If you’re about to take your first trip to Florence, Italy, let me just say that I envy you.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the city for the very first time. I’m absolutely biased because I think Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but after living here for four years, I still stop and take photos (photos that I have taken countless times) and get emotional during dreamy sunsets.
When I first arrived in Florence as a study abroad student, I remember being so awestruck by the city that I was sure it was a movie set. I fully expected Steven Spielberg to pop out from behind what I would discover to be a 2D palazzo and ask me to try it again, spinning around slower this time.
Yes. It’s that pretty.
I realized the other weekend, after running into some first-time tourists in a pub, that they actually did not know what they were supposed to do and see here. So, in the event that you’re flying, train-ing, or driving in, without knowing a whole lot about the capital of Tuscany, never fear.
Here are the absolute must-dos for your first trip to Florence, Italy, as told by a girl who really, really, really loves it here.
No but really.
Snapshot of Florence Must-Do’s (in order of importance):
- Duomo
- Uffizi
- The David (at L’Accademia)
- City center walk
- Palazzo Pitti/Boboli Gardens
- Piazzale Michelangelo
Visit the Duomo and climb to top of the cupola
The place to start is right at the heart of Florence. The Duomo, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the symbol of the city and the most famous landmark thanks to the incredible cupola designed by Brunneleschi. I’ll tell you that the outside of the Duomo is much prettier than the inside so you can skip it unless you’re really curious.
What I’d highly recommend doing, if you aren’t too claustrophobic and have reliable lungs, is climbing to the top of the cupola for incredible 360 degree views of Florence. There are 463 stairs so you can eat that pasta guilt free later on. This is one of my favorite activities to do in Florence! Be sure to book online and show up during your designated time slot with some water in tow.
See Renaissance masters at the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is by far the most important and most famous in Florence. Home to Renaissance works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello Sanzio, and Caravaggio, just to name a few, the museum is a massive maze of masterpieces. It’s definitely a place you could spend all day, so if your time is limited, I’d recommend booking a tour to see the major artworks and get the inside scoop from an expert. As with all museums on this list, it will save you a line or two to book tickets in advance.
Marvel at the David
Make time to head to L’Accademia because you’ve absolutely got to see the real David statue. Created by Michelangelo at the tender age of 26, the world-famous statue clocks in at 17 feet tall. There are two copies of the statue at Piazzale Michelangelo (fitting) and in the Loggia in Piazza della Signoria, but they truly pale in comparison to the real deal. The statue is massive and will take your breath away. Ladies, try to resist the urge to say “that is one hunk of man.” There are also beautiful paintings and other sculptures in the museum, but naturally Dave is the main..err attraction.
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Walk around the city center
The beauty of Florence is that the compact city center is easily walkable and jam-packed with Renaissance beauty. You could take a walking tour (I’d recommend booking with my boy, Andrea!) or you can simply set out on your own and wander through the cobblestone streets.
After seeing the marvelous Duomo, make sure you amble down past Piazza della Repubblica (the one with the carousel) and a good spot for a coffee with a side of people watching. Then, wander down to the spectacular Piazza della Signoria where you’ll get an eyeful of the unique Palazzo Vecchio (seat of the government and former Medici home) and the intriguing Loggia of outdoor statues.
Next, walk through the outdoor part of the adjacent Uffizi museum lined with statues of famous Italians (Leonardo Da Vinci yes, Robert de Niro no) and snap a photo of the Ponte Vecchio. Then, make sure you head on to Piazza Santa Croce, which is the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo. These are the main piazzas in Florence and the city is so walkable that you’ll have plenty of time to see them and double back if you so please.
Explore Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
If you have more time after the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, Palazzo Pitti is definitely worth a visit. This long beige palace on the Oltrarno side of Florence was inhabited by the Medici and even served as a brief time as a base for Napoleon. Inside you can enjoy ornate salons decorated with paintings by Renaissance masters and dizzying frescoed ceilings.
If you only have time for either the museum or the garden and the weather is nice, opt for the Boboli Gardens. In between winding hedges, you’ll find secret gardens, glorious fountains, and various fields where locals plop down with a book or a picnic. These Italian-style gardens first designed by the Medici became the model for many other European estates. My favorite fact is that for a time in the 17th century a hippo freely roamed the gardens. Book online for the gardens or museum (or both) here.
Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Alright get your lungs ready for one more stint because you can’t come to Florence without enjoying the panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo. You’ll have to climb up either the stairs in San Niccolò or you can take the ramp route, but I promise the view is worth the hike.
Piazzale Michelangelo gives you a perfect view of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio, as well as the lush surrounding hills that cradle Florence. I can never decide if it’s more beautiful during the day or at night. You really can’t lose. The best thing to do is buy a bottle of wine at the grocery store and come up here an hour or so before sunset. Everyone cops a squat on the stairs, usually there’s a proposal or three, and everyone claps as the sun slips behind Ponte Vecchio. It’s really something.
Okay, these are all of my MUST must-dos for first-time forays into Florence. Check out a few bonus activities below 🙂
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Get a rooftop drink at View On Art
Tucked in between Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Duomo, this cocktail bar on the top floor of a hotel is a best kept secret. Or at least it used to be. I think the word is getting out. Come here for a front row view of the Duomo and a moderately priced cocktail or glass of wine (considering the unbeatable view). It’s busy on weekends but if you come in the middle of the afternoon, there are usually tables.
Hang out in Piazza Santo Spirito
After you’ve explored the center of the city, cross the Ponte Vecchio or the Ponte Santa Trinita (for the best view of Ponte Vecchio) and head over to what’s called the Oltrarno side of the Arno river. Piazza Santo Spirito is more of a lax plaza where the locals come to sip on coffee, beer, or negroni and chat with friends. There are bars and restaurants that line the square and the somewhat weird but geometrical facade of the church of Santo Spirito that serves as the centerpiece.
Eat, eat, and eat some more
Alright, you got your dose of art of culture and probably climbed more stairs than you would have liked, so I’d say you’ve earned your supper. I’m a pasta girl through and through, but if you’re interested in trying Florentine specialties, the bistecca fiorentina is your game. Take a taxi to Perseus or try it at Trattoria dall’Oste in the center (book ahead).
If you’re down for a classic Tuscan menu and relaxed, joyful atmosphere head to Alla Vecchia Bettola or Trattoria Casalinga. I’ve written about my favorite spots in this article about where to eat in Florence.
I hope you can feel the pure enthusiasm transferring from my computer screen through to yours. I truly LOVE Florence and all she has to offer, and I hope you get that movie set, pinch me, is-Steven-Spielberg-hiding-behind-that-palazzo feeling that infected me as a study abroad student and caused me to elbow my way back into the country for good.
Salute!
Read also: The Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
