Florence is globally popular for being home to several Renaissance arts as well as architecture, thus also referred to as the “Jewel of The Renaissance”. The city situated in the Tuscany province of Italy once served as the major trade and commerce center during medieval times. There are plenty of remarkable tourists attractions and places to visit in Florence which attracts millions of tourists across the globe.
It would take you a week or more to explore the city as a whole, that’s why we have picked the top 5 best places to visit in Florence including the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo, and several other arts and architect belonging to Renaissance era.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Florence
1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fior
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the major tourist attractions in Florence and it place which you should not miss. The Cathedral was built in 1420 by Filippo Brunelleschi and designed by two famous Italian architects named Giotto and Pisano. It is the third-largest church in Italy and stands tall with a height of 152 meters.
The front part of the building was reconstructed in the 1800s after it was demolished 3 centuries ago. Just above the central doorway of this church is a rose-shaped accompanied with small windows on another side. Before you enter the building, look around and see is four portals among which Porta Della Mandela is one of the finest built portals.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, and September.
Visiting Hours:
- Holidays – 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Weekdays – 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearby Attractions:
- Medici Villa
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Palazzo Pitti
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Medici Villa
Location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Also Read: Most Fascinating Places To Visit In Sicily, The Dream Island Of Italy
2. Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is yet another popular church in Florence that represents gothic architecture. While looking for the best places to visit in Florence, must include Santa Maria Novella on your bucket list. The exterior of this church features artworks of some famous architects like Leon Battista Albert and Fra Jacopo Talenti.
The tourists visiting here are required to carry a ticket which allows them to explore the monastic complex, frescoed chapels, sacristy, and the Santa Maria Novella Museum. As a history buff, you should not miss out on The Nativity and the Pulpit.
Best Time To Visit: April to June or Mid-August to Early November
Visiting Hours:
- Weekdays – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Fridays – 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturdays – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: €5.00
Nearby Attractions:
- Museo Novecento
- Duomo of Florence
- Green Cloister
- Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
- Cloister of the Dead
- The Great Cloister
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, Florence
3. Piazza Della Repubblica
Pizza Della Republic is the main square situated in the Florence city of Italy. Surrounded by some notable landmarks and attractions, the Pizz Della Republic welcomes thousands of visitors every year. The must-visit site here is the Colonna Dell Abbondanza which dates back to the medieval Roman period.
The square is not only significant to the history of Florence but also for being the main commercial area. The square also houses various cafes, restaurants, food stalls, and many more. Some of these cafes are even 200 hundred years old and have been frequently visited by some famous Italian artists of vintage times.
Best Time To Visit: March to May or September to November
Visiting Hours:
- April to September: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- October-March: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Nearby Attractions:
- Churches and Chapels
- Museo di Palazzo Davanzati
- Museums
- Chiesa di San Carlo dei Lombardi
- Mercato del Porcellino
- Fontana Delle Naiadi
Location: Piazza Della Repubblica is situated in the Metropolitan City of Florence
4. Ponte Vecchio – Bridge in Florence
One of the popular places to visit in Florence, The Ponte Vecchio is an old one constructed in 1345. The bridge was designed by Taddeo Gaddi, the student of famous Italian architect “Giotto”. There is a range of shops located around the bridge which were once dominated by butchers, tanners, and blacksmiths.
The Bridge is believed to exist since the Roman era and witnessed a huge floor in the year 1333 the bridge we see today was rebuilt in 1345. The bridge features a sculpture of Benvenuto Cellini, who also worked as the goldsmith on this bridge.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Nearby Attreactions:
- Piazza della Signoria
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Orsanmichele
- Palazzo Pitti
- Bardini Garden
- Mercato Nuovo
Location: Florence, Italy
5. Piazzale Michelangelo Florence
Situated at the hill, the Piazza Michelangelo is a famous square known for being the best sightseeing spot in Florence. From the top of this Piazza, you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the city as a whole. Thousands of tourists come here to spend some time either in the morning or before dusk. If you really want to explore from every angle do visit here on your trip to Florence.
The Piazzale Michelangelo also features a bronze sculpture of Michelangelo’s David at the center. Apart from this, you can also find plenty of restaurants and cafes to eat and enjoy the beautiful views. To reach here, you can either climb up to the square from the seashore of Arno River or take a bus that will drop you right at the square.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, and September
Visiting Hours:
- Weekdays: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Sundays: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Nearby Attractions:
- The Iris and Rose Gardens
- Boboli Gardens
- Pitti Palace
- Piazza Santo Spirito
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
Location: Piazzale Michelangelo FIorence, Italy
