10 Best Things To Do in Florence (& Why It’s My Favorite City in Italy)

Florence is my absolutely favorite city in the world, and there are way more than 10 amazing things to do here, but if you’re new to Florence or short on time, here is my absolute can’t miss list. My full Florence travel guide has a ton of additional recommendations (and more of me gushing about how it’s my favorite city)

Jump To:

• Visit the Duomo
• Cross the Ponte Vecchio
• Admire Michaelangelo’s David
• Get the Best Views from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Explore the World Famous Uffizi
• Wander Palazzo Pitti & The Boboli Gardens
• Visit Palazzo Vecchio
• Find Florence’s Infamous Wine Windows
• Eat like a Local at Mercato Centrale

Best things to do in Florence Map click here

Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!

Visit the Duomo:

The Duomo consists of four parts – the cathedral, the main church the duomo sits on top of, Brunelleschi’s infamous Duomo ,the dome you can take a tour of, the Baptistery, a standalone building next to the cathedral, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. You can visit all four of these, or pick which ones you’d like to see. The Cathedral is free and does not require a ticket – be warned the lines get long. The other three require a ticket for entry and you’ll need to select a time. Depending on what you want to do there are multiple ticket options.

Personally, I don’t think you need to climb the Dome and the Bell Tower, but that is an option. If you’re choosing between the two – I think the view from the Bell Tower is better, because you get to see the cityscape as well as the Dome up close, but if you’re interested in seeing the artwork in the dome up close you’ll want to choose that option. There are also skip the line and guided tour options!

Cross the Ponte Vecchio:

The Ponte Vecchio (or Old Bridge) is one of the most famous landmarks in Florence. You don’t need tickets or anything, it’s simply somewhere you must see in Florence! As you walk across the bridge it is lined with jewelry shops on either side for those looking to splurge! Also, make sure you check out the views of the Ponte Vecchio from the bridges on either side.

Admire Michelangelo’s David:

The David really is a can’t miss experience. It’s hard to explain why it’s so impressive when you see it in person, but it really is breathtaking. It’s located in the Galleria del’Academia. I’d definitely recommend you book your tickets in advance, you don’t need to, but the line is always super long for people waiting for tickets. Tickets online through their site are 16 euro, but you get to skip the line by selecting a time. These sell out so definitely get them in advance. If they are sold out you can get tickets on Viator or book a tour to get access

Get the Best Views at Piazzale Michelangelo:

Piazzale Michelangelo is an absolutely can’t miss Florence spot! It’s a large piazza overlooking the entire city and offers the best sunset spot in Florence. Sit back on the stairs with a bottle of wine (you can buy them at the top) and enjoy the stunning views. It’s free to visit. Be warned there are a lot of stairs, but it’s totally worth the climb! If you’re not up to it you can take a taxi or car to the top as well.

To get there take a “Ponte alle Grazie” bridge (one down from the Ponte Vecchio) across the river into San Niccolo (located on the opposite side of the river from the Duomo) Follow via de San Niccolò to the left to Via S. Miniato through the Porta San Miniato (big stone gate) After you pass through the gates a little way up on your left will be the stairs that lead your to Piazzale Michelangelo. There are signs, so it’s easy to follow + you can usually just follow the crowds!

Explore the World Famous Uffizi:

The Uffizi is the biggest and most famous museum in Florence. If you’re someone who is into museums and art this is a can’t miss spot. If art is not your thing definitely take a walk around the outside of the Uffizi, it’s stunning and right on the Arno. Similar to seeing the David, you’re going to want to buy tickets ahead of time to avoid the really long lines that pile up. If tickets are sold out through the official website or you’re interested in a guided tour, try Viator

Wander Palazzo Pitti + Boboli Gardens:

I definitely recommend a trip to the Boboli Gardens. They are part of Palazzo Pitti (the new palace the Medici’s built across the Arno) You can tour both the Palace and the Gardens or just one or the other. The gardens are massive and you can spend hours walking around. The gardens are also a great way to get a glimpse of those stunning Tuscan country sides if you don’t have time to venture to Tuscany on your own. You can buy tickets online or opt for a skip the line or private tour with Viator

Visit Palazzo Vecchio:

Palazzo Vecchio (or the old Palace) towers over Piazza della Signoria and it’s definitely worth exploring from the outside, even if you don’t buy tickets for the inside. The inside has three separate areas (the tower, the wall and the museum) you can buy individual tickets for each, or a combo ticket if you’d like to do all three. If you decide you’d like tickets beware of really long wait times during peak tourist times. Tickets can be purchases ahead of time on Viator

Eat Like a Local Mercato Centrale (Central Market):

The Central Market in Florence is a great spot if you’re looking to do a bit of shopping (and also a great lunch spot) The outdoor part of the market is where you want to go for souvenirs, leather goods, clothes, etc. The indoor part of the market is worth a walk through. It’s the main market where Florentines do their food shopping and there are also tons of different options if you’re looking to grab lunch!

Find Florence’s Infamous Wine Windows

The wine windows of Florence had a resurgence during COVID as a socially distanced way to serve wine, now finding them and ordering a glass of wine al fresco is just a fun stop in between exploring all of Florence’s famous historical sites. See my full blog post on the wine windows here with map!

Other:

Some other areas and things you could add to your list to check out in Florence are Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, The Bargello & Piazza della Repubblica!

Best Things to do in Florence Map

Let me know in the comments if you check out any of the places mentioned above! Also, see my complete Florence travel guide here