If there is one city that encapsulates the essence of the Renaissance, it is Florence. Home to geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi, this Tuscan gem is an open-air museum where every alleyway conceals a masterpiece. If you’re wondering things to do in Florence, get ready for a trip back in time to an era of artistic and architectural splendour. From the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome, to the Ponte Vecchio, which has withstood centuries of history, the city is full of unforgettable sights.
Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, there’s always something new to discover. The Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery with its pictorial treasures, or the majestic statue of Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia are just some of the must-see stops. If you want to know things to do in Florence to make the most of its Renaissance history, keep reading because here we tell you the monuments you can’t miss.
The Renaissance: the movement that Florence gave birth
The Renaissance and the Medici family
Florence began its history as a strategic point of commerce and communication. It reached its apogee during the Renaissance, when it became the heart of European art, culture and thought. Under the rule of the influential Medici family, the city became a great workshop of creativity.
Figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Donatello left their mark all over the city, producing some of the most important masterpieces in history, reflected in its museums, churches and palaces. All of this was driven by the Medici.
The Medici have been the most influential family in terms of patronage. They established themselves as a powerful family in Florence through banking, and began their patronage activities with artists such as Boticelli and Donatello. Although the greatest name and importance goes to Michelangelo, a genius who excelled in all artistic facets.
This legacy lives on in the city’s most iconic monuments, such as the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, which still retain the splendour of that era. Florence is undoubtedly the best place to immerse yourself in the essence of the Renaissance and discover how this family shaped the artistic and cultural destiny of Europe.
Join us to discover the best things to do in Florence, a city with a charm all of its own, a journey into the creativity and greatness of the artists who made it unique.
What to see in Florence: the basics of your visit
The Italian city is a unique destination where you can lose yourself. To walk through its streets is to lose yourself in history, and to encounter the inspiration and creativity of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. A movement that was born in this city, which inspired an entire continent and meant (as its name suggests), the resurgence of a land in decline since the fall of the Roman Empire.
So get your notebook ready as we bring you the Essentials things to do in Florence. Andiamo avanti!
The Duomo of Florence
The Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the great icon of the city. Considered the fourth largest Catholic church in the world, its imposing dome designed by Brunelleschi continues to astound with its engineering and beauty.
Its current neo-Gothic exterior is the result of a 19th century intervention. Inside, you can admire spectacular frescoes and climb the 463 steps to the top for an unforgettable panoramic view of what to see in Florence.
The Ponte Vecchio
One of the most romantic and picturesque symbols of the city is the Ponte Vecchio. What was born as a link between the banks, became the cradle of hanging houses and businesses. Traditionally, butchers would occupy the bridge, but they were soon replaced by goldsmiths and jewellers.
This medieval bridge over the Arno River is famous for its jewellery shops and for surviving World War II, when all other bridges were destroyed. A sunset walk here is a magical experience of things to do in Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery
For art lovers, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-see in Florence. This museum houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, with paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. Don’t miss “The Birth of Venus” and “The Annunciation”.
This building began as an office complex created by the Medici, using it to exhibit their art collections. They were and are so spectacular that the building has been converted into an art gallery since the 18th century. If you want to get your tickets without waiting, here is the link.
Piazza San Giovanni
As we said before, the Duomo is one of the most important in the world and a basic of things to do in Florence. And it couldn’t be any less important than having a proper access to it.
Next to the Duomo is the Piazza San Giovanni. This space houses two unique works of art: the Duomo itself, giving this square access to it; and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, famous for its Gates of Paradise, created by Ghiberti.
This place, created to officiate baptisms and rites, soon became one of the most important things to do in Florence. It was rebuilt with its current “Florentine” appearance, bearing witness to centuries of history. A key point in the cultural and religious life if searching things to do in Florence.
The Medici Obelisk
One of the most common practices since the Roman Empire was to import trophies from conquered areas. Egypt was one of the regions with the most examples, the Obelisks being a prime example.
In Florence, the Medici were in charge of showing their power in the Renaissance. This Obelisk comes from Rome, being one of the three obelisks in the city. Located in the Piazza Santa Trinita, the Medici Obelisk is a symbol of the power of this influential family. It is a testament to the Renaissance interest in classical culture and the obsession with beauty and symmetry in urban design, a unique stop in the essential things to do in Florence.
Piazza della Signoria
Finally, Piazza della Signoria is the political and historical epicentre of the city. Here you will find the Palazzo Vecchio, seat of the government and its members. And the curious story is that over time it has gone from being the political epicentre to the artistic epicentre.
It is considered an open-air museum to see in Florence, as it has authentic jewels in its exterior surroundings, such as Palaces or a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Searching things to do in Florence, enjoy the atmosphere and be transported back to Medici Florence.
The greatest artists of Florence
If Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, it is thanks to the great geniuses who revolutionised art and architecture in this city. Figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Brunelleschi left an indelible legacy that can still be felt in every corner. If you are looking for things to do in Florence, discovering their works is an essential part of your trip.
Leonardo da Vinci: the visionary mind
Although many of his creations are spread around the world, Florence was the place where Leonardo da Vinci began his career. His time in the city can be felt in the Uffizi Gallery, where “The Annunciation”, one of his earliest masterpieces, is kept. In addition, in the Leonardo da Vinci Museum you can explore his inventions and sketches, a reflection of his inexhaustible ingenuity.
The artist’s work is truly extensive, leaving a large part of it in one of the cities that saw him express himself. A step through history if you are looking for things to do in Florence.
Michelangelo: the master of marble
If there are things to do in Florence, one is enjoy Michelangelo Buonarroti´s work. His most famous sculpture, the David, is in the Galleria dell’Accademia, considered one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance. He also left his mark on architecture, participating in the design of the New Sacristy of San Lorenzo. His way of working marble and capturing the human anatomy marked a before and after in the history of art.
Sandro Botticelli: The Painter of Beauty
Sandro Botticelli ‘s paintings reflect the essence of the Renaissance with their balance, elegance and symbolism. In the Uffizi Gallery you can admire some of his most iconic works, such as “The Birth of Venus” and “Spring”, where classical mythology and visual harmony combine in unforgettable scenes. His style influenced generations of later artists and consolidated the epicentre of the things to do in Florence.
Filippo Brunelleschi: the architect of the Duomo
A tour of things to do in Florence would not be complete without talking about Brunelleschi, the genius behind the monumental dome of the Duomo. His innovative design, which challenged the engineering limits of his time, remains one of the most admired structures in the world. His work on the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Hospital of the Innocents defined Renaissance architecture, based on harmony, proportion and the masterful use of perspective.
Florence, the heart of the Renaissance
Thanks to these artists, Florence became the epicentre of the Renaissance, a movement that transformed the way art, science and architecture were conceived. Every corner of the city bears witness to their influence, so if you’re wondering things to do in Florence, exploring their works is a must-do experience.
