Florence, the birth of the Renaissance, is a city rich in culture and the arts. With so much to offer, it is no surprise that Florence’s city center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With so many things to do in Florence, Italy, the city is so compact that you can easily navigate these must-see sights!
Truly, the city has so many museums, churches, and hidden gems that to make the most of your trip, you may have to pick and choose those listed on the top of your bucket list. I recommend spending at least three days in Florence to immerse yourself fully and have ample time for the incredible things to do in this magnificent city.
I loved our trip to Florence! During our two-week trip to Northern Italy, the city was one of the most colorful, especially with the Florence Cathedrals.
In this post, I have listed what I consider the must-see sights of this beautiful city, along with some helpful tips!
The Best Things To Do In Florence Italy
Walk Around The Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo (Piazza della Signoria) is located in the historic city center of Florence. It is one of the city’s main attractions and a must-see if you visit Florence for the first time.
The Piazza is surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, including the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (often referred to as the Duomo Cathedral), the Giottos Bell Tower, and other historical buildings.
The white, green, and red marble facade of the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in the plaza makes this one of the most beautiful plazas in Florence.
Explore The Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral
The cathedral’s name means Lady of the Flower, referring to the name of the city “Florentina” and “Destined to Bloom.” The Facade is a 19th-century Neo-Gothic masterpiece and one of the best works of the Italian architect Emilio de Fabris.
The extensive detail of the colored marble makes this cathedral one of the most embellished I have ever seen.
The interior is filled with stained glass windows and several masterpieces from the 14 century up to the 19th century.
Tickets: Admission to the cathedral is free. However, the cathedral is closed to visitors during Sunday service and religious holidays.
Dress code: There is a strict dress code policy. Visiting with bare shoulders and legs, hats, and sandals are prohibited.
Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
The Dome is one of the symbols of Florence and the Renaissance culture and is the largest masonry vault in the world. Even more impressive is that it was built between 1420 and 1436!
It is probably one of the best places to capture the city with an aerial view.
The climb to the top of the dome is over 460 stairs, with no lift! Sadly, we could not climb that day, but it’s on the bucket list for the next time I visit!
Additional information: Plan to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your registered time slot. The official website suggests a recommended visit time of approximately 45mins- 1 hour.
Tickets: Tickets must be purchased through the official website. Discounted tickets are available.
Tips: There are three different ticket packages:
- Brunelleschi Pass (the Cupula / Dome, Campanile / Giotto’s Bell Tower, Battistero / The Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo museum, and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparta) for 30 Euros
- Giotto Pass (Campanile, Battistero, Museum, and Santa Reparta) for 20 Euros
- Ghiberti Pass (Battistero, Museum, and Santa Reparta) for 15 Euro
These tickets are valid for three calendar days from your selected date.
Climb Giotto’s Campanile
Giotto’s Bell Tower is just as beautiful as the Duomo Cathedral.
Like the Cathedral, the exterior is white with geometric motifs and flowers embellished by red and green marble.
Like the Dome of the Florence Cathedral, the climb is extensive at 414 steps with no elevator.
Unfortunately , because I was pregnant, we had to skip this activity.
Tip: For those wanting to climb the bell tower, you must leave any bags and loose items in the luggage storage room. For additional information, check out the official website.
See The Statue Of David
A trip to Florence wouldn’t be complete without seeing Michelangelo’s Statue of David; in fact, it should be on the bucket list for art lovers!
I was surprised to find out that there are three Statues of David in Florence; however, the original is located at the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’accademia). The two replicas are located at the Piazzale Michelangelo and the Duomo Square ( Piazza della Signoria).
The Accademia Gallery is world-renowned and one of the top-visited museums in Florence. The museum has an extensive art collection, ranging from famous statues such as “The Prisoners” and “David” to paintings dating back to the Middle Ages. The museum even has a room of antique musical instruments once owned by the Medici Family.
Tip: Purchase tickets ahead of time. Listed on the website are options for a private or group guided tour, as well as combination tickets for the panoramic tour of the city by bus, a city walking tour, or a tour of the Uffizi Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is located a short walk from the Duomo Plazza.
Visit The Uffizi Gallery
Like the Accademia Gallery, the Uffizi is another highly visited must-see site in Florence. The museum is world-renowned for its ancient statues and paintings.
There are various ticket options, but a regular admission ticket costs 25 Euros.
Tip: There is so much to see in Florence; if you only have a short time on your itinerary, consider choosing between the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Museum over some other museums.
Leonard Da Vinci’s Interactive Museum
We skipped the Da Vinci Museum in Florence because we had just visited the museum in Venice. However, if you travel to Florence with kids, I would encourage you to visit!
The Da Vinci Museum has interactive exhibits, allowing one to touch and play, all to better understand how to make the devices work. All of these exhibits were created from Leonardo Da Vinci’s sketches.
This is such a fun exhibit and a unique hands-on experience.
Hang Out At The Piazza Della Repubblica.
This Plazza is enormous, with so much going on! The square has a rich history but was ultimately rebuilt in the late 1860s to revive it from its desolate state. The plaza is large, with a massive triumphal arch honoring the late Emanuele II.
The center of the square stands the impressive Colonna dell’Abbondanza, and according to our tour guide, marks the exact center of the city.
Another unique find is the beautiful carousel permanently placed in the square. This is perfect if you’re traveling to Florence with kids!
The square has a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping.
Tip: This area has several horse carriages and other private guided city tours.
Try The Traditional Bistecca Fiorentina
Walking around the city, you will see many restaurants with aging meat hanging at the windows. The Bistecca Florentina (Florentine steak) is one of the Florence delicacies and well worth the meal.
My husband tried the Florentine steak, and I ordered ribs at one of the local restaurants. Both were delicious.
Enjoy The Aesthetics Of The Arno River
Along with the Tiber River, the Arno is the most important river in Italy. The scenery is breathtaking! The best time to walk the river is at sunset. You can even rent bikes or scooters or enjoy a pleasant stroll.
Explore Oltrarno
Oltrarno is a neighborhood of Florence on the other side of the Arno River. It has a “happening vibe” with several restaurants, cafes and a less crowded feel than the city center.
The neighborhood has several bars, making it a great place for nightlife activities.
Oltrarno is an excellent area to stay! Our Airbnb was here, and we loved it. And it’s a pleasant walk to the historic center of Florence.
Tip: Find a restaurant right on the river and enjoy a glass of wine or an espresso. This is an ideal place to watch the sunset and sunrises!
Walk Through The Piazza Della Signoria And Admire The Loggia Dei Lanzi
The Piazza della Signoria is the city’s central political hub today, dating back to the 14th century. This square is home to historical landmarks: the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio.
The Loggia dei Lanzi is essentially an open-air museum, free for those walking by.
I loved that the ancient works of art crafted by renowned artists were out on display! Seeing the sculpture exhibit outdoors truly added something special to the city.
You will find a replica of Michelangelo’s David right outside the Palazzo Vecchio.
The Palazzo Vecchio
You can’t miss this impressive Palazzo Vecchio’s large tower (Tower of Arnolfo). It’s considered a fortress that dates back to its construction in 1299! Interestingly, it sits above an entire archeological site, the Roman Colony of Florentia Theater.
For an additional 4 Euros, you can purchase the archeological site with the Palazzo Vecchio ticket.
It is another perfect spot for those who love Renaissance art.
Sadly, we visited in April, which is the start of the high season, and could not purchase tickets during our limited time. Learn from my experience, and book your tickets ahead of time. It’s an extra bonus if they allow you to skip the line.
The Uffizi gallery is located here.
Basilica Di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a minor basilica, and although less impressive in size compared to Santa Maria del Fiore, it is just as beautiful. The white facade with the green and pink marbled motifs and flowers makes it stand out in the square.
According to our local guide, it was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and is the largest Franciscan church in the world.
What makes the Santa Croce Basilica a must-see sight? It holds over 200 tombs and is famous for its “Pantheon of Italian Glories,” which includes the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo.
Admission is 8.00 Euros.
Hours of Operation
- Monday – Saturday: 9:30 am – 5: 30 pm
- Sunday: 12:30 – 5: 45
Walk Through The San Lorenzo Market
The San Lorenzo Market, known as the Mercato Centrale (Central Market), is divided into an indoor and an outdoor portion.
The indoor Central Market, located on the first two floors of a large building designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, is primarily food. It’s the right place to sit down and grab a bite to eat after cruising the local vendors.
Here, you will find everything from fresh produce, cheeses, meats, local honey, and herbs to unusual things such as cow tongue and stomach.
It’s definitely worth a look!
The outside portion of the Central market of the San Lorenzo district lines the streets outside the indoor market. You can find everything from souvenirs, leather goods, and clothing vendors here.
Wander the Streets
One of my favorite things to do is wander the streets of Italy. Truly, this is the perfect way to find hidden gems. And throughout our two-week trip to Italy, this was consistently how we found some of our favorite restaurants!
Wander, get lost, and enjoy the aesthetics!
We have stumbled on some of our favorite churches and squares this way!
Visit The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens, located in the Oltrarno neighborhood, once a private garden for the Medici family, opened to the public in 1766.
The gardens are vast, and you can easily spend a couple of hours: a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and admire the beautiful sculptures and fountains.
In fact, the Boboli Gardens served as an inspiration for not only Italian gardens but for other European cities as well.
Tip: If you only have a limited time in Florence, visiting the gardens may not be a priority; however, if you love parks and gardens, I would consider it. It was a perfect respite from the city and a great place for the kids to run around.
Tickets: 10 Euros. Click the official website for additional information.
Check Out The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)
The Pitti Palace was considered the new symbol of Medici’s power over Tuscany and even housed two other dynasties (the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and the House of Savoy)
Today, the Palace is one of the main attractions in Florence and contains five different museums.
If you are museumed out and want to enjoy the connected Boboli Gardens, you will surely appreciate the Palace’s exterior!
Tip: The Pitti Palace is closed on Mondays.
Enjoy A Snack And View At The Bardini Gardens
Walk through the Boboli Gardens to the Bardini Gardens. Both are unique!
In contrast to the open and extensive Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Gardens were more floral and hilly and offered the best views!
Tip: A cafe sits right at the top of the hill, and is the perfect place to sit outside and enjoy a snack. We easily spent an hour. Even during the busy month of April, this area felt like a hidden treasure tucked away from the crowd.
The Bardini Gardens are a short walk from the Boboli Gardens.
We were able to walk right through with our Boboli admission ticket.
Walk The Iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a medieval stone bridge over the Arno River in Florence, Italy.
There are a couple of reasons why this bridge is so iconic. First, it was the only bridge in Florence spared during World War II.
Second, like the Rialto Bridge in Venice, a collection of shops was built along the bridge.
Our tour guide had said that originally, the stores mainly consisted of butchers and fish markets, but due to the smell, the stores were instructed to be occupied by art dealers and jewelry stores. These shops are family-owned and have been in the family for generations.
Walk The Ponte Santa Trinita Bridge
After exploring the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, I suggest walking the Ponte Santa Trinita Bridge to get from the city center of Venice to Oltrarno. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy a picture-perfect view of the Ponte Vecchio!
This is one of the best places for taking pictures!
Soak In The Panoramic Views From Piazzale Michelangelo
The Piazzale Michelangelo is located on a huge hill in the Oltrarno neighborhood, across the Arno from the Florence city center. Visiting the square is one of the best things to do in Florence, Italy.
The views from the top is the main reason to visit!
Be sure to grab a snack and drink at the little cafe and enjoy the view.
Tip: A few buses go up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. But it is recommended that you take the Line 23 bus from Florence. (Rome2Rio) for other routes.
We booked a Golf Car tour, and our guide took us to the top.
The Piazzale Michelangelo has free admission and is open 24/7.
Take a Street Food Tour
This is one of the best ways to get to know the city and its local cuisine. We had a fantastic experience on our food tour and couldn’t recommend it more!
Tip: Many food tours will last anywhere between 2-4 hours, and they book out quickly.
Take A Guided City Tour
Aside from the food tour, we also took a private golf cart tour and a horse carriage ride. The golf cart tour was fantastic, and it was easy to get to all the major sites. The local guides are great resources for hidden gems and authentic restaurants.
Tip: We did book a horse and carriage tour. I would not recommend it as far as a guided tour. However, it could be fun if you want a romantic experience or travel with kids.
Indulge In The Gelato
Traveling to Italy is the time to splurge on all the delicious food and treats, and gelato is no exception. There are so many gelaterias throughout the city.
See The Piazza Di Santa Maria Novella
Walking through this square is perfect if you arrive in Florence via train. The square is only 400 meters from the Santa Maria Novella Train station.
This square is pedestrian-only, lined with cafes, restaurants with al fresco seating, and bars. The square is beautiful, especially with the Santa Maria Novella Church.
Take A Day Trip
There are so many nice places and items that
should be on the bucket list when traveling to Florence! If you don’t have a rental car and training is not a great option, consider a day trip with guided tour.
We booked an all-day Tuscany wine tour, which was incredible! The local guide picked us up, took us to a few wineries in the Chianti region, and let us spend as much time as we wanted in the little town!
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa is another excellent option. We stopped by on our way to Florence from Venice.
Tip: The city itself didn’t seem like much. I suggest making a short trip, prioritizing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and continuing your itinerary.
Great Day Trip Ideas:
- Tuscany – 1 hour
- Pisa – 1 hr 15 mins
- Venice– 3 hr 30 mins
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
I hope this post is getting you excited about your upcoming trip! Honestly, I would LOVE to return, and hopefully, I will get the chance one day! I would love to hear from you! Please share some of your experiences; I would love to hear about them! Please feel free to share in the comments!
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