Cathedral

You can visit Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral free of charge and without a booking. You only need to pay to climb Brunelleschi’s dome or to visit other attractions around the cathedral. If you want to go up, decide in advance: from the dome you’ll see Florence and the fresco up close, whilst from the bell tower you’ll be able to capture the dome itself in your photographs. Hundreds of steps lead up to both viewing points, and there…

Church

The Baptistery of St John the Baptist (Battistero di San Giovanni) in Florence stands directly opposite the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You’ll recognise this octagonal building by its white and green marble and bronze doors. It was here that Dante Alighieri was baptised. Before buying a ticket, it is worth noting that the famous ceiling mosaics depicting the Last Judgement are currently covered. Their long-term restoration is scheduled…

Lookout, Tower

You’ll mainly want to climb Giotto’s bell tower for the close-up view of Brunelleschi’s dome. You’ll be standing right next to it, rather than directly on top of it as you would when climbing the dome. The bell tower is 84.7 metres tall and there are 414 steps leading up to the viewing platform – there is no lift. The cheapest ticket to the tower is the Giotto Pass at 20 eur. If you also want to visit the dome, choose the Brunelleschi Pass at…

Town Hall

The Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria remains Florence’s town hall to this day. Behind its austere façade, however, lie the magnificent halls of the Medici family, and above them a tower offering views over the city centre. You can visit the museum, climb the tower, or do both. And you don’t need to pay anything for a quick peek inside. [btn "Top 10 best hotels in Florence" https://booking.com/city/it/florence.cs.html?aid=2380460;label…

Gallery, Statue

Michelangelo’s original David can be found in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence. The statue in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a freely accessible replica. On your way to the original, you’ll pass four of Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures, where you can see the figures emerging from the marble. [btn "Top 10 best hotels in Florence" https://booking.com/city/it/florence.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-florencie-galleriaaccademia] Admission…

Fountain

The Fountain of Neptune stands in Piazza della Signoria, right next to the Palazzo Vecchio. You can see the white giant from a distance, but it’s worth getting a bit closer: you can admire the statues around the basin and discover a commemorative plaque that you might easily miss whilst walking through the square. You can combine a visit to the fountain with a trip to the nearby Uffizi Gallery. [btn "Top 10 best hotels in Florence" https:/…

Historic Bridge

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), with its many goldsmiths, spans the River Arno and immediately catches the eye with its unusual appearance. You can walk across the Ponte Vecchio for free at any time, even in the evening. Jewellery shops are situated directly on the bridge, with the famous Vasari Corridor running above them. The corridor is now open to the public again, but only with a pre-booked ticket. Would you like to see the whole bridge?…

Palace, Museum, Garden, Gallery

Behind its austere façade, the Palazzo Pitti on the south bank of the Arno conceals sumptuous halls featuring paintings by Raphael and Titian. The Boboli Gardens begin behind the palace. If you’re interested in both, the best option is a combined ticket: if purchased on the day of your visit, it costs 22 eur and also grants you access to the Bardini Gardens. [btn "Top 10 best hotels in Florence" https://booking.com/city/it/florence.cs.html?aid…

Basilica

In Piazza Santa Croce stands a basilica where Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli and the composer Gioachino Rossini are buried. Dante has only a memorial here, with no remains. And Leonardo da Vinci? Don’t look for his tomb here. You’ll find another Leonardo here: the Florentine chancellor Bruni. Santa Croce is also well worth a visit for its art. Giotto’s frescoes in the Bardi Chapel are once again on display following…

Church

From Florence’s main railway station, Santa Maria Novella, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the basilica of the same name. Behind the geometric marble façade, you’ll find Masaccio’s fresco, Giotto’s crucifix and the cloister. A single ticket grants access to the entire complex; allow about an hour to an hour and a half for your visit. [btn "Top 10 best hotels in Florence" https://booking.com/city/it/florence.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

Basilica

From the outside, the Basilica of San Lorenzo appears unfinished. Behind the bare façade, however, lies one of the key works of the Florentine Renaissance: Brunelleschi’s architecture, Donatello’s decorations and the tomb of Cosimo de’ Medici, known as the Elder. Please note before buying a ticket: you will find Michelangelo’s Medici tombs in the neighbouring Medici Chapels. They have a separate entrance, different opening hours and require a…