best tourist attractions in Florence

Are you feeling overwhelmed picking out which tourist attractions in Florence you want to see? You’ve made it to the right post!

Sure, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, and you’ve heard of its overflow of world-class museums, charming squares, and it’s impressive architecture, but the city also offers much more than that!

From the first orphanage in Florence at the Hospital of the Innocents, to visiting one of the oldest pharmacies and perfumeries in the world, and the stunning Gucci Museum – Florence has a few interesting sights to check out!

As the capital of Tuscany, and at one point, the capital of Italy, Florence, or Firenze, overflows with national treasures dating back as early as the 14th century (and even earlier), with its main sights like the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio attracting over 4.5 million tourists annually!

But even then, the city’s most famous sights are yet to be discovered in a multitude of ways through interesting and convenient tours we want to show you! So if you want to explore Florence the right way, let’s jump right in!

1 – Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Start your Florentine adventures at one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, the Ponte Vecchio!

Dating back to 1345, the medieval bridge was built as a defense structure over the Arno River. With time, shops started to populate along the bridge, and today, it’s converted into a hot spot for shopping and visitors wanting to cross the historic “Old Bridge.”

Explore the different tours to dive deeper into its history, like a guided walking tour of the best landmarks in Florence, including The David, Uffizi Galleries, and the Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy skip-the-line privileges and free time to explore and grab lunch mid-tour!

Consider a Stand-Up Paddleboarding tour at the Ponte Vecchio! See other landmarks as you glide under the bridge like the Palazzo Corsini and famous architecture!

Pro tip: Oh, if you’re really looking to soak in the heart and soul of this Italian gem, you can’t go wrong with the best city tours in Florence!

2 – Florence Duomo

best Florence Duomo guided tours

Go back to the Renaissance era in Italy at the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, and admire the countless works of art inside, from Michelangelo to Donatello, and Ghiberti!

Dating back to 1334, Giotto’s Bell Tower is a stunning Italian Gothic tower with impressive views of the Florentine rooftops from its height of 84.7 meters! Admire the tower’s geometric and floral patterns, and marble work.

Deciding which tour is the best Florence Duomo tour? Check out our comprehensive breakdown to see which one matches your travel goals! From Early Access Duomo Tours to Duomo’s Terrace Tours, and even Express Duomo Tours for those in a hurry are available!

Make sure to check out our list, and consider the different Duomo Florence tickets price to make your best choice!

3 – Baptistery of St. John

Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence

Learn about the history behind the Baptistery of St. John, known as the oldest religious structure in Florence dating back to 1128! A sight where all local Catholics were baptized, including the Medici Family, today, the Baptistery, which is named after the patron saint of Florence, St. John the Baptist, is recognized as a mini basilica.

To get more insight into this Florentine landmark, book a Florence Baptistery tour, which includes stops at the Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Giotto’s Bell Tower!

Climb to the top of Giottos’ Bell Tower, see the impressive mosaic work inside the Baptistery, and inside the Opera del Duomo Museum, and check out more examples of Michaelangelo’s artwork with your 24-hour ticket!

Your passionate guide will shed light on the artwork and centuries-rich history even more!

4 – Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery group tours

Roam the Uffizi Gallery in the heart of Florence, a grand collection of sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to modern-day pieces!

Walk through the newly re-opened Vasari Corridor inside the Uffizi filled with pieces created by Renaissance artists, and walk over the Ponte Vecchio, all the way to the Boboli Gardens!

Traveling with kids or with your friends? Check out our list of the best Uffizi Gallery tours, for your travel group and goals! Enjoy having a guide giving you the insight you normally wouldn’t have access to, while also being able to ask questions!

Check out the different Uffizi Gallery tickets price, which vary depending on the experience you’re looking to book, and if you’re worried you won’t have enough time to visit the museum, choose someUffizi Gallery’s last-minute tickets!

Want to explore more art and culture in Florence? Check out other unmissable best museums in Florence to add to your list!

5 – Gucci Museum

Gucci Museum in Florence

An all-encompassing museum, shopping boutique, restaurant, and bookstore, the Gucci Garden (Museum) is hands down one of the most beautiful and modern attractions in Florence to see!

Step inside the Gucci Garden (Museum), and physically walk through the fashion brand’s main milestones and fashion pieces to prove it, from jewelry, vintage clothing pieces, and even accessories like a 1930s suitcase!

Get a feel for the evolution of the brand’s clothing and vision of the use of colors, textures, and styles depending on the decades, appreciating clothing as an art form just like in any other classical art museum.

Lastly, enjoy a delectable coffee or evening aperitif at Giardino 25, situated inside a historical florist’s home, in which some of the signature cocktails are named after some flowers.

6 – Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens in Florence

Take a break from the busy city and escape into the charm and quiet of the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful example of one of the first Italian gardens! Enjoy all its splendor, created for the Medici Family.

Located on the other side of the Arno River, make sure to book a complete Boboli Garden guided tour, to get a sense of the different botanical and beauty elements invested into this important 16th-century garden.

Walk past the beauty of the Porcelain Museum, located on one of the higher points of the garden, showcasing examples of some of Tuscany’s ruling family’s porcelain collections. Check out the oldest piece dating between 1671-1737 during the last Medici Grand Duke’s lifetime!

A variety of Boboli Garden tickets and tours are available, from private to group tours!

7 – Villa Bardini

Villa Bardini in Florence

Gaze at the magnificence of Villa Bardini, and its spectacular sights from the tops of Florence! Dating back to the opulent style of homes of the 16th-17th centuries, the villa was named after Stefano Bardini who purchased the villa as a place to host events and soirees.

Enjoy a tour around the historic Villa Bardini, and step around the manicured lawns and gardens, while taking in the details of the ancient sculptures dotting the greenery. Check out the 3 gardens, each with its own style, from the Italianate Garden to the English Garden, and the Agricultural Park.

Walk under the unreal wisteria pergola, creating a frame of purple botany above you as you walk through, smell the pink and red roses, and listen to the sweet sound of fountains all around you.

8 – Pitti Palace

Pitti Palace in Florence

Purchased by Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife Eleanor of Toldeo in 1550, the Pitti Palace quickly became a symbol of power in Tuscany and continued to hold this image as Italian royalty and other important families moved in the incoming years.

The Pitti Palace today houses 5 different museums to check out inside, including the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Museum of Russian Icons, the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

Each museum encapsulates a significant piece of Florentine culture, spanning the last few decades in history, art, and culture worth exploring. The palace itself is full of art, from its detailed frescoes and antique furnishings, it will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Medici era of Tuscany!

Pitti Palace tickets price starts at 20 euros.

9 – Palatine Gallery

Palatine Gallery in Florence

Located within the Piti Palace is the Palatine Gallery – an ornate collection of artwork showcased in golden frames, and hung on red velvet walls. Inside, discover some of the most important masterpieces created by artists like Raphael, Titan, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and a few other famous painters.

Organized without much modern influence, the paintings are hung around the museum based on the taste of the Habsburg-Lorraine family, who collected and hung around 500 of their favorite masterpieces around their home. Those pieces still hang in the same spots, to keep a sense of their influence alive all this time.

From fresco paintings to sculptures, and beautiful furnishings, you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled to the 17th century when you visit the gallery, so book your tickets and tours online!

10 – Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria in Florence

Piazza della Signoria is one of those tourist attractions in Florence that you cannot possibly miss, as it’s known as Florence’s main square, political hub, and cultural and artistic space!

Walk around its “W” shaped path, and take sight of the beautiful sculptures, ranging from replicas of the David statue to the fountain of Neptune, and look at the Palazzo Vecchio, right on the premise.

To learn beyond its surface beauty, enjoy a tour of the Piazza della Signora, with a skip-the-line entry into the Palazzo Vecchio for a tour! A guided tour is a great option to dig into the details of the beautiful works of art inside the Palazzo Vecchio and the history of the square!

Traveling with kids? Check out the Mythological Tour for children!

Travelers Choice: 18 Best Walking Tours in Florence to Explore Tuscany’s Heart.

11 – Basilica di Santa Croce

Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence

Explore the Basilica di Santa Croce, a small basilica located on what was historically known as the marshy lands outside the city walls of Florence, and today houses the final resting places of none other than Michaelangelo and Galileo Galilei!

Step back in time, and explore in great detail the artful decor inside, from the frescoes created by Gaddi dating back to 1380, explaining the story of the Santa Crose (Holy Cross), and more! Book your tickets and tour the Basilica di Santa Croce to learn more about its interiors!

On the outside, admire the stunning marble facade, and relish the beautiful statues outside the basilica. Make sure to watch the Calcio Storico in June – a soccer game where the players participate dressed in Medieval clothing in front of the church!

12 – Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

Known as Florence’s town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio is an outstandingly beautiful structure that dates back to 1299, and is a perfect example of Renaissance and Romanesque architecture to admire while in the city.

With its prime location within the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo is very easy to spot while your visit the city’s main landmarks! The best way to see the historic details inside is to book a tour with a knowledgeable guide sharing all there is to know from the inside.

On your Palazzo Vecchio tour, learn more about the Medici’s opulent living quarters, walk through the picture-perfect courtyards, and see what the official halls contain and look like. See the beautiful frescoes in the rooms, and so much more!

Palazzo Vecchio tickets price starts at 20 euros.

13 – Accademia Gallery

Accademia Gallery, Florence, Italy

Visit one of the sacred spaces for art in Florence – the Accademia Gallery, brimming with some of Florence’s most beautiful works of art, including the famed David statue, other famous works by Michaelangelo, and other works dating back to 1300.

Look into the different Accademia Gallery tickets price and guided tours to see what you can get out of your experience inside! Consider looking into the different combined tickets, allowing you entry into the Accademia Gallery, and a few other landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, or even climbing up to the Florence Cathedral for bird’s eye views of the city!

Forgot to book your tickets? Check out the Accademia Gallery last-minute tickets with us, and see our compiled list of other official ticket websites where you can still get your entry!

14 – Vespa tour

vespa tours in Florence

Want to travel through Florence like a local? Book your Vespa tour and ride around the beautiful Tuscan countryside and hills, while passing some of the city’s most famous sites!

Zip by the beautiful Piazzale Michelangelo and other sites, before heading out to the countryside where you’ll stop for a midday lunch in a traditional Italian country house! Practice your Italian with the locals, and devour a delicious and filling lunch before continuing. Your guide will lead the way, all you have to do is follow!

Along the way, stop for a few photo ops with the incredible backdrop of olive groves, historic castles and villas, and the small town’s charming and narrow streets. Your tour package includes the Vespa, safety gear, your guide, and lunch!

Vespa tours start at $125 euros.

15 – Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence

Immerse yourself in the history behind the Basilica di San Lorenzo, known as the largest Renaissance-style church in Florence, dating back to 393 AD!

Throughout its time, the church underwent various renovations from its dedication to Saint Ambrogio to its most current update, which happened in 1059!  Today, the basilica is the resting place of the Medici family members, which can be seen on your tour around the basilica inside the Medici Chapels.

If you plan to visit the Basilica and the Medici Chapels, dress appropriately, including covered shoulders and knees. Entry to the basilica starts at 7 euros for adults and is free for children under 11 years old. Combine your visit with a stop at the Medicea Laurenziana Library, for 9.50 euros!

16 – Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale in Florence

Bring your cash and shopping tote, and hit the Mercato Centrale in Florence, a market that first opened in 1874, but was recently re-opened in 2014!

Inside the historic market, shop for anything from fresh fish, and meats, to fruits and vegetables and of course, pasta and bread. Make it to the food court, and enjoy the locally made pizza and refreshing drinks, as you pick a seat to enjoy your meal while taking in the scene of the busy market!

Other than a place to buy the freshest produce in the city, you’ll want to make frequent stops at the market for its community events worth a visit!

From live DJ sets to cultural and gastronomy events – the market truly is more than a place to buy groceries, so stick around!

17 – Bargello Museum

Bargello Museum in Florence

Previously a prison but today converted into a museum of fine art, check out the Bargello Museum, overflowing with sculptures and examples of Gothic art – not to mention the beautiful interiors that saw many historic events take place.

Gaze at the beautiful pieces by Florentine Donatello, and some of his students including Desiderio da Settignano and Antonio Rossellino, and more. Browse through different pottery, glazed terracottas, and other types of bronze busts. Check out a 15th-century perfume burner, a 16th-century woman’s purse, and a 17th-century French cameo, amongst many other interesting pieces.

Sit in the courtyard for a moment and absorb the space, before walking its stunning corridors to the different parts of the museum.

Bargello Museum tickets and tours are available and start at 15 euros.

18 – Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence

Get an incredible view of the city worthy of a few snaps at the Piazzale Michelangelo, only 1.8 kilometers away from the city center.

The Piazzale Michelangelo is adorned with 4 statues commemorating Michelangelo, including a copy of the David in the middle, and nearby, there is a beautiful cafe with an outdoor terrace to enjoy a midday snack. On your way to the Piazzale, you’ll find a beautiful rose garden with a small Japanese garden adorned with a few ancient statues, and pristine city views.

Come by any time of the day, and enjoy the breathtaking views, however, if you come during the sunset hour, you might even have the blessed opportunity to enjoy a live violinist add music to the unforgettable moment.

19 – Medici Chapels

Medici Chapels in Florence

Get close to the Medici Chapels and see the historic resting place of one of the most influential families in Florence!

Located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels are said to have been partially designed by Michelangelo, and while you’re there, you’ll be able to see Michaelangelo’s Day and Night and Dawn to Dusk sculptures. When you book a tour with a guide, you’ll also get to learn why the Medici chose the Basilica of San Lorenzo as their final resting place and many more interesting facts!

Enjoy skip-the-line privileges when you book a private tour of the Medici Chapels or a private tour of the chapel and the basilica for a more well-rounded experience! Tickets and some tours start at 15 euros.

20 – Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence

The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, originating in the 1200s, where monks used to make all sorts of medications out of medicinal herbs.

Today, you can visit this historic herbalist shop, and see the small museum inside showcasing pieces of equipment used to make ancient medication, various recipes for different illnesses, pieces of glassware, ceramics, other utensils, and much more.

Learn about the different herbs used by the monks, and the extent to which the pharmacy started to gain popularity, to the point of the Grand Duke appointing Father Angiolo Marchissi a special title of His Royal Highness Foundry.

Learn about the technique used to extract scents from flowers like roses and gardenias, and how popular these products were with the locals.

21 – Hop-on hop-off bus tour

bus tours in Florence

Take a break from all the walking, and book your tickets for the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, taking you through the main sights in the historic center of Florence, and beyond the city limits.

A good way to move around the city, a hop-on-hop-off bus will also grant you access to unlimited city travel for up to 74 hours, making it a great 2-for-1 deal if you’re looking to stretch your travel budget!

Simply choose from the different routes, each one highlighting a different side of Florence, and enjoy the scenery until you want to get off, and simply get on the next route at the indicated bus stops around the city. The fun double-decker tour bus is a unique way to see the city, and maximize your time!

22 – Leonardo Interactive Museum

Leonardo Interactive Museum in Florence
Credit to Leonardo Interactive Museum

Get a personal experience trying out some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most fascinating inventions at the Leonardo Interactive Museum!

Get into the mind of Da Vinci as you take a peek at his notes, drawings, summaries, and other documentation, complimenting your hands-on activities ranging from using a hydraulic saw to a printing machine, a mechanical drum, a paddle boat and so much more!

Step inside the virtual reality exhibits, that will show you all of Da Vinci’s greatest inventions, from conception to execution, as well as how his findings have helped shaped various engineering and other science-related advancements today.

Stop by the workshop and feel the inspiration from the exhibits guide your imagination to create your own inventions and see the world in a solution-oriented way!

23 – Hospital of Innocents

Hospital of Innocents in Florence

Check out what is considered the first completed Renaissance-style building in Florence at the Hospital of Innocents! Take a guided tour through the space, and learn about the artwork inside and the building’s use as an orphanage.

Built by arguably the father of Renaissance architecture, Filippo Brunelleschi, the building was built in 1419 and immediately was used as an orphanage for children, until they closed their doors in 1875. This is why the building is considered one of the first completed Renaissance structures in the city.

You’ll also walk through the Innocenti Museum inside, filled with works created by Domenico Ghirlandaio, Piero di Cosimo, and Sandro Botticelli, amongst other famous Renaissance painters of the time.

24 – Basilica San Miniato al Monte

Basilica San Miniato al Monte in Florence

Visit one of the most scenic churches in all of Italy at the Basilica San Miniato al Monte, located in one of the privileged high spots of Florence.

Check out the beautiful Romanesque architecture of the church, starting with its ornate exterior of geometric shapes and patterns, encrusted in white and green marble, as well as the golden mosaic work with the image of Christ Pantocrator.

Inside the church, check out the beautiful frescos created by Taddeo Gaddi, and stop by the crypt said to be the resting place of Saint Minias. Make sure to go around the back to the cemetery and see the ancient sculptures, drenched in centuries worth of history.

Lastly, stay for a while and appreciate the monumental views of the city before you, the highest in the city!

25 – Strozzi Palace

Strozzi Palace in Florence

Finished in 1538, the Strozzi Palace is yet another beautiful Renaissance architecture in Florence.

Mostly housing numerous modern works of art, sharing the spotlight on some of Italy’s and a few internationally renowned modern artists.

Step inside to admire some modern art arrangements sure to provoke thought and various interpretations, and step inside unique and immersive exhibits where technology envelopes you in the art pieces like nowhere else.

Walk through the historic courtyard, enjoy the rotating exhibitions, and check out the permanent exhibitions. This museum combines tradition, history, and modernity – something unique to see in Florence!

Book a guided tour through the palace, which can be customized based on the exhibits you want to see!

26 – Wine tour

wine tours in Tuscany

You can’t go to Florence and not embark on a journey for your palette on a wine tour! Explore the best options for wine tastings in the beautiful vineyards of Tuscany, from San Gimignano to the renowned Chianti vineyards, and many more!

Take a look out at our breakdown of the best wine tours in Tuscany to experience, for example, combining a wine tour with a tour around the charming towns of Tuscany!

Consider a wine tour with a stop in the medieval town of Lucca, stop by Pisa and get a taste of the city and the famed local wines, or make it to Cinque Terre, on a wine tour from Florence.

Lastly, enjoy a wine and Vespa tour all in one go, uncovering the scenic Tuscan nature!

27 – Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica in Florence

Take a break amid your busy day touring around Florence, stopping at the charming Piazza della Repubblica, and appreciate for a moment the 19th-century buildings adorning the rectangle-shaped square, and the local life.

Dating back to the Roman era, the square has always held a space of local life and commerce, which is still seen today with the buzzing restaurants and cafes with its charming terraces, and local shops. Visit during the evening hours, and enjoy spontaneous entertainment taking over the square, surrounded by the soft glow illuminating the details of the square.

The Piazza della Repubblica is a few blocks away from the Palazzo Strozzi in the historic center of Florence.

28 – Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence

From Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, come visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, a prime example of Gothic architecture in the city, with stunning frescoes on the inside, including Masaccio’s Santa Tinitá, among other wonders.

The Basilica is considered the city’s earliest great basilica, dating back to 1279, said to hold the remains of Lisa del Giocondo, an Italian noblewoman, and potentially the face of one of the most famous paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa.

To learn all about the fascinating church, check out an audio or video guide, included in your entry ticket. Audio guides and ticket bundles start at 15 euros. If you prefer to meet with someone,  opt for a private 2-hour tour of the Basilica!

29 – San Marco Museum

San Marco Museum in Florence

Visit the 15th-century San Marcos Museum, where you can look at Renaissance-styled interiors, from the quaint courtyard to the bright library, and the dozens of frescoes inside and more.

Enchant your eyes with the sight of some of the famous paintings from Fra Angelico, including The Last Judgement and the Deposition, and the Annunciation, and walk near the exhibits showcasing remnants of the old center and the details that decorated the church!

Enter the museum through its Dominican cloister, look at the Annunciation fresco, and then move towards the Chapter Room, the Lavabo Room to see what life in the 15th century was like. Inside the library, be amazed at some of the Renaissance and medieval books!

Grab your tickets, and consider booking a guided tour, starting at 15 euros.

30 – Caffe Gilli – Florence’s oldest cafe

Cafe Gilli in Florence

Wake up with a cup of coffee, not just from any coffee shop, but the oldest cafe in Florence called Caffe Gilli!

With over 200 years of service, and started by a Swiss family, Cafe Gilli is just as much a historical thing to do in Florence, as much as it is grabbing a coffee in Florence. To put into perspective, this cafe opened during the Medici influence!

Located at Piazza della Repubblica, it’s a no-brainer to step into! From coffee to tasting some of the best-made in-house chocolates, the cafe has expanded its offerings, now featuring breakfast and lunch options, made with local ingredients and traditional recipes.

Have evening plans? Stop by for a cocktail, and order the house special for aperitif time, or after dinner!

31 – Galileo Museum

Galileo Museum in Florence

Learn about and see what some of the latest technology looked like during Galileo’s time at the Galileo Museum! From the same telescope that Galileo once used, to ancient barometers, microscopes, sundials, and more, you’ll enjoy the stunning Galileo Museum and an interesting peek at science back in the 1400s.

Explore the different exhibits showcasing the scientific information that Galileo found about the solar system and weather, the influence that the Medici Family had on scientific breakthroughs, and all the tools and methods used back then. The items inside date between the Renaissance era to the 20th century.

To enjoy the experience the best, book your tickets ahead of time, which come with skip-the-line bonuses! Look into booking a guided tour to whom you can ask questions!

32 – Riccardi Medici Palace

Riccardi Medici Palace in Florence

Considered by many as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the Riccadri Medici Palace was the home of various generations of the powerful Medici Family, originating in 1460.

Walk through the palace, and with a tour guide, learn about the history behind some of the artwork inside, from Donatello, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and many more famous painters from the time. Appreciate the different sculptures kept throughout the palace, before heading through the rest of the corridors, drenched in rich Florentine history that your guide will gladly share with you.

Lastly, make it to the quaint courtyard, and enjoy the perfectly manicured gardens away from the crowds for a bit.  Though entry to the palace museum is 7 euros, you may enter for free to see the gardens and courtyard.

33 – Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence

Get an up-close look at the machine codes drawn by Da Vinci, and get an idea of the person behind so many genius inventions at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

Divided into 5 sections, you’ll walk through mechanisms, earth, water, air, and fire, to see how Da Vinci utilized these elements in his inventions, displayed throughout the museum. Don’t forget to look above your head to see examples of the first paraglide, helicopters, other flying machines, and boat propellers and mowers.

If you have children, the museum is a genius idea to bring your kids to enjoy history and science, especially inside the special exhibits where they can operate a rotating crane model and a few other inventions.

Admission starts at 8 euros.

34 – Forte di Belvedere

Forte di Belvedere in Florence

Check out the palace-turned-fortification utilized by the Medici family as a safe, with dozens of traps for those who tried getting in! Today, the Forte di Belvedere is a cultural space that hosts numerous activities and offers dreamy city views!

Known historically as the Palazzina di Belvedere, admire the visible elegance while learning about the military defense of the fort. On arrival, notice the unobstructed views of the city from its point, which you can enjoy as you dine at the on-site restaurant and bar! Though only open during the summer (June-October) check out the building’s official website to see the season’s events, and snag your tickets!

You can reach the fort on your own, or book a guided tour that will facilitate entry into this highly visited space.

35 – Stibbert Museum

Stibbert Museum in Florence

Glance at the different types of armor from all over the world at the Stibbert Museum, housed inside the gorgeous Villa di Montughi.

Walk through the exhibits of different types of armor, weapons, special clothing, and several war artifacts used during the medieval age throughout Italy, with some pieces dating to as early as the 1300s housed inside the fascinating museum.

The collection, which has over 50,000 pieces, was held by the Anglo-Italian businessman who owned the villa, Frederick Stibbert. Today, you can see the pieces mostly arranged by Stibbert, and in a way get a sense of his spirit lingering. The space feels like it was left untouched, with its historic furnishings, opulent gold details, and grand chandeliers.

The museum is 14 minutes away from the historic center.

36 – Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence

Synagogue and Jewish Museum in Florence

Visit and learn about the Jewish community in Florence inside one of south-central Europe’s largest synagogues at the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence.

Admire the incredible details of the sacred space, from its exterior facade in pink and white stone to its ornate mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Moorish architecture, its beautifully crafted front gardens, and its special tapestry and women’s gallery.

Appreciate the geometric shapes and warm tones inside, and to learn about these details and more, step inside the Jewish Museum of Florence.

Walk through the 2-floors of the museum, housing everything from religious items used during synagogue ceremonies to jewels, textiles, dresses, and more! On the second floor, check out exhibits shedding light onto different traditions, morals, and beliefs within the Jewish faith!

37 – Fontana del Porcellino

Fontana del Porcellino in Florence

Every city has its special statue that if touched means that you’ll make your way back – and Florence is certainly no exception to that!

Look for the Fontana del Porcellino, a bronzed sculpture of a wild boar located on the Mercato Nuove, and touch its nose to secure your return to Firenze, and to reinforce your good luck,  throw a coin and make sure it goes between the boar’s legs!

Legend has it that the wild boar turned into a man every night, and on one occasion fell in love with a woman, to whom he confessed his secret. He made her promise not to tell anyone or else he’d turn into a wild boar forever. As you can imagine, the secret got out, and the legend lives on in the city, immortalized.

38 – Mercato del Porcellino

Mercato del Porcellino in Florence

Historically called the Mercato del Porcellino in honor of the bronzed porcellino right beside the market,  the current name of this famous market is called the Mercato Nuovo and is located in the historic center of Florence.

Overflowing with colorful stands and shops, browse the different items sold from artisan-made objects, to commercial souvenirs, clothing, local snacks, and much more!

Originally, the market was used as commercial space for luxurious items including silk and linen, which is why the loggia (currently still there) was built to create a roof over the items from weather and debris.

Today, it’s a great place to stroll through at least once, and buy some leather-made goods, and other items to bring home for yourself, and your friends!

Looking for the best Florence tours?

Enjoy the city through the best Florence tours, uncovering different areas of the city’s history, culture, gastronomy, and fun and unique ways!

Check out our complete list of the fun things to do in Florence to complete your itinerary planning, and expand your travels through the region, read our list of the best things to do in Tuscany!

Visiting Florence on budget?

Facilitate your adventures through Florence by checking out the Florence Pass!  Unlock the best access to the city’s best museums with skip-the-line privileges, and enjoy discounts to local restaurants, and access to audio guides throughout the city’s attractions!

You’ll also receive up to 10% off all other attractions throughout Florence, helping you maximize your time and budget!

Final thoughts

Have fun exploring Florence deeply through its incredible attractions, from the stunning florals of the Boboli Gardens to the historic art galleries inside the Uffizi Gallery, and more! From foodies to fashion, historians to herbalists there’s something for everyone to discover in Florence!

We hope our list has helped you to plan which tourist attractions in Florence you’ll be hitting up!

Happy travels!

Maritza Chavez is a travel writer from the U.S., passionate about travel and culture. Her curiosity for traveling began after her first few trips to Mexico to visit family, and then studying abroad in Greece during college. After living in Spain as an English teacher, and more traveling, she decided to start her blog, Travel Notes and Things, to help fellow Latinas travel to their dream destinations while touching on other topics including reverse culture shock and transformative travel. Further expanding her horizons, Maritza frequently travels the globe to pen down exquisite articles for the TourScanner blog, bringing her unique perspective and insights to a wider audience.