City Guide for Florence

Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) anchors Piazza del Duomo with its vast brick dome by Brunelleschi, 19th‑century marble facade, and adjacent Giotto’s Campanile and Baptistery. Inside, see the Last Judgment fresco beneath the dome. Visitors can climb the dome or bell tower for city views; timed tickets and dress code apply.

The Uffizi Gallery, housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi near Piazza della Signoria, showcases premier Renaissance masterpieces from the Medici collections. Highlights include Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo, works by Leonardo, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio. Expect crowds; reserve timed-entry tickets in advance. Upper-floor corridors overlook the Arno and Ponte Vecchio.

Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s medieval stone arch bridge over the Arno, distinguished by shops built along it—once butchers, now mostly goldsmiths and jewelers. The 16th-century Vasari Corridor runs above, linking Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi. Spared from destruction in World War II, it offers river views and is crowded at sunset.

San Miniato al Monte rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views over Florence, cypress-lined paths and one of the city's oldest and most serene Romanesque churches.

Oltrarno is Florence's artisan soul, a lively neighborhood south of the Arno packed with workshops, local eateries, stunning palaces and hidden gardens waiting to be explored.

San Lorenzo pulses with market energy, Medici history and incredible street food. A lively, authentic district where Florence's famous leather market meets its best indoor food hall.

Santa Croce is a vibrant district centered around a magnificent Gothic basilica, offering medieval streets, fantastic food markets, leather shops and a buzzing local atmosphere.

Pisa is much more than its Leaning Tower. The stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, charming riverside streets, and vibrant university atmosphere make it a fantastic and easy day trip from Florence.

The Chianti wine region offers rolling Tuscan hills, medieval villages, and world-class wines just south of Florence. A perfect day out for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone craving the classic Italian countryside.

Siena enchants visitors with its stunning medieval architecture, iconic Piazza del Campo, and rich Tuscan culture. Just 1.5 hours from Florence by bus, it is a must-visit for history and art lovers.

Cinque Terre's five colorful cliffside villages offer stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and fresh seafood. Just two hours from Florence by train, it is a spectacular escape to the Italian Riviera.