Things to Do in Florence
50 curated spots from Florence itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Piazzale Michelangelo
Sunset panorama and David replica; prime photography.
2h · Free
Uffizi Gallery
Explore one of the world’s great art museums, home to Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” works by Leonardo, Raphael, and more; reserve a timed ticket and focus on key rooms.[2]
2h 30m · $25-30
Boboli Gardens
Explore wild woodlands, grottoes, and fountains; best photography angles from Kaffeehaus hill at sunrise (enter early).
2h · $15
Gallerie degli Uffizi
Exclusive after-hours private tour of Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo masterpieces.
2h · $200/person (private)
Ponte Vecchio
Stroll the historic bridge lined with jewelry shops, gaze at the Arno, and watch street performers.
1h · Free
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Admire the massive dome, climb 463 steps for stunning city views; explore Baptistery and bell tower.
2h · $30 per person
Galleria dell'Accademia
See Michelangelo's David and other sculptures; guided audio for context.
1h 30m · $20
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Browse the market stalls for produce, cheese, and a real local rhythm; great for candid street photography.
1h 30m · Free
Basilica di Santa Croce
Visit one of Florence’s most important religious and historic sites, with tombs, chapels, and major art.
1h 15m · $10-15
Galleria dell’Accademia
Home of Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance works; book timed tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and spend focused time around David plus a quick walk through the galleries. Photography is allowed without flash near David—great for family portraits with art in the background.
1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
Pre-book a morning slot to see David and Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners, plus a small but rich painting collection.
1h 30m · $20-30
Mercato Centrale
Browse stalls for lampredotto sandwiches, cheeses, and wines; upper floor food hall.
1h 30m · $15
Palazzo Vecchio
Explore opulent halls, secret passages, and Michelangelo's Genio sculpture in this medieval town hall.
1h 30m · $20
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint
Walk or take a short taxi/bus up to this terrace above the Arno for sweeping views of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the city at golden hour.
1h 30m · Free
Bardini Gardens
Overlooked lush terraces and views; photography spot.
1h 30m · $12
Basilica di Santa Croce & Piazza Santa Croce
Visit the basilica’s interior and cloisters, then photograph the clean lines of the façade and wide piazza, especially in soft late-afternoon light.
1h · $10
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome
Explore the Duomo’s exterior, step inside the cathedral, then climb Brunelleschi’s dome for close-up frescoes and panoramic views over Florence.[1]
2h · $25-35 with combined ticket
Giardino Bardini
Stroll terraced gardens with exotic plants, lemon groves, and city panoramas; photography highlight at golden hour sunset from upper belvedere.
1h 30m · $10
Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
Just below Piazzale Michelangelo, this terraced garden offers greenery, sculptures, and quieter vantage points over Florence.
1h · Free
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Explore an intimate Renaissance sculpture museum housed in a medieval palace, featuring works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
1h 30m · $12
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Tour grand palace rooms then escape to sculpted gardens, fountains, and grottos.
3h · $25 per person
Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior
Start your morning by slowly circling the Duomo complex—Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery—admiring the marble façades, intricate doors, and street‑level details; take time for photos from different angles of the piazza.
1h 30m · FreePiazza del Duomo & Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Visit the cathedral interior and admire Brunelleschi’s dome and the marble façade; walk slowly around the entire piazza to take in the architecture.
1h 30m · $0-20 depending on combined ticket options
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (exterior focus)
Stroll this open-air sculpture gallery, see the replica David and Neptune fountain, and admire the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio from outside.
1h · Free (exterior and piazza)
Ponte Vecchio & Arno Riverside Stroll
Walk across the medieval bridge, peek into jewelry shops, and continue along the river as the city lights come on.
1h · Free
Accademia Gallery
Michelangelo's David and Prisoners sculptures.
1h 30m · $20
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Step inside to see the golden mosaic ceiling and examine the famous bronze doors (originals in the museum, replicas on-site).
45m · $10-15 (often included in Duomo complex ticket)Bargello Museum
See sculpture in a quieter setting after the Uffizi, with an emphasis on medieval and Renaissance works.
1h 30m · $10-15
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
Take an easy uphill walk or short taxi/bus ride to this beautiful Romanesque church for one of Florence’s best panoramic viewpoints; wear supportive shoes and bring water.
1h 30m · Free
Basilica di Santa Croce (interior)
Visit the Franciscan church to see tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, plus Giotto frescoes.
1h 30m · $10-15Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Trattoria La Casalinga
Traditional, family-style trattoria known for simple Tuscan home cooking like pappa al pomodoro, grilled meats, and seasonal contorni.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
Share a famous schiacciata sandwich and keep lunch quick so you can stay focused on the museum block nearby.
30m · $8-15 per person
Enoteca Pinchiorri
3-Michelin-star Tuscan-French fusion; order the tasting menu with wine pairings adapted for family.
2h 30m · $300+/per person
Trattoria Mario
Beloved spot for bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita soup, and seasonal veggies; cash only.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Il Santo Bevitore
Michelin-level Tuscan with wine list (15 min downhill walk).
2h · $40-50 per person
Osteria Santo Spirito
Cozy osteria just off Piazza Santo Spirito with outdoor tables and hearty Tuscan dishes; try the famous gnocchi with gorgonzola and truffle or a bistecca alla fiorentina to share, paired with a local Chianti.[4]
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Caffè Gilli
Elegant historic café on Piazza della Repubblica; stand at the bar for a reasonably priced coffee and cornetto.
30m · $6-12 per person
Gelateria La Carraia
Beloved gelato shop by the Arno; share a cup or cone with flavors like pistachio and salted caramel.
20m · $5-8 per person
Procacci
Historic wine bar on elegant Via de’ Tornabuoni known for truffle-filled panini and refined small plates; order a glass of Franciacorta or Tuscan red with a couple of truffle bites for a luxe yet manageable splurge.[1]
45m · $20-30 per person
Caffè Scudieri
Elegant café on Piazza del Duomo; stand at the bar for espresso and pastries, or sit inside for a slower start while enjoying views of the cathedral.
45m · $8-15 per person
La Ménagère
Brunch plates in tropical greenhouse vibe.
1h · $18-25 per person
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Traditional ribollita and wild boar pappardelle.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Trattoria ZaZa
Order Tuscan classics such as bistecca, pappardelle al ragù, or truffle pasta in a lively but comfortable setting.
1h 30m · $35-60 per person
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Small wine bar facing Palazzo Pitti offering curated Tuscan wines by the glass or bottle, paired with seasonal small plates and pastas.
2h 30m · $35-55 per person
Gustapanino
Casual panini and simple plates just off Piazza Santo Spirito with outdoor seating when weather permits.
45m · $10-15 per person
La Giostra
Candlelit, vaulted dining room with refined Tuscan dishes; share the pear and pecorino ravioli and a Florentine steak for two.
2h 30m · $70-120 per person
Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)
Contemporary indoor food hall with multiple vendors; try fresh pasta, lampredotto, or pizza and pair with a glass of local wine at the central bar.
1h · $15-25 per person
Mercato Centrale Food Hall
Head upstairs in Mercato Centrale for a casual lunch: try a panino with lampredotto or porchetta, fresh pasta, or a slice of pizza, then finish with gelato or tiramisu to share.
1h · $10-15 per person
Cibrèo Ristorante
Order a Tuscan tasting plate or a seasonal pasta, then linger over the neighborhood atmosphere.
1h 15m · $45-$75 per person
Ditta Artigianale
Specialty coffee and avocado toast in lush plant-filled space.
45m · $10-15 per person