Top 7 things to do in Florence

Italy is certainly a dream destination: we all know the names of the famous cities of Venice, Rome and Milan. Florence, the country’s eighth largest city in terms of population, is also a particularly popular region. Gastronomy, culture, historic monuments, shopping, beaches, viewpoints to admire the sunset… It’s home to a multitude of diverse activities that attract a huge number of tourists every year.

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! Navaway has put together a top 5 list of things not to miss.

What to do in Florence

1. Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: You’re in the capital of Tuscany and you’re wondering, “Which landmark monument should I visit first?” Look no further! The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, or more commonly known as the Duomo, is the most popular attraction with tourists. And with good reason? From the top of the 563 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole city. You’ll be seduced by the green, white and pink marble that envelops this imposing building.

Good to know: Open all year round except on religious holidays, you can visit the Duomo from 8.30am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday, and from 8.30am to 5.00pm on Saturdays, and from 1pm on Sundays to 4pm. Our advice? Come in the late afternoon, when the sun is about to set… MAGNIFICENT!

2. Galileo Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Yes, we are talking about the famous mathematician, physicist, astronomer and geometer Galileo. It’s important to enrich your literary culture by immersing yourself in the history of the various Italian monuments, but it’s even more important to cultivate your scientific knowledge too, isn’t it? Welcome to the Galileo Museum, one of the most important science museums in Italy, and certainly in the world. Here you’ll find all kinds of scientific tools and instruments that the world’s top researchers once used centuries ago. Head inside Palazzo Castellani for an enriching visit.

Good to know: Wednesday to Monday from 9.30am to 6pm, and Tuesday from 9.30am to 1pm. One of the must-see objects? The telescope that Galileo used to see the satellites of Jupiter and the lunar mountains in 1609.

3. The Basilica of Santa Croce

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Dear traveller, you are entering the largest Franciscan church in the world! Perhaps you know it as the “Pantheon of Florence”? Whatever the case, you’ll be amazed by the Gothic architecture and the works of art that sit within its sumptuous walls. Occupying a particularly important place in the religious life of the Florentines, you can admire religious objects, sculptures, archives, the beauty of the Baroncelli Chapel, ancient manuscripts…

Good to know: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 12.30pm to 5.45pm, towards the Piazza Di Santa Croce. At 115 metres long and 38 metres wide, it is the largest and most imposing cathedral in Florence.

4. The Bargello Museum

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: Far too many visitors overlook this museum, yet its doors are full of treasures: this is where you’ll find a collection of the greatest Italian structures from the 15th to the 16th centuries! The interesting thing about this museum? It happens to be housed in a former prison, but rest assured, there’s no danger of the bars closing behind you as you enter. Many people like to call it the ‘Castle’ of Bragello, given its imposing, sovereign-looking architecture.

Good to know: Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 1.50pm, and Saturday from 8.15am to 1.50pm, towards the Proconsolo district. Some of the works that have touched the sensibilities of the greatest art lovers, and many more besides, can be found here: among them, Bacchus by Michelangelo, and David by Donatello.

5. Circo-lo Teatro Del Sale (restaurant)

Category: €€/Gastronomic/Insolite

Description: How can you combine “unusual” and “gastronomic” in the same place? All you have to do is go to the “Circo-lo Teatro Del Sale”, a kind of restaurant-theatre that offers fun and entertaining shows and attractions, both in the kitchen and on stage. There’s nothing better than taking the time to enjoy a good meal while revelling in a dancing and singing fairytale. A succession of dishes announced by the chef is enough to make your mouth water, and you’re sure to enjoy watching the meat roast in the oven before gently tickling your palate and landing in your stomach.

Good to know: It’s generally advisable to book your starter, and you can do so by calling the restaurant on + 39 337 1580452.

6. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio

Category: € (Free)/Cultural/ Sensation

Description: You’ve probably already seen it in a magazine or on your Instagram feed, and it certainly deserves its place on a postcard! Dating back to 1345 and built of stone, it is the oldest bridge in the whole of Europe, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to walk on. With the family at the end of the day or as lovers, after a few moments strolling around the city, take a moment to rest on the Ponte Vecchio, which is an excellent spot to contemplate the sunset, in shades of orange, red and yellow… It’s like being in a chick flick.

Good to know: Ponte Vecchio means “old bridge” in Italian, and historians say that it is the only bridge to have survived from Florence’s medieval period, which is why it is so precious in the eyes of Florentines.

7. The Boboli Garden

Category: €€/Cultural/Sensation

Description: If you’re looking for a way to end your stay with a touch of greenery and total relaxation, then the Boboli Garden is the ideal place. In the mood for romance? Many like to describe it as a “Florentine haven of peace”, where you can simply admire the natural surroundings. As well as the beauty of the place, you’ll also find an amphitheatre and an Egyptian obelisk. Don’t forget to pull out your camera and CLICK!

Good to know: Opening its doors at 8.15am, this is the largest park in Florence, covering an area of 45,000 m², and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Captivating, isn’t it?