Florence
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Tourists who come to visit the Cinque Terre usually also visit Lucca and Pisa. You can reach Florence by train to Firenze S. M. Novella station. Even though you can also get directly to Florence from the Cinque Terre, we recommend that you visit the other two cities first. The most important monuments of Florence are undoubtedly marvelous and grandiose; it will take 2-3 days to visit all the “gems” of the city. An alternative is to make a one-day visit to Florence, but by doing so you will have to forego the visit to most of the museums. And we strongly advise you not to miss them!
Places of interest in Florence
Open this page from your mobile phone and you can start the navigator for any point of interest or monument described here.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi is the most famous Italian art gallery and is a treasure trove for art lovers. The most important works by Titian, Botticelli, Michelangelo and others are found in the Uffizi collection; you will spend at least half a day there. The Gallery is also worthy of note even just for its architecture and decor. It’s best to buy your ticket online, to avoid long queues at the entry to the Uffizi.
The Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge)
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the symbols of Florence, and is the most picturesque crossing over the Arno. The external appearance of this work of art, originally in wood, was designed in 1345 by Neri Fioravanti, a Florentine architect. At the time of construction meat was traded there, but on Ponte Vecchio these days there are many luxury jewelers.
The cathedral complex: the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Brunelleschi Dome (Cupola di Brunelleschi), the Tower of Giotto
You can enjoy a view of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore from the top of the huge dome, designed by Brunelleschi without any auxiliary structure, and while you’re there have a good look at the bell-tower designed by the architect Giotto. Also visit the museum and the baptistery of the Church. The ticket, which costs 18 euro, can be purchased opposite the baptistery (or at the entrance to the tower); it will give you a full day’s access to all the monuments mentioned above. The tower (420 steps) and the dome (463 steps) can only be reached on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.
The center of Florence
The historic cradle of the city of Florence is its center and there is always something to see here. As well as the Piazza del Duomo and its complex, you will find other architectural wonders in the center of Florence, such as the Palazzo Medici Riccardi (Michelangelo himself participated in the construction) and the Basilica of San Lorenzo (the work of Brunelleschi). You should also go to Piazza Santa Croce and visit the sumptuous Florentine basilica that is located there. In Piazza della Signoria you will find several architectural works: the Fountain of Neptune, the statue of David, the Palazzo Vecchio (from the tower you can take wonderful pictures with the Cupola by Brunelleschi in the background, entry to the tower is 10 euro, there are about 300 steps and no elevator) as well as many other monuments. Despite such a concentration of works of art, the center of Florence will impress you with its beauty and harmony.
Piazzale Michelangelo
You can see the entire city of Florence from here and your souvenir photos will be unforgettable! It is important to note that from Piazzale Michelangelo, designed by the architect Giuseppe Poggi, the view of all the marvels of the Tuscan capital will astound you; while you’re there to admire the view you can sit in a cafe and enjoy something to eat or drink. We highly recommend a visit to this place, if you have the time.
The Boboli Gardens
A unique decorative complex which is an example of the harmonious combination of architecture with Niccolò Tribolo, Giorgio Vasari and many others worked on this garden masterpiece at the Medici family residence, creating sculptural complexes through the winding avenues and groves of age-old trees. The Boboli Gardens are undoubtedly the most elegant gardens of Florence.
Map of the places to visit in Florence
Recommended hotels in Florence
The most popular hotels in the city are to be found in the green zone (marked on the map). Given that it is preferable to stay overnight in the city, we recommend these accommodation options.
On this page you can read visitor comments on all the hotels and compare them. In addition, you should consult:
Low-cost hotels in Florence.
Romantic hotels in Florence.
Luxury hotels in Florence.
Use a filter to search for a hotel in Florence.
Parking in Florence
For those who prefer to drive to Florence, there are some free parking areas from which you can access the city center by bus in 20 minutes (ticket 1.50 euro). The car park nearest to the center, “Piazzale Michelangelo”, is usually crowded, especially in peak tourist season, and paid parking is very expensive.
All parking areas are marked on the map above.
Address: piazzale Michelangelo, Firenze. Difficult to find a place available.
Address: via Cassia, 49A, Impruneta, Firenze. Free; bus to the city center (20 minutes).
Address: via Edoardo Detti, Firenze. Free; tram to the station/center (terminus, one line, 20 minutes, easy parking).
Address: piazza della Stazione, Firenze. Paid parking near the station (near the tram terminus, very close to the center), 3 euro per hour.
