20 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy
By Parker Villas
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. As you’d imagine, there is no shortage of activities to do while you’re visiting, so it can be hard to narrow down the best things to do in Florence. That’s why we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the top 20 things to do in Florence.
So, without further adieu, let’s examine the best things to do in Florence, Italy.
An art lover’s dream nestled on the banks of the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery is a rare look at a treasure trove of priceless artworks dating from the Middle Ages to the Modern Period. Spend a cozy afternoon exploring Europe’s first modern museum, originally curated by the Medici family in the 16th century, taking in the priceless works of art that will be all around you. You can book the Skip-the-Line Uffizi Small Group Tour to visit the gallery.
Today, the gallery is still home to the Medici family’s collection, including such famed masterpieces as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch,” and Titian’s “Venus of Urbino. Patrons will also be pleased to learn that the gallery’s collection has expanded to include pieces by Giotto, Botticelli, Correggio, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as works by other European artists. Schedule enough time to peruse the museum’s rich history and extensive collection spanning more than 45 halls.
Towering over Florence sits the Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the city’s oldest Cathedrals. This must-see destination was finished in 393 AD, lending to its incredible history. It is just waiting to be explored on your own or on a guided tour. The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the many historical cathedrals and churches in Florence and Italy. So, if you enjoy this experience, a trip to Italy is perfect for you.
The cathedral was a stronghold for the Medici family and part of their fascinating history. One example is the Medici Chapel, which was supposed to have the Holy Sepulchre at its center but plans to purchase it and then steal it failed. In addition to a fascinating museum dedicated to its history and rich storytelling, the cathedral is still a place of worship, displaying sculptures by Donatello and Michaelangelo (to name a few!).
While most tourists flock to the Boboli Gardens, few experience the Giardino Bardini. This is where the locals experience some tranquility and beautiful greenery while avoiding the crowds. And if the locals do something, there’s usually a good reason. We suggest following their leads as they typically have more knowledge about the area and a better understanding of what is truly worth their time.
Whether you’d like to wander through a rolling olive grove, under the majestic purple wisteria arch, or up the pergola-covered stairwell, you’ll be doing so while enjoying spectacular panoramic city views. This peaceful space provides a break from museums and crowds and allows visitors to stop and smell the flowers. There is even a beautiful little bar where patrons can enjoy a glass of homemade vino!
Visitors are in awe of the magnificent Gothic structure near the city center, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Construction of this massive and aptly adorned gem took over two centuries, and the massive effort and attention to detail do not go unnoticed! You could spend hours looking at the amazing structure and still not be able to take in every little detail that it has to offer. A small group tour is available of the cathedral.
The cathedral has been standing tall over the city since its construction began on the Church of Santa Reparata site in the 7th century. Visitors can still see the site’s remains in the crypt, creating a unique and eerie experience. Above ground, visitors will notice the pink, white, and green marble decorating the exterior, contrasted by the warmer tones inside. This cathedral is also home to massive works by Giorgio Vasari, Frederico Zuccari, and Domenico, among others.
The Palazzo del Bargello is one of the city’s oldest buildings and houses the Bargello Museum. If the walls of this museum could talk, they would share the in-depth history of Florence’s civic history, including meetings conducted by the Council of the Hundred, which Dante himself was a part of.
Spending an afternoon at this museum includes a tour of its two halls and spacious courtyard. Visitors will see works by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, and Bacchus, as well as carefully curated Renaissance treasures and jewels. Anyone interested in the history of Florence or any famous artwork from the region should take some time out of their trip to visit this famous museum.
One of Florence’s best-kept local secrets, the Palazzo Strozzi, is one of Italy’s most unique and contemporary art programs. Don’t be fooled by the intact historic exterior. The interior is thoroughly modern and a hot spot for art shows. This juxtaposition between the olden exterior and the completely modernized interior makes the Palazzo Strozzi different from any other building in the city.
This freestanding palazzo gives visitors an unexpectedly dramatic modern haven in the richly historic city of Florence. Once inside, visitors will be greeted by many innovative and interactive exhibits that will amaze all of us with their curiosity. So take some time and spend a few hours, or even a whole day if you want, exploring this intriguing art program.
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Visitors and locals alike are dazzled by this ornate 277-foot-tall Bell Tower in the renowned Piazza del Duomo. One could spend all day exploring what this landmark has to offer and never tire of the intricate detail and amazing views you will have access to. Before going to the bell tower, check out some of the shops and cafes in the Piazza del Duomo at its base. Enjoy a cup of authentic Italian coffee before venturing up into the nearly 300-foot tower.
Though Giotto gets all the credit, this structure actually required three architects to complete in the early 14th century, giving the tower a character with distinctly different tastes and design styles. Beyond admiring the different architectural styles, visitors can spend time in the courtyard among famed statues by Donatello and Pisano or climb the 400 stairs to the top for a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of Florence. If you brave the climb and make it to the top of the tower, your views will be worth every effort it took to make it to the top. Truly an unforgettable view of a gorgeous city. It is easy to visit the tower because it is nearby to several hotels in Florence.
It’s no wonder these gardens rank among Florence’s top must-sees. This space offers sanctuary from the bustling city center to a different type of beauty the city has to offer. Easily the most popular gardens to explore while in Florence, there’s usually a reason that something is so popular. While these overly popular attractions can sometimes disappoint, this is not one of those times!
Spend the afternoon learning about the history of these beautiful gardens, originally belonging to the Medici family, until the public was allowed to explore the premises in the late 18th century. You can also simply relax and enjoy the landscapes and picturesque scenic views. Whatever you prefer, be sure to look out for many famous sculptures, grottos, and fountains strategically placed throughout the property.
Located in the lively Oltrarno neighborhood across the Arno River from the Duomo, this square is where the locals listen to music, grab a few drinks, and have a great time. So when you’ve finished sightseeing for the day and leaving the Duomo, head over to Piazza Santo Spirito for a great time and a lively atmosphere.
The nightlife lends itself to an evening of relaxing on the patio of a local restaurant, enjoying a meal or drink, or listening to live music. The square is home to a small market where you can buy local cuisine and homemade goods during the day. This is truly the best place to experience life as a local in Florence and take in the Italian culture all around you.
One of the most famous scientists and observers of space that the world has ever seen is, of course, Galileo Galilei. Affording visitors an opportunity to peer into the mind and the treasure trove of genius that this man had, don’t miss the wealth of science and history carefully curated over the years for your enjoyment in the Galileo Museum.
The Galileo Museum is wildly popular with tourists and locals alike and fun for all ages! Housed in an old palace that was fully restored in the mid-1800s, this museum displays a rare and impressive collection dating back to the 13th century. One could easily spend hours taking in the fascinating displays, but you’ll want to leave some time for a walk along the Arno River right outside. You can get a ticket in advance online to skip the line.
Michelangelo’s David is one of the most famous statues ever built and currently resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia in central Florence. The 17-foot statue draws in visitors from all over the world, and it is something that you don’t want to miss. If the lines to see the real statue are too long, consider checking out the replica of David located at the Piazzale Michelangelo in the Oltrarno district.
Thousands of tourists trek to the Oltrarno district just for Michelangelo’s David, but the square also offers panoramic city views and shouldn’t be missed. This is the go-to area to catch an incredible sunset, and two notable flower gardens are within walking distance. Don’t miss out on the local shops, bars, and restaurants, especially since the Piazzale Michelangelo is free to access 24/7.
Come experience Florence’s city center like the locals have been for centuries! This square has been central to Florence’s center since the 14th century, hosting public gatherings, events, seasonal markets, and even football matches. If you want to experience Florence’s true culture in a way you’ll never forget, spend a few hours at the Piazza Santa Croce, taking it all in.
This square is also home to the famous Basilica of Calcio Fiorentino, the largest Franciscan church constructed in 1212. The church is rich in religious history, noting visits from St. Francis of Assissi, gorgeous marble walls, and housing an astounding sixteen chapels. This area is also the final resting place for many notable Italian figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Machiavelli.
Leonard da Vinci is one of the most famous Italian artists, engineers, scientists, and inventors ever. All that, combined with his creative, innovative spirit, enabled the construction of many different inventions that can still be felt throughout the world today. He believed that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and this fascinating museum allows visitors into the mind, soul, and history of one of Italy’s finest!
Interactive displays, models, and tours allow visitors to go on a journey through da Vinci’s mind, with different areas showing his art and how he contributed to the study of gravity, mechanics, and design. Many of his designs have been recreated throughout the year, enabling visitors to truly peer into the genius of da Vinci and see what was going on in that beautiful mind of his.
The Battistero is one of the city’s most mysterious and fascinating gems. This structure is a temple that is drowned in mystery, as it’s unknown when the first religious building was constructed on the site where the current baptistry stands. Medieval legends tell that it was once a Pagan Temple. So, if you’re into religion, amazing architecture, or the allure of mystery, visiting the Battistero is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours in Florence.
This marble-clad mystery is a clever mix of faith, history, art, and beautiful architecture, guarded by massive bronze doors that Michelangelo coined as the “Gate of Paradise.” The inside is adorned by 13th-century works of art and windows depicting scenes from the Old Testament. This structure’s mysterious air only adds to the incredible experience that is a must-do for anyone who loves history and architecture.
The Medici Chapels are two of the most beautiful buildings in the historic Basilica of San Lorenzo, which helped set the stage for the Renaissance. This site will blow the mind of any history buff and make you want to delve even further into the period’s art, history, and energy. The stunning frescoes on the dome of the aptly named Chapel of the Princes are some of the most impressive in the world.
The Medici Chapels will make you feel like you are inside Michelangelo’s or even a Medici Princess’s mind, even if only for a short time. Built by Michelangelo and Bountalenti over the 16th and 17th centuries as the Medici Family mausoleum, these beautifully designed and executed structures are like no other in the world.
While this church bears the classic Gothic architecture found throughout Florence, it differs. Why? This is where some of the most notable Italians from history are laid to rest, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
This church is a beautiful and cherished piece of Italian history and culture. It also houses one of Italy’s most important art collections, including the spectacular frescoes done by Giotto. After the afternoon of exploring the Basilica, visitors are greeted by Florence’s warm culture, which has lovely shops, schools, and cafés nearby.
One of Florence’s most popular public squares, the Piazzale Michelangelo in the Oltrarno district, affords amazing views to its visitors. This lavishly decorated public space gives visitors a viewpoint of Florence that they can’t find anywhere else and is worth adding to your itinerary while you’re in the city.
With plenty of vendors atop the square, you can relax once you reach the top of the staircase and enjoy a delicious snack and drink while you peer out over the city. There is also a replica of Michelangelo’s famous David statue to add to the ambiance of such an incredible place to view Tuscany’s capital.
The Ponte Vecchio you see today in Florence is not the original bridge built in its place. The original bridge was destroyed in the early 1300s during a flood, and with it, the livelihoods of many artisans who used the popular walkway to make a living. After the Ponte Vecchio we see today was created, it was again the center of the food trade until Duke Ferdinand I officially made it the center of Florence’s jewel and precious metal trade.
Amazingly, the Ponte Vecchio still acts as the center of this to this day, so Ponte Vecchio’s worth a visit to check out the incredible wares on display. Not only will the precious metals and jewels blow your mind, but the bridge itself is also a sight worth seeing. With its covered top, windows, and open-air archways, the Ponte Vecchio is a bridge you don’t want to miss.
After a long day of exploring Florence and sightseeing all over the city, what better way to relax and enjoy an authentic Italian treat than to eat some fresh gelato? In the city that invented gelato back in the 1500s, Vivoli Gelato is one of the oldest gelato shops not only in Florence but in all of Italy—serving the creamy treat to customers for nearly 100 years!
The ice cream-like dessert is a mainstay of Italian cuisine and is something that you just have to try while you’re visiting Italy. And there’s no better place to get it than the city that invented it. Ending your day at Vivoli Gelato is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day and just take in the beauty of Florence.
Outside of the world-famous Tiber River, the second most prolific waterway in Italy, the Arno River, is a staple of Florence. Although you might typically think of Venice when you think of waterways and Italian cities, the Arno River in Florence is something that you’ll definitely want to check out while you’re visiting the capital city of Tuscany (and yes, you can take a gondola ride on the Arno).
When Italian summers in central Italy get hot and start wearing you down during your travels, an adventure on the Arno River can be a great experience and cool you down simultaneously! Rent a boat or paddleboard, and take in Florence from an angle you can only get on the river. The different views of the beautiful city will be something you’ll always remember, and the Arno River is the only way you can get them!
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