Florence, or Firenze, is the kind of city that feels like an open-air museum. Every cobblestone street, every ancient bridge, and every marble statue tells a story from the Renaissance. If you are planning a trip to Italy, Florence is often the heart of the journey. Whether you are arriving here as part of a larger France trip by train or it’s a stop on your 7-day Tuscany road trip, this city will stay in your heart forever.
In this guide, I’ll share the 8 absolute best things to do in Florence to help you build the perfect itinerary.
Table of Contents
1. Stand in Awe of the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
The very first thing you should do when you arrive is head to the center of the city to see the Duomo. Its massive orange dome (designed by Brunelleschi) is the symbol of Florence. The outside is covered in beautiful white, pink, and green marble that looks almost like a painting.
- Pro Tip: If you have the energy, climb the 463 steps to the top of the Dome. There is no elevator, but the view of the terracotta rooftops is the best in the city.
- Personal Note: Go early! By 10:00 AM, the square is packed. If you go at 7:00 AM, you can have the whole place to yourself for photos.
2. Walk Across the Historic Ponte Vecchio
The “Old Bridge” is one of the most romantic spots in Italy. It’s famous because it still has shops built along its edges—mostly high-end jewelry and gold shops. During the day, it’s busy and lively, but at sunset, it turns golden.
- What to do: Don’t just walk across it; walk to the neighboring bridge (Ponte Santa Trinita) to get a perfect photo of the Ponte Vecchio reflecting in the Arno River.
3. See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia
You simply cannot leave Florence without saying hello to David. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of museums, standing in front of this massive marble statue is a “wow” moment. It was carved by Michelangelo when he was only in his 20s, and the detail is crazy—you can actually see the veins in David’s hands and the look of focus in his eyes. It’s much bigger than it looks in pictures!
- Traveler Tip: This is one of the most popular things to do in Florence, so the lines are huge. Do yourself a favor and book a “skip-the-line” ticket online at least a few weeks before you go. It saves you hours of waiting in the sun.
- What to look for: Walk all the way around the statue. The back is just as detailed as the front!
4. Watch the Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
If you want that “postcard” photo of Florence, you have to head up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo. It is a bit of a climb (or a short bus ride), but the view from the top is absolutely incredible. You can see the whole city laid out in front of you—the Duomo, the river, and the stone towers—all glowing in the evening light. It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Florence, and it’s completely free!
- Traveler Tip: People start gathering on the stone steps about an hour before sunset. Grab some snacks and a drink from a local shop at the bottom of the hill, find a spot on the steps, and enjoy the show. There is usually a street musician playing an acoustic guitar, which makes the vibe even better.
- What to look for: After the sun goes down, stay for another 20 minutes to see the city lights twinkle on.
5. Get Lost in the Uffizi Gallery
Even if you aren’t an “art person,” the Uffizi is special. It’s one of the oldest museums in the world and it used to be the private office of the famous Medici family. Walking through these grand halls with painted ceilings feels like you’ve stepped back into the 1500s. You’ll see famous paintings like “The Birth of Venus”—the one with the lady standing in a seashell.
- Traveler Tip: The museum is huge, so don’t try to see every single room or you will get “museum fatigue.” Pick 5 or 6 famous paintings you really want to see and focus on those. Also, the museum cafe has a terrace with a great view of the Palazzo Vecchio tower!
- If you are visiting Florence as part of a larger Italy travel itinerary, the Uffizi is the best place to understand the history of the whole country.
6. Feast on a Florentine Steak
You can’t talk about things to do in Florence without mentioning the food. The “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” is a massive T-bone steak that is famous all over the world. It’s grilled over a high fire so it’s charred on the outside but very pink and juicy on the inside. It’s usually seasoned with just salt, pepper, and local olive oil.
- Traveler Tip: This steak is huge (usually at least 1kg), so it’s meant to be shared between two or three people. Look for a “Trattoria” in the San Lorenzo neighborhood for an authentic experience. And remember—don’t ask for it “well done,” the chef might get offended!
- Foodie Note: Pair your steak with a glass of red wine from the Tuscany region to eat like a true local.
7. Rub the Snout of Il Porcellino
In the middle of the busy Mercato Nuovo (New Market), you’ll find a bronze statue of a wild boar. Locals call him Il Porcellino. Legend says that if you rub his shiny snout and put a coin in his mouth, it will bring you good luck and guarantee that you’ll return to Florence one day. It’s one of the most fun and quick things to do in Florence while you’re out shopping.
- Traveler Tip: When you put the coin in his mouth, it has to fall through the grate below for the luck to work! It’s a great spot for a quick photo, but it can get crowded with other travelers waiting their turn.
- What to look for: Notice how the boar’s snout is much shinier than the rest of his body—that’s from thousands of people rubbing it for luck every single day!
8. Explore the “Other Side” of the River
If the main center feels too crowded, cross the bridge to the Oltrarno district. This is where the “real” Florence lives. It’s full of narrow, quiet streets, tiny artisan workshops, and local bars. You’ll see people making leather shoes, painting gold onto picture frames, and restoring old books. It’s a much more relaxed vibe than the busy Duomo area.
- Traveler Tip: Head to Piazza Santo Spirito. It’s a beautiful square where locals sit outside to drink coffee and chat. In the evenings, it turns into a lively spot for a cheap dinner or a drink.
- If you enjoyed the small-town feel of the beautiful towns in Italy, you will absolutely love the Oltrarno district.
