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Things to do in Florence

Top 10 things to do

#1

Uffizi Gallery

For lovers of art and history, there is no more special place to visit than Florence's Uffizi Gallery. Open to the public since 1765, this former magistrate's office on the banks of the Arno welcomes some two million tourists a year. The Uffizi's collection is laid out in chronological order from the 13th up to the 17th century, so visitors get to experience the evolution of Italian art, from the introduction of realism and perspective of Cimabue and Giotto up to to the High Renaissance of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, and finally to the Baroque chiaroscuro of Caravaggio. A visit to the Uffizi is a unique chance to commune with the protagonists of the Italian Renaissance. When planning a trip here, always remember that the Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays.

4.6 (6,037 reviews)
#2

Accademia Gallery

Visitors to Florence's Accademia Gallery invariably come for one reason – to see Michelangelo's magnificent statue of David. David has been on display here since 1873 along with the artist's Slaves and St. Matthew. On a trip to the Accademia – originally founded in the 1780s – you'll also be able to take in an important collection of Renaissance paintings by the likes of Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, see the remarkable original plaster cast of Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women, and the charming Museum of Musical Instruments.

4.6 (3,690 reviews)
#3

Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze)

Since it was opened to the public in 1436, Florence's most famous landmark, the Duomo (or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is a must-see city landmark. In fact, its towering size means you can't miss it. Filippo Brunelleschi's red-tiled dome is a wonder all on its own, but the architecture is as impressive inside as it is on the outside. Climbing to the top of this stunning cathedral affords great views of the city.

4.5 (1,404 reviews)
#4

Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti was built for Renaissance banker Luca Pitti. A loyal consigliere to Cosimo de Medici, Pitti wanted a mansion built to rival those of the mighty Medici. He did pretty well: about 100 years after its construction the Medici acquired it and moved in. With a grand courtyard, Royal Apartments, the Palatine Gallery and a high Baroque interior design, this is a worthy Renaissance palace.

4.6 (1,524 reviews)
#5

Giotto's Bell Tower

Standing tall next to the beautiful Florence Duomo is Giotto's Bell Tower. At 85 meters high, climbing to the top will reward visitors with the best views of Florence, as well as Brunelleschi's famous dome.

4.4 (103 reviews)
#6

Selfie Museum Firenze

Selfie Museum Firenze is dedicated to contemporary creativity. Just a few hundred meters from the Duomo and the Accademia Gallery (where Michelangelo's David is kept), the two-story exhibition space is home to immersive art, optical illusions, sound installations, kinetic sculptures, digital storytelling, and augmented and virtual reality.

4.6 (982 reviews)
#7

Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum®

Discover everything da Vinci in a hands-on museum experience that lets you interact with Leo's greatest creations and learn about his incredible contributions to the fields of art and science.

4.5 (307 reviews)
#8

Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapels were built by and for the Medici family, who bankrolled much of the Renaissance and ruled the Florentine Republic for generations. These two chapels belong to the Basilica of San Lorenzo - a church that dates back to the 4th century AD. In addition to being the burial place for 49 members of the Medici clan, these chapels contain three of Michelangelo's most beautiful sculptures.

4.6 (465 reviews)
#9

Boboli Gardens

Originally conceived in the 16th century, the Boboli Gardens are now home to a remarkable 3,000-year old Egyptian obelisk, design features by leading architects such as Ammanati and Vasari, and eye-catching statues, grottoes, and fountains from the likes of Giambologna.

4.5 (1,328 reviews)
#10

Palazzo Strozzi

Palazzo Strozzi is one of Florence’s great Renaissance residences. Powerful banker Filippo Strozzi the Elder commissioned the palace in the late 1400s, ordering the demolition of a large number of pre-existing buildings in the process. The Palazzo Strozzi we see today is a free-standing and beautifully proportioned structure that trumps the Medici Palace of Strozzi’s business and political rivals, the Medici family. The Strozzi family eventually relinquished the property during the fascist period, and the City of Florence has been managing it since 1999. Visitors now come to see some of the most exciting exhibitions held in Italy each year.

4.7 (551 reviews)

Experiences recommended for

Hand-picked combinations

Combine Florence favorites. Some things are better together.

The Florence Pass

  1. Florence Cathedral & Dome
  2. Uffizi Gallery
  3. Accademia Gallery

+ 1 other top thing to do

4.3 (579)
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Uffizi + Accademia

  1. Uffizi Gallery
  2. Accademia Gallery
  3. Florence City Audio Guide
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From $64.23

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Florence guides and itineraries

2 days in Florence

Dive into the heart of Florence with a two-day itinerary as your guide to this city brimming with artistic treasures!

  • Brunelleschi's Dome
  • Explore Florence's City Center
  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Accademia Gallery
    +2

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