The Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy: A Tuscan Local's Guide
By Andrea Pedani, Tuscan native and founder of La Luna Toscana
Last updated: October 2026
Florence is one of Italy’s most unforgettable cities, where Renaissance masterpieces, magnificent architecture, and centuries of Tuscan history come together. With so much to see and do, knowing what to prioritize can make all the difference.
This local guide covers the best things to do in Florence, including must-see attractions, hidden gems, my favorite restaurants, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
I’m Andrea Pedani, a Tuscan native and founder of La Luna Toscana. Drawing on my experience in luxury hospitality and Tuscan wine tourism, I’ll share my personal recommendations to help you experience the best of Florence.
Best Things to Do in Florence at a Glance
| Experience | Priority | Time to Allow | Book Ahead? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo | Essential | 30–60 min outdoors | Not for the square | First-time visitors |
| Brunelleschi’s Dome | Essential if able | 60–90 min | Yes, timed entry | Architecture and views |
| Piazza della Signoria | Essential | 30–60 min | No | History and atmosphere |
| Uffizi Gallery | High | 2–3 hrs | Strongly recommended | Renaissance art |
| Accademia Gallery | High | 45–75 min | Strongly recommended | Michelangelo’s David |
| Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno | High | 1.5–3 hrs | No | Neighborhoods and walking |
| Piazzale Michelangelo | High | 45–90 min | No | Panoramic views |
| Santa Croce | Interest-based | 60–90 min | No | Art and historic figures |
| Palazzo Vecchio | Interest-based | 1–2 hrs | For special tours | Civic history |
| Palazzo Pitti | Interest-based | 1.5–3 hrs | Recommended in busy periods | Palace collections |
| Boboli Gardens | Interest-based | 1–2 hrs | Check entry arrangements | Gardens and slower travel |
Short on time? Choose the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, one museum, Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo. Don’t try to do everything.
Best Things to Do in Florence
1. Visit Florence Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore defines Florence’s skyline. Its terracotta-colored Dome, elaborate marble exterior, Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower form one of Italy’s most striking architectural ensembles.
Don’t treat Piazza del Duomo as just an entrance. Walk around the entire complex: the scale and details change from every angle.
My tip: Start here on your first visit. It’s the best introduction to the architectural ambition of Renaissance Florence.
Allow: 30–60 minutes for the exterior; several hours if you explore multiple ticketed monuments.
Reservations: The square is free to enter; ticketed sites have their own entry arrangements.
Nearby: San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels and Accademia.
2. Climb Brunelleschi's Dome or Giotto's Bell Tower
These are two different experiences, both offering magnificent views from the church. Choose Brunelleschi’s Dome to experience the structure from within as you climb toward the rooftop panorama. Choose Giotto’s Bell Tower if you want photographs with the Dome in the skyline.
Both involve substantial stairs and no elevator to the top. The Dome route includes narrow, enclosed passages and is not suitable for everyone.
My tip: If you’re physically comfortable with the climb, the Dome is my single most memorable Florence experience. I find the view magical and unforgettable.
Allow: Around 60–90 minutes.
Reservations: Reserve a Dome time slot in advance.
Alternative: Piazzale Michelangelo gives you a broad city panorama without climbing enclosed staircases.
3. Spend Time in Piazza della Signoria
Palazzo Vecchio dominates Florence’s historic civic square, while the Loggia dei Lanzi displays sculpture in an open-air setting. This is where Florence feels less like a museum itinerary and more like a city still living among its masterpieces.
My tip: Don’t just walk through. One of my favorite things to do is sit in the square and watch daily life unfold among the statues and historic buildings.
Allow: 30–60 minutes outdoors; longer if you visit Palazzo Vecchio.
Nearby: Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce.
4. Decide Between the Uffizi and Accademia
If you only have time for one major museum, make the choice based on what excites you most.
Choose the Uffizi Gallery for a substantial journey through Renaissance painting, including celebrated works by Botticelli and other major artists. Set aside two to three hours.
Choose the Accademia Gallery if seeing Michelangelo’s original David is your priority. A focused visit often takes about 45–75 minutes.
My tip: The Uffizi is especially rewarding for serious art lovers. With limited time, don’t feel obligated to visit both museums.
Reservations: Strongly recommended for both, especially during busy travel periods.
5. Cross Ponte Vecchio and Keep Walking into Oltrarno
Ponte Vecchio, with its jewelry shops over the Arno, is one of Florence’s most recognizable sights. But crossing it is the beginning of the experience, not the end.
Before crossing, take a closer look at the jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio. The bridge has a long goldsmithing tradition, and browsing its displays can be an experience in itself, even if you aren’t shopping.
Continue into Oltrarno, the district on the opposite side of the river. Around Santo Spirito and neighboring streets, look for workshops, smaller shops, cafés and places to linger away from the busiest central corridors.
6. See Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
For the classic skyline of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Arno and terracotta rooftops, head to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Sunset is beautiful but popular. Go earlier for a calmer experience, or stay as the lights begin to appear across the city.
My tip: This is my favorite alternative to climbing the Dome—and a wonderful place to end a Florence walk with an aperitivo.
Allow: 25–40 minutes to walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, depending on your starting point. Keep in mind that the walk is uphill.
7. Visit Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce is an excellent stop for travelers interested in Florence’s cultural history. It contains important artworks and tombs associated with figures including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.
Best for: History, architecture and visitors who want more than the city’s two headline museums.
Allow: 60–90 minutes. Check current visitor access and any closures before arriving.
8. Step Inside Palazzo Vecchio
From the outside, Palazzo Vecchio looks like a fortress. Inside, its grand rooms reveal Florence’s political history and the influence of the Medici family.
Best for: Historic interiors, civic history and travelers who prefer buildings to galleries.
Allow: 1–2 hours. Reserve ahead for specialized visits.
9. Explore Palazzo Pitti
Across the Arno, Palazzo Pitti houses significant collections within a vast former grand-ducal residence. It’s a rewarding visit for palace and art enthusiasts, but it can consume a large portion of the day.
My tip: Don’t squeeze it between multiple major museums. Choose it when you have room to appreciate the collections.
Allow: 1.5–3 hours, depending on what you see.
Nearby: Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, opposite Palazzo Pitti, is a favorite for its extensive wine selection and warm, knowledgeable staff. On a visit, the recommendations were so engaging that a quick tasting turned into hours of exploring different wines. On a pleasant day, outdoor seating offers an ideal spot to watch life in Piazza Pitti. Check opening hours and reserve if needed.
10. Wander the Boboli Gardens
Behind Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens combine terraces, sculpture, fountains and long garden paths. Their scale makes them better for an unhurried visit than a quick stop.
My tip: They’re especially enjoyable in comfortable weather. Avoid the hottest part of a summer day: the grounds are sloped and shade varies.
Allow: 1–2 hours.
Nearby: Just a one-minute walk from Palazzo Pitti, you’ll find a historic buchetta del vino, or wine window, on Piazza de’ Pitti. These centuries-old openings were once used to sell wine directly to customers. Today, ordering a glass through one is a fun, uniquely Florentine experience.
11. Explore Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo Market
12. Discover San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels
For a taste of Florence’s food and market culture, visit Mercato Centrale in the historic San Lorenzo neighborhood. The ground floor features traditional food vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and Tuscan specialties, while the upstairs food hall offers a variety of freshly prepared dishes.
Outside, the San Lorenzo Market is filled with stalls selling leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs. It’s a lively area to explore, but keep in mind that not all leather products are made in Italy. Stop at Mercato Centrale for lunch, where you can sample a variety of Tuscan specialties, then browse the surrounding market stalls and shops.
My leather-shopping recommendation: For authentic Tuscan-made leather goods, I recommend Cuoieria Fiorentina, known for its beautiful designs, quality materials, and craftsmanship. Its boutique is a 7-minute walk from Mercato Centrale, making it an easy stop while exploring the area.
The San Lorenzo area offers another way to understand the Medici legacy through architecture, sculpture and the history of Florence’s ruling family. It fits naturally with the Duomo, Accademia and Mercato Centrale.
Best for: Renaissance history and visitors especially interested in the Medici.
Allow: About 1–2 hours for a focused visit.
13. Visit the Bargello Museum
The Bargello is a compelling choice for sculpture lovers, with a more focused experience than Florence’s largest art museums.
Best for: Donatello, Renaissance sculpture and repeat visitors.
Allow: 60–90 minutes.
14. Continue to San Miniato al Monte
If you’re already heading toward Piazzale Michelangelo, consider continuing uphill to San Miniato al Monte church. Its Romanesque architecture and quieter setting offer a different atmosphere from the busy lookout below.
Best for: Architecture, contemplation and a longer panoramic walk.
Allow: Another 30–60 minutes.
Tickets, Hours and Reservations
These are seasonal estimates, not guaranteed admission prices or opening hours. Ticket prices and seasonal opening hours are subject to change. Check the official venue before purchasing.
| Attraction | Budget Guidance | Typical Access and Booking Advice | Official Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo | The piazza and general cathedral admission are free | Cathedral visits are subject to worship services and visitor hours; the square is always accessible | Opera del Duomo |
| Brunelleschi’s Dome | Roughly 30€ for the relevant multi-site pass | A reserved climb time is required; hundreds of stairs, no elevator | Opera del Duomo |
| Giotto’s Bell Tower | Roughly 20€ for a pass that includes the tower | Ticketed climb; stairs and no elevator | Opera del Duomo |
| Uffizi Gallery | Often 25€–30€+ for standard adult entry, depending on ticket and season | Usually closed Mondays; reserve a timed visit during busy periods | Uffizi Galleries |
| Accademia Gallery | Around 20€ standard adult admission | Usually closed Mondays; reserve ahead for David | Accademia |
| Palazzo Pitti | 16€ same day; 19€ advance | Combined Pitti + Boboli ticket available for 22€ same day or 25€ advance. | Uffizi Galleries |
| Boboli Gardens | 10€ same day; 13€ advance | Separate admission from Palazzo Pitti unless purchasing the combined ticket. | Uffizi Galleries |
| Santa Croce | 10€ standard admission; free on selected dates | Paid admission includes the basilica, historic tombs, cloisters, chapels and museum. On designated free-entry days, visitors can explore the basilica and its historic tombs without paying; other areas of the complex are excluded. | Santa Croce |
| Palazzo Vecchio | 18€ | Museum admission. The Arnolfo Tower requires a separate 20€ ticket. | Palazzo Vecchio |
My tip: Organize your sightseeing geographically before choosing every timed entry. A ticket that looks convenient in isolation can create unnecessary backtracking.
What to Eat in Florence
Florentine cooking is closely tied to Tuscan ingredients and traditions. I recommend trying Florentine classics such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, lampredotto and ribollita while visiting.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
A thick, traditionally rare grilled steak, often ordered for sharing. It is commonly priced by weight, so confirm the cut, approximate weight and total price before ordering.
Lampredotto
A classic Florentine street food made from the cow’s fourth stomach, commonly served in a sandwich with salsa verde or a spicy condiment. Its flavor and texture make it a more adventurous choice than a typical panino.
Ribollita
A hearty soup of bread, beans and vegetables rooted in Tuscany’s cucina povera tradition of making satisfying food from modest ingredients. It’s especially appealing in cooler weather.
Crostini, Cured Meats and Schiacciata
Tuscan cured meats, cheeses and crostini are natural starters. For a quick lunch, try a stuffed schiacciata sandwich.
My Florence Restaurant Shortlist
| Restaurant | What to Eat |
|---|---|
| Da Sabatino | Informal, traditional Florentine cooking |
| Perseus | Bistecca alla Fiorentina |
| Antico Ristoro di Cambi | Classic Tuscan dishes |
| Vini e Vecchi Sapori | Small-trattoria atmosphere and traditional flavors |
| All’Antico Vinaio | Casual schiacciata sandwiches |
Best Time to Visit Florence
I favor May, June, September and October for their balance of weather and atmosphere. July and August can be particularly hot and crowded; peak-summer sightseeing often requires more breaks and careful timing.
Winter tends to be cooler and quieter, making it appealing for museum-focused travelers, though daylight hours are shorter.
For broader seasonal planning, see La Luna Toscana’s guide to the best time to visit Italy.
By time of day: Enjoy outdoor landmarks in the morning, museums or longer lunches during the hottest afternoon hours, a skyline view near sunset, and piazzas or Oltrarno in the evening.
Florence Itineraries: 1, 2 or 3 Days
Allow one to three days in Florence, depending on your interests. Two days suits many first-time visitors, while art and history enthusiasts may want three. If you find busy cities and tourist crowds overwhelming, one day is enough to see Florence’s main highlights before escaping to the quieter Tuscan countryside.
| Days in Florence | Recommended Itinerary |
|---|---|
| One Day | Explore Piazza del Duomo, visit one prebooked attraction (Dome, Uffizi or Accademia), then walk through Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. Finish in Oltrarno or at Piazzale Michelangelo. |
| Two Days | On day one, combine the Duomo, Accademia (if David interests you), San Lorenzo and Piazza della Signoria. On day two, visit the Uffizi, cross Ponte Vecchio and explore Oltrarno. If time allows, choose Palazzo Pitti or Boboli Gardens before heading to Piazzale Michelangelo. |
| Three Days | Add Santa Croce, the Bargello, Palazzo Vecchio or San Miniato al Monte, depending on your interests. Leave space for longer neighborhood walks and leisurely meals. |
Where to Stay and Getting Around
| Travel Topic | My Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Where to Stay | I recommend staying in Florence’s historic If you’re planning to explore beyond For a longer Tuscan stay, you can choose |
| Arriving by Train | If you’re traveling through Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), consider staying near the station. Florence’s historic streets can be challenging with luggage, so check your walking route or arrange a taxi if needed. |
| Buses and Trams | Florence has an affordable public transportation network, although you probably won’t need it for sightseeing in the historic center. Buses 12 and 13 are useful for reaching Piazzale Michelangelo without the uphill walk. Tickets cost approximately 2€ and can be purchased through the Autolinee Toscane website or app . |
| Taxis and Transfers | Licensed taxis are useful for luggage, longer journeys, or travelers with limited mobility. You can book through local taxi companies or apps such as FreeNow. |
| Florence Airport | The T2 tram connects Florence Airport with the city center in approximately 20 minutes. Taxis and private transfers are also available. If you have an early morning flight, consider staying near the airport the night before to simplify your departure and avoid navigating the city with luggage. |
| Driving | Avoid renting a car while staying in Florence. The historic center has restricted traffic zones (ZTL), and parking can be difficult and expensive. If you’re continuing into the Tuscan countryside, consider collecting your rental car when leaving the city. |
Common Florence Planning Mistakes
- Trying to fit several large museums into one day.
- Booking the Dome, Uffizi or Accademia too late.
- Ignoring geography when selecting timed tickets.
- Underestimating summer heat and uphill walking.
- Spending the entire visit indoors.
- Expecting famous wine windows or landmark restaurants to feel undiscovered.
- Driving into restricted traffic zones (ZTL) without understanding the rules.
- Scheduling Florence so tightly that there’s no time to wander.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Florence
Plan Your Florence and Italy Journey
Florence is just the beginning. From Tuscany’s charming hill towns and vineyards to Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers countless unforgettable experiences.
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