Must-see Places in Florence Historic Heart: A Walking Tour

Florence is one of those magical places that has attracted me for years, perfect for those spontaneous “let’s go somewhere” weekends when you need a dose of beauty in your life.

Every time I return, my heart does a little dance.

There is something incredibly special about walking these streets where friends, real locals who know all the hidden gems, often appear around a corner to take me to their favourite spots.

(Don’t worry, I will tell you about these places in a moment).

Florence is like a living, breathing work of art.

While tourists crowd around the Duomo and wander through the Uffizi, the real magic of Florence unfolds in every square, in every narrow, cobbled street.

You do not need a museum ticket to admire centuries of masterpieces, they are there in front of you, above you, surrounding you at every corner.

And just when you think you know Florence, it surprises you.

Maybe it is a tiny wine shop hidden in a medieval alley or a family-run trattoria serving the most incredible ribollita you have ever tasted.

That’s the great thing about Florence: there is always another secret to discover, another magical corner to explore in the heart of the historic centre.

Must-see places in Florence

The Magnificent Piazza del Duomo

This is not just another beautiful square; it is the beating heart of Florence, the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks and simply… gaze in wonder.

I love watching people’s faces when they first enter this piazza.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, picks up their camera, trying to capture something that has to be experienced to be believed.

The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the ancient Baptistery of San Giovanni: they all come together in this incredible space that seems almost too beautiful to be real.

Let me tell you about Santa Maria del Fiore, because this cathedral is something special.

It is 1296 and Arnolfo di Cambio starts work on what will become one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in Europe.

But the real highlight?

Brunelleschi’s dome

It is not just big, it is the largest masonry vault ever built.

They call it the eighth wonder of the world and when you see it dominating not only the piazza but the entire Tuscan plain, you will understand why.

Here’s a little secret I love to share: it is possible to climb to the top of this magnificent dome. (Yes, all 463 steps, and believe me, it is worth it!)

The view from up there?

It’s the kind that makes your heart race.

For this adventure you will need the Brunelleschi Pass and a time slot, but don’t worry: I will tell you about it in a moment.

And there is one wonderful thing: entry to the cathedral is always free.

Just remember to dress appropriately, after all, it is a place of worship.

But those beautiful tricolour marble motifs you see on the façade?

They are repeated throughout the square, creating a beautiful harmony that leaves me breathless every time I visit.

The whole experience takes about 45-60 minutes, but honestly?

Time seems to stand still in a place like this.

It is the kind of beauty that makes you forget everything else.

Giotto’s Campanile – The Splendid Skyline of Florence

At 84 metres high, next to the cathedral, it is an absolute masterpiece.

I love how it seems to become lighter and more delicate as it reaches up towards the sky, with those beautiful mullioned and three-light windows.

And don’t miss the fascinating basement tiles, they are like a picture book of medieval Florence, telling the story of the city’s busy life and its powerful guilds.

Want to climb it?

You’ll have to tackle 414 steps (a little less than the dome, but who’s counting?) and it takes about 45 minutes.

Believe me, the view is worth every step!

Must-see places in Florence: The Baptistery of St John the Baptist

Now I will tell you about a place that encompasses centuries of Florentine history, the Baptistery of St John the Baptist.

This is no ordinary religious building, it is the place where generations of Florentines were baptised, where knights received their honours and where poets (including Dante himself) were crowned.

When Dante wrote about returning as a poet to take the crown at the baptismal font, he was talking about this very place!

The visit takes about 30 minutes and, as with all religious sites in Italy, remember to dress appropriately.

Here is my advice for the best visit to these incredible monuments: get the Brunelleschi Pass.

For €30 (€12 for children aged 7-14 and free for children under 6), you get three full days to explore the dome, bell tower, baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata.

It is like holding the key to the architectural treasures of Florence!

I always tell my friends to think of these buildings not just as tourist attractions, but as pieces of a magnificent history, the history of Florence. Each of them has played its part in the incredible history of the city and, when you visit them, you also become part of this continuing story!

The Porcellino’s Fountain

This is a place where superstition, tradition and incredible street food come together!

Walking from the Duomo to Piazza della Signoria, at the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo you will come across something special that always makes me smile, the famous Porcellino fountain!

Now, here is the funniest part, and I do it every time I visit.

There is a wonderful little ritual that is supposed to bring good luck.

You don’t just rub the pig’s nose (even though it has been polished by centuries of hopeful hands!), but there is a whole procedure.

First you rub the glistening nose, then you put a coin in the boar’s mouth and drop it.

If it falls through the grate below, congratulations, good luck is on its way!

If not… well, maybe you should try again?

Here’s a curiosity I love to share: despite being called “The Little Pig” (porcellino in Italian), it is actually a boar!

What you see today is a copy of the original 1633 sculpture commissioned by Cosimo II.

But don’t let that stop you from participating in this cherished tradition.

Il Trippaio del Porcellino: a culinary secret

Now, let me tell you about something that makes this place even more special, the food!

Here you will find what I consider one of Florence’s best-kept culinary secrets, Il Trippaio del Porcellino.

For 35 years, this humble food truck has been serving something uniquely Florentine, lampredotto sandwiches.

I know what you are thinking: what is lampredotto?

Well, it is a traditional “poor man’s dish” made from a specific part of the cow’s stomach.

I know it sounds unusual, but trust me, it has become so popular that even tourists have fallen in love with it.

Orazio, who inherited the family business, serves it either plain or with a delicious addition of chard or spinach.

This little corner of Florence perfectly captures what I love about this city, the way history, superstition and incredible food come together to create experiences you can’t find anywhere else!

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

This is no ordinary square, it is the place where the pulse of Florence has been beating since the Middle Ages, just a few steps away from the Duomo. I love this place because it tells so many stories of Florence’s powerful past.

The star of the show is definitely Palazzo Vecchio.

Built between 1299 and 1314, it is one of those breathtaking buildings.

You know what I find fascinating?

It was not built as a palace for the nobility, but for the powerful commercial guilds of Florence.

The building practically screams “power” with its imposing presence, especially the magnificent Arnolfo tower that stands out against the Florentine sky.

Now let me tell you about the spectacular Neptune Fountain.

It is not only beautiful, it is also clever!

While we see this stunning combination of white and pink marble with bronze detailing as a celebration of the Medici’s power (and believe me, they loved their symbols of power), it actually had a practical purpose as well.

It was the neighbourhood’s source of clean water!

Today you can no longer drink directly from the fountain, but don’t worry, there is a free water dispenser behind it.

(Isn’t it wonderful how Florence keeps these practical traditions alive?).

Loggia della Signoria

I like to tell people about its nickname, the Loggia dei Lanzi, named after the mercenary Lansquenets who camped here in 1527.

It is like an architecture textbook come to life, with its fascinating mix of bundled Gothic pillars and those beautiful classical round arches.

Every time I visit it, I notice something new in its design.

Arnolfo Tower (in Piazza della Signoria)

One of my favourite viewpoints in Florence is the incredible Arnolfo Tower.

95 metres high, it is not just another tower, it is the ticket to the most breathtaking view of Florence you can imagine.

Here’s one thing I love about this tower: every 234 steps (and yes, I count them every time I go up!) brings you closer to what I think is pure magic. When you finally reach the patrol walkway at the top, the entire city stretches out before you, nestled perfectly between the Tuscan hills.

Believe me, your legs may be tired, but your heart will soar!

The history of this tower is also fascinating.

Built in 1298 as part of the Palazzo dei Priori, it actually stands on what were the houses of the Ghibellines, the losing side in the great power struggle between Florence and the Guelphs.

I always find it amazing how evidence of this history can still be seen today. Take a look at the battlements, notice how they only cover half the palace?

It is no coincidence at all! It actually marks the oldest part of the building, complete with a patrol walkway where guards once defended this mighty structure.

If you are like me, you will appreciate the fact that there is no lift, to keep the experience authentic (although, I admit, I sometimes wished there was one after the climb!).

But believe me when I say that every step is worth it.

The view from up there? It is the kind that makes you fall in love with Florence all over again.

Don’t miss the Alberghetto

As you climb, feel free to take breaks to catch your breath—I always do! Along the way, you’ll come across something interesting, a small cell called Alberghetto. This is no ordinary cell. Some of Florence’s most famous people were locked up here, including Cosimo il Vecchio and the ardent preacher Girolamo Savonarola.

It really is a case of walking in the footsteps of history!

Here is my favourite money-saving tip

Right next to the Neptune Fountain in Piazza della Signoria, there is a wonderful little secret, a water fountain built into the wall of the Palazzo Vecchio.

At the push of a button, you can get fresh, clean water (still or sparkling!) absolutely free.

I prefer it to the expensive bottled water they sell to tourists.

And the best part?

There is a nice marble bench right in front, where you can rest your legs and admire the magnificent square.

The tower is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days (Thursday closes at 2 p.m.) and tickets cost €12.50 for adults, €10 for concessions and free for under-18s.

Remember to check the official website for any changes, I learned this lesson the hard way!

The Magnificent Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most beautiful museums in the world, and I am not just throwing out superlatives, this place is truly extraordinary.

Imagine walking through a magnificent 16th-century building, going up to the first and second floors, where every window offers a view of the Arno that could be a masterpiece in itself.

But the real treasures? They are inside and will leave you breathless.

The collection here is a veritable “who’s who” of art history.

We are talking about Giotto, Piero della Francesca, and Botticelli. (Wait until you see his Birth of Venus—it’s even more spectacular in person!) And of course, there’s Leonardo, Caravaggio, Raphael… I could go on and on!

And there are not only the Italian masters, there are also incredible works by German, Dutch and Flemish artists.

Here is something I love: as you walk through the long corridors, you are surrounded by ancient statues and busts that belonged to the powerful Medici family.

There is something magical about seeing these Roman sculptures and copies of Greek originals in the very halls they inhabited for centuries.

Now, let me share some practical tips I have learnt from several visits.

First of all, allow yourself at least three hours, although, honestly, I could spend a whole day here!

They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8.15am to 6.30pm (last entry at 5.30pm).

Here’s my money-saving tip: if you plan to also visit the Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace (and you definitely should!), get the PASSEPARTOUT ticket.

For 40 euros, you get five days to visit all three sites.

It’s like having a golden key to Florence’s artistic treasures!

And please book in advance to avoid the queue, normal tickets cost 25 euros.

The Historic Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is the heart and soul of the city and I love to share its incredible history with everyone who visits it.

Until 1218, this was the only way to cross the Arno River in Florence.

The bridge that you see today was built in 1345 after a devastating flood swept away its predecessor, and let me tell you something incredible.

During the Second World War, when German troops were destroying every bridge in Florence, they could not demolish this one.

It was too beautiful, too special to be destroyed. Isn’t that incredible?

Vasari Corridor

Now, here is one of my favourite parts, look up, above the glittering jewellery shops that line both sides of the bridge, and you will see the Vasari Corridor.

Built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari, this elevated passageway was basically a 16th century VIP lane for the Medici family!

They used it to get from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti without having to mingle with the common people on the street.

A way to travel in style!

Want to know my secret spot for a breathtaking view?

Head to where the Hotel Lungarno is, trust me, it’s absolutely magical from there.

Or, if you’re feeling hungry, I love having lunch at the Forneria Firenze, right next to Signorvino.

The large, bright windows offer a spectacular view of the bridge while you eat.

Of course, you absolutely must cross the bridge itself, but don’t forget to admire it from its beautiful neighbours, Ponte Santa Trinità on one side and Ponte alle Grazie on the other.

From here, you have options that will make your heart beat faster.

Hunt for one of Florence’s enchanting shop windows, or head to the magnificent Pitti Palace and lose yourself in the Boboli Gardens.

And here’s a little insider tip I love to share: in spring, when everything is in bloom, spend an extra 2 euros on your ticket and also visit the Bardini Garden.

The beauty will leave you breathless!

How to get to Florence

My favourite way to get to Florence is by train.

There is something so wonderfully convenient about getting off at Santa Maria Novella station and finding yourself right in the heart of this magnificent city.

I love the location of this station.

It is literally a stone’s throw from the historic centre of Florence, so close you can practically smell the leather markets and fresh espresso!

And the Duomo?

Just a few minutes’ walk away.

Plus, buses connect you to pretty much anywhere else you want to explore.

Here’s a little tip I have learnt through experience (and believe me, I have made this mistake before): The historical centre of Florence, although fascinating with its cobbled streets and medieval alleys, is not exactly suitcase-friendly.

I always carry both a backpack and a small trolley: it is my perfect combination.

That way, I can leave the heavier items at the hotel and explore the city comfortably with the necessities.

Want to know my secret to saving money?

If you are planning multiple trips (as I often do), consider Italo’s train ticket offers.

You’ll get various promotions and discounts to travel in Italy. Perfect for those of us who can’t resist going back to Florence again and again!

Or there is another brilliant option that I have used countless times: Trenitlia’s Italia in Tour promotion.

Only 35 euros for 3 days (Children aged 4 to 11 years inclusive: 18 euro,)

or 59 euros for 5 days (Children aged 4 to 11 years inclusive: 30 euro) of regional train travel.

Sure, it takes a little extra time, but think about it, that’s extra money for ice cream and Tuscan wine!

Oh, and here’s one of my favorite little secrets! Before rushing to the Duomo (which is only 10 minutes away), make a quick stop at the ancient Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella.

It is one of those hidden gems that most tourists pass by, but believe me, it is like stepping into a piece of living history.

The scents alone will transport you back centuries!

If you’re looking for a chill spot with great views and delicious drinks, have a look at my post about The best rooftop bar for an aperitivo in Florence.

Still thinking about your Italian adventure?
I have a handy guide on planning your trip to Italy that will make things much easier.
And don’t miss the chance to book an Italy wine tour – it’s a must for wine lovers!

Ciao and happy travels!