The typical Italy travel route starts in Rome and continues to Florence. The journey to Florence usually takes place immediately after a full day of sightseeing in Rome. Dinner and an overnight stay follow. The next morning, after breakfast, the day in Florence starts early at 9:00 am. This is to ensure the best things in Florence are visited before closing time.
The city of art and design, Florence is full of history and made convenient for tourists to walk from one place to another. Along the way to the top Florence attractions, it’s not traffic from cars that is noticeable, but the human traffic of tourists (GALLE SRI LANKA WHAT TO DO).
Hundreds of people walk through the city, which is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region. At popular sites, the sheer number of visitors taking photos can mean waiting for a moment to capture a clear shot.
Nestled along the Arno River and surrounded by hills and vineyards, Florence is also known for Italian dining and local wine, whether in fine restaurants or cozy little cafes. With its rustic, stone landmarks and rich history, the city offers some of the best things to do in Florence, Italy.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Overlooking the Oltrarno neighbourhood,
the majestic Duomo, winding paths along the Arno River, the Tuscan countryside,
and even parts of the ancient city walls near Porta Romana, Piazzale
Michelangelo presents simply stunning views of Florence city. The picturesque
panoramic view does appear on social media platforms.
The open-air square features a monumental
bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, surrounded by other sculptures. It was
designed by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi during urban renewal works in
1869. Small traders can sometimes be seen within the square, selling
handcrafted souvenirs, alongside cafes where it is time to unwind and relax.
Piazza della
Signoria
From Piazzale Michelangelo, heading to Piazza
della Signoria in Florence city takes around 20 minutes on foot. The route goes
downhill along Viale Michelangelo, crosses the Arno River via Ponte alle Grazie,
and continues straight into the city center, arriving at Piazza della Signoria,
near the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio.
Another way is to cross the Arno River
through Ponte Vecchio or Ponte alle Grazie, passing through the Oltrarno
neighbourhood. It is shaded in sections and lined with local streets, artisan
shops, and gardens. The uphill path can be slightly steep in parts but remains
a pleasant walk overall.
What to do in Piazza della Signoria
Stepping into Piazza della Signoria truly
feels like stepping back in time. The moment of arrival is like opening a page
from Florence’s ancient history. A square surrounded by sculptures and statues,
each reflecting the stories of Florence’s rulers, artists, and people who once
gathered here.
Built in the 13th century, Piazza della
Signoria has long been the center of government and civic life. Standing before
Palazzo Vecchio are the historical landmarks Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo degli
Uffizi, both reminders of Florence city’s artistic influence during the
Renaissance.
Among the attractions in Piazza della Signoria are the statues of Hercules and Cacus, the Fountain of Neptune, and the bronze statue of Duke Cosimo I on horseback. It is an open-air gallery where centuries of culture remain visible, making it one of the most memorable spots in Florence, Italy.
What to see in
Piazza del Duomo
Baptistery of
St. John
Among the
churches in Florence, the Baptistery of St. John is one of the oldest religious
buildings. A sacred symbol of Florence itself, also known as Battistero di San
Giovanni, it is located in Piazza del Duomo. Built between the 11th and 12th
centuries, it is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of
Florence.
The Baptistery
of St. John stands out even from afar with its white marble design that
immediately catches attention. A closer look reveals green marble patterns that
reflect the traditional Florentine style. The bronze doors, especially the Gates
of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, display detailed scenes from the Bible.
Visiting the Baptistery of St. John during the opening hours is to see the gold mosaic ceiling showing Christ in the Last Judgment, surrounded by angels and saints. The Baptistery was once used for the baptism of Florentine citizens, including members of the Medici family. Today, it remains one of the most important landmarks in Florence city, admired for its history and beauty.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The
Duomo)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore,
known as the Duomo, sparks curiosity throughout Florence. Seen from almost
every point and every angle in the city, it stands as the permanent feature of
Florence’s skyline with its striking red-tiled dome. A true symbol of the city,
it’s also the reason behind the name Piazza del Duomo. In Italian, “duomo”
means cathedral, so Piazza del Duomo literally translates to “Cathedral
Square.”
This central square brings together three
of Florence’s most renowned landmarks:
The Cathedral (Duomo)
The Baptistery of St. John
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Standing beside the Baptistery of St.
John, the cathedral is Florence’s main church. Construction began in the 13th
century and took more than 140 years to complete. The dome, designed by Filippo
Brunelleschi, remains a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The exterior,
decorated with white, green, and pink marble, mirrors the traditional
Florentine style shared by the Baptistery.
Inside, the cathedral holds beautiful artworks, stained glass, and intricate frescoes. Climbing to the top of the dome reveals a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence - the city’s rooftops, towers, and the winding Arno River stretching into the distance.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
is a popular tourist attraction in Florence and can be visited 24/7. It draws
more people in the evenings during spring, when the weather is cooler and
walking around the area is more comfortable. It’s also a great spot to watch
the sunset over the Arno River, with gentle reflections on the water.
Ponte Vecchio,
meaning “Old Bridge” in Italian, is the name of the bridge itself, not the
surrounding area. This historic landmark was built in the 14th century and is
the only bridge in Florence that survived World War II.
The bridge is well known for its gold shops, and nearby you can also find local Italian products for sale.
