25 Things to Do in Florence Italy: Sights, Food, Views & More
Looking for the best things to do in Florence Italy? This guide covers the top sights, museums, food stops, viewpoints and local experiences to help you plan an amazing trip.
Florence is one of those cities that charms you the moment you arrive. The golden rooftops, the soft glow on the Arno, the little bakeries tucked between grand palaces — everything feels effortlessly beautiful. I’ve visited three times now, and every trip has had its own “oh wow” moments, from seeing a Botticelli up close to stumbling into a tiny trattoria that ends up being the best meal of the week.
What makes Florence so special is how walkable it is. One minute you’re in front of the Duomo, and a few cobbled streets later you’re standing on a quiet bridge with the best view in the city. This guide brings together the classics, the viewpoints, the food stops and the lesser-known corners that genuinely make Florence unforgettable.
Florence is one of Italy’s most rewarding cities to explore, packed with Renaissance art, beautiful architecture and unforgettable food. This post is part of my Florence Travel Guide, where you’ll find tips on where to stay, what to eat and the best things to do in the city. You can also explore my full Italy Travel Guide for more destinations across the country.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🌿 Planning the Rest of Your Florence Trip
Florence is compact, intense, and easy to love — but once you’ve chosen your base and planned a few essentials, the city becomes much easier to move through.
Related Guides
Florence Essentials
- 25 Things to Do in Florence — Sights, food, views, and the classics done well.
- Where to Stay in Florence — Best areas and hotels for every type of trip.
- How Many Days in Florence – The honest answer.
- Best Time to Visit Florence – Weather, crowds, and when the city feels its best.
- Florence Travel Guide — A first‑timer’s overview: what to expect, how to plan, what to prioritise.
Food & Wine
- What to Eat in Florence — A food‑lover’s guide to local dishes.
- Best Food Tours in Florence — How to choose the right one.
- Winery Tours from Florence — Tuscan and Chianti experiences worth the trip.
Where to Stay
- Where to Stay in Florence — Choose the right base, not just a hotel.
- Boutique hotels in Florence — Stylish, unique places to stay.
Day Trips & Budget
- Day Trips from Florence — Wine, coastlines and Tuscan countryside.
- Free Things to Do in Florence — Big experiences, zero euros.
Art Lovers
- What to See at the Uffizi Gallery — A clear, focused guide to Florence’s art gem.
- More on Florence – Browse all Florence guides.
Looking beyond Florence?
- Tuscany – Hill towns, vineyards, coastlines, and slow‑travel favourites.
- More Destinations – Browse all city guides and travel inspiration.
.
Before You Explore Florence
Before diving into the list, one tip: Florence is a compact city, and many of its biggest sights are just minutes apart. You can easily mix museums, viewpoints, and food stops into the same day, so don’t worry about planning everything in perfect order. Here’s where to start.
Map of the Best Things to Do in Florence
Here’s a handy map with all the places mentioned in this guide laid out in colour-coded layers. It makes it easy to see what’s near each other and plan your days around the city — especially since Florence is so walkable.
Legend:
🟣 Museums & Galleries
🟢 Gardens & Viewpoints
🔵 Landmarks & Architecture
🔴 Food & Drink
🟠 Shopping & Artisans
🟡 Day Trips & Transport
How to use this map:
- On mobile: tap the square icon to open it in Google Maps, then save it to your phone for offline use.
- On desktop: zoom in/out, toggle layers on and off, and click on each marker for quick info.
- Planning tip: group sights by colour to avoid backtracking and keep your days relaxed.
1. Admire Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery (One of Florence’s Top Museums)
The Uffizi is an art-lover’s dream, but even if you’re not usually a museum person, this place has a way of drawing you in. Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus is the headline masterpiece, but the surrounding rooms are packed with treasures from Da Vinci, Raphael and Caravaggio. I always find it fascinating how different it feels to see these works in the city that created them.
For updated hours and info, check the Uffizi’s official site.
Booking ahead is essential as daily entries are capped by law. Please book tickets in advance as Italian law only allows no more than 900 people in the museum at any time.
➡️ Before you go, read: What to See at the Uffizi Gallery
➡️ Recommended Uffizi Tickets ✅ Skip-the-Line Uffizi Timed Entry Ticket ✅ Uffizi Priority Ticket with Masterpieces Audio App
2. Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome at the Duomo (One of the Best Views in Florence)
The Duomo is the building everyone looks for first, and climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome is a brilliant way to see Florence from above. The 463 steps take you through narrow staircases and past the huge frescoes inside the dome, and then suddenly you’re out on the terrace with a full sweep of terracotta rooftops and the Tuscan hills in the distance.
It’s a great early stop in the city because the view helps you understand where everything sits — the Arno, Santa Croce, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the quieter Oltrarno side. If you’re combining Florence with Rome, it’s quite fun noticing how different the skyline is when you compare this to the best things to do in Rome as part of your Italy trip.
Time slots book up quickly (and the complex closes on certain days), so it’s worth grabbing your ticket ahead of time.
➡️ Top Picks for Duomo & Dome Tickets✅ Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb Entry Ticket ✅ Duomo Tour with Optional Dome Climb Upgrade ✅ Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
3. Soak Up the Atmosphere in Piazza del Duomo (Florence’s Most Iconic Square)
Piazza del Duomo is the first place most people end up in Florence, and it always feels busy in the best possible way. The cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery sit close together, and the marble colours change beautifully with the light. Early mornings are calm and soft; late afternoons are warm and golden — both times are lovely.
If you’re spending more time exploring the region, this area makes a useful starting point before heading out to the best places to visit in Tuscany, especially as you’ll already have a feel for Florence’s historic centre and how compact everything is.
4. Step Inside the Baptistery of San Giovanni (A Florence Must-See)
Right opposite the Duomo, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of Florence’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. Most visitors gather around Ghiberti’s famous bronze doors, but the real magic is inside. The golden mosaic ceiling is enormous and wonderfully detailed — it’s one of those places where you catch yourself staring up for longer than planned.
It’s also noticeably calmer than the cathedral, which makes it a lovely stop if you want a quick breather from the busy square.
➡️ Popular Choice for Visiting the Baptistery✅ Florence Cathedral, Dome & Baptistery Tour
5. Gaze at Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia (A Florence Essential)
Seeing the real David for the first time is a moment you don’t forget. Photos never quite capture the scale — he’s over 17 feet tall, perfectly lit, and carved with a level of detail that feels almost impossible. The hall leading up to him is lined with Michelangelo’s unfinished “Prisoners,” which makes the final reveal even more dramatic.
The Accademia is a smaller museum, so it’s an easy visit to fit into your day. It’s open from 8.15 am to 6.50 pm and closed on Mondays, and the queues can be long, so booking ahead is definitely the way to go.
➡️ Best Choice for Seeing David✅ Michelangelo’s David Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket ✅ Timed Entrance Ticket to the Accademia Gallery ✅ Accademia Priority Ticket with Audio App
6. Hang Out in Piazza della Signoria (Florence’s Open-Air Museum)
Piazza della Signoria is one of those places where you instantly feel the weight of Florentine history. Palazzo Vecchio stands tall on one side, and the Loggia dei Lanzi acts like an outdoor museum filled with sculptures including Cellini’s Perseus. There’s always something happening here — street musicians, small tours weaving through, people sitting on the edge of the fountain with a quick espresso break.
It’s a great spot to pause for a moment and take in the city’s energy before heading deeper into the historic centre.
7. Wander through the Boboli Gardens (Florence’s Grand Green Escape)
The Boboli Gardens sit just behind the Pitti Palace and feel like a completely different side of Florence. They’re huge, leafy and dotted with fountains, statues and shady paths that are perfect when you need a breather from the busy centre. The climb up through the terraces is fairly gentle, and the views across the rooftops are lovely once you reach the top.
It’s a calm, spacious place to slow down for an hour or two — especially if you want a break between museums.
➡️ Best Option for Visiting the Boboli Gardens ✅Boboli Gardens Reserved Entry Ticket
8. Explore Mercato Centrale (Florence’s Foodie Playground)
Mercato Centrale is a two-level feast for anyone who loves food. Downstairs you’ll find local butchers, cheese stalls, bakeries and fresh produce — perfect for putting together a picnic or picking up edible souvenirs. Head upstairs and it turns into a buzzing food hall with everything from truffle pasta (my favourite) to wood-fired pizza, craft beer and a ridiculous range of desserts.
It’s casual, lively and a great place to sample a few different Tuscan flavours in one go.
9. Cross the Ponte Vecchio (Florence’s Most Famous Bridge)
The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s best-loved landmarks, lined with tiny jewellery shops that look like they’ve been there forever. It does get busy, but early morning or just before sunset has a really nice feel — the light is softer and you can actually stop to enjoy the view along the Arno.
It’s a quick, easy stop and one of those classic Florence moments you’ll almost definitely remember.
10. Visit the Bardini Gardens (A Quieter Florence Viewpoint)
Just a short walk from the Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Gardens offer a much calmer, more intimate escape. Terraced paths lead up to one of the prettiest viewpoints in Florence, with sweeping views over the rooftops and the Duomo. If you’re visiting in spring, the wisteria tunnel is a real highlight — it feels like stepping into a pastel-coloured cloud.
It’s a lovely place to take things slow for a bit, especially if the centre feels hectic.
Admission: €10 for adults, free for 17-year-olds and under
11. Visit the Medici Chapels (A Fascinating Slice of Medici History)
Behind the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels are a fascinating place to explore a quieter side of Florence’s history. The Chapel of the Princes is full of marble and semi-precious stone, while Michelangelo’s New Sacristy has a completely different feel — smaller, calmer and beautifully detailed.
It’s never as busy as the main museums, which makes it a great stop if you want something interesting without the crowds.
➡️ Handy Options for Visiting the Medici Chapels✅ Medici Chapels Reserved Entrance Ticket
12. Spot Florence’s Wine Windows (A Fun Tuscan Quirk)
Florence’s wine windows — the tiny arched openings in old walls — are one of the city’s most charming little surprises. They were originally used centuries ago for selling wine directly to locals, and a few have been brought back into use today. Babae on Via Santo Spirito is the most popular spot if you want to try it for yourself.
It’s a quick, fun stop as you explore the Oltrarno, and easy to fit into any itinerary.
➡️ Great Ways to Learn About the Wine Windows ✅Florence Wine Window Walking Tour
13.Sip a Glass of Wine in the Tuscan Countryside (A Classic Florence Day Out)
If you have time, heading into the Tuscan hills for a few hours is such a lovely break from the city. The landscape changes quickly — one minute you’re in central Florence, the next you’re surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and quiet little hamlets. Most small-group tours stop at family-run wineries where you can try Chianti Classico and learn a bit about how it’s made.
It’s relaxed, scenic and a really nice way to balance the museums and busy squares back in town.
➡️ Before you book, read: Winery Tours from Florence: The Best Tuscan & Chianti Wine Experiences
➡️ Best Wine Tours from Florence ✅ Small-Group Tuscany Wine Tasting Tour ✅ Chianti Classico Vineyard Experience
14. Rub the Boar’s Nose (Il Porcellino)
Just off the Mercato Nuovo, you’ll spot Il Porcellino — the bronze wild boar that locals and visitors rub for luck. His snout is polished to a shine thanks to everyone hoping for a return trip to Florence. It’s a quick, light-hearted stop and fun to add to your list as you explore the historic centre. It’s a fun little ritual, and tossing a coin into the fountain, the same as you do in the Trevi fountain in Rome, adds to the charm.
15. Take a Cooking Class (A Fun Taste of Tuscan Food Culture)
Florence is a brilliant place to try a cooking class, especially if you love Italian food and want to understand it a bit more. You’ll learn how to make fresh pasta, sauces, tiramisu or even gelato, depending on the class. It’s hands-on without being stressful, and you always finish by sitting down together to enjoy what you’ve made — usually with a glass of wine.
It’s such a nice way to learn something new on holiday and bring a little piece of Florence home with you.
➡️ If food is a big part of your Florence plans, consider joining one of the city’s food tours or a hands-on cooking class in Florence, where you’ll learn to make pasta from scratch with local ingredients.
16. Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
For that classic postcard shot, head uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a golden hour picnic with views across the rooftops and the Arno River. It does get crowded — especially in high season — but it never stops being beautiful. I like to climb a little higher to the nearby San Miniato al Monte for a quieter experience and even better views.
17. Take a Day Trip into the Tuscan Countryside
If you have a full day to spare, heading out into the Tuscan countryside is a brilliant way to see a different side of the region. Most organised trips include a mix of Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano, giving you a taste of Tuscany’s variety in one go. Pisa’s Leaning Tower is always more tilted than you expect, Siena has that warm medieval charm, and San Gimignano’s towers look like something from a storybook.
It’s a long day but a really enjoyable one, especially if you’re not renting a car and still want to see a bit more beyond Florence.
⭐ Exploring more of Tuscany?
Florence is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany, with vineyards, hill towns and coastal escapes all within easy reach.
18.Hunt for the Best Gelato
Who doesn’t love gelato? I love it so much that I even spent a day at the Gelato University in Bologna to learn more about it
Not all gelato is created equal. Skip the neon colours and look for shops using natural ingredients — signs like artigianale or fatto in casa are good clues. My go-tos are Gelateria dei Neri (for pistachio and fig) and La Carraia (try the dark chocolate) and Perché No! Bonus points if you can manage them all in one day — it’s research, after all.
19. Try Truffle Sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio
There’s always a queue at All’Antico Vinaio, and once you’ve had a sandwich, it makes complete sense. They’re huge, generously filled and packed with local ingredients like truffle cream, finocchiona and pecorino. If the main shop is too busy, they have several branches on the same street, so it moves quickly.
The best way to enjoy it? Grab your panini and head to a quiet piazza nearby — it tastes even better without the crowds.
20. Eat a Bistecca alla Fiorentina
This isn’t just dinner — it’s an event. Florence’s legendary T-bone steak is thick-cut, flame-grilled, and served rare (they won’t cook it more — don’t even ask). It’s usually priced by weight and meant to be shared. Add a glass of Chianti and a side of roast potatoes for the full experience. I’ve tried it in a few places, but Trattoria Mario is still my top pick for atmosphere and authenticity
➡️ Florence is just as famous for its food as its art. If you want to know which local dishes are actually worth ordering, my guide to what to eat in Florence covers the essentials.
21. Visit Artisan Workshops
Florence has a long tradition of craftsmanship, and you can still see it in action today — especially around the Oltrarno. Small workshops specialise in everything from leatherwork and jewellery to bookbinding, marbled paper and handmade shoes. Many of the artisans are happy to chat about their craft, and watching them work gives you a completely different appreciation for the city.
It’s a lovely way to break up the big museum days and pick up something meaningful to take home.
22. Step into the Pitti Palace
Once home to the Medici family, the Pitti Palace is huge — and full of treasures. The Palatine Gallery is one of the standouts, with room after room of paintings and ornate details, but the Costume Gallery and the royal apartments are just as interesting if you enjoy a peek into past lifestyles.
If you’re already visiting the Boboli or Bardini Gardens, the palace fits naturally into the same part of the day.
23. Spot Vasari’s Corridor
Even though Vasari’s Corridor is currently closed to visitors, it’s still interesting to follow its path above the streets. It runs from the Uffizi, over the Ponte Vecchio, and into the Pitti Palace — originally designed so the Medici could cross the city without being seen.
Once you know it’s there, you start spotting it everywhere, and it adds a fun layer of intrigue to the route between the two sides of the river.
24. Catch a Rooftop Aperitivo
Florence does rooftop bars really well. Places like La Terrazza (above Hotel Continentale) have gorgeous river views and a relaxed vibe, and Panorama Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Baglioni is another great pick for a sunset drink. Order a spritz or a Negroni, settle in and watch the sky warm up over the rooftops — Florence looks especially beautiful at this time of day.
If you prefer something quieter, some smaller terrace bars in the Oltrarno offer a more low-key feel with equally lovely views.
25. Visit Santa Croce
Santa Croce is one of Florence’s most impressive churches, but it often gets far fewer visitors than the Duomo. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, along with beautiful frescoes and peaceful cloisters that feel a world away from the busy streets outside.
It’s a great place to slow the pace a little, especially if you’ve been hopping between the big museums. Don’t miss the leather school behind the church — it’s small but interesting, and you can often see artisans working on pieces by hand.
Where to Shop in Florence
Florence is a brilliant city for shopping, whether you’re after leather, fashion or something handmade to take home. Start around the San Lorenzo Market if you want a mix of stalls and souvenir-style finds — just check the quality as it can vary. For something more special, the Scuola del Cuoio behind Santa Croce is a lovely place to browse beautifully made leather bags and accessories.
If you love big-name designers, wander along Via de’ Tornabuoni, home to Gucci, Ferragamo and a handful of other luxury brands. Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s a fun street to explore.
Florence might be famous for its art and architecture, but it’s also a dream for shoppers. You’ll find everything from high fashion to handmade treasures — and yes, plenty of leather.
For a more local feel, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is great for food, clothes and little household bits, and the Oltrarno is packed with small artisan workshops where you can find marbled paper, jewellery and hand-crafted gifts. It’s one of the nicest areas to wander when you want something a bit more unique.
🌿 Planning the Rest of Your Florence Trip
Florence is compact, intense, and easy to love — but once you’ve chosen your base and planned a few essentials, the city becomes much easier to move through.
Related Guides
Florence Essentials
- 25 Things to Do in Florence — Sights, food, views, and the classics done well.
- Where to Stay in Florence — Best areas and hotels for every type of trip.
- How Many Days in Florence – The honest answer.
- Best Time to Visit Florence – Weather, crowds, and when the city feels its best.
- Florence Travel Guide — A first‑timer’s overview: what to expect, how to plan, what to prioritise.
Food & Wine
- What to Eat in Florence — A food‑lover’s guide to local dishes.
- Best Food Tours in Florence — How to choose the right one.
- Winery Tours from Florence — Tuscan and Chianti experiences worth the trip.
Where to Stay
- Where to Stay in Florence — Choose the right base, not just a hotel.
- Boutique hotels in Florence — Stylish, unique places to stay.
Day Trips & Budget
- Day Trips from Florence — Wine, coastlines and Tuscan countryside.
- Free Things to Do in Florence — Big experiences, zero euros.
Art Lovers
- What to See at the Uffizi Gallery — A clear, focused guide to Florence’s art gem.
- More on Florence – Browse all Florence guides.
Looking beyond Florence?
- Tuscany – Hill towns, vineyards, coastlines, and slow‑travel favourites.
- More Destinations – Browse all city guides and travel inspiration.
.
FAQs About Florence
How many days in Florence is enough?
Two to three days is perfect for a first visit. You’ll have time to see the main sights, enjoy the Uffizi and Accademia, explore a couple of neighbourhoods and fit in a long lunch or two. If you want to add a wine tour or visit places like Pisa or Siena, staying three nights makes the trip feel much more relaxed.
Do you need to book tickets for major Florence attractions in advance?
Yes — definitely for the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (David) and Brunelleschi’s Dome. These often sell out days ahead, especially in spring and summer. Everything else is fairly easy to do without advance reservations, but the big three almost always require planning.
What is Florence best known for?
Florence is famous for Renaissance art and architecture, including the Duomo, Botticelli’s works at the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David and the Ponte Vecchio. The city is also well known for artisan workshops, Tuscan food, and viewpoints like Piazzale Michelangelo.
Is Florence walkable without a car?
Yes — Florence is one of the most walkable cities in Italy. The historic centre is compact, flat and easy to navigate, with most attractions sitting within 10–15 minutes of each other. You won’t need a car in the city at all. Public transport is only useful if you’re heading up to Fiesole or Piazzale Michelangelo.
What’s the best month to visit Florence Italy?
May, June, September and early October are ideal — warm weather, long days and fewer crowds than peak summer. Spring is great for gardens and outdoor dining, while winter is quieter and perfect for museums. July and August are the hottest months, with long queues and very busy streets.
What should you eat in Florence Italy?
Classic Florentine dishes include Bistecca alla Fiorentina, fresh pasta with Tuscan ragù, truffle sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio, and plenty of gelato. Markets like Mercato Centrale are great for trying lots of things in one place. If you enjoy food, you’ll love the city’s mix of street snacks, trattorias and wine bars.
Is Florence expensive?
Florence can be pricey, especially around the main sights, but it doesn’t have to be. Museums and restaurants add up quickly, yet you’ll find plenty of affordable options in the Oltrarno or at places like Mercato Centrale. Walking everywhere keeps transport costs low, and many of the city’s best viewpoints are free.
Is Florence safe at night?
Florence feels safe, even after dark. The city centre stays lively, and most areas are fine to walk around. Just use normal city awareness, especially near Santa Maria Novella station late at night. Pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist spots, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Can you see Florence in one day?
Yes — you can see the main landmarks in a day if you plan well, but it will be fast-paced. A one-day visit usually includes the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and a quick walk along the Arno. If you want to visit a museum like the Uffizi or Accademia, add a second day.
What are the best free things to do in Florence?
Florence has plenty of great free experiences: admire the Duomo from the square, explore Piazza della Signoria, cross the Ponte Vecchio, visit the markets, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset or browse the artisan workshops in the Oltrarno. Many of the city’s best moments don’t cost anything at all.
Florence makes it ridiculously easy to have a great day. You look up, there’s a masterpiece. You turn a corner, there’s gelato. Mix the icons with a few slower detours and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a proper taste of the city — no stress, no rushing, just good Florentine energy.
🌿Explore Italy
Fallen for Italy? Places worth the flight — and every plate of pasta.— from art-filled cities to sun-soaked coastlines.
- Venice – Canals, historic neighbourhoods, and a city best explored on foot.
- Amalfi Coast – Colourful villages, cliffside views, and limoncello sunsets.
- Rome – Ancient ruins, hidden trattorias, and unforgettable gelato.
- Tuscany – Vineyards, hill towns, and golden countryside drives.
- Florence – Renaissance art, rooftop views, and perfect pasta.
- Naples – Ancient streets, world-famous pizza, and vibrant local life.
- Bologna – Italy’s food capital — mortadella, tagliatelle, and endless flavour.
🌿 Travelling beyond Italy
Looking for inspiration beyond Italy? Browse more destinations and food-focused guides from across the blog.
- Destination Guides – Cities, regions, and trip ideas across Europe and beyond.
- Food & Drink – What to eat, local specialities, and market-led guides.
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