Things to do in Florence: the must-sees and our tips
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In short: Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is best explored on foot. Climb the Duomo’s dome, discover the Uffizi and the Accademia’s David, cross the Ponte Vecchio to Oltrarno and the Pitti Palace, then watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. Book the big museums in advance.
The Duomo, the dome and the baptistery
The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its marble façade and Brunelleschi’s dome, is the symbol of Florence. Entry to the cathedral is free, but climbing the dome and Giotto’s bell tower and visiting the baptistery require a ticket and a time slot. The view from the dome is unforgettable.
The Uffizi and the Accademia
- The Uffizi Gallery: Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael… one of the greatest museums in the world.
- The Accademia: Michelangelo’s David, to see in person.
Book a time slot for both museums, which are very busy. Some state museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, but they get packed then.
Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria, with the Palazzo Vecchio and its open-air statues, was the city’s political heart. Nearby, the Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewellers’ shops, has spanned the Arno since the Middle Ages.
Oltrarno: the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens
Across the Arno, the Pitti Palace, the former Medici residence, houses several museums, and the Boboli Gardens offer fountains, grottoes and views of the city. Then wander the lanes of Santo Spirito and San Frediano, between artisans’ workshops and trattorias.
Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato
Climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the finest view of Florence, especially at sunset, then on to the Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte, higher still.
San Lorenzo, Santa Croce and the Central Market
- The Medici Chapels and the basilica of San Lorenzo.
- The Central Market, to taste Tuscan specialities.
- The basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.
Eating in Florence
Bistecca alla fiorentina (to share), lampredotto (a tripe sandwich, the classic street food), ribollita (Tuscan soup), filled schiacciata and, of course, gelato. In the evening, Oltrarno and Santa Croce are full of trattorias.
Day trips from Florence
- Pisa and its leaning tower, by train.
- Siena and its Piazza del Campo.
- San Gimignano and its towers, and the Chianti hills.
- Lucca, its walls and lanes.
Getting around
The centre is best explored on foot; a car is pointless and the limited traffic zone (ZTL) is monitored. For Tuscany, the train or a rental car picked up on the outskirts works well.
Where to stay in Florence
The historic centre for a first visit, Oltrarno for couples, Santa Croce for nightlife: every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Florence. For the rest of your trip, see Travel in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Florence?
Two to three days let you see the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno. Add a day or two for Pisa, Siena or Chianti.
Do I need to book the Uffizi and the Accademia?
Yes, it is strongly recommended: they are two of the most visited museums in Italy. Book a time slot on the official website, as well as the climb up the Duomo's dome.
Where can I watch the sunset in Florence?
From Piazzale Michelangelo, on the south bank of the Arno, with a view over the whole city, or from the church of San Miniato al Monte, a little higher up.