Things to do in Florence

Q: What are the top things to do in Florence?

The top things to do in Florence are: Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori) Ponte Vecchio Piazza della Signoria

Q: What are the top things to do near Florence?

Check out things to do near Florence: Tuscany Chianti San Gimignano Siena Pisa

Q: What do I need to know before visiting Florence?

Check out these top Florence travel ideas: 8 Renaissance Masterpieces To See In Florence That Aren’t "David" Experience 9 Of The World’s Most Iconic Attractions—Without The Crowds Don't-Miss Dishes in Florence Must-See Museums in Florence 6 Must-See Florence Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Welcome to Florence

Art and architecture reign supreme in the Renaissance city of Florence. The cobblestone streets have hardly changed since the 17th century, and walking tours will take you through hidden plazas (piazze), over the Ponte Vecchio, and past the Brunelleschi-designed Duomo. Opt for skip-the-line tickets to see the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze and Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the world’s most famous artwork. And be sure to allow plenty of time for leisurely meals featuring the bounty of the Tuscan hills surrounding the city.

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Top 15 attractions in Florence

Tours & Tickets

Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)

20,354

The Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) houses one of the world’s most significant collections of art, drawing in more than a million annual visitors who wish to cast eyes upon its many masterpieces. Set in the heart of Florence, the museum contains the works of artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Giotto, among others. It is the premier place to view Italian Renaissance art and is the most-visited museum in Italy.More

Tours & Tickets

Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia)

14,746

Once one of Europe’s oldest drawing schools, Florence’s Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) is now one of the city’s most visited museums, home to one of the world’s most impressive works of Renaissance art—Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall (5.2-meter-tall) David. Other works on display include 15th- and 16th-century paintings by the likes of Botticelli and Lippi, unfinished Michelangelo sculptures, and a museum of musical instruments.More

Tours & Tickets

Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori)

15,633

No matter where you walk in Florence, chances are you will spot its famous Duomo—a defining element of the city’s history, geography, and identity—towering above. Beneath its red-tiled dome lies Florence’s largest church, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori. Together with the Museum of the Duomo, an opera museum, the baptistery of San Giovanni, and Giotto's Bell Tower, the Duomo complex has become the city’s most famous landmark.More

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Ponte Vecchio

11,229

The historic Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Florence after Brunelleschi’s soaring red dome topping the Duomo. The three lower arches of this 14th-century bridge span the Arno River at its narrowest point between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace, and a stretch of the famous Vasari Corridor runs along its top. Situated on street level, the Ponte Vecchio is lined with pocket-sized jewelry shops and packed with locals and tourists taking a stroll or snapping photos of the colorful palazzi lining the river bank.More

Tours & Tickets

Piazza della Signoria

18,138

Home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria is the most important public square in Florence. The political heart of the city for centuries, today the square is also a vibrant social hub, where locals and tourists gather at the Loggia dei Lanzi and Neptune fountain to soak up the elegant atmosphere.More

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Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

3,666

Situated just west of the Duomo Cathedral, the Florence Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is one of the oldest structures in Florence. Its iconic octagonal structure dates back to ancient Rome, while its 16th-century bronze doors—sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiberti—were dubbed the Gates of Paradise by Michelangelo himself.More

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Palazzo Vecchio

5,606

The 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio has been the symbol of this Renaissance capital’s political power for more than seven centuries. With its imposing crenellated roofline and defensive tower, it dominates Piazza della Signoria and is home to the luxurious chambers of the Medici family. Visiting Palazzo Vecchio for a peek into Renaissance Florence is a rite of passage for visitors.More

Tours & Tickets

Arno River

280

Stretching 150 miles (241 kilometers) from Mount Falterona to the Ligurian Sea, the Arno River is Tuscany’s largest body of water. While the Arno runs through Casentino and Pisa, it is most often visited in Florence, where it divides the city in two. Florence’s bridges—including the iconic Ponte Vecchio—are renowned for their River Arno views.More

Tours & Tickets

Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

4,424

Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) was built by Luca Pitti in the 1400s. A century later, Duchess of Florence Eleonora di Toledo purchased the Renaissance palazzo for her husband, Cosimo I de' Medici, and it remained the official residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until the early 20th century. Today, Pitti Palace is Florence's largest museum complex.More

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#10

Tours & Tickets

Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

3,062

After Brunelleschi’s soaring dome, Giotto’s elegant bell tower (Campanile di Giotto) is perhaps the most recognized landmark emerging above the rooftops of Florence. Admire the intricate polychrome marble covering the entire 270-foot (82-meter) height, and climb the more than 400 steps to the top for one of the best views over Florence.More

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#11

Tours & Tickets

Piazzale Michelangelo

11,151

The most famous scenic overlook in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is beloved for its breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops. From this 19th-century square set on a hillside in the Oltrarno neighborhood, panoramic views stretch over the Rose Garden, Ponte Vecchio spanning the river Arno, the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's iconic Duomo and bell tower, and the Tuscan hills beyond.More

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#12

Tours & Tickets

Piazza della Repubblica

6,885

Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important and elegant squares in the heart of Florence, lined with porticoed 19th-century palazzi, Grand Dame hotels, high-end boutiques, bustling restaurants, and historic cafés. A stroll through this beautiful public space is a must during any Florence sightseeing tour.More

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#13

Tours & Tickets

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

145

Pass through the arched entrance of Florence’s stately Pitti Palace and into the serenity of the sweeping Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli), once the private playground of this Renaissance capital’s ruling Medici family. Dating from the 16th century, the Giardino di Boboli is among the earliest examples of formal Italian gardens, commissioned for the wife of Cosimo I de Medici in 1540. The gardens were expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries, and now cover 11 acres (4.4 hectares) of hillside and include a collection of outdoor sculptures dating from ancient Rome through the 17th century, making it a veritable open-air museum.More

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#14

Tours & Tickets

Brunelleschi's Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi)

4,279

Towering above Florence, Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi) is an important engineering and architectural feat. Completed in 1436, the fact that this symbol of the city still stands tall over the Duomo more than 600 years later is testament to Brunelleschi’s mastery. Climb to the top for some of the best views over Florence.More

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#15

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Florence Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce)

3,143

One of the most striking and important churches in Florence, Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce) is a classic example of Tuscan Gothic architecture. It’s also home to myriad works by Giotto, Gaddi, della Robbia, and Donatello, plus the tombs of numerous luminaries including Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, and Machiavelli.More

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5-Star activities in Florence

Day Trips

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

10531

11 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$81.32

Day Trips

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

5526

13 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$70.48

Wine Tastings

Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside

2140

4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

$96.50

Day Trips

Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine

1955

6 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$113.85

Half-day Tours

Skip-the-Line Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi's Dome Climb

3 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$101.92

Dining Experiences

Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence

3224

5 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$113.85

Day Trips

Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

1980

9 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$200.59

Cooking Classes

Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence

2959

7 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$162.64

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Explore our promoted experiences

The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales

1823

2 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$3.24

The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER

2833

2 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$3.24

The dark side of Florence - Mysteries and Legends

1 hour 45 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

$3.25

The best of Florence walking tour

1 hour 45 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

$53.13

Price varies by group size

Florence City Guided Private Tour 1,5h

1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

$31.44

The essence of Florence, a two-hour walking tour to discover the city

2 hours
Free Cancellation

From

$3.24

Another Florence walking tour

2 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

$3.25

Palazzo Vecchio guided experience with entrance ticket

1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

From

$57.36

Price varies by group size

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Recent reviews from experiences in Florence

Our tour guide Gayla was...

Magda_C, Mar 2023

Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide

Gayle also added suggestions of other tours a places to visit while in Florence.

Must see

Joi_W, Mar 2023

Uffizi + David & Accademia - Priority Tickets

Buying tickets ahead of time was a must for us trying to see a lot in a short time.

Fantastic!

Michelle_K, Mar 2023

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

Loved being able to see all 5 towns in one afternoon with transportation to and from Florence taken care of…very well organized.

Fantastic overview of the Medici impact on city

HB_U, Mar 2023

Florence Footsteps of Medici Tour

This overview of Florence is a fantastic way to prioritize what to visit and tour.

Unmissable

Marian_C, Mar 2023

David & Accademia Gallery Tour - Florence (Tickets are included)

I am losing my sight so I wanted to visit Florence while I can still see the great art on display here.

Must do for Florence

Tonja_W, Mar 2023

Skip-the-Line Florence Small-Group Tour with David and Duomo

It's is a great tour to see the highlights of the city

An outstanding experience

Michel_P, Mar 2023

Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas with vineyards, Cheese, Wine & Lunch from Florence

He knows how to drive “the beast”, an ideal vehicle to see the area.

Amazing full day guided excursion

Adam_F, Mar 2023

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

He also provided many recommendations for things to explore in Sienna and Pisa, as well as other activities and restaurants in Florence and Venice.

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All about Florence

When to visit

Summer in Florence brings key cultural events, including the Città dei Lettori literature festival in August, Florence Jazz Festival in September, and the four-month-long Estate Fiorentina. However, lines for most top attractions become interminably long—making advance tickets essential. Low-key travelers looking for cooler (sometimes rainy) weather and lower prices are better served in the offseason, roughly from October to March. Fall is for foodies, with a seasonal cuisine of local mushrooms, game, and white truffles in full harvest.

Getting around

Florence is made for walking. Its compact, UNESCO-listed historic center hasn’t changed much since the Renaissance, when it was built (mostly) for pedestrians. Exploring by two wheels, whether on shared e-bikes or e-scooters, has become popular in recent years, but dedicated lanes are lacking. A smart network of public buses and trams connects the center with the train station, with some buses going as far as surrounding hill towns such as Fiesole and San Gimignano.

Traveler tips

If you’re planning on spending more than one or two days in Florence, look for discount cards that offer time- and money-saving deals. Versions offer free or discounted admission to most city museums and sights and provide access to unlimited public transportation for a small additional cost. If you’re an EU citizen, the card extends the privileges to your family as well.

Currency

Euro (€)

Time Zone

CET (UTC +1)

Country Code

+39

Language(s)

Italian

A local’s pocket guide to Florence

Rebecca Winke

The cradle of the Renaissance is a second home to travel and food writer Rebecca, and it's where she heads to scratch her art and culture itch.

The first thing you should do in Florence is...

check out the roster of local concerts and events. Florence is one of the hottest spots in Italy for everything from live music to contemporary art exhibitions.

A perfect Saturday in Florence...

starts with a bracing espresso to fuel at least one morning museum visit, followed by a few hours browsing artisan workshops. After sundown, head to Piazza Santo Spirito for the city’s top nightlife.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Michelangelo’s David statue, a towering masterpiece that is truly one of the artistic wonders of the world.

To discover the "real" Florence...

cross the Arno River to wander through the few neighborhoods where local Florentines still live, including San Frediano and San Niccolò.

For the best view of the city...

there is only one place to go: Piazzale Michelangelo. The good news is that the sunset view from here is spectacular, but the bad news is that the word's out and it's packed come dusk.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking that the only art options are the crowded Uffizi and Accademia. Florence is home to dozens of world-class museums that are refreshingly quiet and crowd-free for those who venture off the must-see trail.

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Florence information

Number of Attractions	66
Number of Tours	2,483
Number of Reviews	99,028
Currency	EUR

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the top things to do in Florence?

The top things to do in Florence are:

What are the top things to do near Florence?

Check out things to do near Florence:

What do I need to know before visiting Florence?

Check out these top Florence travel ideas:

Things to do in Florence

Welcome to Florence

Top 15 attractions in Florence

Explore Florence by interest

Trip ideas

star-55-Star activities in Florence

Explore our promoted experiences

Recent reviews from experiences in Florence

All about Florence

When to visit

Getting around

Traveler tips

A local’s pocket guide to Florence

People Also Ask

Florence information

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