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Things to do in Florence

Things to do in  Florence

Welcome to Florence

Art and architecture reign supreme in the Renaissance city of Florence. The cobblestone streets have hardly changed since the 17th century, and walking tours will take you through hidden plazas (piazze), over the Ponte Vecchio, and past the Brunelleschi-designed Duomo. Opt for skip-the-line tickets to see the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze and Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the world’s most famous artwork. And be sure to allow plenty of time for leisurely meals featuring the bounty of the Tuscan hills surrounding the city.

Top 15 things to do in Florence

#1
Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia)

Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia)

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Once one of Europe’s oldest drawing schools, Florence’s Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) is now one of the city’s most visited museums, home to one of the world’s most impressive works of Renaissance art—Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall (5.2-meter-tall) David. Other works on display include 15th- and 16th-century paintings by the likes of Botticelli and Lippi, unfinished Michelangelo sculptures, and a museum of musical instruments.More
#2
Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)

Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)

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The Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) houses one of the world’s most significant collections of art, drawing in more than a million annual visitors who wish to cast eyes upon its many masterpieces. Set in the heart of Florence, the museum contains the works of artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Giotto, among others. It is the premier place to view Italian Renaissance art and is the most-visited museum in Italy.More
#3
Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori)

Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori)

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No matter where you walk in Florence, chances are you will spot its famous Duomo—a defining element of the city’s history, geography, and identity—towering above. Beneath its red-tiled dome lies Florence’s largest church, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori. Together with the Museum of the Duomo, an opera museum, the baptistery of San Giovanni, and Giotto's Bell Tower, the Duomo complex has become the city’s most famous landmark.More
#4
Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria

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Home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria is the most important public square in Florence. The political heart of the city for centuries, today the square is also a vibrant social hub, where locals and tourists gather at the Loggia dei Lanzi and Neptune fountain to soak up the elegant atmosphere.More
#5
Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

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The historic Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Florence after Brunelleschi’s soaring red dome topping the Duomo. The three lower arches of this 14th-century bridge span the Arno River at its narrowest point between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace, and a stretch of the famous Vasari Corridor runs along its top. Situated on street level, the Ponte Vecchio is lined with pocket-sized jewelry shops and packed with locals and tourists taking a stroll or snapping photos of the colorful palazzi lining the river bank.More
#6
Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

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The most famous scenic overlook in Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is beloved for its breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops. From this 19th-century square set on a hillside in the Oltrarno neighborhood, panoramic views stretch over the Rose Garden, Ponte Vecchio spanning the river Arno, the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's iconic Duomo and bell tower, and the Tuscan hills beyond.More
#7
Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio

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The 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio has been the symbol of this Renaissance capital’s political power for more than seven centuries. With its imposing crenellated roofline and defensive tower, it dominates Piazza della Signoria and is home to the luxurious chambers of the Medici family. Visiting Palazzo Vecchio for a peek into Renaissance Florence is a rite of passage for visitors.More
#8
Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica

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Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important and elegant squares in the heart of Florence, lined with porticoed 19th-century palazzi, Grand Dame hotels, high-end boutiques, bustling restaurants, and historic cafés. A stroll through this beautiful public space is a must during any Florence sightseeing tour.More
#9
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

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Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) was built by Luca Pitti in the 1400s. A century later, Duchess of Florence Eleonora di Toledo purchased the Renaissance palazzo for her husband, Cosimo I de' Medici, and it remained the official residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until the early 20th century. Today, Pitti Palace is Florence's largest museum complex.More
#10
Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

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Situated just west of the Duomo Cathedral, the Florence Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is one of the oldest structures in Florence. Its iconic octagonal structure dates back to ancient Rome, while its 16th-century bronze doors—sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiberti—were dubbed the Gates of Paradise by Michelangelo himself.More
#11
Brunelleschi's Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi)

Brunelleschi's Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi)

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Towering above Florence, Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi) is an important engineering and architectural feat. Completed in 1436, the fact that this symbol of the city still stands tall over the Duomo more than 600 years later is testament to Brunelleschi’s mastery. Climb to the top for some of the best views over Florence.More
#12
Ponte Santa Trinita

Ponte Santa Trinita

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Built in the 16th century by Bartolomeo Ammannati with advice from Michelangelo, Ponte Santa Trinita, or Saint Trinity Bridge, connects the two banks of Florence’s Arno River and offers unobstructed views of the Ponte Vecchio. The bridge was rebuilt with its original materials in 1958 after its destruction during World War II.More
#13
Florence Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce)

Florence Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce)

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One of the most striking and important churches in Florence, Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce) is a classic example of Tuscan Gothic architecture. It’s also home to myriad works by Giotto, Gaddi, della Robbia, and Donatello, plus the tombs of numerous luminaries including Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, and Machiavelli.More
#14
San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato al Monte

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With so many unforgettable sights in Florence, it’s tempting to skip San Miniato al Monte, perched high up on a hilltop in the outskirts of the city. However, the church’s stunning 13th-century mosaic and sweeping views over Florence make the effort well worth your while.More
#15
Piazza Santa Croce

Piazza Santa Croce

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Piazza Santa Croce, dominated by the Basilica of Santa Croce, is one of the most important squares in central Florence. Home to the intricately frescoed 17th-century Palazzo dell’Antella and the 15th-century Palazzo Cocchi-Serristori, this vibrant public space hosts a number of outdoor markets and fairs each year.More

Trip ideas

Don't-Miss Dishes in Florence

Don't-Miss Dishes in Florence

Top activities in Florence

Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip from Florence Including Lunch
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Skip the Line: Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets
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Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
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Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
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Cinque Terre Day Trip with Transport from Florence
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David & Accademia Gallery Tour - Florence (Reserved Entrance)
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Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide
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Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence
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Semi Private Cinque Terre and Pisa Leaning Tower Tour from Florence
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Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence
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Pastamania - Pasta making class

Pastamania - Pasta making class

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Recent reviews from experiences in Florence

star-5
Fabulous way to see Florence
Judith_M, Aug 2022
Electric Bike Night Tour of Florence with amazing view from Michelangelo Square
Fantastic way to see Florence at night.
star-5
Florence Hills ebike tour
Michael_W, Aug 2022
Florence Hills Electric Bike Tour with amazing Views and Delicious Gelato
What a great way to see large areas of the place you are visiting.
star-5
Great tour with Giacomo
Kimberly_C, Aug 2022
Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour
He was very knowledgeable about Florence and its history, was very kind and spoke English very well.
star-5
Leo
Mackenzie_H, Aug 2022
Leonardo Interactive Museum® Entrance Ticket
Very affordable, English translations for all the information.
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Unique experience
Elizabeth_A, Aug 2022
Florence River Cruise on a Traditional Barchetto
So much fun to see Florence from a different angle!!!!
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Pricey but worth it. Half Day Pisa excursion from Florence, IT
Eileen_C, Aug 2022
Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli Half-Day Tour from Florence
The half day tour to Pisa from Florence was just the right amount of time to see the main sites and have a few minutes to explore on our own.
star-5
Very interesting guide,...
Deanne_C, Jul 2022
David and Duomo Tour: Early Accademia and Skip-the-Line Dome Climb
Even though we only saw a small portion of the beautiful Florence, our guide gave us some tips of other places to visit.
star-5
Great way to see Pisa!
John_W, Jul 2022
Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli Half-Day Tour from Florence
A lot of tours of other sites in Florence, etc require a lot of walking; one benefit of Pisa is the stuff you want to see is all clustered together.
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Lovely tour! Very kind...
Sarah_F, Jul 2022
Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour
Florence is a beautiful city and this was a great way to see it.
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Worth the early wake up!
Todd_B, Jul 2022
Skip the line: Duomo Skywalk - Florence Heaven
To see the church when it first opens and get to the top of the dome before Florence wakes up was one of the highlights of our trip.
star-5
Excellent tour
Kerri_A, Jul 2022
Florence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience
It was a great evening and a lovely way to see Florence.
star-5
Perfect quick visit to see the David.
Matthew_B, Jul 2022
David & Accademia Gallery Tour - Florence (Reserved Entrance)
It was a great way to see one of the highlights of Florence on a very short trip to the city.
star-5
We learnt a lot
Kevin_F, Jul 2022
VIP SKIP THE LINE: Love the David GUIDED EXPERIENCE
It is something that you have to see on a first trip to Florence.
star-5
Amazing!!!
Mia_F, Jul 2022
Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence
I loved getting to see the Florence countryside and learn their tips on how to make pizza and gelato!
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We had a wonderful time...
Shawn_m, Jul 2022
Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo
We were able to see David and Duomo as well as several other wonderful spots in Florence and our guide helped make the city come alive.
star-4
Magical Florence
jacqueline_T, Jul 2022
Best of Florence Walking Tour
Florence is beautiful and our tour guide showed us all the main places to visit as well as good information about the best places to eat and must go back areas.
star-4
Beautiful Tuscan experience.
Sanjay_P, Jul 2022
Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip from Florence Including Lunch
If you have a short time it is a great way to see the best of Tuscany outside of Florence.
star-5
Breathtaking views and great wine
SofiaCarolina_C, Jul 2022
Private Tour: Chianti Afternoon Tour with Wine Tasting
Our guide, Andrea, was the best: on time, very helpful and fluent in English, and gave us a lot of tips too..
star-5
Excellent experience
Ronika_b, Jul 2022
Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence
One of our favorite Florence activities.
star-5
Well worth it!!
Fred_V, Jul 2022
David and Duomo Tour: Early Accademia and Skip-the-Line Dome Climb
The early access to see David was so nice and since it was my first time to Florence well worth it.
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People Also Ask

What is Florence famous for?

Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the most recognized works of art and architecture in the world. Topping the list is the Duomo, the city’s soaring cathedral famous for Brunelleschi’s dome, and Michelangelo’s iconic 17-foot (5-meter) David statue, now housed in the Accademia Gallery.

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What is the best month to go to Florence?

More 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.

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How many days do I need in Florence?

Plan 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.

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How do I spend a day in Florence?

If you only have one day in Florence, begin with a walking tour through the historic center to take in highlights like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. Then make a beeline to the Accademia Gallery (book your ticket in advance) to marvel at Michelangelo’s David.

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What should I not miss in Florence?

The 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 spanning the Arno River and main Piazza della Signoria.

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What attractions are free in Florence?

Florence’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.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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