Is Florence worth visiting? All you need to know

Last Updated on March 5, 2026 by Ioana

A lot of people visit Florence every year. It’s one of the most popular cities in Italy. If you’re reading this blog post you’re probably wondering “Is Florence worth visiting?”. Is it worth the hype? I’ll give you my view based on my personal experience there.

Yes, Florence is a must-visit destination. It has a rich history, it’s the birthplace of Renaissance, it has numerous world-renowned museums, and amazing food. It’s a really beautiful city that’s worth exploring while you’re in Italy.

However, be prepared for a lot of crowds no matter when you visit. Florence is not that big of a city, so you’ll always find a lot of people at the main attractions. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance

Florence is widely considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, a cultural movement that transformed art, architecture, science, and philosophy across Europe.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, powerful families like the Medici funded artists, architects, and thinkers who reshaped the Western world.

This wasn’t just an artistic shift. It was a complete change in how people viewed human potential, beauty, and knowledge.

Perspective in painting was refined here. Architectural breakthroughs happened here. Some of the most famous sculptures ever created were carved here.

When you walk through Florence today, you’re not just looking at beautiful buildings. You’re standing in the very place where modern Western art and intellectual thought took form.

If you want to truly understand the Renaissance while visiting Florence, here are the essential places you need to see.

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall and the majority of it is a museum that’s open to the public. It was built in 1299 and it used to be the residence of the Medici family.

Palazzo Vecchio has some secret passages that were used by the Medici family to escape their enemies. History is so fascinating. I wish I could go back in time and be a fly on the wall to see how they lived.

The Palazzo also has a replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David.

Piazza della Signoria

Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria, the most famous square in Florence. You can also find Loggia dei Lanzi here.

It’s basically an open-air museum with wide arches and a lot of statues. Tourists tend to sit down by the statues, so it’s also a place to hang out and catch your breath in between sightseeing.

Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) is a Renaissance palace that used to be the Medici family residence after Palazzo Vecchio. Today it is a museum and it houses a lot of works of art that were owned by the Medici family.

The Boboli Gardens are located right behind the Pitti Palace. The gardens were designed for the Medici family, and they are one of the first examples of an Italian garden.

Other European courts mimicked this type of garden. They became open to the public in 1766. You will need a ticket to visit both the palace and the gardens.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge over the Arno River that’s close to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. It is the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed during World War II and it’s a must visit during your Florence trip.

What is unique about it is that it has shops along the bridge. There have been shops on the bridge since the 13th century. Historically a lot of the shops were occupied by butchers and fishmongers.

I can only imagine the smell on the bridge. Thankfully, this evolved and since the 16th century the shops turned into jewelry stores.

Be warned that there are so many people in this area that it’s uncomfortable to visit. I was literally touching shoulders with other travelers. So my advice is to visit either super early or super late to beat the crowds.

Basilica di Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church of Florence. The construction of this church started in 1294. Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and many other famous Italians are buried here.

This plaza is much less crowded than the Duomo, so it’s a nice place to escape the crowds.

Attractions in the piazza del Duomo (Duomo plaza)

The Duomo di Firenze has an impressive architecture.

What you might not know about it is that the Duomo complex is comprised of 6 major attractions: the Florence cathedral, Filippo Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower (Giotto’s Campanile), The Baptistery of St. John, Opera del Duomo Museum, and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata.

If you want to see them all you should buy a 3-day pass.

I think it’s worth fitting them all into your Florence itinerary since the Duomo complex is such a major attraction in Florence.

As you can imagine, there will be a lot of people visiting, but these are some of those attractions that are must-do’s no matter how large the crowds are. After all, they are popular for a reason.

Florence has wine windows and pasta making classes

Florence isn’t just about museums and marble statues. It’s also a city where centuries-old traditions are still part of everyday life.

Beyond the Renaissance landmarks, you’ll find experiences that feel personal, interactive, and uniquely Florentine.

The city’s historic wine windows, known as buchette del vino, date back to the 1500s when noble families sold wine directly from their palaces.

Then there are the pasta making classes. Instead of simply eating Tuscan food, you can learn how to prepare it yourself.

These types of activities show a different side of Florence. Yes, it’s an art capital. But it’s also a city where you can sip wine from a 16th-century window and roll pasta dough the same way Italians have done for generations.

Get a glass of wine from a wine window

After visiting a lot of attractions in a day and probably walking over 10,000 steps, you need some time to relax.

What better way to relax in Florence than getting a glass of delicious local wine? Even better – getting a glass of wine from tiny windows like people were doing centuries ago. 

One of the coolest things you can do in Florence is to get a glass of wine from a wine window, or a buchetta del vino.

They were used during the bubonic plague in the 17th century to serve wine with as little human contact as possible. It’s such a unique experience!

I love how people prioritized getting their vino no matter the century or the times. It’s safe to say they came in very handy during the recent pandemic too.

There are over 150 of them in Florence, but only a few of them are still functional. It’s an activity that you can only do in Tuscany, and it makes for a great memory.

Take a pasta-making class with unlimited Tuscan wine

Dive into Florence’s culinary scene by joining a hands-on pasta-making class. You’ll learn to shape fresh pasta from scratch and create authentic Tuscan dishes that you can impress your friends with back home.

The class keeps things lively and intimate, with small groups that let you ask questions, experiment, and get tips from your instructor.

As you work, you’ll sip unlimited Tuscan wine, making the experience feel more like a celebration than a lesson.

By the end, you’ll not only master pasta-making techniques, but you’ll also leave with a deeper appreciation for Florence’s food culture. All while enjoying a few glasses of wine along the way.

Florence is home of the schiacciata sandwiches

Florence has its own sandwich culture, and once you try a schiacciata, you’ll understand why it’s become a must-eat experience.

Schiacciata is a Tuscan flatbread that’s slightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold generous layers of high-quality Italian ingredients.

Grabbing a schiacciata to-go and eating it in a nearby piazza, on a bench, or along the Arno River is one of the simplest but most satisfying ways to experience Florence. These are the sandwich shops I recommend.

All’antico Vinaio

All’antico Vinaio is a sandwich shop that’s native to Florence and they make really delicious sandwiches. They use a Tuscan bread for all their sandwiches, called schiacciata. It is similar to focaccia, but it’s thinner and chewier.

All’antico Vinaio has an extensive menu, but anything you choose will be delicious. My personal favorite is La Paradiso, a sandwich with mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachio. So delicious!

The shop had great success in Florence, so they have expanded in multiple cities in Italy, and then also to the US. They have locations in NYC, LA, and Las Vegas.

Even though they have locations in other cities nowadays, everyone wants to get a sandwich from the original location in Florence.

Thus, you need to be prepared for long lines here. If you’re not a fan of waiting in line for a long time for a sandwich you can go to other sandwich shops in Florence, such as Pino’s Sandwiches which I talk about below. 

Pino’s Sandwiches

When in Florence, schiacciata sandwiches are a must. Besides All’antico Vinaio there are other sandwich shops that are also delicious. One of them is Pino’s Sandwiches.

Pino still works in the shop, so the vibe is super cozy and friendly. The lines tend to be smaller here compared to All’antico Vinaio.

Seating is limited at Pino’s Sandwiches, but you can go to the Basilica of Santa Croce Plaza and sit on one of the benches there.

The best way to enjoy that delicious panino. That’s what I did. I got a classic sandwich with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato and pesto. A prosciutto sandwich and people watching in Italy, what else can one wish for?

Florence is the city of art

If you care even slightly about art or history, Florence delivers at the highest level. This isn’t just a city with a few nice galleries.

It’s home to some of the most important museums in the world, housing masterpieces that shaped Western art as we know it.

What makes Florence exceptional is the concentration and significance of its collections. You’re not just looking at beautiful paintings or sculptures.

You’re seeing works that introduced perspective, redefined realism, and elevated artists to cultural icons. Many of the pieces displayed here are considered foundational to the Renaissance and beyond.

The best part is that these museums are all within walking distance of each other. In just a couple of days, you can experience an extraordinary amount of artistic history without ever leaving the historic center.

Here are the museums that make Florence a global art capital.

Uffizi Gallery

This museum is a paradise for art lovers. Uffizi Gallery is one of the largest and most well-known museums in Italy and it has an impressive Italian Renaissance art collection. 

The art collection of the Medici family was given to the city of Florence and you can find a lot of those works of art here. Spending a few hours here would be a good idea.

Accademia Gallery

One thing you must do while visiting Florence is to go the Galleria dell’Accademia to see the famous David sculpture by Michelangelo.

There are always long lines and large crowds here. The museum tries to create a smooth process for visiting, but in reality, it’s a bit complicated and it involves a lot of waiting in lines with a lot of people. But don’t worry, I’ll give you all the details.

What you need to know about visiting Accademia Gallery

First, I encourage you to buy entry tickets online in advance. Otherwise, your waiting time increases by a few hours in Florence.

Once you get to the Accademia Gallery the day of your visit, you have to pass by the people waiting in line and go to a ticket booth where they exchange your online voucher for a paper ticket.

It’s located on the left-hand side if you come to the Gallery from the Duomo. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get the actual ticket before your entry time slot.

After you get the paper ticket, come back and wait in line. The staff will let you know what time slot they are letting in.

They are strict about it, so if you have a ticket for 10:30am, but they are letting in the 10:15am ticket holders, they will ask you to wait in line until they switch to the 10:30am group.

Once you’re in the Gallery you have to pass by security, similar to what you do at the airport. I highly recommend to not bring large bags when you visit. Then you’re finally in.

The Accademia Gallery is a relatively small museum and the most famous work of art there is David’s statue. You can probably visit the entire museum in an hour.

There are always a lot of people in front of David’s statue and everyone is waiting to take a picture, so you’ll have to be patient.

Florence offers amazing views

Florence is beautiful at street level, but seeing it from above completely changes your perspective.

One of the best things about Florence is that you don’t need a helicopter or expensive rooftop ticket to enjoy these views. Some of the most memorable panoramas are accessible with a short walk or a simple coffee order.

Here are my two favorite viewpoints in the city.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is the square with the most beautiful panoramic view of Florence and it’s one of the best places to catch the sunset.

Giuseppe Poggi designed the Piazza, which has bronze replicas of Michelangelo’s statues. On the way to the Piazza you will pass by the Rose Garden, which, as the name suggests, is a beautiful park full of roses.

You will have to do a bit of hiking to get to the Piazzale Michelangelo, but it’s not too bad. It usually takes about 15 min to reach the top of hill and you can stop as many times as you want to take in the views.

If you’re visiting on a hot day, make sure to bring a water bottle with you.

Coffee break with Duomo views

This cafe is such a hidden gem in Florence! If you don’t know about it you won’t be able to find it, which means that it has local vibes and very few tourists. It’s called Cafe Oblate.

The cafe is on the top floor of a fourteenth-century convent turned into a public library. You’ll have to go through the public library and take the elevator to the top floor.

It has spectacular views of the Duomo. You can sip on coffee, a drink or a freshly squeezed juice (what I opted for) and take in the views. Such a great way to relax!

Florence is a great base for day trips

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Florence is its location.

Right in the heart of Tuscany, the city is perfectly positioned for exploring some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, medieval towns, and wine regions without constantly changing hotels.

The main train station is centrally located and easy to reach on foot, and there are also plenty of organized tours that handle transportation for you.

That means you can spend your mornings admiring Renaissance art and your afternoons wandering through hilltop towns or sipping wine in the countryside.

If you have extra time in your itinerary, these are three day trips that are absolutely worth considering.

Cinque Terre

If you want dramatic coastal scenery that feels completely different from Florence, head to Cinque Terre for the day.

This collection of colorful seaside villages sits along the Ligurian coast and delivers cliffside views, scenic hiking trails, and sparkling water.

Join a guided tour to simplify the logistics and make the most of your time. You’ll travel from Florence in comfort, visit multiple villages in one day, and choose whether to hike between towns or explore at your own pace.

It’s a full day, but the contrast between Renaissance architecture and pastel fishing villages makes it completely worth it.

Chianti Wine Region

Escape the city and spend a day in the Chianti countryside. Drive through rolling hills, pass vineyards and olive groves, and stop at local wineries for guided tastings.

Most wine tours include visits to two or more wineries, where you’ll sample Chianti wines and learn directly from producers about their methods.

Instead of just drinking wine in a restaurant, you’ll see where it’s grown and understand what makes the region special.

It’s the perfect way to slow down, enjoy the landscape, and experience Tuscany beyond Florence’s historic center.

Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano

If you want to pack several Tuscan highlights into one day, take a tour that covers Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. Start in Pisa and see the Leaning Tower up close.

Then explore Siena’s historic center and step into its stunning cathedral. Finish the day in San Gimignano, where medieval towers rise above the Tuscan hills.

Each stop offers a distinct experience. Pisa delivers a bucket-list landmark. Siena impresses with its grand piazza and Gothic architecture.

San Gimignano charms visitors with panoramic views and small-town atmosphere. With transportation and planning handled for you, you can focus on enjoying the scenery instead of navigating train schedules.

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