Florence: The Top Things to See

Florence is a city that will give you whatever time you have. Whether you are spending four hours or four months, the city provides plenty of sights to see. How can you possibly narrow it down? I want to provide my Top Five things to see, but with a qualification: I want you to be able to spend a few hours in the city and maximize your time there. Spoiler alert! This approach leaves out two major draws to the city; Michaelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery. These two items are absolutely worthy of a visit, but will take up some of your time.

With the qualifications mentioned above, here are my "must sees" in Florence:

1. Orsanmichele

2. The Cupola of the Duomo

3. The Baptistry and the Doors of Paradise

4. San Lorenzo

5. The Central Market Bonus: Museo dell'Opera dell'Duomo

Here is a brief discussion of each with my reasons for including them.

All of these places are an absolutely easy walk from the Duomo - seriously, just a couple of blocks. And three of them are free to see!

1. Orsanmichele

You will pass the building of Orsanmichele. What you may not realize is that there are statues on all four sides of the building from the masters of the early Renaissance. Take the time to walk around this building.

2. The Cupola of the Duomo

The climb to the top of the Duomo is fascinating, and the reward is a beautiful view of the entire city. It is a climb - and sometimes the passages are very narrow!

3. The Baptistry and the Doors of Paradise

The Doors of Paradise are intricate and beautiful. They are outside of the baptistry on the side facing the cathedral, and well worth the polite jostling.

4. San Lorenzo

Experiencing the church of San Lorenzo will immediately allow you to understand what Renaissance architecture is all about.

5. The Central Market

There is so much outstanding food here! And it is inside for when you need a break from the weather.

Bonus: Museo dell'Opera dell'Duomo (Museum of the Works of the Duomo)

The original Doors of Paradise are located in this building, and yes - although there are replicas in situ, the replicas do NOT do the originals justice. If that isn't enough for you, one of Michelangelo's last sculptures is located in this building. The access to this extraordinary work of art is amazing.

One more note about visiting Florence. Everything you see is from the 1400s. If you have no familiarity with the Renaissance, then imagine that it roughly begins in 1401 and ends in 1499. There is one notable and HUGE exception to this rule: Michelangelo's David was unveiled in 1504. But this is really the final work of art in Florence before the Renaissance moves to Rome. Four years later Michelangelo would begin work on the Sistine Chapel in Rome.