Florence: The Best Things We Love to See, Eat & Explore

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering what are the best things to do in Florence? You’ve come to the right place!

We’ve visited Florence countless times, and on this page, we share our favourite experiences—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, delicious food tastings, and shopping for everything from tasty bites to beautiful ceramics.

Florence is full of surprises, so we’ve handpicked 14 things we love to do in the city—our top spots and experiences we return to again and again. Plus, we sprinkle in useful sightseeing tips and our favourite places to stay to make your trip even smoother.

Every traveller is different, but we hope this guide sparks ideas and helps you make the most of your next visit to this stunning Tuscan city.

The best way to explore Florence in on foot

Best time to visit Florence (our experience)

We visited Florence in every season, from early spring through summer months to early December. We loved it each time, as Florence has its own charm any time of the year.

Spring offers amazing weather (ideal for exploring the city and the Tuscan countryside), and the warm summer nights are perfect for romantic walks and outdoor dining. Our favourite time in Florence was the end of the year because of the festive atmosphere and shops full of holiday sweet treats.

Autumn and winter bring some rainy days, but you shouldn't worry as there is so much to do in Florence even in the rain.

A couple of useful tips for best Florence experience:

• Book ahead tickets for major sights/museums and tours: If plan to visit the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery (both are closed on Mondays), buy tickets online at least 2-3 months in advance (we recommend skip-the-line tickets). Guided tours should be also booked ahead (to secure the place on desired date).
  
  
• The Florence Card doesn't cover Duomo sights and still requires reservations for some attractions. However, some passes, like for the Duomo or Pitti Palace, are valid for several days, offering flexibility.
  
  
• Explore Florence on foot: Walking is the easiest way to get around the city center. If you are staying outside the historic centre, there are regular buses and trams (tickets cost €1.70 and can be purchased from automatic vending machines, at tabacchi shops - only in cash, or with Autolinee Toscane app). Avoid driving as most of central Florence is a limited traffic zone. If we are in the hurry or it's raining, we love to use a taxi (you'll find stands around the city or you can call the one).
  
  
• Use Florence Pass: Consider the Florence Pass for priority entrance to major sights, an audio guide app, and discounts on other attractions.
  
  
• Book restaurants ahead: Be sure to to call or email ahead (at least 1-2 weeks in advance) as the good restaurants are filled up fast
  
  
• Try to book hotels a few months before your trip to get the hotel of your choice – the good ones fill up fast.

1. Visiting the Uffizi Gallery

As the Uffizi Gallery is huge and don't attempt to see everything. You may find buying audio-guide helpful or taking a guided tour (we love this City Wonders 1.5-hour tour!). If you don't take a tour, be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets and buy them well in advance. It's good not to overload yourself with too much art when exploring the Uffizi. The Uffizi is a great spot for spending time when it rains in Florence!

2. Enjoying Piazza della Signoria

3. Walking along Arno River

4. Having an espresso and pastry at the cafe

5. Poping into the Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio—Florence’s old seat of republican power—is absolutely fascinating. Towering over Piazza della Signoria with its striking Fountain of Neptune, it was once a hotbed of political intrigue in the 14th and 15th centuries, before Cosimo I transformed it into a grand ducal palace in 1540. Inside, you’ll find plenty of highlights, including a room filled with 16th-century maps created just as the wider world was beginning to unfold for Europeans. And if you join a guided tour, you can even wander through the secret passageways hidden behind its walls.

6. Go on a walking tour

The trouble with making a hit-list of Florence’s highlights is that it’s easy to miss how everything fits together. Without a bit of context, you won’t fully appreciate how the layout of this compact city shaped its remarkable history. That’s why, if you choose just one guided tour, make it a broad, story-driven introduction—one that stays outdoors, walking the streets and weaving the city’s narrative together, rather than diving straight into the museums (you can explore those at your own pace later). Two-hour group tours are a popular choice, but Florence also has plenty of private guides who can tailor the experience to your interests. Just be sure they’re licensed and registered with Firenze Turismo.

7. Climbing the Florence's Cathedral Dome

We suggest picking just a few attractions from the Duomo Complex rather than trying to see it all. Pop into the Cathedral for a quick look, then ascend to the Dome for breathtaking views of Florence (be sure to grab those skip-the-line tickets!).

As you climb the 463 steps, marvel at the expansive arched structure above and, once inside, admire the spectacular Last Judgment frescoes. Keep in mind that the staircase can be quite steep and narrow at times - not ideal for those with claustrophobia or a fear of heights.

To maximize your time, consider joining a guided tour that covers the Cathedral, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, and the Dome in just 2.5 hours.

8. Taking a stroll along the Arno River

Be sure to take a peaceful stroll along the Arno River. Begin near the famous Ponte Vecchio and make your way to Ponte Santa Trinita. Then, turn onto Via de' Tornabuoni and continue until you reach Piazza Santa Trinita. From this point, every street leads to something of interest in this captivating city.

9. Shopping around Florence

10. Take a drive around the city and beyond in a vintage Fiat Cinquecento

What better way to explore Florence than from behind the wheel of the most iconic Italian car—a vintage Fiat 500?

This charming 6-hour tour from Florence let you pick your favourite little car from a rainbow of retro colours before setting off in a cheerful, follow-the-leader convoy. You’ll wind through Florence’s hidden backstreets and climb into the rolling hills just beyond the city. Along the way, there are plenty of stops at scenic viewpoints, and the experience even includes a relaxed picnic lunch. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic way to see the city from a whole new angle.

11. Take amazing photos of Florence

Florence is so picturesque that you’ll find amazing photo spots everywhere you turn.

From the elegant courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio and tourists strolling along the Arno riverbanks to the cantucci cookies stacked in bakery windows, the possibilities are endless. Just walk, capture photos and enjoy. For stunning shots of Florence from above, make your way up to Piazzale Michelangelo—always worth the climb.

Some of our most beautiful photos were taken just after the rain, when the city glows. Taking photos is truly one of our favourite things to do in Florence.

12. Visit Museum the Opera del Duomo

The final stop on Piazza del Duomo brings the entire story together: the museum of the cathedral’s historic workshop, founded back in 1296. After a complete renovation, the museum now showcases many of the masterpieces originally created for the cathedral, the Baptistery, and the bell tower—displayed in modern, beautifully curated spaces. Among the highlights are Ghiberti’s famous Baptistery doors and Michelangelo’s powerful Pietà, begun roughly a century later.
Perhaps the most illuminating space, however, is the Corridoio dell’Opera. Here, the names of the countless artists, architects, and craftsmen who shaped and maintained this extraordinary complex are inscribed into the walls—a moving tribute to the teamwork and shared vision behind its creation.

If you'd rather avoid the queue for the dome climb, head to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo 9, €6 entry). This often-overlooked gem houses sculptures that once adorned the Duomo and Baptistery. At the top of the grand staircase, you'll find Michelangelo's radiant Pietà - a true masterpiece not to be missed.

13. Joining a food tour through Florence

Taking a walking food tour in Florence offers an amazing way to discover the city. You'll experience both sightseeing and mouthwatering food combined. Additionally, you'll connect with locals and discover wonderful trattorias and food spots you can return to during your stay (making it perfect for your first day in Florence).

For a morning experience, we recommend the Devour Tours food walk in the Sant'Ambrogio neighbourhood (featuring street food tastings and a visit to the local food market). If you prefer afternoon or evening tours, try Eating Europe's culinary journey through Oltrarno (where you'll sample specialties like wild boar stew, local cured meats and cheeses, plus taste Tuscan wines). Check out our other favourite food tours in Florence!

14. Taking a pasta class in Tuscan countryside

Taking a cooking class in Florence is a great opportunity to learn how to make fresh fettuccine or ravioli from scratch (as well as sauces). The best part is enjoying wonderful food you made! Kids will love these classes!

One of the most popular cooking classes is this one (includes cake and limoncello in the end) and these small-group classes held in cooking school on the other side of Arno River. Don't worry if you are vegan or vegetarian, or even gluten-free intolerant - there are classes also for you.

Not your first time in Florence? Consider visiting:

• Basilica di San Lorenzo designed by Brunelleschi, filled with Renaissance art from Donatello and Michelangelo, and the Medici Chapels which were added onto the basilica.
  
  
• Santo Spirito in Oltrarno, just across the Arno River, whose plain exterior gives no hint of the beautiful interior.
  
  
• The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, close to the Accademia Gallery, has a fascinating history which pairs well with the intricate Baroque decorations.
  
  
• The Orsanmichele Church and Museum, beautiful church you'll notice by the outside niches, decorated with sculptures of Saint's.
  
  
• Santa Trinita Church, that stands on Piazza Santa Trinita (you'll recognize by the Column of Justice (a massive granite column, coming all the way from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla in Rome). Visit the church for free!

I agree with other posts that it's best to see these museums on different days if you can so that you don't get too overwhelmed with all of the art. The Uffizzi is a half-day visit and the Academia is much smaller and will take about one to two hours, depending upon how much time you like to spend. While in Florence, you'll also want to spend another day to see the Duomo and Baptistery.

Then you can fill in your days with wandering around and stopping for coffee (one of my favorite things to do), shopping, or going to the leather workshop at the Monastery of Santa Croce. Naturally, there are a lot of other things to do and see (palaces, Boboli gardens, churches, etc), but you only have three days and you want to make sure you leave time to relax and experience the city.

Check this out: Rome to Florence Day Trip

Exploring Tuscany

With 3 days in Florence, we also recommend taking advantage of its amazing location in the heart of Tuscany to explore other parts of this glorious region on your third day.

The easiest way to do that is by taking a guided tour, but you could also venture out on your own via train or by renting a car. We’ve provided more information below on where to go for day trips from Florence and what to do and see.

Where to stay in Florence

Wherever you stay in Florence you won't be too far from the sights, restaurants and shops. We recommend staying not far from historic centre, so you can make the most of your time.

You may decide to stay right next to the Cathedral or choose your place in the less bustling Oltrarno, across the Arno River. Staying close to the train station could also be also great idea. Or perhaps stay at the hills, which is ideal during the hot summer months. The choice is really huge.

Casa di Chiara is a stylish and comfortable apartment, only a short walk from historic centre

Places that we recommend for staying in Florence:

Casa di Chiara - stylish and cosy apartment just a 20-minute stroll from the historic center. Extremely comfortable and fully equipped with everything you might need. Host are the best! This wonderful apartment serves as an excellent base for exploring Florence. It's our favourite place to stay when in Florence!

Globus Urban Hotel - centrally located 4-star hotel, a short walk from SMN train station and the Duomo. The incredibly friendly and helpful staff really sets this Florence hotel apart. The hotel boasts modern, spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast spread (including options for vegans, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free).

Alba Palace Hotel - situated just steps away from Santa Maria Novella train station, this hotel is on the doorstep of historic centre. The rooms are very comfortable and clean, ensuring a pleasant stay. The breakfast buffet offers a wide choices, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. An ideal base for exploring Florence!

N7 Rooms is a place literally steps away from Santa Maria Novella train station. Rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable, with everything you need for a pleasant stay. Spacious showers, comfy beds and pillows! This is small place with several rooms, so it offers cosy stay. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Basilica di San Lorenzo are so close to this place.

What Tuscan cities can I comfortably explore beyond Florence in 3 days?

We believe that 3 days in Florence is barely scratching the surface, but you may want to see beyond it. Other Tuscan cities are easy to reach from Florence, either by train or by car. Some of the most interesting are: San Gimignano (a picturesque hilltop town), Siena (renowned for its culinary delights, art scene, museums, medieval cityscape, and the thrilling Palio horse race), Pisa (home to the iconic Leaning Tower), or Lucca (famed for its multitude of towers). These destinations are reachable by train or through organised day tours.

Another great option is Bologna, a city boasting captivating architecture and mouthwatering cuisine (famous for its tagliatelle and tortellini pasta, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar). If you consider yourself a food enthusiast, this city should definitely be on your radar!

Best ways to get to Florence

We usually reach Florence by train from Rome (having previously landed at Fiumicino Airport and taken the Leonardo Express train) and it's always a pleasant journey.

Our favourite trains are Trenitalia Frecciarossa trains, which are fast and comfortable and take only 1h 30 minutes to get from the Italian capital to Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station.

When booking 2-3 months in advance, we typically secure Rome to Florence train tickets at budget-friendly prices (beginning at €30). Booking through Trainline is easy - they provide a digital ticket (simply present it to train staff upon request). During one trip, our train was cancelled at Termini Station, but modifying our ticket for a later departure was hassle-free at the Trenitalia office (these trains run frequently).

The journey to Florence takes under 2 hours from both Milan and Venice, while from Bologna, you'll arrive in less than an hour.

Benvenuti!

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