This Tourist Map of Florence includes 30+ of the top Florence attractions, recommended restaurants, authentic gelato shops and more! We’ve mapped the best museums, the most beautiful squares, historic churches and scenic lookouts. Save this Florence sightseeing map, download it for offline use, and easily navigate from one attraction to the next.

Tourist Map of Florence

Tourist Map of Florence

A little background on this map… The top sites in Florence are marked with blue pins. Green pins with knife and fork icons show you some of my favorite restaurants. Pink ice cream cones point out some natural gelato shops. Purple pins with a cocktail glass icons will help you find the coolest rooftop bars. When you click on a pin, you’ll find out more information about it.

Florence Attractions

Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in our Florence Tourist Map. Take a look at photos & prioritize your top picks.

Michelangelo Square

This square is located on a hill just south of the Arno River. It’s of the most impressive Florence tourist attractions! From Michelangelo Square, you’ll see dramatic views of Florence and Tuscany’s rolling hills as the backdrop.

The square is named for Michelangelo Buonarotti. You can find bronze replicas of some of Michelangelo’s famous sculptures here.

Make sure to check out the Rose Garden nearby. It’s free to visit and heavenly during warmer months. Not only do they have over 400 varieties of roses, but they also have over a thousand total plants! It’s especially ideal for a romantic sunset stroll.

Duomo Square

Duomo Square is one of Tuscany’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most popular of Florence tourist spots. It is one of the most visited places in the world!

Duomo Square is where you’ll find the beautiful Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistry of St. John.

Florence Cathedral

The Florence Cathedral is breathtaking. It is the 4th largest church in the world. The gothic façade is made from intricately carved marble pillars that glimmer in the sun. Visit the inside of the cathedral and you’ll find priceless frescoes. You’ll also find beautifully preserved stained glass windows and wood carvings.

Brunelleschi’s Dome

The church and dome structure took over 200 years to complete! Work started in the late 13th Century on the cathedral and then slowed to a halt. At the time, the envisioned dome was so large that architects couldn’t figure out how to build it! The project laid unfinished for years. It wasn’t until the 15th Century that the dome was finally completed! Filippo Brunelleschi was the one who engineered a solution and made it possible to build the largest dome of its time.

Vising the Duomo is an unforgettable experience. It should be on any Florence bucket list! You’ll want to reserve your spot on a tour early, as these do sell out. Also, make sure to visit the Duomo’s excellent Museum —The Opera del Duomo holds over 750 works of art that have originated from the Duomo and Baptistery over the years.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for distinct panoramic views of Florence. It’s a cramped and narrow trek up, but completely worth it!

Like the Florence Cathedral, the Bell Tower is distinctly Gothic. It’s also called Giotto’s Campanile.

The Baptistery of St. John

The Baptistery dedicated to St. John is one of the most important monuments in Florence. Before it was a baptistery, it was a minor basilica. Historians believe that the basilica was built on top of the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. That makes the baptistery the oldest religious site in Florence!

The outside of the Baptistery of St. John is adorned in white and green marble. It is a stunning example of Florentine Romanesque style architecture. When inside, you’ll notice the baptistery’s unique octagonal layout. Be sure to check out the impressive bronze doors and their sculptures. The original doors are on display in the Duomo museum.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important museums in all of Italy and one of the most visited museums in the world! Their collections of Italian Renaissance works is unmatched.

The Uffizi Gallery is also one of the world’s oldest museums. It was open to visitors even in the 16th Century! The collections were primarily founded on donations by the Medici family. Today, at the Uffizi Gallery you can visit masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello (just to name a few).

Gallery of the Academy

The Gallery of the Academy of Florence, or Galleria dell’Accademia, should be only any Florence itinerary. This museum is home to Michelangelo’s sculpture David. David is a Renaissance masterpiece —a marble structure of the masculine form.

He was originally built to sit on the roof line of the Florence Cathedral. Instead, he was placed in the famous Piazza della Signoria (roughly translated as “Plaza of the rulers”). In the Piazza della Signoria today, you can find a replica of Michelangelo’s David.

You can find more of Michelangelo’s works in the Gallery of the Academy. Also, large collections of Florentine paintings. Due to the popularity of these museums, it may be worthwhile to book a skip-the-line tour for your visit. Buy your tickets, and book your tours in advance!

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

The Palzzo Pitti, or Pitti Palace, is best known for being owned and lived in by the Medici family. Although, many other famous rulers (such as Napoleon) did use it. It’s currently the largest museum complex in Florence.

You can purchase a single ticket that provides access to all the Pitti Palace museums and the Boboli Gardens.

The Boboli gardens are an open air museum. Surrounded by centuries old trees, you’ll find a collection of sculptures that date back to the 16th Century. Make sure to check out the views from Kaffeehaus!

Gucci Garden

For fashion lovers will delight at the Museo Gucci, or Gucci Garden. This Italian Gucci boutique has a small but charming museum dedicated to the iconic Italian label.

Basilica of the Holy Cross

Basilica of the Holy Cross is a unique Franciscan style church. Also, the largest Franciscan church in the world! It is the final resting place for my greats such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiaveli.

The lavish neo-Gothic marble facade that makes this church memorable was added in the 19th Century. The beautiful frescoes inside were painted by Giotto. Donatello carved out the limestone that decorate the southern wall.

Inside the museum, there is also a small museum and a monument dedicated to Florence Nightingale. For $8 euros you can get access to the church and museum. This is one of the best places to see in Florence!

Republic Square

Republic Square is one of the top Florence attractions you can visit for free. Also, you don’t need to spend much time here. My favorite restaurant in this square is Irene Firenze. A few minutes away is GROM for gelato!

This plaza was center of the city during ancient Roman times. You’ll notice a column with a statue on top. These are remnants from Medieval times when this square was a bustling hub for commerce. While the square has changed much in recent years, it still retains some of its Medieval features.

Old Bridge

The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, was the first bridge to span the Arno River. It was the only bridge that crossed the Arno until 1218. Since then, it’s been rebuilt, but has retained its medieval stones and segmental arches. It’s now one of the top places to visit in Florence.

Fun Story: the Medici family used secret passages above the shops to traverse the bridge and listen to townspeople gossip.

This bridge connected the Uffizi to the Medici home (Pitti Palace). When the Medici took over this passageway, they wanted it to reflect their status and wealth. So, they drove out the butchers, fishmongers and tanners. They replaced them with goldsmiths and jewelers! As you walk along the Old Bridge today, notice the jewelry shops.

St. Minias on the Mountain

The San Miniato al Monte (St. Minias on the Mountain) is one of the top Florence tourist spots. It’s another basilica style church that’s thought to be one of the prettiest in Tuscany. It’s an excellent example of the Romanesque style.

St. Minias is literally located “on the mountain,” or at least on the highest point of the city. You can gain access to this church’s lovely frescoes for free.

Santa Maria Novella

Sick of churches yet? The Santa Maria Novella is another must-see. This is another Romanesque style church of the Dominican denomination. It holds more masterful frescoes, but is especially famous for its collection of funerary monuments and other art treasures.

You can gain entry for 7.50 euros. Inside, you’ll notice the familiar arches. This is another one of Brunelleschi’s works. Make sure to check out Masaccio’s Trinità and Giotto’s Crucifix.

Holy Trinity Bridge

The Ponte Santa Trinita, or Holy Trinity bridge, is characteristic of the renaissance style. It holds the title of being the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the whole world.

Just across the Arno, there are a few great rooftop bars. I love Golden View Open Bar! It’s an ultra posh restaurant with excellent sunset views of the Old Bridge. Another favorite is Panorama Restaurant at the Hotel La Scaletta. Call ahead for reservation!

Old Palace

Palazzo Vecchio or ‘old palace’ is one of the top places to visit in Florence. It was originally built as a fortress in the 13th Century, and it was built on top of the ruins of a Roman theater. You can visit the underground ruins of this Roman theater!

This palace was built to house the civil government. It was designed an expression of wealth and power. Make sure to visit the Hall of Five Hundred. Its paneled ceilings and gold detailing will take your breath away!

Fun Fact: This palace has a secret labyrinth of passage ways and escape routes.

Bargello Palace National Museum

Bargello Palace was used as a fortress, living quarters for officials and eventually a prison. Currently, it’s home to an impressive museum that displays many masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture. Including works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Dante.

Aside from the art, the building itself is enchanting. Take the time to appreciate the grand courtyard and the armory relics decorating its walls.

There’s an amazing gelato place just few minutes walk from the Bargello Museum. It’s called Vivoli.

San Lorenzo Market

Visit the San Lorenzo Market is the perfect refuge from museums and churches. Turn your brain off and take a relaxing stroll.

First, visit the indoor Central Market and grab farm fresh meats and artisanal cheeses. Purchase olive oils, truffle butter & balsamic vinegar to bring home. You have to eat here! Next, head back outside and shop for leather. The Italian leather sold here is of the finest quality. Grab that perfect leather jacket or icon tote for an unbelievable price. This is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for the family!

Basilica of San Lorenzo

The rustic looking facade of the San Lorenzo Church may not appear to be as impressive… but this was the original Florence Cathedral! Its Duomo was the original Duomo! It held this title for over 300 years before it was upstaged by today’s Duomo.

The San Lorenzo church was also the parish church of the Medici family. The head of the ruling Medicis, Cosimo di Medici, is entombed here. Also, his friend the infamous artist Donatello. It’s also notably mentioned in Dan Brown’s Inferno.

The outside of the San Lorenzo Basilica isn’t the only unique aspect of this church. Notice the distinct style of the church’s interior. Visit the enchanting green space of San Lorenzo’s cloister. If you can, make sure to check out the incredible library! The library holds the Medici family’s collection of thousands of precious manuscripts.

Plaza of the Rulers

The Piazza della Signoria has always been one of the top places for Florence sightseeing… because there’s so much to see here! This square is basically a free outdoor museum. During medieval times, it was the focal point of the Florentine Republic. One prominent feature of this square is the Vecchio Palace.

Make sure to visit all the remarkable sculptures. This was the original resting place for Michelangelo’s David (although, now a replica sits here). It’s a great place to see David if you don’t have time to visit the Uffizi Gallery.

Also, visit the Loggia dei Lanzi — an open-air sculpture museum. Notice the Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna. Find the Fountain of Neptune here too!

New Market

The new market has been used by traders since the 16th Century. It was the place to go for luxury goods like gold and silk. It was also the site of public humiliations and punishments.

Today, the New Market is a semi-enclosed leather market. Underneath a beautiful loggia, it’s a great place to shop even in rainy weather.

Piglet Fountain

My favorite Florence sightseeing spot in the New Market is Piglet Fountain. Make sure to rub the snout of this boar… Legend has it, that if you do, you’ll return to Florence! Although, there’s a way to go about it. First, you have to place a coin in the boar’s mouth. Wait for the coin to fall into the water, and then you can rub its snout.

Galileo Museum

Galileo is considered “the father of modern science.” The Galileo Museum in Florence has one of the world’s coolest collections of historic scientific instruments. Including some telescopes used by Galileo himself. Exhibits showcase the historical pursuit of astronomy, timekeeping, scientific measurement and chemistry.

It’s a pretty small museum that you can easily visit in 1-2 hours. It costs 9 euros to enter. It’s located a few steps away from the Uffizi Gallery.

Zoological & Anatomical Museum

This museum is best known for its anatomical wax collection. Their whole collection includes over a million animals, but nearly 5,000 are on display. Kind of creepy… Although, considering some of these animals have long been extinct, it’s pretty cool! It’s one of the few places in the world you can see what a Tasmanian tiger looked like.

Museum of Semi-Precious Stones

Another one of the lesser known Florentine attractions, but you shouldn’t miss this place! The Museum sits on the site of a historic workshop. In the 16th Century the Medici established this place as a laboratory for the development of semi-precious mosaics.

Throughout history, the laboratory expanded its interests and restored everything from tapestries to bronze pieces, terracotta and archaeological finds. It became one of the premier restoration workshops in the world! You can find many of these restored items in the museum. Also, learn about the restoration process.

Bardini Gardens

The Bardini Gardens are one of the newer tourist attractions in Florence. They’ve only opened to the public in recent years.

In the garden, you’ll find roses, azaleas and endless hydrangea. There are many sculptures, fountains and panoramic views of Florence here. Make sure to visit the breathtaking Wisteria Tunnel and the great Baroque staircase.

 

More Resources

Visiting other Italian Cities?

• Tourist Map of Venice 
• Tourist Map of Rome

Thinking about booking a tour, but not sure if you want to spend the money?
Italy’s Best Guided Tours   

If you think I missed something on this map, please comment below! I’d be happy to add your favorite attractions, restaurants, gelato spots and rooftops!