Florence isn’t just another Italian city.
It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance, home to world-class art, and honestly?
After visiting Florence seven times over the past decade, I’ve learned that this magnificent city offers way more than just the typical tourist attractions everyone talks about.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or foodie looking for authentic Tuscan experiences, Florence delivers in ways that’ll surprise you.
In this guide, I’m going to share the best things to do in Florence—based on my personal adventures, the mistakes I’ve made (trust me, there were plenty), and the insider secrets I’ve picked up along the way.
Visit the World-Famous Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is hands down the crown jewel of Florence’s art scene.
Here’s what you absolutely need to know about the Uffizi.
Book your tickets online at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (April through October).
This gallery showcases one of the world’s greatest collections of Renaissance masterpieces, featuring works like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.
My personal favorite? Caravaggio’s “Medusa” – it’s tucked away in a corner that most tourists rush past. The detail in that painting is absolutely mind-blowing when you see it up close.
Visit early morning (8:15 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) for smaller crowds.
Download the Uffizi app for audio guides – way better than the rental ones.
Allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit.
The museum shop has some incredible art books that you can’t find elsewhere.
The ticket price runs about €20-25 for adults, but honestly, it’s worth every penny. Don’t rush through it like I did on my second visit – take your time and really absorb what you’re seeing.
Climb the Iconic Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome
Brunelleschi’s Dome isn’t an easy climb; it’s a test of both nerve and endurance. Those 463 steps up narrow, winding staircases will test your endurance.
You’ll get 360-degree panoramic views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, the Arno River, and the surrounding Tuscan hills.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, stands as a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
That green, white, and pink marble facade is even more impressive in person than in photographs.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
Tickets cost around €30 for the full complex. No large bags allowed – there’s a storage facility nearby.
The dome closes during bad weather.
Be sure to look up inside the cathedral — Vasari’s frescoes on the dome’s interior, especially The Last Judgment, are absolutely breathtaking from below.
Explore the Magnificent Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
Palazzo Pitti is seriously underrated compared to other Florence attractions.
This grand Renaissance palace once housed the influential Medici family, and wandering through its lavish rooms offers a vivid glimpse into the luxury of Renaissance life.
It wasn’t until my third visit that I stumbled upon its hidden gem — the breathtaking Palatine Gallery.
The ceiling frescoes in the planetary rooms are absolutely stunning, and unlike the Uffizi, you can actually enjoy them without being shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists.
The Boboli Gardens behind the palace are perfect for escaping the city crowds. These 16th-century gardens sprawl across 111 acres of manicured landscapes, hidden grottos, and stunning sculptures.
My Favorite Spots in Boboli Gardens:
- The Amphitheatre with views over Florence
- Grotta del Buontalenti (an artificial cave with incredible decorations)
- Rose Garden (best visited in May and June)
- The Porcelain Museum (surprisingly fascinating!)
- Forte di Belvedere for sunset views
The combined ticket for Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens costs about €16 and it’s valid for three days.
Marvel at Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery
Seeing Michelangelo’s David in person is one of those bucket list experiences that actually lives up to the hype. This 17-foot marble masterpiece left me speechless.
The Accademia Gallery is much smaller than the Uffizi, which makes it perfect for a focused art experience.
Besides David, you’ll find other Michelangelo sculptures, including his unfinished “Prisoners” series.
These partial sculptures show Michelangelo’s technique of “freeing” figures from marble blocks.
Here’s something most guidebooks don’t tell you – the gallery gets incredibly crowded between 11 AM and 3 PM.
Insider Tips for Your Visit:
- Book skip-the-line tickets online (absolutely essential)
- Visit first thing in the morning or after 4 PM
- Allow 1-2 hours for your visit
- Photography is allowed (no flash)
- There’s a small café inside for a quick break
Stroll Across the Historic Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is probably Florence’s most photographed landmark, and for good reason.
This medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops has been spanning the Arno River since 1345.
What makes it special isn’t just its age – it’s the fact that it’s remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
The light reflecting off the river creates this magical golden glow that photographers dream about. Plus, you’ll avoid the massive crowds that descend later in the day.
The bridge has quite a history too. During World War II, it was the only bridge in Florence that wasn’t destroyed by retreating German forces.
Local legend says Hitler himself ordered it to be spared because of its beauty.
The jewelry shops here aren’t just tourist traps either. Many are family-owned businesses that have been operating for generations.
Discover Oltrarno: Florence’s Artisan Quarter
Oltrarno is hands down my favorite neighborhood in Florence.
The phrase translates to “beyond the Arno,” offering a vibe that’s worlds apart from the busy tourist hub of the centro storico.
The narrow streets are packed with traditional artisan workshops where you can watch craftspeople creating leather goods, jewelry, and restoration work.
Santo Spirito square is the heart of Oltrarno nightlife.
The church designed by Brunelleschi is worth a visit.
The food scene in Oltrarno is incredible.
Skip the touristy restaurants near the Duomo and head to places like Trattoria Sostanza or Il Santo Bevitore.
The portions are generous, the ingredients are local, and you’ll actually eat alongside Florentines.
Experience the Vibrant San Lorenzo Market
San Lorenzo Market is where Florence’s food culture really comes alive.
The indoor Mercato Centrale is a food lover’s paradise with vendors selling everything from fresh pasta to aged Pecorino cheese.
I’ve probably eaten lunch here more.
The outdoor market surrounding the building is perfect for souvenir shopping, but be prepared to haggle.
What I love most about San Lorenzo is how it appeals to all your senses.
The smell of fresh basil and tomatoes, the sound of vendors calling out their specials, the bright colors of seasonal produce – it’s sensory overload in the best possible way.
My Favorite Food Stalls:
- Nerbone for the famous lampredotto sandwich (if you’re adventurous!)
- Da Mario for traditional Tuscan dishes
- The truffle vendor on the north side (expensive but incredible)
- Fresh pasta maker near the central entrance
- The wine bar on the second floor of Mercato Centrale
Admire Art at Santa Croce Basilica
Santa Croce is often called the “Pantheon of Florence” because so many famous Italians are buried here, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
But honestly, I think the real stars are Giotto’s frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels.
These 14th-century frescoes were revolutionary for their time – they showed real human emotion and realistic spatial depth that had never been seen before.
Standing in front of Giotto’s “Death of St. Francis” still gives me chills every time I visit.
That soaring nave with its wooden ceiling creates this sense of awe that’s hard to describe.
Tourists frequently bypass the Pazzi Chapel, but it ranks among the finest Renaissance architectural works.
Those proportions are mathematically precise, and you can feel the harmony when you step inside.
Take a Day Trip to the Tuscan Countryside
One of my biggest regrets from my early visits to Florence was not exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Gently rolling hills with cypress trees, medieval towns on hilltops, and top-notch wineries await your discovery.
For wine enthusiasts, Chianti is the top pick, just a short 30-minute drive south of Florence.
San Gimignano is another must-see day trip. The medieval “city of towers” resembles a scene from a storybook.
The gelato at Dondoli is legitimately some of the best I’ve ever had (they’re world champions for a reason!).
If you’re not comfortable driving in Italy (the roads can be narrow and winding), there are excellent bus tours that hit multiple towns in one day.
Enjoy Authentic Tuscan Cuisine
Florence’s food scene goes way beyond tourist traps serving mediocre pasta.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) is the city’s signature dish. This massive T-bone steak is grilled over hot coals and served rare – no exceptions!
My first experience at Trattoria Sostanza was intimidating (the waiters are famously gruff), but that steak was absolutely perfect.
Ribollita is another Tuscan classic that’s perfect for cooler weather. This filling soup, combining bread, beans, and veggies, highlights Tuscany’s culinary ingenuity.
The best version I’ve had was at a tiny trattoria in San Frediano where the owner’s grandmother’s recipe has been unchanged for decades.
Chianti Classico pairs perfectly with most Tuscan dishes, and a good bottle will only cost €15-20 at a restaurant.
Visit Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria
Palazzo Vecchio dominates Piazza della Signoria with its imposing fortress-like design and soaring tower.
This has been Florence’s town hall for over 700 years, and it’s still a working government building today.
The blend of political history and artistic treasures inside is fascinating.
This vast hall once served as the meeting place for the Republic’s city council.
Vasari’s ceiling frescoes depicting Florentine military victories are overwhelming in the best possible way.
The best experience for me is ascending the tower to take in the panoramic cityscape.
It’s 418 steps to the top, but unlike the Duomo climb, this one has several rest stops along the way.
The replica of Michelangelo’s David, Neptune Fountain, and Loggia dei Lanzi with its collection of sculptures create this incredible artistic ensemble that you can enjoy for free.
Experience Florence’s Nightlife Scene
Florence might not have the nightlife reputation of Rome or Milan, but the evening scene here has its own unique charm.
Local students and young professionals gather at outdoor bars, creating this vibrant but relaxed atmosphere that’s distinctly Florentine.
Best Nightlife Areas:
- Santo Spirito for casual bars and student crowds
- Via dei Benci for cocktail bars and wine shops
- Ponte Vecchio area for romantic evening strolls
- Piazza della Repubblica for upscale aperitivo
- San Frediano for authentic neighborhood bars
Don’t expect the nightlife to get going too early – Italians typically start their evening around 7 PM with aperitivo, have dinner around 9 PM, and then move on to bars or clubs after 11 PM.
Discover Hidden Gems and Secret Spots
After multiple visits to Florence, I’ve discovered some incredible spots that most tourists never see.
These hidden gems offer a different perspective on the city and often provide peaceful escapes from the crowds.
The Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose) below Piazzale Michelangelo is absolutely magical during the blooming season (May-June). It’s free to enter, offers incredible views over the city, and you’ll probably have it mostly to yourself.
The Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine houses some of the most important Renaissance frescoes in existence. Masaccio’s work here influenced generations of artists, including Michelangelo. Yet it’s often overlooked by tourists rushing between major attractions.
My Favorite Hidden Spots:
- Bardini Gardens for the best panoramic views
- San Miniato al Monte for sunset (take the bus up the hill)
- The secret garden behind Palazzo Medici Riccardi
- Via del Proconsolo for medieval architecture
- The Synagogue for incredible Moorish-style interiors
Plan Your Perfect Florence Itinerary
Planning a Florence itinerary can be overwhelming with so many incredible things to see and do. I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years – trying to cram too much into one day, not booking tickets in advance, eating at tourist traps near major attractions.
For a first-time visit, I recommend at least 3-4 days to see the major highlights without feeling rushed. If you only have a weekend, focus on the Uffizi, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio, plus one neighborhood exploration (either Oltrarno or the San Lorenzo market area).
The key is booking advance tickets for major attractions. The Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo climb all require reservations, especially during peak season. I learned this the hard way during my first visit when I wasted half a day standing in lines.
Sample 3-Day Florence Itinerary:
Day 1: Duomo complex (cathedral, dome climb, baptistery), Uffizi Gallery, evening stroll across Ponte Vecchio
Day 2: Accademia Gallery (David), San Lorenzo Market for lunch, Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
Day 3: Santa Croce Basilica, Oltrarno neighborhood exploration, sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
This itinerary allows time to actually enjoy each attraction rather than just checking boxes. Florence rewards slow, thoughtful exploration rather than rapid-fire sightseeing.
