Things to do in Florence

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Arcetri showing a city and landscape views
Arcetri which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge
Arcetri which includes a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Ponte Vecchio showing boating and a river or creek
Arcetri which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Florence Attractions

Smaller cities have a vibe you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Look up all the fun things to do in Florence before you head off so you can see as much as possible during your escape. You'll soon learn that bigger isn't necessarily better!

If you're ready to hit the streets of Florence, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an expert show you some of the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {647 fun activities in Florence fun activities in Florence} are also worth a look.

Florence must see attractions

1. Ponte Vecchio

As you make your way over the Ponte Vecchio, peer into the windows of the goldsmith stores that have been here since the 16th century. Enjoy a sweeping view down the banks of the Arno from the viewing balconies in the center of the bridge. Street performers, artists and tourists create a lively atmosphere during the day. When the shutters come down over the shops in the evenings, the bridge takes on a romantic ambiance, perfect for a romantic stroll.
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Ponte Vecchio which includes a bridge and a river or creek

2. Uffizi Gallery

Names of the masters exhibited within the U-shaped Uffizi building read like a who’s who of Renaissance art. Find seminal works by Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael and Rembrandt in a collection that spans six centuries. The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is unique in that it contains only masterpieces. It’s considered by many to have the most important collection of Western art in the world.
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Art lovers will be in their element in this famous museum, home to the most extensive and important collection of masterpieces in the world.

3. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

Dominated by the impressive façade of its eponymous church, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is one of the most picturesque and convenient piazzas in Florence. It is a quick walk from almost anywhere in the city and especially close to the train station. Use the piazza as a staging ground for adventures both within and outside Florence proper or simply as a resting place on a busy day. Tour sites around the edges and relax on some of the benches dotting the center.
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Piazza di Santa Maria Novella which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

4. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is also known as the Duomo, which is an Italian term for cathedral. Dominating the Florence skyline is the Duomo’s magnificent dome, considered by many to be the most important architectural achievement of the Renaissance. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find stained-glass windows and frescoes by Italian masters, and one of the oldest examples of an hora italica clock in the world. For many, the most impressive part of a visit is a close-up view of the building itself.
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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore featuring a city, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

5. Piazza del Duomo

Join the bustling crowds, vendors and street performers in the cultural and geographical heart of Florence, the Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral for which the square is named is a spectacular centerpiece. In its shadow you will find several other historical, artistic and architectural treasures.
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Piazza del Duomo which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

6. Pitti Palace

Discover a wealth of art within the vast, fortress-like walls of the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti). The Gallery of Modern Art holds important Italian pieces from the 18th to early 20th centuries, while the Silver and Carriages museums offer glimpses into the lifestyle of Florence’s longest-ruling family. The Palatine houses a collection of masterpieces second only to the Uffizi’s. The core of the building was constructed in 1458 for wealthy banker Luca Pitti, and sold to the Medicis in 1549. It was opened to the public in 1919.
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7. Piazza della Signoria

Take a seat at an outside table in one of the Piazza della Signoria’s many cafés and restaurants. Watch the crowds jostle as they have for over seven centuries in the town’s political and civic center. Flamboyant street performers, milling tourists and busy locals move about this L-shaped town square in front of some of Florence’s most famous buildings.
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Piazza della Signoria showing a city, art and a statue or sculpture

8. Palazzo Vecchio

With its crenellated roof, the Palazzo Vecchio sometimes resembles a fortress rather than a city hall. Though first constructed in the early 1300s on top of the old Roman theater, the building was continuously rebuilt and expanded upon, marking it with the passage of time and fashion in Florentine history. Learn about this interesting past and climb the tower, whose elevated position makes it as good for getting pictures and views of the city as it has been for spotting enemies on the horizon.
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9. Piazzale Michelangelo

The walk to visit Piazzale Michelangelo is a bit steep, but the sight of the Duomo and Florence’s narrow streets make the climb worthwhile. Located on San Miniato hill, overlooking the Arno and all of Florence’s great sights, it is a must-visit destination for any city visitor. Trek or take a taxi up, then cool down with a drink on one of the terraces or in the loggia lining the edge of the square.
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Piazzale Michelangelo which includes landscape views, a city and a sunset

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Recommended things to do in Florence

Number of things to do
647
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Florence: Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $3
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Florence

Free Things to Do in Florence

An escape to Florence need not cost a fortune. You won't have to spend a penny if you check out:

Museo Horne - Roam around and take in the intriguing exhibits and carefully curated collections at this popular museum.

CLET - When the time comes to get cultured, drop by and see the talent on display.

Florence Design Academy - Fans of architecture will certainly enjoy marveling at the modern design of this landmark.

Loggia del Mercato Nuovo - Visit this historic site and learn a little about the region's cultural heritage.

Piazza della Repubblica - Amble along the streets and enjoy the charm and character of this popular local hangout.

Laurentian Library - Organize a visit and learn about the importance of this place to the locals.

Orsanmichele - Spend a bit of time in prayer or meditation at this respected religious site.

Giardino Bardini - Work on your green thumb and enjoy admiring the beautiful and diverse plants on show.

Things to Do in Florence with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you go in Florence. Here are some family friendly experiences to try together that will make your vacation unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Florence? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Florence

Ponte Vecchio which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Ponte Vecchio

Take a trip over Florence’s iconic bridge, spared by the Nazis for its beauty and home to jewelers for more than four centuries.

Ponte Vecchio
Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery

Art lovers will be in their element in this famous museum, home to the most extensive and important collection of masterpieces in the world.

Uffizi Gallery
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

Relax before or after a long trip in this renovated piazza just a few minutes from Florence’s main train station.

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore featuring a city, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The “Saint Mary of the Flower” cathedral and its towering dome have come to symbolize Florence.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Piazza del Duomo which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Piazza del Duomo

Giotto’s Bell Tower, the resplendent Baptistery, as well as the cathedral and its dome draw the crowds to this square in the heart of the city.

Piazza del Duomo
Arcetri which includes a city and landscape views

Pitti Palace

This former royal residence now showcases the extensive collections of the Medici family, with seven galleries containing some of the finest artworks in Florence.

Pitti Palace
Piazza della Signoria showing a city, art and a statue or sculpture

Piazza della Signoria

This lively square is home to Michelangelo’s David, as well as numerous cafés, the world-famous Uffizi and an outdoor sculpture gallery.

Piazza della Signoria
Arcetri showing heritage architecture, a city and landscape views

Palazzo Vecchio

Florence’s city hall has seen epochs of history come and go and now offers a tour of civic life from Ancient Rome to the Renaissance.

Palazzo Vecchio
Piazzale Michelangelo which includes landscape views, a city and a sunset

Piazzale Michelangelo

It may be kitschy, but this well-frequented lookout spot on Florence’s biggest hill offers some of the best views of the city.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Florence

Arcetri showing a bridge and a river or creek

Historic Centre of Florence

Lose yourself in the Renaissance charm of Florence’s old town, where masterpieces by Brunelleschi and Giotto line up alongside cafés, gelato shops and trattorias.

Historic Centre of Florence
Duomo featuring heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Duomo

5/5(2,214 area reviews)

Framed by a magnificent cathedral and charming streets lined with churches and restaurants, this neighborhood rests at the very heart of Florence.

Duomo
Santa Maria Novella which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes

Santa Maria Novella

4.5/5(1,057 area reviews)

Spend some time in an attractive neighborhood close to the city center that encompasses ancient buildings and churches and a large park of outstanding beauty.

Santa Maria Novella
Uffizi Gallery which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people

San Giovanni

If you're spending some time in San Giovanni, Piazza della Repubblica and Via de' Calzaiuoli are top sights worth seeing.

San Giovanni
Piazza Santa Croce showing a city and street scenes

Santa Croce

4.5/5(211 area reviews)

One of the historic districts of Florence has a network of medieval streets lined with opulent churches, leather stores, markets and atmospheric restaurants.

Santa Croce
Arcetri which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

Oltrarno

4.5/5(529 area reviews)

South of the River Arno, this quarter boasts part of Florence's historic center, featuring notable sites like Santo Spirito di Firenze, Palazzo Pitti, Belvedere, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Oltrarno
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Popular day trips from Florence

Photo by Filip Hammarlund

Bagno a Ripoli

Photo by Cindy France

Fiesole

Photo "Campi Bisenzio" by Polmagp (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Polmagp (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Campi Bisenzio

Photo "Signa" by Assianir (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Assianir (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Signa

Photo "Sesto Fiorentino" by Assianir (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Assianir (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Sesto Fiorentino

Photo by Alessandro Ricciardi

Peretola

Photo by Glaiza Joy

Impruneta

Photo by Filip Hammarlund

Grassina

Frequently asked questions

Is Florence worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Florence is explore Duomo Museum. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's walking trails and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Florence?
Palazzo degli Uffizi and Palazzo Capponi are two great places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Florence while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Florence?
Don't go home without exploring Duomo Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Florence.
Is three days enough to stay in Florence?
Three days in Florence is more than enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests stay for three days on average. Duomo Museum, Palazzo degli Uffizi and Tuscany Hall are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Porta al Prato.
Is Florence a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Florence is a good destination to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between Duomo Museum and Palazzo degli Uffizi. Then take a stroll around Historic Center - Downtown, located 0.2 miles from downtown, and Santa Maria Novella, which is roughly 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Florence with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Florence with kids.

What to do in Florence for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Florence, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Castello del Trebbio or Ruffino - Tenuta di Poggio Casciano.
Are there free things to do in Florence?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Florence is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Ponte Vecchio is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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