15 of the Top Things To Do in Florence Per Viator Travelers
It's easy to be spontaneous in a city like Florence, where Renaissance palaces and soaring sculptures provide something to admire at every turn. However, having a plan can help maximize your time in this beautiful city by seeing many of the top attractions in Florence.
The capital of Tuscany has a long list of activities to keep you entertained and give you a dose of history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Whether you’re an art lover, Medici history buff, or budding chef, there are top-rated Florence tours for every itinerary that will help you to enjoy everything that the cradle of the Renaissance has to offer.
1. Climb the Florence Duomo
What?: When you think of Florence landmarks, Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi) atop the Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) immediately comes to mind. The architectural feat is best experienced on a guided tour with skip-the-line access to enjoy views from the panoramic terrace atop the cupola.
When?: The Florence Duomo is closed on Sundays and in the evening, so tours typically run from Monday to Saturday in the morning and early afternoon.
What one reviewer said: “Great experience! Loved getting to hear all the history of the Duomo and we felt like VIPs getting special access to the terrace ... A lot of steps, but they are broken up into sections going up which made it super manageable.” Rebekah_G, December 2024
2. See Michelangelo’s “David” at the Academia Gallery
What?: No Florence itinerary is complete without mentioning one of the world’s most famous sculptures: Michelangelo’s unforgettable David. For the most seamless experience, see David on a skip-the-line tour of the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) to avoid the otherwise notorious wait.
When?: The Accademia Gallery is closed on Mondays, so tours to see David are generally offered from Tuesday to Sunday in the morning or early afternoon.
What one reviewer said: “Mario was the perfect guide to take us through the works of Michelangelo. It was like a crash course on art history, philosophy, and religion. What a thrill to get a guided tour like this!” Francis_T, May 2024
3. Stroll around Florence’s historic center
What?: From Ponte Vecchio to Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s UNESCO–listed historic center is an open-air museum of Renaissance art and architecture. Learn the stories behind the sights on a Florence walking tour that visits the city’s most important churches, palaces, and piazzas, plus some hidden gems.
When?: Walking tours take place year-round at a range of time slots—consider booking an early morning or evening tour if you’re visiting Florence in the summer months to avoid the hottest times of the day.
What one reviewer said: “I fell in love with Florence because of this tour. Irena has a vast wealth of knowledge about the history of the city … You learn a lot in a short time with enjoyable company.” Dalal_Y, June 2024
4. Take a Florentine food tour
What?: Once you’ve covered the typical Florence tourist spots, get to know the Tuscan capital through its culinary traditions on a food and wine tour. These experiences showcase the city’s history through its gastronomic highlights, from centuries-old wine windows to fresh pasta and artisanal gelato.
When?: Food tours are typically around lunch or dinner each day, starting in the morning or late afternoon. Most last a few hours and include plenty of sampling.
What one reviewer said: “I always recommend doing a food tour upon arrival to a new city and this follows that rule. Get a real taste of Florence’s cuisine and food history. Our guide Anto was super sweet and made the night well worth it!” Paige_B, November 2024
5. Marvel at masterpieces at the Uffizi Galleries
What?: See works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo—to name just a few—at the renowned Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), which ranks high on the list of must-see places in Florence. Navigate the museum’s dizzying array of paintings and sculptures on a guided art tour with timed admission, and you won’t miss any of the highlights.
When?: Uffizi tours run year-round when the museum is open: Tuesday to Sunday, from morning until evening.
What one reviewer said: “Had a great Uffizi tour with Stefano! He was passionate, thorough, and super kind. His enthusiasm made the art come alive, and he took the time to answer every question. The small group made it even better.” Angela_M, March 2025
6. Ride a Vespa through Chianti
What?: Florence is surrounded by postcard-perfect rolling hills, which the adventurous prefer to explore by scooter. Join a Vespa tour to whizz around the Chianti countryside, and stop along the way for lunch at scenic villas, wine and olive oil tastings, and countless photo opportunities.
When?: Vespa tours generally start in the morning and run for several hours. Some may not be available in the winter months.
What one reviewer said: “This was incredible! From the first greeting to the safety briefing, to Vespa-ing through the hills, to the sightseeing and storytelling, and to the vineyard tour and wine tasting … we loved it all!” Chendell_A, May 2024
7. Tour the Medici family’s Florence
What?: The Medicis left a lasting mark on Florence, from the lavish Medici Chapels to the exclusive Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano). Learn how the former ruling family changed the city’s trajectory on a Medici-focused tour that visits sites including the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, which was designed by Michelangelo, and Basilica of San Lorenzo (Basilica di San Lorenzo).
When?: Medici walking tours are offered daily; aim to book your experience in the cooler months as they take place primarily outdoors.
What one reviewer said: “Words cannot describe how amazing this tour was! … The pure information and fun facts made the tour, but it wasn’t just that. Martina was clearly so passionate about the information and the Medici family.” Beth_M, July 2024
8. Learn to cook like a Tuscan
What?: Take a Florence cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes such as fresh pasta and tiramisu, and recreate your favourite Italian delicacies once back home. Combining hands-on instruction with a visit to the Florence Central Market (Mercato Centrale), these all-ages experiences are an interactive way to soak up Tuscany’s culinary heritage.
When?: Cooking classes run year-round daily, typically starting in the morning and ending after lunch. Come hungry as classes include a meal.
What one reviewer said: “So much fun! Our chef was fantastic. We learned a ton and had many laughs while meeting new people! The market was a nice touch to learn a little more about the Tuscan region.” Krista_C, October 2024
9. Go wine tasting in Chianti
What?: Florence is a great base for exploring the nearby Chianti region, famed for its red wines and pretty landscape of olive groves, undulating hills, and cypress lanes. Wine tastings in the countryside let you sample local specialties, while enjoying a peaceful slice of nature not far from the center of Florence.
When?: Wine tours typically run for a half day in the morning or afternoon, though they may be limited in the winter months.
What one reviewer said: “Loved both the wineries we attended! The transportation was easy and convenient, and the wineries themselves were delicious and beautiful. The small groups made it easy for us to make friends with another group also traveling from nearby.” Madison_H, December 2024
10. Explore the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
What?: Taking a tour of the Pitti Palace is a Florence sightseeing staple. Here, you can see paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio at the Pitti Palace Palatine Gallery, which are displayed in splendid rooms within the former home of the Medici family. Next, head out to the Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) for a breath of fresh air among tree-lined paths and Renaissance fountains.
When?: Combination Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens tours take place in the morning or afternoon when both attractions are open: from Tuesday to Sunday.
What one reviewer said: “Our guide, Camilla, was absolutely fabulous! Her extensive knowledge of art history and restoration was exceeded only by her genuine enthusiasm and love of taking people on tour. My husband, my friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.” Robin_W, October 2024
11. Cruise along the Arno River
What?: While most travelers will walk across the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita, you can pass under these famous bridges on a sunset boat ride and get a unique view of Florence’s riverside sights. Listen to historical and architectural tidbits from your guide as you cruise down the Arno River and take in the sights.
When?: Arno River cruises are generally offered in the summer months around sunset.
What one reviewer said: “Lovely ride on the Arno River. Our guide pointed out interesting buildings and shared history and fun stories as we went along. It gave us a different perspective from our land tours.” Anastasia_C, May 2024
12. Visit the Santa Croce Basilica
What?: While the Florence Santa Croce Basilica (Basilica di Santa Croce) may not be included in every Florence travel guide, it is one of the city’s most interesting churches. Housing the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, masterpieces by Giotto and Donatello, and a magnificent chapel designed by Brunelleschi, it’s best visited on an art history tour that offers insight into its many highlights.
When?: You can tour the Santa Croce Basilica year-round in the morning or early afternoon.
What one reviewer said: “This tour was fantastic … Matteo's knowledge and passion for the subject was clear to see and he really brought the history alive.” Nick_L, July 2024
13. Paint or sculpt like a Renaissance artist in Florence
What?: The Renaissance may have ended 400 years ago, but Florence’s artistic traditions are alive and well. Get inspired with an art lesson in a local artist’s studio, where you’ll learn to paint or sculpt a creation you can take home.
When?: Florence art classes are available year-round with time slots in the morning and afternoon.
What one reviewer said: “This class was fun and educational. We enjoyed learning how to blend oil paints and apply them to the canvas. The hostess was very talented and friendly.” Charles_H, October 2024
14. Catch an opera concert at Santa Monaca Church
What?: Travel centuries back in time by attending an opera concert at the 15th-century Santa Monaca Church, which hosts performances of classic operas such as La Bohème and The Barber of Seville. Running about an hour long, these shows are ideal post-dinner entertainment in Florence’s Oltrarno district.
When?: Concerts at Santa Monaca Church take place year-round, and are usually timed in the late evening.
What one reviewer said: “An unimaginable experience that has to be listened to. What a wonderful night. Opera has never been my thing but it was astonishing.” Colin_C, January 2025
15. Create your own perfume in the Florence city center
What?: Florence has been the perfume capital of Italy since Medici times and a handful of workshops in the city uphold this tradition today. Learn the history of the craft and make your own fragrance in a perfume masterclass held in a traditional 18th-century perfumery.
When?: Perfume-making classes are usually held daily, except for Tuesdays and Sundays, with a few time slots offered throughout the day.
What one reviewer said: “This did not disappoint. Learning about perfumes and their history in Florence was wonderful, I met interesting people, and I have a very unique souvenir. Loved it!” Alexis_H, January 2025
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