What to visit (see) in Florence?

The historic center of Florence is an open-air museum, where you walk surrounded by ancient monuments and picturesque views.
Here's a list of things to do and must-see places in the city. Of course, your choice will be made based on your interests and the time you have available.
- Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens (Oltrarno district)
- Old Bridge
- Piazza del Duomo
- Climb the Brunelleschi Dome
- Enjoy a romantic aperitif with a breathtaking view at Piazzale Michelangelo
- Visit the Uffizi museum, with the famous paintings of Botticelli, Leonardo, Titian, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio.
- Visit the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), to admire the famous and original David by Michelangelo
- Holy Trinity Bridge (Ponte Santa Trinita)
- Relax over an aperitif on the panoramic terrace of some wonderful hotel or in one of the historic cafés in Piazza della Repubblica, right in the heart of the city.
- Visit a workshop of Florentine handicraft and learn the secrets of workmanship handed down from generation to generation
- Enjoy an ice cream in one of the renowned ice cream parlours, and taste the Florentine Buontalenti ice cream!

If you don't know what to choose, contact me and maybe we can plan a guided tour together so you can optimize your time and get to know the city.

How long does a tour of Florence last?

A city tour ranges from 2 hours to 6 hours. To visit a museum and the historic center of Florence I recommend a tour lasting at least 3 hours.

Can I take my dog with me on the tour? Pets are not allowed inside the monuments and museums, but if you want to take a guided tour of the city of Florence you can choose the walking tour among the monuments, and your four-legged friend will be welcome!

How does a tour take place?

The visit will be personalized and private. You can choose a visit without entrance fees or add one or more museums. We will agree on the schedule when booking your tour.

What to see in 1 day in Florence

In the historical centre of Florence the monuments are concentrated mainly in the area around Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. This makes it easy to get around and visit the city even with just a few hours to spare.
I recommend starting from Piazza della Repubblica, with its historic cafes. Visit the district of Dante and arrive in Piazza del Duomo.
When the hunger for lunch is approaching, the medieval district offers many small restaurants and trattorias where you can stop and enjoy the typical Florentine cuisine, accompanied by a good glass of Tuscan wine, such as the famous Chianti.
Or in the district of San Lorenzo, where there is also the famous market where you can admire and taste the typical products.
Crossing the river Arno from Ponte Vecchio or Ponte Santa Trinita you arrive in the Oltrarno district, with the majestic facade of Palazzo Pitti and its artisan shops, narrow streets and beautiful squares full of places where Florentines love to meet for the nightlife.
The hour of sunset is approaching, and you can't leave Florence without admiring the city from the romantic Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can stop and relax with an aperitif with a view.

Most important things to see at the Uffizi

If you're planning a trip to Florence you can't miss the Uffizi Gallery. Even if you stay 1 day in Florence you can enjoy the beauty of the city and visit one of the most important and oldest museums in the world.
Once inside the museum you will be surrounded by many works of art, especially paintings, arranged in the many rooms, from the Middle Ages to the art of Caravaggio.
You'll be tempted to see all the works, but you may not have a lot of time. Here are some of the most important works that you absolutely can't miss.
- Giotto, the Majesty
- Piero della Francesca, the Dukes of Urbino
- Filippo Lippi, Madonna with Angels and Child
- Botticelli, The Spring
- Botticelli, The Birth of Venus
- Tribune
- Leonardo, Annunciation
- Leonardo, Adoration of the Magi
- Verrocchio, Baptism of Christ
- Michelangelo, Tondo Doni
- Raphael, Madonna of the Goldfinch
- Caravaggio, Medusa
- Caravaggio, Bacchus
- Titian, Venus of Urbino

Do I need a green pass to visit Florence? Yes it is required, but only to enter inside the museums

From the official website of the Uffizi:
"In compliance with government regulations (Decree Law 105 of 23 July 2021), from 6 August it is mandatory to allow access to museums and places of culture only to those with a green Covid-19 certification issued to certify one of the following conditions:
- Having had the first dose of vaccine or the 15-day single dose vaccine
- Having completed the vaccination cycle
- Be negative for a molecular or rapid swab in the previous 48 hours
- Being cured of Covid-19 in the previous six months.
Minors under 12 years of age and exempt persons with specific medical certification are excluded from the obligation to present this certification.
Visitors from countries that have not adopted the Covid-19 green certification may enter museums and cultural sites upon presentation of equivalent certification (i.e. with the same data as on the green certification) and, in the case of vaccination, attesting to the use of one of the vaccines whose administration is authorized in Italy.
If the required documentation is not provided, access to the museum venues will not be allowed and the pre-purchased ticket will not be refunded."
NB I always suggest to consult the official website of the museum also for possible updates and changes.

Where to eat "Fiorentina" (steak) in Florence?

In Florence the Florentine steak is one of the most popular and loved dishes by tourists and not only. There are several restaurants that make a tasty Florentine steak.
Here's a list of the most popular ones:
Buca Lapi
Latini
Perseus
Trattoria dell'Oste chianineria
Trattoria Mario
These are just a few of the most renowned in Florence. Florence is waiting to be discovered!

Where is Michelangelo's David?

Michelangelo's original David is in the Accademia Gallery, along with other sculptures by the artist.
Outside you will find two copies of David, one in Piazzale Michelangelo, in bronze, the other in marble in Piazza della Signoria, exactly where the original was until 1873.

What are the traditional dishes in Florence?

One of Florence's most famous dishes is the tasty "bistecca alla fiorentina".
But for those who do not like meat we have very tasty dishes such as Ribollita, a dish of medieval origins made with vegetables such as cabbage, beans, black cabbage and Tuscan bread. Another typical dish is pappa al pomodoro.
One of my favorites is the Tuscan crostino, a typical popular recipe used almost exclusively as an appetizer made with chicken livers. I absolutely recommend to taste them in a nice appetizer together with cold cuts such as finocchiona and cheeses, such as the famous Tuscan pecorino.

Where can I find Michelangelo's works in Florence?

- Academy Gallery
- Uffizi Gallery
- Bargello Museum
- Buonarroti House