Florence, Italy, the heart of the Renaissance, is a city bursting with history, art, and culture. With its incredible architecture and world-renowned museums, it can be hard to narrow down the must-sees. In this travel guide, we’ve curated the 10 best things to do in Florence, providing insights on which spots are truly worth your time and money, all based on our personal experiences.
If you’re looking to explore this stunning city, be sure to check out our post on the perfect 1 day itinerary in Florence!
What is it?
Florence’s most famous museum, housing iconic works by artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The collection spans centuries, making it a must-visit for art lovers. It was originally built in 1560 by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de’ Medici. The Uffizi was intended as office spaces for Florence’s magistrates. Over time, the Medici family began filling the building with their vast art collection, and it was officially opened as a public gallery in 1769.
Is it worth it?
The Uffizi is not just for art lovers but anyone who wants to grasp Florence’s role in art history. However, it can be crowded, so book your tickets in advance. The tickets can be quite pricey especially if you’re on a budget. However, make sure to look online for any discounts offered to your age group. If you’re short on time or not a huge fan of Renaissance art, you might find the museum overwhelming. In our opinion this museum was nice, however we saw that it gets quite repetitive along the way. Moreover, be ready to go up countless of stairs and walk plenty as it is very big.
Pro Tip:
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Crowds can be very overwhelming and long especially in the scorching summer heat.
What is it?
With its stunning red-tiled dome, it’s an architectural masterpiece. Brunelleschi’s Dome offers a challenging climb, but the 360-degree views of Florence might be worth the effort. It is a stunning looking Cathedral from the outside. It shows many intricate details, different colors and designs, and statues all around. Inside it includes Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement Fresco. A stunning masterpiece and a once in a lifetime experience.
Is it worth it?
Yes, the Cathedral itself is free, but you’ll want to buy tickets for climbing the dome. The views at the top are breathtaking, and you can appreciate the engineering marvel of the structure up close. However, the climb is steep and not for everyone. We personally didn’t climb the dome as we did not have enough time. However, just from the outside, we concluded that it was one of the most stunning Cathedrals we’ve ever seen. It is definitely a must visit in our opinion, at least just to pass by. Make sure you’re dressed church appropriately, as you won’t be allowed inside.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, buy a combo ticket for the Duomo, Baptistery, and Bell Tower to save time and the hassle of queues.
What is it?
Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone bridge over the Arno River. It is lined with vibrant shops selling jewelry and artwork. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Florence. It’s a stunning free attraction offering luxurious jewelry great for window shopping or to buy once in a lifetime gifts. It offers stunning views great for taking photos. It is one of the most visited bridges of the world, with its lively atmosphere and blend of history.
Is it worth it?
Yes, but it’s more about soaking in the atmosphere than shopping. The views of the Arno River at sunset are magical, and strolling across the bridge is a quintessential Florence experience. The prices at the shops are high, so unless you’re a jewelry enthusiast, it’s more about the walk than the shopping. It is a free attraction so we highly suggest, at least as a quick stroll by. The jewelry is stunning and definitely something that you cannot miss out on. In our opinion, this was an amazing, romantic experience that we highly suggest for unforgettable experiences.
Pro Tip:
For the best photos, view the bridge from a distance on one of the nearby riverside paths. We highly suggest going around sunrise or sunset, for the most stunning views.
What is it?
Home to Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia Gallery draws millions of visitors each year. This 17-foot-tall marble statue (5,17 meters) is one of the most iconic artworks in the world. It is full of artworks and sculptures from some of the world’s most famous artists. It is an amazing experience for art lovers but also in general to take you a walkthrough in history.
Is it worth it?
Yes, but primarily for David. The rest of the gallery is relatively small compared to the Uffizi, so if you’re short on time, focus on David and a few other notable pieces. The statue’s grandeur in person is truly remarkable and worth the ticket price. The tickets can get quite expensive at around €18 per person. However, there are many offers for example for youths at just €2 each. In our opinion this was one of the best things we visited not only in Florence, but all throughout our adventures. We were amazed by the size of David and astonished how it could be made out of marble. Even though queues were long as we didn’t buy tickets in advance, it was definitely worth the wait.
Pro Tip:
Book tickets online to avoid the long queues, especially during peak tourist season. However, keep in mind that when paying online a €2 per ticket extra fee applies.
What is it?
Offers sweeping panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Located on a hill on the southern bank of the Arno River, the large square gives visitors breathtaking, unobstructed views of the entire city, including iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the Santa Croce Basilica, all set against the backdrop of the Tuscan hills. The spot is especially popular at sunset.
Is it worth it?
Definitely. It’s free, and the views are arguably the best in the city. Though a bit of a climb or a short bus ride from the city center, the sunset over Florence’s skyline is unforgettable. It’s also a perfect spot for photos. It is a highly popular spot amongst tourists so we suggest that you plan beforehand. It is a cute romantic spot, to enjoy and relax after a full day of walking. If you have time, we definitely suggest that you do it.
Pro Tip:
Bring a snack or a drink and stay to watch the sunset over the Arno River. Planning beforehand can be more budget friendly by buying either from bakeries, supermarkets or simply preparing a homemade meal. Read more about how to budget for your trip for money-saving tips.
What is it?
Palazzo Pitti, once home to Florence’s ruling families, is now a vast museum complex. Behind the palace are the lush Boboli Gardens, a serene escape from the city. it was originally the residence of Luca Pitti, a wealthy Florentine banker, but later became the main home of the powerful Medici family. Today, it’s a vast museum complex housing several galleries and a treasure trove of Renaissance art, decorative pieces, and royal apartments.
Is it worth it?
If you love museums, yes. The art collection is extensive, but it’s not as iconic as the Uffizi. The Boboli Gardens are peaceful and beautiful, though not as meticulously maintained as some might expect. However, it’s a refreshing break from the hustle of the city center. We personally only bought tickets to visit the gardens. After a day of visiting museums we didn’t find it as amusing enough from pictures to actually visit the palace. However, the garden was beautiful even though you have to be prepared to walk plenty. It offers great views of the city from a high point which is great for pictures.
Pro Tip:
The gardens offer shade, so they’re a great stop in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing. This is especially ideal in summer.
What is it?
The Basilica of Santa Croce is one of the most important and iconic churches in Florence. Known as the Temple of the Italian Glories, it is the final resting place of many of Italy’s most illustrious historical figures, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Rossini. This makes it not only a religious site but also a major cultural and historical landmark in the city. The basilica is located in the Santa Croce square, which is also a lively area filled with shops, cafes, and local artisans.
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you’re a history buff. The interior is beautiful, and the tombs of Italy’s greats give it extra historical significance. It’s a quieter alternative to the Duomo and often less crowded. The exterior is similar to that of the Duomo and prices start from €8. We personally didn’t go inside but we passed by it. It is again, very beautiful to look at from the outside. However, it didn’t interest us enough to actually pay to go inside.
Pro Tip:
If you visit, don’t miss the museum adjacent to the basilica, which holds additional artworks and historical artifacts.
What is it?
Piazza della Signoria is Florence’s main square, home to the Palazzo Vecchio and an open-air museum of statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David. It is a square surrounded by museums, fountains and statues. It is an iconic square and very popular amongst tourists. It’s also a good place to take a break and to grab something to eat from one of the bakeries or restaurants in one of the side streets.
Is it worth it?
Yes it is. You can soak in Florence’s history and art for free, right in the heart of the city. The square is a lively spot for people-watching, and the statues give you a taste of Florence’s rich artistic heritage. We found it very ideal to rest in after the museums surrounding the square. We highly recommend All’antico Vinaio, where it offers delicious iconic fresh focaccia sandwiches at a great price.
Pro Tip:
Visit early in the morning for quiet reflection, or later in the evening when it’s lit up and bustling with activity.
What is it?
Also known as the Florence Baptistery, is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Florence. Located directly in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and adjacent to Giotto’s Campanile, the Baptistery is famous for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and especially its magnificent bronze doors, particularly the “Gates of Paradise” by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Is it worth it?
Depends a lot on your tastes and preferences. The Baptistery’s ceiling mosaics are stunning, and the history of the building adds to the experience. However, it’s not as vast as other attractions, so it may feel less significant compared to the grand Duomo. We personally did not visit it and to be honest we didn’t even know it was there until after we left. This is very subjective to the person and depends on personal tastes.
Pro Tip:
Combine your visit with the Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome to maximize your time.
What is it?
One of the city’s most famous and vibrant markets, offering a unique blend of local culture, food, and shopping. It is divided into two main sections-the Mercato Centrale (Central Market), which is an indoor food market full of fresh ingredients, and the outdoor San Lorenzo Market, a bustling area known for its leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs.
Is it worth it?
Yes, especially if you’re looking to shop. However, this is also very subjective to your tastes. Nevertheless, be prepared for haggling, and watch for the quality of goods. It’s a fun and lively market, but not necessarily a must-visit if you’re not interested in shopping. We were quite disappointed by this market. The Mercato Centrale was nothing compared to for example Mercado de Bolhao in Porto, Portugal as mentioned in our article Top 15 Things to Do in Porto: Must-See Attractions (2025 Guide). Moreover, the outdoor market was full of sellers harassing you to buy something even when we were not interested. Although the leather souvenirs were very nice, we suggest that you find genuine shops to buy from.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to check out the nearby Central Market (Mercato Centrale) for authentic Italian food stalls.
Florence offers a rich blend of historical, artistic, and cultural experiences. While some attractions may be more appealing to art lovers or history buffs, many are worth visiting for any traveler. Prioritize based on your interests, and you’ll have an unforgettable Florentine adventure. Don’t forget to check out our latest post: 1 Day itinerary in Florence, where we help you plan a perfect day in Florence. We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable trip filled with the city’s must-see attractions.
We are Martina and Cyprien, a long-distance couple with a passion for travelling.
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