of Florence. It was then that the Uffizi was first created. The museum has been opened by request since the sixteenth century. In 1765 it was officially opened to the public, but it wasn’t for another 100 years that it would be formally recognised as a museum. Today, the Uffizi is one of the most visited art museums in the world.

  There are many particularly famous works of art in the Uffizi. Some of the most recognisable include The Birth of Venus, Madonna of the Goldfinch, and the sculpture Two Wrestlers. The museum is so popular that wait times for entry can reach up to five hours. However, you can avoid the long queues by joining one of our tours! We have special skip the line tickets, so you won’t waste your time waiting.

• Galleria dell’Accademia

  Perhaps more famous than the Uffizi is the Galleria dell’Accademia. It is best known as the home to Michelangelo’s David. The museum is home to a large number of sculptures, including others by Michelangelo. It is smaller than the Uffizi and is more specialised in the works it displays. The Galleria dell’Accademia mostly contains work from Florentine artists who produced work between 1300 and 1600.

  Initially, it was thought the Galleria dell’Accademia would be a “Michelangelo Museum” however it only ever secured a small collection of his works. Many of them are unfinished, most famously the Four Slaves. They represent Michelangelo’s belief that sculptures were a tool of God, unveiling figures that were already contained in the marble. On the surface of these statues, you can see the marks of his mallet and chisel.

• Piazzale Michelangelo

  For some of the best views of Florence head to Piazzale Michelangelo. Built atop of a hill looking down over the city centre, Piazzale Michelangelo is beautiful day or night. The square has bronze reproductions of some of Michelangelo’s most famous works.

  The Piazzale Michelangelo is easily accessed and best-seen by foot. There are plenty of pathways leading to the Piazzale, the most popular route is via the Poggi Ramps.

  Once you’ve made it to the top, many people are quick to walk back down the hill towards the city. However, there are plenty of lovely things to see before you leave. Be sure to check out the nearby Abbey of San Miniato al Monte and purchase wares made by its resident monks.

• Santo Spirito

  The unfinished façade of the Basilica di Santo Spirito may lead you to believe it is not worth a visit, but how wrong you are. Though it may be simple on the outside, its 97m interior is a preeminent example of Renaissance architecture. One of the most famous pieces in the church’s interior is Michelangelo’s crucifix.

  As a teen the convent allowed Michelangelo to take anatomical studies of corpses from their hospital. In return, he sculpted for them a large wooded crucifix which at the time was hung above the altar. You can see it today in the sacristy on the west side of the church.

  The square the church looks out over is the most popular in Venice. There is a large fountain in the centre and a daily market appears each morning for you to enjoy. As darkness falls it comes alive as people spill into the square at bars and restaurants.

• Giardino Bardini

  Get ready to have your breath taken away by the beauty of Giardino Bardini. Nearby the equally as stunning Boboli garden, Giardino Bardini attracts fewer crowds, leaving you in peace to explore.

  The gardens have three sections for you to wander, the baroque steps, English garden and farming area. Ascend the stairs for gorgeous views over Florence in the medieval gardens. From its first creation, it was frequented by wealthy families, acting as the green heart of Florence.

  Head through the Wisteria tunnel, surrounding yourself in the purple blossoms. From here you can head to the baroque steps to admire the stunning mosaic bottoms of the six surrounding fountains. Discover many beautiful stone carvings and statues as you walk and enjoy the unique terrace gardens.

  If you have a free afternoon, enjoy a meal at the gardens Michelin-starred restaurant while overlooking the city.

• Ponte Vecchio

  This famous, and old, bridge attracts visitors from around the world. Spanning over the river Arno, the Vecchio Bridge is known for the shops that adorn it. Walking across the bridge you are flanked on both sides but delightful little shops.

  It is thought that the bridge was first built in 996 and initially was filled with handcrafted jewellery stores. Today the storefronts are mostly art dealers and souvenir stores. However, there are still some jewellery stores for you to visit, with few still making their goods instore.

Explore Florence for yourself

These are just a few of the best parts of Florence! There are plenty of other fantastic sites to see too, but we’ll let you find some of them for yourself.

Related article: Is Florence Safe?