Discover 15 must-see Florence experiences—from climbing Brunelleschi’s Duomo to sipping a Negroni—plus insider tips on planning, booking, and pitfalls to avoid.
The very fabric of Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is interwoven with centuries of artistic, intellectual, and political developments that came to define the Renaissance period in Italy and Europe. With a surface area of only five square kilometers, the UNESCO-listed historic center may appear small. Yet, its concentration of world-renowned monuments and artistic treasures is hard to match. Distance often helps in appreciating one’s home–it was only when I returned to Florence five years ago, after a decade living abroad, and began writing about the city, that I truly started to notice the wealth surrounding me.
But Florence isn’t just a preserved relic, or, at least, it shouldn’t be seen as such. This dense repository of cultural heritage, from Brunelleschi’s Duomo to the Uffizi and Michelangelo’s David, draws millions to the city each year, making it easy to forget that this open-air museum is also a living, evolving urban center.
These are my picks for the best things to do in Florence, plus the must-try restaurants, the top hotels for any budget, and some tips on things to avoid.
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Climb the Duomo
WHERE: Duomo
Nearly six centuries have passed since architect Filippo Brunelleschi completed his revolutionary dome atop the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore–then the world’s largest. Today, Florence’s Duomo remains the city’s most revered landmark. As you ascend the 463 steps to the summit, the narrow, winding passages between its inner and outer shells offer a unique perspective on Brunelleschi’s innovative herringbone bricklaying.
Inside, you’re treated to a close-up view of Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari’s immense “Last Judgment” fresco, covering the dome’s interior. Reaching the top rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan hills. While entry to the Cathedral is free, climbing the dome requires a Brunelleschi Pass, which includes timed entry. This pass also grants you access to other UNESCO-listed sights in Piazza del Duomo, including the Romanesque Baptistery, the 414-step Campanile di Giotto (bell tower), and the fascinating Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which houses the church’s artistic treasures.
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Meet Renaissance Greats at the Uffizi
WHERE: San Giovanni
Commissioned in the 16th century to house the administrative and judicial offices (uffizi) of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and later home to the private collection of the powerful Medici family, the Uffizi Gallery is now one of Europe’s most important cultural institutions. It exhibits six centuries of art, including works by masters such as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.
After climbing the monumental Scalone Granducale on the eastern wing of the U-shaped building, designed by Giorgio Vasari, you’ll start a chronological exploration spanning from medieval masters to High Renaissance titans like Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and “Primavera,” and Michelangelo’s “Tondo Doni,” the only known movable painting created by Buonarroti. Don’t miss the Tribuna, a later addition to the Uffizi, whose cupola is clad with nearly 6,000 ostrich shells. Due to its immense popularity, always pre-book your tickets through the official Uffizi website to avoid long queues and guarantee entry into one of the world’s great museums.
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Walk the Vasari Corridor Above Ponte Vecchio
WHERE: San Giovanni
Reopened in 2025 after eight years of extensive renovations, the Corridoio Vasariano (Vasari Corridor) now links three of Florence’s major landmarks across the River Arno. Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici commissioned court architect Giorgio Vasari to construct this elevated passage in 1565. Its purpose was to connect his residence at Palazzo Pitti with the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of government, allowing the Medici family to move discreetly through the city.
This unique walkway notably traverses the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, which dates back to the 14th century. Here’s an interesting piece of history: originally, the shops on Ponte Vecchio were occupied by butchers, tanners, and fishmongers, who unceremoniously disposed of their waste directly into the Arno. However, in 1593, Ferdinando I de’ Medici, reportedly displeased by the stench and unseemly trade directly beneath his private corridor, decreed that only jewelers and goldsmiths could operate on the bridge–a tradition that endures to this day. Combo tickets that include access to the Uffizi Gallery and the Corridoio Vasariano are available on the Gallerie degli Uffizi’s website. Be sure to look through the round windows for a unique perspective of the Ponte Vecchio from above.
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Access Palazzo Vecchio’s “Secret Passages”
WHERE: Piazza della Signoria
The castle-like Palazzo Vecchio, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1299, has continuously housed Florence’s local government for the past seven centuries, including the mayor’s office today. While widely recognized for its grandiose Salone dei Cinquecento, adorned with Giorgio Vasari’s impressive large-scale frescoes, the palace’s true intrigue lies within the secret passages and hidden rooms concealed between its public spaces.
By joining a dedicated tour run by MUS.E, you’ll gain exclusive access to areas like Francesco I’s Studiolo, the hidden “wonder room” where Cosimo I de’ Medici’s son indulged his passion for collecting rare and precious objects. These very secret routes allowed the powerful Medici family to navigate the palace far from prying eyes, bypassing official receptions and maintaining their privacy.
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Dive into Florence’s Urban Art Scene
WHERE: San Niccolò
Look up as you stroll Florence’s streets, and you may notice that some of the city’s traffic signs carry unusual messages–a cupid’s heart, a loving police officer, a spilled glass of wine. These playful modifications are the work of Florence’s best-known street artist, CLET, whose studio is found in the San Niccolò neighborhood.
But CLET is only one member of a growing local street art scene. Take a refreshing break from the Renaissance and step into the Street Levels Gallery, Florence’s first urban art exhibition space. This gallery presents the work of established and emerging artists who have left their unique mark on the city’s walls. After running events for a decade in Via Palazzuolo, in 2025 Street Levels opened a second, larger exhibition space in Via Melegnano, expanding the opportunities to discover who is behind some of Florence’s most compelling contemporary urban icons.
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Follow the Michelangelo Trail
WHERE: San Marco
The glorious David, the centerpiece of the Galleria dell’Accademia, tends to grab all the attention when it comes to exploring Michelangelo’s legacy–justifiably so. But beyond the majestic marble nude, standing an impressive 5.17 meters tall, many other works by Michelangelo are scattered throughout the city.
The often deserted Casa Buonarroti, the house-museum that once belonged to Michelangelo’s family, hosts the richest collection of the artist’s preparatory sketches. Enter the Cappelle Medicee to see the monumental resting place of the Medici and–if you can find a ticket–peek into the newly opened Michelangelo’s Secret Room, a space rediscovered in 1975, covered in sketches that Buonarroti drew on the walls as he was hiding from the Medici after siding against them. Another 20th-century rediscovery is Michelangelo’s crucifix inside the Basilica Santo Spirito, while the uncompleted Pietà Bandini sculpture, one of Michelangelo’s last works, can be seen inside the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
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Sip a Negroni
Story has it that Count Camillo Negroni, a frequent patron of the now-shut Caffè Casoni (later Caffè Giacosa), created the recipe of the celebrated Negroni cocktail in 1919 by asking bartenders to switch the soda water in his usual Americano for gin. That strengthened version of the bittersweet aperitif was jealously guarded by Camillo Negroni, but as the count is said to have drunk up to 20 cocktails a day, the secret wasn’t kept for long.
Now one of Italy’s favorite cocktails, this Florentine invention is served in pretty much any bar in the city. Stop by Manifattura, mixing drinks exclusively with Italian spirits. Continue to the new Giacosa 1815, opened in 2023, but hinting at the original bar Count Negroni used to visit. End the night at MAD, San Frediano’s favorite neighborhood cocktail bar.
8 OF 25
Stroll Through Florence’s Oldest Market
WHERE: San Lorenzo
Surrounded by leather stalls of dubious quality, Florence’s Mercato Centrale, in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, may be the city’s best-known market, but it’s not the first. A year before Mercato Centrale opened its doors to the public, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio was already operating on the eastern side of the inner city.
Both covered markets were designed in the late 19th century–a time of “modernization” during which the city got rid of its medieval markets–by architect Giuseppe Mengoni. And while both cater predominantly to tourists these days, Sant’Ambrogio is typically not as crowded as Mercato Centrale and continues to function as a space where flavors mix and match. Roam the fruit and vegetable stalls on the exterior or enter the main halls to find restaurants and cafés serving traditional quick bites, from pasta to the infamous lampredotto.
9 OF 25
Get Lost in the Quintessential Renaissance Garden
WHERE: Oltrarno
The Boboli Gardens, a monumental example of Renaissance landscape architecture and a template for classic Italian-style gardens, offer a sprawling 45-hectare retreat behind Florence’s Palazzo Pitti–the former residence of the Medici family and the largest palace of the Oltrarno. Far more than just green space, these meticulously designed gardens represent 16th-century aristocratic ideals, where nature was sculpted into a controlled work of art.
Indulge in a long walk through its geometrical pathways, reaching Bernardo Buontalenti’s grotto or the recently renovated 18th-century Kaffeehaus overlooking the city. A cypress-lined avenue leads to the island within the Vasca dell’Isola, while a visit to the Limonaia (lemon house) provides another charming stop before returning to the Amphitheatre, expanding directly behind Palazzo Pitti.
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Discover the Art of the Florentine Mosaic
For centuries, Florence has been known as a city of artisans. While tourism and gentrification have caused many historic workshops to either close or turn into high-end design stores, several artisans resist and continue to keep the city’s craft heritage alive. The ancient art of the Florentine mosaic is the craft that best represents the local decorative arts heritage.
Known as “Commesso Fiorentino,” this art form is rooted in the Renaissance. Unlike traditional mosaics made of small, uniformly sized tiles, Florentine mosaic involves meticulously cutting and fitting together precisely shaped pieces of semi-precious stones to create intricate pictorial designs. Historic examples of the technique are on display in the Opificio delle Pietre Dure museum, established by the Medici in 1588. The largest mosaic in the city adorns the Cappella dei Principi, inside the Cappelle Medicee. The family-run workshop Scarpelli Mosaici still produces commissioned mosaics following the traditional techniques – step into their showroom in Via Ricasoli to see how they are made, and perhaps order one to take home.
11 OF 25
Listen to Jazz Inside a Church
WHERE: Oltrarno
Compared to other Italian cities, Florence can’t be said to have a robust live music scene. However, outside of seasonal events and festivals, Sala Vanni keeps the music playing inside a wing of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine–the San Frediano church housing the famous Cappella Brancacci.
Sala Vanni’s program of contemporary jazz concerts gathers international artists on the stage below the 1645 fresco of Gian Battista Vanni. Concerts typically run from autumn to spring, with an outdoor extension in September, when the Florence Jazz Festival takes place in the amphitheater of the Cascine Park, just outside the historic center.
12 OF 25
Taste Tuscan Vino
WHERE: San Lorenzo
Wine has been a staple in Florence from at least the Middle Ages, when the “Arte dei Vinattieri” was established as one of the city’s influential guilds. Merchants would transport wine from the nearby Chianti hills and sell it to thirsty city residents. This tradition continues today–there is no shortage of enotecas where you can try dozens of Tuscan varieties.
The San Lorenzo neighborhood is dotted with historic wine shops where a glass of local vino costs just a few euros, including Casa del Vino, Fratelli Zanobini, and Vino Divino, which often pour straight out of the barrel. More fashionable wine bars include Il Santino, Enoteca Bellini, and Vineria Sonora, the latter specializing in natural wines.
13 OF 25
Admire Gothic and Renaissance Sculptures at Museo Nazionale del Bargello
WHERE: Bargello
Italy’s largest collection of Gothic and Renaissance sculpture is housed inside Florence’s first public building, constructed in the 13th century as the headquarters of the chief magistrate of the Florentine Republic. Inside this fortress in the heart of the city, you’ll find a vast collection of stone and marble artworks displayed across three floors. Big names include Cellini, Giambologna, and Michelangelo, although the centerpiece is the “other” David–the heroic bronze figure made by Donatello in the 15th century, on show at the center of the aptly-named Donatello Hall. Luckily, the Museo Nazionale del Bargello does not typically see as much traffic as other major art museums in Florence–you can visit spontaneously without having to plan too much in advance, and while not entirely crowd-free, you can enjoy this world-class collection in relative peace.
14 OF 25
Take a Close Look at La Specola’s Anatomical Waxes
WHERE: Oltrarno
Florence’s Museum of Natural History, La Specola, reopened in 2024 after five years of renovations, reclaiming its spotlight as a beacon of scientific heritage. While its vast zoological halls impress with thousands of taxidermied animals, the true fascination lies with its anatomical waxes. Commissioned in 1775 by Grand Duke Peter Leopold, these hyper-realistic creations by artists like Clemente Susini and Gaetano Zumbo revolutionized the study of the human body.
Among the 1400 slightly unsettling exhibits of organs, muscles, and nerves, you will find 26 full-body models, including Susini’s “Lo Spellato” (Skinned Man) and the “Venere Anatomica” (Anatomical Venus), inspired by the artistic masterpieces of Michelangelo and Donatello. These waxes are a testament to both scientific inquiry and artistic skill, offering a unique–and a bit grim–window into 18th-century anatomical understanding. Guided tours are essential to experience these remarkable, historically significant exhibits.
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Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Florence
Many elevated spots offer excellent views over Florence and the Arno River, which snakes through the city. The most famous is the terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo, offering postcard-worthy panoramic views of the Duomo and its surroundings. Just above it, the ancient Basilica San Miniato al Monte, one of the oldest churches in the city, provides an even higher perspective, with its stunning Romanesque facade adding to the picturesque foreground.
Nearby is also Villa Bardini, whose terraced gardens offer another spectacular vantage point (although you’ll need to buy a ticket to get in), often less crowded, where you can frame the cityscape within the blooming violet wisteria if you visit in spring. For the ultimate sweep, looking towards the northeast, the charming hillside town of Fiesole offers a truly expansive panorama, encompassing the entire Florentine valley, from the city’s rooftops to the distant Tuscan countryside.
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Things to Avoid: Not Planning Ahead
Florence, a city of approximately 370,000 residents, receives up to 15 million visitors per year. Most tourists spend only a few days in the city, allowing time to visit only the major attractions. This means that booking tickets for popular museums in advance is essential, especially if you are visiting during the high season (April to October) and have a tight schedule. The Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Brunelleschi’s Dome are incredibly popular, often selling out weeks in advance. These museums all have timed entry–when possible, choose the earliest time in the morning to avoid the crowds in the middle of the day.
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Things to Avoid: Sandwich Queues, Wine Windows, and Gelato Piles
Food is one of the big reasons people visit Tuscany, and Italy more generally. With an abundance of dishes and delicacies to try, it’s only normal to seek guidance online, often ending up in the same few venues that have managed to build an attractive reputation on the web. Queues outside restaurants are typically more indicative of marketing efforts than food quality. This is true of both famous sandwich shops and wine windows, two recent social media sensations that have gained massive traction in the past few years, but are far from your best option to eat and drink.
Another common pitfall is falling for the “gelato piles.” While the vibrant, impossibly high mounds of gelato might look appealing, they often signify artificial colors, flavorings, and emulsifiers. Look for more subdued colors and ask about ingredients if unsure.
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Things to Avoid: Unauthorized Guides
Historic cities like Florence employ strict regulations to establish who is allowed to guide visitors through the city. Only certified guides, who have earned their license through a state exam, have the legal authority to place monuments in their historical and cultural context. Loopholes to such rules exist, but official guides should be easy to recognize, as they always carry a badge on them. Many unauthorized guides and agencies offer “skip-the-line” access or inexpensive tours–while they may seem tempting, they are often unregulated, misleading, or even scams. If you plan to travel independently, always consult the official museum websites and avoid third-party vendors when purchasing tickets.
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Must-Try Restaurant: Il Vegetariano
WHERE: San Frediano
Nestled near Piazza San Marco in the northern part of the city center, Il Vegetariano offers a refreshing break from Florence’s meat-centric trattorias. As its name suggests, this informal and welcoming eatery specializes in fresh, wholesome vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The menu changes daily, often displayed on a blackboard, and features an array of reinterpretations of classic dishes, including soups, pasta, and hearty vegetable tarts, all prepared with seasonal ingredients. It’s a favorite lunch spot among locals and travelers seeking healthy, affordable, and flavorful options in a relaxed, communal setting. Don’t miss the cakes!
20 OF 25
Must-Try Restaurant: Ristorante Cafaggi
WHERE: Oltrarno
A true Florentine institution, Cafaggi embodies the spirit of a traditional, no-frills family-run trattoria. Located just a short walk from the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella, it’s beloved by locals for its homestyle Tuscan cooking at reasonable prices–Cafaggi has been feeding Florentines for over 100 years, and it’s still going strong. While the menu changes daily, classic dishes like ribollita, pici all’aglione, and trippotto are frequent appearances. An “amaro cart” may appear in front of your table at the end of the meal–choose between dozens of digestive liqueurs and grappas to finish off with. And before you leave, if you catch Andrea, one of the three Cafaggi brothers currently running the restaurant, in a good mood, you might even get to hear one of the naughty jokes from his seemingly endless collection.
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Must-Try Restaurant: Cibrèo
WHERE: Sant’Ambrogio
Founded by the late visionary chef Fabio Picchi, Cibrèo has long been loyal to the rural roots of Tuscan cuisine, reinventing recipes that have defined the region’s gastronomy. Located near the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, Cibrèo comprises several distinct venues, including a more formal Ristorante, an accessible Trattoria, a cafè, and a Teatro del Sale with regular live performances. The common thread is Picchi’s philosophy: a deep respect for Tuscan culinary traditions, exquisite ingredients, and a playful approach to flavors. Expect innovative twists on old-school dishes like tongue and tripe and no pasta, all served in an elegant, warm atmosphere. Opt for the Ristorante for the full fine-dining experience, or stop by at the Trattoria, nicknamed “Cibreino” (little Cibreo), for a more casual lunch or dinner.
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Best Budget Hotel: Hotel La Scaletta
WHERE: Oltrarno
The position of this Oltrarno hotel could hardly get better–steps away from Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, and Piazza della Passera, La Scaletta puts you in the middle of the action during the day while offering quiet nights for uninterrupted sleep. Don’t be deceived by the large-scale fresco at the reception – inside this historic building are recently renovated, modern rooms ranging from compact doubles to larger suites. The courtyard overlooks a section of the Corridoio Vasariano, but the highlight is the intimate rooftop terrace, a space reserved for guests where wine is served with a side of exceptional views over the red rooftops of the neighborhood.
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Best Boutique Hotel: Torre di Bellosguardo
WHERE: Bellosguardo
No other hotel blends Tuscan countryside charm, medieval architecture, and city views as well as Torre di Bellosguardo, a boutique hotel located inside a former aristocratic residence perched on top of the green Bellosguardo hill, a 10-minute drive from the city center. This is not just any tower–originally built in the 13th century by poet Guido Cavalcanti, a friend of Florence’s Great Poet Dante Alighieri, it has expanded into a villa by the noble families who owned it in the following centuries. Besides the elegant rooms, olive groves and vineyards surround the property, whose centerpiece is the swimming pool overlooking the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella from the most privileged of perspectives.
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Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
WHERE: San Marco
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is Florence’s best-known five-star hotel, set within two magnificent Renaissance palaces and surrounded by a sprawling private garden, one of the largest in central Florence. This opulent hotel blends historical grandeur with contemporary luxury, featuring lavishly furnished rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant on site, Il Palagio, and a serene spa. An outdoor pool expands amidst the greenery, providing a secluded oasis in the heart of the city, while the theatrical cocktail bar serves indulgent nightcaps when you’re done exploring. The long list of past VIP guests speaks for itself, and so does the price tag.
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Things to Know
Florence is easy to navigate on foot. The UNESCO-listed historic core of the city covers approximately five square kilometers, most of which is closed to car traffic. The Santa Maria Novella railway station serves as the main transport hub–from here you can take high-speed trains to most major cities in Italy, including Milan, Venice, and Rome. Outside the railway station, frequent trams run directly to the airport, as well as to Piazza della Libertà and Piazza San Marco. Since 2024, all tram tickets can be purchased on board by tapping your contactless card.
The peak tourist season runs from late spring to early autumn, although temperatures can be scorching in the middle of summer. Visiting in winter offers the best chances to avoid crowds and find deals on accommodation, plus discounted low-season museum tickets.