Discover Florence: A Timeless Open-Air Museum

Florence, or Firenze in Italian, is one of those cities that captures your heart instantly. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, it is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, a city where art, history, architecture, and human genius converge in a way that is nothing short of magical.

Walking through Florence feels like walking through a living museum. Every street, building, and piazza tells a story, and you are constantly surrounded by masterpieces that shaped Western civilization.

This was the birthplace of artistic and intellectual titans such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Botticelli, Donatello, and Galileo Galilei. Their legacy is etched into the city’s DNA—on the façades of churches, in the sculptures in the piazzas, and in the world-renowned galleries.

Florence also owes much of its splendor to the powerful Medici family, who ruled the city for centuries and invested massively in art and architecture, turning Florence into a beacon of culture and beauty. You will see their symbol everywhere in the city

If you love history, art, and beauty, Florence will steal your breath away. It was, without a doubt, one of the places I loved the most in Italy, and it’s a city I would return to in a heartbeat. It truly feels like an open-air museum—every corner hides something extraordinary.

Day 1 – Panoramic Views and Historic Heart of Florence

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Start your day at the stunning Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, perched high on a hill above Florence. Dating back to the 11th century, it’s one of the oldest churches in the city and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The adjacent cemetery is full of impressive sculptures, tombs, and Florentine nobility, including the grave of Carlo Collodi, the author of Pinocchio.

From the front of the basilica, you’ll enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Florence. You can clearly spot the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), standing tall in the historic center.

• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 5-minute walk (400m)

Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte

Descending towards the city, make a brief stop at the Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte, a serene Renaissance church built in the late 15th century. Its simple façade belies the peaceful ambiance inside, making it a perfect spot for reflection.

• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 2-minute walk (150m)

Piazzale Michelangelo

Continue to Piazzale Michelangelo, a 19th-century square designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi. This popular spot offers one of the most iconic panoramic views of Florence, featuring a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David at its center.

• Access: Open 24 hours
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 10-minute walk (800m)

Sistema delle Rampe del Poggi

As you descend from Piazzale Michelangelo, stroll through the Sistema delle Rampe del Poggi, a series of elegant staircases, fountains, and green spaces designed by Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century. The cascading water features and lush vegetation provide a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

• Access: Open 24 hours
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 5-minute walk (400m)

Porta San Niccolò

You’ll reach Porta San Niccolò, one of the few remaining medieval city gates of Florence. Built in 1324, it once marked the entrance to the city. Its tall tower stands as a reminder of Florence’s fortified past.

• Access: Exterior view accessible 24 hours
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 10-minute walk (800m)

Ponte alle Grazie

Cross the Ponte alle Grazie, a modern bridge with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio downstream. Once across, you officially enter Florence’s historic center, where everything becomes more vibrant—and more expensive!
Tip: Shopping and dining here is often more expensive than on the quieter, southern side of the river.

• Access: Open 24 hours
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 10-minute walk (800m)

Palazzo Vecchio

Arrive at the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall and a symbol of the city’s political power. Built in the 13th century, it features a striking tower and richly decorated rooms. While full access requires a ticket, visitors can freely enter the courtyard and admire its enormous hall decorated with epic paintings.

• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Wednesday & Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Entry: Courtyard access is free; museum entry requires a ticket
• Next Stop: 1-minute walk (100m)

Piazza della Signoria

Step outside into the Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence’s most iconic squares. Here you’ll find a copy of Michelangelo’s David, the Fountain of Neptune (celebrating Florence’s naval power after defeating Pisa), and many other stunning sculptures.

Across the square, don’t miss the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery with powerful Renaissance statues.
Highlight: Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini, a wild genius who literally sculpted his own face on the back of Perseus’ helmet—a stroke of ego and genius at once.

• Access: Open 24 hours
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 5-minute walk (400m)

Mercato del Porcellino

Visit the Mercato del Porcellino, a historic market known for its leather goods and souvenirs. At its entrance stands the famous bronze statue of a wild boar, “Il Porcellino.”
Rub its snout and drop a coin into the grate for good luck and a return to Florence.

• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 5-minute walk (400m)

Piazza della Repubblica

Stroll down Via Roma, once part of the ancient Roman road connecting Florence and Rome.
Continue to the Piazza della Repubblica, a bustling square that marks the site of the ancient Roman forum. Today, it’s surrounded by elegant cafés and features a charming carousel.

Insider tip: Inside the Rinascente department store, take the elevator to the top-floor café. From there, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Duomo—a perfect spot for a coffee break or just to snap a few photos. If it’s full, kindly ask the staff if you can take a quick picture, and they’ll often let you in.

• Access: Open 24 hours
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 5-minute walk (400m)

Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)

Finally, end the day with a walk around the incredible Florence Cathedral, a marvel of architecture. Even if it’s already closed (it usually closes by 3:30 PM), walking around its marble façade, Brunelleschi’s dome, and Giotto’s bell tower is a magical experience.

End of Day Tip

Florence’s historic center is compact and walkable. Get lost in the narrow alleys and cobbled streets, and you’ll keep discovering beautiful corners, unexpected statues, and charming artisan shops.

Day 2 – Masterpieces, Medici Power, and a Taste of Local Life

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Begin your day at the Duomo, one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence. Construction started in 1296, but the magnificent dome wasn’t completed until 1436, thanks to Filippo Brunelleschi, who engineered the largest brick dome ever built—without scaffolding.
This was a true engineering miracle of its time, and to this day, no one has fully figured out how he did it. The cathedral’s exterior is covered in white, green, and pink marble, and its size is simply overwhelming.

• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM – 3:45 PM; closed on Sundays.
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 5-minute walk (400m)

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata & Church of the SS. Annunziata

Stroll along Via dei Servi, and make sure to turn around to catch a breathtaking view of the Duomo. Upon reaching Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, you’ll find the Church of the SS. Annunziata. The outside is humble, but the interior is jaw-droppingly beautiful, full of rich frescoes and golden details. Featuring the oldest organ in Florence, dating back to 1628.
It’s one of Florence’s hidden gems and completely free to enter.

• Opening Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 4-minute walk (300m)

Galleria dell’Accademia – Home of Michelangelo’s David

A must-visit in Florence, the Galleria dell’Accademia houses the original David by Michelangelo. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, this sculpture is bound to leave you speechless. Michelangelo sculpted David from a single block of marble in the early 1500s. The proportions, the expression, the veins in the arms—it’s like it breathes. You can literally feel Michelangelo’s genius radiating from the stone.
The Museum has a room full of other busts and statues that are also incredible. Of course they have paintings and old instruments.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (last admission at 6:20 PM); closed on Mondays.
• Entry: Paid – approximately €13–€17, depending on the season and time.
• Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues Here. Visiting during the last time slot may offer a more intimate experience.
• Next Stop: 6-minute walk (450m)

Piazza di San Lorenzo & Basilica di San Lorenzo

Head to Piazza di San Lorenzo, home to one of Florence’s oldest churches. The Basilica di San Lorenzo was the parish church of the powerful Medici family, who commissioned artworks from masters like Donatello, Bronzino, and Filippo Lippi. The unassuming façade hides a richly decorated interior steeped in history.

• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM); closed on Sundays.
• Entry: Paid – approximately €7 – €9.
• Next Stop: 3-minute walk (250m)

Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee)

Located behind the basilica, the Medici Chapels serve as the final resting place for many members of the Medici family. The chapels are adorned with marble, semi-precious stones, and sculptures designed by Michelangelo. The Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy) is entirely Michelangelo’s work, from the tombs to the architectural layout.
The Medici were patrons of the arts, bankers, and even Popes, and their impact on Florence is immeasurable.

If you pay close attention while walking around Florence, you’ll start noticing a curious symbol almost everywhere — a shield with six red balls, usually on doorways, fountains, palaces, or churches. That’s the coat of arms of the Medici family, one of the most powerful dynasties in Renaissance Italy. Once you know what to look for, it’s like a secret code revealing just how far their influence reached across the city. From sponsoring great artists to shaping the politics and culture of Florence, the Medici left their mark not just in history books, but literally on the walls of the city.

• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (last admission at 6:10 PM).
• Entry: Paid – approximately €9.
• Next Stop: 8-minute walk (600m)

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

We didn’t enter due to budget (after already paying for the chapels and other sites), but it’s a beautiful Renaissance church. Inside are frescoes by Masaccio and Ghirlandaio (Michelangelo’s teacher), and the façade is a stunning example of Florentine architecture.

• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Friday, 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
• Entry: Paid – approximately €7.50.
• Next Stop: 2-minute walk (180m)

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Just steps away is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, established in 1221 by Dominican friars. Originally crafting herbal remedies for their monastery, it evolved into a renowned perfumery frequented by popes and queens. The interior feels like a royal apothecary, with ancient rooms and marble counters.

• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 9-minute walk (700m)

Ponte alla Carraia & Bohemian Streets of Oltrarno

Cross the Ponte alla Carraia, one of Florence’s oldest bridges (originally from 1218, rebuilt after WWII), to enter Oltrarno, a more authentic and affordable side of Florence. This area is filled with artisan shops, local cafés, and a laid-back charm.

• Next Stop: 12-minute walk (900m)

Palazzo Pitti

End your cultural walk at Palazzo Pitti, the former residence of the Pitti family, later acquired by—you guessed it—the Medici.

This massive palace houses several museums and the beautiful Boboli Gardens behind it. Even if you don’t enter, it’s worth admiring from outside.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM; closed on Mondays.
• Entry: Paid – approximately €10 – €16.
• Next Stop: 4-minute walk (350m)

Dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito

Located in Piazza Santo Spirito, this is the perfect spot to end the day. The square is lively, with tables spilling onto the cobblestone streets. They’ll serve you Florentine bread, traditionally made without salt, a custom dating back centuries due to a historical salt tax dispute. While the lack of salt may seem odd initially, it complements rich sauces and cheeses perfectly. The pasta here is incredible, and the atmosphere is unforgettable.

Day 3 – Art Masterpieces, Historic Bridges, and Sweet Farewells

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Start your day at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums globally. Established in 1581 by Francesco I de’ Medici, the gallery houses an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art. Highlights include Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation”, and Caravaggio’s “Medusa”. The museum’s architecture itself is a masterpiece, designed by Giorgio Vasari.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM); closed on Mondays.
• Entry: Paid – approximately €25 for adults; discounts available for EU citizens aged 18–25.
• Tip: Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues HERE.
• Next Stop: 2-minute walk (150m)

Ponte Vecchio

After immersing yourself in art, take a short stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge. Originally built in 1345, it was the only bridge in Florence spared during World War II, allegedly by direct order from Hitler due to its beauty. The bridge is lined with shops, historically occupied by butchers but now home to jewelers and art dealers. Above the shops runs the Vasari Corridor, a secret passage built in 1565 to connect the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti, allowing the Medici family to move freely and safely across the city.

• Access: Open 24/7
• Entry: Free
• Next Stop: 1-minute walk (80m)

Mancuso Gelati Italiani 1920

Conclude your Florentine adventure with a delightful treat at Mancuso Gelati Italiani 1920, a historic gelateria known for its artisanal flavors. Established in 1920, this family-run establishment offers a variety of gelato flavors, including gluten-free and vegan options. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your journey while enjoying a classic Italian dessert.

• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Entry: Free to enter; gelato prices vary
• Address: Via dei Guicciardini 49R, Florence

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Florence truly stole my heart. I had high expectations, but this city went far beyond anything I imagined. Walking through its streets felt like stepping into a living museum — every corner bursting with history, beauty, and soul. The art, the architecture, the stories behind each stone… it all left me deeply inspired. I know without a doubt that I’ll be back one day.

If you’re continuing your journey through Italy, make sure to check out my other itineraries — from the eternal charm of Rome, to the vibrant streets of Naples, or the breathtaking views along the Amalfi Coast. Each destination has something magical to offer, and I’d love to help you discover it.

Travel to exist, and exist to travel.