Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, and few cities pack so much art, architecture, and history into such a walkable center. Beyond the famous masterpieces, there are peaceful gardens, lively piazzas, historic workshops, and some of the best food in Tuscany. Here are the 20 best things to do in Florence, with tips on the best time to visit each.
Florence's Iconic Landmarks
1. Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo)
Best time: Early morning.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its pink, white, and green marble facade, is the symbol of Florence. Entry to the cathedral is free, but book the Brunelleschi Pass to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome, see Vasari's Last Judgment frescoes up close, and enjoy the best view in the city.
2. The Baptistery of St. John
Best time: Early morning.
One of Florence's oldest buildings, the octagonal Baptistery is famous for its golden mosaic ceiling and Ghiberti's bronze "Gates of Paradise" doors. The originals are in the nearby Opera del Duomo Museum.
3. Ponte Vecchio
Best time: Sunset.
Built in 1345, Florence's oldest bridge is lined with jewelry shops that once housed butchers. It was the only bridge in Florence spared by the retreating Germans in 1944. Watch the sunset over the Arno from the neighboring Ponte Santa Trinita.
4. Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
Best time: Evening, when the Palazzo Vecchio often stays open late.
Florence's main square is an open-air sculpture gallery, with a copy of Michelangelo's David and the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi. The fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio, still the town hall, has lavish rooms, a tower to climb, and secret passages you can visit on guided tours.
5. Basilica of Santa Croce
Best time: Late afternoon.
This Gothic basilica, often called the largest Franciscan church in the world, holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, along with frescoes by Giotto.
World-Class Museums
6. The Uffizi Gallery
Best time: First thing in the morning or late afternoon.
One of the world's great art museums, home to Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, and works by Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. Book a timed ticket.
7. The Vasari Corridor
Best time: Book well ahead.
This elevated passage, built in 1565 so the Medici could walk from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace unseen, crosses the river above the Ponte Vecchio. After a long restoration, it reopened in late 2024 for small, timed groups.
8. Galleria dell'Accademia
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon.
See Michelangelo's David, more than 5 meters (17 feet) tall, and his unfinished Prisoners, figures that seem to struggle out of the marble.
9. The Medici Chapels
Best time: Weekday mornings.
The Medici family's mausoleum features the dazzling marble Chapel of the Princes and Michelangelo's New Sacristy, with his sculptures of Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk.
10. Museo di San Marco
Best time: Weekday mornings.
In this peaceful former monastery, each monk's cell is painted with a fresco by Fra Angelico. Don't miss his famous Annunciation at the top of the stairs.
11. Palazzo Pitti
Best time: Any time.
The Medici's grand palace now houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, with paintings by Raphael and Titian, and royal apartments.
12. Museo Stibbert
Best time: Midday, when the main sights are busiest.
An eccentric collector's villa packed with armor, weapons, costumes, and paintings, including a famous hall of armored knights on horseback.
Gardens, Views, and Neighborhoods
13. Boboli Gardens
Behind the Pitti Palace, these Renaissance gardens are full of fountains, grottoes, and statues, with views across the city.
14. Giardino Bardini
Best time: Late April, when the wisteria tunnel is in bloom.
A smaller, quieter garden with terraces, a wisteria pergola, and one of the best views of the Duomo.
15. Piazzale Michelangelo and the Rose Garden
Best time: Sunset, and May to June for the roses.
Climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the classic panorama of Florence. Just below, the Giardino delle Rose has hundreds of varieties of roses.
16. Piazza Santo Spirito and the Oltrarno
Across the river, the Oltrarno neighborhood is full of artisan workshops. Its lively square, Piazza Santo Spirito, is a favorite with locals for an evening drink.
17. San Miniato al Monte
Above Piazzale Michelangelo, this beautiful Romanesque church has views over the city. Arrive in the late afternoon to hear the monks' Gregorian chants.
Food, Shopping, and Hidden Gems
18. Mercato Centrale
Best time: Late morning.
Browse fresh produce, cheese, and meat on the ground floor, then eat at the food hall upstairs. Try lampredotto, Florence's famous tripe sandwich, if you dare.
19. Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, founded by Dominican friars, still sells perfumes, soaps, and herbal remedies in frescoed rooms.
20. Biblioteca delle Oblate
This public library in a former convent has a rooftop café with a close-up view of the Duomo, a peaceful spot for a coffee.
Tips for Visiting Florence
- Book ahead for the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Duomo climb, and the Vasari Corridor.
- Check closing days. Many museums close on Mondays.
- Try Florentine classics like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, and schiacciata sandwiches.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Italy eSIM keeps your museum tickets and maps on hand. See our Italy eSIM guide. Pack smart with our Europe packing list.
Explore beyond the city with the best day trips from Florence, and plan your route with our 10-day Italy itinerary.
FAQs: Things to Do in Florence
What is Florence best known for?
Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery, and Brunelleschi's dome.
How many days do you need in Florence?
Two to three days is enough for the main sights, with an extra day or two for Tuscany day trips.
Do I need to book the Uffizi in advance?
Yes, especially from spring to fall. Timed tickets help you avoid long lines.
Can you climb the Duomo in Florence?
Yes. Book a timed slot to climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi's dome.