Florence Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors

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There is no shortage of amazing tourist attractions in Florence. If you are not sure where to go, we’ve put together a list of the most popular tourist spots in the city. From world-class museums and art galleries to picturesque squares and beautiful churches and palaces, there is something for everyone. Art lovers will want to check out the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia, while culture vultures and history buffs can visit places like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza del Duomo. Foodies looking for an unforgettable dining experience will definitely want to stop by the legendary Mercato Centrale.

14 places

Ponte Vecchio

Attraction Landmark Bridge

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy

Dating back to the 14th century, this is the oldest bridge in the capital of Tuscany. It is a popular tourist destination with many shops that sell jewelry. If you wish to enjoy views of this iconic bridge in Florence, go to the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita. Ponte Vecchio is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Florence.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Attraction Religious Site Church / Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Tuscany 50122, Italy

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is without a doubt the most recognizable attraction in Florence. Also known as the Duomo, this 14th-century Gothic cathedral occupies the Piazza del Duomo. Admire the beauty of the pink and white marble exterior and climb nearly 500 steps (no lift!) to the dome for magnificent views of Florence. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is recognized in Hoptale's First...

Piazza della Signoria

Attraction Plaza / Square

Piazza della Signoria, Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy

Home to a myriad of historical buildings, Piazza Della Signoria is a charming square located just a short walk from its rival, Piazza del Duomo. Pallazo Vecchio and the statues of Hercules and David are definitely the main attraction at this square. Don't forget to snap some photos in front of the lovely fountain of Neptune. Piazza Della Signoria is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guid...

Piazzale Michelangelo

Attraction Plaza / Square Viewpoint

Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy

Piazzale Michelangelo is a lovely panoramic terrace located on the hills above Florence. Dedicated to Michelangelo, the terrace offers panoramic views of the city. Travelers can either hop on a bus number 12 or 13 or climb from the riverbank to reach Piazzale Michelangelo. The views are particularly amazing at sunset. Piazzale Michelangelo is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as o...

Piazza del Duomo

Attraction Plaza / Square

Piazza del Duomo, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50122, Italy

One of the main squares in Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a great place to kick off your Florence travel itinerary. Well-known for its fabulous architecture, the square is packed with many cute shops, restaurants, and bars. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest parts of Florence and is always packed with fellow tourists. Piazza del Duomo is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides ...

Palazzo Vecchio

Attraction Museum

Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Tuscany 50122, Italy

Located in the heart of Piazza Della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio was built in the 13th century and used to serve as a town hall. From outside it almost looks like a medieval castle. But inside the building, visitors will have a chance to see wonderfully decorated rooms including the Room of Cybele and Hercules Room. Palazzo Vecchio is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the ...

Uffizi Gallery

Attraction Museum Art Gallery

6 Piazzale degli Uffizi, Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy

The world-renowned Uffizi Gallery is home to the world's largest collection of renaissance art. It is the first modern museum in Europe and boasts masterpieces such as Birth of Venus (1485) and Primavera (1478) by Botticelli. This art lover's dream also features works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and many other famous artists. Uffizi Gallery is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as on...

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Attraction Religious Site Museum Church / Cathedral

18 Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50123, Italy

An important Gothic-style structure, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is well-known for its marvelous interiors. You will have a chance to admire the beauty of frescoes by masters like Lippi, Masaccio, and Ghirlandaio, as well as graceful curving designs and rows of arches. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Fl...

Galleria dell'Accademia

Attraction Museum Art Gallery

58 Via Ricasoli, Florence, Tuscany 50122, Italy

The Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, or "Gallery of the Academy of Florence", is an art museum in Florence, Italy. It is just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. Split into a few different halls, this fabulous museum features some of Michelangelo's most famous works of art. It's particularly well-known for housing the original "David" sculpture by Michelangelo. Galleria dell'Accademia is recog...

Pitti Palace

Attraction Palace Museum

1 Piazza de' Pitti, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy

No trip to Florence is complete without visiting the largest palace in Florence. Welcome to Pitti Palace, a place where you will find a variety of galleries including the Gallery of the Modern Art and the Palatine Gallery. Expect to see works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens, as well as the Royal Quarters of the Medicis. Pitti Palace is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the...

Bargello National Museum

Attraction Museum

4 Via del Proconsolo, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50122, Italy

Dedicated to Medieval and Renaissance art, the Museo Nazionale del Bargello is located in Florence's historic Palazzo del Podesta. It was established by royal decree on June 22, 1865--Italy's first national museum. From the moment of its foundation, the Bargello's collection brought together some of the most important works of Renaissance sculpture: masterpieces by Donatello, Luca della Robbia, A...

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Attraction Religious Site Church / Cathedral

9 Piazza di San Lorenzo, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50123, Italy

San Lorenzo is one of the most important Renaissance churches in Florence. As the parish church of the Medici family, Basilica di San Lorenzo witnesses the rise of Florence's richest and most influential family who ruled Florence for centuries and also made significant contributions to the Renaissance. Basilica di San Lorenzo is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top ...

Mercato Centrale

Attraction Food Market

Via dell'Ariento, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50123, Italy

After all the sightseeing, you'll want to pay a visit to the 19th century Mercato Centrale in Florence. This enormous food market is spread across 2 floors where local vendors sell meat, fish, wine, cheese, spices. Upstairs, you will find one of the best food courts in Europe that offers pizza, fried fish, dumplings, burgers, and much more. Mercato Centrale is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time V...

Boboli Gardens

Attraction Garden

1 Piazza de' Pitti, Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy

Behind Palazzo Pitti extends the Boboli Gardens. The Medici were the first to take care of its arrangement, creating the model of an Italian garden that became an example for many European courts. The vast green area divided in a regular way, constitutes a real open-air museum, populated with ancient and Renaissance statues, adorned with caves, first of all the famous one created by Bernardo Buont...