Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, this guide to things to do in Florence Italy covers the essential attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips you need for an unforgettable trip.
Florence is one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations, a city where Renaissance art, medieval architecture, and authentic Italian culture converge. And it’s personally one of my favourite cities!
Here’s the best things to do in Florence Italy.
Florence Italy Map
Before diving into specific attractions, it’s helpful to understand Florence’s geography. The city centre is remarkably compact and walkable, most major things to do in Florence Italy are within 15-20 minutes on foot from each other. The Arno River divides the city, with the historic centre (Centro Storico) on the north bank and the quieter Oltrarno district on the south. Key neighborhoods include:
- Centro Storico — home to the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria
- Santa Croce — a local neighborhood with authentic character and artisan shops
- Oltrarno — across the river, known for quieter streets, workshops, and cultural attractions
- San Lorenzo — markets and local atmosphere
Firenze City Card
If you’re planning multiple museum visits among your things to do in Florence Italy, consider a Florence City Card. The Brunelleschi Pass gives you access to five major Duomo complex sites: the Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the Opera Museum. It’s excellent value if you plan to climb both domes and explore the Duomo thoroughly.
For art lovers, a combined Accademia + Bargello ticket (€26, valid 48 hours) provides access to both Michelangelo’s David and the Bargello Museum’s sculpture collection. The Vasari Corridor + Uffizi combined ticket (€43-€47) includes access to the secret 750-metre Renaissance passageway, recently reopened after eight years of restoration.
Getting the Firenzecard allows entrance to 60+ Florence Museums and is valid for 72-hours. The card is €94 and included are (mentioned in brackets is the normal price) for example:
Palazzo Pitti (€16)
Palazzo Vecchio (€25)
Santa Croce Church (€10)
Uffizi Gallery (€26)
Bardini Gardens (€10)
Orsanmichele (€10)
Bargello Museum (€12)
Santa Maria Novella church (€7.5)
Medici Chapel (€11)
Palazzo Medici Riccardi (€15)
Accademia Gallery (€29)
The Firenzecard with 72-hour validity
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Entrance to 60+ Florence Museums - including:
Practical Tips for Things to Do in Florence Italy
- Book in advance: Major museums (Uffizi, Accademia, Bruchellini) sell out weeks ahead, especially for summer
- Early mornings work best: Arrive at major attractions at opening time to beat crowds
- Walking is easiest: The historic centre is compact; avoid taxis (difficult to hail) and Uber (expensive private car service)
- Street vendors at major attractions: Be cautious of unofficial tour operators and inflated prices near top sights
- Water fountains: Public drinking fountains (nasoni) provide free water throughout the city
Best Things to Do in Florence Italy
Santa Maria del Fiore: A Must See of Things to Do in Florence Italy
This Duomo, officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, stands as Florence’s most iconic landmark and arguably the defining symbol of the city. This insane structure dominates the skyline with its distinctive terracotta dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1436.
Many don’t know that the Duomo complex consists of five components:
To access the monuments of Piazza del Duomo (with the exception of the Cathedral, which is free) it is necessary to hold one of our three Passes: Brunelleschi, Giotto or Ghiberti.
Brunelleschi’s Dome: after climbing 463 steep steps you’re rewarded with one of the most stunning experiences among things to do in Florence Italy. The narrow passages and confined spaces make this a challenge, but the 360-degree views of Florence from the interior are extraordinary. Remember that you have to reserve a time-slot in advance through the Brunelleschi Pass.
Giotto’s Bell Tower: at 414 steps, you’re offered a more manageable climb and equally stunning views as Brunelleschi’s dome. The ornate marble facade makes this tower an architectural masterpiece in itself.
The Baptistery: featuring stunning bronze doors depicting biblical scenes, is one of Florence’s oldest buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Opera Museum houses sculptures and architectural fragments from the Duomo complex’s construction and is one of the Duomo complex buildings barely anyone visits.
Valid for 3 days
Included: Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, Santa Reparata
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Ponte Vecchio: Medieval Things to Do in Florence Italy
The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is perhaps the world’s most famous bridge and among the most iconic things to do in Florence Italy. This medieval structure has connected the city across the Arno River since 1345, and what makes it truly unique is the continuous row of jewelry shops lining both sides of the bridge.
Interestingly, these shops exist because of Cosimo I de’ Medici’s 1593 edict that removed butchers and tanners from the bridge and replaced them with goldsmiths eliminating the unpleasant odors that had plagued the structure. Today, the Ponte Vecchio remains the most photographed bridge in Italy, offering spectacular views, particularly at sunset.
The bridge is also famous as the location of the Vasari Corridor’s western entrance, the secret 750-metre passageway constructed in 1565 to connect the Uffizi Gallery to the Palazzo Pitti across the river. Now reopened to the public, walking the Vasari Corridor is among the most exclusive things to do in Florence Italy.
David of Michelangelo: The Most Classic Things to Do in Florence Italy
No visit to Florence is complete without standing before Michelangelo’s David, perhaps the world’s most famous sculpture. Located in the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia in Italian), this 17-foot marble masterpiece represents the pinnacle of Renaissance achievement.
The David is so popular that tickets often sell out months in advance, so make sure to book in advance. Current pricing is approximately €16 for gallery entry, with combined Accademia + Bargello tickets available at €26 (valid 48 hours).
The statue’s power lies not just in its technical perfection but in its philosophical statement: Michelangelo captured David in the moment before his confrontation with Goliath, creating an image of contemplative strength.
Reduced-price ticket
For european union citizens (and schengen countries) between 18-25 years entry is €2 (you have to be able to show your passport or ID to verify).
Replica of David outside of Palazzo Vecchio
Uffizi Gallery: The Best for Art Lovers of Things to Do in Florence Italy
The Uffizi Gallery ranks among Europe’s greatest art museums and is one of the essential things to do in Florence Italy for art enthusiasts. Housing works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and countless Renaissance masters, the Uffizi requires careful planning.
One of the things that surprised (and overwhelmed) me the most was the gallery’s massive layout. If you choose to go without a guide, consider purchasing a guidebook or downloading an audio guide to focus on masterpieces rather than wandering aimlessly. Key works include Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi, and works by Raphael and Michelangelo.
Tip: Book the Vasari Corridor + Uffizi combined ticket to experience both the gallery and the historic passageway in one visit.
REMEMBER: the gallery is closed on mondays
Reduced-price ticket
For european union citizens (and schengen countries) between 18-25 years entry is €2 (you have to be able to show your passport or ID to verify).
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Bargello Museum: One of the Hidden Things to Do in Florence Italy
While tourists flock to the Accademia and Uffizi, the Bargello Museum remains one of the most underrated things to do in Florence Italy. This fortress-palace houses the world’s most important Renaissance sculpture collection, rivaling even the Vatican museums.
The Bargello contains works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Cellini, displayed in a more intimate setting than other major Florentine museums. The smaller crowds make this an ideal complement to your museum visits and a refuge from peak-season tourist chaos.
Viewpoints in Florence Italy
Florence’s hillside location creates numerous opportunities for breathtaking panoramic views. Here are the best viewpoints among things to do in Florence Italy:
Oblate Library Terrace
The Oblate Library offers one of Florence’s best free viewpoints of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This modern library’s upper terrace provides an exceptional vantage point, particularly from sunset onwards. Though the library itself is nothing too special, there’s a little cafe where you can enjoy a refreshment with minimal crowds compared to paid viewpoints.
Uffizi Gallery Terrace
The Uffizi Gallery’s top-floor terrace is included with gallery admission and offers magnificent views across the Arno toward the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. It’s an excellent spot to rest after museum fatigue while absorbing views of Florence from the top. It’s not very high up, so don’t expect insane views, but make sure to go have a look, while you’re already in the museum.
Piazzale Michelangelo: One of the Most Iconic Things to Do in Florence Italy
Piazzale Michelangelo stands atop a hill approximately 20 minutes’ uphill walk from the Arno River and offers Florence’s most iconic panoramic viewpoint. From this vantage point, you can see the entire historic centre: the Duomo’s dome, Palazzo Vecchio’s tower, the Ponte Vecchio, and rolling Tuscan countryside beyond.
This viewpoint is especially magical at sunset, when golden light bathes the entire city. Arrive early to avoid the peak afternoon crowds. The piazza is free to access and there’s often live music from street performers to set the mood.
Tower of Arnolfo
The Tower of Arnolfo (part of Palazzo Vecchio) provides another excellent climbing option. With approximately 95 steps, it’s more manageable than Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower while still delivering expansive city views. Entry is approximately €19, making it the more affordable viewpoint from one of the towers in this amazing city.
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Climbing the Arnolfo Tower is NOT included
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Best Places to Stay in Florence Italy
For your things to do in Florence Italy itinerary, accommodation location matters significantly given the city’s compact size.
Centro Storico places you within walking distance of all major attractions but expect higher prices and tourist crowds.
Santa Croce offers a better balance: local character, authentic restaurants, and proximity to key sights without being in the absolute centre.
Oltrarno works well if you prefer quieter streets, artisan neighborhoods, and a more residential feel, still walkable to all attractions but with fewer tourists.
Book accommodation well in advance, particularly for April-June and September-October peaks.
How Many Days to Spend in Florence Italy
The question of duration depends on your interests, but here’s practical guidance for things to do in Florence Italy:
3 Full Days (Minimum) allows you to experience the Duomo complex, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David), and Piazzale Michelangelo, plus neighborhood exploration and going out to eat. This is adequate for hitting major highlights without excessive rushing.
4-5 Days allows for deeper exploration: adding the Bargello Museum, Palazzo Pitti with Boboli Gardens, food tours, cooking classes, the Vasari Corridor, and more neighborhood time. You’ll experience Florence beyond just the “greatest hits.”
6+ Days allows true immersion: slower meals, day trips to surrounding regions, artisan workshops, and genuine local life observation rather than tourism.
Best times to visit: April-June and September-October offer ideal weather and manageable crowds. July-August brings heat and peak tourism; winter (December-February) is cool and quiet but grey.
Day Trips from Florence Italy
While Florence itself deserves several days, the surrounding Tuscan countryside offers exceptional day-trip possibilities for those with extended time:
Siena (55 minutes by bus) features the stunning Piazza del Campo, medieval town centre, and cathedral. Its hill-town setting and less-touristed atmosphere provides contrast to Florence.
Grotta del Vento (2h by car) is a true hidden gem situated in the heart of the Apuan Alps’ Park, in an uncontaminated area. The tourist’s entrance to the underground complex is close to the stone village of Fornovolasco.
Saturnia hot springs (3h by car) is a popular and naturally heated thermal pool in Tuscany. It’s free to visit and a popular day trip from Florence.
Pisa (1 hour by train) attracts the iconic Leaning Tower, but make sure to visit the cathedral complex, which is arguably more impressive and far less crowded.
Duration: 12 hours
Guide: English
Included: Transportation, Free time in Pisa and San Gimignano, Entry ticket to the Siena's Cathedral
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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