First Time in Florence - Itinerary 3

Now, we will start at the heart of the city - and for me, it’s undoubtedly the Duomo (Cathedral) of Florence, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. This church is an absolute masterpiece and a testimony of the human genius - it tells a story of a dream (an ambitious one) and how some incredibly talented people managed to defy their reality and everything they knew. What makes it so special, you ask me? Well, apart from its stunning beauty, its dome is one of the most important architectural solutions in the world - and it has influenced many other developments in the sector.

After having admired the piazza, visited all the monuments, and taken approximately one million pictures, I’m inviting you to proceed further. Take Via Calzaiuoli, a busy shopping street, that will take you directly to the Church of Orsanmichele, which is much smaller than the Duomo, but is even more stunning inside!

The original church dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel in this place was demolished in 1240, to leave space for a lodge that hosted the grain market, hence its unique square form. Not long after, the ground floor was turned into the Church of the Arts, while top floors were still used as the grain deposit by several Florentine corporations! Today, it’s a beautiful church and a museum, and I highly recommend you to go inside to admire its unique interior that doesn’t look like anything you’ve seen before - promise!

Just a few steps away from the church, you will find the political heart of the city - Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) and numerous exciting things to see and do.

While following this itinerary, you can absolutely visit either the Uffizi Galleries or the Bargello Museum. However, if possible, I'd recommend you dedicate another day to the Uffizi Galleries for two reasons: a) it's quite big and the collection is unparalleled - you will be able to explore it better if you are not in a rush and b) it's highly recommended to book your entry tickets in advance and choose your time slot so you don't waste time in the queue! Thus, the Bargello Museum might be a better option if you still want to explore Florentine art but are tight on time: inside, you will find the famous David by Donatello (not to be confused with the one by Michelangelo that can be seen in the Accademia Gallery!). It is still an impressive museum, but it's smaller and might be a better option if you cannot spend the entire day in the museum.

Make sure to stop for a quick gelato break at one of the best gelaterias in the city - and enjoy it sitting in the nearby piazza (see the next point for directions!)

As you leave the basilica behind, I highly recommend you to stop by the restaurant Finisterrae, either for an aperitivo, a drink, or even a cup of coffee (depending on the day!). It will be a perfect end to this day in Florence, observing the piazza and the basilica as you sip on something. Bonus points if you get to see the piazza during golden hour as it becomes even more beautiful in golden rays of sunshine.