18 Best Things to Do in Florence

Pubblicato il 1 set 2026 · 10 min di lettura · 18 cose da fare

Florence, the compact capital of Tuscany, is an open-air museum filled with Renaissance art, grand architecture, and rich culinary traditions. Whether you are comparing European getaways from the Åland Islands to Albania and Andorra or planning a dedicated Italian holiday, this city offers an unforgettable cultural experience. This guide highlights eighteen essential sights and activities, arranged to help first- and second-time visitors make the most of their itinerary.

1. 1. Duomo and Florence Cathedral Complex

   The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the city skyline with its grand terracotta dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Visitors can admire the intricate green and white marble facade before climbing the steps to the top of the dome or Giotto's Bell Tower for panoramic views. Inside, the vast interior features detailed frescoes depicting the Last Judgment.

   Perché andarci: It is the architectural heart of Florence and offers unmatched views over the city rooftops.

   Consiglio: Reserve timed-entry tickets well in advance, particularly for climbing the dome during summer months.

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2. 2. Uffizi Gallery

   Housed in a former administrative palace designed by Giorgio Vasari, this museum holds one of the world's finest collections of Renaissance paintings. Highlights include masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael displayed across grand corridors. Walking through the upper floor galleries also provides scenic views of the Arno River.

   Perché andarci: It provides an essential overview of Italian art history and the development of Renaissance painting.

   Consiglio: Book advance priority tickets for an early morning slot to avoid long entry queues and dense crowds.

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3. 3. Accademia Gallery

   This world-famous art gallery is best known for housing Michelangelo’s original statue of David, carved from a single block of Carrara marble. The museum also displays unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo, known as the Slaves, alongside an impressive collection of historic musical instruments. Visitors can walk through smaller rooms showcasing Florentine Gothic paintings.

   Perché andarci: Seeing Michelangelo’s David in person is an unmissable highlight for anyone visiting Tuscany.

   Consiglio: Pre-book a ticket timed for late afternoon when queue lines tend to shorten.

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4. 4. Ponte Vecchio

   Spanning the narrowest point of the Arno River, this medieval stone arch bridge is famous for the jewellery shops built along its edges. The Vasari Corridor runs above the shops, historically allowing the Medici family to cross between palaces without walking among the public. Crossing the bridge at sunrise or sunset offers classic Florentine photographic views.

   Perché andarci: It is the oldest remaining bridge in Florence and a unique example of inhabited medieval bridge architecture.

   Consiglio: Visit early in the morning before shop shutters open to enjoy a quiet walk across without the crowds.

   StoriaShoppingAttività all'aperto

5. 5. Piazzale Michelangelo

   Located on a hill south of the Arno River, this broad square offers the famous postcard panorama of Florence's historic centre. A bronze replica of David stands in the centre, surrounded by terraces and cafes. It is a popular spot for travellers and locals who gather to watch the sun set over the city.

   Perché andarci: It provides the single best elevated view of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and surrounding Tuscan hills.

   Consiglio: Take a scenic walk up through the Rose Garden or board a local bus from the centre to save energy.

   Attività all'apertoEconomico

6. 6. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

   This massive Renaissance palace once served as the primary residence of the Medici rulers and later Italian royalty. Inside, several distinct museums house opulent apartments, costume galleries, and royal art collections. Behind the palace lie the extensive Boboli Gardens, featuring manicured hedges, classical statues, and ornate fountains.

   Perché andarci: It offers a complete look into Medici court luxury paired with one of Italy's finest Italian-style gardens.

   Consiglio: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as navigating the stepped garden paths requires significant walking.

   StoriaAttività all'apertoNatura

7. 7. Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

   Piazza della Signoria has served as the political centre of Florence since the Middle Ages. The square is dominated by Palazzo Vecchio, the city's fortress-like town hall, and the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi sculpture gallery. Visitors can explore the historic civic chambers inside the palace or climb the Arnolfo Tower for sweeping city views.

   Perché andarci: It combines outdoor civic sculpture with centuries of Florentine political history in one bustling square.

   Consiglio: Walk through the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi in the evening when the statues are dramatically illuminated.

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8. 8. Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo Market

   The historic San Lorenzo market precinct comprises outdoor stalls selling leather goods and a grand two-storey cast-iron market hall. The ground floor of Mercato Centrale is filled with traditional butchers, fishmongers, and produce stalls, while the upper floor acts as a lively food hall serving cooked dishes. Visitors can sample regional specialties such as lampredotto, Tuscan cured meats, and freshly made pasta.

   Perché andarci: It is the ultimate destination for experiencing local Florentine food culture and buying leather souvenirs.

   Consiglio: Head to the upper floor during mid-afternoon for a relaxed lunch between main sightseeing hours.

   Cibo e bevandeShoppingEconomico

9. 9. Basilica of Santa Croce

   Known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, this Franciscan basilica is the burial place of figures including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolò Machiavelli. The interior features geometric marble work, ornate chapels, and delicate Renaissance frescoes by Giotto. Adjacent cloistered courtyards offer peaceful green spaces away from the main streets.

   Perché andarci: It combines artistic beauty with the final resting places of Italy's most influential historic figures.

   Consiglio: Check the liturgical service schedule before visiting, as access to certain chapels may be restricted.

   Storia

10. 10. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

    Located opposite the main railway station, this Dominican church features an elegant green-and-white marble facade designed by Leon Battista Alberti. Inside, guests can admire pioneering Renaissance works, including Masaccio’s famous fresco of the Holy Trinity showing early use of linear perspective. The surrounding monastery cloisters display expansive biblical fresco cycles.

    Perché andarci: It showcases pivotal early Renaissance artistic advances in perspective and monumental church architecture.

    Consiglio: Purchase a combined ticket that includes entry to the quiet, serene green cloisters next door.

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11. 11. Oltrarno Neighbourhood Walk

    Situated on the left bank of the Arno, Oltrarno is known for its artisan workshops, independent boutiques, and bohemian atmosphere. A walk through its narrow lanes reveals woodcarvers, paper makers, and leather artisans at work in small studios. The area comes alive in the evening around Piazza Santo Spirito, where locals gather at neighbourhood bars.

    Perché andarci: It provides an authentic glimpse into local Florentine life away from the heavy tourist traffic of the main centre.

    Consiglio: Cross the river in late afternoon to explore artisan workshops before stopping in Piazza Santo Spirito for an aperitivo.

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12. 12. Bargello National Museum

    Housed inside a medieval fortress that formerly served as a prison, this national museum holds an extraordinary collection of Renaissance sculptures. Highlights include Donatello’s famous bronze David as well as works by Michelangelo and Cellini. The central open-air courtyard, framed by vaulted arches and coats of arms, is a quiet escape from crowded streets.

    Perché andarci: It features one of Europe's top collections of Renaissance bronze and marble sculptures with minimal crowds.

    Consiglio: Visit during the middle of the day, as entry queues are generally far shorter than at the Uffizi or Accademia.

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13. 13. San Miniato al Monte

    Perched atop a hill above Piazzale Michelangelo, this Romanesque basilica is one of the oldest churches in Florence. Its striking geometric green-and-white marble facade overlooks the city, while the interior features a mosaic-decorated apse and a crypt. Monks still chant Gregorian vespers inside the church in the late afternoon.

    Perché andarci: It offers a serene historical setting with even higher panoramic views over Florence than Piazzale Michelangelo.

    Consiglio: Time your visit for late afternoon to hear the monks' vespers chant inside the crypt.

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14. 14. Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

    Established by Dominican friars in the early 13th century, this is considered one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in the world. Visitors walk through vaulted rooms decorated with antique apothecary jars, chandeliers, and frescoes while browsing perfumes, soaps, and traditional herbal remedies. The air inside is scented with signature botanical fragrances.

    Perché andarci: It offers a unique combination of living history, luxurious scents, and atmospheric Renaissance interiors.

    Consiglio: Walk inside even if you do not plan to buy products, as the shop operates essentially like a free museum.

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15. 15. Medici Chapels

    Located within the San Lorenzo church complex, these opulent mausoleums serve as the burial ground for members of the powerful Medici dynasty. The interior features the New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, which houses his sculpted allegorical tombs for Night, Day, Dawn, and Dusk. The Chapel of the Princes displays extravagant marble marquetry inlaid with semi-precious stones.

    Perché andarci: It allows visitors to admire Michelangelo’s masterwork tombs and experience the sheer luxury of Medici patronage.

    Consiglio: Pre-book entry tickets online to secure a slot without waiting in line outside.

    Storia

16. 16. Bardini Garden

    Less crowded than the nearby Boboli Gardens, this terraced hillside park offers quiet paths, fountain staircases, and orchards. It is famous for its long wisteria tunnel, which bursts into purple blooms during spring. The upper terrace features a quiet cafe overlooking the red tiled roofs of the city.

    Perché andarci: It offers a peaceful green refuge near the city centre with stunning views and seasonal floral displays.

    Consiglio: Visit in mid to late spring if possible to catch the wisteria tunnel in full bloom.

    Attività all'apertoNatura

17. 17. Gucci Garden and Museum

    Set inside a 14th-century palazzo on Piazza della Signoria, this concept space celebrates the fashion house's roots in Florence. The building houses exhibition rooms displaying historic luggage, runway pieces, and advertising archives across two floors. On the ground floor, visitors will find a boutique featuring exclusive items alongside a high-end dining establishment.

    Perché andarci: It appeals to design and fashion enthusiasts interested in modern Italian craft and brand history.

    Consiglio: Book a table in advance if you wish to dine at the ground-floor restaurant after viewing the exhibits.

    ShoppingLusso

18. 18. Sant'Ambrogio Market

    Sant'Ambrogio is a traditional neighbourhood market located in the eastern district of the historic centre. Locals shop here daily for fresh Tuscan vegetables, cheeses, meat, and seasonal produce inside and around a compact iron hall. Surrounding streets are lined with casual trattorias serving classic local dishes at reasonable prices.

    Perché andarci: It offers an authentic, unpretentious food market experience far less geared towards tourists.

    Consiglio: Arrive in the morning when the fresh produce selection is best and local stallholders are active.

    Cibo e bevandeEconomico

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