What to Do in Florence?

Florence is a city in Italy that leaves no one indifferent. Renowned as a true gem of the Renaissance, it is rich in cultural and artistic heritage that is unique in its kind. Visiting Florence means discovering a city that has managed to preserve its historical and cultural heritage while offering modern and dynamic attractions. As you stroll through the streets of the city, visitors can admire the numerous palaces, churches, museums, and other historical sites that testify to Florence's grandeur through the centuries. Whether it's during a road trip in Northern Italy or for a multi-day stay in the city, here are some of my favorite activities if you don't know what to do in Florence

The squares of Florence are gems of the city that are worth visiting. If you don't know what to do in Florence, I recommend starting with a visit to Piazza della Signoria, one of the most famous and important squares in the historical center of the city. This square, surrounded by historic buildings and palaces, including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, is also known for housing sumptuous sculptures, including the copy of Michelangelo's famous David and the Fountain of Neptune.

On the other side of the city is Piazza del Duomo, another important square that houses the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo. This square is also lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. It offers a magnificent view of the cathedral and is often bustling with tourists taking photos

To discover these famous squares and learn more about their history and that of the city, I recommend booking a guided walking tour of the heart of Florence. Starting at €15 per person, you'll be able to discover some of the most important buildings in the city center such as the Duomo, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Giotto's campanile, as well as the grand squares and beautiful bridges that I will talk about in more detail later in this article

Florence is a city traversed by the Arno River and famous for its historic bridges. True symbols of the city, the bridges of Florence offer stunning views of the Arno and its surroundings. Among the most famous in the city, you will discover the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops selling goldsmiths, jewelers, and local artisans.

This historic bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Florence. It was built in the 14th century and is the only bridge in the city that was not destroyed during World War II.

Another famous bridge is the Ponte Santa Trinita, a Renaissance-style stone bridge with elegant arches. The bridges of Florence are architectural wonders, but they also bear witness to the city's history. Discovering them on foot or by boat on a cruise along the Arno is an experience not to be missed by any traveler in Florence

If there is one place I recommend you discover in Florence, it's the Duomo! The Florence Cathedral is one of the most iconic symbols of the city. With its imposing dome, marble façade, and Giotto's campanile offering breathtaking views of the city, the Duomo attracts thousands of visitors each year.

I strongly advise you not to just admire the exterior of the cathedral (even though it's already stunning!), but also to visit the interior. You will be able to admire the frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari as well as Michelangelo's famous fresco of the Last Judgment that adorns the walls and ceiling. Once inside, you will better appreciate the grandeur and beauty of this incredible edifice.

For history buffs or if you are simply curious, you can combine the visit to the cathedral, the Duomo museum, and the baptistery During this approximately 2-hour visit, you will be accompanied by a guide who will share a wealth of interesting information about these religious monuments in the Duomo square. Starting at €58 per person, you will benefit from pre-reserved tickets to enter these tourist sites more quickly.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world. Considered a must-see in Florence, it is located in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, an impressive building that once housed the Florentine government.

The Uffizi Gallery is a true treasure of art history, not to be missed during your visit to Florence. For those who want to discover Florence's history in a more immersive way, I recommend a walk through the historic center where you can admire the cobblestone streets, bustling squares, palaces, and baroque churches

To save time and avoid the crowds, I recommend opting for a skip-the-line ticket to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Starting at €20, you'll discover an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art that testify to the richness of the Florentine Renaissance. Masterpieces by great artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael are on display. You will be amazed by such beautiful works that transport you to an era when Florence was one of the most important artistic centers in the world.

The Pitti Palace is a gem of Renaissance architecture that houses a breathtaking art museum. If you don't know what to do in Florence, this is a visit I highly recommend, especially for art lovers who want to discover Florence's history and culture

The palace is adorned with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and paintings by masters such as Raphael, Titian, and Rubens. Visitors can admire artworks and historical costumes that exemplify the elegance and sophistication of the Medici court. You will also discover the Palatine Gallery, located within the palace, which offers stunning views of the Boboli Gardens and the city of Florence.

Visiting the Pitti Palace is a unique cultural experience that allows you to discover the fascinating history of the city and its rich artistic tradition. To make your visit easier and avoid the tourist crowds, I suggest opting for a skip-the-line ticket for the Pitti Palace at €16 per person. This will give you priority access so you can leisurely visit the Palatine Gallery and the modern art gallery of the museum.

The Accademia Gallery is a museum for art lovers visiting Florence. It houses one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo's David. The statue is incredibly detailed and looks almost lifelike, showcasing Michelangelo's talent and mastery as an artist.

In addition to the David sculpture, the Accademia Gallery features an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance. You will also find artworks by masters such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Pontormo. The museum is also relatively small, allowing you to take your time to appreciate each piece of art

If you want to immerse yourself completely in Florence's fascinating history and that of Italy, feel free to join the guided tour of the Accademia Gallery starting at €35 per person. The expert guide who will accompany you can inform you about the artworks and the lives of the artists who created them, as well as the powerful Medici family.

The Palazzo Vecchio is an iconic historic palace in Florence that deserves a visit if you don't know what to do in Florence Located on Piazza della Signoria, the palace was built in the 14th century and served as the seat of the Florentine government for centuries.

Today, the palace houses a museum that allows visitors to discover Florence's fascinating history. The frescoes in the Hall of the Five Hundred, created by Giorgio Vasari, are particularly impressive. The rooms also house a large collection of marble sculptures, paintings, and tapestries and are richly decorated. In addition to the museum, you can also enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city from the palace tower.

If you are looking for outdoor activities in Florence, I can only invite you to discover the Boboli Gardens, a must-visit where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city center It is a vast park that stretches over 45,000 square meters and offers spectacular views of the city.

This Italian-style garden is landscaped with sculptures, fountains, grottos, and ponds, creating a unique atmosphere. You can also admire the rich vegetation with a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees, such as cypress trees, oleanders, roses, and magnolias. As you walk through the garden, you will discover many picturesque viewpoints of the city, which provide incredible photo opportunities. The Boboli Gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy a sunny day in Florence!

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence is a visit for art and science enthusiasts. As the name suggests, the museum houses a collection dedicated to one of the greatest geniuses in human history. With a ticket for the interactive Leonardo museum starting at €8 per person, you can explore a multitude of inventions and machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci, as well as faithful reproductions of his famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. The interactive exhibits and life-size models will immerse you in Leonardo da Vinci's world and help you understand his scientific and artistic approach.

The museum is located in the heart of Florence, near the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. If you don't know what to do in Florence, I highly recommend visiting this museum, especially if you're traveling with family

It's impossible to visit Florence without tasting the local cuisine Tuscan cuisine is known for its simple yet flavorful and generous dishes that highlight fresh, quality ingredients.

Among the local specialties not to be missed are the famous bistecca alla fiorentina, a perfectly grilled beef steak, ribollita, a delicious vegetable and stale bread soup, panzanella, a savory bread and tomato salad, or fresh pasta with truffles. Of course, a good Italian meal is often accompanied by wine! In the region, you can particularly taste the traditional Chianti, a red wine with a history dating back to the 13th century.

To discover local artisanal products, I suggest taking a trip to the San Lorenzo market, one of the oldest and largest markets in the city A great opportunity to sample a healthy portion of these delicious specialties!

Tuscany is a wine-growing region famous worldwide for the quality of its wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. If you don't know what to do in Florence and you are a wine lover or curious about local cuisine, visiting vineyards is an interesting activity to schedule during a trip to Tuscany You will have the opportunity to taste quality local wines and learn about traditional production techniques.

The vineyards in the Chianti region are particularly popular, offering memorable landscapes and wine tastings! Starting at €49 per person, I suggest booking a Chianti vineyard tour with tasting. Accompanied by a wine expert guide, you will visit 2 wineries in the Chianti hills and learn more about the different grape varieties used in wine production. You will, of course, have the chance to taste some wines to better understand the characteristics of each one. This experience will allow you to explore the cultural and gastronomic heritage of the Tuscan region in all its glory

We come to the end of this article If you didn't know what to do in Florence, I hope you now have some ideas to add to your itinerary! And if you still don't know where to stay in Florence, feel free to check out my article on that topic to find the best addresses at the best prices!