15 Best Things to Do In Florence On Your Next Visit

Small in size but a giant on the world stage, there’s a long list of wonderful things to do in Florence. Renaissance masterpieces, regal palaces, and unique culture are the beginning of Florence’s enchantment.

With Roman history, medieval fortresses, and Renaissance buildings, Florence is from another era.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, prominent artists sought lucrative commissions. Their output has blessed the city with a bounty of art like nowhere else.

Witness the beauty of Botticelli’s masterful brush strokes. Admire exquisite frescoes in serene churches. Marvel at Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring sculptures.

But Florence is also a city of today. A thirst for culture exists in crafty cocktail bars and ageing tavernas. In unassuming chapels with era-defining art and quiet streets with humble restaurants.

We’ve visited the city several times, never failing to be seduced. Here are our favourite things to do in Florence that we think you shouldn’t miss.

Our Florence Map

We have included our list of the best things to do in Florence on the map below to help you get your bearings in the city.

What to Do in Florence?

1. Uffizi Gallery

Few galleries in the world have amassed such a prestigious art collection as the Uffizi. It’s one of our favourite galleries in the world, and we love the progression from early medieval works to Renaissance masterpieces.

Our highlights were the Coronation of the Virgin by Lippi and The Duke and Duchess of Urbino by Piero della Francesca. Both are in Room 8 and mark the start of the early Renaissance period.

You’ll find Botticelli’s masterpieces in Rooms 10-14, including Spring, the Birth of Venus, and The Cestello Annunciation. Even if these rooms are busy, which they probably will be, we highly recommend persisting as this is some of the most important art in the world.

There are only 20 surviving paintings by Leonardo da Vinci in the world. The Uffizi has two of them, as well as Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo.

Uffizi Tickets – The gallery is open from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday. Prices are currently around €29; however, there are many different ticket prices, so check the Official Uffizi Website.

GUIDED TOUR // We highly recommend a guided tour of the Uffizi, which really helps bring the collection to life. This also allows you to skip the queue.

2. The Duomo

The green and white marble façade of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo, is the heart and soul of Florence.

The whole Cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the campanile (bell tower), and the Baptistry of San Giovanni.

The Duomo is free to enter, but the queues can be brutal, especially in the middle of the day.

We recommend admiring the building from the outside, rather than going inside. The interior is not especially ornate, and there is plenty more to do in Florence.

What you really want to do is head up the dome instead. Which we cover next.

3. Brunelleschi’s Dome

The climb up to the top of the dome is undoubtedly our top recommendation for your visit to Florence.

Filippo Brunelleschi designed an internal octagonal dome supporting the external dome. This meant it didn’t require the typical supporting buttresses of Gothic architecture.

With this design, he launched the Renaissance architectural style.

Apart from the breathtaking views of the city, you also see the most impressive aspects of the Duomo interior. The 16th-century marble floor and the Last Judgement painting from the dome are extraordinary.

Florence Dome Tickets – You will need to book a timed entry to climb the dome. This is non-modifiable and non-refundable. Your full name and nationality are required, and you need to show ID at the entrance.

BRUNELLESCHI PASS // The Brunelleschi Pass includes the Dome Climb, the Baptistry, the Cathedral and the Museum. It’s much better value if you intend to visit all the sites at the Duomo Complex.

4. Basilica Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world and houses the tombs of several notable Florentines.

You’ll find tombs or monuments to Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and many others.

There are also commemorative shrines to Leonardo da Vinci and Dante.

The basilica contains 16 chapels adorned with beautiful art. Our highlights were the frescoes by Giotto di Bondone and the huge crucifix by Donatello.

Basilica Santa Croce Tickets – Tickets are currently around €10, and booking in advance is generally not necessary. This guided tour is well rated and includes skip-the-line entrance.

5. San Lorenzo Market (Mercato Centrale)

The San Lorenzo Market has two markets: the indoor Mercato Centrale and an outdoor market along nearby streets.

The outdoor market sells a wide variety of items, including pottery, clothing, leather goods, and souvenirs. Many of the stalls have warehouses nearby, so if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, ask what else they have.

The Mercato Centrale is a two-level food market in a glorious building.

The ground floor has butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, and speciality artisan shops. The second floor is a gourmet food court with an excellent selection of Italian specialities. It’s a great place to stop for lunch.

6. Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence and a civic treasure.

A Medieval fortress was built upon the ruins of a Roman theatre, which was later restored into a series of beautiful Renaissance chambers.

It’s all lavishly decorated by several Florentine masters.

Here are some of the highlights not to miss:

• Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) – Here, the greatest Florentine artists depict Italian victories on huge frescoes, including unfinished works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Medici Apartments – Lavishly decorated private rooms. Our favourite was the Room of the Four Elements and the two small chapels.
• Hidden Passages & Secret Staircases – Concealed route used by rulers and their guides, only accessible on a private tour (see below).
• Arnolfo Tower – the oldest part of the building. You can climb the 400 steps for stunning views over Florence.

PALAZZO VECCHIO TOURS // The Audio Guide Tour includes skip-the-line access and Arnolfo Tower. The Secret Passage Tour takes 75 minutes and is well-worth it.

7. Loggia dei Lanzi Porticos & Plaza della Signoria

Plaza della Signoria is located between the Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery.

It has existed since Roman times and was the location of the Bonfire of the Vanities, where the righteous burnt objects considered sinful.

Outside Palazzo Vecchio, there is a copy of Michelangelo’s David that overlooks the crowds below.

The highlight in the Plaza della Signoria is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an incredible open-air sculpture gallery.

Keep an eye out for The Rape of the Sabine Women and Hercules and Nessus by Giambologna.

Our favourite, and one we always find incredible whenever we see it, is Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini.

8. David in the Galleria Dell’accademia

Under the direction of Donatello, Florentine sculptor Agostino di Duccio began working on a huge lump of marble in 1463.

Upon Donatello’s death, the project was abandoned, and the marble was left neglected in the Duomo’s workshop.

In 1501, a 26-year-old Michelangelo was commissioned to create a statue of David for the Duomo’s roof.

He worked on the sculpture for 2 years, by which time it was obvious the massive statue would never get to the roof of the cathedral.

It was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio before it was moved in 1873 to the Galleria dell’Accademia.

In addition to the colossal David, the Galleria dell’Accademia has many other great works, including unfinished Michelangelo sculptures.

Tickets – You need to buy a timed-entry ticket to visit David, which currently costs around €20 and includes an audio guide.

9. Basilica San Lorenzo

The Medici family came to prominence in the early fifteenth century. Making their wealth in banking and accruing political power, they became the predominant force in Florence.

Basilica di San Lorenzo, by Filippo Brunelleschi, became the family church and their final resting place.

The highlights are the impressive Medici Chapels.

The first, Sagrestia Nuova, or New Sacristy, was commissioned by Pope Leo X in 1520 as a tomb for his illustrious family members. It was designed by Michelangelo and contains several of his magnificent statues.

The second is the Cappella dei Principi or Chapel of the Princes. The octagonal chapel of monumental proportions was constructed in the early 16th century. Every wall is covered in green and red marble stretching to a dome, 59 metres above the floor.

Tickets – Book skip-the-line tickets for Basilica San Lorenzo to see the Medici Chapels.

10. Mercato Nuovo (Loggia del Porcellino)

The Loggia del Porcellino is a typical Florentine market, built in the 16th century.

Located in Republic Square, it originally sold luxury products, including silk and straw hats. Today, leather, embroidery and souvenirs are the staples of the market.

The market is known as Porcellino Market because of the 19th-century bronze wild boar sculpture by Pietro Tacca.

The market is open every day from 9 AM to 6:30 PM, and it’s worth a stroll around as you explore Florence.

11. Basilica Santa Maria Novella

Basilica Santa Maria Novella is a 13th-century church in the western end of Florence with exceptional art treasures.

The permanent highlight is Masaccio’s Holy Trinity. Painted between 1425 and 1427, it’s one of the first artworks to use perspective.

But there’s one event at Santa Maria Novella you should really try to see.

On the first Sunday of every month, and two days beforehand, an exceptional unveiling takes place. The 16th– and 17th-century paintings are removed from the walls, revealing 14th- and 15th-century frescoes beneath them.

Incredibly, they were only discovered in 2004 and were not open to the public until 2017.

Tickets – The main church is free to enter; however, tickets are required to see most of the art. You can purchase tickets at the entrance or online in advance with an audioguide.

12. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Arno River and is one of Florence’s iconic images.

It’s believed that a bridge was first built here during Roman times. The road (now closed to traffic) was an important connection to other Roman centres.  

Today, it connects two busy tourist attractions in Florence: Piazza della Signoria and Santo Spirito on the other side of the river.

The bridge is lined with shops that originally served the city’s basic needs: fish and meat. After complaints about the smell, the butchers and fishmongers closed, making way for the vendors you see today.

It looks its best at dusk when the sun sets over the river, and the bridge and buildings glow a yellow-orange.

13. Piazzale Michelangelo

Set on a hill in the southeast of town, Piazzale Michelangelo was constructed during Florence’s grand period of urban renewal in 1869.

Although dedicated to Michelangelo, a planned museum for his works never happened.

In our opinion, it’s not the prettiest square in Florence, but there is one excellent reason to visit. Piazzale Michelangelo has the best view of Florence.

Take the 25-minute walk up from the centre to enjoy stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, and Duomo. To the south, you’ll see the grand Palazzo Pitti and its landscaped Boboli gardens.

Arrive for sunset. As the sun drifts over the horizon and the last rays of light hit the city, Brunelleschi’s glorious dome glitters like half a luminescent orange.

14. Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace was purchased by the Medici Family as a symbol of their power over Tuscany. Today, it’s packed with art museums, grand apartment rooms, and ducal treasures.

The Treasury of the Grand Dukes is a collection of decorative arts in the family’s sumptuous summer apartments.

The Palatine Gallery has several important works of art, including pieces by Raphael, Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio.

Directly behind the palace, the Boboli Gardens are a historical park well worth a stroll through if you have the time. It was one of the first examples of Italian gardens that would inspire many European courts.

Tickets – Book Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens combined skip-the-line ticket which includes a handy ebook.

15. San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato al Monte is an iconic church perched on one of Florence’s highest points.

It was originally established by the Bishop of Florence in the 10th century. It’s dedicated to Saint Minias, who is considered the first Christian martyr of Florence.

The church is a great example of beautiful Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Black-and-white marble panels adorn both the interior and exterior. Timber panelling adds some additional charm.

Higher than Piazza Michelangelo, the views over Florence are possibly even better.

Where to Eat in Florence?

Our Favourite Cafes

It’s not hard to find a traditional café in Florence where the atmosphere is vintage, the food authentic, and the waiters as old as the framed photos occupying every inch of available wall space.

But here are some modern cafes which have excellent coffee.

• SimBIOsi Organic Cafè – Their espressos, slow brews and pour-overs are made with individual attention to detail.
• Melaleuca bakery + bistro – Right beside the River Arno, Melaleuca has hard-to-walk-past pastries, a regularly changing brunch menu and excellent coffee in a cool location.
• Ditta Artigianale – A diversion from the traditional Florence cafe scene but possibly one of the best coffees in town.

Our Top Restaurants

Although Florence can be very busy, there are still a few charming streets that remain free from tourists, which are often great places to have lunch, watching the world go by.

Malborghetto – Tucked on an unassuming lane in a quiet corner of the city, Malborghetto has a small but excellent menu of daily specials with a good selection of pizzas.

Osteria Nuvoli – This delightfully no-frills restaurant just around the corner from the duomo has simple dishes at great prices. Don’t miss the biscotti with a very generous serving of sweet wine to finish up.

Special Note: Santo Spirito

There’s no better place to spend an evening in Florence than on the streets of Santo Spirito, on the south side of the river.

Tamerò – For tasty food at good prices on the lovely Piazza Santo, Tamerò keeps the food and wine flowing and the patrons happy.

Babae – The little wine window made famous by Stanley Tucci is a favourite Florence thing to do. Ring the bell, order a Chianti and sip it in the charming street. There’s also a great menu of Florentine classics.

Il Santo Bevitore – This former coach house with wood-panelled walls serving a modern take on Tuscan classics has received a Michelin gong. Reservations are required.

Il Santino Gastronimo – The casual sibling of Il Santo Bevitore serves a collection of tasty small dishes. Sit in the delightfully cramped interior or on tables on the footpath. If you just fancy a drink, you can stand on the street joining the hubbub.

More Things to Do in Florence

There are so many great things to do in Florence that they, unfortunately, couldn’t all make it on our list. If you have time, here are some other suggestions.

Strozzi Palace

The Strozzi Palace holds temporary art exhibitions, and it’s always worth checking out what’s on. While we were ther,e Jeff Koons’s shiny sculptures were the perfect contrast to the palace’s grand square and old rooms.

Bargello Museum

The Bargello Museum is home to some fantastic sculptures, scattered around a grand courtyard. There are works by Giamboligna and Michelangelo, as well as Donatello’s bronze David, the first nude statue made since antiquity.

Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica is a grand square surrounded by cafes and restaurants. It’s one of the main squares in Florence, which has held significance since Roman times. It was originally the location of the city’s Roman forum. Today, the square is busy with street artists and improvised shows, especially after sunset.

Duomo Campanile & Baptistry

The Baptistry of the Duomo is worth a stop for its impressive marble pavement and the gold-gleaming mosaic ceiling. The Campanile Tower is another grand viewpoint over Florence, but the top is covered in wire mesh, which slightly obstructs the views.

Day Trips from Florence

Florence is perfectly located to enjoy some of Italy’s most idyllic countryside.

Tuscany is a region in central Italy with diverse landscapes, beaches, and the Chianti region for olive and wine production.

The picture-postcard scenery framed with rows of cypress trees and other iconic towns and villages is easy to see from Florence.

Here are a few ideas:

• Soak up the atmosphere of the Medieval city of Siena.
• Stroll around the charming hilltop town of San Gimignano with its 14 Medieval skyscrapers.
• Get to know the rusty-coloured cool city of Bologna.
• For more, read our guide to the best day trips from Florence.

Logistics & Practicalities

Where to Stay in Florence?

Most accommodation in Florence is based around the historic city centre, where you’ll find busy streets packed with shopping, bars, and attractions. It’s a great area to base yourself in if you like staying in the heart of the action.

Alternatively, Santa Marie Novella is still convenient but a little less busy, and slightly cheaper.

• Boutique Hotel del Corso – Located in the heart of Florence, just 250 yards from the cathedral, this is a comfortable and stylish boutique hotel with panoramic city views.
• Hotel Roma – Located off the beautiful Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Hotel Roma is housed in a 17th-century building with classic design features and elegant furnishings.
• Parione Uno – Tucked into a quiet neighbourhood near the River, Parione Uno has clean, well-appointed rooms which are perfect for families. The friendly host will help with local recommendations.

How to Get There?

If you’re arriving from the USA, you’ll likely fly into a major European hub such as London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt Airport, or Amsterdam Schiphol.

From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Florence Vespucci Airport, which is 5 kilometres from the city centre.

Alternatively, some of the larger nearby airports are Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. Both have connections to Florence via a high-speed train.

The main train station in Florence is Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Some of the popular routes to Florence include:

• Venice – 2 hours
• Rome – 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Pisa – 48 minutes
• Milan – 1 hour, 45 minutes

How Many Days in Florence?

We recommend 3 or 4 days in Florence to see all the main sights. But you could easily stay for longer and slow down the pace, or add in some day trips.

Just a short journey away is breathtaking Tuscan scenery, which you can enjoy on a day trip from Florence, including the vineyards of Chianti and a number of cities just as intriguing as Florence.

How to Get Around?

The best way to get around Florence is on foot. The city centre is compact, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Florence has a reliable network of buses that run through the city centre. There’s also a tram line that runs into the central railway station, Santa Maria Novella.

Another great way to get around is the Hop On Hop Off Bus, which you can purchase for 1, 2 or 3 days.

When to Go?

The best time to visit Florence is the shoulder season from March to May, when the weather is mild, and the city’s festivals are in full swing. September is also a great time to visit, when crowds are fewer, and there are still plenty of cultural experiences happening.

However, Florence is a year-round destination.

Spring is a fantastic time to explore Florence. The weather is mild, and the temperatures are warming up.

Summer is the high season for tourism in Florence. It’s generally hot and sunny, making it perfect for exploring outdoor attractions. However, the crowds are larger, and there will be longer queues at the attractions. You can also expect higher prices over the summer.

While it can be cold, Florence has a cosy charm in winter. The queues at the big attractions will be much shorter. The Christmas Markets might be reason enough to visit.

Tips for Visiting Florence

After several visits to Florence, we’ve picked up some insider knowledge that will help you make the most of your trip. Here are our top tips for navigating this Renaissance jewel.

Book the Museum tickets well in advance: The museums and churches can book out, so book your skip-the-line museum tickets a week or 2 before you arrive. Book your Uffizi Gallery and Accademia at least 2 weeks before you arrive.

Visit attractions early or late: Mid-morning to early afternoon is when tour groups descend en masse. So, visit big attractions early in the morning or late in the day.

First Sunday of the month: Many museums in Florence have free admission on the first Sunday of the month. This is great, but it means the queues can be very long.

Santo Spirito Restaurants: Good restaurants in Santo Spirito are often booked months in advance.

Avoid Tourist Traps: If a restaurant has a menu in multiple languages, photos of food, and someone trying to lure you in, it’s probably mediocre at best.

The Firenze Card

The Firenze Card provides access to 58 museums over 3 days and costs €85. While this does sound appealing, it’s important to note that it does not include the Duomo Dome and Tower.

If you were to visit all the museums we listed in this guide, the Firenze Card would not be worth it. However, if you plan on visiting many museums, it might save you a bit.

More Italy Guides

• Here are the best things to do in Siena.
• Discover the orange city with our guide to Bologna.
• First time visitors should read our guide to Rome.
• Read our top things to do in Florence.
• How to spend a day in San Gimignano.
• See Tuscany on these great day trips from Florence.
• Read our guide to the Italian Dolomites.