40 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

Find a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Florence, Italy whether you’re there for a day or a full week! You’ll find architecture, museums, food tours, and even day trips listed to help you fill your Florence itinerary with bucket list items.

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region – one of the best known regions in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful and cultural cities in the world offering a rich history, unbeatable art, world-renown architecture, and trend-setting fashion.

Known best for its stunning Renaissance buildings, museums, galleries, and churches, Florence attracts millions of tourists every year. This is because there is so much to see and do in Florence. To help you make the most of your time in Florence, Italy, here are the some of the best Florence activities to add to your itinerary.

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Table of Contents

Map of Florence

Before we jump into the best things to do in Florence, let’s lay some groundwork about the layout of the city. You may be surprised to learn that much Florence is walkable. In fact, if you take a walking tour, you can see many iconic sites, like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Santa Croce all in one day.

To give you some perspective, check out the Florence map below to see where most of the tourist sights in Florence are located. This will help you plot our your adventures wisely and minimize backtracking. Then, take a look at the best activities in Florence listed below to ensure you’ve included them in your trip!

Take a Tour of Florence

The best way to get a feel for how the city is laid out and the top places in Florence you’ll want to go back to is to take a tour upon arrival. Whether you opt for a free one, a paid one, a private one, a group one, a walking one, or a transportation-based one, you’ll get some similar information that will help set the stage for your time in Florence.

Here are some popular options for how you can tour Florence.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Like many cities in Europe, Florence offers free walking tours by a number of providers that will give you great information about the city – for free! Well, really you tip at the end what you think the tour is worth, but there is no obligation to tip (although you should!).

Free walking tours are one of my favorite ways to get a feel for a city before jumping deeper into the individual sights of a city. Here are a few options for free walking tours in Florence to take a look at:

GuruWalk’s The Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales

Civitatis’s Free Walking Tour of Florence

Free Tours by Foot: They offer a number of free tours to choose from

See the Highlights of Florence by Paid Walking Tour

Prefer to know exactly what you’re getting from a walking tour and how big the group will be? No problem. There are paid walking tours that include skip-the-line access to some of the most amazing places in Florence! Check out this tour that takes you to all of the Florence highlights so you can get a feel for the city quickly.

Consider a Bike Tour

Another awesome way to explore Florence is by bike. You’ll be able to cover more ground, get a little exercise, and still preserve some energy for more exploration later in the day by foot. Rent a bike and explore on your own, or if you want to know exactly what you’re looking at, book a guided bike tour of Florence. It’s a fun and active way to see the landmarks in Florence and discover hidden gems.

Do a Vespa Tour

Is there a more Italian way to see Florence than by Vespa? Vespa tours of Florence include the rental of an automatic Vespa – with no gears – and a professional guide who will lead you through the scenic roads of Florence and the surrounding areas. Check availability of the Vespa tours.

Book an Electric Cart Tour

Not quite up to walking around the city center of Florence or short on time? Book a tour of the historic sights of Florence on an electric golf cart. You’ll be able to see most of the key attractions in Florence without huffing it on foot! Check availability of the golf cart tours.

Leverage the Popular Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Florence

Another popular way to get around Florence is to use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. It offers 2 different routes with 13 stops on Line A and 18 stops on Line B and tickets for 1, 2, or 3 travel days in Florence. Booking a ticket for the bus allows you to experience the best attractions in Florence on your own schedule without tiring out your feet.

Florence Duomo, Italy — The Florence Duomo: The number one can’t miss place in Florence

Explore the Architecture of Florence

As you walk around Florence, you’ll be wowed by its architecture. From famous squares to stunning cathedrals and beautiful bridges across the Arno River – there is something for everyone in Florence. While you explore, make sure to hunt down these can’t miss architectural points of interest in Florence.

Visit and Climb the Florence Duomo

In the city center, the Florence Duomo, also known as the Florence Cathedral or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori, is by far the most impressive building and famous Florence landmark.

In fact, almost anywhere you walk in Florence you’ll be able to see the tall dome of the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, sticking out above the rest of the city. For that reason, you’ll definitely want to climb to the top of the dome to see its incredible views of Florence.

As lines can be quite long, book a skip-the-line Duomo ticket that includes the Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb. This will help you see the number one thing to do in Florence without wasting a ton of time waiting in line with all of the other tourists who didn’t plan ahead.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is Florence’s oldest – and most famous – bridge. It tends to be one of the most recognized symbols of Florence with its three lower arches and the famous Vasari Corridor that sits on top of it. It’s lined with small jewelry stores and is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the views of the Arno River.

See the Santa Croce Basilica

The Florence Santa Croce Basilica, or Basilica di Santa Croce, is one of the most beautiful and important churches in Florence. It’s built in traditional Tuscan Gothic style and is the final resting place for many famous Florentines, including Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Admire the Palazzo Vecchio

The 13th century Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall and a symbol of the Renaissance capital’s political power for 7+ centuries. Sitting on Piazza della Signoria, Plazza Vecchio is a stunning building that’s worth a visit for its architecture alone. However, you can also tour the inside with a skip-the-line priority ticket or a guided tour.

Climb the Arnolfo Tower

For a fabulous view of Florence, climb the 95 meter tall Arnolfo Tower attached to the Palazzo Vecchio. While it’s not as popular as climbing the Florence Duomo, the benefit of the view from the Tower of Arnolfo is that you’ll also be able to see the Duomo and its prominence on the Florence skyline.

Relax in Piazza della Signoria

Home to the aforementioned Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria is the most important public square in Florence. In years past it has been the political center of the city but today it is more of a social hub where tourists and locals alike gather to enjoy the atmosphere and Neptune fountain.

See the Basilica of San Lorenzo

The Basilica of San Lorenzo, or Basilica di San Lorenzo, is one of the largest and most important Renaissance churches in Florence. It was commissioned by the prominent Medici family and is home to several masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and other Renaissance artists. This is also where you’ll find the Medici Chapels and Laurentian Library.

Tour the Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapels, or Cappelle Medicee, are two beautiful chapels located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. These chapels were built as mausoleums for members of the Medici family and include two very famous sculptures by Michelangelo. Visit on your own with a skip-the-line ticket or book a private tour to learn more about the Medici family and the famous sculptures inside.

Admire the Frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel

The Brancacci Chapel, or Cappella dei Brancacci, is a small chapel located in the Santa Maria del Carmine Church. While the rest of the church was destroyed in a fire in 1771, the Brancacci and Corsini Chapels survived and feature some of the most important frescoes in Florence. These famous frescoes were painted by Masaccio back in the early 15th century.

Go into the Santa Maria Novella Church

Another stunning church in Florence is the Santa Maria Novella. This fabulous church was the first basilica in Florence and today is situated next to the Florence train station. It is most famous for its Gothic architecture and stunning interior.

See Florence from Piazza Michelangelo

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the city from above at the most famous scenic overlook in Florence, Piazza Michelangelo. This plaza sits in the Oltrarno neighborhood on the hillside overlooking the city with views of the river, Duomo, and the many other domes and towers of the city.

In addition to the views, there’s a beautiful church complex adjacent to the Piazza that’s beautiful and far less crowded than any you will find in the city center.

Explore the Oltrarno Neighborhood

While you’re visiting the Piazza Michelangelo, explore the Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence. It’s located on the far side of the Arno River and offers densely packed streets full of interesting shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Take a Walk in the Cascine Park

Cascine Park, or Parco delle Cascine, is a beautiful 395 acre park located on the outskirts of Florence. It’s the perfect place to get away from the bustle of the city and take a walk, ride a bike, or have a picnic in nature. Plan your visit on Tuesday morning to catch the popular Cascine Market.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence — The stunning Ponte Vecchio – One of the best things to do in Florence

Visit the Famous Florence Museums

While you can walk around Florence in just one day to see the highlights of the architecture, you’ll need more time to visit the many famous museums of Florence. In fact, you could easily spend a week touring the museums and learning all about art, history, and beyond.

While I am not typically a museum person, these museums are next-level. I’m talking, famous art that you’ve read about in school, artists that you’ve studied over the years, and more! Just trust me, you’ll want to visit at least a couple of the more prominent museums in the city – even if you’re not a museum person.

To ensure you’re able to see the ones you want, you may need to book in advance. I’ve tried to note these below so that you don’t miss out on these once in a lifetime experiences! After all, Florence is one of the most popular European destinations – and the crowds of tourist will remind you of that!

Experience the Uffizi Galleries

The Uffizi Gallery, or Gallerie degli Uffizi, is one of the most famous art museums in the world housing an impressive collection of Renaissance art. Located in the heart of Florence, this museum draws more than a million visitors annually who want to check out its art including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.

Plan to visit on your own with a timed-entry ticket or join a small group tour of the Uffizi. You will have to book in advance to secure your entrance into the Uffizi.

See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery, or Galleria dell’Accademia, is home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David – a 17 foot tall statue – as well as many other famous artists, such as Botticelli and Lippi. This iconic Florence museum used to be one of Europe’s oldest drawing schools but now is a must-see museum for any art lover.

Unfortunately, as the Accademia Gallery is popular, you’ll need to secure your tickets in advance. Choose from a timed entry ticket, a skip-the-line ticket, or a small group tour, which includes your ticket.

Get a Glimpse into the Elite at the Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti, is a stunning Renaissance palace in Florence that was once home to the ruling Medici family. It then was passed on to a number of high-powered families before being donated to Italy in 1919. Today, it houses several museums and galleries in its 140 rooms. Touring it is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of Florence’s elite.

Choose to tour the Royal Apartments, Silver Museum, Porcelain Museum, Carriage Muse, Modern Art Gallery, or Costume Gallery. Book your Pitti Palace tickets in advance to skip-the-line or do a guided tour of the Boboli Gardens and Palatina Gallery.

Admire the Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens, or Giardino di Boboli, feature a number of fountains, statues, and flowers and are also located at Pitti Palace. You can choose to visit them on a joint ticket with the Palace or book a garden only visit with a priority entrance ticket to the Boboli Gardens.

Visit the Bargello Museum

The Bargello Museum, or Museo Nazionale del Bargello, is the capital of Italian Renaissance sculpture. It’s home to works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Cellini, Bernini, and many others.

If art is your thing, don’t miss this museum. Just make sure to book your ticket in advance. You can once again choose from a skip-the-line ticket option or do a Bargello museum tour, which includes the skip-the-line ticket as well as a knowledgable guide to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Learn about the Duomo at the Opera del Duomo

The Opera del Duomo Museum, or Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, is dedicated to the art and architecture of Florence’s famous cathedral. It contains many of the original pieces created for the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Fiore, including the original bronze doors of the Baptistery. It’s located just to the east of the Duomo.

To add the Museum to your Florence Cathedral visit, you can book a tour that includes it too! Check out this in-depth tour of the Florence Duomo Complex that includes the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Campanile, the mosaics in the Baptistery, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Explore the Museo Galileo

The Museo Galileo, part of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, is a museum dedicated to the history of science and technology. It features several fascinating exhibits, including telescopes and other scientific instruments. Book your entry ticket in advance or sign up for a small group tour of the museum.

Have Fun at the Interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum

One of the most fun museums in Florence is the the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. This Florence museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Renaissance artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci.

This museum features over 50 life-size working machines based on da Vinci’s drawings making it a fun interactive experience and one of the best things to do in Florence with kids. Book your ticket in advance to guarantee your spot!

See the Palazzo Strozzi

The Strozzi Palace, or Palazzo Strozzi, is a beautiful Renaissance palace built on one of the most important public squares in Florence. Today it is home to several rotating exhibitions throughout the year and typically has over two million people visit per year. The timing of your visit to Florence will determine what they’re featuring, but check it out!

Admire the Frescoes in the San Marco Museum

The San Marco Museum, or Museo di San Marco, is an art museum located in a former Dominican convent. It houses many important works of art but is most famous for its large collection of paintings and frescoes by Fra Angelico. If you visit San Marco Museum, make sure to admire the original frescoes in the cells of the convent.

The David in Florence, Italy — See the most famous sculpture in Florence, David, at the Accademia Gallery

Go Shopping in Florence

When you think style, you may think of Milan’s fashion week. Just me? Well, there’s a reason that Italians are known for fashion and style – and you may want to browse some of the shops and markets to get a feel for that style and an opportunity to be a part of it all. Here are my favorite ways to shop in Florence.

Explore the San Lorenzo Market

Looking for the best place to go shopping in Florence? The San Lorenzo Market, hands down. This bustling market is located across several streets in the center of Florence and is the best place to shop for leather goods, souvenirs, clothings, etc. To find the market, head to the Central Market or Piazza San Lorenzo and take a look at the vendors in the streets surrounding it.

Browse hundred of stalls on either side of the street as you find the perfect gifts for your friends and family back home, and of course something for yourself! Feel free to bargain with the vendors to try and get the best deal – and remember you can always walk away if you aren’t happy with the price they’re offering. Besides, there’s probably a vendor a street over selling something similar!

Take a Stroll through Central Market

The Central Market of Florence, or Mercato Centrale, is a busy indoor food market in the heart of the city. This two story food market sits in a stunning building and is the place to go for all things food. You’ll find everything from butchers to fruit and vegetables as well as local specialties like cheese and olive oils. Keep your eyes open for the exotic options too, like cow brains and tongue.

If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back to the states, let the vendors know and they can typically vacuum pack your purchases to enable you to bring them back. Some of the most popular souvenirs include extra-virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and truffle honey.

Before going to the central market, make sure to check that it’s open as it is typically closed on Sundays and holidays.

Shop at the Largest Market in Florence

While the above markets are the most popular in Florence, a very cool alternative is the less popular Cascine Market or Il Mercato delle Cascine which operates every Tuesday at Cascine Park. Not only is Cascine Market the largest market in Florence but it is also known as being the cheapest open-air market in Florence. This makes it a perfect place to peruse for souvenirs to bring back home.

Sunset in Florence — Sunset over the Florence Duomo

Eat & Drink Your Way through Italy

One of the many reasons that Italy has captured the heart of tourists is its amazing cuisine, and you can’t visit Florence without trying some of the local specialties. Here are some amazing food experiences in Florence you won’t want to miss.

Take an Italian Cooking Class

Italy is known for its delicious cuisine. Plan to take a cooking class to learn how to make some of the famous dishes from Florence. Choose from a gelato and pizza making class and a pasta making class. Want to make it a full day experience? Check out this local market tour with a cooking class and 4 course lunch!

Go Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy is most famous for its wine. As Florence is the capital of Tuscany, it’s the perfect place to take a wine tasting tour and sample the region’s best wines. Check out this small-group wine tasting in the Tuscan Countryside or take a Chianti safari through the Tuscan vineyards. If you’re a wine drinker, this is a must add to your Italy itinerary!

Do a Food Tour through Florence

A private Florence food tour is one of the best ways to taste all the local Tuscan foods with your own personal foodie guide. You’ll learn all about the most beloved local specialties, including street food, the best gelato, Italian espresso, and fresh pasta from the Sant’Ambrogio market.

Get to Know the Nightlife of Florence

Interested in seeing a different side of Florence? Take a nighttime tour that visits famous sights and tells you the dark history of the city while bar hopping through Florence. It’s a great way to learn the darker side of the city as well as meet others who want to take advantage of the vibrant nightlife.

Just remember, if you’re by yourself, be careful how much you drink. Even in cities as beautiful as Florence there are mischievous people about.

Best Day Trips from Florence

In addition to the tons of things to do in Florence, there are also amazing places near Florence to visit as day trips. In fact, most of Italy is at your fingertips due to its central location! Here are some of the best day trips to add to your Florence itinerary.

See the Highlights of Tuscany in One Day

Experience the top wonders of Tuscany in just one day. You’ll visit Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and have lunch at a winery. Best of all? All logistics are handled for you! Check availability for this day trip from Florence now.

Take a Day trip to Pisa

Enjoy a day trip to Pisa to admire its famous leaning tower, which is not-so cleverly named the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You’ll have time to explore the main square and church, ascend the Leaning Tower, and learn all about this bucket list destination. Check availability of this Pisa day trip now.

Head to Siena for a Day Trip

Siena is a beautiful medieval city with a UNESCO-listed historic center located just outside of Florence. Famous for the Palio horse race held every year in its main Piazza, on this day trip, you’ll be able to explore Siena’s historic center, admire the stunning Siena Duomo, stroll around the Piazza del Campo, and meander through the stunning streets of Siena before settling in for a tour of a wine estate and 4 course dinner. Check availability of this Siena and wine tour now.

Want to do it yourself?
Check out this post: How to Day Trip to Siena from Florence + One Day Itinerary for Siena

Book a Day Trip to Cinque Terre

Make your way from Florence to Cinque Terra for a day to explore and learn about this unique UNESCO-listed region with a guided tour. You’ll visit all five of the idyllic fishing villages that represent old-world Italy and enjoy untouched views of the Italian Riviera. Check the availability of this Cinque Terre tour from Florence now.

Want to spend more time in Cinque Terre?
Here are some posts to get you started: Planning a Trip to Cinque Terre: The Complete Guide & Where to Stay in Cinque Terre, Italy: Selecting the Right Town for Your Trip

Explore More of Italy

As you can tell, there are endless things to do in Florence. You could easily spend a week exploring this stunning city and all of its museums, however don’t be fooled by all the activities in Florence – you’ll also want to spend time in some of the other fabulous cities in Italy!

Here are some additional posts to help you plan your time in Italy.

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