Florence's 19th-century Central Market, dating back to the 19th century, is divided into two distinct areas. The covered section is dedicated to all things food, while the outdoor area extends onto the surrounding streets, offering a variety of leather goods, clothing, and affordable souvenirs, including leather coats, jackets, and purses at great prices.

For those seeking Tuscan cuisine, the indoor area is the place to be. On the ground floor, you'll find a vibrant assortment of butchers, fishmongers, fruits, vegetables, and specialty shops. These specialty shops offer an array of local products such as olive oils, truffle honey, cured meats, cheeses, and sauces. Many of them even provide free samples, allowing visitors to taste before purchasing.

Upstairs, the food court awaits, featuring a host of delicious local culinary delights. Here, you not only have the opportunity to savor delicious food but also to observe the skilled artisans in action through glass windows. Watch as bread is freshly baked, bufala cheese is carefully crafted, and artisanal gelato is made from scratch. To fully enjoy your dining experience, it is recommended to visit outside of peak dining hours when the crowds are less overwhelming.

Some of the highlights include:
~ Il Pane e la Pasticceria: Witness the expertise of French baker and Bakery World Cup champion David Bedu as he creates a variety of bread, from baguettes to traditional loaves, and exquisite French pastries like choux and éclairs.
~ Martino Bellincampi's Shop: Indulge in buffalo mozzarella served in a classic Roman-style salad or enjoy the ultimate guilty pleasure of a Neapolitan "mozzarella in carrozza," a fried mozzarella sandwich.
~ ARÀ: Delight in Sicilian delicacies such as arancini (deep-fried rice balls with various fillings), cannoli, cassatini, and refreshing granita.
~ Il Tartufo: Experience the excellence of seasonal black & white truffles in dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches, spreads... even beer.
~ La Pizzeria: Savor Marco Fierro's perfectly crispy, fresh, wood oven-baked pizzas made with the finest Italian ingredients.
~ Pasta Fresca: Sample both classic and creative pasta dishes while attending cooking shows.
~ Il Vegeteriano e il Vegano: A haven for vegetarians and vegans, offering a wide selection of delectable options.

While the outdoor market closes in the afternoon, the food court stays open until midnight, offering an ideal spot for late-night cravings.

This impressive complex encompasses the Chapel of the Princes ("Cappella dei Principi"), a mausoleum and chapel dedicated to the Medici family, which began construction in 1605 and engaged marble workers for several centuries. Additionally, it includes the New Sacristy ("Sagrestia Nuova"), designed by Michelangelo. The name distinguishes it from Brunelleschi's Old Sacristy ("Sagrestia Vecchia"), located in San Lorenzo. In 1520, Cardinal Giulio de' Medici, who later became Pope Clement VII, commissioned Michelangelo to create the New Sacristy as a new burial chapel for his cousins, while also intending to pay homage to his father, Giuliano, and his uncle, Lorenzo il Magnifico. The result was a masterpiece combining architecture and sculpture.

Architecturally, Michelangelo exhibited his characteristic originality and inventiveness in the New Sacristy. However, it is the commanding sculpted tombs that rightfully dominate the space. The tomb on the right features figures symbolizing Day and Night, while the tomb on the left showcases figures representing Dawn and Dusk. Above them, idealized sculptures of the two men are typically interpreted as representing the active life and the contemplative life. While these allegorical meanings add depth, the true impact lies in the powerful presence of the sculptural figures and their ability to captivate the viewer. The intensity and force with which they engage the viewer leave a lasting impression.

The magnificent octagonal Chapel of the Princes, crowned by an imposing 59-meter-tall dome, serves as a striking focal point of San Lorenzo when viewed from a distance. It occupies a central position within the church, akin to an apsidal chapel, and provides a grand entrance from the exterior via Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini. Access to the chapel is through a low vaulted crypt, carefully designed by Bernardo Buontalenti even before plans were formulated for the chapel above.

Established in 1733, this long-standing café on Piazza della Repubblica moved to its present site in 1910. With its wood paneling, marble surfaces, frescoed ceiling, and glass details catching the light of Murano chandeliers, the Belle Époque interior is a feature in itself (despite recurring rumors of an imminent modernization). Even so, most patrons choose to relax on the spacious outdoor terrace, well positioned for watching the steady flow of passersby.

The well-known cocktail Negroni, made with gin, vermouth, bitter Campari, and a slice of orange, takes its name from Count Camillo Negroni, who popularized the drink in Florence around 1919. On colder afternoons, many visitors instead opt for the café’s renowned hot chocolate, notably thick and closer to liquid pudding than a standard drink, topped with whipped cream and available in flavors such as almond, orange, coffee, gianduia, and cocoa. Gilli also serves a refined selection of pastries, including cakes, fruit tartlets, and millefoglie-layers of puff pastry filled with vanilla or chocolate Chantilly cream.

Tip:
Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining the locals who stand at the bar and enjoy an "aperitivo" drink accompanied by complimentary nibbles. Standing at the bar is also more cost-effective than sitting down, where prices tend to be higher.

Editor’s Note: Caffè Gilli closed on January 19, 2026, for scheduled, heritage-approved renovation works and is expected to reopen by the end of March 2026. The project aims to preserve the historic character and iconic status of Florence’s oldest café.

The Pitti Palace is one of Florence’s grandest landmarks-missing it would be like skipping a chapter in the city’s history. This massive 15th-century residence is a celebration of Renaissance architecture, and its vast gardens, full of winding paths and hidden corners, offer a new surprise with every turn.

Originally built for the powerful Medici family, the palace served as their official residence from the 16th to the 18th century. After the Medici dynasty ended, the property passed to the House of Lorraine, and later, Napoleon Bonaparte used it as a stronghold during his rule over Italy. Today, the palace houses a remarkable collection of museums- yet, it still holds what may be the richest concentration of Medici art and history. Alongside priceless paintings are beautifully preserved furnishings and interior details that once belonged to the family.

Every part of the palace reflects elegance and power-from the Palatine Gallery, with over 500 Renaissance paintings, to the opulent Royal Apartments, the glittering Medici Treasury, and the Gallery of Costume and Fashion. You’ll also find specialized museums showcasing porcelain and royal carriages, offering a different glimpse into court life.

In short, although it’s been state property since 1919, the palace still carries the atmosphere of a private royal home. And with over 5 million visitors each year, it remains one of Florence’s most admired cultural spots.

Tip: A combo ticket gives you access to both the museums and the gardens for two full days-plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace. If you plan to spend a few hours in the gardens, don’t forget a hat and water, especially in warmer months. To avoid waiting in long lines at the entrance, booking a guided tour is a smart move. Yes, there's an added cost, but you'll skip the queue and get deeper insights into this piece of Florentine history.

Ponte Vecchio, or The Old Bridge, first appeared in written records all the way back in 996. Of the six bridges that span the Arno River in Florence, it’s the only one that survived World War II intact-spared by retreating German forces. Today, this medieval stone arch structure stands as a powerful reminder of how a ruler’s vision can shape a city’s legacy.

As in the Middle Ages, the bridge is still lined with shops-but what’s sold here has changed quite a bit over time. Originally, it was occupied by butchers, who were know for tossing animal waste directly into the river-hardly ideal for anyone strolling by. That all changed in the 16th century, when Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici had the meat merchants removed and replaced with goldsmiths. Not only did this improve the smell, but it also turned the bridge into one of the most glittering, upscale corners of Florence.

Take a look from a distance, and you might spot something unusual-a raised corridor running above the shops. This hidden passage is part of the Vasari Corridor, a nearly kilometer-long tunnel that connects the Pitti Palace with the Old Palace. It was built so that the Grand Duke could move between his residence and government offices without mingling with the crowds. Although closed since 2016 for safety reasons, there are plans to reopen it for visitors.

There’s even a bit of financial folklore tied to this spot, which is said to be the birthplace of the term “bankruptcy.” When a moneylender couldn’t pay his debts, soldiers smashed his trading bench-called a banco-to pieces, a symbolic act that left him unable to operate. Hence the term “bancorotto”, or “broken bench”, was born.

These days, the Old Bridge is a lovely place for a walk-especially at sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over the Arno. Early mornings are just as magical, with soft reflections on the water and, if you’re lucky, the bridge nearly all to yourself.

If you could only visit one Renaissance landmark in Florence-or even the entire world-the Uffizi Gallery would be the top contender. Originally designed as government offices for the magistrates of Florence, this grand building was commissioned in the 16th century by Cosimo de’ Medici and brought to life by Giorgio Vasari. Though built for administrative purposes, the palace quickly evolved into the perfect setting for the Medici family’s extraordinary art collection. By 1765, the gallery opened its doors to the public and has since become one of Florence’s most visited museums.

Here, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the most iconic works in art history. Highlights include Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and “Adoration of the Magi”, as well as masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. One of Michelangelo’s works displayed is “Doni Tondo”-a circular painting nearly four feet across that depicts the Holy Family. Created in 1504, it gives us an early glimpse of the vibrant palette the artist would later use in his frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

While paintings and sculptures are the main attraction, don’t overlook the gallery’s interior design. The ceilings are intricately decorated, and each room carries its own sense of grandeur. With more than 50 opulent rooms to wander through, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why a break at the rooftop café is a smart move. Grab a coffee, rest your feet, and soak in the stunning views of Florence that you won’t find anywhere else.

Because of its global fame, the Uffizi is rarely quiet. Expect long lines, especially during high season. Booking your ticket in advance through the official website is highly recommended-it will save you time, and you might even catch a discount. And one last note before you go: no liquids are allowed inside, so plan accordingly.

Just like the Cathedral complex and Florence’s world-class galleries, the Old Palace is essential for anyone wanting to grasp the city's history and cultural identity. This massive Romanesque fortress is one of the most striking town halls in all of Tuscany. Since 1872, it has served as the office of Florence’s mayor, but its legacy stretches much further back. Built in 1299, the edifice was the political heart of the Florentine Republic for centuries. When Cosimo de’ Medici moved in with his family in 1540 as Grand Duke, he had it expanded and transformed, blending its medieval bones with elegant Renaissance flair.

The rugged stone façade, lined with shields chronicling Florence’s political past, is also home to an impressive lineup of statues. These include Florence’s heraldic symbol- the Marzocco lion, along with Donatello’s powerful “Judith and Holofernes”, and “Hercules and Cacus”. The nearby Tower of Arnolfo, rising above the palace, offers a climbable vantage point-though access requires a separate ticket.

Meanwhile, inside, every room tells a chapter of the city’s history. You’ll walk through the spectacular Hall of the Five Hundred, designed to glorify Medici rule, and into the more private quarters where the family lived. Decorated under the artistic direction of Giorgio Vasari, these spaces are rich in symbolism and political narrative. Give yourself time to move slowly through the rooms-it’s an immersive dive into Florentine grandeur. And be warned: you may leave with a crick in your neck from gazing.

One standout work here is Michelangelo’s “Genius of Victory”. Originally meant for the tomb of Pope Julius II, the sculpture depicts a young, triumphant figure standing over a defeated older man. The contrast between the two is striking-the victor is smooth and polished, the vanquished figure unfinished and rough, still bearing the weight of the stone.

You’ll also come across something rather haunting-a death mask of Dante Alighieri, displayed between the Apartments of Eleanor and the Halls of the Priors. Though the poet was buried in Ravenna, this plaster cast has become a powerful reminder of his influence on Florence, both politically and culturally. Fans of Dan Brown’s “Inferno” will surely recognize it from the novel.

Tip: If you’re planning a guided visit, it’s best to book directly with the museum by email-include your preferred date and time, and wait for confirmation. Payment is made on the day of your tour, and afterward, you’re free to continue exploring on your own. Just keep in mind: because this is still a working municipal building, access may occasionally be restricted. It’s a good idea to check the official website before you go.

Santa Croce is one of the most celebrated Franciscan churches in the world and a jewel of Gothic architecture in Florence. Built over the 13th and 14th centuries, it’s often called the “Temple of Italian Glories”-and for good reason. This is where some of Italy’s greatest minds and artists are buried-among them Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, the poet Foscolo, and the composer Rossini.

Michelangelo’s journey back to Florence after death is itself the stuff of legend. Though he died in Rome, Cosimo de’ Medici made sure his remains returned home. The Medici ruler, unable to properly honor the artist in life, vowed to do so in death-and, to this end, commissioned an elaborate tomb. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, the tomb took 14 years to complete and features symbols tied to Michelangelo’s creative legacy. Three laurel wreaths represent his mastery of painting, sculpture, and architecture, each mourned by a figure carved in deep sorrow below his bust.

Galileo’s story follows a similarly complicated path. Though he died in 1642, his tomb wasn’t built until nearly a century later, in 1737, now facing Michelangelo’s across the nave. It’s adorned with allegorical figures representing Astronomy and Geometry, and quietly also includes the tomb of his daughter, Maria Celeste-though her presence often goes unnoticed.

Dante, however, remains absent. While Florence tried for years to reclaim his remains, the poet still lies in Ravenna, the city that welcomed him after exile. Here in Santa Croce, an empty sarcophagus stands in his honor, and a grand statue was erected outside the church in 1865 for his 600th birth anniversary.

The interior is filled with masterpieces by Giotto, Donatello, Vasari, Canova, and others too numerous to list in one breath. Outside, the tranquil cloisters and green courtyard offer a quiet space to pause or sketch, while the square hosts everything from live concerts to raucous games of Florentine “rugby.”

Tip: Be sure to stop by the Leather School just behind the church. You can watch apprentices at work and maybe find a unique handmade piece to take home. Just remember: modest attire is required-no bare shoulders or short shorts, especially for women, as the dress code is firmly enforced.

Towering over the city of Florence, the Florence Cathedral is a true Renaissance masterpiece-best known for its massive masonry dome, the largest of its kind in the world. Completed in 1465, this remarkable double-shell structure is entirely self-supporting and remains one of the greatest engineering marvels of its time.

The cathedral’s story begins in 1296, when construction of its Gothic design first got underway. The real breakthrough, however, came nearly 150 years later, when architect Filippo Brunelleschi stepped in to solve what many thought was an impossible challenge-building the dome. Inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome, Brunelleschi ran countless experiments using large-scale models and even invented custom machinery to get the job done.

Among his most remarkable inventions were lifting devices and pulley systems capable of raising over 37,000 tons of materials-including more than four million bricks. His work impressed a young apprentice named Leonardo da Vinci, who sketched the machines-drawings that were later mistakenly credited to him. But history has remembered the true innovator. Today, Brunelleschi’s statue stands in the piazza outside the Cathedral as a tribute to his genius.

Step inside, and you’ll find more treasures-like the fresco “Dante and the Divine Comedy” by Domenico di Michelino, painted in 1465. It shows the poet holding his famous book, surrounded by vivid imagery of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, along with a detailed view of Florence as it looked in the 15th century-ironically, a version of the city Dante himself never saw. To see it up close, be prepared to climb about 450 steps up a narrow staircase that spirals inside the dome.

And then there's the exterior-a stunning patchwork of colorful marbles so intricate it almost looks painted. The craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tip: When booking online, you’ll get free access to the top of the dome-but you’ll need to reserve a time slot separately. The reward is a 360-degree view of Florence, the Tuscan countryside, and the mountains beyond. Totally worth the climb.