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
evening

Piazzale Michelangelo

Private sunset transfer and viewing with prosecco picnic setup overlooking the city.

1h · $100/person (private)
Boboli Gardens
Do
late_morning

Boboli Gardens

Wander through expansive terraced gardens, shaded paths, fountains, and viewpoints over Florence.

2h · Included with Pitti Palace combo or ~$15
Uffizi Gallery
Do
morning

Uffizi Gallery

Spend a focused visit with prebooked entry to see the Renaissance masterpieces without wasting energy in lines.

2h · $30-45
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
morning

Ponte Vecchio

Stroll the historic bridge, browse jewelry shops, and enjoy Arno River views.

1h · Free
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Do
morning

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Explore the stunning Gothic cathedral, climb Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views.

2h · $42
Galleria dell'Accademia
Do
morning

Galleria dell'Accademia

View Michelangelo’s David up close plus other sculptures; short lines with advance tickets.

1h 30m · $16
Basilica di Santa Croce
Do
morning

Basilica di Santa Croce

Explore this grand Franciscan church, tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, and its quiet cloisters.

1h 30m · $10-15 per person
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

Explore opulent halls, secret passages, and Michelangelo's Genio sculpture in this medieval town hall.

1h 30m · $20
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint
Do
evening

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
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
evening

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
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 grand palace rooms then escape to sculpted gardens, fountains, and grottos.

3h · $25 per person
Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior
Do
morning

Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior

Start your morning by slowly circling the Duomo complex—Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery—admiring the marble façades, intricate doors, and street‑level details; take time for photos from different angles of the piazza.

1h 30m · Free
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
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
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
Do
morning

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Explore one of Florence’s key religious and architectural sites, with a calm interior and important frescoes.

1h · $8-12
Boboli Gardens & Bardini Gardens
Do
afternoon

Boboli Gardens & Bardini Gardens

Stroll manicured gardens, fountains, and viewpoints; enter via Pitti Palace area for nature escape.

2h · $15 or Free
Boboli Gardens Exploration
Do
afternoon

Boboli Gardens Exploration

Meander wild grottoes, exotic citrus groves, and Neptune Fountain; golden hour (5-7 PM) from Kaffeehaus terrace.

2h · $20
Boboli Gardens Grottoes
Do
afternoon

Boboli Gardens Grottoes

Explore overgrown grottos, ivy arches, and hidden fountains; golden hour (sunset ~7PM) from upper terraces for dramatic shadows.

2h · $20
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome
Do
morning

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome

Explore the Duomo’s exterior, step inside the cathedral, then climb Brunelleschi’s dome for close-up frescoes and panoramic views over Florence.[1]

2h · $25-35 with combined ticket
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
Do
morning

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb

Visit the Duomo complex and climb the dome for close-up views of the frescoes and a 360° panorama of Florence.

2h · $25-35
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Do
morning

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Private family tour of the cathedral, Baptistery, and dome climb with expert guide explaining Renaissance wonders.

2h · $150/person (private)
Chianti Wine Tasting at Local Cantina
Do
morning

Chianti Wine Tasting at Local Cantina

Intimate tasting of 3 Chianti vintages with salumi pairing at a family-run spot en route to basilica (pre-book).

1h · $35
Chianti Wine Tasting Tour
Do
morning

Chianti Wine Tasting Tour

Vineyard visit, tasting, hills; bus 45 min from Oltrarno.

4h · $50
Chianti Wine Tour
Do
morning

Chianti Wine Tour

Small-group tour to vineyards, olive mills, tastings (30-min bus from Florence).

4h · $80

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Trattoria La Casalinga
Eat
afternoon

Trattoria La Casalinga

Cozy family-run spot; share ribollita soup, bistecca alla fiorentina, and house wine.

1h 30m · $40-70 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
Eat
evening

All'Antico Vinaio

Famous schiacciata sandwiches with prosciutto and fresh toppings; quick and delicious.

45m · $15-25 per person
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Eat
afternoon

Enoteca Pinchiorri

3-Michelin-star Tuscan-French fusion; order the tasting menu with wine pairings adapted for family.

2h 30m · $300+/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
Trattoria Mario
Eat
midday

Trattoria Mario

Family-run spot for hearty Tuscan dishes; order ribollita soup and bistecca alla fiorentina.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Gelateria La Carraia
Eat
afternoon

Gelateria La Carraia

Artisanal gelato flavors like buccellato and pistachio cream in generous portions.

30m · $5-10 per person
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Eat
morning

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
Eat
evening

Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Small, traditional osteria just off Piazza della Signoria; expect a handwritten menu of seasonal Tuscan dishes and a cozy, intimate room.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
La Giostra
Eat
lunch

La Giostra

Romantic yet family-friendly; try truffle pasta and knight-themed decor.

1h 30m · $70-120 per person
La Ménagère
Eat
morning

La Ménagère

Go for espresso, pastry, and a light savory plate; the space is polished and photogenic.

1h · $15-$25 per person
Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)
Eat
afternoon

Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)

Contemporary indoor food hall with multiple vendors; try fresh pasta, lampredotto, or pizza and pair with a glass of local wine at the central bar.

1h · $15-25 per person
Osteria Santo Spirito
Eat
afternoon

Osteria Santo Spirito

Popular osteria on Piazza Santo Spirito serving rich truffle gnocchi, crostini, and other Tuscan plates with outdoor seating.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Procacci
Eat
morning

Procacci

Elegant spot for panini con tartufo (truffle panini) and prosecco spritz.

45m · $15-20 per person
Caffè Gilli
Eat
morning

Caffè Gilli

Historic café; order cappuccino, cornetto, and fresh pastries on the elegant terrace.

45m · $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, pastries, and a modern breakfast in one of Florence’s livelier neighborhoods.

45m · $10-20 per person
Ditta Artigianale Sant'Ambrogio
Eat
morning

Ditta Artigianale Sant'Ambrogio

Specialty coffee, pastries, and light breakfast plates in a bright, modern café a short walk from Santa Croce.

45m · $10-20 per person
Gustapanino
Eat
evening

Gustapanino

Gourmet schiacciata with prosciutto, stracchino cheese.

45m · $12-18 per person
La Bottega del Buon Caffè
Eat
evening

La Bottega del Buon Caffè

A refined dinner option with a tasting-style Tuscan menu and polished service.

1h 45m · $60-90 per person
La Prosciutteria Firenze
Eat
afternoon

La Prosciutteria Firenze

Casual lunch of schiacciata sandwiches, cured meats, cheeses, and local snacks in a lively central setting.

1h · $15-25 per person

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