The first time you experience Florence, you might think you have entered a dream. The golden hour that falls upon the Duomo at twilight casts silhouettes of shadows and warmth — and in the morning, freshly baked focaccia wafts through the chill air. All time is loose in Florence. It feels like the 15th century is in the next alley, just around the corner, inviting you to explore the countless things to do in Florence that blend history, art, and modern charm.
Florence isn’t a city — it’s an art. Every laneway feels like a poem, every piazza like a bow on strings of a violin, and every gelato flavour belongs to angels above. From staring at Michelangelo’s David to feeling the grace of the Oltrarno District — Florence offers an experience to brood about for eternity.
If you’re not sure what to do in Florence, this post lists down all the major sightseeing spotsyou need to visit, the little gems you need to stumble across and more.
Florence is a city where centuries of history co-exist effortlessly with modern energy. Visiting Florence means immersing yourself in art, history, and culture, but planning your trip can be even more rewarding when you know the best time to visit Tuscany. From world-class museums to local Florentine cuisine, here’s what there is to see in Florence, Italy.
Admire the Beauty of the Florence Cathedral
Walking into the Piazza del Duomo is like walking into a Renaissance painting. First, you have the Florence Cathedral, Il Duomo, with its red dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436. The green, pink, and white marble facade glows in the Tuscan sun, pulling you towards the magic of Florence.
Next door, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is simply irresistible. Its Gates of Paradise, named by Michelangelo himself, contain reliefs with detail so lifelike you can almost breathe the souls through them. The use of light and gold is nothing short of ethereal.
Arriving early in the morning gave us a mostly empty piazza that we had with relatively few others jostling for the perfect Instagram shot. It was a magical time and made it much easier to appreciate the symmetry of the buildings that only Florence can do it so well. And climbing the dome was absolutely one of the best things we did while there, as we had 360-degree views of Florence, with the sea of red tile roofs below, and the rolling hills of Tuscany off in the distance. Its a lot of stairs to climb but well-worth it, particularly on a clear day when you can see much further than Florence to Tuscany.
Explore the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery itself was a masterpiece, and as we passed through the ancient walls we entered into a renaissance castle. Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus left me awe-struck. Her long locks and contemplative gaze seemed to transcend time and define the elegance and beauty of this particular era.
We toured through awe-inspiring worksby Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, allowing us to develop a better understanding of the creative beauty of the time. The building itself was splendid, designed by the great Vasari and featured huge, baroque windows with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River.
Visiting first thing in the morning allowed us to experience the gallery at a leisurely pace with few visitors. And we were grateful that we had purchased our tickets online in advance, completely avoiding what are supposed to be incredibly long lines. For fans of art wondering what to do in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is just a short distance away.
Visit the Accademia Gallery to See Michelangelo’s David
Seeing the David for the first time is utterly humbling. The marble giant stands before you, rippling with strength and fragility alike. We found ourselves fixated on the veins in his palms and forearms, the wrinkles of his brow, and the cords of his neck and arms. The David really does appear alive: we half expected him to leap into the battlefield against the giant, Goliath.
In addition to the David, the Galleria Abizi also houses the unfinished Prisoners, which immortalize powerful visions that seem to burst forth from slabs of stone. The Prisoners offers a remarkable look at Michelangelo’s process and how, in his hands, rough marble became divine art.
We planned to beat the crowds by visiting the gallery in the early afternoon but were even more thrilled with having the space (nearly) to ourselves. We took our time pacing around the David, and really, through the gallery. Skip-the-line tickets ensured an effortless visit to this number-one Florence attraction.
Discover Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
Palazzo Pitti is a living museum of Florence’s history. The Medici family reigned from this resplendent palace, with every room adorned in frescoed ceilings and golden touches. We walked through the galleries and tried to transport ourselves to a time when life was at its most beautiful.
Outside, the Boboli Gardens were exactly the respite we were looking for outside the city streets. We traversed paths lined with cypress trees and rested near the statues, fountains, and well-groomed hedges that resembled a never-ending maze. Beyond the palace walls, it was as though we were in our own universe — one where the clock ticks more slowly and we forget our 21st century concerns.
To visit earlier in the day is to benefit from the soft glow of the sun, especially when the rays hit the fountains (where the water throws rainbows into the sky). Good shoes made the experience much easier, since the grounds are quite sprawling and there was something to see around every curve. We thought it was a chance to learn things to do in Florence away from the hectic museum scene.
Enjoy the charm of San Lorenzo market
San Lorenzo Market brings Florence to life. The outdoor stalls greeted us with rows of fresh fruits, herbs, and cheese and the vendors boasted the day’s deals. Among these stalls, we found ourselves in the rhythm of it all.
Gastronomic itches are scratched at the Mercato Centrale, just steps away. The popcorn-like fragrance of freshly baked bread and pizza from wood-burning ovens led us straight upstairs. Once we scouted out a spot, we indulged in a wooden bowl of handmade gnocchi rippled with truffle sauce, which we sipped up between swigs of Chianti.
Upstairs is an easy, communal place to get to know worldly neighbours — but in this case, the neighbours are all chefs and foodies. With a late morning arrival, there were fewer crowds and fresher goods — great for shopping or lunching. Culinary tourists will find San Lorenzo Market to be a top-notch answer to what to see in Florence, Italy if you want to travel with your taste buds.
Explore the Bargello Museum
The Bargello Museum is a calm respite for art lovers and one of the best places to see in Florence for anyone interested in the city’s sculptural history. Housed in a 13th-century palace, the museum is a sculpture enthusiast’s dream. It’s where you can see a different David sculpture by Donatello, one which is smaller and more elegant than Michelangelo’s but equally alluring.
Its palace is as interesting to explore with arched hallways, stairwells and quiet courtyards. Its narrow stone hallways echo a time gone by and by visiting on a weekday morning, we were able to savour the sculptures without the rush of busier art galleries.
For art, culture, and serenity the Bargello is one of the best things to do in Florence. This small museum offers an intimate experience of exceptional art in a peaceful setting.
Visit the Medici Chapels
The Medici Chapels are the burial site for many of the Medici family, the rulers of Florence from the 15th century through the 18th century. These elaborate tombs combine sacred spaces with art and style. The Chapel of the Princes is one of the most ornate we have ever seen and the marble inlaid in the walls comes from all over Tuscany. The use of semi-precious stones are there to illustrate the Medici family’s own preciousness and wealth.
However, we still think the true star is Michelangelo’s New Sacristy. His statues of Dawn, Dusk, Day and Night are absolutely haunting and we found the room to be otherworldly. Each of these figures evokes a sense of time and emotion and it’s difficult to stand in their presence and not feel a sense of awe and reverence for the deceased.
This is one of the Florence landmarks that is open daily and we can think of no better place to visit in Florence for both art and history lovers. Both will provide a poignant and close look at the city’s past, and we think you will come away with a better understanding of this city’s complex social and cultural history.
Savor florentine cuisine: Bistecca alla fiorentina, Ribollita, and more
Florence is an epicurean’s dream, and the food is as much an art form as the masterpieces inside the Uffizi Gallery. Nothing could be more quintessentially Florentine than a bistecca alla fiorentina. This massive T-bone steak, char grilled to perfection, is an ode to the simple, with little more than olive oil, salt, and pepper seasoning the meat. Enjoying one with friends at a nearby trattoria felt like a rite dating back over the centuries.
The colder days in Florence begged for ribollita, a thick and hearty vegetable and bread soup the locals would have eaten once a week. Rustic, nourishing, and best paired with a glass of Chianti; each spoonful and swallow whispered Tuscany.
In deciding what to see and do in Florence be sure to add a lazy meal in a family owned eatery. The love and tradition in each dish prepared mirror this city’s heart.
Indulge in authentic Gelato: Florence’s sweetest treat
Now no amount of time in Florence would have been too long without the inclusion of gelato, the sweetest treat—and Florence’s creation—on earth. With so many gelaterias that lay claim to the invention of this frozen passion in Florence, we made our favorites at Gelateria dei Neri and Vivoli. From floral pistachio to culinary inspired rosemary and honey, we tried them all!
The act of tasting it all before committing to a cone or cup became a bit of a ritual for us, and the freshly sourced ingredients came through in every bite. Whether strolling through the medieval streets of Florence in summer or soaking up autumn’s cool atmosphere, authentic gelato makes one delicious hand warmer.
If you’re looking for things to do in Florence, look for specialty gelaterias. There’re tons scattered across the city, each flavoring this classic with a twist.
Explore the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
Set on a hill above the city, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte is a quiet paradise from the noise of Florence. This 11th-century Romanesque beauty feels like a work of art — so perfectly symmetrical with its marble carvings and geometric motifs.
Step inside to admire frescoes and the ancient crypts that are shrouded in secrecy (if only they could talk!). But the best is yet to come. When you return to the church, head up to the terrace and wait for the sunset.
Golden hour is exquisite as you watch the setting sun painting Florence with glorious pink and golden tones. This was certainly one of the most magnificent things to see in Florence, Italy, and we felt so much peace.
If you appreciate art, nature, and spirituality, try to time a visit to this church in the late afternoon, right before sunset.
Lose yourself in the Oltrarno district
Visiting the Oltrarno District across the Arno River feels like you found Florence’s whimsical heart! And located south of the river in another world compared to the chaos in the city center.
The vibrant streets are filled with family-run workshops where Florentine artisans use traditional methods so stories and beauty can live on. We saw skilled hands restoring ancient furniture and jewellers creating intricate masterpieces on ringlets of gold. Truly mesmerizing!
Santo Spirito Square is the heart of Oltrarno with locals sipping Chianti in the open air with good company. And we did the same, enjoying wine at an outdoor cafe as we cheerfully observed life’s theatre unfolding around us. We found the square’s beautiful backyard public gardens and hidden corners to be the most beautiful streets in Florence.
So, if you’re wondering about things to see and do, Oltrarno will give you the most authentic and laid-back experience. You won’t regret crossing the Arno!
See the frescoes of the Brancacci chapel
Tucked inside the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, Brancacci Chapel contains some of the greatest Renaissance art ever produced. The frescoes painted by Masaccio and Masolino tell the story of the Life of St. Peter. The raw emotion and depth of the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden just stopped us in our tracks. Even years later, it’s easy to see why the grief of Adam and Eve is such a profound subject.
The radical use of perspective was controversial at the time, and seeing the frescoes in person it truly seems like a turning point in the history of art. Tickets are timed to keep the experience intimate. We found it easy to stand before the frescoes and lose ourselves in the genius of the artists who painted them.
This is your chance to step into the minds of the thinkers and artists who changed the way we look at the world.
Florence isn’t a city; it’s a feeling, a snapshot in history. Each corner of the city from the magnificent Duomo to the unassuming beauty of the Oltrarno District will take you on a journey. Take an organised trip to Italy for a comfortable experience when you are ready to start your journey. Florence awaits and the adventure begins soon!
