Florence is a city that feels alive with history, art, and culture at every turn. From the soaring dome of the Florence Cathedral to the breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangelo, the city invites you to slow down, wander, and soak in its magic. In this post, I’ll take you through the top things to see and do in this incredible Italian city.

Duomo

Rising above Florence in pink, green, and white marble, the Duomo is the icon of the city. Construction began in 1296, but its defining feature, Brunelleschi’s dome, wasn’t completed until 1436. The cathedral’s vast dome dominates the skyline, visible from nearly every corner of Florence.

Ponte Vecchio

Spanning the Arno River since 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s oldest bridge, and the only one to survive WWII. Originally lined with butchers and fishmongers, it was transformed in the 16th century when the Medici family replaced them with goldsmiths, a tradition that continues today.

Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella 

Founded in 1221, the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world still in operation. It started as a monastery lab where monks made herbal remedies and rosewater, and later created perfumes for royalty.

Wine windows

Scattered across Florence’s historic centre, these small arched wine windows, known as “buchette del vino”, date back to the 1500s. Noble families used them to sell wine directly from their palaces and they are still in use today – you can grab a glass through a 400-year-old window!

Piazzale Michelangelo

High above the city, Piazzale Michelangelo offers the picture perfect view of Florence – terracotta rooftops, the Arno River, and the Duomo rising at the centre. Built in the 19th century as a panoramic terrace dedicated to Michelangelo, it has become the city’s most iconic viewpoint.

Palazzo Vecchio

Dominating Piazza della Signoria, the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio has been Florence’s seat of power since 1299. Originally built as the town hall of the Republic of Florence, it later became the residence of the powerful Medici family. Its towering Arnolfo Tower still watches over the city, while inside, grand frescoed halls tell stories of political ambition and Renaissance grandeur. It’s a reminder that Florence wasn’t just a centre of art, it was a powerhouse of politics.

Oblate Library

For one of the best and most underrated views of the Duomo, head to the terrace of the Biblioteca delle Oblate. Once a 14th-century convent and later a hospital, the building is now a public library, and its café terrace offers a front-row seat to Brunelleschi’s dome. It’s the kind of place where locals read, students gather, and travellers pause with a coffee, whilst admiring one of the world’s most iconic views.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

The striking geometric façade of the Santa Maria Novella is one of Florence’s most elegant architectural statements. Founded in the 13th century, it perfectly blends Gothic structure with classical harmony. Inside, masterpieces by Masaccio and Ghirlandaio line the walls, turning the church into both a spiritual sanctuary and an artistic landmark.

Uffizi Gallery

Founded in 1581, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art museums in the world. The collection includes key works of the Italian Renaissance, such as The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli and masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. Located along the Arno River in Florence, it houses centuries of European painting in a single historic complex.