Things to do in Province of Florence

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Province of Florence Travel Guide

Arcetri which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore showing heritage architecture as well as an individual child

Arno River featuring a river or creek, a bridge and kayaking or canoeing

Duomo which includes horseriding, a city and street scenes

Province of Florence Attractions

Cradle of the Renaissance, La Cittá Bella: Florence is known as many things, but it’s never been known as boring. Perched in the heart of Italy, this Tuscan capital blends historically important sights with an effortlessly modern style, and the range of Florence activities is a testament to its vibrant personality. Whether you’re interested in strolling the stylish streets or want to join one of the guided Florence tours, this is a city that belongs on your must-travel map.

Begin your exploration of the best attractions in Florence with a peek at the Old Town. This district is home to some of the city’s most stunning tourist spots, and both locals and travelers alike love the area for its historical importance. The Duomo di Firenze cathedral is the city’s primary landmark, and you can head to the adjacent Giotto’s Tower for a magnificent view of the structure and its surroundings. The Santa Croce cathedral is another must see location — it’s here that you’ll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo — and its Pazzi Chapel offers an unbeatable look at classic architecture. Wherever you choose to explore first, the Old Town is unquestionably the heart of the top things to do in Florence.

No Florence excursions are complete, however, with a peek at the local gardens and piazzas. Venture out to the Boboli Gardens for spectacular landscapes studded with sculptures, and then head over to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the hilltop view and nearby San Miniato al Monte. The Piazza Signoria is an equally lovely place to spend an afternoon, but this Romanesque square is substantially busier than the hillside spaces. Come to this area to admire the atmosphere from one of the surrounding cafes. It’s one of the top places to get a taste of the local personality.

Province of Florence must see attractions

1. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

Dominated by the impressive façade of its eponymous church, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is one of the most picturesque and convenient piazzas in Florence. It is a quick walk from almost anywhere in the city and especially close to the train station. Use the piazza as a staging ground for adventures both within and outside Florence proper or simply as a resting place on a busy day. Tour sites around the edges and relax on some of the benches dotting the center.

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Piazza di Santa Maria Novella which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

2. Ponte Vecchio

As you make your way over the Ponte Vecchio, peer into the windows of the goldsmith stores that have been here since the 16th century. Enjoy a sweeping view down the banks of the Arno from the viewing balconies in the center of the bridge. Street performers, artists and tourists create a lively atmosphere during the day. When the shutters come down over the shops in the evenings, the bridge takes on a romantic ambiance, perfect for a romantic stroll.

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Ponte Vecchio which includes a bridge and a river or creek

3. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is also known as the Duomo, which is an Italian term for cathedral. Dominating the Florence skyline is the Duomo’s magnificent dome, considered by many to be the most important architectural achievement of the Renaissance. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find stained-glass windows and frescoes by Italian masters, and one of the oldest examples of an hora italica clock in the world. For many, the most impressive part of a visit is a close-up view of the building itself.

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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore featuring a city, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

4. Uffizi Gallery

Names of the masters exhibited within the U-shaped Uffizi building read like a who’s who of Renaissance art. Find seminal works by Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael and Rembrandt in a collection that spans six centuries. The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is unique in that it contains only masterpieces. It’s considered by many to have the most important collection of Western art in the world.

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5. Pitti Palace

Discover a wealth of art within the vast, fortress-like walls of the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti). The Gallery of Modern Art holds important Italian pieces from the 18th to early 20th centuries, while the Silver and Carriages museums offer glimpses into the lifestyle of Florence’s longest-ruling family. The Palatine houses a collection of masterpieces second only to the Uffizi’s. The core of the building was constructed in 1458 for wealthy banker Luca Pitti, and sold to the Medicis in 1549. It was opened to the public in 1919.

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6. Piazza del Duomo

Join the bustling crowds, vendors and street performers in the cultural and geographical heart of Florence, the Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral for which the square is named is a spectacular centerpiece. In its shadow you will find several other historical, artistic and architectural treasures.

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Piazza del Duomo which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

7. Piazza della Signoria

Take a seat at an outside table in one of the Piazza della Signoria’s many cafés and restaurants. Watch the crowds jostle as they have for over seven centuries in the town’s political and civic center. Flamboyant street performers, milling tourists and busy locals move about this L-shaped town square in front of some of Florence’s most famous buildings.

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Piazza della Signoria featuring heritage architecture

8. Palazzo Vecchio

With its crenellated roof, the Palazzo Vecchio sometimes resembles a fortress rather than a city hall. Though first constructed in the early 1300s on top of the old Roman theater, the building was continuously rebuilt and expanded upon, marking it with the passage of time and fashion in Florentine history. Learn about this interesting past and climb the tower, whose elevated position makes it as good for getting pictures and views of the city as it has been for spotting enemies on the horizon.

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Arcetri showing heritage architecture, a city and landscape views

9. Piazzale Michelangelo

The walk to visit Piazzale Michelangelo is a bit steep, but the sight of the Duomo and Florence’s narrow streets make the climb worthwhile. Located on San Miniato hill, overlooking the Arno and all of Florence’s great sights, it is a must-visit destination for any city visitor. Trek or take a taxi up, then cool down with a drink on one of the terraces or in the loggia lining the edge of the square.

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Piazzale Michelangelo showing landscape views, a river or creek and a bridge

What to do in Province of Florence

Free Things to Do in Florence

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's easy to have a ball in Florence without spending a cent.

Museo Horne - Whatever your age, this gallery will inspire your imagination and grip your attention.

CLET - Spend a few hours here and enjoy an insight into the cultural and artistic side of the region.

Academy of Fine Arts - This local landmark is an excellent backdrop for some selfies.

Villa Le Balze - If you plan to explore the region's history through its landmarks, add this one to your travel schedule.

Piazza Donatello - Stay a while in this popular place and imagine life as a local.

Careggi Hospital - Dig out your guidebook and discover why this place deserves a spot on your to-do list.

San Francesco Monastery - Get in touch with your spiritual side or simply get lost in the tranquil ambiance at this religious site.

Villa Fabbricotti - Renew your body, mind and soul by spending time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Province of Florence with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Province of Florence. Here are some family friendly experiences to try together that will make your break memorable:

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