Things to Do in Florence, Italy: 25+ Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Wondering about the best things to do in Florence, Italy?

Florence is a city that captivates with its timeless charm and enchants with its artistic and architectural beauties: cradle of creativity and genius of great artists of the Renaissance, it is also a lively and dynamic city, rich in events and opportunities, home to important university and cultural realities.

Walking through its streets and squares you breathe a unique atmosphere that seems to bring back to the splendor of the past: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Brunelleschi, the Duomo with its imposing dome, the Ponte Vecchio with its jewelers’ shops and the Uffizi Gallery are just some of the treasures that Florence preserves in its historic center.

Discover with this guide the 25 unmissable things to do in Florence and the secrets of this wonderful city.

Florence enchants with its millenary history and its artistic and cultural richness: crossroads of different peoples and cultures, it was historically the center of economic and political power of the Medici and Lorena families and more recently, the Kingdom of Italy capital from 1865 to 1871.

Here were born and lived many fundamental characters for literature, art, science and politics, such as Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Machiavelli, Amerigo Vespucci and Galileo Galilei.

Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, a period that marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity and the land where the Italian language was born: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and European city of culture in 1986, it offers its visitors an invaluable heritage of monuments and museums.

In this article we want to take you through the top attractions in Florence and its surroundings: not only art, history and culture, but also food and wine, tradition and nature.

Follow us on this journey to discover the city and the hills around it, you will admire breathtaking views, taste the typical products of the territory and immerse yourself in the typical atmosphere of Tuscany: here are the 25+ must-see things to do in beautiful Florence in 2026.

No list of the best things to do in Florence would be complete without visiting the Uffizi Gallery Florence, one of the most celebrated art museums in the world and the ultimate showcase of Renaissance genius. 

Located in the heart of the historic center, the museum occupies a magnificent building commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in the 16th century and today houses the extraordinary collections assembled by the powerful Medici family over centuries.

Walking through the Uffizi is like taking a journey through the history of Western art. The museum's undisputed stars are Botticelli’s masterpieces, especially the iconic Botticelli Birth of Venus and Primavera, two of the most recognizable paintings in the world and among the most beloved works by American visitors. 

The collection also includes masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of Renaissance and Baroque painting through some of history’s greatest artists. Beyond the artworks themselves, the museum offers stunning views over Florence, including unique perspectives of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio through the gallery's large windows and corridors.

Due to its global popularity, securing your Uffizi tickets 2026 in advance is strongly recommended and is practically essential during the busiest months from April through October. As of 2026, the standard admission ticket costs €25. Booking an entry time online allows you to avoid long queues and make the most of your visit.

The Duomo of Florence or church of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the symbols of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: after St. Peter’s in Rome and the Duomo of Milan, it is the third largest church in Europe and part of the monumental complex of the Opera del Duomo, which also includes the baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto’s bell tower and the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Its construction began in 1296 on the project of Arnolfo di Cambio and ended in 1436 with the consecration of Brunelleschi’s dome. The facade in neo-Gothic style is made with polychrome marbles and dates back to the second half of the nineteenth century, inside there are three naves with a large round that supports the octagonal dome.

Brunelleschi’s dome is an extraordinary architectural work that at the time of its construction had no precedents able to match it: Filippo Brunelleschi won the competition organized by the Opera del Duomo in 1418 and designed it without providing for the use of centering or support structures, devising an innovative system of self-supporting vaults.

The huge octagonal structure has an internal diameter of 45.5 meters and an external one of 54.8, it is 116 meters high and weighs 37,000 tons.

Inside it's richly decorated with frescoes of the Last Judgment made by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari between 1572 and 1579: to admire them from a privileged point of view, the Brunelleschi dome climb takes you up the 463 steps of the internal staircase, where you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city.

To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing the Duomo Pass, which costs €30 in 2026 and includes access to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Opera del Duomo Museum. Be sure to book online in advance: during the busiest months, queues can easily stretch to two or even three hours.

Among the top Florence points of interest, no visit to the city is complete without seeing Michelangelo's David Florence, a symbol of both the Renaissance and the city itself. Created by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504 from a single block of Carrara marble, the statue stands an impressive 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall and represents the biblical hero David moments before his battle with Goliath.

While countless reproductions of David can be found around the world, nothing compares to seeing the original in person. Housed inside the Accademia Gallery Florence, the sculpture will astonish you with its scale, anatomical precision and extraordinary attention to detail. 

From the tension in David’s muscles to the veins visible in his hands and the intensity of his gaze, every element showcases Michelangelo’s unparalleled mastery. Standing beneath the statue, you can fully appreciate dimensions and craftsmanship that photographs and replicas simply cannot convey.

Although David is undoubtedly the museum’s main attraction, the Galleria dell’Accademia also houses an important collection of Renaissance paintings and Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners, offering fascinating insight into the artist’s creative process.

Be sure to book your ticket online in advance. In 2026, standard admission costs €20, and reservations are essentially mandatory, as walk-up lines are often very long during Florence’s busiest tourist season.

Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and a living piece of medieval history stretching across the Arno River. 

Famous for its picturesque row of jewelry shops, the bridge has been home to goldsmiths and artisans since the 16th century, when they replaced the original butcher shops by order of the Medici family.

One of its most fascinating features is the Vasari Corridor, an elevated passageway built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari. It connects the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, allowing the Medici rulers to move discreetly above the city without mixing with the crowds below.

Ponte Vecchio Florence also holds a remarkable place in modern history: it was the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during the German retreat in 1944 in World War II. Today, it remains a symbol of resilience as well as beauty, attracting visitors with its timeless atmosphere, sunset views over the Arno, and glittering displays of handcrafted jewelry.

Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset is arguably the most photographed panoramic viewpoint in Florence, and represents also one of its most iconic experiences. This wide terrace located on a hill south of the historic center, in fact, offers a breathtaking open-air view completely free of charge.

From here, you can admire the entire skyline of the city: the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome rising above the rooftops, the Palazzo Vecchio tower, and the elegant curve of the Arno River. At the center of the square stands a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, adding a symbolic touch to the panorama.

The atmosphere changes dramatically throughout the day, but the most magical moment is undoubtedly sunset, when the warm light turns Florence into a glowing tapestry of terracotta roofs, stone bridges and golden reflections on the river.

It’s the perfect place to end your day of sightseeing, relax with a view, and capture unforgettable photos of one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world.

Palazzo Vecchio is one of the symbols of Florence and its history. It was built between 1299 and 1314 as the seat of the government of the Florentine Republic and then residence of the Medici, lords and grand dukes of Tuscany.

The palace has a rusticated facade with a large arched portal and a series of mullioned windows. On the facade stand out the coats of arms of the priors, the magistrates who ruled the city, and the statues of Hercules and Cacus, symbols of strength and justice.

The tower of Arnolfo is the oldest part of the palace and is 95 meters high. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the architect who also built the Dome and Santa Croce: the tower has a square base and inside it you can climb a staircase of 223 steps that leads to the top, where you can enjoy a splendid 360-degree view over the city.

The palace also houses a museum that preserves artworks and historical testimonies related to the Medici and Renaissance Florence. Among them are Salone dei Cinquecento decorated by Vasari with frescoes celebrating military achievements by Medici family, the Maps Room, the Chapel of Eleonora and the Michelozzo Courtyard: entering, you’ll receive a tablet with a video guide providing all the information you need for your visit. 

Just outside Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria unfolds as one of Florence’s most iconic open-air museums and the true political heart of the city. This extraordinary square is dominated by Renaissance masterpieces: under the elegant arches of Loggia dei Lanzi, you can admire sculptures displayed freely to the public, including works like Perseus with the Head of Medusa and the Rape of the Sabine Women. 

The Boboli Gardens are a historic park in Florence located behind Palazzo Pitti. It’s one of the most important examples of Italian-style gardens in the world and an open-air museum with ancient and modern sculptures.

A perfect escape from the city chaos, it lets you get lost among the geometries of the avenues and the richly decorated architectures, rest in the shade of an ancient oak tree, listen to the sound of water flowing in the “Fontana di Nettuno” and “Fontana dell’Oceano” by Giambologna, admire the sculptures in Giorgio Vasari’s “Grotta Grande” or the ancient inscriptions on the Egyptian obelisk.

The garden was created by the Medici in the 16th century and expanded by subsequent dynasties Lorena and Savoia. It has an area of about 45,000 m² and presents different environments: the courtyard with amphitheater, Neptune’s basin, the “viottolone” with statues of grand dukes, the “island” with Ocean fountain, Buontalenti’s grotto with its scenic wonders and much more.

The garden is also connected to Forte di Belvedere, a military outpost built by Medici for security of grand ducal family. The fort offers a splendid view over city and hosts contemporary art exhibitions The garden is also surrounded by ancient city walls dating back to 13th century and that were strengthened by Michelangelo during siege of Florence from 1529-1530.

In 2026, entry to the Boboli Gardens costs €10.

The Santa Croce Basilica is the city’s own Pantheon, a wonderful place where art, history and the memory of some of Italy’s greatest minds come together. Located on the eastern edge of Florence’s historic center, this magnificent Franciscan basilica has been a symbol of the city for centuries.

Inside, you can pay tribute to some of the most influential figures in Italian history. The basilica houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli and composer Gioachino Rossini, earning it the nickname Florence’s Pantheon. Walking through its vast nave feels like stepping into a monument dedicated to the cultural legacy of Italy itself.

Beyond its famous tombs, Santa Croce preserves remarkable artistic treasures, such as the celebrated frescoes by Giotto, considered masterpieces of early Renaissance painting, and the elegant Pazzi Chapel, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and regarded as one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture. If you are interested in art, history and the personalities who shaped Western civilization, this is a truly essential stop in Florence.

If your passions are art and history, you can’t miss a visit to the Bargello Museum in Florence, the first Italian national museum dedicated to the arts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, which houses masterpieces of sculpture by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, Verrocchio and other great artists.

Located in an ancient palace that was a prison , the seat of the podestà and police of Florence, it is characterized by a suggestive courtyard with heraldic coats of arms and by a chapel that preserves the oldest effigy of Dante Alighieri.

The museum also preserves a rich collection of bronzes, majolica, ivories, medals, tapestries and other works of decorative art, which testify to the variety and refinement of Florentine and Italian artistic production between the 12th and 18th centuries.

Here you can also experience paths for visually impaired and blind people and educational services for families, to make the visit accessible and engaging for all types of public.

Admission fee for 2026 is €12.

Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest churches in Florence, home of the Dominican order and the main attraction of the monastic complex of Florence.

Built by the friars in the 13th century on the ruins of a small church dedicated to Santa Maria delle Vigne, it is not only a church, but also a museum complex that includes the convent, the green cloister, the Spanish chapel, the refectory and the papal chapel: a real treasure chest full of incredible works of art by some of the greatest Renaissance artists.

Entering the church you are enchanted by the richness and variety of artworks that decorate it: starting from the façade, masterpiece by Leon Battista Alberti, then moving on to frescoes, sculptures, stained glass windows and paintings by artists such as Giotto, Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Ghirlandaio and Vasari.

You should also see the “Chiostro dei Morti” (Cloister of the Dead), which is part of the original structure of the convent and is also the oldest of the complex.

To visit this place full of charm and learn about the history of the Dominican order that contributed to the spread of faith and science throughout Europe, you will have a video guide on a comfortable 7-inch tablet.

The Medici Chapels are located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo: built between the 16th and 17th centuries, they house the tombs of 49 members of the influential family, lords and grand dukes who ruled Tuscany for more than three centuries from 1434 to 1737.

The two main parts of the museum are the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo and decorated with his splendid funerary sculptures for Giuliano and Lorenzo de’ Medici, and the Chapel of the Princes, a sumptuous baroque chapel covered with marbles and precious stones. The museum also includes some rooms of the crypt below the Chapel of the Princes where works of art and historical relics related to the Medici are displayed.

The museum has been home to important exhibitions dedicated to illustrious figures of the family, such as Ferdinando I de’ Medici and Leo X, the first pope belonging to the family: a place of great charm and beauty, built to celebrate the history of one of Europe’s most influential families.

The Interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a museum dedicated to the inventions and drawings of the great Florentine Renaissance genius and allows you to enter the mind of one of the most brilliant personalities in history with a completely interactive experience.

It is located in the historic center of Florence near the Dome and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the mechanisms drawn by Leonardo in his famous codes: the tank, the catapult, the aerial screw, the ornithopter are just some, and they are all made with materials available at that time.

Each machine can be manually operated by visitors and is accompanied by Leonardo’s original drawing and a description in various languages. You will also find a section dedicated to Leonardo’s anatomical studies with 20 drawings of human body parts, interactive workshops to build bridge, dome and polyhedra and a room of mirrors where you can discover how his studies on light inspired the invention of photography.

The museum is suitable for all curious people who want to discover the creative mind of greatest artist and scientist of all time, brought back to life thanks to meticulous reconstructions of his works.

If you think that Florence is only Renaissance, the National Archaeological Museum will make you change your mind. In this museum, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Italy, you can discover the ancient Etruscan, Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations that influenced the history and culture of the Mediterranean.

You can admire masterpieces such as the François Vase, the Chimera of Arezzo, the Idolino of Pesaro and the Sarcophagus of the Amazons. You can also visit the Egyptian Museum, the second largest in Italy after that of Turin, where you will find vases, amulets, bronzes and other objects from scientific expeditions of the 19th century.

The museum is located in Palazzo della Crocetta, an elegant 17th century palace built for Princess Maria Maddalena de’ Medici. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a journey through time in this fascinating and surprising museum.

To discover Florence beyond its most famous landmarks, cross the Arno River and spend some time exploring Oltrarno, the city's most authentic and characterful neighborhood. While the historic center is home to Florence’s most famous landmarks, Oltrarno reveals a quieter place where local traditions and everyday life still thrive.

Strolling through its narrow streets, you’ll discover historic artisan workshops where craftsmen continue centuries-old techniques, producing handmade leather goods, jewelry, paper products and other fine creations. The neighborhood retains a distinctly local atmosphere that feels far removed from the busiest tourist routes.

At its heart lies Piazza Santo Spirito, a lively square where residents gather throughout the day before spilling into the cafés and traditional osterie that line the surrounding streets. Oltrarno Florence is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine, and experience the city beyond its museums and monuments.

Florence is one of Italy’s food capitals, a city where culinary traditions are deeply tied to local identity, with a cuisine that is simple in ingredients but rich in history and flavors.

The most iconic dish is bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick T-bone steak cut from Chianina beef, traditionally cooked rare over a wood or charcoal fire. Weighing often over one kilogram, it’s usually priced between €45 and €65 per kg and meant to be shared, reflecting the social nature of Tuscan dining.

On the streets, the most authentic expression of local street food is the lampredotto sandwich, made from slow-cooked beef tripe served in a crusty roll, often seasoned with salsa verde or spicy sauce. Cheap, rustic and deeply rooted in working-class tradition, it remains a staple of everyday Florence.

No visit is complete without tasting Florentine gelato, with a loto of artisanal gelaterias continuing to set quality standards admired worldwide.

Finally, the city also gave birth to the Negroni cocktail Florence is famous for today. Created in 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger version of his Americano at Caffè Giacosa, it combines gin, vermouth rosso and Campari. Today, it remains a global classic, but its identity is unmistakably Florentine.

If you want to experience everyday food culture, the Mercato Centrale Florence in the San Lorenzo district is one of the best places to start. Housed inside a historic 19th-century iron-and-glass building, it brings together tradition and modern food culture under one roof.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a classic market atmosphere, with stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, cheeses and Tuscan specialties. It’s where locals still shop for quality ingredients, keeping alive the rhythm of daily Florentine life.

Head upstairs and the setting changes completely. You’ll find a contemporary food hall with small restaurants and counters serving everything from traditional Tuscan dishes to international street food. It’s an easy place to try different flavors in a relaxed, informal setting, whether you stop for a quick lunch or a casual dinner break during your visit to Florence.

If you love historic cars this tour is a unique opportunity to get on board a vintage Fiat 500 and drive through the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany: this true icon of Italian style in the world has in fact marked the history and culture of the beautiful country.

Born in 1957 as an economical car for Italian families in growth, the 500 soon became a cult object for young people of the '60s who used it to express their desire for freedom and fun, and inspired over the decades artists, directors, singers and stylists who celebrated it in their works.

In this tour you can rent a restored vintage Fiat 500 and drive it along the panoramic roads of the Chianti hills, crossing postcard landscapes accompanied by a professional guide who will tell you about the history and curiosities of this wonderful region.

Thanks to a radio transceiver you can stay in touch with the guide and with other participants on the tour: during the journey you will also have the opportunity to stop at a farm and at a Chianti winery where you can taste local cheeses, ham and fine wines admiring the panorama of Tuscan hills.

Florence is not only art and culture, but also a territory rich in excellent food and wine traditions, an ideal place to delight the palate with authentic and genuine flavors: an unforgettable experience for all five senses.

A Chianti wine tour from Florence is the ideal opportunity to discover the culinary traditions of Tuscany and taste the typical products of the territory, accompanied by excellent local wines.

The harmonious landscape of the hills frames ancient villages, castles and farms, where fine wines, cheeses, salami, olive oil and honey are produced.

You can taste the specialties of Tuscan cuisine, such as ribollita, Florentine steak, cacciucco, cantucci with vin santo and admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Chianti and Val d’Orcia valleys, where grapes are grown for famous red wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano.

Two to three days cover the essentials — the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. With more time, explore the Oltrarno, climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo and take a day trip into Tuscany. See our weekend in Florence guide and our 5-day Florence itinerary to plan your stay.

Yes. The Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia (home of the David) are Florence’s busiest museums, and walk-up queues regularly last two to three hours in high season. Booking a timed-entry ticket online in advance is strongly recommended, and virtually essential between April and October.

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It is famous for the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Medici family and artists like Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. It’s also celebrated for Tuscan food and wine — bistecca alla fiorentina, gelato and the Negroni cocktail.

Florence can be moderately expensive, especially museum tickets (the Uffizi is €25, the Duomo Pass €30) and sit-down meals near the main squares. You can save by eating lampredotto from a street cart, enjoying free sights like Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria, and booking attractions online in advance.

Yes. The original David stands 5.17 meters tall in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and seeing it in person reveals detail no photograph captures. The copies in Piazza della Signoria and at Piazzale Michelangelo are impressive, but the marble original remains one of Florence’s defining experiences. Book your ticket in advance.