Yes, Florence is worth visiting. There are unique attractions, world-famous buildings, and artworks you won’t find anywhere else during a trip to Italy.
Florence is more than just the birthplace of the Renaissance.
If you don’t consider adding Florence to your bucket list, you will miss out on these unique attractions:
Our 3 Favorite Reasons Why Florence Is Worth Visiting
Let’s start with our favorite highlights and main reasons to visit Florence:
- Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
- Florence Cathedral and its Dome
- Uffizi Gallery
⭐ Top Picks: Here is a complete list of our absolute favorite 5 top things to do in Florence: click here
Reasons To Include Florence In Your Italy Itinerary
Did you know that Florence was named the most walkable city in the world? It’s true.
You can easily explore the best things to see in Florence while feeling like you’re walking around an open-air museum.
You will be amazed by the buildings, artwork, secret places in Florence, and the Italian flair everywhere you go.
There are buildings and artwork you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
While this could be said for any city, it holds definitely true for Florence.
Given its blend of culture, history, and art, Florence is one of the most important cities to visit in Italy for first-timers.
Another bonus point is that you can include Florence as part of a day trip from Rome.
Michelangelo’s David At The Accademia Gallery
Michelangelo’s “David” is a true masterpiece.
It’s a must-see on a trip to Italy.
This statue alone makes Florence one of the most popular cities in Italy.
The statue is in the Accademia Gallery, near the Florence Cathedral.
Tickets for the Accademia Gallery are popular and must be booked well ahead of time.
We found that the best way to see “David” is by securing your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Visiting Michelangelo’s masterpiece isn’t just about checking off an Italy bucket list item.
It’s about seeing an important piece of art history.
⭐ Pro Travel Tip: If you don't have time or didn't get tickets for the Galleria dell'Accademia, you'll have the chance to see replicas of the statue in other places in Florence.
One is in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and the third is at the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence Cathedral And Its Dome
Exploring Florence Duomo and its impressive dome was another highlight of our trip and is one of the best things to see in Florence.
From the dome, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Tuscan countryside.
Brunelleschi’s dome dates back to the 15th century.
It has an incredible diameter of 148 feet (45 meters) and is over 328 feet (100 meters) high.
Additionally, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world.
Due to its popularity, planning your visit is crucial to enjoying the Florence Cathedral Dome as much as we did.
Tickets often sell out, so book early to secure your preferred day and time.
Early morning or later-day visits are best for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
A pre-booked ticket also includes access to Giotto’s Campanile Tower and the Cathedral Museum.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is home to an extensive collection of Renaissance art, one of the top Florence attractions, and among our favorite attractions.
This makes it one of the best cities to visit in central Italy.
The Galleria Degli Uffizi is conveniently located next to the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and near the Ponte Vecchio.
The Uffizi Gallery houses works by famous artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Due to the extensive collection, the attraction is flooded every day with visitors.
A special feature is the collection of sculptures and paintings that span several centuries of art.
Don’t miss out on Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”.
As with every top attraction in Florence, tickets are extremely popular, especially for the Galleria Degli Uffizi.
We recommend you reserve your ticket in advance.
Especially if you visit Florence in one day, you don’t want to spend your precious time in a long queue.
After sharing our favorites in Florence,
What Else Makes Florence Worth Visiting
There are other reasons why you want to consider adding Florence to your Italy bucket list:
- The Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge
- The Boboli Gardens, a garden with sculptures and fountains
- The Pitti Palace
- The Basilica of Santa Croce, including Michelangelo’s tomb
- The Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view
- Food specialties in Florence
If you want to learn more about the things to do in Florence and the best Florence itineraries, check out our articles:
Bonus Reason: Florence is a Gateway to Famous Attractions in Tuscany
You can embark on great day trips from Florence, especially if you experience Florence in the rain.
This is one of the many reasons why adding the city to your travel itinerary.
From the city, you can visit the Chianti wine region, cities near Florence like Pisa, Siena, and even the charming city of San Gimignano, one of the best small towns in Tuscany.
You can visit the beautiful countryside by taking a road trip through Tuscany or renting a Vespa.
Some of the best things to see in Italy are within reach.
Isn’t this reason enough to visit Florence?
If we convinced you to add Florence to your Italy bucket list, you’ll find more resources in our Florence travel guide.
Final Thoughts About Why Florence Is Worth A Visit
Florence definitely deserves a spot on your Italy travel itinerary.
Experiencing Florence lets you see iconic works like Michelangelo’s “David” and enjoy the impressive art collection in the Uffizi Gallery.
The city also serves as a perfect base for trips to Tuscany’s other attractions, from the stunning Chianti wine region to the historic streets of Siena, San Gimignano and Montepulciano.
The unique atmosphere of the Florence Cathedral’s dome to the Uffizi Gallery, are just some of the reasons why Florence is one of the reasons why to visit Italy.
If you’re putting together your Italy itinerary, make sure Florence is on it.
You won’t regret it!
