Things to Do in Florence
50 curated spots from Florence itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Piazzale Michelangelo
Hike or bus up for sweeping views of Florence, replica David statue, and sunset aperitivo spots.
1h 30m · 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
Wander manicured Renaissance gardens, fountains, statues, and grottoes behind Pitti Palace.
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
Walk across Florence’s iconic medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops and river views.
45m · Free (shopping extra)
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Admire the stunning marble facade, climb the dome for 463 steps to panoramic views, and explore the Baptistery.
2h · $20-30
Galleria dell'Accademia
VIP private viewing of Michelangelo’s David with expert commentary.
1h 30m · $80/person (private tour)
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Local indoor–outdoor market with produce, cheeses, meats, and casual food stalls; wander the aisles, sample pecorino, and photograph the colorful stands. Indoor alternative for overcast or rainy weather.
1h · Free to browse; $10-20 if you snack
Basilica di Santa Croce
Explore this grand Franciscan church, tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, and its quiet cloisters.
1h 30m · $10-15 per person
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
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 up to this famous terrace overlooking Florence, arriving before sunset to watch the city glow and lights come on.[1][3]
1h 30m · Free
Bardini Gardens
Ascend terraced paths amid wildflowers and lemon groves; best viewpoint from belvedere at golden hour overlooking Ponte Vecchio—no photo bans.
1h 30m · $12
Basilica di Santa Croce & Piazza Santa Croce
Visit the basilica that houses tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, then linger in the piazza and nearby artisan streets.
1h 30m · $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
A quieter historic garden climbing the hillside with terraces, flowers, and some of the best panoramic views over Florence; wander the paths and pause at the belvedere for photos.
1h 30m · $15
Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
Climb the Rampe del Poggi toward Piazzale Michelangelo and pause in this terraced garden just below the piazza, filled with rose bushes, sculptures, and panoramic views over Florence’s historic center and the Duomo[1][4][5].
1h 30m · Free
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Renaissance sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo in a quieter setting.
1h 30m · $15
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Tour Palatine Gallery art, then relax in expansive gardens (nature must-have).
2h 30m · $25
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 · $10-15
Basilica di Santa Croce & Neighborhood
Visit the Franciscan church that houses tombs or monuments to Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, then enjoy the lively piazza and artisan streets behind it.
2h · $10Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Trattoria La Casalinga
Order ribollita soup and pappardelle al cinghiale in this family-run gem with vine-draped patio.
1h 30m · $50-70 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
World-famous schiacciata sandwiches stuffed with finocchiona salami, pecorino, and truffle cream.
30m · $10-20 per person
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Michelin three-star fine dining with innovative Tuscan tasting menus paired with rare wines.
3h · $150-250 per person
Trattoria Mario
Bistecca alla Fiorentina and pappa al pomodoro at this no-frills local legend near market.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
Il Santo Bevitore
Elegant yet relaxed contemporary Tuscan restaurant in the Oltrarno; order seasonal dishes like pappardelle with ragù or rabbit and explore their excellent Tuscan wine list.
2h · $70-110 per person
Gelateria La Carraia
Top-rated gelato flavors like buccellato ricotta; pair with light bites.
30m · $8-12 per person
Osteria Santo Spirito
Cozy osteria facing Piazza Santo Spirito; try the truffle gnocchi or a sharing selection of primi, and sit on the terrace if the light is soft.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Caffè Gilli
Elegant historic café on Piazza della Repubblica; order coffee at the bar and admire the Belle Époque interior.
45m · $8-15 per person
Caffè Scudieri
Classic café on Piazza San Giovanni with marble bar; stand at the counter for a quick espresso and pastry before sightseeing around the Duomo.
30m · $8-12 per person
La Ménagère
Brunch-style breakfast with excellent coffee, pastry, and a relaxed design-forward atmosphere.
1h · $15-25 per person
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Papardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), crostini toscani; cozy atmosphere.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Procacci
Elegant spot for panini con tartufo (truffle panini) and prosecco spritz.
45m · $15-20 per person
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Intimate wine bar facing Palazzo Pitti offering curated Tuscan wine flights and seasonal small plates; opt for a guided tasting with a tagliere of local cheeses and salumi.
2h · $35-55 per person
Gustapanino
Gourmet schiacciata with prosciutto, stracchino cheese.
45m · $12-18 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
Build a flexible lunch from market stalls, focusing on lampredotto, fresh pasta, or regional bites.
1h 15m · $20-$40 per person
Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)
Grab coffee, pastries, and small bites from multiple vendors in the modern upstairs food court overlooking the historic market stalls.
45m · $8-15 per person
Mercato Centrale Food Hall
Grab coffee, pastry, or a simple breakfast at the market’s ground-floor counters; if you want a fuller start, keep it light and sample fresh fruit or a schiacciata sandwich for later.
1h · $10-18 per person
Trattoria ZaZa
Bustling trattoria near the San Lorenzo market; try ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) or a Florentine steak to share, with a glass of Chianti.
1h 15m · $20-40 per person
Cibrèo Ristorante
Innovative Tuscan cuisine; order signature peposo stew and desserts.
2h · $80-140 per person