Whether you are planning your first Florence itinerary or your fifth, no doubt you have the same romantic notions about the Renaissance city that I have. Florence was the place I most wanted to visit in Italy and the city I yearn to return to time and again.
Is it the city’s enchanting buildings, views and priceless works of art that draw me back? Or perhaps it’s the idea of wandering romantic cobbled streets in search of artisan made goods, stopping for a long lunch over a bottle of chianti.
Of course, it is all those things and so much more. Our guide to the best things to do in Florence uncovers the classic sights, the quirky shops and classic views of this fascinating city.
I hope it helps you to build your perfect itinerary for Florence.
Top 10 things to do in Florence
Florence is a small city so it is easy to simply wander and enjoy roaming from one historic piazza to another. You literally walk the same paths as some of the most important people in history – Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo and Donatello. That being said there are some Florence highlights you should not miss.
Visit Florence Cathedral – Santa Maria del Fiore
One of the most enduring images of Florence is her magnificent cathedral or ‘Duomo’. Rising high above the city, its famous dome can be seen for miles.
You will be awestruck by the detail and craftsmanship of the exterior. Pink and green marble inlays and carvings are the hallmarks of the cathedral site. The interior is quite plain in comparison although you will be awestruck by architect Brunelleschi’s dome.
There are three buildings in the cathedral complex – the Duomo itself, the octagonal Baptistery of San Giovanni and Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower). Each have fascinating histories and are well worth exploring. Make sure to enter the Baptistery through its ornate bronze doors. The mosaic inlaid golden interior is incredible.
ⓘ Visitor information: you can enter the Duomo for free but you need a combined ticket to climb the dome and visit the other buildings. Your access to the dome is at a set time and cannot be changed. Buy your advance tickets for Duomo on their sometimes confusing website. An alternative is to use online English language ticket site Tiquets – click here for Duomo combined ticket.
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio
The oldest, and for a long time, the only bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio is one of the emblems of the city. The cobbled bridge is almost 700 years old and for most of that time there have been shops on either side. In the 17th century that the butchers and bakers were moved on to make way for goldsmiths, many who remain to this day.
Your Florence itinerary must include a walk along the bridge to enjoy the atmosphere, making sure to take in the romantic views from either side.
This is a view of the bridge taken from the Uffizi Gallery. You can see the covered passageway, known as the Vasari corridor, that allowed Florentine rulers the Medici family to move with ease from the Pitti Palace to the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio.
Unfortunately it is not possible to walk through there these days but you get the idea that the bridge has always been an important part of life in Florence.
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Get your art fix at the Uffizi Gallery
One of the finest art destinations in the world, the Uffizi Gallery has masterpieces in every corner from the priceless collection amassed by the Medici.
The collection was bequeathed to the city by the last remaining descendant of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici who ensured it remained intact and is able to be enjoyed by so many people.
The museum is a must see attraction when you are in Florence but you need to be prepared for crowds and lines if you don’t prebook your tickets or a tour.
ⓘ Uffizi Gallery tickets: we strongly recommend purchasing skip the line tickets for the Uffizi Gallery at most times of the year except mid winter. You can buy them using the museum site (be warned it is not easy to use, especially with foreign cards). Or get your tickets via an English language official ticket partner. To book your Uffizi Gallery timed entry tickets click here
Highlights of the Uffizi Gallery
- The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
- Medusa by Caravaggio
- Doni Tondo by Michelangelo
- Venus of Urbino by Titian
- Filippo Lippi’s Madonna and Child
- Various works by Leonardo da Vinci
ⓘ Uffizi Gallery tours: having both explored the gallery on my own and with a tour, I highly recommend joining a tour. A guide helps you discover the meaning and context behind the art and navigate the different rooms so you don’t miss the key pieces. This 2 hour Uffizi Gallery tour starts before the main opening time so you miss the crowds. We use and recommend Get Your Guide for booking tickets and tours in Europe – read our full review here.
Visit David at the Accademia
Michelangelo’s masterpiece David is found at The Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia).
The statue stands 17 feet high (over 5 meters) and was made from a single block of Carrara marble over 3 years. It depicts the Biblical hero David ‘the giant killer’ and is said to represent the city of Florence and its fight to protect its civil liberties from threats from Rome.
Apart from David, the Accademia has a large collection of priceless Renaissance art including more works by Michelangelo and paintings by Botticelli.
In my eyes David is breathtakingly beautiful and should be seen in person. However, if you are short on time or not a huge art fan, you can see a replica of the statue in Piazza della Signoria. This was David’s original location for 370 years before being moved to the Accedemia in 1873 for conservation and protection.
ⓘ Accademia Gallery tickets: second only to the Uffizi in popularity, expect long lines to enter the gallery if you have not pre-booked tickets (except in winter). The gallery’s ticket site is here or you can book your timed entry with audio guide in English via official partner Get Your Guide – click for ticket prices
Admire the piazzas
Florence is home to some of the world’s most beautiful public spaces. Which piazza will be your favorite?
The Piazza della Signoria has a collection of statues that rivals most galleries. You could spend hours admiring the art under the Loggia dei Lanzi. I like the triumphant bronze statue of Perseus holding the head of Medusa. Close by you will find the replica statue of David and gushing fountain of Neptune pictured above.
In contrast, the Piazza della Republicca is lined with elegant buildings and historic cafes. Once the site of the Roman forum and old market, the piazza was remodeled in the 19th century. The large triumphal arch and porticos on its west side are particularly beautiful. As is the antique wooden carousel – a favorite with children.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella close to the train station is a wide open space where you can sit on a bench and admire the Renaissance facade of the basilica that dominates the square.
Explore the Palazzo Vecchio
You can’t miss the Palazzo Vecchio. The city’s imposing town hall and historic place of government was the scene of many an intrigue and mystery. The Medici family ruled the city from here during the Renaissance.
You can appreciate the building from outside in the Piazza della Signoria but, if you have time, take a tour of the interior.
After the Uffizi, the Palazzo Vecchio is one of my favorite places to visit in Florence. It is the place to go if you want to imagine how life was like when the city was at its peak.
From the moment you enter the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of 500) with its impressive panelled ceilings and frescoes there is no doubt that Florence was a wealthy and influential city.
Visit the hall of maps and the private rooms of the Medici family, all restored to their Renaissance glory. Don’t forget to look out over the city rooftops towards the Duomo from the upper floor windows and learn about the secret passageways within the palace.
ⓘ Palazzo Vecchio tickets and tours: you can easily buy tickets at the entrance or prebook on the museum website. We recommend taking a guided tour so you can appreciate the importance of the building and discover its secret passageways. You can even climb the tower for stunning views of Florence and Tuscany beyond – click here for tour information
Take in the views at Piazzale Michelangelo
It is a steep climb up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo but I promise you it is worth it. (In any case, there are always taxis!) From here you can take in the panoramic view of the city below pictured above. It’s simply breathtaking.
You will find an (overpriced) coffee bar and restaurant at the terrace below the piazza but we suggest taking a walk down the hill to the artistic San Niccolo neighbourhood.
This is the perfect spot to stop for lunch or do some shopping before you head back over the river via the Ponte alle Grazie.
Another culture fix at the Pitti Palace
The Medici family moved to Palazzo Pitti on the other side of the Arno once they had outgrown the Palazzo Vecchio. It is a magnificent Renaissance palace full of treasures that the family acquired over several centuries, and is an extension of the Uffizi Gallery.
At the Pitti Palace you can tour the state rooms and private apartments and see masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Rubens and VanDijk. Each room is dripping with art and luxury the likes of which were only surpassed by the Palace of Versailles in France.
Include Palazzo Pitti in your itinerary if you are returning to Florence, are obsessed by art or have a week in the city. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance with minimal queuing. More information about opening times and ticket prices on the Pitti Palace website.
FIND: The Best Tours in Florence – Top Guided Experiences to enjoy the city highlights.
Wander the Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace are a destination in themselves. Once the private estate of (yes you guessed it, the Medici!), the gardens feature formal and informal spaces, fountains, statues and even an amphitheater.
Sprawling over 111 acres, they are one of the largest green spaces in Florence and are a lovely place to stroll if you have art fatigue or just need some fresh air. From the higher points of the gardens you enjoy sweeping views of the city.
Within the gardens you can also visit the Buontalenti Grotto – an ornate cave that looks straight out of a fairytale.
The main entry to the gardens is via the Pitti Palace. There you can buy your tickets for the garden or a combined ticket to enter the palace – click here for more information
Discover Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the final resting place of famous Florentines, Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. You can see their tombs inside the basilica which has 16 chapels, many adorned with frescoes by Giotto depicting the life of Saint Francis.
Outside in the piazza, a brooding statue of Dante keeps an eye on proceedings. Here local children play and people enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at the bars lining the square. This is a favorite spot of mine to visit at sunset as the Tuscan light bounces off the marble facade.
There is not usually a line to enter Santa Croce. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the left hand side of the church as you approach from the piazza – more information.
DISCOVER: More in our full guide to the Main attractions in Florence.
Florence beyond the main sights
Even if you are not an art fanatic, it’s hard not to be charmed by the slower, more refined pace of Florence. It is a city for leisurely lunches, cocktails with swoon worthy views and browsing artisan boutiques.
Favorite neighborhoods
If wandering and stopping to soak up the atmosphere is your travel style, head out of the central historic district and stroll around these neighborhoods.
- Santa Croce / Sant’Ambrogio – close to the basilica you will find a vibrant local market and fun restaurants
- San Niccolò – a restaurant and artisan shopping hub just under Piazzale Michelangelo
- Santo Spirito – enjoy the local markets and cafes under the shady trees of the piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrano district
Other noteworthy churches and sights
Florence is a city of curiosities and churches and museums full to the brim with art and history. If you have more than a couple of days in Florence, seek out these sights of the city.
- Il Porcellino statue [Piazza del Mercato Nuovo] – this bronze statue of a boar brings good luck if you place a coin in its mouth
- Santa Maria Novella – one of the city’s oldest churches with a Renaissance facade and art by Botticelli
- Bardini Gardens [Costa San Giorgio, 2] – beautiful Italian Renaissance gardens with sweeping views of the city
- Santo Spirito [Piazza Santo Spirito] – Brunelleschi’s basilica has a plain facade but there is incredible art inside by Michelangelo, Lippi and other Renaissance masters
- Basilica di San Lorenzo [Piazza di San Lorenzo] – frescoed Medici family church where they are buried and a library designed by Michelangelo
- Ponte Santa Trinita – a beautiful bridge with statues and views of the Ponte Vecchio
- San Marco [Piazza San Marco] – holds the relic of a mummified saint
- Gucci Garden [Piazza della Signoria, 10] – museum space, cafe and store dedicated to the fashion house Gucci
- San Miniato al Monte [Via delle Porte Sante, 34] – fabulous views and interior from this Romanesque church just outside the city walls
Where to shop in Florence
Pop your head into a shop or two in Florence and you won’t believe your eyes. Some of these establishments have been trading or developing their craft for centuries.
From leather goods to stationery, food and beauty products, you will find unique and interesting gifts and souvenirs in Florence.
My shopping address book
At Alessandro Dari, [Via di S. Niccolò, 115R] a jeweller, they create intricate contemporary pieces inspired by the city’s Renaissance past.
Visit Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella [ Via della Scala, 16] for historic elixirs, cures and perfume. Almost 800 years old, the pharmacy’s signature scent was made for the Queen of France – Catherine de’Medici
Scuola del Cuoio [Piazza Santa Croce, 16] keeps the Florentine artisan leather making tradition alive and produces pieces from the finest hides. Visiting the store in the monastery of Santa Croce is an adventure too.
Il Papiro [Piazza del Duomo, 24r ] is famous for marbled papers, sealing wax and leather bound stationery.
Sant’Ambrogio Market [ Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti] is the place to go for local produce – fresh cheeses, pasta, fruit and vegetables. The market is a short walk from Santa Croce. Vendors will vacuum pack cheeses for you to transport home.
Madova [Via de ‘Guicciardini, 1] makes fine leather gloves
Cocktails with views
One of my favorite things to do in Italy is enjoy aperitivo (pre dinner drinks and snacks). And it is even better with a view of beautiful Florence. Here are some spots you might enjoy
- La Rinascente terrazza [Piazza della Repubblica, 4] – the rooftop bar of this elegant department store has uninterrupted Duomo views
- La Terrazza Lounge bar at Continentale [Vicolo dell’Oro, 6] – the place to go for views of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio
Suggested Florence itineraries
Ideally you would spend 3 days in Florence, but we know that can sometimes be hard to fit into schedules and budgets.
Here are some Florence itinerary ideas to help you include all the activities and that you want to see in the time you have available.
1 day in Florence – art highlights and views
If you only have one day in Florence we suggest picking one gallery to visit and spend the rest of the time exploring the Ponte Vecchio, romantic piazzas and Duomo. There is time to experience Tuscan cuisine and wine so you get a taste of the Renaissance city too.
- Morning – Uffizi Gallery (make sure to prebook tickets here), Ponte Vecchio
- Lunch – suggestion – Tuscan dishes at Trattoria Ponte Vecchio [Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8] or wine tasting and snacks Le Volpi e L’Uva (Piazza dei Rossi)
- Afternoon – Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Duomo – prebook tickets
- Gelato stop – suggestion – La Strega Nocciola (Via Ricasoli, 16r)
- Dinner – Mercato Centrale
ⓘ TOUR SUGGESTION: See Florence in a day on a small group tour with an expert from the fun team at LivTours. Their 7 hour highlights of Florence tour visits the Duomo, David statue, Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bronze Boar, Ponte Vecchio. Use code ‘UNTOLDITALY‘ to claim a 5% discount on LivTours in Florence and Italy – for more info click here
2 day Florence itinerary – a classic tour
Day One – Duomo, Accademia and views
- Morning – Duomo (prebook tickets)
- Lunch – Enoteca Coquinarius [via delle oche 11, Firenze] – casual pasta and wine
- Afternoon – Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Accademia – David statue (buy tickets here)
- Gelato stop – La Strega Nocciola (Via Ricasoli, 16r)
- Drinks with a view – La Terrazza Lounge bar at Continentale [Vicolo dell’Oro, 6]
- Dinner – Restaurante Santa Elisabetta great value fine dining
Day Two – Uffizi Gallery, Pponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo
- Morning – Uffizi Gallery (make sure to prebook tickets here) and stroll over Ponte Vecchio
- Lunch – suggestion – Tuscan dishes at Trattoria Ponte Vecchio (Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8) or wine tasting and snacks Le Volpi e L’Uva (Piazza dei Rossi)
- Afternoon – Boboli Gardens and/or Pitti Palace followed by Piazzale Michelangelo
- Gelato stop – Il Gelato di filo [Via S. Miniato, 5]
- Evening drinks – Piazza Santa Croce, if you have time visit the church
- Dinner – Caffè Cibreo [Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 5R]
3 days in Florence – the grand tour
Day One – Duomo, Accademia and views
- Morning – Duomo – prebook tickets
- Lunch – Enoteca Coquinarius [via delle oche 11, Firenze] – casual pasta and wine
- Afternoon – Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Accademia – David statue (buy tickets here)
- Gelato stop – La Strega Nocciola (Via Ricasoli, 16r)
- Drinks with a view – La Terrazza Lounge bar at Continentale [Vicolo dell’Oro, 6]
- Dinner – Restaurante Santa Elisabetta great value fine dining
Day Two – Uffizi Gallery, Pponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo
- Morning – Uffizi Gallery (make sure to prebook tickets here) and stroll over Ponte Vecchio
- Lunch – suggestion – Tuscan dishes at Trattoria Ponte Vecchio (Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8) or wine tasting and snacks Le Volpi e L’Uva (Piazza dei Rossi)
- Afternoon – Boboli Gardens and/or Pitti Palace followed by Piazzale Michelangelo
- Gelato stop – Il Gelato di filo [Via S. Miniato, 5]
- Evening drinks – Piazza Santa Croce
- Dinner – Caffè Cibreo [Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 5R]
Day Three – take a day trip or explore the neighborhoods
- Morning – Santa Croce district – visit the church, Sant’Ambrogio market and leather school
- Lunch – Boccadarno [Via di S. Niccolò, 56r]
- Afternoon – San Niccolo and Oltrano districts, Santo Spirito and shopping
- Gelato stop – Perche’ No [Via dei Tavolini, 19R]
- Evening drinks – La Rinascente terrazza [Piazza della Repubblica, 4] – uninterrupted Duomo views
- Dinner – L’Osteria Di Giovanni [via del Moro, 22] – steak florentine
When to visit Florence
Florence, like most of Italy, has a peak season from May to October. During this time the small city is packed full of visitors and lines for the main attractions are long. Accommodation prices also increase then so it is wise to book well in advance if possible.
The table below has information to help you decide the best time to visit for your travel preferences and plans.
| Weather | Crowds | Accommodation | Seasonal events | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring March - May | Cool, bring a jacket Expect rain | Starting to build by May | Cost - high Book 3-6 months in advance | Outdoor terraces open mid April Flowers in fields and gardens Scoppio del Carro festival |
| Summer June - August | Very hot and humid | Busiest season. Huge crowds. Must prebook tours and attractions | Cost - very high Book 6-12 months in advance | Calcio Storico historic football match Ferragosto - August holiday |
| Autumn / Fall September - November | Becoming colder This is the rainiest season | Crowds thin by November but September and October are still busy | Cost - high Book 3-6 months in advance | Outdoor terraces close mid September Grape and olive harvest Truffles in season |
| Winter December - February | Cold You will need a coat | Best season for visiting museums | Cost - medium Book 3-6 months in advance | Christmas decorations Scoppio del Carro - |
We enjoy the cooler months of May and October in Florence. At this time the crowds are manageable and temperatures are cooler and perfect for sightseeing.
Where to stay in Florence
Florence is a small city that welcomes over 10 million tourists each year. Make sure to book early – at least 6 months in advance if you can – to secure rooms at the best hotels. Browse our guide on where to stay in Florence or check out our top picks below:
Luxury – Hotel Savoy
Small luxury hotel on elegant Piazza della Republicca. Most rooms have views of the Duomo or piazza –