Florence is definitely one of the most touristic Italian cities.
Compulsory stop for every organised – and not – tour in Italy.

But why exactly Florence?
Maybe because of the feeling of past everywhere around the city, considered throughout the world as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the cradle of architecture and art?
Or is it maybe for its historic center full of churches, monuments, Renaissance palaces from the breathtaking beauty so praised by poets of all times?

For all of this, for sure.
But maybe also because it’s simply beautiful!

And so I feel lucky, because I can live Florence little as a tourist, more as a “Florentine” thanks to my relatives who still live in this beautiful, sometimes chaotic, Tuscan city.

So, are you planning a trip to Tuscany? Check out these tips for 2 or more days in Florence!

Santa Maria del Sole – The Dome

One of the most famous cathedrals in the whole Italy and also the largest in the world from when it was built in 1431 until 1888.
Architects from all over the world are still trying to figure out how the architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, pulled it off.

Be careful: the dome climb is one of the more popular attractions in Florence but in high season the line can stretch to over 2 hours!
So, I really recommend you to book your tickets in advance here, or you will spend most of your time in Florence waiting for entering here.

Don’t run away from this square, because there’s much more to see here!

The Baptistery of Saint John

On the other main sight of the Cathedral there are the bronze doors on the Bapstistery call the “Gates of Paradise”.

While obviously impressive, they are actually replicas, because the real doors are now stored at the Museum of the Dome.

It has an octagonal plan, covered with white and green marble slabs, and covered by an eight-strong dome resting on the perimeter walls.

The Bell Tower of Giotto

With a height of 84.70m and a width of about 15, it is the most magnificent testament of the Gothic architecture of Florence of the 14th century.

If you feel like it physically and mentally (I am just a little bit claustrophobic and I was a bit in pain, I should say..) go for the 414 steps of the bell tower to reach its terrace, because the view is really, really amazing.

The Brunelleschi’s Dome

A masterpiece able to survive from lightning, earthquakes, over the centuries, and that today still enchants anyone who observes it: the Brunelleschi’s Dome, with a diameter of 45.5m.

The most innovative concept of Brunelleschi while realising the project?

Realising the vault of the dome without a real armour, but through a double vault with cavity.

The internal one is self-supporting and the external one is just a cover for the other.

Ponte Vecchio

This bridge is one of the most photographed and one of the most picturesque places in Europe.

The old bridge was built in 1345, on the narrowest point of Arno river.

There’s almost nothing to say about it, apart from: “walk, explore and see as much as you can there and from there”.
Even if it’s always crowd, you should definitely take a picture of it and from it.

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria’s main attraction is the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of the city. At the entrance, you can see a copy of the Michelangelo’s David along with the sculpture of Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli.

You might think you have already enjoyed the best of Florence. It might be true, but it’s not.
This city has so many other things to be enjoyed.

Take a moment and listen to the Italian music, practice live here by some local street artists and enjoy the moment before moving to the next attraction.

Uffizi Gallery

If it’s your third, fourth, or tenth time in Florence, then maybe you can skip it.
Otherwise, no excuses.

The Uffizi are one of the most visited museum in the whole world, and you will easily understand it by the waiting time at the entrance – buy your ticket in advance to skip the line or you’ll spend half a day here..

Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt…just some of the the famous artists works displayed here.

Basilica of Santa Croce

On the bucket list of every tourist in Florence, the Basilica of Santa Croce is the place where the tombs of most of the greatest Italian artists are. I mean, Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Foscolo, Galileo, Rossini, etc..

It has 16 chapels where you can see the incredible frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi.

Palazzo Pitti

Wanted by Luca Pitti to challenge the hated Medici family, Palazzo Pitti was, at the time of construction in around 1440, the largest and most impressive private residence in the city of Florence.

It is not only impressive in its size but also remarkable for the wide range of exhibits housed in various galleries and rooms.

You can also explore the extensive Boboli Gardens situated on the property. It contains lush green areas, sculptures, fountains, ponds and much more.

A visit to the Boboli Gardens is a pleasant break from the stuffiness of museums. Bring a packed picnic to really enjoy it the most!

Piazzale Michelangelo

If you’re wondering where to see the whole city from and have a breathtaking view, Piazzale Michelangelo is that place.

I think it’s really my favorite place in Florence. Since I was a child, I’ve always been in love with this place, mostly at night. I think it’s such a magic place, and mainly out of season, with very few tourists.

Take only memories, leave only footprints.   –    cit. Chief Seattle    (& me)