Top 10 Florence Traveler
Top 10 Attractions in Florence
10. Boboli Gardens
What in carnation! Kicking off our Top 10 Florence attractions is the jaw-dropping beauty of an enormous, flower-packed garden spanning over 111 acres. Built over four centuries, the Boboli Gardens oozes with the magic and splendor that went into its construction. Take your time meandering through the sculptures or hike your way to the top rose gardens for a killer view of Florence—either way don’t miss this gorgeous site. Make sure to bring water in, but leave your snacks out! Open daily 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM.
9. Piazza D. Signoria
A breath of serenity in a bustling city, Piazza della Signoria is an open square in the heart of Florence. Once a political hub, the piazza is now a gathering space for Florentines and travelers alike looking to be enchanted by the square’s peaceful vibes. You may not be able to snap a picture with the real Michelangelo’s David, but feel free to strike your best pose next to Faux David in the Piazza della Signoria! You can even pose next to Neptune’s Fountain—don’t feel Orcaward.
8. Rose Garden
This is no thorny issue folks—located smack dab in the center of Florence and boasting a panoramic view of the entire city is The Rose Garden, a site as beautiful as its name. The best time of year to visit is between May and June, when over 350 varieties of roses are in full bloom. If your draw to Italy stems from its natural beauty, don’t miss this stunning Top 10 Florence attraction. Open daily 8 AM – 8 PM.
7. Convito Della Calza
Scattered around the mystic city of Florence is a collection of fresco paintings depicting one infamous scene: The Last Supper. Tucked away in a quaint, old-world hotel, Convito Della Calza, lies one of most stunning examples of The Last Supper that few people know about (we’re looking at you, hipsters). You can even do a ‘Cenacolo Crawl’ and see all the paintings in one day! Just make sure to eat supper before you leave… Open daily 8 AM – 5 PM.
6. Uffizi Gallery
The artists displayed in this splendid gallery are magnificent—they never fail to draw a crowd. One of the most prestigious and renowned art museums in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery features the work of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello…need we continue? Head to this Top 10 Florence gallery on the first Sunday of each month for free admission, but make sure to book tickets in advance—this lovely place fills up! Open Tues – Sun 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM.
5. da Vinci Museum
We couldn’t keep a museum dedicated to one of the most, if not THE most influential Italian artists in all of Tuscany, Leonardo Da Vinci, off our Top Ten Florence attractions! An exemplary display of his brilliance in every respect, the museum is full of his innovative and provocative designs. Some of his inventions have actually been created, but don’t worry, not the robot army idea—yikes! The perfect adventure for the family, this interactive museum takes 1-2 hours to see. Open daily 10 AM – 6 PM.
4. Santa Maria Novella
Thought to be one of the most exceptional gothic churches in all of Tuscany, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a must for Top 10 Florence attractions! With a breath-taking façade featuring elegant stained glass windows and surrounded by a beautiful courtyard, this is the perfect place for romantic moments. Prepare to be amazed by the hidden artistic treasures on display within—the beauty never ends in Florence. Open Mon – Thurs 9 AM – 5:30 PM, Fri 11 – 5:30 PM, Sat 9 AM – 5 PM, and Sun 1 PM – 5 PM.
3. Ponte Vecchio
For several hundred years, the Ponte Vecchio was the only entry into Florence across the raging Arno River. This tough old bridge has withstood the test of time, weather and war—pretty impressive! Nowadays, you can take a leisurely stroll across the bridge at sunset for an enchanting Top 10 Florence view of the city or wander across during the daytime to stop into the charming shops in the surrounding area.
2. Academia Gallery
Attention travelers: this is the magical place where the one and only Michelangelo’s David is housed! This is a Top Ten Florence attraction! But don’t go only to gawk at the splendor and beauty that is David—the museum is full of incredible pieces of art you won’t want to miss. The newest exhibit is the Museum of Musical Instruments section, which features entirely unique musical wonders. Rumor has it this section is pretty sharp. Open Tues – Sun 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM.
1. Florence Cathedral
Majestically towering over the Top 10 Florence attractions is The Duomo, Florence’s Cathedral. This beauty, fully decorated with terra cotta tiles, dominates the Florence skyline—you can’t miss it, just look up! Your ticket also allows your entrance to the neighboring bell tower, giving you an eye-level view of the enormous cathedral for prime pictures! Or climb the 463 stairs of The Duomo to get a spectacular view of the city, either way you can’t go wrong (unless you hate stairs, sorry, no elevator). Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM.