What to See in Florence: Museums, Churches and Gardens
Florence is a city full of Renaissance art, historic churches and peaceful gardens that balance out the busy streets. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying longer, knowing what to see in Florence will help you plan your days without feeling overwhelmed. We lived in Florence for a year, and this guide focuses on the museums, churches and outdoor spaces that stood out the most.
From the Uffizi and the Duomo to quiet corners like the Rose Garden and San Miniato al Monte, these are the places that show Florence at its best. Each one is worth the time and each one gives you a different look at the city.
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Travel Tip: Florence gets busy fast, especially around the Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo. Book anything with timed entry ahead of time and choose the earliest or latest slots to avoid crowds. Many museums close one day a week and hours change throughout the year, so check schedules before you go. If you want to see several big sights in one day, start with the one that requires timed entry and build the rest of the day around it. We recommend checking Viator or GetYourGuide for easy booking and flexible cancellation.
Best Museums to Visit in Florence
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi is one of the busiest sights in Florence and the main place to see Renaissance art. The layout can feel crowded but the collection is worth it if you stick to the major works. Most people come for Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera which are both easy to find once you follow the main route through the gallery.
Tickets: €26 high season, €12 low season
Book front of line: here
Location: Piazza della Signoria
Insider Tip: Early morning is the quietest time to visit.
Another Tip: The rooftop café has great photos of the Palazzo Vecchio tower.
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia is small and simple to visit. Most people go straight to Michelangelo’s David which is the reason to come. The rest of the museum takes very little time so this is one of the easiest stops to fit into any itinerary.
Tickets: €16 (about $17)
Book front of line: here
Location: San Marco
Insider Tip: Late afternoon is calmer than mid day.
Another Tip: Move around the sculpture for the best angles since the back side is just as impressive as the front.
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s historic town hall and one of the most interesting buildings to visit if you want a mix of art, architecture, and local history. The rooms are bold and dramatic, especially the Hall of the Five Hundred. If you have time, add the tower climb for panoramic views over Piazza della Signoria.
Tickets: €15 for museum, €12.50 for tower
Book front of line here: Get tickets
Location: Piazza della Signoria
Insider Tip: The tower closes during bad weather so check conditions before buying your ticket.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
The Pitti Palace sits just across the river and shows a grand look into Medici life. The inside is full of royal apartments and galleries while the Boboli Gardens behind the palace offer open green space and quiet walking paths. This is a good option when you want a break from the crowds in the city center.
Tickets: €16 for palace, €10 for gardens
Book front of line here: Get tickets
Location: Oltrarno
Insider Tip: Visit the gardens in the morning before the sun gets strong. They are large and mostly open with little shade.
Galileo Museum
The Galileo Museum is a great stop if you enjoy science or want something different from the usual Renaissance art. The collection includes telescopes, globes, maps, and early medical instruments. It is smaller than most museums in Florence which keeps the visit short and easy.
Tickets: €13
Book front of line here: Get tickets
Location: Near the Uffizi
Insider Tip: This is a good rainy day option because it stays quieter than the major museums.
Gucci Museum
The Gucci Museum is a small, well-curated space inside Palazzo della Mercanzia. It walks you through the history of the brand with archival pieces, vintage luggage and rotating contemporary exhibits. It doesn’t take long to visit which makes it an easy stop while exploring Piazza della Signoria.
Tickets: €9
Location: Piazza della Signoria
Insider Tip: Go early in the day. The museum is compact and feels better when it’s quiet.
Must-See Churches in Florence
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
The Florence Cathedral, or Duomo, is the city’s main landmark and one of the first places most visitors see. The Brunelleschi Dome offers some of the best views in Florence and the interior is free to enter. The climb has become a local must-do for us because the view from the top shows just how compact and walkable the city really is.
Tickets: Free entry to the cathedral; €15 to climb the dome
Book tickets: Here
Location: Piazza del Duomo
Insider Tip: Book your dome climb ticket early since only a limited number of people can enter each day.
Basilica of Santa Croce
Santa Croce is known as the Temple of Italian Glories because it’s the final resting place of Michelangelo, Dante, and Machiavelli. Inside you’ll find stunning frescoes and a quiet atmosphere that feels completely different from the busier parts of the city. We lived a short walk from here and often stopped inside to escape the heat in summer.
Tickets: €11
Book tickets here: Get fast track
Location: Near Piazza Santa Croce
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid tour groups and enjoy the peaceful interior.
San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels
This historic basilica was the parish church of the Medici family. The Medici Chapels hold elaborate tombs designed by Michelangelo and highlight just how influential the family was in shaping Florence. This became a place we always took visitors.
Tickets: €9
Location: Near Mercato Centrale
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the underground area where Michelangelo hid from the Medici and sketched drawings on the walls.
San Miniato al Monte
One of Florence’s oldest churches, San Miniato al Monte sits high above the city with panoramic views across the skyline. The Romanesque interior is calm and beautiful, and the cemetery behind the church is one of Florence’s most atmospheric spots. We used to walk up here at sunset when friends visited.
Tickets: Free
Location: Above Piazzale Michelangelo
Insider Tip: Visit at sunset, then stay for the Gregorian chants performed by the monks in the evening.
Best Gardens in Florence
Boboli Gardens
Designed for the Medici family, Boboli Gardens are Florence’s largest green space. The garden is filled with Renaissance sculptures, fountains, grottos, and wide walking paths. It’s one of the best places in the city to get a break from the crowds and heat.
Tickets: €10
Location: Behind Pitti Palace
Insider Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The garden is huge with steep paths, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Bardini Gardens
Bardini Gardens are a calm alternative to Boboli. They’re known for wisteria tunnels in spring, Renaissance terraces, and some of the best views of Florence. We came here often because it stayed quieter even in peak season.
Tickets: €10
Location: Near Oltrarno
Insider Tip: Visit in April for the wisteria tunnel at peak bloom.
Rose Garden
A quiet garden filled with more than 400 varieties of roses and one of the best panoramic views of Florence. It sits just below Piazzale Michelangelo and has sculptures by Jean-Michel Folon scattered throughout the space.
Tickets: Free
Location: On the walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo
Insider Tip: Visit in May or early June when the roses are blooming. It’s also one of the best places in Florence for a picnic with a view.
Iris Garden
Open only in April and May, the Iris Garden features rare iris varieties from around the world with a beautiful view of Florence in the background. It’s one of the city’s most unique seasonal spots and a favorite photography location.
Tickets: Free
Location: Near Piazzale Michelangelo
Insider Tip: Check opening dates before you go since they change each year. Early morning light is best for photos.
Know Before You Go
When to visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
How to get around: Florence is a walking city and most sights are close together.
Ticket tips: Book major sights like the Uffizi and the Dome climb in advance to avoid long lines.
What to pack: Comfortable shoes, a light layer for churches, and a small bag that meets security rules.
Planning More Travel
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Italian Lakes Guide – boat days, scenic walks and mountain views