There are so many incredible things to do in Florence, Italy—so many that a lifetime isn’t enough to explore them all. This is one of the best cities in Italy.
Florence is the city synonymous with the birth of Renaissance art and architecture and the Medici family.
It is a beautiful city in the central Italian region of Tuscany, redolent with statues and basilicas designed by famous Renaissance sculptors and architects, with the likes of Brunelleschi and Giotto, who cunningly and with great skill engineered the stunning interiors and exterior of the Duomo complex.
There are many things to do in Florence, to appreciate and admire the famous works of Michelangelo and Dante, the Italian greats who grew up and were part of the city’s construction we see today.
I have been to Florence many times, including very recently, and I can tell you that with so much to see and do, the city can be overwhelming! Don’t worry, though. Since I know the city well, I thought I’d select the unmissable things to do in Florence, with a few bucket list activities and some lesser-known Florence attractions.
Make sure to also read my posts, How To Make The Most Of One Day In Florence and The Perfect Itinerary To See Florence In 3 Days, for more ideas before your travels and adventures in Florence.
The Best Things To Do In Florence, Italy
Visit basilicas with rich art history and architecture
Il Duomo’s Religious Complex
Visiting the religious sites that make up the Duomo Religious Complex is truly worth it and certainly one of the top things to do in Florence. Each one of them offers something particularly different from its history and design perspective.
The official website of the Duomo Complex clearly outlines the three passes you can choose from if you want to visit.
The Brunelleschi Pass, the most expensive, includes visits to all the monuments, with a single valid ticket for three calendar days selected. With the Giotto Pass, you can visit the Bell Tower, the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata. The Ghiberti Pass, which limits the visit to the Bell Tower, is the cheapest.
Finally, let’s look into more details about the buildings that make up the Duomo Complex.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Situated in Piazza Duomo, the Duomo religious complex is home to the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s Cathedral.
Il Duomo is the third largest church in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. It was the largest church in Europe after its completion in 1412. Needless to say, visiting is one of the unmissable things to do in Florence.
Its structure is 116.50 meters (that’s more than 382 feet) tall and it makes its presence felt with 3600 square meters of frescoed walls. The first stone was laid in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio, who worked on it till 1302.
The building we see today is the result of 170 years of work by artists and architects. The exterior decoration is made from white marble from Carrara, green from Prato, and red from Siena—an impressive and precious design aspect.
It is also the richest church in Italy in terms of stained glass windows, boasting 55 windows depicting religious stories and imagery. Dedicated to the Santa Maria del Fiore, the Virgin of the Flower, it is an allusion to the lily, the symbol of the city of Florence.
Opening times vary seasonally, so you are better off checking the official website. Admission to the Cathedral is free.
For the most elite access, I recommend this Alone In The Duomo: VIP After-Hours Tour with Climb & Private Terrace Access. The tour is the perfect escape from the crowds, and is the best way to explore and learn more about the Cathedral in a very private, low-key setting. I took this tour last time I was in Florence last April and it felt like a really privileged experience! Our guide was outstanding, and the views from the Brunelleschi Dome at sunset out of this world. And we literally saw the Duomo getting locked!
For a guided tour of Florence, which includes access to the Cathedral and Brunelleschi Dome, I recommend this Florence: VIP Cathedral, Rooftop Dome Tour & Private Tour. The tour includes a licensed guide, an entrance fee to the Dome, the Baptistry Museum, the northern terrace of the Duomo, and a view from the cupola.
If you just want to visit the Cathedral, I recommend this Duomo Cathedral Skip-the-Line Guided Tour. The tour only takes about an hour, so you’ll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. This tour includes a licensed guide, radios and headsets, and entry to the Cathedral.
For a guided tour of the Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo Museum, I recommend this Duomo Complex Guided Tour with Dome Admission. You’ll climb up to the Florence Duomo, learn about the museum’s artwork, visit the Baptistry of St. Johns, go to the Opera del Duomo Museum, and climb to the top of the Cupola.
Check out my post, How To Get Florence Duomo Tickets, if you’re planning on doing it independently. And make sure to plan and book things in advance, as well.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
The Bell Tower was completed in 1334. Construction lasted 25 years, and Giotto di Bondone was involved in only three of them. A sculptor, architect, and pioneering engineer of his time, he utilized perspective to design his free-standing campanile.
Also, a personal friend of Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, claimed he was the first artist to ‘paint what he saw from nature.’
If you climb to its highest point, 84.7 meters (almost 278 feet) tall and approximately 15 meters (more than 49 feet) wide, you can get a perfect view of Florence. With narrow stairs to the top, every 100 steps, you have the chance to rest and admire the painted frescoes, which are an encyclopedia of medieval knowledge.
Giotto’s Bell Tower is an example of great balance and of gothic taste for slim and elegant figures. Admission to the Giotto’s Bell Tower is included in the Giotto Pass.
Make sure to also read my post, How To Visit Giotto’s Bell Tower, for more detailed instructions and guidance, as well as a little history and further information before your visit.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
The Cupola was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, who was responsible for many Basilicas around the city. He was interested in sculpting, mechanics, and mathematics and was the first designer and architect to be responsible for one job. Due to its mastery of beauty and ingenuity, the dome is the premise for cultural rebirth after the dark Middle Ages.
It has a brilliant structure modeled on Roman architecture (specifically the Pantheon Dome). He designed an octagonal self-supporting dome that didn’t need a center.
The secret of this structure’s balance is in the jointing game (in a ‘fishbone fashion’), making the dome a complex but perfect mechanical device. Built from different materials, it stands at 116 meters (380.5 feet), rendering it the largest masonry vault in the world.
Opening times vary, so you may want to check the official website for more accurate information.
One of the easiest ways to visit the Brunelleschi’s Dome is with this Cathedral and Brunelleschi’s Dome Ticket & Audio Tour. It’s still very independent, so you can explore and visit at your own pace, and since the entry ticket is included, you don’t have to worry about that either.
For a guided tour, I recommend the VIP After-Hours Tour that I mentioned earlier. The tour takes place in the early evening after almost everyone has left. It feels very intimate and is hands-down the best way to visit Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Alternatively, you can get a Brunelleschi Pass or the Florence Pass. The Florence Pass includes discounted entry to Brunelleschi Dome, Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and even a city audio guide.
The Florence Baptistery: The Baptistery of San Giovanni
The octagonal baptistery stands in both Piazza del Duomo and Piazza San Giovanni. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city (1059 and 1128) and has the status of a minor basilica. Named after St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence, it is one of the monuments that represents the civic identity of the city.
Grandiose and imposing, it has been the location of many famous baptisms, with the likes of the Medici family and Dante Alighieri. Michelangelo was particularly struck by one of Lorenzo Ghiberti’s doors on the north side, he called it The Door of Paradise.
For more detailed opening hours check out the official website.
For a guided tour of the Baptistery with access to the Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo Museum, check out this Dome Climb, Museum, and Baptistry Small-Group Tour. The activity includes all entry tickets, time for a self-guided climb up the Dome, and a licensed guide for the other activities. It also includes the 3-day pass for the Bell Tower and Cathedral Crypt, so you can return on your own time.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The convent was built between 1279 and 1357, with an added reconstruction of the upper layer in 1470. Historically, Dominican monks inhabited the monastery, preaching charity, humility, and Christian values.
The façade is the oldest of all churches in the city, and it is still intact. It’s home to Giotto’s Crucifix, which hangs in the middle of the central nave and depicts Christ’s struggle. You can visit the two cloisters (one inside and one outside), which have beautiful frescoes and history to view.
The official website has all the useful information about visiting this Basilica, including the frequently changing opening hours.
You can also purchase Santa Maria Novella tickets with Audioguide as a bundle. This is a little more expensive than buying the tickets on your own, but definitely much easier and faster. The audio guide is a nice bonus, as well, and a great way to learn a lot more while you explore.
Head over to my post, A Guide To The Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella. The travel guide details the history of Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella and detailed instructions on how to visit it.
Basilica of San Lorenzo
This church once stood as the Cathedral of Florence for 300 years. It was the parish church for the Medici family. You can even visit the museum which holds an underground chamber holding the tomb of Cosimo di Medici.
The façade was supposed to be covered by Michelangelo’s ingenuity, but due to a lack of funds and other complications, this never came to fruition, hence it still remains unfinished today. Nonetheless, it is the inside of the church where the beauty and treasure lie.
The familiar Florentine architect Brunelleschi rebuilt the interior structure with geometric forms in 1419, giving it a minimalist and modern touch. The Cannon’s Cloister is an enchanting green space with a two-story courtyard loggia and rich, round arches. The Laurenziana Library is also part of the complex, holding the most prestigious collection of Italian manuscripts.
You may want to double-check opening hours on their website for more detailed information on closing hours due to special events. The entrance ticket to the Basilica Complex includes the Basilica, the Old Sacristy, the Cloisters, the Museum of the Treasury, and the crypt.
Alternatively, you can opt for a Reserved Entrance Ticket to the Medici Chapel, which includes admission to the Medici Chapel.
You should also read my post, The Most Beautiful Churches In Florence. It’s written from my personal perspective based on my many visits to Florence and the churches all around the city.
The Medici Chapel
This is the burial place of the Medici family—so important it was for the city’s life that visiting is one of the best things to do in Florence. The Chapel is divided into three parts, including the crypt and the Cappella dei Principi (of the Princes), in which the walls are covered with marvelous marble and semi-precious stones.
The New Sacristy was designed by Michelangelo and preserves some of his extraordinary masterpieces.
On their official website, you can find all the information about opening hours (which vary almost every day) and individual tickets for the Medici Chapel.
If you’re looking for the easiest route, you can reserve this Medici Chapels: Skip The Line Ticket ahead of time.
Basilica of Santo Spirito
The Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit is located in the Oltrarno Quarter (on the other side of the River compared to more famous sites in town), a less visited part of the city—and all the more charming if you ask me.
It was historically an Augustinian church and convent, and in 1284, it became a center of scholarly activities and the official building of the Augustinian Order.
Brunelleschi began designs for the new building in 1444, as the old church caught fire. Much like Michelangelo’s thwarted San Lorenzo façade, Brunelleschi’s façade was never built as he died two years before completion.
The architectural design was part of the artwork—he worked to bring classical order, which is central to Renaissance architecture. A part of Michelangelo can be found here, too—as a young adult, he found refuge in this church and happily obliged to sculpt a wooden crucifix that can be admired in the Sacristy.
You can get tickets directly at the entrance.
Basilica of Santa Croce
This is the largest Franciscan church in the world, and it was built in the Middle Ages—it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best places to visit in Florence. At the beginning of the Renaissance, it was a renowned theological school in which Dante Alighieri was a young student.
Over 15,000 people are buried there, among them Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Machiavelli.
Its simple and original design is by Arnolfo di Cambio, a great renovator of Florence at the time of the Renaissance. The artworks inside are an expression of its magnificence, holding Cimbaue’s preserved crucifix and a picture of the Last Supper which set the precedence of paintings to come, only to be broken by Leonardo da Vinci’s interpretation.
Giorgio Vasari began renovating the church halfway through the 1500s, transforming the church with monumental altars instead of many frescoes. There are twelve chapels inside the basilica, all with classic Gothic expression: umbrella ceilings and slim, high windows.
It’s located 800 meters (about half a mile) southeast of the Duomo.
You can purchase your Entry Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex in advance. It includes a skip-the-line ticket and a map of the complex.
For a guided tour, I recommend this Florence Santa Croce Church Tour. It’s a very well-organized tour that even includes a radio system so the entire group can hear everything from start to finish. You can also select a wine tasting at the end, which is a nice touch.
You should also read my post, A Guide To The Basilica Di Santa Croce. It has a lot of information about the history and significance of the site, as well as more detailed instructions. on the best way to visit while in Florence.
Check out the art galleries and museums
Accademia Gallery
Visiting the Accademia is one of the best things to do in Florence—something you truly can’t miss if you are visiting for the first time.
At the turn of the 18th century, the Grand Duke of Lorena Pietro Leopoldo decided to consolidate all art schools in Florence into a single space, establishing the First Fine Arts Academy in the city.
It is perhaps most famous for Michelangelo’s incredible sculptures. The Hall of Prisoners, which preserves his unfinished ‘Slaves’, leads to David’s statue exposed under a circular skylight.
Their most recent section is that of musical instruments, which feature one-of-a-kind pieces by Stradivari and Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the pianoforte.
To visit, you must book a time slot well in advance—it sells out regularly.
For skip-the-line tickets to the Accademia Gallery, I recommend this Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Ticket with eBook. It’s still a very independent way to explore, but it makes the process much easier.
As with other popular Florence attractions, admission is also included in the Florence Pass – though remember that you will have to book it separately once you get the pass.
For a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery, I recommend this Skip-the-Line Accademia Guided Tour. The tour includes priority entrance tickets, a licensed guide, headsets, earphones, and even luggage storage.
If you still have questions about the different visiting options or just want to learn a little more, make sure to read my post, How To Get Tickets To The Galleria Dell’Accademia.
Michelangelo’s David
If visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia is among the unmissable things to do in Florence, Michelangelo’s David plays a big role in it!
There is much history and background knowledge to truly appreciate David’s statue, which has been in the Gallery since 1873. The statue was first intended to be displayed on the rooftops of the Duomo, but due to its colossal size (you’ll realize how big it is once you get close to it), it was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio, in the Piazza Signoria.
A committee of thirty Florentine citizens, including the artists Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli, was convened to make this decision.
Such superb work has not been witnessed before. Though an artist, architect, and scholar, Michelangelo considered himself a sculptor. In 1501, he was commissioned to create the work, which was unveiled in September 1504. The 26-year-old Michelangelo was called to Rome by the Pope himself (Giulio II) to paint the Sistine Chapel.
Described as ‘daringly anti-classical,’ Michelangelo portrayed David before the battle with the giant Goliath, taken from the Old Testament story. His attitude is strong and arrogant, and his expression tells of an inner battle within himself.
It is all in the details: his hands are perfectly proportioned and carved beautifully to be knotted and to have enlarged veins, signaling the tension and preparation for battle. He even sculpted the pupils in the shape of hearts.
Because of the figure it represented, the statue soon came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties in the Republic of Florence, an independent city-state. The eyes of David and his warning glare were always fixated towards Rome, where the Medici family lived.
Opening hours and admissions are the same as for the Galleria dell’Accademia. You can also purchase a Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David ahead of time.
Uffizi Gallery
You simply can’t go to Florence without visiting the Uffizi Gallery. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, architect of the Palazzo Vecchio a few doors down, between 1560 and 1580, the Uffizi has a labyrinth of 45 rooms, each differentiated by a painter.
The Botticelli Room (incidentally my favorite of the entire exhibit) holds his largest collection of works, including the Birth of Venus and Spring.
The Uffizi Gallery has been open to the public since 1765 and is thus considered the oldest museum in the world. That is, thanks to the patronage of the Medici family.
You must book a time slot well in advance to visit. The best time to visit is in the afternoon (better after 4:00 p.m.). Most visitors leave the gallery at 5:30 p.m. or so, and when they go, you’ll have the rooms to yourself!
If you’d like to visit on your own time, you can purchase this Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entry Ticket in advance. It doesn’t include a guide or anything, just the ticket, so you can explore on your own.
For a Uffizi Gallery tour, I recommend this Uffizi & Accademia Small Group Walking Tour. It’s the best guided experience and one of the best walking tours in Florence. It includes skip-the-line entry to Uffizi and Accademia and hours of strolling through the streets of Florence.
Admission is also included in the Florence Pass – let me remind you that you must book your time slot separately.
For further information, you can read my post How To Get Tickets To The Uffizi Gallery, where I discuss the history, significance, and general travel advice for tourists, all based on my personal experience.
Bargello Museum
Bargello comes from the Latin bargillus, meaning castle or fortified tower. In 1255, the Palazzo del Bargello was employed as a house ‘del Popolo’ (literally “of the people”). Then, it became the seat of the City Council and, later, a prison and place of execution.
It remained the headquarters of the Florentine police until 1859 and has been a national museum of Gothic and Renaissance sculptures since 1865.
It has a fine collection of historic materials: ceramics, tapestries, textiles, silver, and armor. For Renaissance history of art fanatics, the Uffizi is for paintings, and the Bargello is for sculptures—hence, make sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Florence. Among Michelangelo and Donatello, it also holds the famous works of Luca della Robbia, Verrocchio, and Cellini.
A combined ticket allows you to visit this museum, the Cappelle Medicee, Palazzo Davanzati, Orsanmichele Museum, and Casa Martelli.
I recommend this Reserved Entry Ticket to Bargello Museum. It’s a simple entry ticket, but it’s easy to book and allows you to explore on your own.
Bargello Museum is one of my favorite museums in Florence, but there are many more. To learn about all the other incredible museums, read my Italy travel guide, The Best Museums In Florence.
Casa di Dante Museum
Considered the father of the Italian language, Dante Alighieri’s home on Via Santa Margherita is open to the public: it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Florence.
A Florentine born in 1265, inside Dante’s home there are documents and archives on his life and works. The floors are divided into three important stages of his life: his youth, his exile, and the wonderfully reproduced iconography of Dante from his fellow artist’s friends, with the likes of Giotto, Andrea del Castagno, Luca Signorelli, and Raphael.
Closing time varies depending on the season. You can book guided tours as well as workshops that are particularly engaging for children.
Galileo Museum
This museum is located in what was the former Institute and Museum of the History of Science. It changed its name in 2010 and is now in Piazza dei Giudici, close to the Uffizi Gallery.
The museum is dedicated to astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei. It owns the world’s greatest collection of scientific instruments from the Medici Collections and all of Galileo’s unique artifacts, including the telescope that discovered the moons of Jupiter.
If you are interested more in science and geography than the arts, this museum is for you, and visiting will be one of the most fun things to do in Florence, Italy for you.
The Museo Galileo Entrance Ticket is the easiest way to reserve your Galileo ticket in advance.
Hang around the Main Square
Piazza della Signoria
Closely lodged between the city’s religious center and the Arno River, this piazza has been the center of civil power and politics since the birth of the Florentine Republic.
It was the scene of public events and executions, and the collection of statues that crowd the square witness particular historic moments in the city. It goes without saying that visiting is one of the top things to do in Florence.
Palazzo Vecchio
This is the city’s town hall, a Romanesque fortress-palace built by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 1200s.
Inside the great building, there is a museum where you can enjoy fantastic sights of Florentine history and art, including the ruins of the Roman theatre in an archaeological crypt. The palace also holds Donatello’s Judith and Michelangelo’s Victory.
Reservations are mandatory on the official website or third-party sites. This Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket & Videoguide is the easiest and best option.
For a guided tour, I recommend this Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour. The tour includes a certified tour guide and entry ticket to Palazzo Vecchio and guarantees a small-group tour.
Make sure also to read my post, How To Get Tickets To Palazzo Vecchio, for more detailed instructions and descriptions before your visit to Florence and Palazzo Vecchio.
Arnolfo Tower
For incredible views of the city, climbing the Arnolfo Tower is one of the nicest things to do in Florence. This crenelated tower soars over the piazza, a dominating 94 meters (over 308 feet) in height.
The tower was historically used as a prison for the men who were to be executed. In the bell room, there are three bells: the famous ‘Martinella’ that gathers all Florentines, the midday bell, and that which chimes the hours. You can climb up the tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the center.
Many Florence walking tours include a stop around Arnolfo Tower and sometimes even time to climb to the top. If you’re looking for a good walking tour around the city center, I recommend this Heart of Florence Guided Walking Tour. The tour includes stops at over 10 famous Florence tourist attractions, including several in the Arnolfo Tower area.
Arnolfo Tower also has one of my favorite views in Florence, but there are some other great viewpoints. You should also read my post, Where To Get The Best Views In Florence, so you know where to get the best social media photos or just to enjoy a good view.
Fountain of Neptune
To the far left of the Palazzo is the Neptune fountain, perhaps the most impressive monument in the Square. It represents the Roman sea god surrounded by his water nymphs. Commissioned in 1575 to Bartolomeo Ammannati, the fountain celebrates the Medici’s maritime successes and Florence’s dominion over the sea.
Loggia dei Lanzi
Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance sculptures. Wide, impressive arches open to the street; the structure itself is a fine example of Florentine Gothic architecture. Every statue here symbolizes some part of Florence’s history, with a precise political reference.
The statue of Perseo holding Medusa’s head was a stark reminder of what happened to those who crossed and defied the Medici. Named after Cosimo II’s bodyguards, visiting this place is one of the best free things to do in Florence.
Chianina Meats and Chiantis: Florence’s Best Food and Drinks to Try
Fiorentina Steak
Food is a huge part of Italian culture and everyday life, and that includes Florence, too. Bistecca alla Fiorentina—Fiorentina steak—is one of the dishes you absolutely must try when in town.
This type of steak is of particularly high standing and has a definite taste of Florence. An adult Tuscan beef steak cut 3-4 fingers high in the T-bone loin is cooked rare. The Chianina meat is from the breed of cattle of the Val di Chiana region: a dense, lean beef steak. Artworks depicting this juicy cut date back to 1624.
There are numerous restaurants around the city, ranging from mid-range to high-end, where you can have a good bistecca alla Fiorentina. Regina Bistecca cooks its Chianina steak on exposed charcoal embers.
Buca Lapi, on the other hand, is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence, having been open since the 1880s. When I visited Florence a while back, I had a Florentine steak at Trattoria Osteria dall’Oste. There are actually several scattered around town (all belonging to the same person), and the best is the one closest to the Duomo.
Last time I visited, I ate it at Trattoria BBQ in the Oltrarno District and it was absolutely delicious. This is a more local place, so a great option if you want a more easygoing atmosphere.
As a local Italian, I have a lot of insight into Italian food. If you want more inspiration on must-try dishes in Florence, you should also read my post, The Best Food To Try In Florence.
Lampredotto Sandwich
Apparently as old as the Palazzo Vecchio and as adored as Dante’s poetry, try one of these sandwiches for a taste of Florentine street food deliciousness. ‘Lampredotto’ is the local word for eels, as the meat resembles them in shape and color.
It is filled with tender slices of tripe (the fourth or final stomach of the cow) boiled in onion, celery, and tomato broth. It is garnished with salsa verde, a spicy green sauce.
Dotted around the markets of Florence, you can find ‘lampredottai’ spots. The panino costs only €3.50. To name a few, L’Antico Trippaio can be found in Piazza dei Cimatori and the Trippaio Pollini on via de’ Macci (Sant’Ambrogio area).
It can be enjoyed between church-hopping or when exploring the Mercato Centrale. It’s not exactly light food, and it’s not the thing to try if you are a picky eater. But if you are as adventurous with food as you are with your trips, this is one of the tastiest things to do in Florence.
I strongly encourage a food tour at least once in Italy. This gives you more insider knowledge about the local food and unique dishes of the region. I recommend this Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour. The tour includes 8+ food tastings and 4 drinks across five family-run businesses. It’s also well-organized and very informative. I took the tour myself last time I was in Florence and it stopped at a bunch of truly local places – and the food was delicious.
Another great option is this Tastes & Traditions of Florence: Food Tour With Sant’Ambrogio Market – which (it goes without saying) I took last time I was in Florence, in April. With a local expert, you’ll try nine local tastings at eight different locations and three glasses of wine – it’s a morning tour that starts with a very earthy Italian-style breakfast and continues with a stop at the market, a stop for gelato and more.
Wine Tasting
There are many wine-tasting tours that you can book online, and they are definitely one of the top things to do in Florence you should not miss. Tours typically take you to Chianti wineries and normally include traditional Italian antipasti (picture a cutting board filled to the brim with salami, cheese, prosciutto, coppa, and other delicious cold cuts).
A wine tour day trip typically includes visits to two authentic vineyards, tasting wines with the beautiful landscape of the rolling hills, and transportation on a bus or shuttle, depending on how large the group is.
If you don’t want to escape Florence to explore the best Tuscan wines, Piazza del Vino on Via della Torretta is a stocked wine shop with an adjoining restaurant.
Enoteca Alla Sosta dei Papi is one of my favorite spots, as it emphasizes natural wines.
For a wine-tasting tour, I recommend this From Florence: Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany. You’ll visit two incredible wineries in the Tuscany region, where you can indulge in some of the best Italian wine and snacks. This Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting is another fun option.
Drinks at Sesto on Arno
Florence is packed with rooftop bars (stay tuned, as I will be writing about them), but this is easily my favorite. If you have the budget to splurge (last time I went, it was €20 for a glass of champagne), this is easily one of the best things to do in Florence.
Choose a bottle to share with friends or from exclusive cocktails that will come with some snacks. Go in time for one of the most beautiful sunset views in Florence.
The dress code is smart casual—nothing too fancy. I wore pants and a colorful jacket when I visited. Definitely reserve a table online, as it can get very busy. Perched on top of a five-star luxury hotel, it is perfect for a long and relaxing aperitif or dinner date.
I’m a big fan of classy rooftop bars when I travel, especially when in such a picturesque city like Florence. If you want to visit some others, check out my post, The Best Rooftop Bars In Florence.
Two Old Bridges To Cross
Ponte Vecchio
Translated literally as ‘old bridge,’ this is the oldest medieval stone closed-arched bridge over the Arno River. Shops have been built along it, and butchers and farmers have historically occupied the space. Now, it is home to jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir goods.
It connects Piazza del Duomo and Signoria to the Palazzo Pitti and Santo Spirito neighborhood, so it is an inevitable crossing on your visiting endeavors. Considered one of the most romantic spots in Florence, with love locks covering the sides of the bridge, it is also a legendary symbol of the city.
Ponte Santa Trinità
This bridge is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world, with three flattened ellipses. It is neighbored by Ponte Vecchio to the east and Ponte alla Carraia to the west, making it a great viewing point for the classic bridge.
The original Ponte, built in 1252, was a humble wooden structure that was thrice swept away by floods and then once again destroyed by the German bombs in 1944.
Although not as old as Ponte Vecchio, it is a perfect representation of Florence’s story: wrecked by flood, celebrated by the Medici dukes by leaving their mark, and destroyed by war – a true local symbol. It’s also a fantastic viewpoint over the Ponte Vecchio and the buildings along the Arno River!
The Grand Palace: Palazzo Pitti
Definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Florence, the Pitti residence was chosen and purchased by Cosimo I de Medici in 1550 as the new Grand Ducal residence.
It then became the new symbol of the Medici’s power over Tuscany, enlarging Brunelleschi’s original design. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it housed two other dynasties, but it still holds the name of its first owner, Luca Pitti, the Florentine banker.
The palace today is divided into four museums: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes (including the Silver Museum), the Palatine Gallery and the Apartments (actually my favorite part of the entire Pitti Palace), the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
You should purchase the Entrance Ticket to Pitti Palace in advance. If you’d like a little better value for multiple attractions, you can also purchase these Palazzo Pitti & Palatina Gallery + Boboli Gardens tickets as a bundle.
For a guided tour of Pitti Palace, I recommend this Palatina Gallery and Pitti Tour. It’s a short yet very informative tour of Pitti Palace and even includes a wine tasting.
For more information, read my post, How To Get Tickets To Pitti Palace. The travel guide goes into a lot more detail about the best ways to visit and a little about the history.
Florence’s Gardens
Boboli Gardens
A walk around the Boboli Gardens is one of the ultimate things to do in Florence. Situated directly behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Garden is the prototype of Italian-style gardens. This very ‘green architecture’ inspired the Parisian heart of Versailles.
The open-air museum garden, which covers an area of 45,000 square meters, is filled with grottos (built by artist, architect, and sculptor Bernardo Buontalenti), fountains, pergolas, marble statues, and even a small lake. Because of its richness, it is also now a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).
For a cumulative ticket to Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, you can buy this Palazzo Pitti & Palatine Gallery + Boboli Gardens entry ticket. It’s the easiest way to see everything in this area.
For a walking tour of Boboli Gardens, I recommend this Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens Walking Tour. It includes entry tickets, a guide, and plenty of time to explore the most beautiful sections of Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.
Make sure to also read my post, How To Get Tickets To Boboli Gardens, for a more comprehensive guide on how to visit and why you’ll love it.
Bardini Gardens
Many would tell you that the Bardini Gardens are one of the hidden gems in Florence, but to be fair, they are actually quite well known! They are part of Villa Bardini in the hilly part of Oltrarno.
Only recently opened to the public, it is literally a secret garden to explore. It is composed of three different areas, each created in a different time period: a farming area with hillside terraces filled with olive trees, an English garden, and a baroque flight of steps that includes a belvedere and offers spectacular views of Florence.
There is a wisteria pergola that is in full bloom from mid-April to the beginning of May. I went in mid-May, and the wisteria was already gone—I suppose it depends on how hot it gets and how early it blooms!
You can get a cumulative Palazzo Pitti, Boboli & Bardini Gardens: Skip The Line ticket, which is probably the best way to visit all three without having to wait in the longer line.
This part of Florence is home to some of the most underrated gems in the city. If you want to find more, make sure to also read my post, The Best Hidden Gems In Florence.
The Rose Gardens
A place of extraordinary beauty, the Rose Gardens are an ideal, romantic green oasis to seek rest in the afternoon. They contain 400 varieties of roses and 1,200 plants. They were created in 1865 by Giuseppe Poggi, who also designed the Piazzale Poggi, from which the street takes its name.
The bucolic natural setting also hosts a Japanese garden within the fields of roses, which was donated to the Municipality of Florence by the city of Kyoto. The garden is free to visit and roam – it truly is a precious gem of fragrance and vibrant colors.
There is ALWAYS Time For Shopping
Mercato San Lorenzo / Centrale
Shopping is one of the most fun things to do in Florence and there’s no better place for it than Mercato San Lorenzo!
With an interchangeable name and an indoor and outdoor market space, this historic site is open every day. A few streets down from the Basilica di San Lorenzo and only 900 meters (about half a mile) from Santa Maria Novella train station, you can spend a whole afternoon here browsing and tasting all types of rich foods.
According to their official website, it is an “ideal marketplace of taste”. The outside market has street vendors selling pottery, clothing, notebooks, and leather goods.
San Lorenzo’s inside two-level food market accommodates wonderful fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as butchers and fishmongers on the first floor. The second level is a gourmet street food court where you can find food from all over Italy at incredibly reasonable prices. There even are cooking classes.
Don’t forget to read my post, A Guide To The Mercato Centrale. There’s a lot more to this market than you might imagine, and you should come somewhat prepared to make the most of your time.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Now, this really is one of the most unique places to visit in Florence. I stumbled upon it on my way to the train station as I was about to leave the city. It is located in Via della Scala 16 in part of the complex of Santa Maria Novella.
From 1381, the Dominicans sold rose water as a disinfectant and sold other essences, ointments, elixirs, and balms made naturally from herb and flower gardens. The perfumery dates back to 1612 when it was given status from the Grand Duke Ferdinando II de Medici.
Ancient preparations such as perfumes, tablets, candles, liquors, and accessories can be bought online. With an online store, you can buy iconic wellness products from the comfort of your own home and incorporate a slice of royal history into your skincare routine.
As soon as you walk in, you will be able to admire the grand and opulent frescoed sales room, which was originally a chapel.
Shopping for Leather Goods
Florence is known globally for its historic craftsmanship of leather products. These make great souvenirs, and haggling at a leather market is a must-do when in Florence.
Casini, located on Piazza de’ Pitti, has a wide selection of leather jackets for both genders. There is also the Oltrarno leather district on the south bank of the Arno. Head there one afternoon to explore leather shoemakers working tirelessly to produce the best work – they will proudly talk to you about their creative process.
If you are searching for something trendy and chic, Benheart, recommended by many, is one of the coolest stores in Florence. It sells shoes, bags, jackets, and accessories, especially for young buyers.
Finally, check out the leather shop in Via de’ Ginori 23r—that’s where I bought my purse. They have a lab right at the back, so you will know where the bag you are buying is coming from!
More fun things to do in Florence
A Romantic Sunset View From Piazzale Michelangelo
A postcard-worthy scene and one of the bucket list things to do in Florence: romantic, framed with red and orange hues on the Florence Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo offers the best views of Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River, Brunelleschi Dome, Giotto Tower, and the Duomo, with the Tuscan hills of Fiesole in the background.
Grab a drink and simply sit and watch the sunset, perhaps listening to a musician performing live to experience the city from a different perspective. Take a moment of wonder to enjoy the enthralling historic city of discovery, power, and, of course, incredible architecture.
Before finishing your evening here, the San Miniato al Monte Abbey is another great site to admire. Majestically sitting atop the Piazzale, it is thought by many locals to be the most beautiful church in the city.
To get there, cross over to the south bank of the Arno River. From there, follow the signs to the top. There is a path or steps; you can also drive up there or get buses 12 and 13, which will drop you off in the Piazzale. Alternatively, you can join a bike tour that will take you there.
For something unique and exciting, I recommend this Florence: E-Bike Tour with Michelangelo Square. It’s a two-hour guided e-bike tour that goes by the Medici Palace, Michelangelo Square, and other important parts of the city. I took the tour myself and found it truly enjoyable.
A Touch of Luck: Il Porcellino Statue
Il Porcellino (‘piglet’) is the local nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar sculpted by the Baroque maestro Pietro Tacca in 1634.
The original was found in Rome and was relocated to Florence in the mid-16th century. This iconic Florentine statue can be found in the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo near the Ponte Vecchio, which was originally a place for selling artisanal fabrics.
You can can put a coin into the boar’s mouth with the intent to let it fall through the underlying grate for good luck. Whilst it falls, you make a wish. Rub the boar’s snout to ensure your return to Florence – it has a polished sheen for this very reason!
A perfect escape from the city in only 20 minutes: a day trip to Fiesole
Fiesole is an affluent suburban town and commune on the outskirts of Florence, where you can view the scenic sites of the city’s epicenter from above and escape its hustle and bustle.
A day trip to the city is easily one of the best things to do in Florence. You can arrive by car or taxi in 20 minutes, or you can take the bus (ATAF bus 7) or even bike there.
Nestled above a hillside of olive trees, visitors can enjoy the natural Mediterranean products: wine and olive oil. Aside from the views that can be seen from the San Francesco monastery, it is an Etruscan-Roman Archaeological settlement area (from the 9th-8th century BC), which is home to many ancient Roman baths and theaters within the site.
Don’t forget to read my post, The Best Day Trips From Florence. If you have more time in the area, you might want to escape for at least one or two-day trips. Fortunately, Italy’s train and bus system makes it really easy to get around.
Walking or bike tour of the city
Finally, one of the things to do in Florence to get acquainted with it is a bike or walking tour. By strolling the city streets and piazzas, you will stumble upon marvelous statues and historic monuments that will take your breath away. Most churches, museums, and gardens are in close proximity.
A bike tour may be a bit more tricky as there are lots of tourists on the cobbled streets—so I would only recommend it for experienced bikers. Having said so, if you are up for it, it’s a fun experience. I did one that went all the way to Piazzale Michelangelo and truly enjoyed it.
Some tours include a gelato stop, others follow a Medici-themed tour, and some are set at night to discover an alternative way of exploring this great city. In fact, an evening walking tour is one of the best things to do in Florence at night.
For a bike tour of Florence, I recommend this 2-Hour Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour. The tour includes the bike rental and equipment, a guide, and luggage storage if needed. Some highlights that you’ll pass through are Medici Palace, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, and Oltrarno.
For a walking tour with the best Florence sightseeing, I recommend this Florence: Guided Walking Tour. The walking tour aims to enlighten participants on Florence/s unique history, culture, architecture, and significant landmarks.
Further Readings
Planning a trip to Italy that includes Tuscany? These posts will be useful:
- The Best Places To Visit In Italy
- A Classic Italy Itinerary
- The Best Italy Travel Tips
- The Best Florence Travel Tips
- What To Do And What To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Italy
- How To Plan A Day Trip From Florence To Cinque Terre
- How To Get From Rome To Florence
- What To Do In Florence At Night
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