What to see in Florence: the most famous attractions

Spending a weekend in Florence is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a setting that offers a harmonious blend of history, art, culture and nature. The Cradle of the Renaissance is a destination that has something to offer everyone, from those who wish to explore the works of art housed in its many famous museums to those who prefer to stroll around, admiring the shops and boutiques in the historic centre, as well as those who want to immerse themselves in nature and admire stunning views of the city at sunset. 

If you would like to spend a weekend in Florence for one of your upcoming trips and are looking for a guide to the must-see attractions, this article has everything you need: from the unmissable monuments to the most beautiful views, right through to a hotel designed to combine comfort with a prime location.

A weekend in the city offers enough time to discover the attractions that have made this city a favourite destination for tourists from all over the world, or at least to take a tour of the must-see monuments and sights. Here are the places you simply must visit during a 2–3-day tour of the Tuscan capital. 

1. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo

Your itinerary for a weekend in Florence begins at the Duomo, known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the city’s great landmarks and the fourth-largest church in Europe. From the white and green marble façade to the interiors, which house a large cycle of frescoes painted by Vasari and Zuccari, every corner of this building conceals a treasure just waiting to be discovered. Inside, you can also see the remains of Santa Riparata, the ancient church on which the Cathedral was later built. 

Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 10.00 a.m. to 3.45 p.m.
Tickets: admission to the Cathedral is free of charge.

2. Brunelleschi’s Dome

Florence’s Cathedral comprises several elements, each a masterpiece worthy of a thorough visit, such as Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery of St John and Brunelleschi’s Dome. The latter continues to be the largest masonry dome in the world, with an internal diameter of 45.5 metres - a work of art of inestimable value that towers over the city. The interior of the Dome houses one of the most impressive paintings in history, the Last Judgement.

Opening hours: 8.15 a.m. - 6.45 p.m. Mondays to Fridays; 8.15 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. on Saturdays; 12.30 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays
Tickets: you must purchase the Brunelleschi Pass, choosing the day and time slot.

3. The Uffizi Galleries complex

Florence is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful museums, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the Uffizi, which forms part of the large Galleries complex alongside:

• Palazzo Pitti. Originally built as the residence of the Pitti family and later the home of the Medici and the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, it now houses several collections, including the Palatine Gallery.
• Boboli Gardens, one of the finest examples of an Italian-style garden. Tree-lined avenues, fountains, statues, grottoes and terraces are interspersed throughout a large green space that stretches out behind the residence. It is the perfect place to break up museums and monuments with a stroll in the open air, taking in panoramic views of the city.
• The Vasari Corridor, designed by the architect Giorgio Vasari at the behest of Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, was originally intended to enable the Grand Dukes and their court to move quickly between Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio.

The Uffizi houses some of the world’s most important works of art, such as The Birth of Venus and Botticelli’s Primavera (spring), Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, Titian’s Venus of Urbino and other paintings by Giotto, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and many other artists.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8.15 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Tickets: you can choose between a single ticket (starting at €25) or a combined ticket (€58), which includes Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens and the Vasari Corridor. This link will lead you to all the prices, rates and possible combinations. 

4. The Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David

The Accademia Gallery is an essential stop on your itinerary in Florence: it is here, in fact, that you will find Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the history of art. Created in the early 16th century, the work depicts the biblical hero before his battle with Goliath and has, over time, become a symbol of Florentine identity and artistic ingenuity.

As well as the original statue, the gallery also houses other works by Michelangelo, including the so-called Prisoners, unfinished sculptures that offer an insight into the artist’s creative process. Alongside these artefacts, the museum houses a collection of paintings and other works that offer an in-depth exploration of the evolution of Tuscan art.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8.15 a.m. to 6.50 p.m.
Tickets: from €24 for a full-price ticket. You can find all the relevant information here.

5. Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Among the places to visit in Florence, you simply must see Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s historic square, just a 5-minute walk from the Duomo. Regarded as the heart of the Tuscan city’s social life, it is home to various monuments and places of interest such as the Fountain of Neptune, the equestrian statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Loggia dei Lanzi with its statues and, above all, Palazzo Vecchio. 

Palazzo Vecchio is now home to various offices including that of the Mayor of Florence, but it is also one of the finest examples of 14th-century civil architecture. Inside, you will find a museum housing works by Donatello and Michelangelo, while the Arnolfo Tower rises above the palace.

6. The Ponte Vecchio

One of the most beautiful bridges in the world and one of the best-known sights in the Tuscan capital. The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno and connects the historic centre with the eastern part of the city: it was once home to fruit and vegetable stalls and butchers’ shops, while today it is lined with a succession of upmarket shops and brands specialising in fine jewellery. The central section of the bridge has been opened up to offer those crossing it a unique view of the river and the city. 

Admission: free of charge.

7. Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is practically an obligatory stop if you want to admire Florence from above. Situated on a hill south of the Arno, the large panoramic terrace offers a unique view of the historic centre, with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s towers and the Ponte Vecchio rising above the rooftops. In particular, we recommend that you visit at sunset, when the monuments are bathed in the evening light, creating some particularly evocative views.

Admission: free of charge.

8. Basilica of Santa Croce

Situated in the eastern part of the historic centre, this Franciscan basilica is an essential part of your tour of Florence. Inside lies the tomb of Michelangelo, surrounded by three statues representing the arts of sculpture, painting and architecture, as well as the tombs of other important figures from Italian history, such as Galileo Galilei. Near the Basilica stands the monument to Dante Alighieri. 

Opening hours: 9.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays; 2.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays
Tickets: from €10 for a full-price ticket. You can find all the information and prices on the official website.

9. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Just a short walk from the main railway station, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella welcomes visitors with one of the most elegant façades of the Florentine Renaissance: its cladding in white and green marble, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, is one of the most celebrated examples of Renaissance architecture.

The interior of the basilica is equally magnificent and houses an artistic heritage of great value, with frescoed chapels and works spanning various periods in the history of art. Among the best-known are Masaccio’s Trinity, notable for its use of perspective, and Domenico Ghirlandaio’s frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel. Giotto’s Crucifix is also one of the works that deserve attention.

Opening hours: 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 11.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. on Fridays; 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. on Saturdays and 1.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. on Sundays
Tickets: from €7.50; you can find all the information you need here.

10. The Oltrarno district

To discover a side of Florence more closely linked to everyday life and artisan traditions, it is definitely worth crossing the River Arno and spending a little time in the Oltrarno district: here you will find a unique atmosphere, characterised by narrower streets, historic shops, artisan workshops and squares where city life unfolds at a different pace to the most popular tourist areas.

One of the key landmarks is Piazza Santo Spirito, which buzzes with bars, markets and events throughout the year. The basilica after which the square is named is an important example of Renaissance architecture, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. From here, you can continue through the neighbourhood’s streets, exploring shops specialising in leatherwork, woodwork and other traditional crafts.

Where to stay in Florence

Now that you know all about what to do in Florence over a weekend, all you need to do is book your hotel room to make the most of this Tuscan city: we recommend UNA Hotels Vittoria Firenze, the perfect place to stay for a break dedicated to art and culture. The hotel immediately impresses with its cutting-edge design, which is complemented by the authentic atmosphere that pervades the various spaces and its more than 80 rooms. Tradition and modernity come together in the lines designed by architect Fabio Novembre, with colourful walls and contemporary furnishings.

The hotel is situated in the Oltrarno district, and thanks to its strategic location, it is the perfect base from which to set out and explore the Cradle of the Renaissance and all the places we have told you about. And if you are travelling by car, you can park at the hotel, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of leaving your car in Florence without having to worry about finding a parking space. We recommend that you contact the hotel to book your parking space in advance!

Rounding off the experience is the San Frediano Bar & Restaurant: its carefully curated menu lets you discover Florentine and Tuscan cuisine first hand, in a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Spending the weekend in Florence is the perfect choice if you are thinking of a short break: book your room at UNA Hotels Vittoria Firenze and get ready to enjoy a stay in a city that never ceases to amaze with its timeless beauty.