This city is famous world-wide and features many of the most wonderful things about traveling around Italy! Do you love art? What about architecture? Food? History? Florence has it all!!

There’s so much to see and do that it would literally take weeks to see it all. (Which is why living in Italy for a few weeks as an English nanny is the best way to see everything it but not everyone always has that luxury.) To simplify it for you, I’ll tell you the Top Ten Things to Do and See in Florence.

1. The David 

The Galleria dell’Accademia. is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15 am – 6:50 pm.This means it is CLOSED on Mondays. For more info about the museum, its hours, or to book tickets, click here.

2. The Duomo

This is the dome part of Florence’s main cathedral. Although its construction was finished in 1436, it’s still the largest brick dome ever constructed. Let’s just say Filippo Brunelleschi wasn’t just an artistic genius — he was an engineering whiz too. Not only is this whole thing beautiful to look at, but getting to the top of it is an adventure. (If you’re claustrophobic, I wouldn’t recommend it.) The staircase is narrow and winding and there are usually many people in front of you and behind. Check out the picture to give you an idea. But if you can make it up, the view from the top — not to mention the close-up view of the paintings on the dome’s ceiling — is absolutely spectacular. Words don’t do it justice.

3. Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers)

The cathedral and the baptistery are both located in the Piazza di Duomo. Entrance to the cathedral is free but be sure that you are dressed appropriately. This means no short shorts and your shoulders must be covered. I remember studying this cathedral in Art History and being amazed at how people could build something so large and magnificent such a long ago. And now, I can say that seeing the cathedral in person did not disappoint.

4. Baptistery of St. John

This is one of my favorite parts of Florence because of the beautiful Gates of Paradise and their history. So back in the day (1401 to be exact), there was a big competition for the commission of designing the baptistery’s doors. After a preliminary round, a jury chose seven artists as semifinalists. Some of these were Donatello, Filippo Brunelleschi (see number 2), and Lorenzo Ghiberti. Ghiberti ended up winning the commission which was pretty big deal since he was only 21. By the time he was done with the doors, he was twice as old as when he started. The panels are New Testament scenes from the life of Christ. The detail on each one is spectacular. I suggest if you’re heading to see the David early in the morning and the baptistery is on the way, pause to get a good look since later in the day, crowds can block you from getting a nice close-up view of the doors.

5. Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace)

Located in the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio is pretty cool. It’s the city’s town hall and has a copy of Michelangelo’s David in front of it. The inside holds a lot of art, but not a lot of it is super well known. I think it’s worth a peek inside but not worth the time to see everything inside the building (unless you’re a major art buff and you can’t get enough of that stuff).The fountain to the left of the building is also worth a mention; it’s called The Fountain of Neptune and is the work of the sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati. Despite the artistic effort that went into creating the fountain, Florentines apprently didn’t appreciate it very much, calling it “the white giant” and even using it as a place to wash laundry in the late 1700s.

6. Loggia dei Lanzi

Right between Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery is the Loggia dei Lanzi. It’s the covered gallery with many famous statues in it. As we were looking at the amazing works of art such as Hercules Slaying a Centaur by Giambologna (this was a few weeks before), my mom said to me, “But these aren’t the REAL statues. They’ve got to be replicas to be just out here and not in a museum.” I told her that no, the statues we were looking at are the original things! Needless to say, we had to ask the guard there before she believed me. They are the real deal. My absolute favorite is Rape of the Sabine women. In my book, Giambologna is up in the ranks of Michelangelo!

7. All’antico Vinaio

By now, you’re probably starving. Which means it’s time for a traditional Italian sandwich at All’antico Vinaio! Every single one of their sandwiches is a combination of unique flavors you’ve probably never tried before (like truffle cream, grilled eggplants, and pecorino cheese). The sandwiches are HUGE, but very reasonably priced compared to other meals in Florence. Plan on spending about 7 euros. It’s a casual order-at-the-counter kinda place (like Subway), so even if there’s a long line, it’s worth the wait because they are pretty fast at whipping out these sandwiches.

​​8. The Uffizi Gallery

Sidenote: The Alcoves

One of the best parts about this world-famous museum is actually something you see before you even enter the doors. The alcoves lining the street the outside of the Uffizi are super awesome and they highlight some of the most famous Italians. Ranging from brilliant minds like Da Vinci to Ghiberti, the alcoves are fun to look at as you walk by.

9. Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge)

This is one of the most famous attractions in Florence. The famous bridge spans over the Arno River and is known for having shops built along it. A long time ago, butchers once occupied these shops but today, the bridge’s shops are generally jewelry shops.

Another interesting thing about Ponte Vecchio is the many padlocks that adorn the railings. This tradition is pretty recent for the old bridge; lovers write their names on the padlock, lock it to the bridge, and then throw the key into the river. Although these padlocks are fun to look at, I wouldn’t suggest adding any to the bridge. Not only is it not your property and you can get a hefty fine (€160!), but each year, thousands of these locks have to be removed due to the added weight on the bridge and its structures.

10. Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square)

This spot is located on the other side of the Arno. From the square, you have a beautiful view of the entire of city of Florence, the Arno, old walls, and countryside of Tuscany.

How about spending a few months living in Italy, with plenty of free time to explore beautiful cities just like this?
Click the button below to find out more about our program in Italy!