Florence, the capital and the largest city of Tuscany, is a stunning and enchanting destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for travellers of all kinds. Whether you are interested in Renaissance masterpieces, medieval architecture, or Tuscan cuisine, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Florence. Here are the top 5 things to do in Florence in 2024, based on popularity, beauty, and diversity.
Florence Doumo
1. Marvel at the Duomo
The Duomo is the most iconic and impressive monument in Florence and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The Duomo is the cathedral of Florence and is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, or Saint Mary of the Flower. The Duomo was built between the 13th and the 15th centuries and is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The Duomo features a majestic dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, a stunning facade, decorated with marble and mosaics, and a soaring bell tower, designed by Giotto. You can explore the interior and exterior of the Duomo, and admire its artistic and architectural features, such as the stained glass windows, the frescoes, the sculptures, and the bronze doors. You can also climb the dome and the bell tower, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the countryside. The Duomo is open every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. The admission fee is 18 euros for adults, and free for children under 6. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is highly recommended to book in advance, as the Duomo is very popular and the tickets can sell out quickly.
2. Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most renowned and visited art museums in the world and one of the most impressive and important cultural institutions in the world. The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a former palace, which was built by the Medici family, the rulers of Florence, in the 16th century. The Uffizi Gallery covers an area of 8,000 square meters and displays more than 1,500 works of art, from the 13th to the 18th centuries, with a focus on the Italian Renaissance. The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its collection of masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, The Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, The Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael, and The Medusa by Caravaggio. The Uffizi Gallery is open every day, except on Mondays, from 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. The admission fee is 20 euros for adults, and free for children under 18 and EU residents under 25. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the Uffizi Gallery can be very crowded and the lines can be very long.
Ponte Vecchio
3. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the most famous and charming bridge in Florence and one of the most picturesque and romantic places to visit in the city. The Ponte Vecchio, or the Old Bridge, was built in the 14th century and is the oldest and the only surviving bridge in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River and is lined with shops, cafes, and houses, that create a colourful and lively atmosphere. The Ponte Vecchio is also home to some of the most historic and prestigious establishments in the city, such as the Vasari Corridor, a secret passage that connects the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti, and the Goldsmiths’ Guild, an association of jewellers and artisans that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Ponte Vecchio is open every day and is free to access. You can walk along the bridge, or take a boat, a bus, or a metro to explore its attractions. You can also enjoy the view and the culture of the surrounding area, which is full of art galleries, museums, and churches.
4. Enjoy the gelato and the coffee at the Vivoli
The Vivoli is the most famous and the most delicious gelato shop in Florence, and one of the most indulgent and irresistible things to do in Florence. The Vivoli is located in the Santa Croce district, near the Basilica of Santa Croce, and has been making and selling the gelato, the traditional and exquisite Italian ice cream, since 1930. The gelato is made with fresh and natural ingredients, and comes in a variety of flavors, from classic to exotic, from creamy to fruity. The gelato is best enjoyed cold and fresh, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. The Vivoli is open every day, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The price of a gelato is 3 euros, and the price of a coffee or tea is 1.50 euros. You can buy your gelato and drinks at the counter, or sit at one of the tables in the cosy and elegant rooms.
5. Discover the art and the history at the Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum is one of the most unique and impressive museums in Florence and one of the most informative and immersive things to do in Florence. The Bargello Museum is located in a former prison, which was built in the 13th century, and was the seat of the city’s government and justice. The museum covers an area of 6,000 square meters and displays more than 3,000 works of art, from the 12th to the 17th centuries, with a focus on Italian sculpture. The museum is famous for its collection of masterpieces by artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, and Giambologna. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include David by Donatello, the Bacchus by Michelangelo, the Perseus by Cellini, and the Mercury by Giambologna. The museum also has other treasures, such as the Islamic Art Collection, the Maiolica Collection, and the Medals Collection. The Bargello Museum is open every day, except on the first and third Monday of the month, from 8:15 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. The admission fee is 8 euros for adults, and free for children under 18 and EU residents under 25. You can buy your tickets at the entrance, or book online.
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