20+ BEST Things to Do in Florence for First Time Visitors

Getting ready to cross Florence off of your travel bucket list, planning your itinerary? I got you! 😍 As an Italian who’s clinically obsessed with this city and is a frequent visitor, I’m so excited to share with you all the best things to do in Florence! 

From the Florence Duomo to the Uffizi Gallery, and Piazzale Michelangelo – Florence is a city that will make your jaw drop, because everything is just so mindblowingly beautiful and extraordinary.

Funny story, as an Italian who grew up between Italy and the U.S., I always thought Florence would be a tourist-trap of a city – like Venice (in my opinion). And boy was I wrong! Florence quickly proved to be everything I was told: dreamy, breathtaking, and rich in Italian culture and history.

In other words, you can rest assured that you’ll quickly fall in love with Florence, just like me!

Okay, enough fangirling (for now). Whether you’re a first time visitor, or a repeat visitor, this list has something for everyone – including the main attractions, cultural experiences, and my favorite hidden gems. 

Furthermore, as a repeat visitor, get ready for all my personal recommendations, insights, and essential travel tips.

Without further ado, get ready to discover all the best of Florence! 😍

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20+ Best Things to Do in Florence | The Ultimate List

Don’t have time to read yet? Grab my Quick Recommendations & Tips!👇
🔥 Book ASAP: Brunelleschi Dome Pass, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery
🎨 Tip: Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Accademia Gallery are closed on Mondays.
🏠 Stay at Hotel Spadai
✅ Prepare: Grab my FREE Italy Essentials eChecklist

Quick Overview: What Not to Miss in Florence

• Florence Duomo Complex
• Uffizi Gallery
• Accademia Gallery
• Historic Center
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• Devour a Schiacciata for lunch, Florentine steak for dinner

1. Visit the Florence Duomo Complex

• ⏰ Duration: Depends on the parts you want to visit.

One of the absolute best things to do in Florence is to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the most famous attraction in the city. 

With its construction starting in 1296, it took around 140 years to complete the complex. This is the third-largest cathedral in the world and is nothing short of a Renaissance work of art. The iconic façade wraps around every part of the complex, keeping you entranced as you try to notice each detail.

The Florence Duomo complex is made of several parts: the Cathedral, Brunelleschi Dome, Giotto’s Belltower, and St. John’s Baptistery. Whether you plan to enter any of the sites making up the complex, you simply must see it from the outside! Each of the sites is decorated in the most beautiful and intricate Renaissance art details.

Before visiting the Florence Duomo Complex, make sure to read these 15+ ESSENTIAL tips. These tips will teach you everything you need to know – from tickets, to dress codes, when to line up, and so forth.

The Duomo receives an average of 4.5 MILLION visitors each year! The Cathedral is free to enter, but you can book a live guide if you want to skip long lines and dive deeper. However, make sure you book your Brunelleschi Dome entry tickets ASAP, as they sell out months in advance! 👇

2. Climb the Brunelleschi Dome

• ⏰ Duration: Depends on the ticket, or experience you pick (eg. guided tour vs entry ticket).

The Brunelleschi Dome is a wonder of its own. I mean… this is the largest masonry dome in the world, and that’s the most boring fact!

Would you believe me if I told you that the architect of this Dome, Filippo Brunelleschi, had no architectural training? Or that he became the designated architect because he won a contest by balancing an egg? And yes… this is all true!

By climbing this dome you will get the opportunity to see its spectacular art from up close and catch beautiful views over Florence. Fair warning though, there are almost 500 steps to climb! If you want to see the Dome but don’t want to climb it, you can enter the Cathedral for free and see it from there.

Ready to climb the Dome? Get your ticket for the Brunelleschi Dome today!👇

3. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

• ⏰ Duration: Average visit is 1-1.5 hours

Say hello to Michelangelo’s wife! Yes… the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella.

This 13th-century hidden gem, once a convent, is a large complex with several parts to visit. Here you will find a breathtaking cathedral, courtyards, art rooms, and so forth. The façade of this basilica is both the oldest and only original one standing in all of Florence.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is easily one of the most incredible works of art in Florence. Personally, this is the most breathtaking site to see – and honestly, I completely understand why Michelangelo named it his wife. I would too! 😂

Visiting this hidden gem is truly one of the best unusual things to do in Florence. If you’re ready to meet Michelangelo’s wife, here’s the perfect entry ticket for the Basilica that includes an audio guide! 👇

4. Uffizi Gallery

• ⏰ Duration: 2 hours on average
• CLOSED on Mondays!

Welcome to one of the world’s most famous art galleries! The Medici Family created this gallery over 250 years

In this gallery, you will find endless world-renowned works of art and artists. Just to name a few artists, you will find Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and Caravaggio. Art-wise, some world-renowned paintings include “Primavera” and “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, “Dono Tondo” by Michelangelo, and “Annunciation” by Leonardo da Vinci.

With over 100 rooms and 2,200 works of art, some dating to the 13th century, the Uffizi Gallery will have you entranced. Being so immense, you can easily spend 3 hours here and feel as if it wasn’t enough time. Visiting the Uffizi is the perfect way to appreciate the deep love Florence has for art, and spend the day when it rains in Florence.

The Uffizi Gallery is simply something you cannot miss when in Florence! Being one of the world’s most beloved and famous galleries, make sure to book your tickets asap and in advance. Furthermore, the Corridoio Vasariano, a secret passage from Palazzo Vecchio to Pitti Palace, re-opened in December 2024. Make sure to reserve your spot for the Vasari Corridor!

Here are the best and most highly-rated Uffizi Gallery experiences, from entry tickets to the best guided tours. Book your tickets here! 👇

5. Accademia Gallery – Statue of David

• ⏰ Duration: The average visit is 1 hour, but can be as short as 30 minutes when only seeing David.
• CLOSED on Mondays!

Welcome to David’s home! The Statue of David by Michelangelo is another of Florence’s most visited attractions with over 1.7 million visitors each year. This is a 17-foot-tall statue, which is roughly the equivalent of a two-story building. This colossal marble statue was the first made in the early modern period, in the 16th century.

To visit the Statue of David, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the museum when the doors open at 8:15 AM. This will help you with the insane crowds that begin to form later in the morning. If you want to see the statue but don’t care to enter the Accademia Gallery, you can see a smaller replica in Piazza della Signoria.

Want to meet David in person? Get your tickets before they sell out! 👇

6. Visit Ponte Vecchio

Welcome to one of the world’s most famous bridges, and Florence’s first bridge to cross the Arno River! Dating back as early as the 10th century, Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) is a very fitting name. Up until 1218, Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge to cross the Arno River.

The Ponte Vecchio we see today went through renovations in the 12th century, and again in the 14th century due to a severe flood.

While the bridge is iconic to walk on due to its history, it is worth noting that the best way to experience it is from the adjacent bridges. Walk across the Ponte Santa Trinità or Ponte alla Grazia to see the bridge in its full splendor.

7. Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset

One of the best piazzas in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is a large square dedicated to the one and only, Michelangelo. This square is famous for its mesmerizing views over Florence and is a popular spot for catching the most iconic sunsets over the city. 

I honestly cannot believe it took me 3 visits to finally catch a sunset here…please don’t make my mistake, and go visit!

What was really cool about my first visit here, in December, there was a festive Christmas tree in the square and you could see all of Florence lit up, including the Ponte Vecchio with festive lights and projected animations. 

Okay, enough fangirling. Piazzale Michelangelo is hands down the most perfect spot to end the day and enjoy the best vibes. Enjoy it!! P.S. If you want an extra way to commemorate your Florence trip, check out this wonderful photoshoot experience at Piazzale Michelangelo! 👇

8. Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

• ⏰ Duration: About an hour for each.
• CLOSED on Mondays!

As mentioned earlier, the Pitti Palace is where the Medici family moved after Palazzo Vecchio. Originally the residence of the Medici, the Pitti Palace is now an art museum. The Boboli Gardens, designed by the Medici, is a beautifully landscaped and luscious area. Along the greenery, you can find several statues, grottoes, and fountains.

Despite being in the same area, the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens have two different tickets. Therefore, you can choose whether to visit both for a discount price or only visit one.

Ready to visit the Pitti Palace, or the Boboli Gardens, or BOTH? 😍 Get the perfect ticket for you here!👇

9. Piazza della Signoria

Welcome to the most beautiful and important square of Florence, Piazza della Signoria! As one of the best piazzas in Florence, this square is home to several important sites, including Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and several statues.

Palazzo Vecchio was once the Medici family’s home and office before they moved to the Pitti Palace. Palazzo Vecchio’s name, which means “Old Palace”, was given after they moved out. The original name was Palazzo della Signoria.

The Loggia dei Lanzi, which sits in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, is an open-air museum populated with famous statue replicas. Some replicas in the Loggia dei Lanzi and the square include Neptune, David, and Perseus With the Head of Medusa. The Loggia dei Lanzi has free entrance.

10. Villa Bardini and Garden

• ⏰ Duration: Average visit is an hour.

Villa Bardini is a 17th-century villa that is home to the Pietro Annigoni Museum and lush gardens. This villa and its gardens offer a serene oasis within the bustling city. Furthermore, this villa offers some of the most beautiful views over Florence.

11. Palazzo Vecchio: Skip-the-Line Entry and Secret Passage Tour

• ⏰ Duration: 75 minutes

If you’re looking for a unique experience that gives you a deeper insight into the Medici family, this is for you! As mentioned earlier, the Palazzo Vecchio was once the Medici family’s residence. This guided tour takes you through a hidden passage and shows you secret rooms, all of which are closed off to the public.

Get your Secret Passage Tour tickets today and the Medici family “tea” tomorrow! 😉👇

12. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

With over 800 years of history, this is Florence’s oldest pharmacy and perfume store! The Dominican friars who founded the convent of Santa Maria Novella began cultivating a garden. 

This garden became the beginning of centuries of experience in natural preparations and pharmacopeia. Later, the experience expanded to the world of cosmetics and fragrances – creating the 600-year-old perfume store we see today.

Come here to smell their amazing fragrances and get one of your own! Here you can also buy skincare, home, and body/hair products.

My personal favorite perfume of theirs is the jasmine, a scent that will forever transport me to Italy. Whether you plan to get a perfume, maybe as a gift for someone or your own souvenir, or not – I highly recommend visiting this pharmacy just to enjoy its historic aesthetic and surround yourself with the best scents!

13. Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels)

Forming a part of the San Lorenzo complex, the Medici Chapels are the final resting place of the Medici family. These chapels are nothing short of a Renaissance work of art and are absolutely worth visiting!

Book your tickets here.👇

14. Fontana del Porcellino

Fontana del Porcellino, known in English as the “fountain of the piglet” is a bronze boar fountain from the 17th century that supposedly brings good luck if you rub its nose and/or place a coin in its mouth.

Furthermore, if the coin gets washed from the mouth into the grate below, you will not only receive luck – but be sure to return to Florence.

15. Mercato Centrale di Firenze

Mercato Centrale is Florence’s iconic food marketplace where artisans and their foods are the stars. The goal of this marketplace was to bring together food artisans and for them to directly sell their produce. This is because nobody knows produce better than the artisans themselves.

Come to Mercato Centrale to experience the cultural and social aspects this marketplace offers. Most importantly, come here to eat authentic and fresh foods made with love and passion. This is a great place for all meals.

For all the foodies out there, this is easily one of the best things to do in Florence (food wise).

16. Artisan Shopping

When in Italy, support artisans! Artisanship is an important cultural heritage that must be supported for it to continue through the next generations. Along with supporting artisans, there are several other reasons to buy artisan products. 

For one, you will have an authentic, one-of-a-kind, and high-quality product. If you want a souvenir to commemorate your travels,  an artisan product is the best way to go!

17. Pasta Making Class with Unlimited Wine

What better souvenir from Italy, then learning how to make three different types of pasta inside a medieval tower from the 1200s?

During this 3-hour cooking class you will learn to make fresh pasta in Florencea, with the company of unlimited wine or soft drinks. At the end of the cooking class, you will eat everything you prepared.

This school offers various classes, including one with truffle and flambé cheese wheel experience. Book your spot to this best-rated experience before it sells out! 👇

18. Food Tours

What better way to enjoy Florence food than with a food tour? Food tours are a great way to dive deeper into Florence’s culture and create fun and delicious memories. 

Check out Florence’s best food tours, from street food to dining food, and get ready to EAT! 😍👇

If you don’t have time for a tour, don’t you worry! Here are some foods you must try in Florence:

• Schiacciata – Florence’s iconic sandwich, perfect for lunch
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Florence’s famous Florentine steak
• Coccoli – fried dough balls typically served with prosciutto and stracchino cheese
• Cantucci con Vin Santo – adult version of cookies and milk (😂), perfect ending to a meal.

And even better news, if you’re celiac like me, I know the best gluten free restaurants in Florence! Get ready for incredible, 100% gluten free, or AIC certified (celiac friendly) restaurants. 😍

19. City Walking Tours

What better way to get to know Florence on a deeper level than going on a guided walking tour? If guided tours are your vibe when traveling, here are Florence’s best city walking tours! 👇

20. Day Trips

If you have plenty of spare time in Florence, it is worth considering going on a day trip to neighboring towns and cities! By going on a day trip, you have a chance to experience the magic of the Tuscan region and even nearby cities like Rome.

From Rome, to Pisa, and Bologna, to Cinque Terre the day trip world is your oyster. Check out these best guided day trips from Florence! 👇

21. Discovering Florence Street Art

Florence is a city where art runs through absolutely everything. Here you find art in the culture, museums, culinary scene, the people, and even the streets.

One of the most unusual things to do in Florence is looking out for the hidden Florence street art. These little works of art are bound to put the biggest smile on your face.

If you want to maximize how much street art you see, and learn about the famous street artists, this could be the perfect experience for you! 👇

First Time in Florence FAQs

What is Florence best known for?

Florence is best known for the Renaissance, its PHENOMENAL architecture, food, and leather artisanship. Here you can expect a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, with enchanting medieval vibes.

When compared to the other “main” tourist destinations, such as Cinque Terre and Venice, Florence is a more authentic city with rich culture and great food.

What are the top three attractions in florence?

Out of all these best things to do in Florence, the three top attractions in Florence for tourists and first-time visitors are the Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia Gallery.

Some other absolute must-dos are admiring Ponte Vecchio, catching a sunset over Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo, devouring local food, and strolling around the Historic Centre.

What should I book ahead of time in Florence? What must you prebook in Florence?

Because Florence is so popular, there are several things you need to book asap:

• Brunelleschi Dome Pass (if you plan to climb it)
• Your hotel
• (If applicable) your high-speed train tickets.

As mentioned earlier and in my Florence Duomo guide, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a complex composed of different monuments – for this reason there are different tickets. If you want to visit and enter the Cathedral, entry is free. 

To climb up the Duomo and admire the Brunelleschi Dome from up close, you need to pre-book your tickets at least one month in advance.

By booking your hotel and high-speed train tickets well-in-advance, you’ll be able to get the best deals and find more options. 

How do you spend a perfect day in Florence?

The perfect day in Florence includes visiting and admiring the Florence Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, strolling around the Historic Center, devouring local food until your pants don’t fit, admiring Ponte Vecchio, and catching a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. 

Read my one day in Florence itinerary to discover all the details, in-between activities, and insights from a repeat visitor for the ultimate experience! 

Visiting Florence from Rome as a day trip? CThen check out my Rome to Florence day trip guide for day trip specifics, logistics, and other important travel tips!

How many days in Florence is enough?

If it’s your first time visiting Florence, I strongly recommend spending a minimum of 2 days, preferably 3-4 days. 

2 days in Florence is enough to visit all of Florence’s must-sees, but it’s two packed days! However, if you’re looking to slow down, savor the main attractions while having time to experience Florence for the beautiful city it is, it’s best to spend at least 3-4 full days!

For three days, just spread out my 2 days in Florence Itinerary! This guide will help you see all of the must-sees, hidden gems, enjoy gluten free restaurants, and dive deeper into the city’s heritage and culture. 

Where to stay in Florence, Italy, for the first time?

When visiting Florence for the first time, you simply must stay in the Historic Center! 

If you book early enough, you will be able to find great deals with smaller hotels, bed and breakfasts, and AirBnBs. There are also plenty of hotels ranging from affordable to highly luxurious, allowing you to find your perfect stay.

One of the most beloved mid-range hotels in Florence is Hotel Spadai. Located in the heart of the Historic Center, the hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Florence Duomo and a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station. This hotel is considered a more luxurious 4-star hotel, and with its unbeatable location, it’s on the higher-end of mid-range hotels.

Book your Hotel Spadai stay here.

📌 Pin for your Future Florence Travels

Which of these best things to do in Florence are you looking the most forward to? Let me know in the comments! 😊👇

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