Our most recommended things to do in Florence

Florence: Baptistery Renovation Site and Cathedral Tour

1. Florence: Baptistery Renovation Site and Cathedral Tour

Enjoy exclusive access to the Florence Baptistery renovation site with your tour guides and marvel at the breathtaking mosaics of the octagonal dome from a short distance. Then, explore the Florence Cathedral on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Meet your guides at Piazza San Giovanni and admire the iconic marble facades and orange roofs of Florence's Duomo Complex. Begin your tour at the Florence Baptistry, which is currently being renovated. Once inside, gaze up at the octagonal dome adorned with golden mosaics dating back to 1225. Hear about this impressive structure and its place in Florentine history before putting on your helmet and following your guides up to the construction site. View the intricate mosaics from a short distance and witness pivotal biblical scenes unfold across the ceiling, including The Last Judgement. Then, continue to the Florence Cathedral and marvel at the breathtaking detail of its famous exterior. Bypass the busy crowds with skip-the-line tickets and step inside this gothic marvel and jewel of the Florentine skyline. See the vaulted ceiling stretch out above you as you begin your guided tour. Learn more about the cathedral's construction over the centuries as your guides show you the exquisite pieces of art within. Hear about the notable figures who played a role in shaping the cathedral into what it is today, from Filippo Brunelleschi to Giotto. Located in the heart of the old city, the UNESCO-listed Florence Cathedral and Baptistry epitomize Florentine heritage from medieval origins to the High Renaissance. Marvel at the Baptistry ceiling from an exclusive vantage point and wander through the ornate halls of the magnificent Cathedral.

Florence: Michelangelo's David Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

2. Florence: Michelangelo's David Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Experience Michelangelo's David with a skip-the-line entry ticket for the Accademia Gallery Museum. Explore this pearl in Florence with access to all parts of the museum and an optional audio guide. This museum contains more sculptures by Michelangelo than anywhere else in the world. After skipping the ticket lines, start exploring masterpieces created by artists who lived and worked in Florence during the Renaissance, including Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, Pietro Perugino, Paolo Uccello, and many others. If you select the audio guide option, plug in your headphones to learn about the highlights of the museum as you explore. Continue to the Four Prisoners and the San Matteo in the hall of Michelangelo, an impressive room dominated by the David. Go to the Museum of Musical Instruments, where you can admire the piano known as the most ancient piano existing in the world along with the priceless Viola Stradivari, created for the Grand Prince Ferdinando Medici. Before the end of your visit, make sure to see the renovated Gipsoteca Bartolini, a showroom of sculptures and busts related to the sculpture Lorenzo Bartolini.

Florence: Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting

3. Florence: Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting

After meeting your guide and boarding the coach, drive to the Chianti region. On the way to the first winery, your guide will share interesting facts and curiosities about landmarks along the route. Arrive at the first “cantina” of the day, where you will be welcomed by the winemakers. After listening to a brief introduction about the winery’s history and the types of wine made there, join a guided tour of the facilities and nearby vineyards. Learn all about the winemaking process, the materials used to make the barrels, and what it takes to be classified as a “Chianti Classico”. Then, begin your first tasting session of 4 different wines. You will hear an explanation of each of the wines that you sample, as well as some tips on how to savor the wine and understand its qualities. The wines will be accompanied by local snacks produced in the region, such as cheese, bread, olive oil, and salumi. Board the bus and continue to the second winery. On the way, make a stop at a scenic lookout to observe a stunning panorama of the Chianti Hills. At the second winery, learn about their production methods, what is unique about their vines, and how weather can affect the grapes. Explore the facilities during a short guided tour, and walk through the vineyards. Then, sample another round of up to 3 wines, as the local charismatic wine producer tells you about the peculiarities of each. After some free time, head back to Florence.

Florence: Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket

4. Florence: Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket

Discover masterpieces of art at one of Italy's (and the world’s) greatest art museums, and enjoy skip-the-line entrance at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Marvel at Italian Renaissance art by some of the greatest artists of all times. See paintings by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio, and others. Go to the gallery’s most renowned room to see the stunning collection by Botticelli. Admire his “Primavera” and “The Birth of Venus,” and reflect upon his representation of the birth of the goddess as she emerges from the sea foam. Escape the hassle and hurry of organized group tours, and explore at your own pace. You are free to stay inside the museum for as long as you like. To see more stunning art, add skip-the-line entrance tickets to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens to your tour by selecting the option. After visiting the Uffizi, visit the palace and gardens in any order within the next 5 days.

Florence: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour

5. Florence: Accademia Gallery Guided Tour

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Italy, as told by its mesmerizing art. Embark on a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery in Florence and learn all about the artists behind each piece. Take in Michelangelo's world-famous David with your own eyes. Meet your guide and pay for your admission tickets, then step right into the Accademia Gallery without waiting in line. Begin your insightful stroll through the incredible collection, discovering majestic paintings by Filippino Lippi, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and more. Hear secret stories about the artworks and artists featured in the gallery, as well as ancient tales of the powerful Medici family. Understand why the Renaissance was born in Florence and why this family was so important to Michelangelo. And, of course, come up close to the giant David.

From Florence: Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano w/Lunch

6. From Florence: Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano w/Lunch

Experience the wonders of Tuscany on one memorable day. Leave Florence for a 12-hour excursion and see the beautiful landscapes, architecture, and artworks of the region. Treat yourself to some local cuisine, and choose a guided tour in your language to learn even more about the historic area. Begin with Pisa and visit its stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. Admire the Baptistery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. After your free time in Pisa, head to a typical Tuscan winery in the Chianti Area and enjoy a delicious lunch with some local wine. Explore the city of Siena and visit to Piazza del Campo, where the Palio di Siena horse race is run, and Piazza del Duomo, where you will see the exterior of the magnificent cathedral. Enjoy your last stop in San Gimignano, a UNESCO medieval town, world-known for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The system of towers of San Gimignano tells the glories of the powerful families. Between saffron fields and typical indigenous vineyards, the city knows how to offer postcard views.

Florence: Skip-the-Line Uffizi Small Group Tour

7. Florence: Skip-the-Line Uffizi Small Group Tour

The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see when visiting Florence. Built in 1560 and known as the world's oldest museum, it was designed by the famous renaissance architect Giorgio Vasari. The grand duke of Tuscany Cosimo I de Medici decided to re-establish the authority of the Medici family. After Cosimo I eliminated most of his rivals, he gave an office to the rest to keep an eye on them. In fact, Uffizi means offices. After his death, his children lost interest in politics. His eldest son, Francesco I, brought his private collection of artworks and made the Uffizi his private museum. On this tour Uffizi tour, save time but also learn inside stories behind some of the most notable masterpieces conserved in Florence. After your tour, enjoy some refreshments in the cafeteria on the Uffizi Gallery's terrace. Take in the unique views of the city, relax and take pictures.

Florence: Reserved Entry Ticket to the Boboli Gardens

8. Florence: Reserved Entry Ticket to the Boboli Gardens

The gardens extend over a vast area forming an open-air museum with antique and Renaissance statues, grottoes, and large fountains. Exploring its numerous and varied walks one is able to evoke the spirit of life at court. The Grotta del Buontalenti is an artificial cave filled with false stalactites and stalagmites, with statues of sheep, shepherds, and Romans goddesses. The cave is located close to the entrance of the Boboli Garden and at the end of the Vasari Corridor. 

Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour

9. Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour

Palazzo Vecchio was the home of Medici family, and an important site of the Renaissance. Renowned as the main symbol of civil power of Florence, learn more about the vast history of the palace with a 90-minute guided tour.  See the "Salone dei Cinquecento”, the Hall which is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Marvel at paneled ceilings, large wall frescoes, golden decorations, and imposing sculptures. Explore the second floor of the palace, featuring the elegant Apartments of the Elements, the Apartments of Eleonora of Toledo, and the original Hall of Priors, along with many small chambers and a chapel frescoed by Bronzino.

Florence: Entry to Brunelleschi's Dome and Cathedral Complex

10. Florence: Entry to Brunelleschi's Dome and Cathedral Complex

Enjoy a facilitated entrance to Brunelleschi's Dome, part of Florence's Cathedral, with this ticket. Meet the local assistant at the meeting point, present your voucher, and receive your tickets to begin your experience. First, if you do have a backpack, use the free luggage storage because they are not allowed to visit. Second, enter the Dome and climb 463 steps to reach the top. Marvel at the egg-shaped architecture of the Dome, which was the largest structure in the world at its time. While visiting the Dome’s interior, enjoy an opportunity to see the many frescoes and stained-glass windows. Admire Zuccari and Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment, and enjoy a beautiful panorama over Florence and its surroundings from the summit.

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What top attractions are a must-see in Florence?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Florence?

The best day trips and excursions from Florence are:

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Insider tips: Planning a trip to Florence

Paul & Mark are full time travel bloggers who discover hidden gems and local specialities on their blog Anywhere We Roam. They've travelled to Florence many times and never tire of this Renaissance gem.

What should I do on my first trip to Florence?

Florence is best known for being the birthplace of Renaissance art, so visiting one of the world-class galleries is a must for first time visitors to the city. The Uffizi Gallery has one of the most prestigious art collections in the world including 2 Leonardo da Vinci paintings and several works by Botticelli. Michelangelo’s famous statue of David in the Galleria dell'Accademia is another unmissable Florence experience.

What are some hidden gems to see in Florence?

A great hidden gem in Florence is the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica. Established in the 13th century, it's one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Today you can buy perfumes and wellness products from the beautiful gothic vaulted sales room. To slow the pace in Florence, Torrigiani Garden is a private green oasis in the centre of the city which has been carefully transformed into a romantic English garden. As private tours need to be organised with the owner, it's the perfect hidden gem in the city.

How much time should I spend in Florence?

Florence is packed with wonderful things to do, so allow at least 3 to 4 days to see all the main sights. This will be enough time to visit 2 - 3 of the main art galleries, several of the more notable churches, and some of the other main attractions that give you a taste for Florence’s vibrant culture. If you are particularly interested in art and sculpture, you would need at least 5 days to see all the galleries.

What food is Florence known for?

A great dish to try in Florence is Tagliatelle with Porcini mushroom and truffle. The simple pasta with earthy local ingredients gives it an amazing depth of flavour that has made it one of the most popular dishes in the city. Follow it up with Cantuccini e vin santo; the small almond biscuits known as biscotti elsewhere in the world, served with sweet dessert wine for dunking.

What is the best way to get around Florence?

Florence is a very compact city with all the main tourist attractions within easy walking distance of each other. With tight medieval laneways and all but local cars banned from the centre, taxis can generally take longer than walking. Another great way to get around is to hire a bike or go on an organise bike tour with a guide.

What are the best months to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is May and June when the weather is warm and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor dining experiences. The main attractions are all operational at this time, and the significant tourist numbers and very hot weather of July and August has not yet arrived.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Florence?

One of the best neighbourhoods in Florence is Sant’Ambrogio. Just east of the imposing duomo, tiny laneways overflow with fresh food markets, local restaurants, and traditional cafes. It's the perfect slice of old-school Florence. For something different, the San Lorenzo area is developing a reputation for artisanal food, organic restaurants, and some of the best gelato in Florence.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

One of the best areas for food in Florence is Santo Spirito. Just across the river from the centre, Santo Spirito is a local neighbourhood with a bohemian feel. Pizza restaurants line leafy squares that are perfect for casual outdoor dining. Via Santo Spirito is the main street which is usually lined with patrons leaning up against the old walls, sipping a wine as they wait for a table to come available.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

San Niccolò is a great area for independent luxury shops especially perfumeries and jewellery stores that look more like museums than retail spaces. But for more traditional Florentine shopping, the open-air market, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, is one of the best places in the city to shop for leather goods with a staggering number of options to choose from.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Florence?

The historical centre of Florence is the best place to stay with easy access to the main attractions. The area around Santa Croce is on the edge of the main tourist centre but it has a slightly less-crowded feel and great options for dining. The area around Santa Maria Novella is slightly further away (about a 7-minute walk) but it has a lovely local residential feel.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Florence?

The Uffizi Gallery has organised family tours specially designed for young kids and teenagers including treasure hunts, trivia and interactive games. The whole family will enjoy the climb up to the top of the dome of the duomo for stunning views over Florence and the Leonardo da Vinci museum is great for older teenagers with an interest in the sciences.

What is the best thing to do in Florence for solo travelers?

Florence has a large expat community and it's full of travellers throughout the year, so you'll not feel out of place travelling solo in Florence. It's common to see people enjoying the restaurant scene by themselves and the bar of a traditional cafe is the perfect place to while away some time by yourself. One of the main benefits of solo travel in Florence is the ability to spend exactly as long as you wish exploring the world-class art galleries.

What is the best thing to do in Florence for couples?

One of the best things for couples to do in Florence is to simply pick a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over this beautiful city. Piazzale Michelangelo is a park about 25 minutes’ walk from the centre of the city with sweeping views over Florence. After the sun goes down, take in a classical concert at one of the churches for a truly memorable evening.

What are the best annual events in Florence?

One of the best annual events in the city is the Florence Carnival which celebrates the diverse world of culture with live music and parades through the city featuring a massive puppet dragon. In the summer months (June and July), the Florence Dance Festival overtakes the city with a programme of music, poetry and cinema.

What are the best things to do around Florence?

While in Florence, it’s a great idea to take advantage of the beautiful Tuscan countryside surrounding the city. One of the best places to explore is San Miniato which can be visited on a day trip from Florence. The charming hillside village is set in a stunning location and it’s the home of truffle hunting in Italy.

Other Sightseeing Options in Florence

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What people are saying about Florence

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 88,747 reviews

I recently had the pleasure of taking a food tour in Florence, and I must say, it was an incredible experience. The tour was led by Kopal who was such a knowledgeable and friendly guide who took us to some of the best food spots in the city. The food was fantastic, the guide was excellent, and the tour was well organised and enjoyable from start to finish. 5 stars!

Amazing! I learnt so much about the food of Florence and Tuscany and all the history, traditions and stories behind it. The food was outstanding and our guide Kopal was so knowedgeble, but also great fun. We feel like we made a new friend!

Lisa was exceptional in describing the Florentine culture and pairing the food tour to the cheeses and wines of the region. The tour was entertaining and well done. Good job!

What a great exhibition of the art of the Florentine mosaic - the individual cutting of the marble to make intricate images, and displayed in a grand fashion.

Fantastic guide and great time was had by all. We loved it