Things to Do in Florence Italy: Guide with Bonus Tips!
- Angie - Your Guide
- 2 days ago
- 19 min read
Table of Contents
Florence isn't hard to visit—it's hard to visit well.
Every day, thousands of tourists stand in the wrong queue for two hours, eat microwaved carbonara for 25 euros, and walk past art that would stop them cold if they only knew what they were looking at. And the tragedy? All of it was avoidable. Florence rewards the prepared. It punishes the casual. The difference between a forgettable trip and one that changes how you see art, food, and history forever comes down to knowing a handful of things before you arrive.
I'm going to give you those things.
This is the Florence guide that skips the fluff and tells you exactly what to do, where to go, what to eat, and—most importantly—what not to waste your time on.
The Best Things to do in Florence Italy: 20 Things You Absolutely Have to See
There are some many things to do and see in Florence Italy, but if you are limited for time, you might only be able to pick a few of these places. People from cruise ships traveling up from the port city of Livorno Italy have even less time. The port on a good day is an hour drive from Florence, so seeing just a few of these spots will all that can be done.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo) – Filippo Brunelleschi's Dome towers over the city. Climb it. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Giotto's Bell Tower – The best panoramic view in Florence without the dome's tight spiral stairs. The Campanile di Giotto offers the best views.
Baptistery of San Giovanni – Famous for its gold "Gates of Paradise" and shimmering mosaics.
Uffizi Gallery – Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci. One of the most important museums in the world.
Ponte Vecchio – The oldest bridge in Florence. Best viewed at sunset from the Arno River banks. The Old Bridge dates to the 14th century.
Palazzo Vecchio – Florence's medieval town hall with the Salone dei Cinquecento designed by Giorgio Vasari. Climb the tower, explore secret passages. The Old Palace is one of the main attractions.
Piazza della Signoria – An open-air museum. See copies of Michelangelo's David for free. The heart of the city and one of the top things to see.
Galleria dell'Accademia – Home of the real David.
Basilica of Santa Croce – Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli. From the 13th century.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – Home to Masaccio's groundbreaking frescoes.
San Lorenzo and Medici Chapels – The Medici family's church. Don't miss the New Sacristy.
Palazzo Pitti – A massive palace across the river, with Renaissance galleries. The Pitti Palace contains Royal Apartments and the Gallery of Modern Art.
Boboli Gardens – Sprawling gardens that feel like stepping into a painting. A beautiful green space perfect for a break.
Piazzale Michelangelo – The best view in Florence. Come at sunset. The best views of the entire city and a great spot for photos.
Santo Spirito – A quieter, local-feeling neighborhood with a lovely church. Piazza Santo Spirito is a perfect place for aperitivo.
San Miniato al Monte – One of Florence's oldest and most beautiful churches. A short walk from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Bargello Museum – Sculpture heaven. Donatello, Michelangelo, and more. One of the best places for art lovers.
Loggia dei Lanzi – An open-air sculpture gallery in Piazza della Signoria with works by Benvenuto Cellini.
Mercato Centrale – A lively food market. Grab a panino or a glass of Chianti. The Central Market has fresh produce and local specialties.
The Vasari Corridor – A hidden corridor running above the shops on Ponte Vecchio. Built by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century.
Florence is walkable, for the most part—wear good shoes. Many sights are closed on Mondays. And always, look up—some of the best art is above you. Even if you only have little time for a quick visit, these are the top things to prioritize. Consider a guided tour or walking tour to maximize your experience. Small groups often provide better access and more personal attention.
For a recent visit perspective, many travelers recommend also exploring nearby Palazzo Strozzi for contemporary art exhibitions and the surrounding Piazza della Repubblica for classic Florentine cafes.
Florence Holds the Largest Collection of Michelangelo's Work on Earth
Most people come to Florence, see the David, and leave thinking they've seen Michelangelo. They haven't.
Florence is where Michelangelo grew up, where he trained, where he carved his first relief at 15 and his greatest sculpture at 29. And almost everything he created here is still here. This is the cradle of the Renaissance.
Galleria dell'Accademia
This museum holds seven Michelangelo sculptures—the largest collection of his sculptures anywhere in the world.
David (1501-1504) – The most famous sculpture ever created. 517 cm tall, 5,560 kg of white Carrara marble. Michelangelo was 26 when he started and 29 when he finished.
St. Matthew (1503-1506) – One of the most powerful examples of Michelangelo's "non-finito" technique—the idea that the figure is trapped inside the stone, fighting to break free.
Four Prisoners (1519-1534) – These unfinished sculptures were originally commissioned for the tomb of Pope Julius II. They are arguably Michelangelo's most philosophical creations—human forms struggling to emerge from raw stone.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
The Bargello is Florence's most underrated museum. The ground floor "Sala di Michelangelo" holds four extraordinary works—often with almost no one else in the room.
Bacchus (1496-1497) – One of Michelangelo's earliest major sculptures, carved when he was just 22.
Tondo Pitti (c. 1504) – A circular marble relief of the Madonna and Child, carved during the same period as the David.
Brutus (1539) – The only portrait bust Michelangelo ever sculpted.
David-Apollo (1530-1532) – An unfinished marble statue whose subject has been debated for centuries.
Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels)
The Sagrestia Nuova is Michelangelo's masterpiece of combined architecture and sculpture—he designed the entire space and carved seven sculptures for it between 1520 and 1534.
Tomb of Giuliano de' Medici – with Night and Day
Tomb of Lorenzo de' Medici – with Dawn and Twilight
Medici Madonna – above the simple tomb of Lorenzo the Magnificent
The four Allegories of Time—Night, Day, Dawn, and Twilight—represent the passage of mortal life that the soul must transcend.
Galleria degli Uffizi
Doni Tondo (c. 1505-1506) – The only finished panel painting by Michelangelo in Florence—and one of the only ones in the world.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Pietà Bandini (c. 1547-1555) – One of Michelangelo's last sculptures and one of his most emotionally devastating works. The hooded figure of Nicodemus is believed to be a self-portrait of Michelangelo himself.
Casa Buonarroti
Madonna of the Steps (c. 1490) – Created when Michelangelo was approximately 15 years old.
Battle of the Centaurs (c. 1492) – Carved at around age 17, already showing the obsession with the human body in motion.
No other city on earth holds this much Michelangelo. And most tourists see exactly one—the David—and leave. But did you know that there are 2 more David's. I always make the joke about seeing the "fake" David's. The original was moved into the Galleria dell'Accademia, so the first fake David is located at the original location in Piazza della Signoria (Duomo Square). The other replica is neat the overlook at the Piazza Michaelangelo, which is my favorite because this location is the best overlook of the city of Florence.
The 3-Day Itinerary That Actually Works
Here's the thing—most Florence itineraries are built by people who've never lived here. They pack in too much, send you to the wrong restaurants, and completely ignore timing. Timing is everything in Florence. The difference between standing in front of the David alone and standing in front of the David with 40 selfie sticks is about 90 minutes.
This itinerary is what I'd give my best friend. Every stop. Every time slot. Every trap avoided.
Day 1: The Historic Center (Done Right)
8:00 AM – Brunelleschi's Cupola
Book the first slot weeks in advance. You'll climb 463 steps, and halfway up you'll stand eye-level with the fresco of the Last Judgment. The view from the top of the dome is one of the best things in Florence. Your ticket also covers the Baptistery, the Crypt, and the Bell Tower—use them all today. This is part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore complex, also known as the Duomo di Firenze.
9:30 AM – Baptistery of San Giovanni
You're right there when you come down. Look up. The golden mosaics are 800 years old. Cover your shoulders—they check.
10:00 AM – Inside the Duomo
Most tourists queue at 9 AM. By 10, the line is gone. Walk in. Free entry. The floor alone is worth it. This is the largest church in Florence and an absolute must-see.
10:30 AM – Giotto's Bell Tower
Everyone climbs the Dome. The problem? The view from the Dome doesn't include the Dome. Climb the Campanile di Giotto instead. Fewer people. Better photo. Same ticket. This is the best way to see the entire cathedral from above.
11:30 AM – Orsanmichele
Nobody talks about this place. It was a grain market, then a church. Medieval gold ceilings. Donatello sculptures on the outside walls. Five minutes. Free. Unforgettable. One of the historic buildings that defines the city center.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Mercato Centrale
Skip the upstairs food hall. Go downstairs to the Central Market with fresh produce and authentic food stalls. Lampredotto at Da Nerbone. Four euros. The most Florentine lunch that exists.
2:00 PM – Medici Chapels
Michelangelo's Night, Day, Dawn, and Dusk. Nine euros. Less crowded than the Uffizi. Ten times more intimate. The Medici Chapel designed by Filippo Brunelleschi is a great place for art lovers to avoid long lines.
4:30 PM – Biblioteca delle Oblate
Secret rooftop terrace. The Duomo at eye level. Coffee costs 1.50 euros. No entrance fee. No crowd. A favorite spot with spectacular views.
Day 2: Art Without the Crowds
8:30 AM – Accademia Gallery (Pre-booked)
See David. Go early, walk straight to him. Stand there in silence for five minutes. Then leave. You don't need two hours—you need five focused minutes. This is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Florence.
10:00 AM – Museum of San Marco
Fra Angelico painted frescoes directly inside monks' cells. You walk into tiny rooms where art and silence coexist. One of the most moving places in the city. A great spot for Renaissance art from the 15th century.
1:00 PM – Lunch in Sant'Ambrogio
The real local market. Find a seat at Trattoria da Rocco or Cibrèo Trattoria. No tourist menus. Paper tablecloths. Honest food. A good place away from the main tourist areas.
3:00 PM – Bargello Museum
If the Uffizi scares you, come here. Donatello's David. Verrocchio's David. Almost no crowds. Nine euros. One of the best places for sculpture in the city centre.
4:30 PM – Uffizi Gallery (Late Afternoon)
This is the trick—go at 4 PM. The tour groups are gone. You'll stand in front of Botticelli's Birth of Venus without a selfie stick in your face. Works by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and other masters of Renaissance art. Book your combined ticket in advance.
7:30 PM – Sunset from Ponte Santa Trinita
Don't stand on Ponte Vecchio. Stand on this bridge instead—it gives you the classic view of the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio). Golden hour. Perfect photo. The Arno River at its most beautiful.
Day 3: The Oltrarno (The Side Tourists Never See)
9:30 AM – Santo Spirito
The church Brunelleschi designed but never saw finished. Piazza Santo Spirito is where locals have morning coffee. Sit down. Watch the neighborhood wake up. This is the heart of the city's most authentic district.
10:30 AM – Brancacci Chapel
Masaccio changed Renaissance painting in this room. Even without art knowledge, the frescoes feel alive. A hidden gem in the Oltrarno District.
Leather School behind St Croce 11:30 AM – Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School)
Hidden behind Santa Croce. Watch artisans' hand-stitch leather in real time. This is where you buy your Florentine leather—not the market stalls. A small shop with authentic craftsmanship. I also highly recommend some time in St Croce.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Piazza della Passera
A tiny square that feels like someone's living room. Pick any trattoria. They're all good. A perfect place for a quick visit lunch break.
2:30 PM – Boboli or Bardini Gardens
Boboli is famous. Bardini is better. The wisteria tunnel in spring. The staircase view over Florence. Fewer people. More beauty. The Bardini Garden offers the best view of Florence with green space away from crowds. The Rose Garden blooms spectacularly in May.
5:30 PM – Wine from a 500-Year-Old Window
Find a buchetta del vino in the Oltrarno. Knock on the little wooden door. A glass of Chianti appears. This is not a bar. This is history. One of my favorite things about Florence.
7:00 PM – Dinner at I' Brindellone or Trattoria Cambi
Peposo. Wild boar. House wine. Paper tablecloths. This is how Florence says goodbye.
Museums in Florence: Don't Make These Mistakes
Florence has more museums per square kilometre than almost anywhere on earth. But the ticketing system, the rules, the schedules, and the way museums are organized are not intuitive.
Book Tickets in Advance
The Uffizi, the Accademia, and the Brunelleschi Dome climb all sell out—sometimes days or weeks in advance during peak season (April through October, plus Christmas and Easter). If you don't book ahead, you might not see the David. You might not climb the Dome. Book online. Always. Avoid long lines at the ticket office.
Understand the Ticket System
Florence museums do not all belong to the same organization. There are three completely separate systems.
The Uffizi Galleries (state museums)
Includes the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti (with Royal Apartments and Gallery of Modern Art), and Boboli Gardens. One organization. One website. One ticketing system. The Pitti Palace is a short walk across the Old Bridge.
The Galleria dell'Accademia and Musei del Bargello (state museums)
Includes the Accademia (home of the David), the Bargello, the Medici Chapel, Palazzo Davanzati, Orsanmichele, and Casa Martelli.
The Duomo Complex (NOT a state museum)
Manages the Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the crypt. The Cathedral itself is free to enter. Everything else requires a Pass. A combined ticket covers all sites.
Know When Museums Are Closed
The Uffizi, the Accademia, and Palazzo Pitti are all closed every Monday. If you only have three days in Florence and one of them is Monday, you've just lost access to the Uffizi, the Accademia, and Palazzo Pitti on that day. Plan accordingly.
First Sunday Free
Every first Sunday of the month, all Italian state museums offer free admission. In Florence, this includes the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, the Accademia, the Bargello, the Medici Chapels, and many more. Free. For everyone. Tourists included. But on free Sundays, you cannot book in advance. You show up, you queue, you wait.
Free Admission Categories
At all Italian state museums, the following people get in free, every day: children under 18 (any nationality), persons with disabilities plus one companion, and EU citizens aged 18 to 25 get a reduced ticket of 2 euros.
Leave the Backpack
Backpacks and large bags must be left at the cloakroom. This is free. At the Duomo complex, there is a mandatory luggage storage at Piazza del Duomo 38/r. You must deposit backpacks, large bags, and suitcases there before climbing the Dome or the Bell Tower.
Don't Visit Only the Uffizi and the Accademia
The Bargello has four Michelangelos, Donatello's David, works by Cellini and Verrocchio—and a fraction of the Uffizi's crowds. The Medici Chapels have Michelangelo's most philosophical sculptures in a space he designed himself. The Museo di San Marco has Fra Angelico's frescoes in the actual monks' cells where they were painted. Don't just do the big two. Florence rewards the curious.
Taking the Bus or Tram in Florence
Florence's public transport is run by Autolinee Toscane. Buses and trams. One company, one system. It's cheap, it works, and it can save you hours of walking in the heat. The best way to reach areas outside the city center.
Buy Your Ticket Before You Get On
You should buy your bus or tram ticket before boarding. You can get them at tobacco shops (tabaccherie), newsstands, ticket machines at tram stops, the AT Bus app, or the Tabnet app. Yes, you can also buy a ticket on board from the driver—but it costs 3 euros instead of 1.70. The cheapest and easiest option: download the AT Bus app.
Validate Your Ticket
Buying a ticket is not enough. You must validate it. The moment you step on the bus, you need to stamp your paper ticket in the yellow validation machine, or activate your digital ticket on the app. An unvalidated ticket is the same as no ticket.
Your Ticket Lasts 90 Minutes
A single urban ticket in Florence costs 1.70 euros and is valid for 90 minutes from the moment you validate it. During those 90 minutes, you can ride as many buses and trams as you want within the Florence urban network.
Signal the Bus to Stop
In Florence, bus stops are on request. If you're waiting at a stop and you see your bus coming, you need to clearly signal with your hand that you want to board. If you're on the bus and need to get off, press the "stop request" button before your stop arrives.
Board from the Front Door
You board from the front door and exit from the central or rear doors. This isn't just etiquette—it's the official regulation. On trams, you can board from any door, but you still must validate immediately.
The Tram and the Bus Are the Same System
Your 1.70-euro Florence urban ticket is valid on all AT urban buses and on the tramvia (tram lines T1 and T2). Within those 90 minutes, you can switch freely between bus and tram. If you're arriving at Florence airport, the T2 tram is the cheapest and most efficient way to reach the city—1.70 euros and about 20 minutes.
Use the Bus to Reach Places Tourists Walk To
Piazzale Michelangelo—take bus 12 or 13 from the center instead of sweating up the hill. Fiesole—bus 7 from Piazza San Marco takes you to this beautiful hilltop town. About 25 minutes. Florence airport—the T2 tram from Piazza dell'Unità is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than any shuttle bus or taxi. Consider taking a day trip to nearby San Gimignano or Cinque Terre as well.
Hop On Hop Off Buses
Many tourists love these buses, and I can definitely see their draw, being that they are very tourist friendly. (I take them often) Florence may not be the best city to take these buses. It can add convenience, and helpful for those with mobility issues but you will miss many spots and hidden gems. In a few cases your hop off point is still a few blocks away from where you are visiting, so you will still be walking a lot. One thing I do like it makes a loop around city and there is a stop at Piazza Michelangelo near the overlook. But stopping there will mean you will have to wait for another bus to come along and pick you back up, and taking a taxi from there is pricey. If at all possible before buying ticket visit the kiosk near the train station and talk to them, just to make sure they have more than 1 bus going that day and things are running smoothly. The time I attempted the Hop On Hop Off bus in Florence was a disaster because there was only 1 bus running.
Eating Out in Florence: Don't Make These Mistakes
Florence is one of the greatest food cities in the world. But every day, thousands of tourists eat badly here—not because the food is bad, but because they walk into the wrong places.
If Someone Is Waving You In, Keep Walking
If a guy is standing at the door holding a menu, calling out "Best pasta in Florence! Come in, come in!"—keep walking. In Italy, the best restaurants never need to beg for customers. Restaurants with touts at the door are almost always tourist traps.
Don't Order Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is not a Florentine dish. It's not even a Tuscan dish. It was born in one specific restaurant in Rome. If a restaurant in Florence has fettuccine Alfredo, that's a red flag. It means they built the menu for tourists, not for quality.
What Florentine Food Actually Is
Florentine cuisine is cucina povera—"poor cooking." It's built on stale bread, beans, olive oil, seasonal vegetables, and simple cuts of meat. The real stars:
Ribollita – thick bread and bean soup, strictly a fall and winter dish
Pappa al pomodoro – tomato and bread stew, best in summer
Lampredotto – the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked and served as a sandwich
Trippa alla fiorentina – tripe in tomato sauce
Crostini toscani – toasted bread with chicken liver pâté
Seasonality Matters
Florentine cuisine follows the seasons strictly. If a restaurant is serving ribollita in July or pappa al pomodoro in January—they're pulling it from a freezer. A good sign: a chalkboard menu that changes daily or weekly. A bad sign: a laminated menu with 40 dishes available year-round.
The Coperto Is Not a Scam
When the bill arrives and you see "coperto"—don't panic. Coperto is a traditional Italian cover charge. It covers the table setting, bread, and service basics. In a normal Florentine restaurant, it's typically 1.50 to 3 euros per person. This is not a scam. Italians pay it too.
Don't Tip Like You're in America
Italy is not the United States. Tipping 15 to 20 percent is not expected. If the service was good, leaving a few euros on the table or rounding up the bill is more than enough. If there's already a servizio charge on your bill, that is the tip.
Don't Eat Dinner at 6 PM
Florentines don't eat dinner before 7:30 to 8:00 PM. Many locals sit down closer to 8:30 or 9:00. Restaurants that are full at 6 PM are full of tourists. Restaurants that are full at 9 PM are full of locals.
Don't Order a Cappuccino After Lunch or Dinner
Italians drink cappuccino in the morning. Only in the morning. Usually before 11 AM. Ordering a cappuccino after a plate of pasta or steak is—to Italian eyes—like drinking a glass of warm milk after a heavy meal. After a meal, the correct order is caffè (espresso).
Location Matters More Than You Think
The closer you eat to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, or Ponte Vecchio, the more you'll pay and the worse you'll eat. The best food is always slightly off the main tourist paths. Cross the river to the Oltrarno District. Walk to Sant'Ambrogio. Explore side streets around San Frediano.
Don't Skip Aperitivo
Between 6:30 and 8:30 PM, bars across the city offer drinks—a Negroni (invented in Florence, by the way), a spritz, or a glass of Chianti—along with small plates or buffet snacks included in the price. This is how Florentines transition from afternoon to evening.
How to Handle Medicine and Pharmacies in Florence
If you get sick in Italy—even just a headache or a stomach problem—the way you handle it will be completely different from what you're used to at home.
There Are No CVS or Walgreens
Every pharmacy is independently owned. There are no chains. Italian pharmacies keep almost everything behind the counter—including basic painkillers like ibuprofen. You have to walk in and talk to the pharmacist. Look for the glowing green cross. That's the universal sign. You'll find a small store setup rather than a large chain.
Nobody Knows What Tylenol Is American brand names don't exist here. Screenshot this:
Tylenol (acetaminophen) – Ask for Tachipirina
Advil (ibuprofen) – Ask for Moment or Brufen
Aleve (naproxen) – Ask for Momendol
Zyrtec (allergy) – Ask for Zirtec
Imodium – Same name, you're in luck
Tums/antacids – Ask for Maalox or Gaviscon
DayQuil/NyQuil – Ask for Tachifludec
Dramamine – Ask for Xamamina
Your American Prescription Isn't Valid
If you run out of medication or lose your pills, you need to see an Italian doctor first. The good news? It's easier and cheaper than you think. Guardia Medica is Italy's urgent care—available 24/7. A consultation costs around 20 to 25 euros. Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room) is free for everyone—including tourists. You will not receive a massive bill.
Pharmacies Close for Lunch
Most follow this schedule: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, closed for lunch, 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. On Sundays and holidays, most are closed entirely. But Italy has a system called Farmacia di Turno—pharmacies take turns staying open. Every closed pharmacy posts a list on its door showing which nearby pharmacy is currently on duty. Check before making the trip if you have little time.
Talk to the Pharmacist
In Italy, the pharmacist is a highly trained medical professional—think of them more like a first-line doctor. When Italians feel sick, they don't call their doctor first. They go to the pharmacy. The pharmacist will ask you questions, assess your symptoms, and recommend the right medicine. Let them do their job. Italian pharmacists are genuinely excellent at this.
10 Things You Walk Past Every Day Without Knowing What They Are
Most of what makes Florence extraordinary isn't behind a ticket counter. It's on the walls. On the corners. Under your feet.
The Wine Windows (Buchette del Vino)
All over the historic center, you'll notice tiny arched openings in the walls of old palazzos—about knee height, with small wooden doors. During the Renaissance, noble families sold wine directly through these windows. During the plague of 1634, they became the world's first contactless delivery system. Florence has over 170 of them. A handful are working again today. These date back to the 13th century.
The Flood Markers
On the corner of Via dei Neri and Via dell'Anguillara, there's a small marble plaque high on the wall. It marks how high the water reached on November 4, 1966—the day the Arno flooded Florence. Over four metres. Above your head. There are markers all over the city showing how the Arno River rose that day.
The Face on the Palazzo Vecchio Wall
On the right side of the Old Palace (Palazzo Vecchio), carved into the stone, there's a small face in profile. Legend says Michelangelo carved it with his hands behind his back—on a bet, or to mock a man who was boring him. Stand near the corner facing the Uffizi. Look at the stones at about shoulder height. You'll find it.
The Meridian Line Inside the Duomo
On the floor of the cathedral, there's a bronze strip running across the marble. Once a year, on June 21st, sunlight enters through a small opening in the dome and hits this line perfectly. It was placed there in 1468 by the astronomer Paolo dal Pozzo Toscanelli. You're standing on a scientific instrument every time you walk through the Duomo. This dates from the 15th century.
The Blasphemy Stones (Pietre dello Scandalo)
In Piazza San Firenze, near the Bargello, there's a round stone disc embedded in the pavement. During the Middle Ages, debtors who couldn't pay were publicly humiliated here—stripped and dropped on this stone in front of a crowd. The word "scandal" literally comes from this spot. A relic from Roman times that evolved through medieval use.
The Impossible Windows of Palazzo Medici
Walk along Via Cavour and look at the ground floor of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. Michelangelo designed the windows. They're called the "kneeling windows" because the brackets look like legs bent in prayer. These windows changed architectural history. Every palace in Europe copied them within a generation. One of the finest historic buildings from the 15th century.
The Canto dei Diavoli (Devil's Corner)
At the intersection of Via de' Cerchi and Via Strozzi, locals still call it the "Devil's Corner." The powerful Cerchi and Donati families—the political factions that tore Florence apart and sent Dante into exile—clashed violently at this exact spot. The "devil" was civil war. This history dates to the 13th century and 14th century.
The Boar's Snout (Il Porcellino's Nose)
Everyone rubs the boar's nose at
for good luck. But the original Porcellino isn't at the market. It's inside the Bardini Museum. The one you're rubbing is a copy—made in the 1600s from a Roman marble original that's even older. You're rubbing a copy of a copy.
The Hidden Roman Amphitheater
Stand in Piazza Santa Croce and look at the buildings surrounding Piazza dei Peruzzi. The buildings curve in a perfect oval. That's because they were built on top of a Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century. Open Google Maps. Zoom in. The oval is unmistakable. Evidence of Roman times beneath the modern city.
The Graffiti by Cellini
On the base of Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus statue in the Loggia dei Lanzi, look at the back of the figure's helmet. Cellini deliberately sculpted a hidden self-portrait in the bronze. His own face, staring out from the back of Perseus's head. Most people admire the front. They never walk around to the back.
Conclusion
Florence doesn't need you to rush. It needs you to pay attention. To notice the wine window on the corner. To climb the Bell Tower instead of following everyone else up the Dome. To eat lampredotto from a street cart instead of reheated pasta with a waiter waving you inside.
The city has spent 700 years filling these streets, these churches, these museums with the kind of beauty that changes people. The least you can do is show up prepared. Book your tickets. Learn five Italian medicine names. Know when the pharmacies close. Signal the bus. Walk to the Oltrarno. Stand in front of Night and Day and let the silence do the work.
Florence rewards the curious. And punishes the casual. Now you know which one you're going to be.
#FlorenceTravel #FlorenceItaly #TuscanyTravel #ItalyTravelTIps #FlorenceGuide #FlorenceItaly #ThingsToDoInFlorenceItaly #ThingstodoinFlorence
This blog has affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Comments