Florence has enough individually excellent sights that a simple list risks turning into homework. This is a ranked, honest version for a two-to-three day visit — see our individual guides for the full detail on each.

Unmissable (build your days around these)

  1. The Duomo complex — cathedral, dome climb, baptistery and museum.
  2. Uffizi Gallery — book weeks ahead in high season.
  3. Accademia (Michelangelo's David) — a short but essential visit.
  4. Ponte Vecchio — free, always open, best at sunrise or sunset.
  5. Piazzale Michelangelo — the classic skyline view.

Excellent, and less crowded

  1. Santa Croce — Michelangelo and Galileo's tombs, Giotto frescoes.
  2. Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens — across the river, genuinely quieter.
  3. Oltrarno's backstreets — no ticket required, just wander south of Ponte Vecchio.
  4. San Lorenzo & the Medici Chapels — Michelangelo's New Sacristy.

Worth it if you have more than two days

  1. Santa Maria Novella — right by the station, Masaccio's Holy Trinity.
  2. Mercato Centrale — see our markets guide.
  3. A day trip — Siena or Pisa; see our day trips guide.
If you can only do three things: the Duomo dome climb, the Uffizi (or the Accademia if you have to pick one museum), and a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. That combination alone captures most of what people come to Florence for.