Things to do in Florence
Florence in Italy is one of the most wonderful cities all across the globe. Its vibrant culture and rich history create a unique ambience that is hard to get anywhere. From the Uffizi Gallery to the impressive buildings of the Duomo, the charming streets of cobblestone to the Pizzas, Florence is a place that won't fail to surprise tourists. Discover the churches, monuments and museums that contribute to the landscape of Florence.
Out of the things to do in Florence, you can take a walk along the curved alleyways. Furthermore, Florence has the best dishes in Italy, from mouthwatering gelato to Florentine steak. There are lots of activities that never let you get bored from enjoying a dine at the local eateries to wining to boutique shopping. It does not matter if you want an exciting adventure or a relaxing holiday the city will offer you something.
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The Most Important Things To Do In Florence
8 min read
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city steeped in art, culture, and history. From marvelling at the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery to exploring the architectural wonders of the Duomo, there's no shortage of things to do in Florence. Whether you're interested in food, art or just soaking up the local atmosphere, Florence has something to offer every type of traveller. In this blog, we'll explore the top must-see sights, tasty bites, and unique experiences that make Florence one of Italy's most beloved destinations.
Florence Duomo
The Church building of Santa Maria del Fiore is otherwise called the Florence Duomo. Inherent the fourteenth 100 years, this magnificent cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its signature red dome and intricate carvings. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for breathtaking views of the city and admire the stunning frescoes and sculptures inside. The nearby Baptistery, with its impressive bronze doors, is also a must-visit, as is Giotto's Bell Tower, which offers panoramic views of Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest art museums in Florence and the world's biggest art collection where you can see the original paintings and art. Housing a collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance period, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and many others. The Uffizi is is a place that you should not miss when your visiting Florence. Visitors can admire the gallery's extensive collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The gallery is housed in the stunning Uffizi Palace, which was initially built as offices for the city's magistrates, hence the name "Uffizi." The museum is known for its exceptional collection of Renaissance art, making it a top attraction for history buffs and art lovers. Plan your visit to avoid long lines and make the most of your time in the Uffizi.
The Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery in Florence is home to one of the world's most famous sculptures, Michelangelo's "David." This magnificent marble statue, created in the early 16th century, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and a symbol of Florentine strength and excellence. The gallery also houses an extensive collection of Michelangelo's works, including sketches and unfinished sculptures and paintings and sculptures by other Renaissance artists. Visitors can admire the art and beauty of the gallery's interior, with its soaring ceilings and elegant frescoes. The Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and Michelangelo, and a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. To avoid long lines, it is recommended to book tickets in advance.
Palazzo Vecchio
A magnificent medieval palace located in the heart of Florence is known as Palazzo Vecchio. Built in the 13th century, the court serves as the town hall of the city and is a symbol of its rich history and cultural heritage. Inside, visitors can explore several museums, including the Museo dei Ragazzi and the Salone dei Cinquecento, which houses work by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Palazzo Vecchio is also home to the famous Hall of Lilies, which features frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi. The palace is a must-visit for anyone interested in Florentine art and it throws some light into the city's past.
Pitti Palace
The Pitti Palace is a beautiful Renaissance palace located in Florence. Originally built as a home for the wealthy Medici family, the palace was later used as a royal residence and is now home to several museums and galleries.
Visitors can explore the Palatine Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings, including works by Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
The Royal Apartments are also worth a visit, with their beautifully decorated rooms, furnishings, and artwork.
The Costume Gallery is another highlight, featuring an extensive collection of fashion and textiles from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
The palace also has beautiful gardens, including the Boboli Gardens, which offer scenic views of the city and the surrounding hills.
A visit to the Pitti Palace offers a unique glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Medici family and the beauty of Renaissance art and architecture.
Ponte Vecchio
A medieval bridge that spans the Arno River in Florence is the old bridge where you can see the Vasari corridor on the top of the bridge along..
The bridge is famous for its picturesque views and its rows of shops selling jewellery, gold, and silver.
Ponte Vecchio is also known for its historical significance, as it was one of the few bridges to survive World War II intact.
Visitors can admire the bridge's architecture, enjoy a gelato or a cup of coffee at one of its cafes, or simply take a stroll along the river and soak up the ambience of this historic city.
Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a scenic place to relax, Ponte Vecchio is a must-visit.
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a memorable square situated in the core of Florence, Italy.
It is considered one of the most important public spaces in the city and has served as a gathering place for Florentines for centuries.
The square is surrounded by some of Florence's most iconic buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Loggia dei Lanzi.
The piazza is also home to several important sculptures, including copies of Michelangelo's "David" and "Hermes and the Infant Dionysus." Despite its popularity, Piazza della Signoria remains a hub of political and cultural activity in Florence and continues to play a central role in the city's history and identity.
Piazza della Repubblica
In the centre of Florence, Italy a large public square is located and is known as Piazza della Repubblica.
It was originally built in the 19th century as a market and transportation hub, and today it is a bustling gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Piazza della Repubblica is likewise home to a few shops, bistros, and cafés, making it a well-known spot for shopping, eating and relaxing and enjoying the street performance In recent years, the square has undergone significant renovations to improve accessibility and create a more inviting public space.
Despite these changes, Piazza della Repubblica remains one of the most vibrant and bustling places in Florence and continues to be a popular destination for those visiting the city.
Bargello National Museum
The Bargello National Museum is a historic museum located in Florence, Italy, that showcases some of the most important works of Italian medieval and Renaissance art.
Housed in a 13th-century palace, the museum's collections include a wide range of sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and metalworks. Some of the museum's most famous works include masterpieces by Michelangelo, Cellini, and Donatello.
In addition to its impressive art collections, the Bargello is also notable for its beautiful architecture and historic setting.
The museum's courtyards and staircases are adorned with elegant sculptures, frescoes, and architectural details, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art and history of Florence.
The Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels are a complex of two chapels located in Florence, Italy, that serve as the final resting place for members of the famous Medici family.
The smaller of the two chapels, the Chapel of the Princes, is renowned for its magnificent architecture and elaborate decorations, which include frescoes, stucco work, and beautiful marble sculptures.
The New Sacristy is also home to two of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures, the tombs of Giuliano de Medici and Lorenzo de Medici. These works, along with the many other masterpieces housed in the Medici Chapels, make this site a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art and history of Florence.
Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or simply an admirer of beautiful buildings, the Medici Chapels are an essential stop on any tour of the city.
Mercato Centrale in Florence (San lorenzo)
Mercato Centrale in Florence, also known as the San Lorenzo Market, is one of the largest and most famous food markets in Italy.
The market is housed in a beautiful iron and glass structure and is divided into two floors, with the ground floor dedicated to food stalls and the upper floor serving as a food court.
Visitors to the market can sample a wide range of traditional Tuscan dishes, including cured meats, fresh pasta, and delicious desserts.
The market is also a great place to people-watch, as locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample the best of what Tuscany has to offer.
Whether you're a foodie, a resident, or simply a traveller looking to experience the authentic flavours of Florence, Mercato Centrale is a must-visit destination.
Piazza Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito is a charming square located in the heart of Florence, Italy.
Surrounded by historic buildings and beautiful palazzos, the court is anchored by the Santo Spirito Church. During the day, the square is a lively hub of activity, with street performers, artists, and musicians entertaining the crowds. At night, the court transforms into a lively dining and drinking destination, with outdoor cafes and bars serving up delicious food and drinks.
Whether you're looking to relax and people-watch, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply take in the sights and sounds of Florence, Piazza Santo Spirito is the perfect destination.
Chianti Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting and Food
Plan for a tour of the Chianti region, while you are towards your first winery, the tourist guide will speak to you about the curiosities that people have regarding the landmarks and the interesting facts. Enter the “cantina”, to accept a warm welcome from the winemakers.
Learn the precise history of the winery and the varieties of wine that are processed there. Know about the procedures involved in winemaking and the kinds of materials used for making barrels, and know the secret that classifies it as “ Chianti Classico”. Go ahead with your wine-tasting sessions of four types of wines. This is an unquestionable necessity thing to do in Florence.
The wines are going to be followed by snacks such as salumi, olive oil, bread and cheese. Stop a little to enjoy the beautiful view of the Chianti Hills. Discover the facilities while having the tour and stroll through the vineyards.
Tuscany Day Trip with Optional Wine and Lunch
Set out your journey at the Central station of Florence at Tuscany, from where your guide will lead you all through the day. Visit Siena, the most satisfying medieval city, and you need to walk around the city.
View the wonderful terracotta roofs furnishing the edifices and marvels adorning the impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the leading Cathedral. After that visit San Gimignano’s hilltop town, a heritage site of the UNESCO world. This is an unquestionable necessity things to do in Florence.
Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Lunch and Hike
Enjoy the ‘la dolce vita” on this day trip to the Cinque Terre, an assemblage of towns in Italy down the Turkey coast. Listen to the brief introduction regarding Cinque Terre throughout the bus journey of two hours to La Spezia.
Take the day’s first train after quickly taking a bathroom break, and enter the Manarola, the one that comes first among the Terre villages. At this point, you will unite with a guided tour along the vines, and enjoy most of the tour moments. After that board the Corniglia train, you need to ascend the steps to get to the leading position of this village.
Uffizi Gallery
Explore the artworks of one of the biggest museums of art and take the advantage of skip-the-line entrance of Florence’s renowned Uffizi Gallery. Admire the masterpieces by Masaccio, Cimabue, Giotto, Raffaello, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and others.
Visit the most famous room of the gallery to admire the wonderful collection of Boticelli. See “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera” and wonder how the birth of the goddess is represented as she comes out of the sea foam. Get rid of the hurry and hassle of group tours and discover the masterpieces. Tourists are allowed inside the Gallery as they wish. In the wake of having a visit through the Uffizi, visit the boboli gardens and the Piiti palce, these are the most thrilling things to do in Florence.
Uffizi reserved a ticket with Digital Booklet
Escape the long queues and get into the Uffizi Gallery with a fast-track ticket. Take the advantage of skipping the queue of the ticket buyers as well as the queue of the ticket pick up. Then discover one of the oldest museums in Europe. Admire the historical art from the Medieval period through the Renaissance of Italy. This is a thing to do in Florence.
Day trip San Gimignano, Siena and Pisa
Another thing to do in Florence is enjoy the Tuscany wonders by taking a memorable day trip. Take a leave from Florence city for taking an excursion of 12 hours and view the wonderful landscapes, regional artworks and architecture. Take a bite of the local cuisine and go on a tour that is best for your language to know more about the areas of history. Start with Piazza del Campo, a place where the Palio di Siena horse race takes place, as well as Piazza del Duomo, the place of the impressive cathedral. Spend some leisure time in Siena and then enjoy lunch at a Tuscan winery.
Things To Do In Florence for Young Adults
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and a popular destination for young adults. With its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Florence for young adults:
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery: This world-famous museum houses some of the most important works of Renaissance art, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
- Explore the streets of Florence: Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Florence and discover the city's hidden gems. You'll find charming squares, historic palaces, and beautiful churches at every turn.
- Enjoy the nightlife: Florence is known for its lively nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you're looking to simply relax with a drink or dance the night away, there's always something for everyone to do in this city.
- Take a cooking class: If you're a foodie, consider taking a cooking class to learn about traditional Tuscan cuisine. You'll get hands-on experience making delicious pasta, sauces, and traditional dishes.
- Visit the Accademia Gallery Museum to see the Michelangelo"s David Statue.
Unique Things To Do In Florence
Florence is one of Italy's most famous cities and a tourist destination. However, if you're looking for something a little different, here are some unique things to do in Florence:
- Visit the House of Leonardo da Vinci Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and works of famous artists, inventors, and scientists. You can see original sketches and drawings, as well as interactive exhibits that showcase his ideas and innovations.
- Take a guided food tour: Florence is famous for its delicious cuisine, and a food tour is a great way to sample some of the city's best dishes. You'll visit local markets, food shops, and restaurants and learn about the local ingredients and cooking techniques.
- Attend a concert at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia: This historic music academy is home to some of the world's finest musicians and is a great place to see a concert or live performance.
- Explore the Florentine countryside: Take a day trip from the city and explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside. You'll find rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villages, as well as some of the best food and wine in the region.
Free Things to do in Florence
Florence is one of Italy's most beautiful cities and a popular tourist destination, but it can also be an expensive place to visit. However, there are plenty of free things to do in Florence that allow visitors to experience the city's rich history and culture without breaking the bank. Here are some of the top free activities in Florence:
Walk along the Arno River: Take a stroll along the Arno River and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Visit Piazzale Michelangelo: This hilltop plaza offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist spot. You can see the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and other landmarks from this viewpoint.
Explore the San Lorenzo Market: This bustling market is a great place to people-watch and sample some of the local cuisines. From fresh produce to handmade leather goods, there's something for everyone here.
Visit the Orsanmichele Church: This fantastic church is located in the middle of the city and is home to many impressive sculptures by some of the greatest artists of Italy.
In conclusion, Florence is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, offering something for everyone. Whether you choose to explore the city on foot, take a guided tour, or visit some of its many museums like the Bargello National Museum and galleries like The Accademia Gallery, you're sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of this iconic Italian city.
Fun things to do near me in Florence
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, Florence is a stunning city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. It's no surprise that Florence is among the most coveted tourist destinations in Italy, with millions of visitors arriving each year to explore its magnificent art and architecture. From the iconic Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery to the historic Ponte Vecchio, Florence is a city that is filled with breathtaking sights and experiences.
Below are some of the most recommended activities and fun things to do near me while in Florence to try out:
Visit the Uffizi Gallery:
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world and is home to some of the most important works of the Renaissance period. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks created by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Guests can appreciate the exquisite artwork and participate in a guided tour to gain insight into the significance and history of each creation.
Climb the Duomo:
The Duomo is the largest cathedral in Florence and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. An incredible panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed by visitors who climb to the top of the dome. Ascending to the top can be a bit demanding, but the stunning view from above is well worth the effort.
Explore the Historic Center:
Palazzo Vecchio, The Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio are some of the famous landmarks located in the Historic Center of Florence, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Exploring the narrow streets, admiring the stunning architecture, and indulging in a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants are some of the enjoyable activities that visitors can experience while in Florence.
Take a Cooking Class:
Taking a cooking class in Florence is a great way to experience the delicious food culture that Tuscany is known for. These classes cater to all skill levels and offer the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes such as pasta and tiramisu.
Visit the Mercato Centrale:
The Mercato Centrale is a large indoor market that is home to a wide variety of food stalls and shops. Visitors can sample local specialities like truffles, cheese, and wine, or browse the many vendors selling fresh produce and handmade goods.
Take a Wine Tour:
Tuscany is famous for its wine, and taking a wine tour is a great way to explore the region's vineyards and learn about the wine-making process. There are many tours available, ranging from half-day trips to multi-day excursions.
Take a Day Trip:
Florence is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and many charming towns and villages are just a short drive away. Visitors can take a day trip to places like Siena, San Gimignano, or Pisa, and explore some of the smaller towns and villages that make Tuscany so special.
Attend a Concert or Opera:
Florence is home to several world-class concert halls and opera houses, and attending a performance is a great way to experience the city's cultural scene. The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Teatro alla Scala are just two of the many venues that offer a wide range of performances throughout the year.
Take a Bicycle Tour:
Florence is a bike-friendly city, and there are many bike tours available that allow visitors to explore the city's famous landmarks and hidden gems. Exploring the city on a bike tour is an excellent way to experience the sights from a fresh perspective while getting some exercise.
Florence offers a wide range of delightful activities to engage in within its surroundings. Whether you're seeking to delve into the city's profound heritage and artistry or indulge in the delectable regional cuisine, there's an abundance of options that cater to all tastes and preferences.
FAQs - Things to do in Florence
'Things to do in' offers you a lot of activities & things to do in Florence This city is one of the most happening places to get engrossed in fun activities in Florence & Tuscany for your leisure. Got a question? We’re here to help.The most frequently asked questions before visiting Florence & Tuscany are as follows: