Florence Family-friendly activities

A Roman city and the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was one of the most important cities in Europe from the 14th to 16th centuries, and as a result, it's one of the best destinations for art lovers. If you’re looking for things to do in Florence, consider exploring the city’s world-famous museums, known for Renaissance art, and grand locations like the Opera del Duomo. You’ll find masterpieces by Michelangelo inside the Accademia Gallery and classics by Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and da Vinci at the Uffizi, but that’s only touching the surface of what Florence’s museums hold inside.

For a worthy deep-dive into the best museums in Florence, you also won’t want to miss a chance to step inside a secret room filled with Michelangelo’s work, to try out da Vinci’s original designs, and to view the morbidly fascinating exhibit that is Galileo’s finger. Beyond the classics, there are offerings that followers of fashion will find perfectly cool, such as the Gucci Museum and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.

Florence’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for Renaissance art: Uffizi Gallery

Best museum for families: Leonardo Interactive Museum

Best museum for history: Opera del Duomo Museum

Best museum for sculpture: Bargello Museum

Best museum for a unique experience: Gucci Garden

Whether you’re an art buff, a food fanatic, or simply just after a taste of la dolce vita, Florence is almost overflowing with places to visit and sights to see. But with this in mind, you’ll need to build your list of things to do in Florence carefully. Which art galleries should you include in your itinerary? What are the must-see spots if traveling with kids? Where should you go if you want to learn about Florence’s rich culture and history? Gaze at Botticelli’s masterpieces at the unmissable Uffizi; meet Michelangelo’s David; and learn about Leonardo da Vinci’s innovations at these top 20 best places to visit in Florence.

Florence’s top places to visit at a glance

The top sights in Florence for history lovers: Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Duomo.

Best places to visit in Florence with kids: Boboli Gardens, Leonardo Museum, and Gelato shops.

The best places to go for art in Florence: Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, and Bargello Museum.

Top Florence attractions for nature lovers: Giardino Bardini, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Arno River.

Florence is world-renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance; a city steeped in art and culture, with famous historical landmarks and architecture around every corner. In addition to its sophisticated charms, it is also a city that offers plenty of fun activities for kids. Florence has something for every taste, from fun day trips to the beach to child-friendly museum treasure hunts.

Learn to make delicious authentic Italian pizza with your kids, stroll around the old city eating gelato, or cruise down the River Arno on a raft. There are many ways to discover what the city offers your kids.

The best things to do with kids in Florence at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Florence is to explore Boboli Gardens and enjoy gelato at local shops.

The best activity for teens in Florence: Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower and explore interactive exhibits at the Science Museum.

The best free family-friendly experiences in Florence: Stroll along the Arno River and explore the city’s historical squares.

Widely considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florentine churches like the world-famous Duomo and the ornate Chapel of the Medicis at the Basilica of San Lorenzo proudly display this rich cultural heritage. For art lovers, the best churches in Florence will be the masterpiece-filled Santa Maria Novella or the exquisitely-frescoed Santa Trinita, while the tombs of famed Florentines in Santa Croce will entrance history buffs.

One of the top things to do in Florence, exploring the city's best churches will educate, inspire, and impress you all at once. These historic landmarks truly are the soul of the city.