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Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city brimming with art, history, and culture. From world-famous museums and stunning cathedrals to charming streets and vibrant markets, there’s something for every traveler. Be it admiring Michelangelo’s David, strolling across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, or savoring Tuscan cuisine at local markets, Things to do in Florence offers unforgettable experiences at every turn. The city’s rich heritage, combined with its picturesque landscapes and warm atmosphere, makes it a must-visit destination in Italy.
10 Best Things To Do In Florence
Discover the top 10 things to do in Florence, from stunning art galleries to historical landmarks that celebrate the city’s rich heritage.
1. Michelangelo’s David At The Accademia Gallery
Photo: T. Selin Erkan / Unsplash
Begin your journey in Florence by witnessing Michelangelo’s David, one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world. Housed in the Accademia Gallery, this 17-foot masterpiece captures the ideal of Renaissance beauty, human anatomy, and artistic genius. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble, David represents strength, courage, and determination. Apart from David, the gallery also features Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners, which provide insight into his sculpting process. Additionally, visitors can admire paintings from the 14th to 16th centuries, including works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Pontormo. A visit here is a deep dive into Florentine artistic brilliance.
Location: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122 Florence
Cost/Person: €12
Timings: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (closed on Mondays)
2. Exploring The Uffizi Gallery
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Art lovers cannot miss the Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the most extraordinary collections of Renaissance paintings. The museum houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. One of its most famous works is Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, a mesmerizing depiction of the goddess Venus emerging from the sea. Visitors can also admire Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and Caravaggio’s Medusa. The gallery’s corridors and rooms are filled with priceless works, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence
Cost/Person: €20
Timings: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (closed on Mondays)
3. Climbing The Duomo For Panoramic Views
Photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most exhilarating experiences in Florence is climbing the dome of the Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), also known as the Duomo. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, this architectural marvel dominates the city skyline. The 463-step climb can be challenging, but the reward is stunning panoramic views of Florence and the Tuscan hills. Inside, visitors can admire Vasari’s frescoes of The Last Judgment, which adorn the dome’s interior. The Duomo complex also includes Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence
Cost/Person: €20
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7 PM (Monday to Friday); 8:30 AM – 5:40 PM (Saturday); closed on Sundays
4. Strolling Across The Ponte Vecchio
Photo: Faruk Kaymak / Unsplash
A walk along Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge, is an essential experience. Spanning the Arno River, this historic bridge is lined with gold and jewelry shops, a tradition dating back to the 16th century when Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici ordered butchers and tanners to vacate. The bridge is also famous for its hidden Vasari Corridor, an elevated passageway built for the Medici family to move secretly between the Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace.
Location: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Florence
Cost/Person: Free
Timings: 24*7
5. Visiting The Pitti Palace And Boboli Gardens
Photo: Stefan Bauer / Wikimedia Commons
The Pitti Palace is a stunning Renaissance palace that once served as the royal residence of the Medici family. Inside, visitors can explore several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which houses works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens. The lavish Royal Apartments showcase period furnishings and decorations from centuries past. Behind the palace lies the Boboli Gardens, a vast, beautifully landscaped area filled with fountains, sculptures, and hidden pathways. These gardens served as an inspiration for Versailles and are perfect for a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Location: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence
Cost/Person: €16 for a combined ticket
Timings: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (closed on Mondays)
6. Discovering The Bargello Museum
Photo: Lauramcr92 / Wikimedia Commons
Delve into Florence’s rich artistic heritage at the Bargello Museum, one of the city’s lesser-known cultural treasures. Located in a 13th-century medieval palace, this museum is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures, including masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Verrocchio. The Bargello’s collection provides a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the Renaissance period and discover the evolution of sculpture during one of Italy’s most influential artistic eras.
Location: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence
Cost/Person: Approximately €8
Timings: 8:15 AM – 1:50 PM
7. Experiencing The Medici Chapels
Photo: Richardfabi~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
Step into the Medici Chapels, an architectural marvel and the final resting place of the powerful Medici family. Located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo, this site is a testament to the family’s immense wealth and influence in Renaissance Florence. The New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, is particularly famous for its stunning sculptures, including Day and Night, which symbolize the passage of time. The Medici tombs, designed by Michelangelo and other prominent artists, are a must-see for visitors interested in Renaissance art and history. The chapel’s opulent design, rich in symbolism and history, is an extraordinary representation of the Medici family’s power.
Location: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Florence
Cost/Person: €9
Timings: 8:15 AM – 1:50 PM
8. Enjoying A Sunset At Piazzale Michelangelo
For one of the best panoramic views of Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. Perched on a hill just outside the city center, this scenic spot offers a breathtaking vista of Florence, with its red-tiled rooftops, the iconic Duomo, and the Arno River winding through the city. This accessible viewpoint offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets below and provides a truly magical moment as the lights of the city twinkle beneath a sunset sky.
Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Florence
Cost/Person: Free
Timings: 24*7
9. Visiting The Basilica Of Santa Croce
Photo: Bruno Barral / Wikimedia Commons
The Basilica of Santa Croce is not only a stunning example of Gothic architecture but also holds a deep historical significance as the final resting place of some of Italy’s most famous figures. Located in the heart of Florence, this grand church is the burial site of renowned artists, scientists, and philosophers, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Visitors are drawn to the beauty of its serene interior, adorned with frescoes by Giotto. A visit here is an opportunity to explore Florence’s religious and intellectual heritage, as well as to marvel at its art and architecture, making it a must-see for history buffs and art lovers alike.
Location: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Florence
Cost/Person: Approximately €8
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Saturday); 2 PM – 5 PM (Sunday)
10. Savoring Local Flavors At Mercato Centrale
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
Mercato Centrale is the heartbeat of Florence’s culinary scene, offering visitors a vibrant, authentic taste of Tuscany’s food culture. The first floor of the market is home to a wide variety of eateries and food counters, where visitors can sample traditional Tuscan dishes such as ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup) and lampredotto (a local beef sandwich). On the second floor, a more formal dining area offers a chance to enjoy these delicious offerings in a cozy setting. Mercato Centrale is not just a place to eat; it’s an immersive experience in Florence’s food culture, where locals and tourists come together to share in the city’s love for exceptional food.
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Florence
Price: €10 – €20 for a meal
Timings: 10 AM – 12 AM
Florence is a city that leaves a lasting impression with its blend of artistic treasures, historical landmarks, and vibrant local life. Beyond its iconic sights, the city’s charming streets, delicious cuisine, and lively markets offer authentic Tuscan experiences. As you wrap up your journey, you’ll carry home not just memories of stunning architecture and art but also the spirit of a city that continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. To explore and enjoy the best things to do in Florence, book your trip with TripXL and make a hassle free trip.
Cover Photo: Ahmed Mansour / Unsplash
