5 Must-Visit Florence Attractions for Your 2026 Trip

Quick answer

• Republic Square boasts a vibrant atmosphere with a beautiful carousel, perfect for photos.

• Florence Duomo offers free interior access; Brunelleschi's Dome and Giotto's Bell Tower require paid passes.

• Climb 463 stairs to Brunelleschi's Dome for stunning red-tiled rooftop views of Florence.

• Ponte Vecchio features unique shops; capture its iconic look from across the Arno River.

• Piazzale Michelangelo provides the best panoramic sunset and night views of Florence.

BEST 5 Must-Visit Places in Florence

Essential Stops for Independent Travelers

Florence is often called the city of romance, and for good reason.

The entire city feels like one grand attraction, with an abundance of sights to explore.

During my own visit, I found that even without a specific destination in mind, beautiful buildings and charming squares seemed to appear around every corner.

Today, I'm excited to share my top 5 recommended places to visit in Florence, based on my personal experience.

1. Piazza della Repubblica (Republic Square)

This is one of my absolute favorite spots in Florence.

Piazza della Repubblica is a lively square surrounded by cafes and restaurants, perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere.

But what truly makes it special is the gorgeous carousel right in the middle of the square.

Who would have thought to put a carousel in such a grand piazza? It's just magical!

It's beautiful during the day, but the ambiance completely transforms when the lights come on in the evening.

My spouse and I even took some engagement photos in Florence to celebrate our anniversary, and we made sure to capture some shots in front of this carousel.

It felt a little shy with so many people around, but the results were absolutely stunning.

If you're looking to take some truly beautiful pictures in Florence, I highly recommend Piazza della Repubblica.

2. Florence Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

You simply cannot visit Florence without seeing its most iconic landmark, the Duomo.

Its official name is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The exterior, with its stunning combination of white, green, and pink marble, is truly magnificent.

Even though I'd seen countless photos, witnessing its sheer size and intricate decorations in person was breathtaking.

While admiring the exterior of the Florence Cathedral is an experience in itself, you can also explore its interior.

Entry to the cathedral interior is free, but you'll need a separate paid pass if you wish to climb Brunelleschi's Dome or Giotto's Bell Tower.

The available entry times aren't very long, so if you plan to go inside, be sure to check the schedule in advance.

3. Brunelleschi's Dome

If you want to gaze down at the city of Florence from above, consider climbing either Brunelleschi's Dome or Giotto's Bell Tower.

I opted for Brunelleschi's Dome.

From the top, you're treated to an endless panorama of Florence's distinctive red rooftops.

It truly is a breathtaking view.

However, if you ask me for my honest opinion beyond the view... the climb was absolutely exhausting!

Brunelleschi's Dome requires you to ascend a staggering 463 stairs with no elevator.

In fact, if your main goal is the panoramic view, choosing Giotto's Bell Tower might be a better option.

From Giotto's Bell Tower, you can enjoy the iconic red dome of the Florence Cathedral as part of your view.

You could climb both, but if you're worried about your energy levels, I recommend picking just one.

Brunelleschi's Dome Visitor Information

4. Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)

This is another essential stop on any Florence trip.

Ponte Vecchio, or the Old Bridge, is a historic bridge spanning the Arno River, distinctive for the shops that line its sides.

You'll primarily find jewelry stores here, and it's always bustling with tourists.

When I visited, there was a busking performance happening on the bridge, which added such a wonderful atmosphere.

For the best photos of Ponte Vecchio, I recommend capturing it from across the river, rather than on the bridge itself, so you can get its full, unique profile.

Even with just a phone camera, the scenery is stunning, and it's a famous spot for professional Florence photo shoots.

And once the sun sets, the mood shifts entirely.

The riverbanks light up, offering a serene night view.

It's lovely during the day, but if you can, try to visit in the evening too.

5. Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square)

If I had to recommend just one place for Florence's best night view, it would be Piazzale Michelangelo.

Its formal name is Piazzale Michelangelo.

This panoramic viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the entire city, including the Duomo and the Arno River.

My partner and I headed up before sunset.

The city, initially bright, gradually began to bathe in a warm orange glow as time passed.

It was an absolutely stunning spectacle.

Watching the sky change colors during sunset and the entire city twinkling as the lights came on was truly unforgettable!

It remains one of my most cherished memories from Florence.

However, because it's such a renowned viewpoint, it gets very crowded around sunset.

I recommend arriving at Piazzale Michelangelo before the sun begins to set, so you can enjoy both the sunset and the breathtaking night view.

Florence offers the excitement of exploring famous tourist spots, but simply walking through the city was a joy in itself.

The carousel in Piazza della Repubblica and the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo are moments that truly stuck with me.

And if time allows, consider having a professional snapshot taken in Florence.

We did it to celebrate our anniversary, and the beautiful photos captured in Florence remain precious memories to this day.