Florence features some of the world’s most famous Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. The city’s historic center is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I spent time getting to know the Renaissance city on a solo trip. I put together this guide to help you fill your Florence itinerary with delicious Italian food, gorgeous architecture, and fun in the Tuscan countryside.
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Best Things to Do in Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Stare in awe at this enormous, elaborate church that’s one of the most visited attractions in the Tuscan region.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-230-2885 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: 30€ adults, Free under age 7 | 👉 Browse Tours to Florence Duomo on Viator
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo should be your first stop in Florence. Admiring the exterior of Cattedrale di Santa Maria doesn’t cost a penny and it provides the perfect introduction to the city’s jaw-dropping Renaissance architecture.
The Brunelleschi Pass allows you inside all the parts of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore for 30€. This all-inclusive pass provides access to all the attractions in Cathedral Square, too.
You can get into Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Opera Del Duomo Museum. Investing in the Brunelleschi Pass is the ideal way to see a bunch of iconic city sites when you have limited time in your Florence itinerary.
Accademia Gallery
Stand under the world-famous David statue by Michelangelo and explore the largest collection of his work.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-098-7100 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:20 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 16€ | 👉 Browse Tours to the Accademia Gallery on Viator
Seeing Michelangelo’s David is practically a requirement when you visit Florence. The famous statue lives out its days inside the Accademia Gallery as the main attraction of the museum. Over a million people line up around the block for a chance to see David, so expect crowds.
Make sure you take an extra stroll around the museum to see some of Michelangelo’s other finished and unfinished pieces. When I visited Accademia Gallery, I was surprised at just how many incredible statues there were hidden away. It’s definitely one of the best museums in Florence!
Uffizi Gallery
Explore one of the most beloved and oldest art museums on the planet with works by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and more.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-294-883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 25€, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Tours to the Uffizi Gallery on Viator
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the reasons Florence is so well-known for its art museums. It’s often considered the best art museum in the world thanks to its huge collection of work by famed Renaissance artists.
The Uffizi Gallery holds thousands of pieces, including some of the most famous works in the world. The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, and Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci all live inside Uffizi.
Try to visit the museum in the mornings on Wednesdays to Fridays to avoid all the other tourists. It’s always busy on weekends and Tuesdays because the museum is closed on Mondays.
👉 Pro Tip: The Uffizi Gallery is home to 2,200 pieces of cherished artwork. To truly appreciate all the history behind these artifacts, I recommend visiting Uffizi on a tour. This Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tourwill teach you everything and even provide priority access to the museum.
Ponte Vecchio
Snap a photo on this prominent Florence bridge that runs over the Arno River.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free
Ponte Vecchio is that recognizable selfie spot where visitors flock to grab a photo of themselves in Florence. The bridge running over the Arno River was actually the only one to survive WWII. Today, Ponte Vecchio is an emblem of the city and you can’t miss it on a Florence visit.
The best time to visit Ponte Vecchio is right before sunset because it provides perfect views of the sun dipping down below the river. There are also a bunch of jewelry and souvenir stores around Ponte Vecchio, so it’s a good place to get some shopping done.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Walk through a lesser-known, more intimate Florence church that was built over 650 years ago.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-219-257 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Mon-Thu & Sat, 11 am – 5:30 Fri, hours vary on Sun | Entrance: 7.50€, adults, Free under age 11
The Santa Maria Novella Gothic-style church is a more laid-back alternative to the busier Santa Maria De Fiore. This peaceful Florence church is filled with elaborate frescoes that were painted back in the 14th century. It’s wild how colorful they still are after all this time.
I actually stumbled upon Santa Maria Novella by accident when I was just wandering around the streets of Florence. I was immediately struck by how enormous this church really is, so try to grab a photo standing in front of it for reference.
Osteria Belle Donne Wine Window
Grab an afternoon glass of white wine on the go at this inviting Florence hole in the wall (literally).
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-238-2609 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 11:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Wine windows are an age-old tradition in Florence. These literal holes in the wall became a thing over 450 years ago as a way to serve customers during a health epidemic. The tradition stuck around and now you’ll frequently stumble across these wine parties in the alleyways.
On my trip to Florence, one of my close friends eagerly urged me to check out one of these secret wine windows. It can be a little difficult to find them, but one of the most well-known and still fully functional wine windows in Florence is at Osteria Belle Donne.
There are still more than 150 wine windows hidden across the city. It’s like a fun, little scavenger hunt with a glass of wine as the prize.
The Central Market of Florence
Eat all the Italian munchies you can handle at this bustling market with produce, wine, and a food court-style section.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055) 239-9798 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free
The Central Market is one of the best places to visit in Florence for foodies. It is located less than a ten-minute walk away from major attractions like the Florence Cathedral. So, the Central Market is a really convenient stop for lunch on a busy day.
On the first floor of the market, you’ll find a series of produce stands selling all the Italian staples. When you take the stairs up to the second floor, you’ll discover a food court with a banquet of bars and restaurants.
The Central Market is great for groups with varying food preferences. However, it’s swarming with people during the high season. Avoid peak lunch and dinner hours (around 1 pm and 8 pm) for a calmer atmosphere at this market.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Get a panoramic perspective of Florence and its attractions at this picturesque square/viewpoint.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free
Piazzale Michelangelo provides visitors with the clearest perspective of Florence. You can even spot many of its major attractions from above. You can get an incredible bird’s eye perspective of the Ponte Vecchio, the Florence Cathedral, and more.
Piazzale Michelangelo is located just outside of the historic center across the Arno River in the hills of Florence. It’ll take 25 minutes to walk there from the city center or around 10 minutes to drive. The most picturesque time to visit the elevated square is during sunrise when there are few other tourists.
👉 Pro Tip: The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte is another interesting stop only a short walk away from Piazzale Michelangelo. You might even be able to catch a service at San Miniato Al Monte on Sundays and holidays.
Piazza della Signoria
Wander a statue-filled central city square near Palazzo Vecchio and other Florence attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free
Piazza della Signoria in the heart of Florence is right near many of the city’s most important sites. The Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio are less than a 5 minute walk away. Visiting all of these Florence attractions in one fell swoop saves you a lot of time.
There are several recreations of famous statues inside the bustling Piazza della Signoria. You’ll be able to get a glimpse of a faux David by Michelangelo, Marzocco by Donatello, and more. Piazza della Signoria is a good alternative for visitors who don’t have time to see the real thing at the Florence museums.
The Basilica di San Lorenzo
Visit one of the oldest churches in Florence chock full of gorgeous artwork and a packed library.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-214-042 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily, Closed Sun | Entrance: 9€, adults
The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence, dating back to the 1400s. From the outside, this Florence Basilica doesn’t look like there’s much going on, but inside it holds a ton of exceptional artwork.
Every inch of San Lorenzo is loaded with paintings and architectural features that are perfect down to the last detail. Basilica di San Lorenzo is also the burial place of the famed artist Donatello and features a library designed by Michelangelo.
Boboli Gardens
Take a stroll through a pristine 450+-year-old garden that’s believed to be the inspiration for many other royal European gardens.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 390-552-3885 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: 10€, adults, Free under age 18 | 👉 Browse Tours and Tickets to Boboli Gardens on Viator
Boboli Gardens is a nice spot to take a break from the chaos of a major city like Florence. The gardens are located across the Arno River in the beautiful Oltrarno neighborhood. As you walk through the gardens, you’ll come across thousands of wild orchards, grottos, and viewpoints.
The Gardens are closed on the first and last Monday of the month. Boboli Gardens is right next to Pitti Palace, so it’s smart to visit both of these popular Florence attractions in one afternoon.
Cappelle Medicee
See this art-covered dome where the influential Medici family was laid to rest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-064-9430 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:50 Wed-Mon, Closed Tue | Entrance: 16€
Cappelle Medicee, also known as the Medici Chapels, is a hidden gem of Florence. It’s a stunning art museum with tons of statues, tilework, paintings, and a massive decorated dome ceiling. Make sure you spend a lot of time looking up to spot every detail on the ceiling.
Cappelle Medicee is also a very significant Florence historical site. Several members of the powerful Italian Medici family are buried right in these chapels. It’s incredible to witness just how much the family is still cared for, even in death.
Melrose Vintage Ginori
Browse the eclectic array of vintage wear at this ever-changing shop in the city center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-267-0030 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Florence is one of the best cities to go shopping in Italy, so go crazy on retail therapy. A good place to start your Florence shopping trip is Melrose Vintage Ginori. Located right in the city center, Melrose Vintage is flooded with a range of goodies for both men and women.
Expect to find dresses, shoes, leather jackets, belts, hats, and more when you’re browsing at Melrose. The offerings are always changing and good items go fast. Make sure you keep an eye out because it’s a fantastic place to discover luxury clothing for a huge bargain.
Angel Roofbar
Munch on a Mediterranean meal and sip on cocktails with stunning views of Palazzo Vecchio and the rest of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (339)-411-3863| Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm Mon-Thu, 12 pm – 11 pm Fri-Sun | Entrance: Free, reservation recommended
While there are quite a few options for rooftop bars across Florence, Angel Roofbar stands out among the crowd. Angel Roofbar is located right around the corner from Piazza della Signoria in the city center. So, it’ll be easy to reach no matter where you are in Florence.
Angel Roofbar has plenty of delicious Mediterranean food on the menu with just as many cocktails and wines to choose from. Of course, the star of the show at this rooftop eatery is its scenery.
From the terrace, you’ll have access to striking views over the city. Most people try to grab a table at Angel at sunset, but the evening is really the best time to go. At night you’ll have the chance to spot Palazzo Vecchio light up at night from Angel Roofbar.
Strozzi Palace
Stop by a stunning example of Florence’s rich history at a palace owned by one of the city’s richest families.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-264-5155 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Fri-Wed, 10 am – 11 pm Thu | Entrance: 15€, adults, Free under age 6
Florence is a royal city filled with lavish palaces, such as the Renaissance-era Strozzi Palace. Strozzi Palace took nearly 50 years to complete and was finally finished back in 1538. It was originally designed as a residence for one of Italy’s richest families.
These days, Strozzi Palace has transformed into more of an art museum. There are always new exhibits at the palace and it’s even occasionally used as a venue for events like fashion shows. Check the Strozzi Palace website to figure out what’s happening when you’re visiting Florence.
Baptistery of St. John
Stare up in awe at the intricate details in the ceiling of this holy place of worship.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: 15€
Stick it out for just one more stop when you’re visiting Cathedral Square to see the gorgeous Baptistry of St. John. Once again, you will have access to the Baptistery and more attractions around the area when you buy the Brunelleschi Pass for 30€.
The interior of the Baptistry is immaculately decorated from the floor all the way up to the ceiling. Your neck might hurt from looking up at the beautiful, golden artwork on the apex of the structure, though.
Caffe Gilli
Sit down for a baba and a cappuccino in the morning at this 290-year-old cafe in the heart of Florence’s city center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-213-896 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 11 pm Tue-Thu, 8 am – 12 am Fri-Mon | Entrance: Free
The famous Gilli Cafe in Florence has been serving customers for hundreds of years. When you’re in Florence, trying this historic restaurant in the city center is a must. Gilli Cafe is open all day from 7:30 am to 12 am, so you can stop in any time.
I’d recommend just getting drinks or a pastry from here. The food at Gilli Cafe is extremely expensive. It was by far the priciest restaurant I came across in Italy. Instead of a full meal, I opted for a rum-soaked baba pastry and a creamy cappuccino at Gilli.
Opera del Duomo Museum
Experience a treasured art museum with pieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-230-2885 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Fri-Wed, 8:30 am – 4 pm Thu | Entrance: 30€
Opera del Duomo is another one of Florence’s top museums and is definitely worth a visit even though it’s glazed over by many visitors. In comparison to many of the other attractions around, Opera del Duomo is actually fairly new, but it’s still just as impressive.
Inside Opera del Duomo, there is a wealth of statues by beloved Italian sculptures and a bunch of other types of artifacts. Plus, the architecture of the museum is just as captivating as the artwork.
After seeing the art, go up to the terrace on the third floor where you’ll get an epic view of the Bruneschelli’s dome. Don’t forget, you’ll get access to the museum, the Duomo itself, the bell tower, the dome, and more by buying the Brunelleschi Pass on the Duomo website.
Palazzo Vecchio
Explore this opulent Medieval fortress that doubles as Florence’s town hall.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-276-8325 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Fri-Wed, 9 am – 2 pm Thu | Entrance: 12.50€, adults, Free under 17 | 👉 Browse Tours to Palazzo Vecchio on Viator
The 724-year-old Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most important buildings in all of Florence. You can see it poking out of the skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo and other spots around the city. Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s elaborate town hall.
Like many of Florence’s famous buildings, stepping into this palace feels like stepping back in time. You’ll want to keep your camera in hand here, especially when you get to the room covered on all sides and the ceilings with gigantic paintings.
San Gimignano
Take a day trip to a Medieval Tuscan town to see its tower-filled skyline and drink Vernaccia.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free, tour recommended | 👉 Browse Tours to San Gimignano on Viator
There are many day trips to take when you visit Florence, but I especially recommend the town of San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a Medieval Tuscan town that’s small enough to explore in a single day yet still has a lot to see.
This hillside town is located just an hour southwest of Florence and it’s really easy to reach it by car. It’ll take around 2 hours each way to take the train or bus and you’ll have to transfer at Poggibonsi station. However, it’s still very doable for a day trip.
There are historic attractions to visit, like the Porta San Giovanni Roman Wall and the 177-foot Torre Grossa. You can spend some time in the bustling Piazza del Duomo of San Gimignano and Piazza della Cisterna. Finish with a glass of locally-made Vernaccia white wine at a winery.
Palazzo Pitti
Visit one of Florence’s top museums housed in a 15th-century castle on the edge of Boboli Gardens.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-294-883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 16€, adults, Free under age 18 | 👉 Browse Tours to Pitti Palace on Viator
Palazzo Pitti is right in front of the Boboli Gardens. It’s a 15th-century palace that’s been given new life as an extensive art museum. Today, Pitti Palace actually contains five different museums for you to explore.
There is the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, and the Museum of Russian Icons. I’d recommend the Modern Art Gallery for art lovers. It’s on the second floor of the palace with terrific views.
Piazza della Repubblica
Take your kids on a ride around the carousel or just people-watch with coffee at this historic square.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free
Piazza della Repubblica is a fun, easy stop in Florence for families with kids. It’s a lively town square less than a 5-minute walk away from the Florence Cathedral.
Gilli Cafe is actually located on the edge of Piazza della Repubblica and it’s a lovely place to people-watch from. There is also a functioning classic carousel in the middle of the square that’s sure to build a core memory for your kiddos.
Gucci Garden
Take a journey through fashion history at this museum dedicated to luxury Italian clothing and bags.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (557)-592-7010 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: 8€, adults, Free under age 12
For a break from art museums in Florence, make a stop at Gucci Garden. It’s a dream come true for travelers who love fashion. The museum walks you through the history of Gucci’s style and includes tons of exhibits with sample pieces. The whole place is very chic and it’s great for photos.
Il Vezzo
Reserve a table at this quaint, exceptional eatery prized for its Florentine steak.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-281-096 | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 10:30 pm daily
Among all the fantastic restaurants in Florence, Il Vezzo distinguishes itself as one of the best. It’s a little bit outside the main city center in a more quiet section of the city. It’s an excellent dinner option for travelers who prefer a calmer atmosphere.
Everything on the menu is crafted to perfection, but Il Vezzo is renowned for its Florentine Steak. Their presentation is just as amazing as the taste of each dish.
One thing to note is that Il Vezzo is a very tiny, intimate restaurant space with only a couple of tables available. You won’t get a spot unless you make a reservation in advance. I even got turned away when I showed up alone without a reservation in the first hour they opened!
Gelateria dei Neri
Choose from a huge assortment of colorful flavors at Florence’s best gelato shop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-210-034 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 12 am daily, Closed Tue
In Italy, you’re obligated to try gelato in every city from Milan to Florence. In Florence, you can fulfill this sweet craving at Gelateria dei Neri. This is a classic gelato shop that has a flavor for everyone – whether you’re into chocolate, fruity, or something else entirely. There are also push-pop ice creams and big tubs available.
Rasputin
Indulge in the full speakeasy experience at this secret cocktail bar.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-760-9957 | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 2 am daily | Entrance: Free
Rasputin is a mysterious speakeasy cocktail bar in Florence. It’s situated across the river from the main historic center in the Oltrarno district. The bar can be a little bit difficult to find since it’s hidden away on the streets. That really gives it the prohibition feel, though.
Here’s a hint: Enter Rasputin by ringing the bell and heading down the stairs. From there, you’ll reach an underground bar with jazz music, high-quality cocktails, and an overall elegant vibe.
Giardino delle Rose
Get away from the busy city streets with a picnic in this peaceful rose garden with sweeping views.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-234-2426 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 8 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
Most visitors looking for a garden in Florence go to Boboli, but Giardino delle Rose is a lovely alternative. This rose garden is a little more calm and less touristy.
Giardino delle Rose is right near Piazzale Michelangelo. The location provides exceptional views over Florence from the garden. For a romantic date in Florence, bring along a bottle of wine and some snacks to watch the sunset from Giardino delle Rose.
Tuscany Vespa Cycle and Bike Tour
Zoom through the Tuscan countryside to reach a winery and have a tasting.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (328)-071-4849 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 am & 3 pm – 4 pm daily | Entrance: Various Tour Options | 👉 Browse Tours With Tuscany Vespa Cycle & Bike Tours
Visitors can see a lot of Florence on foot, but you’ll see more of the Tuscan region on a Vespa or bicycle. Tuscany Vespa Cycle and Bike Tours accommodates these trips for you with knowledgeable guides.
They have a variety of tours that allow you to experience the surrounding countryside. There are options like a sunset Vespa tour through Tuscany, a Tuscan off-road wine tour, and a Florence city bike tour. They also provide bike rentals in Florence for 1 hour (4€) to a full day (15€).
Mercato del Porcellino
Go shopping for leather bags, wallets, or belts at this bustling outdoor bazaar.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (339)-327-1143 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Leather-making has been a tradition in Florence for generations. Thanks to the city’s riverside location, leathermakers always had the supplies and water they needed to go through the process of making the material.
Today, Florence remains one of the best cities to buy leather goods. You can do your own leather shopping at Mercato del Porcellino. This outdoor market has every type of leather product imaginable for a good price.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stay aware of your surroundings when you’re shopping at San Lorenzo Market. These types of places are pick-pocketing hotspots. When I was walking by I actually saw a thief run off with a tourist’s wallet (with about 10 locals chasing after him).
InTavola
Join a class and learn how to make traditional gelato, hand-made pasta, or even a full 4-course dinner.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-217-672 | Website | Hours: Depends On The Class Booked | Entrance: 29€ to 75€ | 👉 Browse InTavola Cooking Class on Viator
An entertaining way to dive into Florence’s food culture is by taking a cooking class at InTavola. This culinary school in the Oltrarno neighborhood puts on a variety of different cooking classes at varying price points.
There are gelato-making classes (29€), lessons on how to craft hand-made pasta (69€), and even a full four-course dinner (75€). You can check out the full list of available classes on the Intavola website or .
FAQs About What To Do in Florence
Is 2 days enough for Florence?
2 days in Florence is enough time to get a quick taste of the city and visit all its main sites. Many of the top attractions in Florence are located within walking distance from each other. Even further attractions across the river like Pitti Palace and Piazzale Michelangelo are easy to reach on foot. It’s possible to squeeze it all into two days.
What is Florence in Italy famous for?
Florence, Italy is famous for its Renaissance history, art museums, and distinctive architecture. There are over 70 museums across the city of Florence, including some of the best in Europe. The Renaissance period was born in Florence and there is a great deal of its influence still hidden around the city.
What is there to do for free Florence?
Free activities include visiting the city’s busy squares, like Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo, and browsing around the outdoor leather markets, like Mercato del Porcellino. Both of these activities are completely free and can be entertaining for hours.
What should families do in Florence?
Family-friendly activities include a picnic at Giardino delle Rose, taking a ride on the carousel in Piazza della Repubblica, and getting ice cream at Gelateria dei Neri. However, most of the activities in Florence can accommodate families with children.
Is Florence walkable?
Florence is a very walkable city. It’s possible to walk to basically every major attraction in Florence on foot as long as you’re wearing comfortable shoes. It takes a little over 30 minutes to walk all the way from Porta al Prato on one side of the city center to Piazzale Michelangelo across the river.
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Which activity are you going to do first on your visit to Florence? Let me know in the comments below! Next up, read my guide to the best places to stay in Florence.
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