What are the top things to do in Florence?

The top things to do in Florence are: Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori) Ponte Vecchio Palazzo Vecchio

What are the top activities in Florence?

Top activities in Florence include: Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking David & Accademia Gallery Tour - Florence (Tickets are included) Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine

What are the top things to do near Florence?

Check out things to do near Florence: Tuscany Chianti San Gimignano Siena Pisa

What do I need to know before visiting Florence?

Check out these top Florence travel ideas: 8 Renaissance Masterpieces To See In Florence That Aren’t "David" Don't-Miss Dishes in Florence 8 Must-See Florence Neighborhoods and How to Visit Medici Family Sites in Florence 5 Must-See Museums in Florence and How to Visit

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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Top 15 attractions in Florence

Tours & Tickets

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

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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 Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall (5.2-meter-tall) David. Other treasures on display include Renaissance paintings by artists such as Botticelli and Lippi, unfinished Michelangelo sculptures, and a collection of rare musical instruments.More

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Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori)

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No matter where you walk in Florence, chances are you'll 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

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After Brunelleschi’s soaring dome, Giotto’s elegant bell tower (Campanile di Giotto) is perhaps the most recognized landmark emerging above the rooftops of Florence. Admire the intricate polychrome marble covering the entire 270-foot (82-meter) height, and climb the more than 400 steps to the top for one of the best views over Florence.More

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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

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Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

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Pass through the arched entrance of Florence’s stately Pitti Palace and into the serenity of the sweeping Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli), once the private playground of this Renaissance capital’s ruling Medici family. Dating from the 16th century, the Giardino di Boboli is among the earliest examples of formal Italian gardens, commissioned for the wife of Cosimo I de Medici in 1540. The gardens were expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries, and now cover 11 acres (4.4 hectares) of hillside and include a collection of outdoor sculptures dating from ancient Rome through the 17th century, making it a veritable open-air museum.More

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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

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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

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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

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Tours & Tickets

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

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Trip ideas

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Top activities in Florence

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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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Skip-the-Line Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi's Dome Climb

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Skip the Line: Florence's Accademia Gallery Priority Entrance Ticket

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Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Hidden Highlights Walking Tour

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Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide

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Florence to Chianti wine region with 2 wine tastings and vineyards escape

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Semi Private Cinque Terre and Pisa Leaning Tower Tour from Florence

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Skip the line: Duomo Skywalk - Florence Heaven

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Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour

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Pastamania - Pasta making class

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Skip the line Florence Tour: Accademia, Duomo Climb and Cathedral

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What people are saying about Florence

Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings

Hannah_P

, May 2023

Wonderful way to experience Florence

Such a fun, entertaining and delicious way to see Florence.

Electric Cart Tour Florence

Mattie_C

, May 2023

Magnificent sightseeing!

A great way to see the major sights.

Electric Cart Tour Florence

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, May 2023

Best florence tour

Best eay to see florence in short time.

DAVID and ACCADEMIA Private Tour in Florence Italy

tamre_m

, May 2023

Highly recommend

Irina was punctual and very helpful with recommendations for places to visit during our stay in Florence.

David & Accademia Gallery Tour - Florence (Tickets are included)

Kasey_C

, May 2023

Focused. Quick. Essential artwork.

Her passion is apparent in the way she discusses art and we got to see the musical instruments from the Medici family which was a nice surprise.

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, May 2023

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Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Chianti Wine Tasting Tour from Florence

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Accademia Gallery Small Group Guided Tour

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Best of Florence Private Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals

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