TOP 9 Must-Visit Attractions in Florence in 2024

Table of Contents

Stunning collections of paintings at the Uffizi Gallery
The true cradle of the Renaissance: Medici Palace
Academy Gallery
Amazing architecture of the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio
Vecchio Bridge – the first bridge in Florence
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
Pitti Palace
Boboli Gardens
Via Calimala

Florence is a city that has long been closely associated with art in the broad sense. In this city, such great artists as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli Dante, Niccolo, Donatello, Machiavelli, and Rafael Santi created their works. They did not only create in this city, the evidence of which can be found everywhere, but they also lived there for most of their lives.

No wonder not only ordinary tourists come to Florence from all over the world, but also lovers of art, painting, and architecture. Florence is a real paradise for lovers of Italian culture, history, and of course monuments. Florence offers so many different sights and monuments, so many beautiful buildings have been built here over the centuries, that it is best to approach your visit as an adventure – do not be afraid to go astray, visit interesting shops, open courtyards or palaces.

But what makes Florence a unique city? The wealth of architecture and art, colorful history, and the people who create it. It is commonly accepted that Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance because it developed on an impressive scale there. Excursions with experienced guides in Florence with the Foxiepass will make your trip unforgettable, even if you want to see all the sights of Florence in one day. It is a very good proposition not only for financial reasons but also for saving time, as it eliminates the need to stand in huge lines to the ticket offices and other minor inconveniences. So, what attractions to see in Florence?

Stunning collections of paintings at the Uffizi Gallery

It is by far one of the most important art galleries in the world and probably one of the most famous places in all of Florence. It is located in buildings, the construction of which began in 1560 by Vasari at the behest of Cosimo I. Originally, they were to be the buildings of Florentine offices, but after the constructor’s death, the whole was strengthened and systematically filled with works of art, which still arouse great admiration to this day.

The collections of the Uffizi Gallery include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, Rubens, and Caravaggio. In general, there are over 45 halls open to the public in the gallery, including an exhibition with about 2,000 paintings. Among the most famous works, one can admire, for example, «The Birth of Venus» by Botticelli, «Madonna of Giotto», «The Holy Family» of Michelangelo, or the «Annunciation» of Martini.

The true cradle of the Renaissance: Medici Palace

The Medici Palace was designed by Michelloz and built in the years 1444–1462. The initiator of the construction was Cosimo de Medici, one of the first representatives of the Medici family who would later change the fate of Florence. The building itself also had a great influence on Florence, as it became the prototype for its later architecture. The most characteristic element is certainly the facade of the building, which is finished with hewn stone. The windows on both sides of the entrance were designed by Michelangelo in 1517.

Inside the building, there are two visiting halls for tourists. It is the Chapel of the Magi, with a beautiful three-part fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli, and the Sala di Luca Giordano, in which the walls are decorated with a fresco depicting the apotheosis of the Medici family.

From the 16th century, the palace also houses a library, which has many extremely valuable exhibits, including, for example, the manuscript of the famous Dante’s Divine Comedy. It is widely believed that this is a place that can be called the true cradle of the Renaissance. Not only because of the architecture, because it initiated a new style of building, but also because of the family that established their seat here. A family that made such a strong presence in world art and culture.

Academy Gallery

This gallery was established in the 18th century on the initiative of Prince Pietro Leopold. It is one of the three must-see museums during your stay in Florence, the second is of course the Uffizi Gallery and the third is the Museum di Palazzo Vecchio. Although the museum is of course filled to the brim with paintings collected between the 13th and 16th centuries, the main and the most important exhibit is the famous, original sculpture of David created by Michelangelo himself, which he made when he was only 26 years old. In addition, in this museum, you can admire the incomplete «Slaves» of Buonarotti and the original «The Rape of the Rabbids» of Giambologni.

Amazing architecture of the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio

The last of the three must-visit museums in Florence is the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio. It is said that this building could be Florence’s town hall. All thanks to the very interesting and characteristic architecture. Built in the thirteenth century, the building is made in a sand color, with a tower towering over the whole, with a clock and battlements. In its central point, in the courtyard, there is a copy of the fountain with a statue of Verocchcio, who was Michelangelo’s teacher. In addition, you can admire copies of Michelangelo’s David, the Neptune Fountain, and the Equestrian Statue of Prince Cosimo I.

The Perseus bronze statue of Cellini’s «Abduction of the Rabbids», made entirely of a single marble, cannot be ignored. The interior of the building is especially interesting because of the beautiful frescoes that decorate most of the huge chambers.

Vecchio Bridge – the first bridge in Florence

While in Florence, you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of walking around the so-called goldsmiths’ bridge. And although it is completely free, you have to take into account a large outflow of money, because the jewelry factories located there will certainly tempt you to make even small purchases in them. The bridge was built in the 13th century and was the first bridge in Florence. Currently, it is believed to be probably the most beautiful and photogenic. It owes its undeniable charm to the corridor built over the bridge, which was commissioned by Prince Cosima. The purpose of its construction was the prince’s desire to stroll quietly and at any time of the year between the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace.

Today, this bridge is one of the main places of excursions around Florence, where tourists, in addition to goldsmiths and jewelry, can also buy ordinary souvenirs from Florence. Interestingly, until the 16th century, butchers also traded freely on the bridge, but due to the large amount of dirt they generated, they were thrown from the bridge. However, during World War II, this bridge was the only one in the city that was not blown up. You will hear a lot of other amazing stories from our guides, who will be happy to show you Florence and guide you along the most convenient tourist route. You can easily buy tickets to museums without a queue with Foxiepass.com and spend your weekend unforgettable.

Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is considered one of the symbols of Florence. It is situated in its central point. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and built for 6 centuries, today it is considered one of the five most beautiful religious buildings in Europe and the fourth largest church in Western Europe. It is a monumental cathedral that delights with its architecture.

Pitti Palace

Pitti Palace is commonly said that this building is the second Medici palace. It is true that it was not built by them, but only redeemed, but the splendor and the collections gathered inside to make it also one of the many must-see places on the map of Florence. Even though the building does not look very impressive from the outside. Designed by Brunelleschi, the palace was commissioned by the Pitti family, which went bankrupt as a result of rivalry with the Medici family, after which the Palace was bought by Cosimo I. Inside there is an unusual line of works of art.

Boboli Gardens

While in Florence, it is also worth going out of the beautiful museums from time to time and going to the equally beautiful gardens, which are also the hallmark of this city. Among the most beautiful gardens of Boboli should be mentioned. It is a garden designed by Cosimo I and is located right next to the Pitti Palace. Its characteristic feature is a large number of fountains, ancient and Renaissance statues, as well as artificial grottos.

Via Calimala

If you want to take a break from the crowds of tourists and explore the sights located a bit off the beaten track, definitely visit the streets of Via Calimala. It is an artistic street where street artists create their works all day long. It is here that, during a casual and leisurely walk, you will come across the Santa Trinita Bridge, which offers a perfect view of the Vecchio Bridge.

A stay in Florence would be completely incomplete if it were not for the usual, casual walks along the streets of Florence. Attractions in Florence are not only inside the buildings. Not only monuments and priceless works of art. It is also the atmosphere of this wonderful city. Enjoy every moment, remember your vacation for a long time with guided tours in Florence from Foxiepass, which will become a real guide to the amazing and charming world of Italy.