The sunset view of the magnificent Duomo and the meandering cobblestone streets have a naturally occurring sepia filter that makes you feel like you’re stepping into history. Or maybe into a painting. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, home to the House of Medici, a bridge filled with untold wealth, fine Italian leather goods, and the giant bistecca (beef steak).
Florence, or Firenze, is more than luxury jewelry and the massive Uffizi Gallery. There are unique treasures here to delight the seasoned traveler and the first time visitor: a lucky boar, anatomical Venus statues, an astronomer’s collection, jewelry and leather shops, and a footwear museum. The unmissable things to do in Florence vary in number and type, but travelers of all kinds will find the perfect activities on our carefully curated list.
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Things to Do in Florence: churches and cathedrals
You’re probably coming to Florence to see two things in particular: the Florence Duomo and Michelangelo’s David. We’ll tell you that they’re both totally worth the trip—as is the classic Florentine bistecca that’s probably as big as your head. But first up, you’ll want to know which churches, cathedrals, and even cemeteries you should see while visiting Florence. Check out this list with our tips for a successful visit to each place.
1. See Michelangelo’s Sagrestia Nuova in Cappelle Medicee
The Medici Chapel is an awe-inspiring series of mausoleums at the Basilica di San Lorenzo, dedicated to the powerful family that shaped the Renaissance. You won’t want to miss the mausoleums and crypts below Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes). There’s a huge octagonal dome that crowns a room awash in polychromatic marble and sparkling with mosaics of semi precious stones—a rare example of the Baroque in Florence.
You’ll find even more works designed by Michelangelo here. Stand inside the Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy) and gaze upon the beautiful and brooding marble figure: Night and Day. Then don’t miss a more modest and intimate visit to a small hidden chamber where Michelangelo sought refuge when he incurred the outrage of Pope Clement VII, passing the time by sketching on the walls.
2. Wander among the dead at Cimitero delle Porte Sante
Beyond the ramparts surrounding the 11th-century basilica of San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful angel marks the border between the living and the dead. Pass her and enter the Sacred Doors Cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all of Tuscany. Take some time to wander through the simple stones, elaborate Art Deco tombs, private chapels that mimic Renaissance cathedrals, and Art Nouveau sculptures.
We recommend visiting the melancholy beauty of the romantic Emilio Koppel monument of a grieving woman, or the sculpture of the Mazzone siblings, Maria and Mario, standing eternally in stone.
3. Stand in the shadow of the famous Florence Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Brunelleschi’s complex herringbone pattern of bricks that created the terracotta dome of the Florence Duomo (cathedral) is the focal point and symbol of Florence. Equally mesmerizing are the unique green (Prato marble), white (Carrara marble), and red (Siena marble) patterns and massive bell tower that draw the eyes ever upward. Standing there, it’s hard to miss the stunning Baptistry Doors. Crafted from bronze and standing 17 feet tall, these doors exemplify the craftsmanship that flourished during the Renaissance.
Take a moment to spot an unusual carved bull’s head above one of the doors. Local legends claim a lovelorn stonemason placed it there as tribute to his secret mistress. If you’re up for a climb, then reserve your spot to climb 463 steps up the dome for the best panoramic view of Florence.
4. Find the tombs of Michelangelo and Machiavelli at Basilica di Santa Croce
With a facade that reminds you of the Florence Cathedral, this Franciscan church is most well-known for being the burial place of luminaries like Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Galileo, and Machiavelli. There are sixteen chapels that lie within the Basilica of Santa Croce, graced by impressive frescoes painted by Giotto. His student, Taddeo Gaddi made his own rendition of Christ’s last supper, accompanied with a life tree above it.
An enormous painted wooden cross is suspended from the ceiling of the sacristy, and the rectangular Medici Chapel, with its cross-vaulted ceiling, has remained virtually unchanged since the 1400s. There is so much to take in that we recommend booking a guided tour, available in English on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
>> Want more Michelangelo? See the best museums in Rome!
What to see in Florence: museums and galleries
Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that changed the world. Artists like Michelangelo, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Masaccio, Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, and many others, developed their masterful skills in painting and stonework. Their gifts to mankind have left a mark so deep that millions of visitors travel to Florence to see countless works of art in some of the best museums in Italy. From David to the Birth of Venus and beyond, the art of the Renaissance is waiting for you.
5. Take in the contemporary art inside Palazzo Strozzi
Situated as a compact fortress amidst the bustling city, the Strozzi Palace residence of Renaissance nobility was intentionally crafted to surpass the size of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. The geometric lines of the Palazzo Strozzi are imposing—an indication of status and power. Art lovers will enjoy contemporary exhibitions and international art with past exhibits by Gustav Klimpt, Cézanne, and The Peggy Guggenheim.
Keep a sharp eye out for handcrafted metalwork installed all over the exterior. There are torch holders, flag holders, and rings to hold horse reins. Some of them are ornately designed with dragons or other designs. Families are welcome and there are interactive displays for children, particularly on the second Thursday of every month.
6. Wander through centuries of art at the massive Uffizi Gallery
The classical Doric architecture of this palace was originally commissioned by the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de’ Medici, to house and consolidate the complex branches of city administration into one place. They called it the uffizi (offices) and the name has stuck, though it’s now the most-visited museum in Italy. The open and bright spaces house some of the most important art collections in the world, with famous pieces from the Middle Ages to modernity.
Three of the most popular pieces you won’t want to miss at Uffizi Gallery are Boticelli’s Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Medusa. And keep an eye out for the Tribune room—the ceiling is lined with 5,780 mother of pearls! We recommend booking a guided tour ahead of time to skip the line and be guided to the key areas of an almost-overwhelmingly huge art gallery.
7. Explore a world of natural history at La Specola
For a change of pace, a unique Florence, Italy attraction is the Natural History Museum – La Specola. Rather than exploring usual figures of marble or bronze, you’ll find models of delicate russet wax among other things. These macabre medical models were used as teaching tools before students had access to human bodies for study.
Some galleries may not be the best place for young children, but it’s interesting to explore exhibits with models of beautiful women, known as “anatomical Venuses,” in suggestive poses with rib cages open for study. Children and adults will enjoy a menagerie of taxidermy birds, insects, and animals, including a hippo that once roamed the Boboli Gardens, formerly the pet of the Medici family.
8. Feel more inspired than expected by Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia
Every year, nearly 1.5 million travelers make their way to the Accademia Gallery in Florence to see one particular statue. But the museum also includes musical instruments that belonged to the Medici, 13th-century gold paintings, late gothic paintings, and masterpieces of the Renaissance. And while they’re each worth seeing, there’s one work of art that stands above the rest: Michelangelo’s David.
You may think that the photos and copies of this sculpture mean you’ve seen it and don’t need to see it in person. Oh, what a missed opportunity that would be. The magnificence of the larger-than-life, first-of-its-kind statue majestically standing alone in a domed room filled with natural light will wow even the most skeptical viewer. To understand it best, we recommend booking a skip-the-line tour to time your visit just right.
9. See centuries-old Tuscan art, jewelry, and fashion inside Palazzo Pitti
The formidable facade of this palace is severe and commanding with the rustic stone echoing the image of ancient Etruscan walls. Originally a residence for a series of powerful Tuscan families like the Medici, the Pitti Palace is now the site of several museums with diverse collections. Lovers of Renaissance masterpieces will want to head straight to the Palatine Gallery, while those who enjoy Tuscan-focused modern art will want to head to the top floor.
You’ll get to wander through luxurious 19th-century furnishings in the 14 Royal Apartments after seeing the Medici family’s glittering jewelry and priceless silver. Look for the necklace cape made of solid gold, called “Scintille.” Your final stop should be the Museo Della Moda e del Costume or Museum of Costume and Fashion to see 16th-century clothing!
10. Find Galileo’s actual middle finger in Museo Galileo
Around the corner from the Uffizi Gallery lies a museum brimming with intricately crafted, glittering gold works of art—no paintings or sculptures within. The Galileo Museum is devoted to astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei, filled with his collection of antique scientific instruments and experimental apparatus.
Whether you’re here with kids or solo traveling, you can appreciate the craftsmanship of ancient telescopes and lenses, thermometers, and the elaborate beauty of the Santucci armillary sphere’s intertwined rings and painted details. Be sure to find the glass egg with fine golden filigree encasing the middle finger of Galileo himself, pointing ever skyward—the relic of a scientific saint.
11. Tread in the steps of fashionable shoes at Museo Ferragamo
For fashionistas of all types, we recommend following in the footsteps of well-heeled travelers and visiting the sole museum (pun intended) dedicated to the fashionable footwear of Ferragamo. The basem*nt of Palazzo Spini Ferroni was the site of the famed designer’s first workshop and is now a museum dedicated to the legacy of the brand.Ferragamo Museum is worth checking out.
We highly recommend taking some time to explore the extraordinary array of more than 10,000 of his designs, documenting decades of high fashion. Each year, they change up the display and theme of the exhibits, so even if you’ve gone before, it’s worth stopping in again! You might see sketches, samples of materials, actual shoes, and custom lasts (wooden shoe forms) that created shoes worn by stars like Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn.
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Where to shop in Florence
Markets are an essential European icon. They’re both functional and touristy in a city like Florence. While some markets are more touristy than others, you’ll still find locals at food markets or even vintage markets, shopping for food, fashion, or gifts. Stopping at a market is a fun way to break up a busy day of touring or exploring museums!
12. Taste a ripe Italian tomato in the oldest Florentine market: Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
Italians are known for their food, their knowledge of food, and the quality of their food. One secret to their food is their local markets, and the oldest market in Florence lies just off the Piazza Ghiberti. At Mercato di Sant Ambrogio, you’ll find a rainbow of fresh produce from the nearby Tuscan farmlands from tomatoes and cabbages to lemons and pears.
Keep wandering and you can find ripe olives and local olive oils, pastel-colored eggs, amber honey, fresh breads, and aromatic cheeses. Or you can venture indoors to grab a cappuccino (only before 11 am!), peruse meats from macellerie (butchers), or enjoy a hearty lunch at Trattoria da Rocco. The market is open Monday to Saturday from early morning to early afternoon. For fewer crowds, we recommend skipping the morning rush.
13. Try lampredotto in Mercato Centrale
There is a feast for the senses inside the beautiful iron and glass structure of the Mercato di San Lorenzo or Central Market, Florence’s biggest food hall and market. Pass through the wrought iron Art Nouveau details that dazzle the eyes, then follow the aroma of fresh bread to the restaurant stalls on the second floor. (You might get stuck at a Florentine leather shop first, and we won’t judge.)
Don’t miss a chance to try fritto misto (fried mix) of crisp fried local vegetables and seafood, before indulging in handmade pasta or sweet, ricotta-filled cannoli. Adventurous eaters can opt for the classic Florentine sandwich: lampredotto. This delicacy is made from tripe, slow cooked in a rich vegetable broth, topped with a spicy sauce, and served on a roll.
14. Pick out your favorite vintage accessories at Fiesole Vintage Market
If you find yourself in Florence during the first weekend of the month, we suggest you take to the hills for a quick day trip. A short 20-minute bus ride from the city will bring you to Fiesole, a town on a hill overlooking Firenze. On the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, Piazza Mino transforms into a vibrant vintage market.
Vendors display a little bit of everything, but the real steals are in fashion. It’s one of the best places to find stylish clothing and accessories. After blowing your budget, you can eat at any of the charming restaurants or cafes. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city of Florence below.
15. Window shop for jewelry on Ponte Vecchio
Dating back to the Roman era, the famed Ponte Vecchio is not to be missed on your trip to Florence. What you see now is a medieval arched bridge that’s been rebuilt at least three times. Until about 1218, it stood as the only bridge that crossed the River Arno, and it even survived the bombings during World War II.
It’s origins were more stinky than the current wares being sold there. Butchers, tanners, and other less-than-desirable trades operated on the bridge until the stench caused Ferdinand I to decree a change of vendors in 1593. (Those who used the secret passage built by the noble Pitti family may have influenced that change.) Now, visitors are greeted with some of the finest jewelry you can find in Italy.
Amazing viewpoints in Florence
Rome may have the seven hills, but Florence has Giotto’s bell tower and Piazzale Michelangelo. And a few other great spots. If you’re a chaser of the unforgettable view, then this list is for you. From terraced gardens to bell towers, there are more places than you might imagine to get a view of the enchanting city of Florence.
16. Take in a Tuscan sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Exploring an ancient city like Florence is fun, but sometimes a break from the bustle is much needed. In that case, we suggest you make your way to a quieter spot on a hill just south of the city to watch the sunset from a breathtaking viewpoint. This is an unmissable free thing to do in Florence that is ideal for first-time visitors and honeymoon couples.
Built in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi, Piazzale Michelangelo has a neoclassical-style loggia (covered patio) and a bronze replica of the famous David. Then there’s the spectacular view. You’ll see the Duomo, Piazza Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, the tower at Piazza della Signoria, the Arno River, and the classic rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.
17. Find the panoramic viewpoint in Giardino di Boboli
Lush green spaces and flower beds are geometrically arranged and meticulously maintained, punctuated with grand fountains, sculptures, grottoes, terraces, and tunnels in this extraordinary alfresco museum. The Boboli Gardens, located behind the Palazzo Pitti, are one of the earliest and most important examples of the Italian garden style.
If you’re traveling with kids or just need a little green oasis, then wandering through the Boboli Gardens is an ideal thing to do in Florence. We also recommend visiting the Kaffeehaus. It’s not open, but you can stand on the airy green and white pavilion terrace for one of the best panoramic views of the city.
18. Climb Campanile di Giotto for a closer view of Brunelleschi’s dome
The astounding Giotti’s Bell Tower rises majestically next to Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. The exterior matches the cathedral in the same polychrome marbles: white, green, and red. If you look closely, you’ll see that the lower panels illustrate the story of Genesis in detail, with ivory marble figures above contrasted against backdrops of blue majolica.
There are 12 bells in this impressive tower, though the oldest 5 are now unused. Affectionately known as The Apostolic, Niccolo and Luca Bondigi cast the largest of all the bells in 1401! Don’t skip leg day before your trip. If you have the stamina, you’ll want to climb the 414 steps to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a bird’s eye view of Brunelleschi’s dome.
What to visit in Florence: famous piazze
In Italy, piazze or singular piazza (public squares) are essential gathering places with historic traditions. To qualify as a true piazza, it must have a church located on one of the four sides of the square. Luckily, Florence has numerous piazze to explore, some to see the churches and others to view the free art.
19. Enjoy a free museum of sculptures at Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria proudly stands as the historical and political core of the city, the beating heart of Florence. The pedestrian-only square hums constantly with crowds of tourists for good reason. In every direction, you can see fountains and massive sculptures by masters like Michelangelo, Bandinelli, and Ammannati. It’s like a free, open-air museum! Look for a replica of David, the Fountain of Neptune, Perseus and Medusa, and Hercules fighting a centaur.
After taking in the sights, you can recharge and enjoy people watching with a hand-pulled espresso and bask in the charm of one of the quintessential Italian cafes. If you’re heading to the Uffizi Gallery, this piazza is on the way, so you won’t be able to miss it.
20. Ride the vintage carousel in Piazza della Repubblica
The ancient heart of the city continues to be a vibrant and lively hub of activity in the 21st century. Piazza della Repubblica is where you can go to visit historic cafes like the Caffé Gilli, Caffé Paskowski, and Caffé delle Giubbe Rosse that were once frequented by great artists and writers. Of course, you can simply stroll through the open piazza and enjoy street performers and musicians.
Most importantly, a stop to see the Picci family’s brightly painted 19th-century vintage carousel with horses, creatures, and carriages. Kids and adults enjoy a spin on the carousel, and it’s especially beautiful when it’s lit up at night. Another free thing to see in Florence is the mercato dei fiori (flower market) every Thursday, when a riot of color appears from vendors selling bright flowers, potted plants, and mazzo di fiori (bouquets).
Unique things to see and do in Florence
There’s a special magic in Florence that you won’t find in cities like Rome or Sorrento or Venice. Maybe it’s the amount of luxury hidden behind massive palace walls or the hallowed cobblestones where famous artists once walked. The fun part is exploring the city and finding some of that magic through the superstitions and old traditions that Florentines keep alive today.
21. Rub some luck into your life at Fontana del Porcellino
Between Piazza della Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio lies the Mercato Nuovo, a small but busy area filled with tourists, trinkets, and a lucky fountain. Wind your way through the crowds, between souvenirs and leather goods, to the southern edge of the market to find porcellino (little piglet) at the fountain of the pig. This “piglet” is actually a bronze boar, whose patina is darkened with age—except for his suspiciously shiny snout.
Visitors from around the world wish for luck by rubbing his nose, then placing a coin into his mouth while making a wish and hoping the coin will fall through the grate below. If the coin misses the grate, don’t try again as superstition believes that will be double bad luck! But rubbing the nose is said to ensure the traveler will come to Florence again.
22. Unleash your inner bookworm and cinephile at Cinema Odeon Firenze
This Art Deco jewel box of a theater showcases a horseshoe of golden velveteen seats on the mezzanine with a skylight above and a bookstore on the original terrazzo floors below. Giunti Odeon Theater is Florence’s 100-year-old cinephile and bibliophile sanctuary. It’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee and comfortable seat during your busy day exploring Florence.
English language films are shown on the newly refurbished screen, and there are a host of other activities in this cultural center including book signings, art openings, concerts, and workshops. During the day, you might not hear the movies that run on the big screen, but the bookstore closes in the evenings so the lights can turn off for movie lovers.
23. Count the number of wine windows throughout Florence
Sharp eyes will notice small arched windows in the buildings throughout Florence. They’re usually no more than a foot or so high and barely eight inches across. Sometimes they’re nondescript and others are inlaid with stone. These le buchette del vino (wine windows) grew popular during the plagues of Europe as a way to limit contact between customers and vendors. While most have gone unused for centuries, others are used now as a tourist attraction.
Still, it’s a fun thing to do in Florence to count the number of wine windows you see—nearly 200 exist around the city. A restaurant in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, Babae, has a unique happy hour each evening from 7 to 8 p.m. where wine once again passes through the little hole in the wall. Call ahead as reservations are recommended!
Get to know Italy even better with Rosetta Stone
There are so many ways to feast your eyes, stomach, and soul in Firenze. This list is far from comprehensive, but it covers the must-see things to do in Florence. You’ll also get to connect with the customs and traditions of the Tuscan people.
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Written by: Taffy Vargo
