Things to Do in Florence
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Florence

50 curated spots from Florence itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Piazzale Michelangelo
Do
afternoon

Piazzale Michelangelo

Hike or bus up for sweeping views of Florence, replica David statue, and sunset aperitivo spots.

1h 30m · Free
Uffizi Gallery
Do
morning

Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s great art museums, home to Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” works by Leonardo, Raphael, and more; reserve a timed ticket and focus on key rooms.[2]

2h 30m · $25-30
Boboli Gardens
Do
morning

Boboli Gardens

Wander lush grottos, fountains, and hilltop views; photography paradise.

2h · $15
Gallerie degli Uffizi
Do
afternoon

Gallerie degli Uffizi

Tour masterpieces like Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo's Annunciation in this world-renowned gallery.

2h 30m · $25
Ponte Vecchio
Do
evening

Ponte Vecchio

Private sunset stroll across the historic bridge with jewelry shopping and Arno views.

1h · $50/person (private guide)
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Do
morning

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Admire the massive dome, climb 463 steps for stunning city views; explore Baptistery and bell tower.

2h · $30 per person
Galleria dell'Accademia
Do
morning

Galleria dell'Accademia

View Michelangelo’s David up close plus other sculptures; short lines with advance tickets.

1h 30m · $16
Basilica di Santa Croce
Do
afternoon

Basilica di Santa Croce

Visit the church and surrounding piazza, then walk the nearby streets for artisan details and quiet façades.

1h 30m · $10-$15
Galleria dell’Accademia
Do
morning

Galleria dell’Accademia

Visit Michelangelo’s David and his unfinished Prisoners sculptures, plus a small but rich art collection.

1h 30m · $20-30 per person (timed ticket)
Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)
Do
late morning

Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David)

Pre-book a morning slot to see David and Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners, plus a small but rich painting collection.

1h 30m · $20-30
Mercato Centrale
Do
afternoon

Mercato Centrale

Wander the ground-floor food stalls for cheeses, cured meats, and produce, then browse the upstairs food hall and shops for quick tastings and edible souvenirs.[1]

1h · Free to enter (food extra, flexible)
Palazzo Vecchio
Do
afternoon

Palazzo Vecchio

Private family tour of Medici rooms, secret passages, and tower climb with interactive history.

1h 30m · $120/person (private)
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint
Do
evening

Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset Viewpoint

Walk or taxi up to the terrace overlooking Florence for panoramic views, then stroll back down toward the river at dusk.

1h 30m · Free (taxi ~$10-15 if used)
Bardini Gardens
Do
morning

Bardini Gardens

Ascend terraced paths amid wildflowers and lemon groves; best viewpoint from belvedere at golden hour overlooking Ponte Vecchio—no photo bans.

1h 30m · $12
Basilica di Santa Croce & Piazza Santa Croce
Do
morning

Basilica di Santa Croce & Piazza Santa Croce

Visit the basilica that houses tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, then linger in the piazza and nearby artisan streets.

1h 30m · $10
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome
Do
morning

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & Brunelleschi’s Dome

Explore the Duomo’s exterior, step inside the cathedral, then climb Brunelleschi’s dome for close-up frescoes and panoramic views over Florence.[1]

2h · $25-35 with combined ticket
Giardino Bardini
Do
late_morning

Giardino Bardini

A quieter historic garden climbing the hillside with terraces, flowers, and some of the best panoramic views over Florence; wander the paths and pause at the belvedere for photos.

1h 30m · $15
Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
Do
afternoon

Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)

Climb the Rampe del Poggi toward Piazzale Michelangelo and pause in this terraced garden just below the piazza, filled with rose bushes, sculptures, and panoramic views over Florence’s historic center and the Duomo[1][4][5].

1h 30m · Free
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Do
afternoon

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Explore an intimate Renaissance sculpture museum housed in a medieval palace, featuring works by Donatello and Michelangelo.

1h 30m · $12
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Do
morning

Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens

Tour grand palace rooms then escape to sculpted gardens, fountains, and grottos.

3h · $25 per person
Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior
Do
morning

Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Exterior

Start your morning by slowly circling the Duomo complex—Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery—admiring the marble façades, intricate doors, and street‑level details; take time for photos from different angles of the piazza.

1h 30m · Free
Piazza del Duomo & Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Do
morning

Piazza del Duomo & Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)

Visit the cathedral interior and admire Brunelleschi’s dome and the marble façade; walk slowly around the entire piazza to take in the architecture.

1h 30m · $0-20 depending on combined ticket options
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (exterior focus)
Do
late_morning

Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (exterior focus)

Stroll this historic square lined with statues and fountains, admire Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, and soak up the heart-of-the-city atmosphere.[1]

45m · Free (outside sights)
Ponte Vecchio & Arno Riverside Stroll
Do
evening

Ponte Vecchio & Arno Riverside Stroll

Walk across the medieval bridge, peek into jewelry shops, and continue along the river as the city lights come on.

1h · Free
Accademia Gallery
Do
morning

Accademia Gallery

Michelangelo's David and Prisoners sculptures.

1h 30m · $20
Accessible Private Cooking Class
Do
afternoon

Accessible Private Cooking Class

Reserve a private or semi-private class only after the provider confirms an accessible kitchen, step-free entrance, accessible restroom, seated preparation option, and flexible rest breaks. Several advertised Florence market cooking classes are explicitly not wheelchair accessible, so do not substitute one without written confirmation.[1][3][4][6][7][9][10]

3h · $100-160
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Do
late morning

Baptistery of San Giovanni

Step inside to see the golden mosaic ceiling and examine the famous bronze doors (originals in the museum, replicas on-site).

45m · $10-15 (often included in Duomo complex ticket)
Bargello Museum
Do
afternoon

Bargello Museum

See sculpture in a quieter setting after the Uffizi, with an emphasis on medieval and Renaissance works.

1h 30m · $10-15
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
Do
morning

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Take an easy uphill walk or short taxi/bus ride to this beautiful Romanesque church for one of Florence’s best panoramic viewpoints; wear supportive shoes and bring water.

1h 30m · Free
Basilica di Santa Croce (interior)
Do
afternoon

Basilica di Santa Croce (interior)

Visit the Franciscan church to see tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, plus Giotto frescoes.

1h 30m · $10-15

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Trattoria La Casalinga
Eat
afternoon

Trattoria La Casalinga

Cozy family-run spot; share ribollita soup, bistecca alla fiorentina, and house wine.

1h 30m · $40-70 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
Eat
afternoon

All'Antico Vinaio

Legendary schiacciata sandwiches; quick and local.

30m · $10-15 per person
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Eat
evening

Enoteca Pinchiorri

Michelin 3-star fine dining; try the Tuscan tasting menu with wine pairings.

2h 30m · $150-250 per person
Trattoria Mario
Eat
afternoon

Trattoria Mario

Bistecca alla Fiorentina and pappa al pomodoro at this no-frills local legend near market.

1h 15m · $40-60 per person
Il Santo Bevitore
Eat
evening

Il Santo Bevitore

Elegant yet relaxed contemporary Tuscan restaurant in the Oltrarno; order seasonal dishes like pappardelle with ragù or rabbit and explore their excellent Tuscan wine list.

2h · $70-110 per person
Osteria Santo Spirito
Eat
evening

Osteria Santo Spirito

Cozy, popular osteria on Piazza Santo Spirito with baked gnocchi and other Tuscan dishes; reserve or go early.

1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Caffè Gilli
Eat
morning

Caffè Gilli

Classic historic café on Piazza della Repubblica; sit at the marble counter or terrace for a cappuccino and a pastry such as a cornetto or sfoglia before heading to the Duomo and Uffizi.

1h · $10-20 per person
Gelateria La Carraia
Eat
evening

Gelateria La Carraia

Buontalenti flavor with wild berry sorbetto post-dinner stroll.

30m · $8-12 per person
Procacci
Eat
morning

Procacci

Elegant spot for panini con tartufo (truffle panini) and prosecco spritz.

45m · $15-20 per person
Caffè Scudieri
Eat
morning

Caffè Scudieri

Classic café on Piazza San Giovanni facing the Baptistery; stand at the bar for an affordable espresso and pastry before sightseeing.

30m · $5-10 per person
La Ménagère
Eat
morning

La Ménagère

Design‑forward café and restaurant with excellent coffee and breakfast in a stylish, plant‑filled space.

1h · $12-18 per person
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Eat
morning

Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio

Grab **foccaccia** with wild herbs, fresh **ricotta**, and market **porchetta** from stalls.

45m · $15-25 per person
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Eat
evening

Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Traditional ribollita and wild boar pappardelle.

1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Trattoria ZaZa
Eat
evening

Trattoria ZaZa

Lively trattoria near Mercato Centrale known for Florentine favorites; try ribollita, homemade pasta, or a shared bistecca alla Fiorentina alongside Tuscan wine in a convivial atmosphere.

1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Eat
evening

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Intimate wine bar facing Palazzo Pitti offering curated Tuscan wine flights and seasonal small plates; opt for a guided tasting with a tagliere of local cheeses and salumi.

2h · $35-55 per person
Gustapanino
Eat
midday

Gustapanino

Casual panini and simple plates just off Piazza Santo Spirito with outdoor seating when weather permits.

45m · $10-15 per person
La Giostra
Eat
evening

La Giostra

Candlelit, vaulted dining room with refined Tuscan dishes; share the pear and pecorino ravioli and a Florentine steak for two.

2h 30m · $70-120 per person
Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)
Eat
afternoon

Mercato Centrale (Upstairs Food Hall)

Large indoor food hall with multiple vendors offering fresh pasta, pizza, lampredotto, and more; order at the stalls and grab a table.

1h 15m · $15-30 per person
Mercato Centrale Food Hall
Eat
midday

Mercato Centrale Food Hall

Upstairs food hall above San Lorenzo’s market with many stalls serving fresh pasta, pizza, lampredotto, and gelato at reasonable prices.

1h 15m · $12-22 per person
Cibrèo Ristorante
Eat
evening

Cibrèo Ristorante

Innovative Tuscan cuisine; order signature peposo stew and desserts.

2h · $80-140 per person

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