Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of those must-visit cities for its classic beauty.
It’s a place where history, art, and food entwine to create that quintessentially rustic Tuscan charm that charms and delights all who meander its streets.
So, in this guide, we will list out the best activities to do in Florence, from the popular sights to the under-the-radar local favorites, making sure you get the most of your visit to this magical Italian city.
Dive into Art and Architecture
1. Uffizi Gallery Highlights
The Uffizi Gallery is a haven for art aficionados. The building houses some of the most iconic works of art from giants such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci.
You can spend hours looking over works that influenced (and defined) the Renaissance.
Don’t miss wandering through the impressive halls. You can almost sense history breathing here.
Time: Stroll through the masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, dedicating 2–3 hours to explore Renaissance treasures at a comfortable pace.
2. Michelangelo’s David
Michelangelo’s David is more than a statue, it’s a metaphor for Renaissance ingenuity. Standing before David is a profound encounter with artistry at its finest.
The museum is small, making it easy to view and marvel at this work of art.
Time: Admire Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’ Accademia, allowing about 1–1.5 hours to take in the iconic sculpture and surrounding works.
3. Florence Cathedral Dome
Florence Cathedral, with Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome and a chapel by Ghiberti, is a masterpiece of architecture. The dome dominates the city’s skyline, and its climb provides a panoramic view of the city.
Admire the complex face of the cathedral and then go inside to experience its magnificence.
Time: To visit the Florence Cathedral, including time to view the interior and possibly climb the dome, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Baptistery of St. John
Known for its gorgeous bronzed doors (the ironically named “Gates of Paradise”), this baptistery has some amazing carvings of biblical stories on the gates.
They’re so detailed, it’s almost as if they come to life. The whole octagonal building is beautiful, made from marble and decorated with colorful mosaics.
Time: When you touring the Baptistery of St. John, you need to pay 1 hour to appreciate its golden mosaics and historic bronze doors.
5. Santa Croce Church
Santa Croce Church is a stunning Gothic structure that is home to the remains of some of the best and brightest minds in history, topped by Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.
Walking around in here, you can sense the history and the brainpower behind its chapels and frescos, all of which are spectacular.
Time: Explore the church Santa Croce, I would recommend to allocate between an hour to 1.5 hours to visit all its chapels, tombs and artworks.
Walk Through History
6. Piazza della Signoria
Entering Piazza della Signoria is like walking out into an open-air museum.
This well-known square is full of remarkable statues and buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio. It’s always buzzing with vibrancy as artists and aficionados of history alike congregate here.
Take a walk, explore the square, and be swept away by the statue’s tales.
Time: You’ll need about 1 hour to visit the square and its environs.
7. Piazzale Michelangelo Views
For a great view of Florence, make the trek up to Piazzale Michelangelo.
You can enjoy a wonderful overview of the city from here, especially around sunset. It’s breathtaking to see all the rooftops glowing gold when the sun is setting. It’s a hike to get here, but the view is 100% worth it.
Time: Plan to spend 1.5 hour , longer if you want to linger and soak up the scenes.
8. Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Garden
The Palazzo Pitti is a massive Renaissance palace that embodied Florence’s ostentatious past and the power of the Medici.
These days, the palace complex hosts a bevy of museums that are well worth visiting as they contain stunning works of art and history.
Just to the rear of Palazzo Pitti are the lovely Boboli Gardens, a wonderful place to take a stroll.
It’s so relaxing here that you’ll soon forget you’re in a city as you walk among the perfectly manicured lawns and visit the ancient statutes.
Time: Allow two to 3 hours to enjoy the palace and its gardens in all their glory.
Experience Local Culture
9. Taste Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale is a foodie’s heaven. It’s a little intense if you’re inside (the space is small and there’s a lot going on) but there’s no denying the incredible Tuscan produce and food products being sold everywhere.
As you walk around, you’ll encounter everything from cheeses that are years old to fresh-made pasta.
It’s a good spot to sample the local cuisine and get a fast and delicious bite.
Time: Savor local flavors at Mercato Centrale, where 1–2 hours is perfect for lunch and gourmet exploration.
10. Visit Oltrarno Workshops
Oltrarno, the neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River, is the artistic soul of Florence.
There are tons of workshops and ateliers lining the streets where you can see these artisans in action.
It’s really fascinating and a cool way to get a peek at Florence’s artisan history.
Time: Admire the artisans in Oltrarno, with at 1-1.5 hours pen-time to explore artisan workshops and shops.
11. Take a Tuscan Cooking Class
What better way to experience a culture than by eating its food? A cooking class in Tuscany is a super enjoyable activity, and you’ll also get to learn something in the process.
Whether it’s making hand-rolled pasta or authentic gelato, you won’t leave a cooking class hungry.
Best of all, you’ll have a recipe to take home with you too!
Time: Do a Tuscan cooking class–this will be about 3-4 hours and give you a hands-on cooking experience.
Explore Secret Treasures
12. Rose Garden Retreat
For a quiet hideaway with stunning views as well as a romantic setting, consider a visit to the Rose Garden on a hill near Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.
Away from the crowds, it’s a nice secluded and relaxing stop, where you can enjoy the flowers and the view of the city from the garden.
Take a leisurely walk around its grounds and take in the roses and the scenery.
Time: It’s a 1 hour walking time around the promontory that offers great views.
13. Brancacci Chapel Art
If you like your art a little unconventional, you won’t want to miss the Brancacci Chapel.
This is where Masaccio and Masolino’s amazing frescoes highlight the developing styles of the early Renaissance. It’s not as well-known as some other chapels you’ll see in the city, but the art here is just as captivating.
Be sure to slowly admire the fine detail in each of the frescoes.
Time: See the Brancacci Chapel frescoes, which take 45 minutes to 1 hour to view.
14. Museo Galileo Tour
Museo Galileo is a unique museum dedicated to the history of science and the incredible discoveries that helped us comprehend the world.
Many of the hundreds of historic scientific instruments on display are as mysterious as they are interesting. It’s an excellent museum and a portal back in time to see just how deeply science and art are woven into the fabric of the city.
Wander the halls and learn about the great figures of Florentine science and the foundation they laid for the future.
Time: Visit Museo Galileo, which will take you 1-1.5 hours to enjoy its collection of historic scientific instruments.
15. Stibbert Armor Display
For something completely unique, go see the Stibbert Museum. Here you will see an eclectic collection of weapons, armor, and more.
This small museum is a hidden treasure and offers a wonderful perspective on knights and the history of the Middle Ages. The collection varies from opulent outfits to old weapons.
It’s like stepping into a museum and across time.
Time: Take a visit to the Stibbert Museum, which will take you around 1 to 1.5 hours to see the incredible displays of arms, armor, and other historical items.
Travel Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes. And remember, with all those cobblestone streets in Florence, you simply can’t do enough traipsing. So, wear comfy walking shoes.
Be Prepared for Rain. A small umbrella or rain jacket. Showers are frequent in spring and autumn–be prepared!
Carry Cash. Even though most establishments take cards, for street stalls and markets Euros can be more convenient.
Keep Museum Etiquette in Mind. Limit flash photography in Florence’s museums. Be sure to check before shooting.
Watch Out for Tourists Traps. Eating close to main sights can get expensive. Walk two three blocks away for more authentic and affordable options.
FAQ
1. What is the best time of year to visit Florence?
Florence is beautiful all year, but peak season is best avoided. Instead, visit in the spring (April to June) or fall (September and October).
The weather is much more pleasant, and the smaller crowds make the city more enjoyable.
2. Is it necessary to book museum tickets in advance?
Yes, I always recommend booking museum tickets ahead of time, this is even more important for places like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. Pre-booking will prevent long lines and lines to miss.
3. Is Florence safe for tourists?
But Florence is, on the whole, safe, at least by the standards of most tourists, though you’ll want to take the usual precautions against pickpockets (the city is unfortunately rife with them in the warmer months, particularly in crowded tourist areas).
4. What is the dress code for entering Florence’s churches?
When you visit churches, dress up a bit. Most recommendations are covering your shoulders, so carry a shawl.
5. Are there shopping opportunities in Florence?
Florence is a great place to shop and you can find anything from high-end fashion boutiques to local artisans and crafts in the Oltrarno. Be sure to shop for leather.
Conclusion
After a visit, it’s easy to see that Florence has something for travelers of all types. A sprawling smorgasbord of art, history, and culture, the city is so diverse that no two trips will ever be the same. It’s a city that requires time to appreciate.
Crowded though it may be, the city’s magic is never far away. Take your time and enjoy it because every street offers another tale or hidden gem.