Birthplace of the Renaissance and former stomping grounds of the Medici family, Florence, Italy is a dream destination for art and architecture lovers. Marveling at the city’s masterpiece-packed double bill of the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries (where works by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli are displayed) is one of the best things to do in Florence. But visiting its iconic dome-topped Duomo at the Piazza del Duomo—as well as exploring old town sights like the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, and Pitti Palace—come close behind. Cleanse your cultural palate with a foodie day trip to the rolling Tuscan hills and Chianti wine country.
Summer in Florence brings key cultural events. Highlights include the Città dei Lettori literature festival, Florence Jazz Festival, and the four-month-long Estate Fiorentina. However, lines for most top attractions become interminably long—making advance tickets essential. Low-key travelers looking for cooler weather and lower prices are better served in the offseason, roughly from October to March. For foodies, one of the best things to do in Florence is visit in the fall. Then, a seasonal cuisine of local mushrooms, game, and white truffles is in full harvest.
Florence is made for walking. Its compact, UNESCO-listed historic center hasn’t changed much since the Renaissance, when it was built (mostly) for pedestrians. Exploring by two wheels, whether on shared e-bikes or e-scooters, has become popular in recent years, but dedicated lanes are lacking. A smart network of public buses and trams connects the center with the train station, with some buses going as far as surrounding hill towns such as Fiesole and San Gimignano.
If you’re planning on spending more than one or two days in Florence, look for discount cards that offer time- and money-saving deals. Versions offer free or discounted admission to most city museums and sights and provide access to unlimited public transportation for a small additional cost. If you’re an EU citizen, the card extends the privileges to your family as well.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 68 | Tours 2,600 | Reviews 152,598 |
The cradle of the Renaissance is a second home to travel and food writer Rebecca, and it's where she heads to scratch her art and culture itch.
check out the roster of local concerts and events. Florence is one of the hottest spots in Italy for everything from live music to contemporary art exhibitions.
starts with a bracing espresso to fuel at least one morning museum visit, followed by a few hours browsing artisan workshops. After sundown, head to Piazza Santo Spirito for the city’s top nightlife.
Michelangelo’s David statue, a towering masterpiece that is truly one of the artistic wonders of the world.
cross the Arno River to wander through the few neighborhoods where local Florentines still live, including San Frediano and San Niccolò.
there is only one place to go: Piazzale Michelangelo. The good news is that the sunset view from here is spectacular, but the bad news is that the word's out and it's packed come dusk.
Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the most recognized works of art and architecture in the world. One of the best things to do in Florence is the Duomo, the city’s soaring cathedral famous for Brunelleschi’s dome, which offers an extraordinary view of Florence. There’s also Michelangelo’s iconic 17-foot (5-meter) David statue, now housed in the Accademia Gallery.
...MoreMore than 5 million people visit Florence in an average year, so the city is overrun during the high-season summer months. Time your trip for early spring (March through April) or late fall (October through November) to avoid the tourist crush and enjoy the museums and sights in relative peace.
...MorePlan to spend at least two days in Florence. Tour the historic center, outdoor markets, and the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David) on the first day. On the following day, explore the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, and artisan workshops in the Oltrarno neighborhood.
...MoreIf you only have one day, one of the best things to do in Florence is a walking tour through the historic center. First, see the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral). Head to the Piazza della Signoria to explore landmarks like the Loggia dei Lanzi and admire Santa Maria Novella. Then make a beeline to the Accademia Gallery (book your ticket in advance) to marvel at Michelangelo’s David.
...MoreThe two headliners in Florence are the Duomo (cathedral) and Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, both a quick walk from the train station and easy to visit in a few hours. Other A-list sights include goldsmith-lined Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, the Basilica di San Lorenzo, and the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte.
...MoreFlorence’s top sight—the Duomo—is free, though you need to purchase tickets to climb the dome or bell tower or visit the baptistery. The city’s famous outdoor markets and Ponte Vecchio also cost nothing to explore. At sunset, head to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best free view of the city.
...More
