Exploring Florence, Italy: 8 Essential Things to Experience

Being the capital city of Tuscany, Florence is home to incredible architecture, culture, and famous artwork that no one wants to miss on a trip to Italy. This was our favorite city in Italy, and here are the top 8 things to do in Florence, Italy, for a fantastic visit.

#1 Duomo

At the center of the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) is the Florence Cathedral (Duomo). We booked tickets to climb the 463 steps up to the top of the cathedral, where you'll access an external viewing platform that overlooks the entire city of Florence. Along the way, you get up close to the impressive mural of The Last Judgement painted on the top of the dome. Going to the top was an incredible experience and one of our favorite travel experiences. We also climbed the 414 steps up the Giotto Bell Tower, where we had an amazing up-close view of the top of the Duomo.

#2 Tour of Tuscany

One of our favorite parts of our trip to Italy was taking a horseback riding and wine tour with Fun in Tuscany. We met at a central location in Florence and had comfortable roundtrip transportation into the countryside of Tuscany for our hour horseback ride. Along the way, the tour stopped at the medieval town of San Gimignano, where we could explore for an hour and taste gelato at the World Champion shop of Gelateria Dondoli. We then went to Tenuta Torciano winery, where we enjoyed wine tasting and lunch. Our tour guides and hosts were fantastic, and we had such a memorable time. We highly recommend this tour company!

#3 Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is home to the famous Statue of David by Michelangelo and many other works. We arrived early to beat the crowds and listened to a Rick Steves audio tour discussing the gallery’s art history. This gallery is smaller than most others we visited in Italy, but it was one we particularly enjoyed the most.

#4 Medici Chapels

Designed by Michelangelo and Brunelleschi, Medici Chapels celebrate the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, a monarchy ruled by the powerful, wealthy Medici family. The chapels contain the tombs of prominent family members and are home to seven Michelangelo sculptures, including The New Scarcity featuring the four famous marble sculptures of Day, Night, Dawn, & Dusk. On the upper floor, the Chapel of the Princes displays a colorful, grand marble interior that is impressive to take in and experience.

#5 Piazza della Signoria

This famous unique w-shaped square in the center of Florence was once home to the original Statue of David and the fountain of Neptune. Now it holds a replica statue in its place. It is the main point of the origin and history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political focus of the city. It also leads to the entrance of the Uffizi Gallery.

#6 Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (meaning 'Old Bridge' in English) is the famous, picturesque medieval stone bridge built over the Arno River. This bridge is the only one in Florence that survived World War II. The bridge is lined with jewelry, art, and souvenir shops for those interested in shopping.

#7 Piazza Michaelangelo

Piazza Michaelangelo is a stunning square with the best panoramic views of Florence. It’s a great vantage point to step outside the busy streets and take in and appreciate the entire city. The vista is perfect for a nighttime visit to experience breathtaking sunset views.

#8 Uffizi Gallery

Completed in 1581, Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest museums in Europe and is home to an outstanding collection of ancient sculptures and paintings, including pieces by Michelangelo, da Cinci, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. There’s also an incredible view of the Ponte Vecchio bridge from the museum.

Florence was our favorite city that we have been to in Italy. Its charm, breathtaking architecture, and culture make us dream about a return trip sometime soon.