Free walking tours in Florence and what to see

Must-sees

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is the cradle of the Renaissance and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everything revolves around the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery of St John with its bronze doors. A few minutes away is Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio, and next to it the Uffizi Gallery, with works by Botticelli, Leonardo and Raphael.

The Accademia Gallery holds Michelangelo's David, the visit almost nobody skips. From the Uffizi you reach the Ponte Vecchio, with its jewellers' shops over the Arno, and on the other side the Oltrarno begins, home to the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. At sunset, go up to Piazzale Michelangelo to see the city from above, and save some time for the basilica of Santa Croce.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free walking tours of Florence that cover the historic centre and help you find your way around. For the museums there are guided tours of the Uffizi and the Accademia, as well as combos that join a walk through the city with both galleries. Florence is also a good base for day trips around Tuscany: to Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena, or to the villages of the Chianti and Monteriggioni.

How long to spend

Two days are enough for the main sights: the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio. A third day lets you cross to the Oltrarno at a gentler pace, go inside the Pitti Palace and stroll through Boboli. If you stay longer, take a day trip to Siena, Pisa or the Chianti. Book tickets for the big museums in advance, especially in spring and summer.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the historic centre, near the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, because everything is on foot. The Santa Maria Novella area, next to the station, works well if you are taking day trips by train or bus. The Oltrarno is quieter, with craft workshops and good places for dinner, and Santa Croce combines a local feel with being close to the sights.