They say Paris is the city of love but it’s certainly easy to be swept up in the romance of Florence. And if you love art, you’ll madly fall in love with Florence as every step you take you’ll not be far away from discovering another masterpiece.
I’ve come up with a list of 4 of the best spots for art lovers we enjoyed during our two days city break in Florence. If you are thinking about a trip to Florence, these places are a must see.
Beautiful Florence
Dave and I once went to Florence with his parents, who are artists and therefore the perfect travel buddies for the adventure. We spent a couple of days wandering through the art galleries and museums, mouths agape as we took in the beauty of the city. Sometimes we would pause, take a seat, and bring out our sketchbooks to capture the moment.
My sketches never truly mimicked the real thing but I loved the process and by drawing the scene it stuck in your mind all the more. I have memories of sketching a large statue of a muscle chiselled man in the Uffizi Gallery, and further memories of sketches of the dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore.
The romantic draw of Florence is easy to see
4 of the best spots for art lovers enjoying a Florence city break
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Uffizi Gallery
You can’t go to Florence and skip the Uffizi Gallery as it is THE place to see art in the city, if not in the world. Take your time through the many rooms of Renaissance pieces and expect to spend a few hours in there at least. The building itself is a masterpiece, as it feels like a palace with its large bay windows overlooking the river and long rooms with intricately painted ceilings.
What you need to know:
When to go: The Uffizi Gallery is open from 8:15am – 6:50pm Tuesday – Sunday.
How to get there: The address is Piazzale degli Uffizi 6.
Cost: It costs €6.50 for admission and it’s best to book in advance if you can, as the queues can get long.
Inside the Uffizi Gallery
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Duomo
To me, architecture is art in itself and there’s no better place to witness Florence’s finest building designs than at the Duomo, otherwise nown as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Built more than six hundred years ago, the impressive cathedral presides over the city’s skyline with its impressive dome. Truly an artistic marvel.
What you need to know:
When to go: The Duomo is open 10am – 5pm Monday – Wednesday, 10am – 4pm on Thursday, 10am – 4:45pm on Saturday and 1:30pm – 4:45pm on Sunday.
How to get there: The Duomo is in the centre of Florence – you can’t miss it!
Cost: It’s free to enter the cathedral but it costs €8 if you want to visit the 37,000-tonne dome and a further €6 if you wish to go up the 414 steps leading to the bell tower. Both are worth it though!
The impressive Duomo and cathedral
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Galleria dell’Accademia
Most people come here to see the world famous Michelangelo’s David, which was made at the beginning of the 1500s. After being refurbished in 2003 for a cost of €400,000, it’s hard to believe it’s really that old. But the gallery holds other Michelangelo pieces and impressive works from other Gothic and Renaissance artists too.
What you need to know:
When to go: The Galleria dell’Accademia is open from 8.15am – 6:50pm from Tuesdays – Sundays.
How to get there: The address is Via Ricasoli 58-60.
Cost: Admission is €6.50.
The impressive David
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Room of maps at the Palazzo Vecchio
If you’re a travel nerd like I am, you will love the room of maps at the Palazzo Vecchio. The room features more than 50 painted panels showing the world as it was known back in the 16th century. Using maths and astronomy, the maps were designed and give a wonderful insight into how people saw the world centuries ago.
What you need to know:
When to go: Between April and September, the room of maps is open every day except for Thursdays, from 9:00am – Midnight. On Thursdays it is open from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Between October and December, the room of maps is open every day except for Thursdays, from 9:00am – 7:00pm. On Thursday it is open from 9:00am – 2:00pm.
How to get there: The address is Piazza della Signoria.
Cost: Admission is €6.50.
Inside the Palazzo Vecchio
If you’re on a Florence city break, you must dedicate a few days to exploring its art. Chances are, if you’re headed to this part of Italy, you are an art lover. And Florence won’t disappoint you.
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