A Roundup of Florence Must Sees
A city of art and historical home of high culture has many architectural treasures. However, those stunned by the exterior will be awestruck by their contents. For art fans there's little better reason to book a stay at one of the many excellent cheap youth hostels in Florence.
Galleria degli Uffizi
One of the world's most pre-eminent art museums justly deserves its reputation. Filled with a stunning collection of Renaissance art.
Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
This beautiful cathedral epitomises the nuance of exquisite Renaissance engineering and delicate design. The Giotto's Bell Tower is of particular note and should be the first stop off after dropping ones luggage off at a cheap hostel in Florence.
Palazzo Vecchio
It may be a replica of Michelangelo's David that sits outside, but do not be alarmed, Florence's old city palace is very much the real thing, as is most of the rest of the fine art that makes up its stunning historical collection.
Ponte Vecchio
In a true sign that love and beauty conquer all, this is the only Florentine bridge that survived the Second World War. It crosses the River Arno at its narrowest point, connecting the Uffizi with the Medici Palace.
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are filled with weather torn sculptures that provide excellent accompaniments to lunchtime picnics. The gardens themselves boast an interesting layout and offer stunning views of the city.
Pitti Palace
The extravagant frontage for the aforementioned Boboli Gardens, this vast palace houses generations' worth of artifacts and possessions.
Michelangelo's David
Florence's most famous resident has no more an appropriate home than in the Accademia museum's magnificent collection of sculpture. A rarely bettered piece of art.
San Miniato al Monte
Elegantly placed atop one of Florence's highest points, this 11th century church more than deserves its grand location. Widely touted by locals and other Italians as the most beautiful church in Italy – which is no mean feat!
Cappella Brancacci
It may not look much from the outside, but the plain exterior hides one of the most celebrated pieces of art in the world – rivalling even David himself. The frescoes of the chapel were too great even to be completed by one person and were started by Masolino da Panicale and finished by Filippo Lippi.
Bargello
This museum is yet another of Florence's fantastic testaments to some of the great Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Donatello and Ammannati.