Are you looking for the best things to do in Florence? I visit all the time, so I will share everything I know.
Florence is one of the most magical places in Italy. It’s home to some of the most famous Italy attractions, it’s lined with beautiful churches, cathedrals, and basilicas, and it’s full of endless charm.
You can easily spend weeks here (though if you are tight on time, you can also visit on a day trip from Rome or Milan), exploring every nook and cranny and finding some incredible hidden gems. I’ve been to Florence several times, including recently, and still haven’t seen it all.
However, I have seen and experienced a lot of Florence. So, as a local Italian who loves to explore the magical city, I’m here to share the best things to do in Florence.
This list includes all the most popular Florence attractions, a few hidden gems, and even some great free things to do in Florence for those on a budget.
These attractions in Florence must be booked in advance:
Now, it’s time for me to tell you everything about the unmissable places to visit in the Tuscan city, and share my best Florence travel tips.
The Best Things To Do In Florence
Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
Michelangelo’s David statue, located in the Accademia Gallery, is perhaps one of the most famous statues in the world. Just the name, which couldn’t be simpler, “David,” likely automatically draws the image to your brain.
So, visiting David in person is one of the best things to do in Florence. The statue of David was originally intended to be placed at the Duomo Complex, but upon completion in 1504, the council committee decided it should be placed in front of the town hall instead (Palazzo Vecchio).
It was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873 to preserve the work of art better.
However, the Accademia Gallery is so much more than the location of Michelangelo’s David. You can easily spend hours here admiring some of the most beautiful historical pieces of artwork in Italy.
How much time do you need to visit the Accademia Gallery? Despite its massive collection of some of the most important artworks in Florence, the Accademia Gallery is a relatively small art museum. You should only need 1-2 hours to visit the gallery, and some people need even less if they’re just walking through.
Make sure you book tickets well in advance, as it’s one of the most popular Florence attractions. If you want to visit independently, I recommend this Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Ticket with eBook. You can explore at your own pace, learn on your own with the ebook, and skip the line.
If you’d like to go with a local guide, I recommend this Skip-the-Line Accademia Guided Tour. The tour only lasts an hour, but you’ll be with a knowledgeable local guide who shares a lot of information and history.
Uffizi Gallery
If you’re a fan of art, visiting the Uffizi Gallery is one of the best things to do in Florence. It’s one of the oldest museums in the world and contains 45 different museum halls with paintings by different painters.
The gallery was commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici and designed by Giorgio Vasari, the same architect who designed Florence’s town gall.
Some of the most prominent pieces of art in the Uffizi Gallery include the Birth of Venus and the Primavera by Botticelli, the Tondo Doni by Michelangelo, and the Annunciation by Leonardo Da Vinci.
How much time do you need to visit the Uffizi Gallery? The Uffizi Gallery is much larger than the Accademia Gallery, and therefore, you’ll need more time. I recommend at least two hours to explore all the different halls and corners, though you could easily spend three to four hours there if you stop to admire for longer periods of time.
You’ll need to book tickets in advance, as the Uffizi Gallery can get very crowded. For just a ticket, I recommend this Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entry Ticket. If you’d like to learn more while there, you can opt for a small-group tour like this Skip-the-Line Uffizi Small Group Tour. The tour lasts about two hours, and it is what to do in Florence to learn more about the history and artwork.
If you’re planning a trip to both the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, you can also join a combined tour of both. I recommend this Uffizi & Accademia Small Group Walking Tour. The two galleries are just a few blocks from one another, so this is the perfect combination tour with a local guide to see two of the best places to visit in Florence.
Duomo Complex: Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, and More
The Duomo Complex is located in Florence’s city center, just a few blocks away from the Accademia Gallery, and it’s one of the most important landmarks in Italy.
It encompasses the Florence Cathedral, the crypt under the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, Brunelleschi’s Dome, and the Opera del Duomo Museum. All of these structures are iconic and some of the most popular places to visit in Florence.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (often called the Florence Cathedral or the Duomo) was completed in 1302 and remains a centerpiece of Florence and Italian history. It’s known throughout the world for its abundance of red, green, and white stained-glass windows and intricate artwork.
Giotto’s Bell Tower is another Florence symbol worth visiting in the Duomo Complex. Climb the 414 steps to the top for an incredible view of the city and admire the intricate details carved into the tower on the way.
Brunelleschi’s Dome is made from over 4,000 bricks. At the time of its construction, it was the largest dome in the world, and today, it’s still the largest brick dome in the world. It’s a true work of architectural art modeled after Roman architecture.
How much time do you need to visit the Duomo Complex? The time spent at the Duomo Complex is pretty adjustable, depending on what you plan to see. If you just want to see the Florence Cathedral and museum, you should set aside 1-2 hours. However, if you explore the entire complex, you need at least 3-4 hours.
The Florence Cathedral is the only monument in the Duomo Complex that is free of charge. If you want to visit any of the other sites without a guided tour, you need to purchase a pass from the official website. They offer three different passes with access to different parts of the complex. Of the three passes, the Brunelleschi is the most exclusive one, with access to all monuments and the option to climb the Dome (with reservations made in advance).
For the most exclusive experience, I recommend this Alone in the Duomo: VIP After-Hours Tour with Dome Climb & Private Terrace Access. You get to access the Duomo after regular closing times, so it’s not crowded at all, which makes it even more enjoyable. The tour includes a visit to Florence Duomo, the north and south Dome terraces, and Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall and the old home of the Medici family. It overlooks Piazza della Signoria.
In the square, there are two famous statues: a copy of Michelangelo’s David and Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus. The Piazza della Signoria is also home to the Fountain of Neptune, one of the most famous fountains in Florence.
Inside the palace, there are two main floors to explore. The first floor is an art gallery of sorts, with a collection of pieces from Italy’s best artists, including Michelangelo, Verrochio, Vasari, and Donatello. The second floor is the apartments of the Medici family.
There are also secret passages and tunnels, many of which are open to tourists and tours to explore. And under the palace, there are ruins of a Roman theater.
The Arnolfo Tower is part of the Palazzo Vecchio complex. It has 450+ steps and panoramic views of the city (perhaps my favorite in town, actually). It was once a prison for men awaiting execution, but now, it’s just a fascinating piece of history with great viewpoints.
You should definitely climb the tower for some of the best city views while visiting Palazzo Vecchio. Tickets are sold separately for Palazzo Vecchio and the Arnolfo Tower, so you can also choose one or the other, depending on which interests you the most.
How much time do you need to visit Palazzo Vecchio? You only need one or two hours, but if you’re planning on climbing up Arnolfo Tower, you should set aside another hour or two.
As with all famous Florence tourist attractions, you should book entry tickets in advance. For just simple skip-the-line access, I recommend this Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket & Videoguide. You also have the option to add an entry to Arnolfo Tower.
If you’d prefer a guided tour of the palace, you can check out this Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour. It’s a popular 1.5-hour tour with a certified guide and small group.
Il Porcellino Fountain
Il Porcellino is another one of the most famous (and most fun) statues in Florence, Italy. Il Porcellino is a bronze boar statue located in Mercato Nuovo, a covered market very close to Palazzo Vecchio.
Thousands of tourists (and even locals) walk by every day and touch the statue’s nose for good luck. Legend has it that if you rub the boar’s snout while placing a coin in the boar’s mouth, you’ll have good luck on your return to Florence.
Although the statue is a copy (the original is in Bardini Museum now), it’s still fun to see.
The market here was a meeting point for bartering and trading for artisanal fabrics, so the fountain was actually very useful for rinsing hands and drinking water.
How much time do you need to visit Il Porcellino? You really only need a few minutes to rub the nose and take a quick photo, though sometimes there can be a small line to do so. You can also walk around the small covered market and shop for bags or leather goods.
Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”)
Ponte Vecchio, which translates to “Old Bridge” in English, is one of the most significant bridges in Florence. It connects Piazza del Duomo and Signoria with Palazzo Pitti and Santo Spirito neighborhood. So, you’ll definitely cross this bridge at least once during your Florence visit.
And when you do, make sure to take your time. The bridge is actually known as the only bridge that was never bombed during WWII. It’s said nobody wanted to bomb around it because of its sheer beauty. Although there’s no real evidence to support that, you might understand once you see its elegance.
The bridge is a stone closed-arch bridge that was once a popular trading and merchant spot for butchers and farmers. Now, it’s lined with tourist trinkets, jewelry, art, and other souvenirs. There are no entry fees, so this is also one of the top free places to visit in Florence.
How much time do you need to visit Ponte Vecchio? If you’re walking around the city, you’ll likely cross the bridge at some point, so you don’t really need to set aside time to visit the Old Bridge. The bridge is only 100 meters long, so you can cross it within minutes, but you should take your time and do a little shopping or just admire the view.
Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti, or Pitti Palace, is my go-to place for the best Florence sightseeing around.
The palace was acquired by Cosimo I de Medici in 1550 to serve as the new Grand Ducal residence, and it swiftly became an emblem of Medici’s reign over Tuscany.
The Palace is divided into four distinct museums:
- Treasury of the Grand Dukes (home to the Silver Museum)
- Palatine Gallery and Royal Apartments (my personal favorite part of the Pitti Palace complex)
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Museum of Costume and Fashion
The rooms throughout the Palazzo Pitti are decorated to match the residents’ era, so it’s also a fascinating recreation filled with so much gold and grandeur. When you’re walking through, make sure to do so slowly so you can catch all the intricate details and beauty of the decorations and art.
How much time do you need to visit Palazzo Pitti? You can spend anywhere between one and three hours in Pitti Palace, depending on how interested you are in the exhibits and architecture. Make sure to also set aside some time for Boboli Gardens just outside the palace.
You should purchase your entry ticket in advance. You can get a simple Entrance Ticket for Pitti Palace on its own, or you can opt for a guided tour. If you’re interested in a full tour of the area, I recommend this Pitti Palace, Boboli Garden, Palatine Gallery Tour. The tour includes all entrance fees and an English-speaking guide.
Boboli Gardens
If you haven’t already done a full tour of Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, you must make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to explore the gardens just behind the palace – it’s what to do in Florence to immerse yourself in one of the most scenic Italian-style gardens.
The gardens are possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of nature in the city. You can walk through an area of 45,000 square meters and admire the local flora.
Scattered all around the gardens are fountains, pergolas, grottos, statues, and even a small lake.
How much time do you need to visit Boboli Gardens? You should have at least an hour to walk through and admire the natural scenery. When I visited, I spent around two.
Many tours of Pitti Palace include a short walk through Boboli Gardens. However, if you want the best experience, I recommend this Boboli Garden Guided Tour. It doesn’t include entry or a tour of Pitti Palace, but it’s still worth it. You’ll learn more about these gardens and statues, and you can even add on an optional wine tasting.
Bardini Gardens
Bardini Gardens were once considered one of the best hidden gems in Florence. They were closed for renovations for over five years, which is probably why people didn’t know about them until recently. While more people are discovering this gem, it is still worth visiting.
The gardens are a part of Villa Bardini, a small art exhibit in the Oltrarno neighborhood. So, they’re easy to get to but still feel separate from the occasional chaos of Florence’s city center.
Bardini Gardens is divided into three different sections:
- A farming area with terraces of olive trees
- Baroque steps with amazing views of Florence
- An English garden
There’s also a wisteria bloom from mid-April to May, but I visited in May, and the wisteria was nowhere to be seen. It may depend on the weather that year. Regardless, it’s still a little piece of tranquility and beauty.
How much time do you need to visit Bardini Gardens? You only need about an hour to stroll through the gardens, but set aside a little more time if you plan to sit down and relax.
If you’re planning to visit both Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens, I recommend this Palazzo Pitti, Boboli & Bardini Gardens: Skip The Line. It’s a convenient pass for all three Florence attractions, and saves you a lot of time by not having to wait in the longer line.
Bargello Museum
Hopefully, you aren’t tired of museums and galleries while planning your Florence sightseeing, because they are kind of the highlight of this historical city. And if you have room for one more in your itinerary, I recommend Bargello Museum.
This museum has a long history branching out from its completion in 1255. It was originally a house “for the people”, then it became the City Council, afterwards it was a prison, next it was the police headquarters. Finally, in 1865, it was converted to a museum for Gothic and Renaissance sculpture (which is what it is to this day).
While the Uffizi is one of the top places to visit in Florence to admire paintings, the Bargello Museum is home to the finest sculptures from Italian history.
There are famous pieces from Luca della Robbia, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and Donatello.
How much time do you need to visit the Bargello Museum? I recommend around two hours to explore the entire museum.
As with all the best Florence attractions, you should reserve your Entry Ticket to Bargello Museum in advance.
Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale (also called Mercato San Lorenzo) is a goldmine of tastes, flavors, and shopping. The market is located just a few blocks down from Basilica di San Lorenzo and 900 meters (half a mile) from Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
The massive central market has a little bit of everything. The outside perimeter of the market is lined with leather goods, clothing, pottery, and notebooks. The covered inside of the market is two stories.
On the first floor, you’ll find produce stalls, fishmongers, and butchers. The entire second floor is a gourmet street food market with great food and good prices.
You should definitely visit Mercato Centrale, whether you’re interested in the outdoor souvenir shops or trying some good Italian food on the second floor – it’s definitely what to do in Florence when you are hungry!
How much time do you need to visit the Mercato San Lorenzo? There are many stalls in Mercato Centrale/Mercato San Lorenzo, so it takes a little bit of time to explore it all. If you’re just walking around, an hour is fine. But if you want to do a little shopping and eat on the second floor, I’d set aside 2-3 hours.
Join a walking tour
You’ll quickly realize that one of the best things about Florence is the incredible charm, architecture, liveliness, and tourist attractions scattered all around the city. For that reason, I recommend exploring Florence on foot (or by bike).
You can join a city walking tour that’ll pass by some of the most prominent city monuments, and you’ll learn a lot about the city, as well. Walking tours also give you a good opportunity to find some hidden gems that you might not otherwise notice during the regular hustle and bustle of walking around the city.
If you want something a little more fast-paced, you can also join a Florence city bike tour. This is a really fun way to see a little more of the city while still learning a lot about its history and culture.
I recommend trying to fit in a walking or biking tour at the beginning of your stay in Florence because you’ll also learn the lay of the land for future exploring. I have done both kinds of tours and enjoyed them both!
How much time do you need for a Florence walking tour? Most walking tours only take 1-2 hours because you’re sticking mostly to the city center and aren’t entering any monuments; you’re just exploring the exteriors and city streets. Florence bike tours usually take a little longer, between 2-3 hours.
For a classic city tour, I recommend this Guided Walking Tour. The tour only lasts around an hour and a half, but you’ll pass by all the most iconic landmarks, including Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, and some Florence hidden gems.
If you’re looking for a good bike tour, I recommend this E-Bike Tour to Piazzale Michelangelo. The bike tour lasts around 3 hours and takes you to different Florence attractions, where you’ll have a little time to explore and learn more about the place. It ends in Piazzale Michelangelo for incredible sunset views.
Wine tasting
You can’t talk about the best things to do in Italy without talking about wine. After all, Italy is the world’s second-largest wine-producing nation, and it’s continually ranked in the top three when it comes to the best wine in the world.
If you’re in Florence, you should definitely consider a wine-tasting tour. You can venture out to explore more of Tuscany, one of Italy’s 20 regions and a beautiful region that’s world-renowned for its wine, or even hop around the city to try some local wines.
Enoteca Alla Sosta dei Papi is one of the best places to visit in Florence for wine tasting. It emphasizes all-natural wines, which makes it unique. The place is also not very touristy, so it’s usually very calm and welcoming.
Piazza del Vino on Via della Torrett is another great location to sample a few different Italian wines. It has a very pleasant atmosphere, a large variety, and usually, there aren’t too many people there.
If you want to get out of the city and into the vineyards, I recommend this Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide. The tour visits three different wineries and includes wine tastings and even fresh, olive oil tasting at one of the vineyards. If you don’t want a vineyard tour, I recommend this Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour. It’s also a really great learning experience because you’ll sample a ton of wines and learn about how to pair them properly with Italian food.
Sample local foods
Wine isn’t the only thing that’s become synonymous with Italy. Italian food is also regularly rated the best national cuisine in the world, so it only makes sense to dedicate some time to trying some of the best regional Italian food.
And Florence has some really good food. Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Fiorentina Steak) is one of the most well-known meat dishes in the area. It’s made with a thick, T-bone loin cooked rare. The Chianina steak comes from a specific breed of cattle bred in the Val di Chiana region.
Different restaurants might cook their Fiorentina Steak differently. Regina Bistecca, a well-known place for Fiorentina Steak, cooks its steaks on open charcoal embers. I also had a really good steak at Trattoria Dall’Oste. They have several locations, but I enjoyed the one near the Florence Duomo.
On my most recent trip, I had the best Bistecca alla Fiorentina at BBQ, a family run local trattoria in the Oltrarno District.
If you’re looking for some good street food, you have to try the Lampredotto Sandwich. The sandwich is made from slices of tripe, the fourth stomach of the cow, boiled in onion, celery, and tomato broth.
Mercato Centrale is one of the best places in Florence to try a lampredotto sandwich, but you can find it all around the city, including outside major churches and cathedrals.
You can also join a guided Florence food tour to discover hidden gems and sample a variety of Tuscan dishes. I recommend this Tastes & Traditions of Florence: Food Tour with Sant’Ambrogio Market Visit. You’ll try nine different tastings, three glasses of wine, and one coffee spread out between eight different locations.
I also recommend this Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour. The tour takes you to the best spots in Oltrarno neighborhood, where you’ll sample some of the best foods in the city.
If you really want to immerse yourself in Italian cuisine, I recommend trying a local cooking class. This Fresh Pasta and Gelato Authentic Cooking Class is a great option. The class includes an in-depth session teaching you how to make fresh pasta and a gelato-making demonstration. You’ll be able to eat your delicious meal after.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best regional Italian dishes, make sure to read my post, Must-Try Traditional Italian Food By Region. I also recommend reading my post The Most Common Misconceptions About Italian Food as it’ll explain many things that are unknown to people outside of Italy.
Day trip to Fiesole
Fiesole is the best day trip from Florence. It only takes about 20 minutes to get there by car or taxi. You can also take ATAF Bus 7 there or even ride a bicycle to the little town on the outskirts of Florence.
The little suburban town is nestled up behind a hillside of olive trees with incredible views overlooking Florence. Because of the abundance of quality olive trees and proximity to some fantastic Italian wineries, I recommend sampling olive oil and wine while in Fiesole.
Sienna, Lucca, and Pisa are three more popular day trips from Florence, together with San Gimignano. But I’d recommend spending at least one night in those places, so only do so from Florence if you are really short on time and can’t budget more time in those cities.
Other places you can visit on day trips from Florence include:
Brief Note On The Florence Pass And Planning Ahead
One of my biggest tips for planning a trip to Italy is to come prepared.
If you’re planning to visit several of the best things to do in Florence, you need to consider many of these attractions in advance. Most require entry tickets, which can be expensive.
I recommend looking into combination tours that include entry to several different attractions. You can also look into combination tickets, like the Florence Pass.
The Florence Pass includes:
- Brunelleschi Dome & Florence Cathedral or Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- City Audio Guide For Your Smartphone
The Florence Pass is by no means required, but it can be a good way to save a little money if you want to visit these places on your own.
You’ll also notice that many tours include entry, which can help you save a little money, too (especially if you are more interested in a guided experience to learn a little more).
Guided tours offer unique opportunities. For example, this Alone in the Duomo: VIP After-Hours Tour with Dome Climb & Private Terrace Access is the most unique after-hours tour in the city. And it allows you to escape the tourist crowds completely.
For more information about Italy and travel tips, make sure to read my post, Must-Read Travel Tips For Italy. This way, you’ll be prepared and ready for a holiday of a lifetime.
Summary Of The Best Things To Do In Florence
Florence is one of the best cities in Italy for good reason. It’s filled with so many cultural attractions that shed light on Italy’s complex history with art and architecture.
Florence is also home to some of the most recognizable monuments in Italy, including the Florence Cathedral, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, and Palazzo Vecchio.
Between all these great Florence attractions, the beautiful gardens, the lively markets, and the belly-filling restaurants, there are so many fun things to do in Florence.
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Italy, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.