Opulent palaces, magnificent churches, and meandering alleys: Florence is a centuries-old masterpiece nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Above all, the numerous Renaissance masterpieces in art and architecture continue to attract millions of travelers every year.

Here are six highlights you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Florence:

1. The Cathedral – Who Is the Fairest of Them All?

The Cathedral, officially known as the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore, profoundly shapes the skyline of Florence with its colossal dimensions. In 1296, the Florentines embarked on its construction – relatively late compared to the neighboring cities of Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato, and Siena, which already boasted splendid cathedrals. During that era, cathedrals symbolized the power and wealth of cities, and Florence aimed to surpass all others with its grandeur and size.

The result continues to impress visitors from around the world to this day. With a ground area of 8,300 square meters, it stands as the fourth-largest church in Christendom – and one of the most magnificent, to boot. In addition to its opulently adorned interior (free entry), the dome and the bell tower are particularly noteworthy. During a guided tour, you can access both, and the view from the Campanile, in particular, is unparalleled.

2. The Uffizi Gallery – Where Offices Once Stood, Today Houses Da Vinci

Florence is primarily renowned for its art, as few places in the world have been home to as many famous creative minds as this city. In the Uffizi Gallery, the most significant of these artists are showcased. This museum, which resides in the Uffizi (Italian for “offices,” originally housing ministries and bureaus), is considered one of the most renowned art collections in the world, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually.

Here, you can admire the finest works of painting and sculpture from antiquity to the late Baroque period. From Michelangelo to Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, the gallery boasts the creations of the most celebrated artists in history. By the way, for those looking to save on high museum admission fees, if possible, plan your visit for the first Sunday of the month – since 2014, all state museums in Italy have opened their doors to visitors for free on that day.

3. The Palazzo Pitti – Five Museums in One Stunning Palace

A dream come true for every culture enthusiast, the Palazzo Pitti, once the residence of Tuscan grand dukes, houses not one, but five exquisite museums. The most renowned among them are the Galleria Palatina, featuring works by Titian, Giorgione, Raphael, and Rubens, and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, showcasing enchanting Tuscan paintings from the 18th to the 20th century.

Yet, time flies for art lovers in the Museo della Moda e del Costume, which displays costumes and clothing from the Renaissance to the present, as well as in the Appartamenti Imperiali e Reali, providing a glimpse into royal chambers, and in the Tesoro dei Granduchi, a part of the rich Medici family collection. For 16 euros, you can acquire a combination ticket granting you access to all seven museums – it’s well worth it!

4. The Ponte Vecchio – World-Renowned and Stunning

Almost everyone is familiar with it from pictures: the Ponte Vecchio (Italian for “old bridge”) with its balcony-like overhanging structures. It is one of Florence’s landmarks, considered the first permanent crossing of the Arno River, and the only bridge in the city that was not destroyed during World War II.

Today, the seamlessly lined buildings on the bridge are primarily home to jewelry shops. However, it wasn’t always so luxurious: after its construction in 1345, it was mainly occupied by butchers who disposed of their waste directly into the Arno River below. Ferdinand I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, eventually addressed the odor problem and allowed only goldsmiths and silversmiths to open businesses here.

5. Boboli Gardens – Oasis in the Heart of the City

Directly behind the Palazzo Pitti stretches one of the most famous and beautiful Italian gardens of the 16th century, covering 4.5 hectares: the Giardino di Boboli. Originally designed by Eleonora of Toledo, the wife of Cosimo di Medici, the park is now open to the public and can be visited for an admission fee.

A total of 288, some of them ancient, sculptures are scattered throughout the park, along with grottoes, obelisks, an amphitheater, and, of course, beautiful green and water areas. The condition of the park was poor for a long time, but thanks to the multi-million-dollar investment from an Italian luxury goods manufacturer, it is now gradually being restored – a highly recommended place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

6. Fiesole – Small Town Charm with a Grand View

Perched high above the rooftops of Florence lies Fiesole: This town of 15,000 inhabitants is primarily visited for its magnificent view over the Tuscan capital. The easiest way to reach the town from the city center is by bus, with the journey taking just 30 minutes. A relatively steep path leads from the bus stop up to the monastery, and in no time, you’ll reach the spot with the best view.

However, Fiesole itself also boasts several attractions. In the Archaeological Area, for instance, you can explore a Roman theater, remnants of the Etruscan city walls, and a thermal bath complex. The adjacent Archaeological Museum houses numerous treasures in its glass cases. Afterward, the breathtaking view will once again beckon you.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the top 6 must-see sights in Florence. I hope this article has inspired you to plan your own trip to this beautiful city and explore all that it has to offer. And if you’re still hungry for more, be sure to check this article about the 20 most beautiful attractions in Florence. With so much to see and do, Florence is truly a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.