This art gallery is world famous as it is home to the magnificent 4 meters tall sculpture of David, by Michelangelo. Ever since it has been moved here in the 19th century, the popularity of this place is only growing each year. The Academy of Fine Arts also has other famous creations, such as Michelangelo’s “Slaves”, Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine Women”, works of Perugino, Bronzino and more.

This is one of the top 10 things to do in Venice, as this luxurious palace was the residence of the royal families of Florence for many centuries. It was built in the 16th century and is one of the largest museum complexes in Europe. It includes the Palatine Gallery, a Baroque style gallery boasting a unique collection of fine art, including works of Boticelli, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Titian, Raphael and more; Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Apartments, the Silver Museum, Museum of Porcelain as well as the Museum of Jewelry and the Museum of coaches and the Gallery of costumes, dedicated to the history of fashion.

Uffizi Gallery is considered to be one of the most important fine arts museums in Europe and was founded in the late 16th century. The collection of the museum started with that of the Medici family, who ruled Florence for many years. Among many exhibits, you can find the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and more. An interesting aspect is the fact that there is a unique collection of portraits of famous painters, an idea by Cardinal Leopoldo de Medici, who lived in the 17th century.

Mentioned in the chronicles from the 9th century, this Baptistery has been a spiritual center for Florentine people for over a thousand years. It was built to honor John the Baptist, who is considered to be the patron of the city. The doors of the Battistero are decorated with priceless panels, showing scenes from the Bible, created by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

The grand dome of Florence’s cathedral Duomo, otherwise known as Santa Maria del Fiore, is among the most recognizable landmarks of the city, and seeing it is one of the top 10 things to do in Florence. The construction of the Duomo started in the 13th century and lasted for more than 80 years. Many renowned architects, such as Andrea Pisano, Giotto di Bondone and Arnolfo di Cambio worked on this cathedral, and the famous octagonal dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. The cathedral is adjacent to a museum that has two masterpieces that need to be seen – the “Lamentation” by Michelangelo and the famous “Mary Magdalene” by Donatello.

Italy is considered to be one of the Fashion capitals of the world, with such famous brands as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Pucci, and more, it is not surprising that there are museums in Florence, dedicated to the works of Fashion. Visitors have a choice of visiting interesting and fun Gucci Museo, Galleria del Costume and Museo Salvatore Ferragamo. About an hour away from Florence, there is one of the biggest outlets in Northern Italy – The Mall Outlet. With merchandise by top designers, such as Gucci, Armani, Fendi, YSL, and discounts of up to 70% off the retail price, it is definitely a place worth visiting, if you want to shop.

For more than 900 years this old palace has been the jewel on the Piazza della Signoria and one of the most important public buildings in Florence. Its graceful walls, a 94-meter clock tower and the interiors, decorated by such famous Italian geniuses as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Buontalenti and Vasari are world- famous and attract thousands of visitors. One of the halls has the original Stradivarius’ violin.

Seeing the Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 4th century is among the top 10 things to do in Florence. The façade of the church has strict proportions and clean lines, a modern look that it received by the architect Brunelleschi. It has tombs of the members of the Medici family, made by Tacca, as well as tombstones created by Michelangelo.

Located on a hill, between the Bardini and Boboli gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo boasts the best panoramic views of Florence. From here visitors can marvel at numerous historic and cultural landmarks of Tuscany, especially magnificent at nighttime.

The Gothic Church of the Holy Cross, built in the 13th century, is another unique and magnificent monument of Florence, that you have to see. This temple is home to some of the most stunning works of art, its chapel is decorated with beautiful frescoes by famous Italian artists and it has more than 300 tombs, including that of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini and more.