Living in Florence really taught me a lot about the city. I had the amazing opportunity to call Florence my home for a short time whilst studying a Communications and Media degree at the Institute of European Design. I spent each day sightseeing in Florence, exploring parts of Italy that I had never been to. I’m basically a local now (despite my limited vocabulary of an entire 10 Italian words).

Florence is an amazing city, with endless adventures most of them being super cheap or even free! Here are some of my favourites.

The Duomo

This is a sight you cannot miss. Literally. Because it is an enormous structure right in the centre of the city. The Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral (duomo being the Italian word for cathedral) was constructed in the 1200’s and took over 2 centuries to be built.

Entry into the duomo is free, but for 15 Euro, you can climb 463 steps to the very top of the dome. This 15 Euro also enables you to climb to bell tower as well as enter the museum, the baptistery and the crypt below the church. This I would highly recommend! The view is incredible, even if you climb it at night, in the snow, at -2 degrees celsius like I did.

The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the oldest bridges in Florence. In fact, the words Ponte Vecchio literally translate to ‘Old Bridge’. Built over the River Arno, the bridge is home to many luxurious jewellery stores and cafes. For anyone visiting Florence, this bridge is a must-see.

The Pitti Palace

Located on the south side of the River Arno and a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio stands the stunning Pitti Palace. The palace was built in the 15th century and is now home to some of the most important museums in Florence. 7 Euro will get you entry into to palace as well as the Silver Museum, Costume Gallery, Porcelain Museum and Bardini Gardens. The Gallery of Modern Art will set you back an extra 8.50 Euro. However if you’re not willing to spend the extra dollars, do not worry as the inside of the Pitti Palace is an artwork in itself.

Boboli gardens

Located at the rear of the Pitti Palace are the Boboli Gardens. The park features stunning green lawns and ancient oak trees and is also home to Neptune’s Fountain. Filled with incredible stone sculptures, the Boboli Gardens have been coined the largest monumental park in the whole of Florence. The top of the gardens offers an incredible view of the Pitti Palace with the gorgeous cityscape in the background.

Statue of David

You can’t go to Florence without seeing the Statue of David. The 5-metre tall statue is located in the Galleria dell’Accademia museum and was sculpted by a famous artist of the 1500’s, Michelangelo. A ticket into the museum is around 12 Euro, but it’s worth it to tick this off your bucket list.

Piazzale Michelangelo Florence

If you’re a fan of photography, this is a sight you cannot miss. The Piazzale Michelangelo is a square located on the south bank of the River Arno in the Oltrarno district of Florence. It is one of the most famous lookouts, offering incredible views of the entire city both at day and night. The walk to the top of the stairs isn’t too fun, however it is free and well worth the climb.

San Lorenzo leather markets

As Florence’s most famous outdoor markets, the San Lorenzo leather stalls are a must-see. The markets offer leather goods at discounted prices with a huge range of handbags, belts, wallets, shoes and coats. If you’re also after small souvenir pieces like magnets, keyrings and diaries, this is the place to buy them. Prices are generally cheap, but if you’re up for it, you can always have a go at bartering. More often than not, it actually works.

Free walking tours

If you love free stuff, then this is the one for you. The Florence free walking tours run twice a day for 1.5 – 2 hours. Not only do you get to see famous city sights but you also get a full history lesson FOR FREE! It is also a great way to explore Florence if you’re only staying for a short time.

Walking tours are also an awesome way to check out the best restaurants in Florence. In my (non-biased) opinion, this is the best kind of sightseeing in Florence.

Do you have any other suggestions for sightseeing in Florence? I’d love to hear from you! If you also have an endless love for Italy, feel free to share your travel experiences in the comments below!

Until next time,
Jetsetter Soph