Things to Do in Florence
50 curated spots from Florence itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Piazzale Michelangelo
Private chauffeured sunset visit with panoramic city views and prosecco.
1h 30m · $100/person (private transfer & drinks)
Uffizi Gallery
Explore one of the world’s great art museums with Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio; follow a highlights route to avoid fatigue.
2h 30m · $25-30
Boboli Gardens
Wander through expansive terraced gardens, shaded paths, fountains, and viewpoints over Florence.
2h · Included with Pitti Palace combo or ~$15
Gallerie degli Uffizi
Exclusive after-hours private tour of Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo masterpieces.
2h · $200/person (private)
Ponte Vecchio
Walk across Florence’s iconic medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops and river views.
45m · Free (shopping extra)
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Visit Florence’s defining religious and architectural landmark; admire the façade, dome, and surrounding piazza. If you want more effort, book the dome climb separately; otherwise keep it easy and focus on the complex from ground level.
1h 30m · $20-35
Galleria dell'Accademia
See Michelangelo's David and other sculptures; guided audio for context.
1h 30m · $20
Basilica di Santa Croce
Visit one of Florence’s most important religious and historic sites, with tombs, chapels, and major art.
1h 15m · $10-15
Galleria dell’Accademia
Home of Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance works; book timed tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and spend focused time around David plus a quick walk through the galleries. Photography is allowed without flash near David—great for family portraits with art in the background.
1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
See Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance works in this compact museum; plan a timed entry after lunch.
1h 15m · $20-30
Mercato Centrale
Wander the ground-floor food stalls for cheeses, cured meats, and produce, then browse the upstairs food hall and shops for quick tastings and edible souvenirs.[1]
1h · Free to enter (food extra, flexible)
Palazzo Vecchio
Private family tour of Medici rooms, secret passages, and tower climb with interactive history.
1h 30m · $120/person (private)
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint
Walk or taxi up to the terrace overlooking Florence for panoramic views, then stroll back down toward the river at dusk.
1h 30m · Free (taxi ~$10-15 if used)
Bardini Gardens
Ascend terraced paths amid wildflowers and lemon groves; best viewpoint from belvedere at golden hour overlooking Ponte Vecchio—no photo bans.
1h 30m · $12
Basilica di Santa Croce & Piazza Santa Croce
Visit the basilica’s interior and cloisters, then photograph the clean lines of the façade and wide piazza, especially in soft late-afternoon light.
1h · $10
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome
Visit the interior of the Duomo, then climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for sweeping views over Florence’s terracotta roofs; combine with the Baptistery and museum if you like.[2]
2h 30m · $25 (combined ticket)
Giardino Bardini
Stroll terraced gardens with exotic plants, lemon groves, and city panoramas; photography highlight at golden hour sunset from upper belvedere.
1h 30m · $10
Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
Climb the Rampe del Poggi toward Piazzale Michelangelo and pause in this terraced garden just below the piazza, filled with rose bushes, sculptures, and panoramic views over Florence’s historic center and the Duomo[1][4][5].
1h 30m · Free
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Explore an intimate Renaissance sculpture museum housed in a medieval palace, featuring works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
1h 30m · $12
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Tour Palatine Gallery art, then relax in expansive gardens (nature must-have).
2h 30m · $25
Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior
Circle the cathedral, Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower to photograph the marble patterns; shoot from the corners of the piazza for cleaner, less-crowded compositions.
45m · Free (outside only)
Piazza del Duomo & Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Visit the cathedral interior and admire Brunelleschi’s dome and the marble façade; walk slowly around the entire piazza to take in the architecture.
1h 30m · $0-20 depending on combined ticket options
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (exterior focus)
Stroll this open-air sculpture gallery, see the replica David and Neptune fountain, and admire the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio from outside.
1h · Free (exterior and piazza)
Ponte Vecchio & Arno Riverside Stroll
Walk across the medieval bridge, peek into jewelry shops, and continue along the river as the city lights come on.
1h · Free
Accademia Gallery
Michelangelo's David and Prisoners sculptures.
1h 30m · $20
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Step inside to see the golden mosaic ceiling and examine the famous bronze doors (originals in the museum, replicas on-site).
45m · $10-15 (often included in Duomo complex ticket)Bargello Museum
See sculpture in a quieter setting after the Uffizi, with an emphasis on medieval and Renaissance works.
1h 30m · $10-15
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
Take an easy uphill walk or short taxi/bus ride to this beautiful Romanesque church for one of Florence’s best panoramic viewpoints; wear supportive shoes and bring water.
1h 30m · Free
Basilica di Santa Croce (interior)
Visit the Franciscan church to see tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, plus Giotto frescoes.
1h 30m · $10-15
Basilica di Santa Croce & Neighborhood
Visit the Franciscan church that houses tombs or monuments to Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, then enjoy the lively piazza and artisan streets behind it.
2h · $10Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Trattoria La Casalinga
Authentic Tuscan home-cooked dishes like ribollita soup and bistecca alla fiorentina.
1h 30m · $40-70 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
World-famous schiacciata sandwiches stuffed with finocchiona salami, pecorino, and truffle cream.
30m · $10-20 per person
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Michelin 3-star fine dining; try the Tuscan tasting menu with wine pairings.
2h 30m · $150-250 per person
Trattoria Mario
Beloved spot for bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita soup, and seasonal veggies; cash only.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Il Santo Bevitore
Elegant yet relaxed contemporary Tuscan restaurant in the Oltrarno; order seasonal dishes like pappardelle with ragù or rabbit and explore their excellent Tuscan wine list.
2h · $70-110 per person
Osteria Santo Spirito
Cozy, popular osteria on Piazza Santo Spirito with baked gnocchi and other Tuscan dishes; reserve or go early.
1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Caffè Gilli
Elegant historic café on Piazza della Repubblica; stand at the bar for a reasonably priced coffee and cornetto.
30m · $6-12 per person
Gelateria La Carraia
Artisanal gelato flavors like buccellato and pistachio cream in generous portions.
30m · $5-10 per person
Procacci
Elegant spot for panini con tartufo (truffle panini) and prosecco spritz.
45m · $15-20 per person
Caffè Scudieri
Classic café on Piazza San Giovanni facing the Baptistery; stand at the bar for an affordable espresso and pastry before sightseeing.
30m · $5-10 per person
La Ménagère
Go for espresso, pastry, and a light savory plate; the space is polished and photogenic.
1h · $15-$25 per person
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Grab **foccaccia** with wild herbs, fresh **ricotta**, and market **porchetta** from stalls.
45m · $15-25 per person
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Papardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), crostini toscani; cozy atmosphere.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Trattoria ZaZa
Lively trattoria near Mercato Centrale known for Florentine favorites; try ribollita, homemade pasta, or a shared bistecca alla Fiorentina alongside Tuscan wine in a convivial atmosphere.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Small wine bar facing Palazzo Pitti offering curated Tuscan wines by the glass or bottle, paired with seasonal small plates and pastas.
2h 30m · $35-55 per person
Gustapanino
Panini and cornetti near gardens.
30m · $10-15 per person
La Giostra
Charming spot with candlelight; try fresh pasta, truffle dishes, and their famous buzzing phone service.
2h · $80-120 per person
Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)
Large indoor food hall with multiple vendors offering fresh pasta, pizza, lampredotto, and more; order at the stalls and grab a table.
1h 15m · $15-30 per person
Mercato Centrale Food Hall
Upstairs food hall above San Lorenzo’s market with many stalls serving fresh pasta, pizza, lampredotto, and gelato at reasonable prices.
1h 15m · $12-22 per person
Cibrèo Ristorante
Innovative Tuscan cuisine; order signature peposo stew and desserts.
2h · $80-140 per person