Visiting Florence for the very first time?  As the birth place of the Renaissance, Florence oozes charm on every turn. From towering cathedrals to world-renowned museums, from picturesque gardens to awe-inspiring monuments, this vibrant city in central Italy has a lot to offer to its visitors. It is also the capital of Tuscany, Italy’s most famous wine region known for its rolling-hills of vineyards, classic medieval towns, and amazing Italian food. Whether you are traveling solo or with that special someone or with your family, there are plenty of things to do in Florence and beyond Florence.

Need a bit of help planning your first Florence trip? This special Florence travel guide covers some of the finest attractions in the city, offers helpful travel tips and itinerary ideas, and also provides a few recommendations on unique things to do.

What Is In This Guide

Best Time to Visit Florence

The good news is that Florence is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on what you are looking for. Travelers who wish to avoid the crowds can pack an umbrella, some warm clothing, and flock to Florence between November and February.

If you want to experience mild temperatures, the best time to visit Florence is in spring and fall. Keep in mind that these are the busiest times to visit the capital of Tuscany. July and August in Florence are known to be hot and humid with an average high of 88°F (31°C), but still attract large crowds of both domestic and international travelers.

Florence Itinerary Ideas

As a start, it might be helpful to look at a few selected Florence trips from other Hoptale travelers. You will get a better idea of the best things to do in Florence and also some inspiration for building your own Florence itinerary.

3 Days in Florence Family Trip

Firenze 2017 by matteopeluzzi | 3 Days in Florence Family Trip

Firenze

by matteopeluzzi

Brunelleschi’s dome | Campanile di Giotto | Ponte alle Grazie | Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore | Santa Maria Novella …

3 Days in Florence Family Trip

Florence 2020 by elecard43 | 3 Days in Florence Family Trip

Florence

by elecard43

Piazza Pitti | Galleria dell’Accademia | House of Dante | Piazzale degli Uffizi | All’Antico Vinaio | Uffizi Gallery | …

1 Day in Florence Solo Trip

A Day in Florence by silvest | 1 Day in Florence Solo Trip

A Day in Florence

by silvest

Brunelleschi’s dome | Galleria dell’Accademia | Ponte Vecchio | Mercato Centrale | Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore | …

4 Days in Florence Couple Trip

Florence December 2019 by charlotte.mcnally | 4 Days in Florence

Florence December

by charlotte.mcnally

Ponte Vecchio | Uffizi Gallery | Cappelle Medicee | Pitti Palace | Palazzo Vecchio | Brunelleschi’s dome | Cappelle Medicee …

1 Day in Florence Couple Trip

Pisa & Florence by chapis.world | 1 Day in Florence Couple Trip

Pisa & Florence

by chapis.world

Galleria dell’Accademia | Ponte Vecchio | Giardino delle rose | Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore | …

1 Day in Florence Solo Trip

Firenze 2018 by pequenosretalhos | 1 Day in Florence Solo Trip

Firenze

by pequenosretalhos

Piazzale Michelangelo | Piazza Santa Maria Novella | Replica Of Statue of David | Ponte Vecchio | Piazza del Duomoe | …

8 Days in Florence Couple Trip

Florence, Tuscany Winelands, and Vatican City by momo | 8 Day Florence & Tuscany Couple Trip

Florence, Tuscany Winelands, and …

by momo

Piazza della Signoria | Ponte Vecchio | Osteria Di Fonterutoli | Osteria Enoteca Osticcio | Piazza del Duomo | Uffizi Gallery | …

8 Days in Florence with Kids

Florence & Pistoia & Lucca & San Gimignano 2020 by guitars | 8 Days in Florence & Tuscany with Kids

Florence & Pistoia & Lucca & San Gimi…

by guitars

Piazza della Signoria | Piazza della Repubblica | Piazzale Michelangelo | Piazza del Duomo | Basilica of Santa Maria Novella | …

More Florence Trips

Travel Tips for Florence

Here are some tips and tricks to help you settle in this big city quickly on your first trip to Florence. 

  • Covid-related travel restrictions:

    Make sure to check out Italy’s latest restrictions due to the current situation before booking your flight to Florence. Remember that in these unprecedented times, the most important thing when traveling abroad is your safety. Tourist sites might remain closed or have limited openings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please check the official websites to get the latest updates.

  • Arriving in Florence By Air:

    The city is served by Vespucci Airport (FLR). You will find direct flights to Florence from many cities in Europe. Keep in mind there are no direct flights from the US to Florence. However, all it takes is a short layover to enjoy that juicy Florentine steak and discover the city’s masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.

  • Getting Around Florence:

    Compared to other major tourist destinations in Europe, Florence is relatively small in size. Therefore, the best way to get around the city is by foot. The historic center is not that big and most of the popular tourist attractions are easily reachable. Travelers who wish to venture outside the city gates and visit other cities should know that hopping on a train is usually the best option. Check out Trenitalia for more details. 

  • Currency & Money Matters:

    Euro (€, EUR) is the official currency in Florence, Italy (check exchange rates). International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted at large hotels and stores. But cash is always better for more local fare. To get cash, ATMs that accept international bank cards usually offer better rates than the currency exchanges at the airport.

  • Instead of Hailing Taxis on the Street, Call One!

    To be honest, taxi prices in Florence are quite steep. If you need a taxi service in Florence, it’s always better to call one of the many taxi companies and request a vehicle than hail one on the street. You’ll definitely save some cash!

  • Pre-Book Your Tickets for Museums and Galleries Online:

    Florence is packed with tourists especially during the summer season. Since museums and galleries are the most popular tourist attractions in Florence, it’s best to pre-book your tickets and save yourself the trouble of having to wait 2 to 3 hours in line. If you book your tickets months in advance, you might even get some cool discounts.

  • Mondays are Holidays for the Museums in Florence:

    Many museums in Florence are closed on Mondays. On the weekends, they can be crowded with fellow tourists. Therefore, we recommend enjoying other activities in Florence over the weekends and saving your visit to the museums for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays when there are fewer tourists around.

  • Italians Eat Dinner Late:

    If you are used to having your dinner at 7 pm, you won’t get it in Florence. The thing is that in all of Italy, dinner is rarely served before 8 pm and most restaurants are closed until 7-8pm. Also worth mentioning is that Italians have a tradition called “aperitivo”. It is similar to the American “happy hour”, but in reality offers much more. Aperitivo is a drink/light snack that takes place at the end of a workday. Visit a random enoteca (wine bar) in Florence and enjoy happy hour drinks served alongside a complimentary snack buffet that usually includes cheeses, cured meats, and olives.

  • In Florence, Always Have Your Coffee at the Bar!

    Many of you have probably noticed how Italians drink their morning coffee while standing at the bar counter. Why is that, you ask? Well, the thing is that most restaurants and bars in Italy charge a cover for table seating. This usually costs €1-2, but in touristy destinations like Florence, the cover charge can be quite expensive.

  • Best Travel Books about Florence:

    If you want to read a book or two about Florence before booking your flight, we recommend Death in Florence (by Marco Vichi) and The Agony & Ecstasy (by Irving Stone).

14 Top Attractions in Florence

From world-class museums and art galleries to picturesque squares and beautiful churches and palaces, there is no shortage of amazing tourist attractions in Florence. If you are not sure where to go, we’ve put together a list of Florence top attractions for first-time visitors based on the real trip experiences of Hoptale users.

Art lovers will enjoy the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia, while culture vultures and history buffs can admire places like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza del Duomo. Foodies looking for an unforgettable dining experience will definitely want to stop by the legendary Mercato Centrale. These top attractions should be enough to fill a 3-day or 4-day trip. If you have more time to spend or are looking for more special things to do in Florence, please check out the next section.

Ponte Vecchio | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

1. Ponte Vecchio

bridge

Dating back to the 14th century, this is the oldest bridge in the capital of Tuscany. It is a popular tourist destination with many shops that sell jewelry. If you wish to enjoy views of this iconic bridge in Florence, go to the nearby Ponte Santa Trinita.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Piazza del Duomo | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

2. Piazza del Duomo

square / plaza

One of the main squares in Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a great place to kick off your Florence travel itinerary. Well-known for its fabulous architecture, the square is packed with many cute shops, restaurants, and bars. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest parts of Florence and is always packed with fellow tourists.

Cost of visit: Free.
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

3. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

religious site

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is without a doubt the most recognizable attraction in Florence. Also known as the Duomo, this 14th-century Gothic cathedral occupies the Piazza del Duomo. Admire the beauty of the pink and white marble exterior and climb nearly 500 steps (no lift!) to the dome for magnificent views of Florence.

Cost of visit: Entrance to the Cathedral itself is free but to go up the Brunelleschi’s Dome, you will need to purchase a ticket (18 Euros)
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Uffizi Gallery | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

4. Uffizi Gallery

museum

The world-renowned Uffizi Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of renaissance art. It is the first modern museum in Europe and boasts masterpieces such as Birth of Venus (1485) and Primavera (1478) by Botticelli. This art lover’s dream also features works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and many other famous artists.

Cost of visit: 2-12 Euros
Estimated visit length: 3-4 hours

Piazza della Signoria | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

5. Piazza Della Signoria

square / plaze

Home to a myriad of historical buildings, Piazza Della Signoria is a charming square located just a short walk from its rival, Piazza del Duomo. Pallazo Vecchio and the statues of Hercules and David are definitely the main attraction at this square. Don’t forget to snap some photos in front of the lovely fountain of Neptune.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Palazzo Vecchio | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

6. Palazzo Vecchio

museum

Located in the heart of Piazza Della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio was built in the 13th century and used to serve as a town hall. From outside it almost looks like a medieval castle. But inside the building, visitors will have a chance to see wonderfully decorated rooms including the Room of Cybele and Hercules Room.

Cost of visit: 10-12 Euros
Estimated visit length: 2 hours

Piazzale Michelangelo | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

7. Piazzale Michelangelo

square / plazaviewpoint

Piazzale Michelangelo is a lovely panoramic terrace located on the hills above Florence. Dedicated to Michelangelo, the terrace offers panoramic views of the city. Travelers can either hop on a bus number 12 or 13 or climb from the riverbank to reach Piazzale Michelangelo. The views are particularly amazing at sunset.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Galleria dell'Accademia | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

8. Galleria dell’Accademia

museum

You will find Galleria dell’Accademia just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. Split into a few different halls, this fabulous museum features some of Michelangelo’s most famous works of art. It’s particularly well-known for housing the original “David” sculpture by Michelangelo.

Cost of visit: 2-12 Euros
Estimated visit length: 2 hours

Pitti Palace | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

9. Pitti Palace

museumcastle / palace

No trip to Florence is complete without visiting the largest palace in Florence. Welcome to Pitti Palace, a place where you will find a variety of galleries including the Gallery of the Modern Art and the Palatine Gallery. Expect to see works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens, as well as the Royal Quarters of the Medicis.

Cost of visit: 2-10 Euros
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

10. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

religious sitemuseum

An important Gothic-style structure, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is well-known for its marvelous interiors. You will have a chance to admire the beauty of frescoes by masters like Lippi, Masaccio, and Ghirlandaio, as well as graceful curving designs and rows of arches.

Cost of visit: 5-7.5 Euros
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Boboli Gardens | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

11. Boboli Gardens

park / garden

We can confidently say that Boboli Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. Feel free to walk along Viottolone Avenue where you will find cypresses and blooms of every color frame. The views of Florence from this garden are spectacular.

Cost of visit: 2-6 Euros
Estimated visit length: 3-4 hours

Mercato Centrale | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

12. Mercato Centrale

food market

After all the sightseeing, you’ll want to pay a visit to the 19th century Mercato Centrale in Florence. This enormous food market is spread across 2 floors where local vendors sell meat, fish, wine, cheese, spices. Upstairs, you will find one of the best food courts in Europe that offers pizza, fried fish, dumplings, burgers, and much more.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 2 hours

Basilica di San Lorenzo | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

13.Basilica di San Lorenzo

religious site

San Lorenzo is one of the most important Renaissance churches in Florence. As the parish church of the Medici family, Basilica di San Lorenzo witnesses the rise of Florence’s richest and most influential family who ruled Florence for centuries and also made significant contributions to the Renaissance.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: < 1 hour

Bargello National Museum | Top Things to Do in Florence, Italy

14. Bargello National Museum

museum

Situated inside the oldest building in the city, Bargello Palace National Museum is home to works by world-renowned artists like Michelangelo, Celini, Ghiberti, and Donatello. There is also a nice room with a collection of majolica. Tours of the building include a visit to the picturesque courtyard and two grand halls.

Cost of visit: 2-8 Euros
Estimated visit length: 2 hours

Unique Things to Do in Florence

First-time travelers looking for more unique and less touristy things to do in Florence are in for a real treat. Here are a few ideas for your Florence travel itinerary.

  • Buy Artisan leather goods from San Lorenzo Market:

    Italians are known for their handmade leather goods. If you are looking to bring home some leather souvenirs, head to San Lorenzo Market – an outdoor market right next to Mercato Centrale. Mercato Centrale is all about food vs. San Lorenzo Market is pretty much about everything else. Don’t forget to bargain here because many goods are marked up in price to allow room for bargaining.

  • Have a Florentine steak in Florence:

    Bistecca alla Fiorentina (aka Florentine steak) is probably the best-known dish for Florence. This steak dish is all about the use of quality ingredients and simplicity in cooking. Here is a list of the best places to eat Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence.

  • Take a Tuscany wine tour:

    Florence is so close to one of the most beautiful regions in the world. If you can’t spend a few extra days to explore the Tuscany wine lands, at least consider a day or half-day tour to get a taste of the Tuscan wines (Brunello di Montalcino is the region’s best and finest) and the beautiful hilly landscape. If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can even try a truffle hunt tour as Tuscany is also a top-producing area for these “diamond of the kitchen“.

  • Tour Florence on a vespa:

    Italians love their vespas. What’s not to like about them? Vespas are light weight, easy to drive, and 3x faster than a bicycle. If you want to feel like a local while exploring the beauty of Florence, try one of those popular Florence vespa tours.

  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Duomo from Biblioteca delle Oblate:

    A public library that used to be a convent, Biblioteca delle Oblate is a great place to escape the crowds, enjoy a refreshing drink, and indulge in magnificent views of the Duomo. During the summer season, the café organizes live music performances on their lovely outdoor terrace.

  • Smell the Roses at the Rose Garden:

    Boboli Gardens are great, but if you wish to explore a less-crowded park that offers the most amazing views of Florence, make your way to the lovely Rose Garden. This place is located on the less-touristy side of Florence and not many people know about it. Couples love the Rose Garden because of how romantic and secluded it is. Here, it’s not unusual to see a guy on one knee about to pop the question.

  • Score second-hand items at Piazza del Ciompi:

    Travelers who wish to score some cool second-hand items and vintage antiques should stop by Piazza del Ciompi. There are more than 100 stalls here that sell pretty much anything you can think of.

  • Shop for Groceries at Sant’Ambrogio Market:

    Less crowded than Mercato Centrale, Sant’Ambrogio Market allows you to mingle with the locals and enjoy a more authentic shopping experience. Expect to find local vendors selling everything from meat and fish to fresh fruits and veggies. The atmosphere here is 100% Florentine!

  • A Florence boat tour on a Florentine gondola:

    A boat tour of the Arno River allows travelers to experience the city of Florence from a different perspective. The boat offers tours from April to September and takes you past historical attractions like Palazzo Corsini, Uffizi Gallery, and Soprarno Church.

  • Climb Monte Ceceri Hill where Leonardo da Vinci Experimented with Flying:

    Enjoy views of the town of Fiesole from the top of Monte Ceceri Hill. This is also the place where Leonardo tried to experiment with flying. Not many people know this, but Leonardo found a stuntman who agreed to put wings on his back and jump off the hill. He failed and broke a bone or two.

  • Try some tripe – a local delicacy:

    Tripe is a Florentine specialty and you just have to try it. Made of the intestines of the stomach of a cow, this food delicacy is usually served in a sandwich called Lampredotto. Although many street stalls in Florence sell tripe, our favorite one is called I’ Trippaio San Frediano and you will find it at Piazza de’ Nerli.

  • Read a Book at Libreria Café La Cite:

    Libreria Café La Cite is a cozy café in a non-touristy part of Florence. Choose a drink from the café’s extensive menu and head upstairs where you can  lie on the pillows and read one of the books from the shelves.

  • Enjoy a Drink at Sei Divino:

    Wine lovers can pay a visit to Sei Divino, a cozy neighborhood wine bar that attracts expats and locals. In addition to an extensive wine list, this enoteca serves classic Italian cocktails like Spritz or Negroni. Do you know that the deliciously strong Negroni cocktail was invented in Florence?

Hope our Florence travel guide is helpful. Share with us any questions you might have below. When you return from your first trip, we would love to hear what are your favorite things to do in Florence!

By Dejan Badnjarevic | Cover photo by Ali Nuredini on Unsplash

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