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Florence, Italy is a destination that doesn’t disappoint. Despite its relatively small size (in comparison to cities like Rome), it truly packs a punch. Its rich history has resulted in a city densely packed with art, sculpture, religion, and, of course, delicious food.
It’s also a destination that never gets old. In fact, I can’t wait until I’m able to visit again – this time with Rory in tow!
The sheer number of activities on offer in Florence can feel almost overwhelming when first planning your trip. So, I’ve put together the only list you’ll need – the best 30 things to do in Florence. And if that still feels like too much, check out the highlights of Florence for my top 5 spots!
Because Florence is so beautiful, you’ve bound to leave with plenty of fantastic photos. Why not take a look at my 220+ Italy Instagram captions to inspire you before you hit post?
If you like this post, you might also find these helpful:
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Highlights of Florence
Can’t be bothered to read the whole blogpost and just looking for the very best things to do in Florence? I got you. Here are my top 5 recommendations:
- Climb Giotto’s Tour for views of the Duomo and all of Florence
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery for the best Italian Renaissance Art
- Go on a food tour to eat all of the amazing dished Florence is famous for
- Watch the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
- Take a Stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens
1. Rub the Nose of the Fontana del Porcellino
This bronze boar is the most famous statue in the city (okay, so second to Michelangelo’s David). If you place a coin into his mouth and let it fall to the fountain below, it’s said to bring you good luck, and rubbing his nose is believed to ensure your return to Florence! Definitely worth a go if it means coming back to this beautiful city!
2. Climb the Duomo
The Duomo is Florence’s most iconic building and an absolute must-visit when in the city. The cupola (or Brunelleschi’s dome) is the third largest dome in the world, beaten to the top spot by Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica and London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Top Tips:
- Book your tickets in advance! This is a very popular activity meaning its often sold out. I love spontaneous travel as much as the next person but, in this case, it pays to be organised!
- Give it a miss if you’re scared of heights or not physically fit. The views from the dome are high, so not for the faint-hearted, and they include a lot of steps (463 in total!)
3. Catch Panoramic Views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
This is always my top recommendation for people who ask me about Florence. I’d highly recommend getting there for sunset, when you’ll find the fiery orange skies creating a perfect backdrop for the city.
It’s a bit of an uphill climb but completely worth it. There’s something so peaceful and magical about the spot. I’d recommend taking a bottle of wine with you to share with a friend as you watch the sun set over Florence.
4. Take in the Splendour of the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest galleries in the world. It’s home to some of the most important collections of Italian Renaissance artwork, including words by Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, and Titian.
The gallery contains over 100,000 pieces of art, spread across more than 50 rooms. If you’re new to art, it can be a little overwhelming and you might be unsure as to which pieces to prioritise. In this case, I’d recommend booking a guided tour to really get the most out of your visit!
There’s almost always long queue to enter, so, if you can, splurge on a skip-the-line ticket, so you can do more with your day!
6. Cross the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most unique bridges in the world. On it you’ll find a row of lovely little shops. What was once home to the butchers of Venice, who’d throw their offcuts out the window into the Arno River, is now filled with jewellery shops. Since the 16th century, these are the only types of shops that have been allowed to inhabit the Ponte Vecchio.
7. Admire the Bronze doors of the Baptistry of San Giovanni
Standing across from the Duomo is the Battistero di San Giovanni. Often overlooked for the impressive Dome opposite it, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Florence. In fact, it’s the building that Dante was baptised in!
The most intricate part of the building has to be its beautiful bronze doors. They should be easy to find as you’ll find see a big crowd surrounding them. Lorenzo Ghiberti spent much of his lifetime creating the 28 bronze panels that feature on the doors!
8. Try a Lampredetto Sandwich
A delicacy that Florence is particularly known for is the lampredetto sandwich. This street food is filled with the fourth and final stomach of a cow, often topped with a spicy sauce.
It might not sound like the most delicious meal but when in Italy, eh?
9. Check out the Statue of David at Galleria dell’Accademia
You’ve seen the bronze boar. Now it’s time for the other famous statue of Florence – Michelangelo’s David, which can be found at the Galleria dell’Accademia.
This gallery is much smaller than the prolific Uffizi, making David it’s centrepiece. In fact, it’s housed in a specially designed room, built to frame the piece perfectly. As one of the most famous statues in the world, it’s really a must-see when in Florence!
You can book your tickets here.
10. Find a photo booth
These retro photo booths are peppered all over the city down random little streets. Each one is slightly different from the next, so keep your eye out!
These aren’t just for show – they actually work. So if you find one, make sure to step in and snap a few shots. It makes the perfect authentic memento of your time spent in Florence!
Top Tip: if you can’t be bothered to discover the photo booths yourself, just type ‘Photo Booth’ into google maps and it’ll show you all the locations!
11. Visit the Gucci Museum
Fashion-lovers will love Gucci Garden, which celebrates the history of the brand. Here you’ll find a gallery displaying the fashion house’s most iconic pieces across the years, as well as a book stored selling niche magazines and publications.
Whilst you’re there you can grab some food at the beautiful restaurant, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, or pick up some one-of-a-kind accessories from the boutique.
12. Eat the Best Gelato
Gelato is a must wherever you are in Italy but seeing as it was invented in Florence, it seems only right that you should try some whilst you’re there. You’ll see gelato shops everywhere, so use these tips to work out if they’re selling the good stuff!
- Look for metal containers with lids – this shows that the gelato is being kept at the correct temperature
- It shouldn’t look shiny – this means that the sugar content is too high or that it’s oxidised (meaning it’s old!)
- It should be quite flat in the container – the pretty high-piled swirls look pretty but they’re actually a sign that there’s too much air in the mixture. It’s also likely that it’s high in vegetable fat to stop it from melting.
- Pick muted colours – brighter flavours might look exciting but it’s likely laden with lots of artificial colours. The best gelato is the stuff made with premium ingredients!
13. Visit the Beautiful Pitti Palace
Originally the private residence of the Medici Family, the Palazzo Pitti is now open to the public for viewing. Displaying a number of masterpieces, including work by Raffaello, and historic artefacts, it provides a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in old Florence.
The lovely Boboli Gardens are located behind the palace, so make sure to schedule them both in for the same day.
You can book your tickets here.
14. Stroll Through Boboli Gardens
Formerly the gardens of the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens are the most beautiful (and famous) of Florence’s gardens. They span 11 acres and are filled with fragrant flowers, baroque architecture, fountains and grottos. Strolling around the grounds is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Florence.
Be sure not to miss the beautiful blue Rococo Kaffeehaus in the terraced area of the gardens!
Tickets also include entrance to the Porcelain Museum and can be purchased here.
15. Eat a Traditional Bistecca Fiorentina
If you can’t will yourself to try the cow’s stomach sandwiches, why not treat yourself to a steak instead. Florentine steak is incredibly popular. Often deemed to be the best in the world, it comes with a hefty price tag.
That being said, they’re also enormous. My tour guide assured me that one steak was more than enough for two people, so find a friend and split the cost for this little piece of Italian luxury.
16. Discover Leonardo da Vinci at the Da Vinci Museum
The Da Vinci Museum is dedicated to the mechanical genius of Leonard Da Vinci. It contains real life machines built from his designs and gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about Da Vinci, beyond his famous Mona Lisa painting!
This museum is also quite a bit cheaper than a lot of the other more famous museums in Florence, meaning it’s great for those looking for culture on a budget!
17. Get Pastries from a Secret Night Bakery
Most cafes in Florence don’t bake their own pastries. Instead, they purchase them from a wholesaler. These bakers work throughout the night in order to deliver the cafes before they open for the morning.
Legally speaking, they can only sell to cafes, but if you know how to find one, you can get yourself a delicious, warm pastry after a night out – what a dream!
A few things to bear in mind when purchasing from a secret bakery:
- They only take cash – as they’re not technically allowed to sell to the general public
- Keep the noise down – they’re tucked away in residential neighbourhoods!
For more informations on how to find a secret bakery, check out this great blogpost by The Lavorto Lens.
18. Visit the Oldest Pharmacy in the World
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica was founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221 and used medicinal herbs to make balms and medications for the monks’ infirmary.
The building itself is truly beautiful, with tall ceilings and dark wood cabinets. This is the perfect place to purchase an authentic souvenir for friends and family. Here you can find delicious perfumes and soaps, some of which continue to be made with the original monks’ recipes!
19. Climb Giotto’s Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower is right next to the dome and provides the same breath-taking views of the city below. I personally decided to climb this instead of the dome and have no regrets! I really wanted to get some up-close photos of the Dome and the tower provided the perfect viewpoint!
The same rules apply, however:
- Book your tickets in advance! This is a very popular activity meaning its often sold out. I love spontaneous travel as much as the next person but, in this case, it pays to be organised!
- Give it a miss if you’re scared of heights or not physically fit. The views from the tower are high, so not for the faint-hearted, and they include a lot of steps
20. Shop at the Outlet Designer Mall
If your’e a fashion lover, you have to visit The Mall. This luxury outlet carries brands such as Gucci, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen at hugely discounted prices.
It’s around a 40-minute drive from Florence by car, or you can catch the shuttle bus. This runs every 30 minutes from Santa Maria Novella train station. You can book tickets here.
21. Have lunch at Mercato Centrale
This food market is the place to be for lunch. On the lower level, you’ll find the locals purchasing their groceries. If you’re cooking at your airbnb, definitely check it out for fresh pasta and amazing cheeses.
On the upper level, you’ll find lots of street food style eateries. There’s plenty of delicious Italian cuisine to choose from: pasta, pizza, gelato, truffle, wine. You pay at whichever vendor you’re purchasing from and sit wherever you like. There’s also free wifi!
22. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Novella
This beautiful church is often overlooked by tourists, who get their fill at the Duomo. Really, that’s a blessing in disguise because you’ll hardly ever have to fight through the crowds here.
It’s still one of Florence’s best-known sights and contains some beautiful works of art, so is definitely worth a visit!
Things to Check Out:
- Brunelleschi’s Crucifix
- Giotto’s Crucifix
- The Strozzi Chapel
- The Strozzi di Mantova Chapel
- The Tornabuoni Chapel
23. Visit the Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is another great spot to get a beautiful view of Florence. The palace’s tower is less visited by tourists than many of the other viewpoints in Florence but provides excellent views of the Duomo and Giotto’s tower!
The palace was the home of the Medici family and is filled with large frescoes, gilded decor and panelled ceilings. The intricacy of its design is hugely impressive. Dan Brown famously fell in love with the palace and wrote about it in his book ‘Inferno’.
You can book tickets here.
24. Watch Medieval Sports at the Santa Croce Church
The Santa Croce Church and Square is one of my favourite spots in Florence. The church is so beautiful and nestled in a lovely, vibrant neighbourhood.
It’s also a site steeped in history. Here you’ll find the graves of some of Italy’s most brilliant minds, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli!
Once a year you can watch a match of calico fiorentino – an early form of football that originated in the 16th century. My tour guide highly recommended visiting whilst it was on but warned me that it was much more brutal and violent than the football we know and love today!
Each of the four districts of Florence play against one another in medieval outfits in the Santa Croce Square!
25. Admire the sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria for Free!
One of the best things about Florence is that you don’t need to enter a museum to see stunning works of art – they’re peppered all over the city! The Piazza della Signoria houses some of the city’s most famous statues, which are all available for viewing for free!
You can find a copy of the statue of David here, as well as Neptune’s fountain and Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes.
26. Take a Food Tour and Sample the Amazing Cuisine
Food is a big deal in Florence, just like it is in most of Italy! The city is known for a variety of different cuisines, from gelato to truffle to schiacciata. And you have to try the lot – I don’t make the rules but I am happy to follow them!
One of the best ways to find the most authentic dishes is by signing up for a food tour. A local guide will show you the best places to eat and everything you need to know about food in Florence.
You can book food tour tickets here.
27. Grab Lunch at a Panino Shop
If you don’t fancy a food tour, you have to at least grab some lunch from one of the traditional panino shops. These tiny little sandwich shops are the perfect place to get an affordable meal on the go.
The most famous, and admittedly very delicious, panino shop in Florence is Osteria All’Antico Vinaio. The sandwiches here are delicious, made with the most amazing schiacciata bread. They don’t have vegetarian options on the menu but if you ask them, they’re happy to put something together for you. Whatever you do, make sure to order something with truffle cream – it’s divine!
The queues get very long, especially in peak season, so make sure to arrive early!
28. Hike to Fiesole
If you’re up for doing something active, why not hike to the neighbouring town of Fiesole. Here you’ll find lots of ruins and remains, as well as the hilltop where Leonardo da Vinci started experimenting with the concept of flight.
You’ll also be rewarded with beautiful views of Florence and Tuscany!
29. Visit the Church of San Lorenzo
The Church of San Lorenzo was once the parish of the Medici family and remains one of the largest churches in Florence. It might not look like much from the outside but don’t let that fool you!
The real magic happens when you step through the doors. Here you’ll find impressive columns, cloisters, and carvings. The most extravagant exteriors can be found in the Medici Chapels. This resting place of the Medici family includes incredible marble mosaics and an elaborately painted dome.
Top Tip: make sure to dress appropriately with your knees and shoulders covered to avoid being turned away!
30. Tour Tuscany
If you’re in Florence for more than a couple of days, it would be a crime not to visit Tuscany. There are multiple guided tours that leave from the city or, alternatively, you could hire a car and go exploring by yourself!
Top Things to Do in Tuscany:
- Visit the towers of San Gimignano – famed for its incredible skyline of 15 medieval towers!
- Go truffle hunting
- Get that tourist photo at the leaning tower of Pisa
- Go wine tasting in Chianti
- Take a Vespa Tour of Tuscany
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OMG I love florence so much x Cannot wait to go back!
Lisa | lisaautumn.com