Florence is a city that feels like stepping into a living, breathing museum—its cobbled streets lined with Renaissance masterpieces, its historic buildings housing treasures that span centuries. We were fortunate enough to spend three full days exploring Florence, and although we saw an awful lot, it still felt like we only scratched the surface of this captivating city. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known spots, Florence has a way of making every moment feel like a discovery. This was the second city we visited on our tour of Italy.
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Where We Stayed: Casual Rinascimento Firenze Hotel
Our base for exploring Florence was the Casual Rinascimento Firenze Hotel, which turned out to be an absolute gem. Located in the heart of Florence’s historic center, just a short walk from the famous Piazza del Duomo, the hotel provided both comfort and convenience. The building itself dates back to the 15th century, adding a layer of historical charm to our stay. We particularly loved the underground heated swimming pool, which is housed in a medieval room and also includes a sauna—perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The hotel’s prime location made it easy to walk to all the major attractions, from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio, and everything in between.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Must-See Sights
Florence is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world, and we made sure to visit all of them in our first full day.
Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)
No trip to Florence is complete without seeing the Duomo di Firenze—the cathedral that dominates the skyline with its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi. We arrived early to avoid the crowds, which was definitely worth it. The line to enter can get long quickly, and getting there at 8 AM meant we had the chance to admire the cathedral in peace before the masses arrived. Inside, the frescoed ceiling is breathtaking, and the sheer scale of the cathedral is awe-inspiring. If you have the time, climb the Campanile (bell tower) for an incredible panoramic view of the city and the Duomo itself. The Baptistery right next door is also worth a visit, with its famous golden Gates of Paradise—a stunning piece of Renaissance art. The ceiling of the dome is decorated with a frescoe of The Last Judgement.
Elliot actually wrote his dissertation on assassinations in Renaissance Italy and within the Duomo is a spot where one of the Medici family was stabbed as part of a conspiracy!
Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio
Florence’s central square, Piazza della Signoria, is a perfect place to begin your exploration of the wider city. The square is an open-air museum, with statues like Michelangelo’s David (a replica—original is inside the Accademia Gallery) and Baccio Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus adding to the atmosphere. The Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s town hall, is also here. Its historic interior includes rooms with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and stunning art from the Renaissance period. Don’t miss a visit to the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), a massive room decorated with magnificent artworks and where important political meetings were held.
Ponte Vecchio
One of the most iconic sights in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in the city, spanning the Arno River. It’s lined with charming jewelry shops, making it a great place to stroll and shop. While it’s often crowded, it’s still worth a visit for the incredible views over the river and its picturesque setting.
We actually got engaged soon after our Italy trip and we spent some time on this bridge looking at ideas for engagement rings! Not that Kirsty knew at that point!
The Uffizi Gallery
If you’re an art lover, the Uffizi Gallery is a must. If you’re not an art lover, the Uffizi Gallery is a must.
Home to some of the world’s most famous Renaissance masterpieces—including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael—the museum can be overwhelming in its size and collection. We found out that you can actually fair on specific days when entry is free, but you need to book tickets in advance, especially if you want to avoid waiting in long lines. Our visit was well worth it, though, as the artworks are unparalleled.
Make sure to explore not just the famous pieces but also the lesser-known rooms, where you can find hidden gems from Florence’s artistic past.
Do not miss the Birth of Venus.
Day 2: The Medici and More
Florence is closely tied to the powerful Medici family, whose influence on art, architecture, and culture cannot be overstated. We spent our second day diving deeper into their legacy – partly because it’s hard not to, partly because of Elliot’s interest in them. If you want to learn a bit more about them in advance the series, Medici, is a good one.
Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
The Palazzo Pitti is a Renaissance palace that once served as the residence of the powerful Medici family. Today, it houses several museums, including the Palazzo Pitti Museum and the Palatine Gallery, which contain an incredible collection of Renaissance art.
After exploring the palace, we spent time in the Boboli Gardens, a vast and beautifully landscaped park located behind the palace. From here, we were treated to stunning views of the city, with the Duomo visible in the distance. The gardens themselves are a tranquil oasis, full of sculptures, fountains, and well-manicured greenery.
The Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels are part of the San Lorenzo Church and are home to the tombs of several members of the Medici family. They are incredible.
Inside, the chapel is a marvel of Renaissance art, with Michelangelo’s statues adorning the tombs of Lorenzo de’ Medici and Giuliano de’ Medici (stabbed in the Duomo). The intricate marble work and the way the sculptures seem to come to life are simply breathtaking. The chapel is less crowded than the major attractions, giving you a chance to appreciate the artistry and history in a more peaceful setting.
Day 3: Off the Beaten Path
While Florence’s main attractions are truly spectacular, we also sought out some lesser-known gems.
Piazza Santa Croce and Santa Croce Church
The Piazza Santa Croce is a lively square filled with cafes and boutiques. At its center is the Santa Croce Church, which is the final resting place of many famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The church is also home to beautiful frescoes by Giotto and an impressive collection of art and tombs. It’s a peaceful spot to soak in the city’s history and culture. It’s the church in the picture below with Kirsty sat outside.
Piazzale Michelangelo and Sunset Views
For one of the most breathtaking views in Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. Located on a hill just south of the river, this panoramic terrace offers a stunning view of Florence with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio in the foreground. We recommend walking up in the late afternoon, stopping at a bar along the way for a drink, and then enjoying a bottle of Prosecco as the sun sets. There are vendors up there for the Prosecco. It can get a bit busy and is a bit of an instagram location, but the view as the city lights up is something you’ll never forget.
Opera at Santa Croce
On one of our evenings, we attended a recital of opera at Santa Croce Church. The acoustics inside the church were absolutely stunning, and listening to classical music in such a historic and intimate setting was an unforgettable experience. Florence is filled with cultural events like this, and if you have the opportunity, we highly recommend checking out a concert or performance during your stay. We’ve also done similar stuff and in Krakow and really enjoyed it! (FYI – we aren’t “opera” people in the real world – it’s something different!)
Wrapping Up: Florence’s Unmatched Charm
After three full days, we left Florence in awe of its beauty and culture. Whether it was the masterpieces at the Uffizi, the tranquil strolls through the Boboli Gardens, or the breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence has a way of making every moment feel like a discovery.
We couldn’t possibly see everything in three days, but we managed to capture the essence of the city—from its iconic landmarks to its quieter, off-the-beaten-path gems. We will definitely be back to see more.
Florence isn’t just a city for art lovers—it’s a city for anyone who appreciates beauty, history, and the way culture seeps into every corner of daily life. It’s a place that will always leave you wanting more, and we can’t wait to return.
