Welcome to Florence, a charming city in Tuscany filled with beauty! Experience the Renaissance atmosphere as you stroll through the cobbled streets, past impressive palaces and centuries-old churches.
During your city trip to this delightful Tuscan city, you’ll want to see everything. It would be terrible to return home only to realize you missed some Florence attractions. The best solution for this is the Florence Highlights Bike Tour.
On this tour, an enthusiastic guide takes you on an unforgettable adventure through Florence. You’ll admire the world-famous Duomo, the iconic Piazza della Signoria, and the romantic Ponte Vecchio.
The Florence City Pass
With the Florence City Pass, you gain access to the Cathedral of Florence and enjoy fast-track entry to the top 2 museums in Florence: Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia. Here, you can view masterpieces like The Birth of Venus, the famous statue of David by the master Michelangelo, and much more…
If you wish to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, you can start right away without waiting in line!
By purchasing the Florence City Pass, you save a lot of time by skipping the queues. You can then use this time to explore even more of Florence and its surroundings or to relax a bit longer on the beach and catch some sun.
If you prefer to buy individual tickets, that’s also possible. Still save time by purchasing tickets online in advance for attractions such as:
- The Cathedral of Florence
- Uffizi
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Galleria dell’Accademia
- The Gardens of Florence
- The Bargello Museum
Must-see attractions in Florence
The Cathedral of Florence
The imposing Cathedral of Florence, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its reddish-brown dome, is the city’s eye-catcher. The cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Santa Maria del Fiore literally means ‘Holy Virgin of the Flower’. The name refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence.
You will encounter this symbol everywhere in Florence. The Cathedral of Florence is the city’s centerpiece and stands out due to its size and striking architectural style. You can’t miss the Duomo during your city trip to Florence.
Construction of this masterpiece began in the thirteenth century. The total construction of the Duomo took about 166 years. From Piazza San Giovanni, you can see the façade, the enormous front, and the 85-meter-high freestanding bell tower.
On the square, there’s also a small building with a dome, but the real eye-catcher is the dome on the church itself. With a diameter of more than 45 meters and a height of 91 meters, this is literally an unmissable attraction in Florence. It towers above everything and everyone, especially with the turret—or lantern—on top of the dome. This makes the total structure 116 meters high.
The interior of the Cathedral is also something you don’t want to miss. It can best be described as sober, but the frescoes and other artworks are truly worth seeing.
Tip: It can be crowded during the summer months. Therefore, we recommend buying an entrance ticket online. You can often also reserve a time slot to avoid long queues. This also applies to other Florence attractions where you need to purchase a ticket.
- Tickets: Buy online
Uffizi: the art museum in Florence
A famous attraction in Florence, the art museum. The Uffizi is housed in an excellent building originally constructed in the 16th century for the Medici family and has grown into one of the most important cultural attractions in Florence.
The Uffizi houses an incredible collection of artworks from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including some of the most famous paintings in the world, such as “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli and “Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci.
In addition to these famous works, the Uffizi also offers a wealth of other artworks, including beautiful sculptures and numerous paintings by renowned Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.
A visit to the Uffizi is an unforgettable experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts. The museum not only offers a great opportunity to admire some of the greatest masterpieces of art but also to learn more about the rich history and culture of Florence and Italy. A true must-see attraction in Florence!
If you plan to visit the Uffizi, it is wise to book in advance to avoid the queues. The museum can be busy, so make sure you allow enough time to view everything and enjoy this incredible collection of artworks. Below is more information and the option to purchase tickets in advance.
- Tickets: Buy online
Palazzo Vecchio
During the Middle Ages, Palazzo Vecchio was one of the palaces of the powerful Medici family. Today, it houses the Florence City Hall and a museum.
If you’re an art lover, this is a must-visit during your Florence city trip. The most striking feature of this building is undoubtedly the enormous tower. At ninety-five meters high, the tower is one of the tallest points in the city. You can climb this tower by ascending four hundred steps. You need to purchase a separate ticket for this, and it’s worth noting that children under six are not allowed. From the top, you’ll have a magnificent view over the historic city.
We highly recommend taking a look inside the Palazzo Vecchio. The vast collection of artworks, including several sculptures by Michelangelo on the second floor, is impressive. It showcases the wealth and power of the Medici family.
In Rome, it was the church that displayed its collection in the Sistine Chapel. Here in Florence, it was this family that amassed all the wealth. The museum spans several floors. You can explore the history of the Medici family, as well as archaeological finds from an ancient Roman theater. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of this palace. Don’t forget to look up at the artistic ceiling.
This palace often has a long line to visit. With the tickets below, you can skip the line and gain access to this fantastic palace!
- Tickets: Buy online
Piazzale Michelangelo
A hundred meters above the Arno River, you’ll find Piazzale Michelangelo, the square with a magnificent view over Florence. Piazzale Michelangelo is located on the southern side of the city, the more hilly part.
A visit to this square is highly recommended during your Florence city trip. Here, you can take the most beautiful photos of the Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral, and also the tower of Palazzo Vecchio.
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo in the late afternoon to capture the setting sun over the city. The city becomes even more beautiful with the soft, golden light of the sun.
On the square stands the bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David as a tribute to the great artist. You’ll also find many bars and restaurants on the square, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the view while ordering a delicious snack and drink.
Ponte Vecchio
The beautiful, old artist’s bridge over the Arno River is the most photographed spot in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is truly fantastic, and the view is phenomenal. From the bridge, you have a stunning view of the city with the green Tuscan hills in the background. A visit to this bridge is a must during your Florence city trip.
The charming bridge also serves as a connecting route between other Florence attractions. Enjoy the street musicians and the numerous, cozy shops located on the bridge. The most exquisite jewelry is displayed in the shop windows. If you’re looking to buy a beautiful piece of jewelry, this is the place to be.
Visit the bridge in the early morning or late evening. It’s as if you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages. It’s quieter then, and the bridge is bathed in beautiful light from the sunrise or sunset.
There are many stories about the bridge. In the Middle Ages, it was mainly occupied by butcher and tanner stalls. They used the river as a dumping ground, causing much stench and nuisance. The most influential family in the city, the Medici, had a secret passage built above the bridge. This allowed them to walk to the other side without being bothered by the smell. They also didn’t have to mingle with the common people. This secret passage, the Corridoio Vasariano, still exists and is located on the east side of the bridge.
Michelangelo’s David
Michelangelo’s David is one of the most famous sculptures in the world, and you won’t want to miss it during your visit to Florence. It is Michelangelo’s masterpiece and is almost life-like. The statue has been housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia since 1873.
Originally, the five-meter-high statue stood guard in front of Palazzo Vecchio, where it was best showcased. Today, you’ll find a replica there. It was too risky to leave the original statue outside after an arm was damaged. Violence and the outdoor elements were not kind to the marble of Michelangelo’s David.
In addition to David, Michelangelo created countless other sculptures that you can’t miss in Florence. With his chisel, Michelangelo crafted the most natural forms from marble. You can admire his art all over Florence.
Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti is an impressive palace in Florence built in the 15th century for the wealthy Florentine banker Luca Pitti. The palace was later purchased by the Medici family and expanded into a grand residential complex. Today, the palace houses various museums and exhibitions. A must-see attraction in Florence.
The highlight of a visit to Palazzo Pitti is the Galleria Palatina, an art museum that holds the largest collection of Renaissance paintings in Florence. Other interesting museums in the palace include the Museo degli Argenti, which showcases a collection of silverware, jewelry, and gemstones, and the Museo delle Porcellane, which features an amazing collection of porcelain.
The palace itself is also an impressive piece of architecture and includes beautiful gardens and courtyards. One of the highlights is the Boboli Gardens, which offer a spectacular view over the city and provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Don’t feel like standing in line to gain access to the beautiful palace? Purchase tickets below and guarantee your entry without the wait!
- Tickets: Buy online
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is a famous church in Florence, Italy. It is located in the historic center of the city and is an important monument of the Florentine Renaissance.
The church was built in the 13th century and is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history. It is the final resting place of some of Italy’s greatest artists and scientists, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Dante Alighieri.
Santa Croce features a large central hall with magnificent frescoes and paintings by famous artists such as Giotto and Cimabue. It also houses an impressive collection of statues and monuments honoring the buried artists and scholars.
The church is also known for its annual calcio storico tournament, a historic football match dating back to the Renaissance period. The tournament takes place in the square in front of the church and is a significant event in the Florentine cultural calendar.
Santo Spirito
This is also a church in the historic center of Florence, Italy. It is one of the city’s most popular and visited churches due to its impressive architecture and rich history.
The church was built in the 15th century and is famous for its elegant Renaissance style and exquisite interior. It features a large central hall with an impressive collection of artworks, including works by prominent artists such as Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
One of the most striking features of the church is the altar piece of the Holy Spirit, created by the renowned Renaissance artist Filippo Brunelleschi. Other attractions include the frescoes on the ceiling and the tombs of various important figures from Florence’s history.
Santo Spirito is also a popular meeting place for both tourists and locals. The square in front of the church offers a fantastic setting to enjoy views of the church and the surrounding buildings. The church is an important cultural and historical monument of Florence and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this beautiful city.
The Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum in Florence is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum is housed in the Palazzo del Bargello, a medieval palace that once served as a prison and courthouse.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of Renaissance sculpture, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello. It also features a collection of bronze sculptures, including some of the finest bronze works from the Renaissance.
The highlight of the Bargello Museum is Donatello’s David, a stunning bronze statue of the biblical hero. Other notable works include Michelangelo’s Bacchus, Andrea Verrocchio’s Tondo Pitti, and Tino di Camaino’s Madonna and Child.
In addition to its sculpture collection, the museum also offers fascinating exhibits on the history of Florence, including a display of medieval weapons and armor.
- Tickets: Buy online
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
This is a sublime Renaissance palace in Florence, Italy. It was built by the famous Medici banking family in the 15th century and later expanded by the Riccardi family.
The palace features an impressive facade with large windows and a rustic style. Inside, there are exquisite frescoes, paintings, and sculptures, including works by renowned artists such as Donatello, Botticelli, and Michelangelo.
One of the most striking rooms in the palace is the Capella dei Magi, where Benozzo Gozzoli’s frescoes depict the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem. Other highlights include the Sala di Luca Giordano, with frescoes by the artist, and the Galleria, which houses an exquisite collection of paintings and sculptures.
Piazza della Signoria
This is one of the most famous and historic squares in Florence, Italy. The square is located in the heart of the city’s historic center and is surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments.
One of the most striking buildings on the square is the Palazzo Vecchio, a beautiful medieval palace that served as the town hall of Florence. It features an impressive tower and a rich history as a political and cultural center of the city.
Piazza della Signoria is also home to some of Florence’s most famous statues and monuments, including the Fontana del Nettuno and the replica of Michelangelo’s David. The square also features the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery with impressive statues, including Perseus with the Head of Medusa and the Rape of the Sabine Women.
The square is a popular meeting place for both tourists and locals and offers an unparalleled setting to enjoy the architecture, statues, and culture of Florence. Piazza della Signoria is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this city.
Piazza Santa Trinità
Welcome to this charming square located in the heart of Florence, Italy. The square is named after the nearby Church of Santa Trinità and is a popular meeting place for both tourists and locals.
The square is surrounded by impressive historical buildings, including the Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni, which is an example of Renaissance architecture. Other significant buildings on the square include the Church of Santa Trinità and the elegant Ponte Santa Trinità.
Piazza Santa Trinità offers an environment to stroll, relax, and enjoy the views of the surrounding architecture. It is also a popular destination for attending cultural events and festivals, including the famous Florence Christmas market.
Piazza della Repubblica
This is an iconic square in the heart of Florence, Italy. The square has a rich history and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The square is named because it was the site of the Florentine Republic during the 19th century. Today, it is a bustling center of culture, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby.
One of the most striking features of Piazza della Repubblica is the imposing triumphal arch that marks the entrance. The square is also surrounded by historical buildings, such as the impressive Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali and the elegant Caffè Gilli.
The square is an important cultural and historical monument of Florence and offers a splendid setting to stroll, relax, and enjoy the city. In short, Piazza della Repubblica is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Florence.
Piazza della SS Annunziata
This is one of the largest and most impressive squares in Florence, Italy. It is located in the historic center of the city and is surrounded by exquisite buildings, including the Basilica of the Holy Annunciation and the Spedale degli Innocenti.
The square was designed by the famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi and has a rectangular shape with a central cross of wide streets and walkways. It is also known for its dazzling fountain, the Fontana della SS Annunziata, designed by Pietro Tacca.
Piazza della SS Annunziata is an important cultural and historical monument and played a significant role in the Renaissance history of Florence. The square was used for public events, festivals, and ceremonies, and was the location of the annual feast day of the Florentine patron saint, Saint John the Baptist.
Today, the square remains a popular meeting place for both tourists and locals and is a great spot to enjoy the beautiful architecture and the atmosphere of the city.
Ponte Santa Trinità
This is one of the most famous bridges in Florence, Italy. The bridge spans the Arno River and connects the historic center of the city with the Oltrarno district.
The bridge is renowned for its beautiful design and elegant architecture. It was originally built in the 16th century and has since been restored and rebuilt several times after floods.
A notable feature of Ponte Santa Trinità is the four magnificent statues that stand on the bridge. These statues represent the four seasons and were created by famous artists from the Renaissance period, including Giovanni Battista Caccini and Pietro Francavilla.
The bridge offers a sublime view of the Arno River and the city of Florence. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals to stroll, enjoy the view, and relax. Ponte Santa Trinità is an important cultural and historical monument of Florence and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
Boboli and Bardini gardens
Besides all the cultural experiences in the museums, a visit to the Boboli Gardens is a delightful change, especially if you’re traveling with children.
You can find these two garden parks when you cross the Ponte Vecchio to the south bank of the Arno. Here, too, you’ll find plenty of art, which is why these gardens are often referred to as an open-air museum. You can enjoy a lovely walk and admire the art, ancient trees, fountains, ponds, and sculptures.
The most famous artwork here is the Grotta Grande, a grotto with stalactites and sculptures. You will also find an amphitheater in the gardens.
The Boboli Gardens are very well-known and therefore often busy. The Giardino Bardini gardens are much smaller but also quieter. This allows you to enjoy a peaceful walk and have an extraordinary view of the city. In these beautiful, romantic gardens, you’ll find remnants of the medieval city wall. The antiquities, combined with the most beautiful vegetation of flowers, plants, and olive trees, make it the perfect romantic location. At the top of the hill, you can enjoy a delicious espresso.
The Ferragamo Museum
The Ferragamo Museum in Florence is a must-visit for those interested in fashion and history. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Salvatore Ferragamo, a famous Italian shoe designer. The museum is located in the historic Palazzo Spini Feroni, which also houses the headquarters of the Ferragamo fashion house.
The museum showcases more than 10,000 pairs of shoes, from the 1920s to the present. In addition to shoes, there are also clothing, accessories, and personal items of Ferragamo. The museum offers temporary exhibitions, lectures, and events about fashion and the history of shoe fashion.
The museum also has a collection of shoes worn by celebrities, such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. If you’re interested in fashion and the history of shoes, this Florence attraction is definitely worth a visit!
- Tickets: Buy online
Selfie museum
The selfie museum in Florence is a relatively new attraction focused on creating unique, interactive experiences for visitors. The museum is designed as a series of photogenic, colorful installations crafted to provide perfect backdrops for selfies.
The various rooms in the museum each have their own theme and decor, ranging from rainbow walls to mirror rooms and colorful ball pits. It’s a fantastic place to visit with friends and family to create fun and creative photos together.
The selfie museum offers a fun, light-hearted break from the traditional art museums in Florence. It’s designed to encourage people to have fun and express their creativity while enjoying the museum’s unique and interesting backgrounds.
The selfie museum is popular not only with tourists but also with the locals of Florence, especially the younger crowd. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy an afternoon of fun and creativity.
All in all, it’s an ideal family trip to this Florence attraction. Below is the option to purchase tickets.
Baja Bikes Bike Tour
Do you have only one day in Florence and don’t know how to make the most of it? No worries, we have the solution: Baja Bikes bike tours!
A bike tour with Baja Bikes offers the perfect solution to this problem. Not only can you navigate the city efficiently and enjoyably, but you also get the chance to learn more about the history, culture, and traditions of Florence attractions.
Whether you’re looking for an active and adventurous way to explore a city or just a fun and informative way to immerse yourself in the local culture, a bike tour with Baja Bikes is a great choice.
Below, we’ll discuss the many benefits of a bike tour with Baja Bikes and why it’s the perfect way to discover a city.
Bike tour Florence: the highlights
If you’re booking a city trip to Florence, you naturally don’t want to miss any important highlights in this Tuscan capital. A Bike tour Florence: the highlights is therefore highly recommended.
A Dutch-speaking guide will take you on this three-hour tour past all the Florence attractions. You’ll pass by the city’s stunning architecture and rich history. The guide will tell you about the artists who have lived in the city. You’ll truly feel transported to another era as you cycle through and hear stories of times gone by.
This gives you a good impression of Florence’s history, allowing you to see the city through different eyes. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to discover the city by bike.
The guide is Dutch but has lived in Italy for years and knows the best spots where locals go. If you book the bike tour on your first day of your Florence city trip, it makes it even more enjoyable when you visit the museums and other interesting attractions on your own. You’ll know exactly where to go.
Baja Bikes also rents bicycles, so you can explore Florence on your own. All the attractions are relatively close to each other, and in the warmth, cycling is often very pleasant due to the nice breeze.
It’s therefore highly recommended to rent a bike in Florence and stay active. You’re also contributing to the environment, as cycling is an eco-friendly way to travel.
Bike tour Tuscany culinary excursion
During this unforgettable tour, you’ll taste delicious Tuscan dishes while enjoying the beautiful landscape and rich culture of this region.
We begin our journey in the Chianti countryside, where we’ll visit the lovely Villa Le Piazzole. This is an estate where we have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of typical Tuscan snacks. We’ll also witness traditional Tuscan olive oil production and participate in an olive oil tasting.
After enjoying the local dishes and magnificent surroundings, we’ll visit a wine cellar where we’ll sample a broad selection of Tuscan wines. During the wine tasting, we’ll learn more about the history of wine production in Tuscany and taste some of the region’s best wines, including the famous Chianti wines.
Next, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful spots in Florence: Piazzale Michelangelo. Here, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills. We can relax in the beautiful setting while savoring some of the best Tuscan wines.
Finally, we’ll head to San Niccolo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Florence. Here, we’ll enjoy some of the region’s best dishes while soaking in the traditional atmosphere of this historic district. We’ll indulge in a range of Tuscan specialties, including fresh pastas, grilled meats, and delicious desserts.
If this sounds like music to your ears, we have a link to our website to book this exceptional Bike tour Florence: Tuscany culinary excursion.
