What to see in Florence: must-sees, neighbourhoods and practical tips
Quick answer
The must-sees in Florence are the Uffizi Gallery, David at the Accademia, the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Oltrarno. The centre is walkable: two days is ideal; with one, focus on the Duomo, the Signoria and one major museum.
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More Florence guides
- Florence in 1 dayA one-day itinerary for Florence, hour by hour: Duomo, Signoria, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo, with bookings, timings and lunch.
- Florence in 2 daysA two-day itinerary for Florence hour by hour: Uffizi, David, Duomo, Signoria, Oltrarno, Boboli and Piazzale Michelangelo, with bookings and timings.
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Florence's must-sees
Florence packs more Renaissance art per square metre than almost any city. The essentials are the Uffizi Gallery (Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo), the Accademia Gallery with David, the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the Baptistery and Giotto's bell tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi, the Ponte Vecchio and the basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli lie. Book timed tickets for the Uffizi, Accademia and dome.
Neighbourhoods: where to stay and wander
- Historic centre (Duomo and Signoria): the most convenient on foot, though the most touristy.
- San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella: near the train station, with the Mercato Centrale and good connections.
- Santa Croce: local atmosphere and restaurants, 10 minutes from the Signoria.
- Oltrarno (San Frediano and Santo Spirito): artisan workshops, neighbourhood life and lively squares at night.
- Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato: not for staying, but ideal for sunset over the city.
Florence's museums
Beyond the Uffizi and the Accademia, highlights include the Bargello (sculpture by Donatello and Michelangelo), the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. Combined tickets exist: Uffizi, Pitti and Boboli (5 days, €40) and, since March 2026, Accademia and Bargello (€26, 48 hours) or all five museums in the group (€38, 72 hours). In any museum you can point the AnyArt camera at a work and hear its story, an alternative to an audio guide.
Practical tips
- Arrive by train at Santa Maria Novella: Rome is a little over 1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed train.
- From Florence airport, the tram reaches the centre in about 20 minutes.
- Avoid driving: the ZTL in the centre fines unauthorised cars.
- Wear comfortable shoes: cobblestones and distances add up.
- Many museums close on Mondays; plan Mondays for the Duomo, markets and walks.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Florence?
Two days covers the essentials: the Uffizi, David, the Duomo, the Signoria and the Oltrarno. With one day you must choose a museum; with three you can add trips to Siena or Pisa.
What should I see in Florence in one day?
The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio and one major museum (Uffizi or Accademia), with sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Is Florence expensive?
Main museums cost between €20 and €29. Eating in neighbourhood trattorias and drinking from public fountains helps your budget.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
April to June and September to October: pleasant weather and less heat than midsummer.
Can you do Florence on foot?
Yes, the historic centre is walkable; distances between the main sights are 5 to 15 minutes.