What to See in Florence: Museums, Churches, and Gardens
Florence is a living museum, packed with Renaissance masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, and breathtaking gardens. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, knowing what to see in Florence will help you make the most of your trip.
From Michelangelo’s David to Brunelleschi’s Dome, here’s your ultimate guide to Florence’s must-see museums, churches, and gardens—plus insider tips on how to visit like a pro.
🏛️ Best Museums to Visit in Florence
Uffizi Gallery – Florence’s Most Famous Museum
Why Visit? The Uffizi Gallery is home to Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. It’s the most important art museum in Florence and a must for any visitor.
Highlights: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci
Tickets: €12 – €40 (Skip-the-line recommended)
📍 Location: Piazza della Signoria
👉 Insider Tip:
Book your Uffizi Gallery tickets online in advance to avoid long lines. The museum gets very crowded, especially in peak season.
Accademia Gallery – Home of Michelangelo’s David
Why Visit? The Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
Highlights: Michelangelo’s David
Tickets: €21 (Skip-the-line highly recommended)
📍 Location: Via Ricasoli
👉 Insider Tip:
The Accademia is small but extremely popular. Early morning or late afternoon visits are best for avoiding crowds.
Palazzo Vecchio – A Historic Medici Palace
Why Visit? Once home to the powerful Medici family, Palazzo Vecchio is filled with Renaissance artwork, grand chambers, and secret passageways.
Highlights: The Medici Mansion Tour (€4) includes access to hidden hallways and period clothing exhibits.
Tickets: €10 (Additional fee to climb the tower)
📍 Location: Piazza della Signoria
Pitti Palace & Palatine Gallery – The Medici’s Grand Estate
Why Visit? A lavish palace filled with art, royal chambers, and historic fashion. Includes access to the Boboli Gardens (separate ticket required).
Highlights: Renaissance paintings by Raphael and Titian, opulent royal apartments, historic fashion collections, and access to the stunning Boboli Gardens.
Tickets: €16 for Pitti Palace; €10 for Boboli Gardens (Skip-the-line recommended)
📍 Location: Oltrarno District
Galileo Museum – Florence’s Science & Discovery Hub
Why Visit? A fascinating museum showcasing Galileo’s original telescopes and scientific instruments.
Highlights: Galileo’s original telescopes, historic globes, Renaissance scientific instruments, and his preserved finger.
Tickets: €9
📍 Location: Near the Uffizi Gallery
Gucci Museum – Fashion Meets History
Why Visit? If you love fashion and luxury, the Gucci Museum showcases the history of this iconic Italian brand, founded in Florence in 1921.
Tickets: €8 for adults; free for children under 12, seniors over 65, and Florence residents on Mondays.
📍 Location: Piazza della Signoria
⛪ Must-See Churches in Florence
Florence Cathedral (Duomo) – The Iconic Landmark
Why Visit? The Florence Cathedral, or Duomo, is the city’s most famous sight. The Brunelleschi Dome offers breathtaking views over Florence.
Highlights: Free entry to the church; €15 to climb the dome
📍 Location: Piazza del Duomo
👉 Insider Tip:
Book a dome climb ticket in advance—only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day.
Basilica of Santa Croce – Where Italy’s Greats Are Buried
Why Visit? Known as the Temple of Italian Glories, this church is the final resting place of Michelangelo, Dante, and Machiavelli, and features stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Highlights: Historical tombs, intricate frescoes, and a renowned leather school inside the complex.
📍 Location: Near Piazza Santa Croce
👉 Insider Tip:
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid tour groups and fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels – The Medici’s Private Church
Why Visit? This historic basilica was the parish church of the Medici family, and the Medici Chapels house the elaborate tombs of Florence’s most powerful rulers, with sculptures designed by Michelangelo.
Highlights: Michelangelo’s New Sacristy, the Chapel of the Princes, and the crypt where the Medici are buried.
📍 Location: Near Mercato Centrale
👉 Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the underground area, where Michelangelo hid from the Medici and sketched drawings on the walls while in exile.
San Miniato al Monte – The Best View in Florence
Why Visit? One of Florence’s oldest churches, San Miniato al Monte offers breathtaking panoramic views and an awe-inspiring Romanesque interior, with detailed mosaics and a peaceful cemetery.
Highlights: Stunning sunset views from the terrace, intricate gold mosaics, and a historic cemetery with notable burials.
📍 Location: Above Piazzale Michelangelo
👉 Insider Tip:
Time your visit for sunset, then stay for the Gregorian chants performed by the monks in the evening—it’s an unforgettable experience.
🌿 Best Gardens in Florence
Boboli Gardens – Florence’s Largest Green Space
Why Visit? Designed by the Medici family, the Boboli Gardens are a sprawling, historic landscape filled with Renaissance sculptures, grand fountains, secret grottoes, and shaded walking paths.
Highlights: The Neptune Fountain, Isolotto Pond, the Buontalenti Grotto, and sweeping city views from the garden’s highest points.
Tickets: €10
📍 Location: Behind Pitti Palace
👉 Insider Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes—this garden is huge and filled with steep paths. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Bardini Gardens – A Hidden Gem in Florence
Why Visit? A peaceful alternative to Boboli, Bardini Gardens are known for their breathtaking wisteria tunnels in spring, Renaissance terraces, and stunning views of Florence.
Highlights: Gorgeous wisteria blooms in April, panoramic views, and a historic villa with art exhibits.
📍 Location: Near Oltrarno
👉 Insider Tip:
Visit in mid-April to see the wisteria in full bloom—it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Florence.
Rose Garden – A Free & Scenic Escape
Why Visit? A beautiful, quiet spot filled with over 400 varieties of roses and one of the best panoramic views of Florence, just below Piazzale Michelangelo.
Highlights: Free entry, unique Jean-Michel Folon sculptures, and a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds.
📍 Location: On the way up to Piazzale Michelangelo
👉 Insider Tip:
Visit in May or early June when the roses are at their peak bloom—it’s a great place for a picnic with a view.
Iris Garden – A Seasonal Beauty
Why Visit? Open only in April and May, this garden showcases rare iris varieties from around the world, set against a stunning Florence skyline.
📌 Highlights: Hundreds of blooming irises, peaceful pathways, and an unmatched springtime photo spot.
📍 Location: Near Piazzale Michelangelo
👉 Insider Tip:
Check the official opening dates before visiting, as they vary each year. Early morning visits offer the best lighting for photos!
📝 Final Tips for Seeing Florence’s Top Sights
✔️ Book museum tickets in advance (especially for Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo).
✔️ Visit early or late to avoid peak crowds.
✔️ Wear comfortable shoes—Florence’s streets are cobblestone!
✔️ Bring a water bottle—staying hydrated is key, especially in summer.
