Many people visit Florence just to check it off their travel list, but when you get to spend more time here, you’ll find plenty of hidden treasures. For students staying for a semester, knowing the city’s main landmarks can make daily life more enjoyable and less confusing. From medieval gates to scenic walks and quiet parks, this guide will help you experience Florence like a local and explore with more confidence. 

City Gates (porte della città) 

For centuries, Florence was enclosed by massive walls that both defended it and defined its limits. Today, just a single stretch of these walls survives, located in the southern Oltrarno district. On the northern side of the Arno River, the walls were demolished in the 19th century, when Florence served as Italy’s capital, to allow for the construction of the ring roads. Despite numerous changes to the city’s blueprint over the centuries, nine of its grand medieval gates and towers have endured. One impressive example is Porta San Niccolò, erected in 1324, which has retained its original height of 115 feet and offers a vantage point that makes the 160-step climb worthwhile. Today, the gates serve not only as landmarks of architectural and historic interest but also as useful orientation points for locals. 

TIP: Think of the gates as the “anchors” of Florence that can guide you in and out of the historic center.

Squares (piazze) 

One of the first things that you quickly notice when you arrive in Florence is that the squares are like the beating hearts that set the rhythm of everyday life, from the crowded rush hours to the serene ‘dolce far niente’ (the sweetness of doing nothing), sipping coffee and watching people pass by. It’s often said that wandering through Florence’s squares is like walking through a free, open-air museum. Of course, you’ll pass by the Piazza del Duomo several times during your stay, but we also recommend getting to know other squares, like Piazza Santo Spirito or Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, to experience a more local feel of Italian culture and social life. 

TIP: Hopping from square to square is one of the best ways to get around the city, so having a general idea of the location of the major piazze is a great way to master the city and to show off your orienteering skills. 

Parks (giardini) 

Florence is dotted with beautiful green areas that offer a break from the urban bustle, whether you want to jog, read, picnic, or just sunbathe. Some parks charge an entrance fee, while others are free. A lovely free park with a great view of the city is the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden), located just below Piazzale Michelangelo. As Florence can sometimes feel quite enclosed, a chance to enjoy the outdoors is a great way to recharge during a busy semester. 

TIP: Parks are your study spots. On sunny days, head to one of the free parks with your notebooks and snacks. A little outdoor studying or sketching really embraces Florence as your dynamic and lively campus. 

Avenues (viali)

When you look at a map of Florence, you might notice that the historic center is encircled by ring roads. The “viali” are wide, tree-lined avenues that serve as major traffic routes, allowing cars to reach the city without entering the protected historic center. Some of these avenues are lined with bike lanes, which are separated from other traffic and are generally safer to use, while others, such as Viale Michelangelo leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo, are great for scenic walks or jogs. 

TIP: The avenues might help you orient yourself. If you’re ever lost, try to find a viale and then work your way toward the center. 

Hills (colline)

Fiesole to the north and the Oltrarno hills to the south allow you to admire the city from the top. The climb is rewarded with stunning panoramic views, enchanting quiet streets, and an escape from the busy center. A walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo is almost a rite of passage for anyone who arrives in Florence, while other gems worth the effort in the Oltrarno include Villa Bardini, Forte di Belvedere, and Boboli Gardens. 

TIP: The hills are worth the climb. The short walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo might be a workout, but it guarantees a stunning view of the Duomo, while a hike in Fiesole guarantees an unmatched, vast panorama of the city. 

Did you Know?

Getting Around on Foot 

Florence’s historic center is very compact compared to larger cities like Rome or Milan. This makes walking the fastest and easiest way to get around, as most of the main squares, museums, and landmarks are within 10 to 20 minutes of each other. With the generally mild weather conditions in spring and fall, walking through Florence is very enjoyable, especially if you leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds. (This way, you might catch some of the most popular tourist spots, like Ponte Vecchio, completely empty.) 

 TIP: Wear comfortable shoes. Cobblestones are charming, but they can make your feet sore after a while. 

Roadworks 

Florence is an old city, and many of its public spaces need renovation. In 2026, several projects are underway, the most noteworthy being the construction of a new tramline connecting the center to the commuter town of Bagno a Ripoli. As you can imagine, excavation work in Italy often exposes significant traces of history, which tends to slow construction while archaeological checks are carried out. Most recently, construction on the road in Piazza Beccaria had to be paused for a month after medieval city walls were uncovered during excavation. So while construction can be inconvenient (and locals tend to be rather vocal about it), remember that it’s not as simple in Italy as it might be in the States. It also means the city is investing in more accessible sidewalks, bike paths, and public spaces, which is an important part of the lived experience of people who live or work in Florence. 

TIP: Be patient and cautious. Keep your eyes peeled when approaching a road construction site, as some streets may be closed or detoured even for pedestrians. Think of it as an opportunity to discover a new café, street, or shortcut off your regular route to and from home. 

We have compiled these landmarks into a map, which you can study if you want to become the master guide of Florence for your friends and family. Try also to incorporate some of these spots into your routine – you just might find your favorite new gelateria or catch the sunset from a different point of view. Happy discovering!