Visit Florence: Top 27 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

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Things to do in Florence: The 27 Best Places to Visit and Highlights

You’re planning to visit Florence during your next trip to Italy and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the best things to do in Florence, with all the must-see attractions and points of interest.

At the end of the article, you will also find itineraries to visit Florence in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days or even a week as well as my suggestions of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Florence? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Visiting Florence: All Must-See Attractions

1. Piazza del Duomo

Let’s start with Piazza del Duomo, the main square in Florence:.

As the name suggests, you can admire there the entire architectural complex of the Duomo, which includes:

  • Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore or Florence Cathedral
  • Giotto’s Campanile
  • The Baptistery of St. John
  • The Duomo Museum

I’ll give you all the details on these places a bit below.

Voyage Tips - Advice

To visit Florence, the first thing you should do is purchase the Florence Pass. It’s the best pass to skip the long lines at the entrances of tourist sites.

It includes access to the most important monuments and museums in Florence, such as:

  • Brunelleschi’s Dome
  • Uffizi Gallery + Audioguide
  • Accademia Gallery + Audioguide
  • An audio guide of Florence with more than 70 points of interest: perfect to learn everything about the city!
  • A discount of 10% on many other activities in Florence

So, you want to save time and visit Florence without any hassle? Do as I did and get your Florence Pass 😉.

You need to purchase the Florence Pass by clicking on the button below:

If you prefer to buy skip-the-line tickets for each monument and museum in Florence individually, rather than the complete Pass, I’ll link all the necessary tickets throughout this article.

When available, I’ll also share the best guided tours.

Piazza del Duomo Florence
Piazza del Duomo in Florence

2. Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore / Florence Cathedral

Let’s stay on the Piazza del Duomo and talk about Florence’s most famous monument: the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Very imposing, it ranks among the world’s largest cathedrals, surpassed only by St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Its construction began in 1296 and lasted until 1436, taking nearly 140 years.

The cathedral’s exterior features a beautiful facade of white and green marble while the interior is quite simple.

The most famous element of the basilica is its dome. Built by Brunelleschi, it stands at an impressive 115 meters height and 45 meters in diameter. The interior decoration of the dome depicts scenes from the Last Judgment.

To get a closer view, you can climb the 463-step staircase that leads under Brunelleschi’s dome and then to the top of the cathedral. From up there, the view of the entire city of Florence is magnificent!

Access to Florence’s dome is included in the Florence Pass, but you must book a visit time in advance.

Just don’t arrive too early, as you can only go up at the exact time stated on your ticket. There’s a special line for the dome, different than the one to enter te catehdra (which is free to visit).

I explain everything about the different tickets to visit Florence Cathedral in my dedicated article: Tickets for Florence Cathedral – All you need to know

If you don’t have the Florence Pass, and since reservation to access Brunelleschi’s dome is mandatory, you need book your ticket online by clicking on the button below:

As seats are very limited, book as early as possible, especially during high season! (April to September)

Voyage Tips - Advice

You can also choose to climb the dome with a guide who will provide all the necessary explanations about this masterpiece.

You’ll even get a delicious ice cream (on the house!) to reward your efforts.

You need to book this guided tour of the Florence dome by clicking the button below:

And if you want a more comprehensive guided tour that also includes the other monuments in Piazza del Duomo, it’s also possible.

You will get: guided tours of the dome + baptistery + Opera del Duomo museum + 1 ticket to climb Giotto’s bell tower (self-guided).

You need to book the VIP guided tour here:

Florence
Florence Cathedral

3. Giotto’s Campanile

Giotto’s Campanile, the bell tower of the Florence Cathedral, follows the same design codes as the cathedral for its facade: white, green, and pink marble and niches with statues of saints.

A narrow 414-step staircase (yes, in Florence you’d better have strong calves!) leads to its summit at 84 meters high. Just like at the top of the dome, you can then enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city and the cathedral.

Giotto's Campanile
Giotto’s Campanile

4. The San Giovanni Baptistery

Right on the Piazza del Duomo, opposite the entrance to the cathedral, you can find the baptistery.

With its Romanesque architecture, it’s dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and has served as the baptismal site for many of Florence’s notables, including the famous poet and writer Dante.

Inside, the most important is for sure the ceilings decorated with golden mosaics depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist.

San Giovanni Baptistery
The San Giovanni Baptistery

5. The Florence Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo)

Last place to visit around Florence’s Cathedral, the Cathedral Museum is also worth a visit.

It houses statues, sculptures, and artworks that were previously located in the cathedral, the baptistery, and the bell tower. Very modern, it’s well-designed and well-presented. The statues are really highlighted beautifully!

Quite large, it spans 3 floors and includes a panoramic terrace with a beautiful view over the dome.

Voyage Tips - Advice

You’re going to Florence?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European cities 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Florence on the same dates as you, so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Florence.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Florence, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Florence!

Florence Cathedral Museum
The Florence Cathedral Museum

6. The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence

On your trip to Florence, you should also visit the Galleria dell’Accademia.

The museum is home to one of the world’s most famous sculptures: Michelangelo’s David. This over 5-meter-tall white marble masterpiece represents David before his battle with Goliath.

Within the nine halls of the museum, you can also admire numerous works by great Florentine masters, a collection of Russian icons, and the musical instruments museum.

Voyage Tips - Advice

To visit the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, you really need to have a skip-the-line ticket – Else you will be waiting for over an hour to get in!

You have different options to get priority access:

To book your guided tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, simply click on the button below:

A quick recap about the Florence Pass, which includes priority entrance to the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, access to the Duomo’s dome, and a downloadable audio guide of Florence.

Here is the link to get your Florence Pass:

Galleria dell'Accademia
The Galleria dell’Accademia, a must-see in Florence!

7. The Uffizi Gallery

Let’s now talk about the world famous Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi in Italian).

Along with Brunelleschi dome and the Galleria dell’Accademia, it completes the trio of must-see tourist attractions in Florence.

Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is one of the richest in the world. Its collection of works is impressive, featuring paintings by all the greatest Italian painters and artists: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Titian

The museum is quite large, taking about 1.5 hours for a (very) quick visit and more than 3 hours if you’ve rented an audioguide.

Here too,  you really need to purchase your priority entrance ticket if you don’t want to wait for hours at the ticket office. the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited places in Florence!

No worries if you’ve chosen the Florence Pass, as entry is included, otherwise you have 3 other solutions:

  • A skip-the-line ticket with a scheduled entry time + an audio guide (optional). You can get it by clicking on this link.
  • A small-group guided tour, which is the perfect way to learn more about the most interesting works.

Book your guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery by clicking the green button below:

  • Purchase the Florence Pass that includes priority entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia, access to the Duomo’s dome, and a downloadable audio guide of Florence.

Voyage Tips - Advice

Large bottles of water are prohibited, even if left in your bag, which itself must be placed in a locker. I must admit I didn’t quite understand why, as this is the first time I’ve encountered this rule at a museum, especially since it’s not mentioned anywhere.

Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery

8. Piazza della Signoria

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Florence with the Piazza della Signoria.

This square, considered as the historic political center of Florence, is one of the city’s most beautiful (together with the Duomo Square). You can admire:

  • A majestic marble fountain featuring Neptune on his chariot
  • The bronze statue of Cosimo I on horseback
  • Loggia dei Lanzi or “Loggia della Signoria” with its numerous sculptures
  • The Marzocco, a lion statue
  • The Palazzo Vecchio, which I’ll talk about below.
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria

9. Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio was built in 1299 as the seat of the Florence government and is located on the Piazza della Signoria.

It was initially called Palazzo della Signoria.

Then Cosimo I, from the Medici family, decided to make it his residence before moving to Palazzo Pitti. It was at that time the palace acquired the name Vecchio, meaning “old” or “former” palace.

Today, Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s city hall. Impressive from the outside with its 94-meter high bell tower, its interior is also worth a visit.

The rooms are beautifully decorated, adorned with frescoes and paintings, and the coffered ceilings with painted panels are magnificent.

One of the most beautiful and famous is the Hall of the Five Hundred, with scenes depicting the history of the city and the wars with Pisa and Siena.

Voyage Tips - Advice

To visit, you will need to get an entrance ticket that includes the climb to the tower, and an audio-video guide (multimedia tablet) for an interactive visit.

You need to get your entrance ticket by clicking on the button below:

Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio, in Florence

10. Ponte Vecchio

This Florence travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a section dedicated to the Ponte Vecchio.

Florence’s most famous bridge is the only one not destroyed by German bombings during World War II. It has remained intact since 1345.

Its 3 large arches features small houses built on them. These were originally butcher shops before being replaced by gold jewelry boutiques.

Gentlemen, be careful not to cross this bridge or your Tuscan travel budget will explode! 😜

For a great view of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, here are three spots I recommend:

  • Ponte Alle Grazie
  • Ponte San Trinita
  • The viewpoint from the bar of Hotel Lungarno.
Voyage Tips - Advice

To discover Ponte Vecchio and other historical landmarks in Florence’s city center, like the Uffizi, Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio, consider opting for a guided tour.

The guide is both friendly and knowledgeable, making the tour really fascinating!

You need to book your guided tour of Florence by clicking here:

Ponte Vecchio Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Florence

11. Basilica of Santa Croce

In Florence, you should also visit the Basilica of Santa Croce.

The basilica, built in 1294, is the largest Franciscan church in the world. Its architecture, showcasing different styles from the façade to the brick walls and the inner courtyard, is truly beautiful.

But you shouldn’t just admire it from the outside, as its interior is really worth a look too! Considered the pantheon of famous Italians, it houses the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli, Dante, Rossini, and Michelangelo, among others.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Santa Croce, you should opt for a guided tour.

You can find all the details by clicking the button below:

Voyage Tips - Advice

The basilica is located on Piazza Santa Croce, a large square surrounded by beautiful Renaissance palaces.

Basilica of Santa Croce
Basilica of Santa Croce

12. Pitti Palace

During your visit to Florence, you should also take the time to discover the Pitti Palace.

Built in the 15th century, originally for the Pitti family who were rivals of the Medici, it was nevertheless the latter who made it their main residence in the 16th century.

Inside the palace, you can visit:

  • The Palatine Gallery, featuring about 20 rooms adorned with paintings by Botticelli, Caravaggio, or Raphael. To book a guided tour of the Palatine Gallery, click here.
  • The Modern Art Gallery: Italian paintings and sculptures from Neoclassicism to the 20th century.
  • The Costume Gallery and its collection of clothing from the 17th to the 20th century
  • The Silver Museum, housing the Medicis’ jewels and precious objects
  • The Royal Apartments, to admire the period furniture and rich tapestries
  • The Porcelain Museum
  • Boboli Gardens, which I’ll tell you more about a bit below.

You need to book your skip-the-line ticket for the Pitti Palace and Palatine Gallery here:

And if, in addition to the Pitti palace, you also want access to the Boboli Gardens, opt for this combined ticket:

Pitti Palace
The Pitti Palace, in Florence

13. Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens are adjacent to the Pitti Palace.

This expansive Renaissance garden features numerous shaded pathways, fountains, ponds, statues, and an artificial grotto. It’s a beautiful place for a stroll in Florence!

If you want to visit only the garden, you can directly purchase your entrance ticket by clicking the button below:

And if you also want to access the Pitti Palace at the same time as the garden, opt for this combined ticket:

Boboli Gardens
Boboli Gardens

14. Bardini Garden

Another garden worth visiting in Florence is the Bardini Garden.

Entrance is included with the ticket for Boboli Gardens I mentioned above.

If you exit Boboli Gardens at the top, near Forte Belvedere, it will only take you 5 minutes on foot to get to Bardini Garden.

This Italian garden offers a very beautiful panoramic view of Florence.

Bardini Garden
Bardini Garden and its view of Florence

15. Bargello Palace and Museum

As you’ve seen, one of the main activities in Florence is to visit the city’s splendid museums.

So let’s continue with a visit to the National Bargello Museum, housed in the palace of the same name.

It’s home to an impressive collection of sculptures attributed to great Italian artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, or Verrocchio.

You need to purchase your Skip-the-Line ticket for the Bargello Museum here:

Bargello Museum
Bargello Museum

16. Piazzale Michelangelo

If you’re looking for the perfect spot in Florence to marvel at the city and its iconic landmarks, head to Piazzale Michelangelo!

It’s the most famous viewpoint in Florence, providing a magnificent vista of the cathedral’s dome and Palazzo Vecchio from above.

The square also houses a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue and a café/restaurant.

Voyage Tips - Advice

From Piazzale Michelangelo, don’t hesitate to walk a little further along the road to reach the church of San Miniato al Monte, which also offers a lovely view of the city.

Nearby, you can walk through the aisles of the monumental cemetery where notable Florentines are buried, including the author of the book Pinocchio.

Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s Viewpoint

17. The Medici Chapels and the Basilica of San Lorenzo

Florence is inseparable from the famous Medici family, who greatly contributed to the city’s splendor.

They played a dominant role in the development of not just Florence, but all of Tuscany.

Beyond the Pitti Palace, where they lived, you can also visit the three Medici Chapels, which house the tombs of family members:

  • The New Sacristy
  • The Chapel of the Princes
  • The Treasury Chapel

They are located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

If you want to visit the chapels, don’t forget to book your Skip-the-Line tickets:

If  you want to learn more about the Medici family, you should definitely book a guided tour in English. It’s the best way to discover all the secrets and anecdotes of one of the most powerful Italian families!

Simply click the button below to book your Medici guided tour:

Basilica San Lorenzo Florence
Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence

18. Other Museums to Visit in Florence

You’re looking for more things to do in Florence? There are still many museums to discover (click on the links for information and to book)!

Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Palazzo Medici Riccardi

19. San Lorenzo Market

During your holiday in Florence, you should definitely visit San Lorenzo Market.

Split into two sections, you’ll find the stalls with fruits and vegetables downstairs, while the upper part houses a food court. Open daily, both at lunch and in the evening, this place is home to several restaurants offering pizzas, pasta, meats, and more…

Everyone can choose what they want to eat and then settle down at the central tables to enjoy their meal.

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you’re looking for a less touristy market, you can also head to the San’t Ambrogio Market, a covered market open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

San Lorenzo Market Florence
San Lorenzo Market, Florence

20. Other Churches to See in Florence

Apart from the cathedral and Santa Croce Basilica, here’s a quick guide to other must-see churches in Florence:

Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Santa Maria Novella Basilica

21. Shopping in Florence

Fancy a shopping break after all the cultural sightseeing in Florence?

No problem! You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping.

Indeed, Florence is one of the most sought-after Italian cities as a fashion destination. It has nothing to envy its neighbors, Rome and Milan.

The most luxurious brands, like Prada, Gucci, are concentrated in the medieval center, along Tornabuoni Street and Vigna Nuova Street, around the Piazza della Republica and Palazzo Vecchio.

But don’t worry, much more affordable shops like H&M or Zara can be found throughout the city.

Voyage Tips - Advice

A great tip is to plan a day during your stay in Florence to head to an outlet village to find fantastic deals!

From Florence, you can hop on an organized tour with transportation included. It will take you to the outlet village for about 10 euros only.

22. What to Do in Florence? Other Activities and Guided Tours

If you’re still looking for extra things to do in Florence, here are a few ideas for unique activities as well as some great guided tour.

Simply click on the orange links for all the details and to book!

Voyage Tips - Advice

For a romantic activity to do in Florence, you should definitely consider a hot air balloon ride.

Fly over the Tuscan hills at sunrise and enjoy stunning panoramas of the vineyards and villages in the region!

You need to book your hot air baloon ride in Tuscany here:

The 5 Best Things to Do Around Florence

Now that you know all the best places to visit in Florence, let’s talk a bit about the best things to do in the city’s surroundings!

From Florence, you can discover many beautiful places in Tuscany region. Here are my favorites:

23. Pisa

First city to visit near Florence: Pisa.

Just 1 hour by train (train tickets for sale here) separates the two cities, so it would be a shame to miss out on a quick visit to the famous leaning tower!

In Pisa, you can of course discover the Piazza dei Miracoli with the tower and the cathedral, but also stroll through the typical alleys of Borgo Stretto.

You can find all my best tips to visit Pisa in a day or 2 in my dedicated article: The 21 Best Things to do in Pisa.

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you don’t want to bother organizing the trip yourself, you can book an organized day trip to Pisa.

It includes transportation from Florence and an excellent guide that will make sure you make the most of your day!

To book your day trip to Pisa, simply click on the button below:

Piazza dei Miracoli Pisa
Piazza dei Miracoli, in Pisa

24. Siena

From Florence, you can also easily visit Siena, as it’s only 1h30 away by car or train.

The main attractions to see in Siena:

  • Siena Cathedral and its sublime interior
  • The Facciatone
  • Piazza del Campo, where you’ll find the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia

To organize your visit to Siena and to learn more about the places to visit, you should read my dedicated article: The 20 Best things to do in Siena.

And if you want to discover Siena with a guided tour from Florence, that’s possible too!

Transport, guide, lunch, a guided tour of Siena as well as visits to San Gimignano and wine tasting are all included in the price.

To book your day trip to Siena, you just need to click the following button:

Duomo de Sienne
Siena Cathedral

25. Cinque Terre

Also located close to Florence, Cinque Terre is another great day trip you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Italy!

Located by the sea and surrounded by terraced vineyards, the 5 villages, famous for their colorful houses are truly a sight to behold. The landscapes and viewpoints are exceptional!

To help you plan your visit, I have written the definitive guide to the Cinque Terre. You can read it here: How to visit the Cinque Terre?

Just like Pisa and Siena, you can also visit Cinque Terre on an organized day trip. No hassle, everything is included!

The excursion is organized as follows:

  • Bus transport to Cinque Terre from Florence
  • Train travel between the villages
  • Guided village tours with free time
  • Sea cruise to enjoy the villages from a different angle
  • Optional lunch

When booking, you can choose with or without a hiking option. The hike takes you from Corniglia to Vernazza in about 1hr 30mins and offers stunning panoramas of the Cinque Terre vineyards.

This excursion is so amazing, it’s certified GetYourGuide Originals, which means it comes with a satisfaction or money-back guarantee!

This all-inclusive day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence can be booked directly here:

Cinque-Terre
Visit Cinque Terre

26. Chianti Vineyards

Wine enthusiasts know that Tuscany produces an excellent wine: Chianti.

Good news, from Florence, you can visit wineries to learn more about Chianti production and of course, taste it!

To discover the best wineries, your best bet is to opt for a Chianti guided tour from Florence.

You’ll get to visit several cellars and taste different wines, all paired with some Italian charcuterie and cheese.

This excursion is so great it’s certified GetYourGuide Originals, meaning it comes with a satisfaction or money-back guarantee!

You need to book your Chianti vineyard tour from Florence here:

Vignobles Toscane

27. A Day Trip in Tuscany

If you want to see all of the most beautiful places in Tuscany and the most famous towns around Florence in just one day, you should book this excursion.

Here too, it’s so good it’s certified GetYourGuide Originals, meaning it comes with a satisfaction or money-back guarantee!

This day trip includes:

  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Guided walking tour of Siena + Entrance ticket to Siena Cathedral
  • Lunch at a Chianti vineyard, with wine tasting
  • Visit to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 1h30 in Pisa (enough to see the most famous monuments!)

It’s undoubtedly the best choice to see all must-see spots near Florence.

You need to book your Tuscany day trip by clicking the button below:

How Many Days to Visit Florence?

As there are many monuments and museums to visit in Florence, you should ideally plan 3 days to explore the city.

Considering the museums are quite large and even though the city isn’t very widespread, the days will fly by quickly!

And don’t forget to book your skip-the-line tickets or the Florence Pass if you don’t want to queue for 2 hours in front of each monument and waste a lot of time.

You can find all available tickets to visit Florence here:

I will now give you itineraries to visit Florence in 1, 2, or 3 days a bit below.

And if you want to take advantage of your stay in Florence to explore the surroundings and Tuscany region, you can plan 4-5 days or even a full week in Florence and in the area!

One Day in Florence

If you’ve decided to spend just one day in Florence, you have several options:

1) A walking tour of the city. This will allow you to see Florence’s best places to visit, but only from the outside!

You should then follow this order:

  • Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral and dome
  • Piazza della Signoria to see the Palazzo Vecchio
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Basilica of Santa Croce
  • Piazzale Michelangelo

2) Choose 2 or 3 places to visit among Florence’s must-see attractions:

  • In the morning, for example, you can explore the entire Duomo complex (cathedral, Brunelleschi dome, bell tower, museum, and baptistery).
  • Pass by Piazza della Signoria to see the Palazzo Vecchio
  • Visit the Uffizi Gallery in the afternoon

3) If you’d rather not walk and you want to see Florence’s main tourist sites, you can take the hop-on hop-off bus.

You need to book your tickets by clicking on the button below:

Cathédrale de Florence
Florence Cathedral

2 Days in Florence

If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Florence, here is the itinerary I suggest:

Day 1:

  • Visit the Academy Gallery as early as possible
  • Climb to the top of Brunelleschi Dome
  • Explore the Duomo complex: the Opera Museum, the bell tower, and the baptistery.
  • Stop by the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
  • Then move on to the Basilica di San Lorenzo – You can visit the Medici Chapels if you have time
  • Dinner at San Lorenzo Market.

Day 2:

  • Visit the Uffizi Gallery at opening time
  • Photo at the Ponte Vecchio and maybe treat yourself to some fine gold jewelry 😄
  • Discover Piazza della Signoria
  • Optionally, visit Palazzo Vecchio (if that’s not too much art for a 2-day stay!)
  • See the Bargello Museum Palace
  • Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Voyage Tips - Advice

My detailed itinerary with all the best things to do in Florence over a weekend can be found here: 2 Days in Florence.

Florence Italy
Visiting Florence

3 Days in Florence

You have 3 days to visit Florence?

In that case, do the 2-day itinerary I mentioned above and for the 3rd day, you can add:

  • Visit the Pitti Palace and the Palatine Gallery
  • Stroll through Boboli Garden
  • Pass by Bardini Garden
  • Climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo to admire the most famous view of Florence
  • You can then conclude your 3 days in Florence with a little shopping spree!

You can find my detailed itinerary, with all my best tips, right here: How to spend 3 Days in Florence?

Voyage Tips - Advice

Just a reminder: the top attractions in Florence mentioned in this article are included in the Florence Pass, so don’t forget to purchase it before your trip to Tuscany.

It’s the best pass to discover the city: it allows you to skip the lines and save a considerable amount of money.

You need to purchase your Florence Pass by clicking the following green button:

4, 5 Days or More in Florence

If you’re lucky enough to go to Florence for 4 or 5 days, or even a week, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the surroundings.

I suggest visiting (on your own or by joining an organized tour):

To make the most out of your 4 or 5 days (or more!) in Florence, you should read my dedicated articles:

Voyage Tips - Advice

And to organize a trip that covers Pisa, Siena, and Florence, don’t hesitate to read my other article: The Perfect One Week Itinerary in Tuscany.

These other articles may also help you plan your stay:

Where to Stay in Florence

  • Plus Florence: A hostel located just 1 km from Piazza del Duomo. Dorm beds from €25, breakfast at €7.50. You can also opt for a double room, starting from €80 per night. Strong points: swimming pool, terrace with a view of the dome, comfort and cleanliness of rooms and dormitories. A great budget-friendly option in Florence!
  • Hotel St. James: Located near the Academy Gallery. Spacious double room from €80 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, private parking, warm welcome.
  • TSH Florence Lavagnini: Situated a 15-minute walk from the cathedral. Modern and colorful double room from €95, breakfast at €12. Strong points: rooftop with a stunning view over Florence, swimming pool, architecture and design, provided services. My favorite of its excellent value for money.
  • c-hotels Ambasciatori: Located next to Santa Maria Novella Church. Cozy and super comfortable double room from €160, breakfast at €10. Strong points: superb location, excellent breakfast, friendly staff. Another excellent choice for your stay in Florence!
  • Horto Convento: Located 1 km from Pitti Palace. Tastefully decorated modern double room from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: garden with terrace, tranquility, delicious breakfast, hotel charm.
  • NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa: A 5-star hotel situated 300 meters from Ponte Vecchio. Double room with minimalist decor from €315. Strong points: friendly staff, exceptional breakfast. My recommendation for a luxury stay in Florence.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: This 5-star hotel is located 15 minutes from the Uffizi Gallery and offers sumptuous rooms combining modern and Renaissance elements. Starting at €750, breakfast for €48. Strong points: the Spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, magnificent park. One of the best luxury hotels in Florence!
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze - Luxury Hotel Where to Stay in Florence
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – Luxury Hotel Where to Stay in Florence

Where to Eat in Florence

  • All’ Antico Vinaio: Located on Via dei Neri, just 200 meters from the Uffizi Galleries, these shops (three in the same street!) arguably offer the best sandwiches in Florence! Delicious and very filling, starting from only 5€. But be prepared to queue up!
  • Le Volte: Situated on via dell’Orto, this restaurant offers extremely well-cooked and perfectly grilled meats. It’s the perfect place to experience Florence’s specialty: the bistecca alla fiorentina.
  • Ristorante Brandolino: Located in Piazza di Madonna Degli Aldobrandini. You’ll receive a warm welcome, enjoy the lovely atmosphere, and the food and desserts are superb. You won’t regret dining at Brandolino! Reservation recommended.
  • Gelateria Perché’ No: No list would be complete without one of the best gelaterias in Florence. They offer true Italian ice cream at a reasonable price. The Tiramisu flavor is a must-try!
  • Hard Rock Café: Yes, the famous franchise is also in Florence and you can even reserve your skip-the-line ticket and meal in advance to avoid the queue by clicking here!

Do you want to discover Tuscany’s culinary specialties with a guide who will take you to the best shops and taverns?

Then, you should opt for a food tour of Florence!

You need to book this activity in Florence using the button below:

Voyage Tips - Advice

And if you want to get your hands dirty and come back home with all the secrets of Italian cuisine, no problem, I have found 2 great activities for you:

How to Get to Florence?

Florence has an international airport, so you can arrive here directly from many European cities.

As flight prices to Italy can vary greatly, it’s a good idea to check them as early as possible. You can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the guarantee of getting the best fare.


Voyage Tips - Advice

The Pisa Airport is just an hour away from Florence by train, so you should check flights to Pisa too. Flight fares are usually lower when flying into Pisa, so it can be worth it!

You can then check the schedule and book your train tickets to Florence right here:

If you are considering renting a car for your trip to Florence, you should check prices on Booking.com Cars website.

There, you’ll find the rates for all the available rental companies at a given location. In addition, if you book with Booking Cars, you often get free cancellation or modification!

Tourist Map of Florence

To help you get a better grasp of the city, I’ve created a tourist map of Florence listing the sites I mention in this top 27 things to do in Florence. You can display the legend of the map by clicking on the upper left button, the one with a small arrow.

And you, what do you plan to do in Florence?

Book your trip now and save money!

Italy travel Guides

You’re traveling in Italy? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Italy: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

  • Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
  • Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

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Best places to visit in Florence
Best places to visit in Florence
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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