Things to do in Florence

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with prominent historical architecture, including a large dome and a bell tower.
A historic bridge over a calm river at twilight, reflecting the surrounding buildings.
A historic square with a prominent church featuring striped arches and a large central window.
A river with a boat, buildings, and a bridge.
A statue of a man on horseback in a square with historic buildings and outdoor cafes.

Things to do

Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine

Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine

P2,001
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine

Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine

P1,382
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
Michaelangelo's David

Accademia timed-entry Ticket with App Guide

P2,834
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Accademia timed-entry Ticket with App Guide
Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included

Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included

P3,478
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included
People riding scooters in Tuscany

Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills, Food and Chianti Wine

P9,421
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills, Food and Chianti Wine
The Best of Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour

The Best of Tuscany Tour: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

P5,797
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
The Best of Tuscany Tour: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
Florence: Street Food Walking Tour with Wine

Florence: Street Food Walking Tour with Wine

P3,913
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Florence: Street Food Walking Tour with Wine
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Top places to visit

1. Piazza del Duomo

Florence’s famous Piazza del Duomo is a magnet for locals and visitors alike. This historic square, with its roots in the glorious Renaissance, is packed with lively cafés and bars, food stalls and street entertainers, so take time out to sip a cappuccino or snack on a slice of pizza and watch the world go by before heading off to explore the fascinating buildings that line its sides.
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A detailed view of a cathedral's facade with intricate carvings and statues.

2. Ponte Vecchio

No visit to Florence would be complete without crossing the Ponte Vecchio. The oldest bridge over the Arno dates back to 1345 with its origins in the 10th century. It is the only one of the city’s historic bridges to escape destruction during the Second World War, allegedly at the express orders of Hitler himself, who enjoyed its panoramic views of the river, and its picture-postcard arches have survived numerous floods, most recently in 1966.
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A historic stone bridge over a calm river, with colorful buildings on either side.

3. Uffizi Gallery

As you wander open-mouthed past some of the most familiar paintings and sculptures in the world, it’s hard to imagine that Florence’s celebrated Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) started life as administration offices for the city’s magistrates. It wasn’t until 1574 that the Grand Duke of Tuscany chose the building to house his collection that would be added to by subsequent generations and finally become a star attraction of the Grand Tour.
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A grand, illuminated building with classical architecture, featuring tall columns and statues.

4. Piazza della Signoria

Culture vultures make a beeline for the Piazza della Signoria, gateway to the Uffizi Gallery and the Loggia dei Lanzi. This lively square has been a popular meeting place for Florentines since the 14th century, and day or night you’re sure to find something going on.
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A classical fountain with multiple statues, surrounded by historic buildings.

5. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

When the architect Filippo Brunelleschi proposed the design for what was, at that time, the largest dome in the world, he was aiming high. The dome was the crowning glory of an ambitious building project begun in 1294 and finally completed nearly a century and a half later with the consecration of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in 1436, one of the architectural wonders of the Renaissance. The dome, which measures 45.5 metres in diameter, still holds the world record for the largest brick and mortar structure of its kind, and the breathtaking view from the top is one of the highlights of any visit to Florence.
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A historic building with intricate architectural details and a prominent tower.

6. Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) was built in 1458 for Luca Pitti, a wealthy Florentine banker. A century later it became the chief residence of the Medici family, who filled it with their priceless collections of art, artefacts and jewellery. Subsequent residents included Napoleon and King Victor Emmanuel III, who donated it to the Italian people in 1919. Today it houses several art collections as well as the Medici treasure.
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A historic building with a central fountain, surrounded by a formal garden and a large pond.

What to do in Florence

Stay near popular Florence attractions

A historic building with a large central dome and arched windows, surrounded by a well-maintained square with a grassy area and flower beds.

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

9.4/10 (7,027 reviews)
This elegant Renaissance square frames the stunning marble facade of Santa Maria Novella basilica. Relax at a café terrace and admire the 16th-century obelisks that once marked the path for chariot races.
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Where to stay in Florence

Find the best Florence areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Florence
Learn more about Florence
A historic bridge with arches over a river, surrounded by yellow buildings and a crowd of people.

San Giovanni

If you're spending some time in San Giovanni, Piazza della Repubblica and Via de' Calzaiuoli are top sights worth seeing.

A grand cathedral with intricate architectural details, including statues and ornate decorations.

Santa Croce

Travelers come to Santa Croce for its interesting museums, and you can see top attractions like Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza Santa Croce while you're in town.

A grand church interior with high vaulted ceilings, large columns, and a central altar.

Santo Spirito

Santo Spirito is known for its beautiful river views, and you can make a stop by Piazza Santo Spirito and Santo Spirito Basilica while in the area.

A historic church with intricate architecture and a large open plaza with people.

Santa Maria Novella

Enjoy the popular shops in Santa Maria Novella. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Porta al Prato - Leopolda Tram Stop or Fratelli Rosselli Tram Stop to see more of Florence.

A domed building with red-tiled roofs, surrounded by other buildings with similar architecture.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like San Marco Convent and Museum and Piazza San Marco. See more of Florence by jumping on the metro at Strozzi - Fallaci Tram Stop or San Marco University Tram Stop.

A panoramic view of a city with a prominent river, historic buildings, and a large dome structure.

Campi Bisenzio

A river with a boat, buildings, and a bridge.

Arcetri

Frequently asked questions

Is Florence worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Florence is explore Duomo Museum. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's walking trails and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Florence?
Once you've visited major attractions like Palazzo Capponi and Palazzo degli Uffizi, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Florence.
What is the top tourist attraction in Florence?
The top tourist attraction in Florence is Duomo Museum, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Florence?
Three days in Florence is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Duomo Museum, Palazzo Capponi and Palazzo degli Uffizi are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Porta al Prato.
Is Florence a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Florence, like Duomo Museum and Palazzo Capponi, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometers from the city center of Florence is Historic Centre of Florence and Santa Maria Novella is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Florence with kids?
Deciding what to do in Florence with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Florence for adults?
Castello del Trebbio and Ruffino - Tenuta di Poggio Casciano are just a couple of the things to do in Florence. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Florence?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Florence is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Ponte Vecchio is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

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