✓ Joining us on our Whatsapp Channel: 💬 Explore and Escape!.
Booking through us:
✓ 🏩 🛌 Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget: Booking.com | Agoda.com
✓ 🍹⛱️ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips : 📍🗺️ GetYourGuide | 🛵🧳 Klook
If you have done the things to do in Italy, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Florence.
Take a stroll through Florence and you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time; every street and square is steeped in history.
From the world-renowned art and architecture to the delicious food and wine, Florence has something to offer every kind of traveler.
So pack your bags and get ready to be swept off your feet by the beauty of this charming Italian city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Florence:
1. Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
A cathedral located in the heart of Florence, Italy known for its impressive Renaissance-era dome and intricate exterior decorations.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate exterior and interior decorations featuring marble panels, bronze statues, and stained glass windows. Climb up the 463 steps to the top of the dome for stunning panoramic views of Florence.
Don’t miss: The famous frescoes in the dome painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari depicting the Last Judgment and Dante’s Inferno.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets well in advance to avoid long lines and crowds, and consider hiring a tour guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the cathedral.
Dress appropriately – no shorts, bare shoulders or short skirts allowed inside the cathedral.
2. Uffizi Gallery
One of the most famous art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence houses a collection of masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance.
What to see or do: Admire the works of art by Italian masters such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
Marvel at some of the most iconic paintings in history such as Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation”.
Don’t miss: The Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace. This corridor is lined with paintings and self-portraits of artists and provides a unique perspective of the city.
Insider travel tips: – Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
3. Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is a historic bridge spanning the Arno River in Florence, Italy, and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
What to see or do: – Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the city.
Don’t miss: – The stunning sunset views from the bridge, which offer a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: – Ponte Vecchio is often crowded, so try to visit it early in the morning or late at night when it’s less crowded.
4. Palazzo Pitti
A lavish Renaissance palace located in the heart of Florence, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the vast art collections and exhibitions ranging from classical sculptures, masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens, and contemporary works as well.
The palace also features several museums, including the Costume Gallery and the Porcelain Museum, showcasing the grandeur of Italian history.
Don’t miss: The Boboli Gardens, a stunning expanse of botanical gardens nestled behind the palace, offers picturesque views of Florence and a serene escape from the city.
Insider travel tips: To avoid long lines, buy tickets in advance. The palace is closed on Mondays.
Visitors can opt for a combination ticket that includes access to other museums and attractions in Florence. Wear comfortable shoes as the palace and gardens require a lot of walking.
5. Boboli Gardens
A historic park in Florence, Italy, featuring stunning gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
What to see or do: Marvel at the lush greenery and impressive landscaping of Boboli Gardens, which served as a model for many European royal gardens.
Admire the intricate architecture of the hillside amphitheater and its accompanying statues. Take in the sweeping views of Florence from the top of the garden.
Don’t miss: The Grotto of Buontalenti, a unique cave-like structure filled with unique sculptures and mosaics. In the summer, catch an open-air concert or theatrical performance in the gardens.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as the gardens cover a vast area with many hills and stairs to climb. Try to avoid weekends when the gardens can get crowded.
Visit early in the morning or late in the day for a quieter experience. Bring a picnic and enjoy the garden’s many secluded spots for al fresco dining.
6. Santa Maria Novella
A beautiful Dominican church and museum in Florence, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the church, which dates back to the 13th century. Take in the gorgeous paintings and frescoes inside the church, including works by famous artists such as Giotto and Masaccio.
Visit the museum to see ancient manuscripts, sculptures, and other Renaissance art.
Don’t miss: The frescoes in the Spanish Chapel, which depict scenes from the life of St. Dominic.
The famous crucifix by Brunelleschi is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to purchase tickets for both the church and museum to get the full experience. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the church.
Take the time to explore the nearby shops and cafes in the San Lorenzo neighborhood.
7. Basilica di San Lorenzo
One of the oldest churches in Florence, located in the heart of the city.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Renaissance architecture and artwork inside the church, including a stunning altar by Donatello. Visit the Medici Chapels complex, which contains tombs of the powerful Medici family and Michelangelo’s New Sacristy.
Don’t miss: The Laurentian Library, which was designed by Michelangelo and holds an impressive collection of books and manuscripts.
Insider travel tips: – Avoid the crowds by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
– Be respectful of the church dress code: no shorts, bare shoulders or revealing clothing.
8. Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a historical square located in the heart of Florence, Italy. It is an L-shaped square, surrounded by ancient Renaissance palaces and beautiful sculptures.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the square and admire the famous sculptures like the replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune.
Take a guided tour to learn about the rich history of the Medici family and see the stunning Palazzo Vecchio. For art and history enthusiasts, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit, just a short walk away.
Don’t miss: Marvel at the copy of Michelangelo’s David statue, which once stood here. Take in the intricate details of the Fountain of Neptune sculpted by Ammannati.
Visit the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio.
Insider travel tips: The square gets busy during peak tourist season, so it’s best to go in the early morning or late evening. Head to the nearby Mercato Centrale for local, delicious food options.
By evening, the square fills with street artists and musicians.
9. Accademia Gallery
An art museum in Florence, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including the famous sculpture of David by Michelangelo. The museum also houses numerous paintings by other notable artists, such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Pontormo.
Don’t miss: Michelangelo’s David, the symbol of Florence, is undoubtedly the highlight of the Accademia Gallery. Take your time to appreciate its beauty and the intricate details of its craftsmanship.
Insider travel tips: To avoid long queues, book your tickets in advance. Consider visiting during the off-season or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Also, note that photography is not allowed inside the museum.
10. Piazzale Michelangelo
A scenic terrace and square located in Florence.
What to see or do: Admire panoramic views of the cityscape and the Arno River. Take a stroll around the square and admire the replica of Michelangelo’s David statue.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunset view of Florence. Head here in the evening to experience a breathtaking view of Florence illuminated by the golden hour.
Insider travel tips: Take a picnic with you and enjoy it on the steps while taking in the view. You can also buy refreshments from the souvenir vendor on the square.
Avoid the stairs and take the bus to the top for a more relaxing experience.
11. Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is a medieval palace that serves as Florence’s town hall and is located in the city’s historical center.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the palace’s ornate interiors, which boast frescoes and sculptures by renowned Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello.
The palace also houses various government offices and hosts temporary exhibits.
Don’t miss: The Hall of Five Hundred, which measures over 150 feet long and was once used for public meetings and ceremonies. Visitors can also climb the tower for views of the city.
Insider travel tips: Consider purchasing tickets in advance to skip the long lines. It’s also worth joining a guided tour to learn more about the palace’s history.
12. Galleria dell’Accademia
An art museum located in the heart of Florence, Italy, known for its collection of Renaissance art.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss: Definitely don’t miss the statue of David, which is considered one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite crowded, so it’s best to book tickets in advance or visit early in the day.
13. Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum is a medieval palace turned museum located in Florence, Italy. It is famous for being one of the most important museums of Renaissance sculpture in the world.
What to see or do: The museum is home to a vast collection of sculptures, including works by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giambologna. Visitors can also view a unique collection of decorative art, including medieval armor, pottery, and tapestries.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is Donatello’s “David” sculpture, which is considered one of the greatest works of Renaissance sculpture.
Visitors should also check out the Hall of the Five Hundred, a large room decorated with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari.
Insider travel tips: To avoid long lines, it’s best to visit the museum early in the day. Visitors should also consider purchasing the Firenze Card, which includes admission to numerous museums, including the Bargello Museum.
Lastly, taking a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and significance of the museum’s collection.
14. Mercato Centrale
A bustling indoor food market located in the heart of Florence.
What to see or do: Sample delectable Tuscan fare from a variety of food stalls, including fresh pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and gelato. Watch expert chefs in action at live cooking demonstrations.
Don’t miss: The porchetta sandwich from the famous Nerbone stall, made with tender slow-roasted pork and crispy crackling.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds, and bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, head upstairs to the second level for a selection of restaurants offering more substantial dishes.