A complete guide on how to avoid crowds in Florence

Florence is the cultural heart of Italy, so it’s no wonder that millions of people visit every year. Despite its well-deserved popularity, there are plenty of ways to avoid crowds in Florence while still experiencing the Tuscan capital’s artistic allure.

Visit top Florence attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery or Mercato Centrale, when the lines are at their shortest. Swap Piazzale Michelangelo for two alternative, yet equally breathtaking viewpoints. And discover more tips and tricks for avoiding Florence’s crowds, like where to find the city’s most underrated museums, with this guide.

1. Explore the Uffizi at off-peak times

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the top places to visit in Florence, renowned for its collection of masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, and its long summer lines. To see some of history’s finest art without having to crane your neck, visit the Uffizi in the late afternoon or get there before 9:00 AM to be one of the first visitors through the door.

Insider tip

In summer, the Uffizi Gallery sometimes stays open until 10:00 PM. Snag a later slot to experience the gallery at its quietest.

Address

Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 AM-6:30 PM

Closed Monday

2. Spend the morning at Santa Maria Novella Church

Santa Maria Novella Church is a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Given its popularity, though, you’ll have to be strategic about when you visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Weekday mornings before the busy afternoon rush will allow you to explore its intricate details and peaceful cloisters at your leisure.

Insider tip

Don’t skip the adjoining pharmacy — Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella — which is one of the oldest in the world and may just be the most beautiful pharmacy you’ll ever visit. You’ll also get a fascinating glimpse into historical herbal remedies and perfumes.

Address

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Florence

Opening hours

Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM

Friday, 11:00 AM-5:30 PM

Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sunday, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

3. Escape to the Boboli Gardens

For a break from Florence’s busy city center, take a walk around the Boboli Gardens, a lush and expansive park behind Pitti Palace. Get lost among fountains, sculptures, and the garden’s lesser-known spots, Kaffeehaus and Limonaia. Kaffeehaus is an 18th-century pavilion offering panoramic city views and Limonaia showcases the horticultural practices of the Medici era.

Best time to go

Visit in the late afternoon to explore the gardens at their quietest and catch golden views over Florence.

4. Start your day at Mercato Centrale

This one’s for the foodies — Mercato Centrale is a vibrant hub offering a wide array of fresh meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. Given its position right around the corner from the Duomo, it’s also the most visited market in the city. If you arrive early in the morning, well before the lunch rush hits, you can wander around freely.

Insider tip

Don’t fill up before visiting the upstairs food court, which features various stalls offering gourmet dishes and specialties from around Italy. If you eat at the Grill or the Pizzeria, you can savor your meal on the terraces, with food delivered straight to your table for a more relaxed experience.

Address

Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Florence

Opening hours

Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-midnight

5. Watch the sunset from San Miniato al Monte

To see breathtaking sunset views in Florence without the crowds, swap Piazzale Michelangelo for San Miniato al Monte. This less-frequented gem is a stunning Romanesque basilica perched on a hill overlooking the city. Here you can watch the sunset directly from the church grounds. Besides the views, it’s also known for its beautiful mosaics and serene cloisters.

Insider tip

For a unique cultural experience, attend the evening Vespers service. Monks perform Gregorian chants in this memorable religious tradition.

Address

Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Florence

Opening hours

Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-7:00 PM

Sunday, 8:30 AM -1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-7:00 PM

6. Visit one of Florence’s least crowded museums

Tucked away from the crowds, San Marco Museum gives a fascinating insight into Florence’s religious history. Housed in a former Dominican convent, the underrated museum features magnificent frescoes by Fra Angelico, a 15th-century Italian painter, and a vast Renaissance library.

Best time to go

Visit the museum in the early afternoon when many tourists are at lunch.

Address

Piazza San Marco, 3, 50121 Florence

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30 AM-1:50 PM

Closed Monday

7. Soak up the local vibes in Oltrarno

Known for its artisan workshops and charming cafes, Oltrarno — a vibrant district just across the Arno River from central Florence — is the perfect place to see Florentines going about their everyday lives away from the typical tourist paths. Visit in the late afternoon when the shops and cafes are winding down from their daytime activities.

Insider tip

To experience Florence’s nightlife away from touristy hubs like Piazza Santa Croce, grab an aperitif at Piazza Santo Spirito. This lively square is full of bars and often hosts local markets and events.

8. Visit the underrated Bargello Museum

In 1865, the Bargello Museum became the first national museum dedicated to the arts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Now, you can see masterpieces by some of the world’s most famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Verrocchio, without having to get in line at the Uffizi.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the museum’s lesser-known exhibits, such as its significant collection of decorative arts, which includes antique jewelry, enamels, and textiles.

Address

Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence

Opening hours

Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 8:15 AM-6:50 PM

Sunday, 8:15 AM-1:50 PM

Closed Tuesday

9. See Piazza della Signoria at night

Most people flock to Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence’s most beautiful squares, during the day. However, the best time to visit to avoid the crowds is at night. Not only is it quieter, the historical buildings and iconic sculptures are beautifully lit up. It’s a great place to grab a late-night gelato, listen to artists playing live music, and soak up some Italian nightlife.

Insider tip

Piazza della Signoria has a public drinking fountain with high-quality drinking water to help reduce plastic waste. Bring your reusable water bottle and fill up in between sightseeing.

10. Visit Orti del Parnaso’s secret garden

Frequented by locals more than tourists, Orti del Parnaso is an eccentric community garden boasting artistic sculptures and, thanks to its elevated position, one of the best uninterrupted views of Florence. And unlike at Piazzale Michelangelo, you won’t have to fight to secure a good viewpoint.

Insider tip

Combine your visit with Museo Stibbert, a unique and underrated museum offering a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience. The museum features an impressive armory with life-sized displays of knights in full armor, mounted on horses, alongside an extensive collection of weapons, costumes, and decorative arts.

Address

Via Trento, 11, 50139 Florence

Opening hours

7:00 AM-8:00 PM every day

11. Take a break from the city at Villa Demidoff

Escape the city at one of Florence’s best hidden gems, the magnificent Villa Demidoff. Located in the Tuscan hills, about 30 minutes by car from the city, this Medici villa and UNESCO Heritage site boasts one of the largest parks in the Florence area. Spend the afternoon wandering around its lush paths, admiring its fountains, ancient trees, and quaint grottos.

Address

Parco mediceo di, Via Fiorentina, 276, 50036 Pratolino FI

Opening hours

Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM