Things to Do in Florence
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Florence

50 curated spots from Florence itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Piazzale Michelangelo
Do
afternoon

Piazzale Michelangelo

Hike or bus up for epic city sunset views and gelato vendors.

1h 30m · Free
Uffizi Gallery
Do
morning

Uffizi Gallery

Spend a focused visit with the Renaissance highlights rather than trying to see everything; prioritize the most famous rooms and move at a comfortable pace.

2h 30m · $20-30
Boboli Gardens
Do
afternoon

Boboli Gardens

Walk the terraced gardens for statues, cypress lines, and open views; ideal for golden-hour photography if the timing works.

2h · $12-$20
Gallerie degli Uffizi
Do
afternoon

Gallerie degli Uffizi

Tour masterpieces like Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo's Annunciation in this world-renowned gallery.

2h 30m · $25
Ponte Vecchio
Do
evening

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)
Do
morning

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Admire the massive dome, climb 463 steps for stunning city views; explore Baptistery and bell tower.

2h · $30 per person
Galleria dell'Accademia
Do
late morning

Galleria dell'Accademia

See Michelangelo’s David and the gallery’s sculpture rooms with a prebooked entry window.

1h 30m · $20-$35
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Do
morning

Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio

Browse the market stalls for produce, cheese, and a real local rhythm; great for candid street photography.

1h 30m · Free
Basilica di Santa Croce
Do
morning

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
Do
afternoon

Galleria dell’Accademia

Visit Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance works; reserve a timed entry to avoid long afternoon lines.

1h 30m · $20-25
Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
Do
late morning

Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)

Pre-book a morning slot to see David and Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners, plus a small but rich painting collection.

1h 30m · $20-30
Mercato Centrale
Do
evening

Mercato Centrale

Browse stalls for lampredotto sandwiches, cheeses, and wines; upper floor food hall.

1h 30m · $15
Palazzo Vecchio
Do
afternoon

Palazzo Vecchio

Tour grand halls, climb the tower for views, and see Michelangelo's Genius of Victory.

2h · $20
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint
Do
evening

Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint

Walk or take a short taxi up to this famous terrace overlooking Florence, arriving before sunset to watch the city glow and lights come on.[1][3]

1h 30m · Free
Bardini Gardens
Do
morning

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
Do
morning

Basilica di Santa Croce & Piazza Santa Croce

Visit the basilica that houses tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, then linger in the piazza and nearby artisan streets.

1h 30m · $10
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome
Do
morning

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
Do
late_morning

Giardino Bardini

A quieter historic garden climbing the hillside with terraces, flowers, and some of the best panoramic views over Florence; wander the paths and pause at the belvedere for photos.

1h 30m · $15
Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
Do
late_morning

Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)

Just below Piazzale Michelangelo, this terraced garden offers greenery, sculptures, and quieter vantage points over Florence.

1h · Free
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Do
afternoon

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Renaissance sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo in a quieter setting.

1h 30m · $15
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Do
morning

Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens

Tour Palatine Gallery art, then relax in expansive gardens (nature must-have).

2h 30m · $25
Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior
Do
morning

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)
Do
morning

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)
Do
late_morning

Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (exterior focus)

Stroll this historic square lined with statues and fountains, admire Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, and soak up the heart-of-the-city atmosphere.[1]

45m · Free (outside sights)
Ponte Vecchio & Arno Riverside Stroll
Do
evening

Ponte Vecchio & Arno Riverside Stroll

Walk across the medieval Ponte Vecchio with its jewelry shops, then continue along the Arno for golden-hour views back toward the bridge.[1]

1h · Free
Accademia Gallery
Do
morning

Accademia Gallery

Michelangelo's David and Prisoners sculptures.

1h 30m · $20
Accessible Private Cooking Class
Do
afternoon

Accessible Private Cooking Class

Reserve a private or semi-private class only after the provider confirms an accessible kitchen, step-free entrance, accessible restroom, seated preparation option, and flexible rest breaks. Several advertised Florence market cooking classes are explicitly not wheelchair accessible, so do not substitute one without written confirmation.[1][3][4][6][7][9][10]

3h · $100-160
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Do
late morning

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
Do
afternoon

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
Do
morning

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

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Trattoria La Casalinga
Eat
evening

Trattoria La Casalinga

Classic Oltrarno trattoria near Santo Spirito serving dishes like ribollita, peposo, and bistecca alla fiorentina; expect a relaxed, local-feeling room and a slow, two-course dinner with house wine.

2h · $25-40 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
Eat
afternoon

All'Antico Vinaio

Schiacciata sandwich with finocchiona salami, pecorino, and truffle cream from the original outpost.

30m · $15-25 per person
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Eat
evening

Enoteca Pinchiorri

Three-Michelin-star temple of fine dining with one of Italy’s most important wine cellars; choose the full tasting menu and let the sommelier craft an exceptional Tuscan-focused pairing.

3h 30m · $320-500 per person
Trattoria Mario
Eat
afternoon

Trattoria Mario

Beloved spot for bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita soup, and seasonal veggies; cash only.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Il Santo Bevitore
Eat
evening

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
Eat
evening

Osteria Santo Spirito

Cozy osteria just off Piazza Santo Spirito with outdoor tables and hearty Tuscan dishes; try the famous gnocchi with gorgonzola and truffle or a bistecca alla fiorentina to share, paired with a local Chianti.[4]

1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Caffè Gilli
Eat
morning

Caffè Gilli

Classic historic café on Piazza della Repubblica; sit at the marble counter or terrace for a cappuccino and a pastry such as a cornetto or sfoglia before heading to the Duomo and Uffizi.

1h · $10-20 per person
Gelateria La Carraia
Eat
evening

Gelateria La Carraia

Top-rated gelato flavors like buccellato ricotta; pair with light bites.

30m · $8-12 per person
Procacci
Eat
afternoon

Procacci

Tiny historic wine bar famous for truffle panini; pair a couple of small sandwiches with a glass of wine.

1h · $15-25 per person
Caffè Scudieri
Eat
morning

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
Eat
morning

La Ménagère

Brunch plates in tropical greenhouse vibe.

1h · $18-25 per person
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Eat
evening

Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Tiny gem for handmade pasta and seasonal Tuscan dishes; cozy candlelit tables.

2h · $50-90 per person
Trattoria ZaZa
Eat
afternoon

Trattoria ZaZa

Bustling trattoria near the San Lorenzo market; try ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) or a Florentine steak to share, with a glass of Chianti.

1h 15m · $20-40 per person
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Eat
evening

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Choose a Tuscan wine flight with small plates or a light dinner built around regional pairings.

1h 30m · $50-$80 per person
Gustapanino
Eat
midday

Gustapanino

Casual panini and simple plates just off Piazza Santo Spirito with outdoor seating when weather permits.

45m · $10-15 per person
La Giostra
Eat
evening

La Giostra

Candlelit, vaulted dining room with refined Tuscan dishes; share the pear and pecorino ravioli and a Florentine steak for two.

2h 30m · $70-120 per person
Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)
Eat
afternoon

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
Eat
afternoon

Mercato Centrale Food Hall

Head upstairs in Mercato Centrale for a casual lunch: try a panino with lampredotto or porchetta, fresh pasta, or a slice of pizza, then finish with gelato or tiramisu to share.

1h · $10-15 per person
Cibrèo Ristorante
Eat
evening

Cibrèo Ristorante

Innovative Tuscan cuisine; order signature peposo stew and desserts.

2h · $80-140 per person
Ditta Artigianale
Eat
morning

Ditta Artigianale

Specialty coffee and avocado toast in lush plant-filled space.

45m · $10-15 per person

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