What To Do in Florence, Italy

Florence, the city of art and design, is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region. It lies along the Arno River, surrounded by hills and vineyards, and is known for its romantic dining, complete with Italian cuisine and local wine. From Rome, it takes about 4 to 4½ hours by car or bus (TOP THINGS TO DO IN ROME).

One of the best things about Florence is that vehicle traffic is limited in the city center. Thanks to traffic control zones, it’s convenient for tourists to walk from one attraction to another. Be prepared to walk a lot, and if you visit during autumn, expect chilly mornings and cold evenings. A day is usually enough to cover the main attractions in Florence, unless you plan to explore more tourist spots or discover hidden gems.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Nothing beats starting your sightseeing in Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo. After getting down from across the road, take a short walk into the piazzale (square), and the first breathtaking moment is standing at the edge, gazing over a panoramic view of Florence. Call it the perfect postcard picture, or better yet, a moment made for today’s social media platforms.

 

From this elevated spot, you can see the Oltrarno neighbourhood, the majestic Duomo, the winding paths along the Arno River, the Tuscan countryside, and even parts of the ancient city walls near Porta Romana. Simply stunning Florence (BEST THINGS TO DO IN MANALI, INDIA).

 

At the center of the square stands a monumental bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, surrounded by other sculptures, all placed there in 1869 as part of a design by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, who created this terrace during urban renewal works.

 

You’ll also find small traders around, selling handcrafted souvenirs, perfect for a little something to remember Florence by.

Piazza della Signoria
From Piazzale Michelangelo, take a slow walk to Piazza della Signoria, where it feels like opening a page from Florence’s history book. What you’ll see are old sculptures and statues, each telling a piece of Florence’s story.

 

Built in the 13th century, Piazza della Signoria is surrounded by historical landmarks like the Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo degli Uffizi. You’ll spot the famous statues of Hercules and Cacus, the grand Fountain of Neptune, and the bronze statue of Duke Cosimo I on horseback. Here, there's no rush. Take your time to look around, before moving on.

Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery of St. John, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It has been rebuilt and restored many times over the years. Check the timing if you plan to enter, as it can make a difference to your visit. Otherwise, admire the marble façade and bronze doors from the outside, a true masterpiece of Florence. Unique and outstanding, it's unlike anything you’ll likely see elsewhere (BOROBUDUR TEMPLE INDONESIA).

Ponte Vecchio
The main attraction at Ponte Vecchio is the ancient bridge itself. It is one of Florence’s most iconic sights. The bridge stretches across the Arno River with its stone arches. This is where many tourists gather, waiting for their turn to take photos.

 

Ponte Vecchio has the feel of an old and rustic part of the city.. Along the bridge, you’ll find rows of small shops and stalls. These shops are part of the shopping scene in Florence, with crowds of people walking up and down throughout the day. If shopping is not something you enjoy, there may not be much else to do here. Still, visiting Ponte Vecchio is worth it as part of your sightseeing in Florence.