The Best Things to do In Florence, Italy
Florence is a dreamy city that steals your heart with every picturesque corner it has. When planning a trip to Italy, Florence is a must-stop city.
It has art galleries, beautiful plazas, lovely cobblestone streets, delicious food, and so much more.
I spent my time in Italy eating pizza, drinking wine, and savoring gelato. Everything about my days there was perfect.
If you are planning to visit, here are some awesome things to do in Florence, the capital of Tuscany.
The Best Things to do in Florence, Italy
Table of Contents
Eat Gelato
Eating gelato is a thing in Florence. It’s not just a trend; gelato is representative of Italy and one of the best things to do in the city.
During the summer months, it gets hot, so eating gelato is perfect. There are many gelato shops all over Florence, so it will be easy to overconsume a few calories deliciousness.
Climb the Duomo
Florence’s most significant and famous landmark is the Duomo or The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. If you want to climb to the Dome, you must pay to go up Campanile di Giotto’s tower. This impressive landmark has incredible views of the city.
From the outside, it looked like a painting, and to date, it’s one of the buildings that has impressed me the most. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it has Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
The entrance is free into the cathedral, but you pay a fee for the dome and bell tower. There is a total of 463 stairs.
The line into the cathedral gets long at peak times, so make sure to arrive early. I also suggest you book in advance.
Uffizi Gallery
One of the top art galleries to visit in Florence is the Uffizi Gallery. It contains the world’s best Renaissance paintings and masterpieces.
There is work from Michelangelo, Rafaello, and Leonardo da Vinci. It also has a collection of statues and paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times.
It’s located near the Piazza de la Signora. For a single ticket, the cost is 20 Euros. Here is the Uffizi Gallery website.
Ponte Vecchio
One of the oldest bridges in Florence is Pont Vecchio that arches over the Arno River. You can walk across the bridge to visit the shops along the route, or you can take a lovely picture along the waterfront.
From the waterfront, you can see the charming small houses and shops built into the bridge. This is another Florence landmark to check out.
Piazza de la Signoria
Piazza Della Signoria is a gorgeous plaza to hang out at. Some statues and sculptures decorate the outdoor space making it feel like an open-air gallery.
At one time, Michelangelo’s David statue stood here, but it now has a replica of it. The plaza also has shops, cafes, and restaurants. Of course, this is a place I rested at to eat more gelato.
Watch the Sunset at Piazza Michelangelo
My favorite panoramic view of the city is at Piazza Michelangelo. To get here, there is a 20-minute walk up some stairs.
The atmosphere is excellent, with people relaxing at the top with drinks while they enjoy the sunset. So grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the moment.
Browse the Shops
There are many small shops throughout Florence that you can browse for souvenirs. Or, if you are in Italy to shop, go ahead and enter the boutiques and stores to buy yourself some new outfits.
Piazza della Repubblica
What I liked about Pizza Della Republica was the beautiful carousel. This piazza is located near the the shops and is the perfect place to walk around and hang out either during the day or at night. And if you’re up to it, you can even ride the carousel.
Getting to Florence from Florence Airport
Florence has its own airport, which is only 4km from the city center. Therefore, getting to the city center is pretty straightforward.
You need to take the T2 tram line that runs between the airport and the Santa Maria Novella train station in the city center.
Tickets only cost about 1.50 euros. The trains run frequently and only take about 20 minutes to arrive. Your other option is to take a taxi and you can book it in advance with your hotel.
Tips for Visiting Florence
The top attractions in Florence sell out or have long lines. So the best thing you can do is to book tickets in advance.
The city is walkable, therefore walking around on foot is the best choice. I also recommend staying near the city center because most tourist spots will be located there.
If you stay a couple of streets down from the main center, you will save some money.
What to Pack for Italy
Here is a list of my favorite items I packed for my trip to Italy.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
The Best Things to do in Florence, Italy
