From the majestic Duomo to the charming Ponte Vecchio, this city is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Lose yourself in the winding streets of the historic center, where Renaissance palaces and medieval towers stand as reminders of Florence’s glorious past. So let’s find out the best things to do in this amazing city together.
Even if you’re not planning a full trip around Tuscany, you can still experience one of its highlights. This half-day Chianti wine tour from Florence lets you discover beautiful vineyards, meet local producers, and taste some of the region’s most famous wines and delicacies.
1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Once you get close to the heart of Florence, you’ll notice from a distance a majestic structure with an interesting design: Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Known more commonly as “Il Duomo di Firenze”, Florence’s most famous landmark stands as a tribute to Renaissance’s golden age. Terracotta rooftops with stained-glass windows, a harmonious green, red, and white marble facade, and the largest masonry dome in the world make the cathedral not only an important religious sanctuary, but a representative symbol of human potential, ingenuity, and creativity.
There is a long queue that circles the cathedral, so it takes a while to get in as it’s free to visit. If you go in the summer season, a hat, sunglasses, and water is a must.
Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi)
Brunelleschi revolutionized engineering and architecture through the Dome, also known as the “Cupola del Brunelleschi”. But how? Well, there is no wooden scaffolding, just a double-shell design, made from brick and mortar. The horizontal stone chains and the brick pattern proved the distribution of weight and stress evenly across the dome, paving the way for future developments in construction.
Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for a panoramic view of Florence you’ll remember for a long time. Prepare for 463 stairs, unfortunately there’s no elevator.
Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)
Just a few steps away lies Giotto’s Bell Tower, a striking campanile (the Italian word for bell tower) with patterned marble just like its colleagues. Each level of the tower reveals a closer look at Giotto’s visionary design, a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. There are 414 steps to get to the top, and just like from the Dome, the view is worth the climb.
The Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni)
Right next to the cathedral, you’ll discover the cathedral’s little brother, Battistero di San Giovanni. Known for its magnificent bronze doors Michelangelo called “The Gates of Paradise”, the baptistery is one of the most important religious buildings in Florence. Both the Gates of Paradise and the interior of the ceiling tell different stories from the Bible: scenes from the Genesis, scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, and the Last Judgement.
Crypt of Santa Reparata (Cripta di Santa Reparata)
Originally built as a place of worship in the 4th century AD, the crypt served as the foundation for the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which stands above it today. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the evolution of Florentine society and culture, surviving earthquakes, fires, and wars.
Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo di Firenze)
Aaaand, last but not least, you need to stop and admire the treasures housed in the Opera del Duomo Museum. Here, you can find many of the original artworks created for the cathedral complex, with Michelangelo and Donatello being the main characters of the exhibition.
While the Cathedral can be visited for free, you’ll need a ticket for the others. You can find both individual tickets for each of them or a bundle ticket that includes all 5 attractions.
The 5-combo ticket surely will help you better understand the immersive story of the city that shaped the world’s cultural heritage. If possible, try to visit them all, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Piazza del Duomo
Housing the Cathedral and its friends, Piazza del Duomo is one of the most vibrating places in Florence. Cafes and restaurants line the square with their inviting terraces luring you in with the promise of delicious Tuscan fare. Artists and artisans work their magic, crafting treasures right before your eyes. The air buzzes with the chatter of locals and tourists alike, making it the perfect place to soak in the lively vibe.
3. Piazza della Repubblica
While Piazza del Duomo is more for those who want to discover Florence’s artistic and architectural masterpieces, Piazza della Repubblica is for those who want to experience the true heartbeat of the city. Enclosed by majestic neoclassical buildings, cobbled streets, touristy shops, and charming cafes, here you’ll find nice spacious terraces and a charming local scene: students chatting over espressos, businessmen clinching deals, and families enjoying a tasty gelato.
Just a few steps away from Piazza della Repubblica, you can find Giunti Odeon – Liberia e Cinema, a cool spot that’s both a bookshop and a cinema in one!
4. Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a very interesting spot you don’t want to miss: here, architectural masterpieces and iconic symbols of civic power merge, creating a square that has served as a political hub since the 14th century. Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David serve as a reminder of the city’s enduring commitment to civic pride and humanist values. The Florentine Renaissance will force you to pause, look, and reflect on the grandeur of the city, compelling you to admire the ingenuity of humankind.
The replica of David stands right where the original once stood before it was moved to Galleria dell’Academia to be protected from damage.
5. Palazzo Vecchio
Originally named “Palazzo della Signoria” (obvious, right?), the grand palace has been the epicenter of the city’s political life since the 13th century, serving nowadays as the city hall of Florence and a museum as well. Arnolfo di Cambio created a robust structure, redefining the fortress-like structures that inspire strength and security. Inside, sumptuous decorations, large-scale murals, frescoes, and many other masterpieces highlight the artistic and political ambitions of the Medici era and not only.
There are a lot of hidden passages and private staircases that were built as escape routes during tough times. The most famous secret passage is the Vasari Corridor (leading directly to the Pitti Palace). Dan Brown’s “Inferno” readers surely will recognize this one.
If you want a different panoramic view of Florence, make sure you go on top of Torre di Arnolfo.
6. Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)
After you visit Palazzo Vecchio, inevitably you’ll get to the Uffizi Gallery: the official home of Renaissance in Florence. Here, Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Caravaggio are just a few of the luminaries of Renaissance art who have their masterpieces exposed. Visiting one of the most acclaimed art museums in the world is a mandatory experience when in Florence as each room tells a different story.
Lengthy queues are common at Uffizi, so we strongly recommend to book your tickets in advance as it saves a looot of time. By the way, on the first Sunday of every month, the admission to the museum is free.
7. Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio, the iconic bridge of Florence, is more than just a crossing over the Arno River, it’s a living piece of history. Lined with charming shops that spill over the sides like vines on an ancient wall, it’s a place where artisans ply their trade just as they have for centuries. As you stroll across its ancient stones, you’ll feel the weight of time and tradition, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the spark that inspired the likes of Dante and Michelangelo. But Ponte Vecchio isn’t just about the past; it’s a vibrant part of Florence’s present, buzzing with life and energy. Whether you’re admiring the sunset over the river or getting lost in the maze of narrow streets on either side, Ponte Vecchio is a timeless symbol of the city’s beauty and resilience.
During World War II, it was the only bridge in Florence not destroyed by the retreating German forces. Why? Hitler was enchanted by its beauty, so he ordered for the bridge to be left intact.
8. Mercato Centrale Firenze
Florence isn’t just about art and history, it’s a foodie paradise too! And what better place to taste the magic of Italian cuisine than a bustling food market? There are two floors: the ground floor greets you with fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, seafood, and other staples of Italian cuisine; the second floor is a food hall with different vendors ready to offer you their best mouthwatering pizza and handmade pasta to creamy gelato and robust Tuscan wines. So, grab a panino bursting with prosciutto, sip on a glass of Chianti, and let the flavors of Florence transport you to heaven.
Still hungry? Here is our curated list of 15 must-try restaurants where you can really taste the heart of Tuscan cuisine.
9. Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)
Smaller than the Uffizi Gallery but with the same importance, the Accademia Gallery is another must-see landmark for art and Renaissance. Here, you’ll find the glorious “David”. Through it, you’ll understand the breathtaking realism, anatomical precision, and High Renaissance Michelangelo offered us. Most people know it as the home of the original Michelangelo’s David, but here lies a rich collection of paintings by Florentine artists from the 13th to the 16th centuries (Botticelli and Ghirlandaio included).
Make sure you don’t miss the Hall of the Prisoners. Unfinished sculptures of Michelangelo lie there, offering a unique perspective into his artistic process (especially after you see the perfection of David).
Discover Michelangelo’s David and the other masterpieces of the Accademia Gallery with skip-the-line entry tickets.
10. Piazzale Michelangelo
Panoramic views are something mandatory when visiting a city as they complete the discovering experience. Until now, we’ve offered a few opportunities in which you can enjoy them, but we’ve got another one. Piazzale Michelangelo offers one of the most unforgettable panoramic views of Florence. Created as a tribute to Michelangelo, the square is the perfect spot for taking a deep breath and enjoying the Tuscan sun.
Wanna capture the magic of Florence? Visit Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset (or sunrise if you’re brave haha).
When you want to go back to the city, choose the Giardino delle Rose route. Here, a couple hundred varieties of roses are waiting for you, as well as different panoramic views.
11. Take a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class in Florence was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip! Here, you’ll learn to craft fresh pasta just as Italian grandmothers have done for centuries. Guided by passionate chefs, you’ll make three types of pasta—ravioli, tortelli, and pappardelle—from scratch, along with classic sauces like buttery sage, arrabbiata and hearty Tuscan ragù. And at the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created—honestly, some of the best pasta you’ll ever taste!
We took this class and loved it, definitely a must for anyone wanting to master Italian cooking or have some fun!
12. Day trip to Pisa
Since you’re already in Florence and Pisa is only an hour away by train, why not take a day trip? We’re sure you’ve heard of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and seeing it in person should be a must on your “Italy Bucket List”. So check out our ultimate guide of Pisa for more details on how to get there and what to visit.
If you have more time we recommend you visit:
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence (Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze): Standing in Piazza Santa Croce, the Basilica with the same name is one of the most important achievements of Gothic architecture in Italy. The chapels are decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, exemplifying his revolutionary use of emotional expression and realistic detail. Besides that, the basilica serves as the final resting place for Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, a true Pantheon of Italian genius.
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella: Right opposite the Florence railway station, you can find Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, a masterwork of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, the basilica offers its visitors art treasures like serene cloisters, unique chapels, and gems of Masaccio and Ghirlandaio.
Basilica di San Lorenzo: Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence, and also the parish church of the Medici family. With an uncompleted facade, the highly decorated interior featuring a design by Brunelleschi emphasizes spatial harmony and geometric balance, creating a stark and unique contrast. Here, Michelangelo designed the magnificent tombs for the Medici Family, turning Medici Chapels into an important mausoleum visited by thousands of people monthly.
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti): Situated on the south side of the Arno, the Pitti Palace is another symbol of Medici’s power and prestige in Florence. Even though it was built for the Pitti family in the 15th century, the Medicis purchased it and expanded it into a vast palace complex, including the Boboli Gardens (the perfect example of an Italian Renaissance garden). Today, the palace has a few museums, the most important being the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.
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