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100 Things to Do in Florence Italy, a Bucket List City

Sherianne Higgins·
Italy Travel
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FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Florence Italy will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Florence Italy.

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Santa Maria del Fiore Florence Italy things to do
Santa Maria del Fiore

100 Unforgettable Things to do in Florence Italy

Top 5 Things to Do in Florence Italy

  • See Michelangelo’s David at the Academia Gallery
  • Climb the Duomo di Firenze
  • Browse the art galleries at the Uffizi
  • Make fresh pasta during a cooking class
  • Shop the famous San Lorenzo leather markets

Must Do Attractions and Activities in Florence Italy

  • Climb the 500 steps to the top of the Duomo for amazing city views
  • Climb 414 stairs of the Giotto’s Bell Tower for an up-close view of the Duomo
  • Check out the sculptures in Piazza della Signoria
  • Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge with views of the Arno River
  • Tour the Palazzo Vecchio (old town hall) secret passages
  • See the Gates of Paradise bronze doors at the Baptistery of St. John
  • People watch in the Piazza della Repubblica square full of cafes and street musicians
  • Check out the panoramic views of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo
  • Visit the Loggia dei Lanzi open-air sculpture gallery
  • Attend an Opera at Teatro del Maggio Musicale
  • Ride the historic carousel in Piazza della Repubblica
  • Watch a Fiorentina Soccer Game
  • Visit La Basilica di Santa Croce to see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo
  • Explore the old city walls and Porta San Giorgio gate
  • Stop by the Grotto di Buontalenti
  • See the wooden cross made by Michelangelo at Santo Spirito Church
  • Refill your water bottle at the Fountain of Neptune
  • Visit the site of the Bonfire of the vanities at Piazza Della Signoria
  • Rub the nose of the bull at Piazza del Mercato Nuovo to ensure a return trip to Florence
  • See the Columna de la Justicia al Fondo de la via Delle Terme
  • Make fresh pasta during a cooking class
  • Explore the ornate Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
  • Explore the Laurentian Library designed by Michelangelo

Best Museums in Florence Italy

  • View the Birth of Venus painting at the Uffizi
  • Get your science fix at the Galileo Museum
  • See Michelangelo’s David at the Academia Gallery
  • Browse Renaissance and early Baroque art at Corsi Palace
  • Check out the frescoes by Fra Angelico at the Museo di San Marco
  • Stop in Grande Museo del Duomo to see Giberti’s original Gates to Paradise doors
  • View Donatello’s sculptures at the Bargello National Museum
  • Browse 20th-century Italian contemporary art at Museo Novecento
  • See some of Michelangelo’s early works at Casa Buonarroti
  • Explore the interactive exhibits at Leonardo da Vinci Museum
  • Walk through the history of Italian fashion at the Pitti Palace Costume Gallery

Outdoor Activities in Florence Italy

  • Grab a gelato and take a walk along the Arno River
  • Bike the scenic paths along the Arno River
  • Walk along the Vasari Corridor
  • Explore the English garden at Boboli Garden
  • Have a picnic with a view at Giardino delle Rose or Giardino dell’Orticoltura
  • Walk under a tunnel of wisteria at Villa Bardini Gardens
  • Explore the quirky statues and fountains at Pratolino Gardens including the Giant of the Apennines
Ponte Vecchio Bridge Florence Italy travel guide
Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Where to Eat in Florence Italy

  • Eat Italian chocolate and drink cappuccino
  • Stop in Caffe Cibreo for an espresso
  • Sample the cheese and meat at the Sant’Ambrogio Market
  • Have lunch at Mercato Centrale
  • Grab a slice and read the pizza love letters at Gusta Pizza
  • Head to the neighborhood of Santa Croce for an authentic Italian meal
  • Eat a famous Bistecca ala Florentina (steak) at Trattoria Mario
  • Grab a gelato at Gelateria La Carraia
  • Order bistecca alla Fiorentina at Buca Lapi, Florence’s oldest restaurant

Florence Italy Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs

  • Enjoy aperitivo (happy hour) at La Terrazza, Bite Al Fiume, or Caffe Gilli
  • Spend an evening in a wine bar, try Le Volte, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, Vini a Vecchi Sapori or Osteria Vini a Vele
  • Have a rooftop cocktail with a view at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, SE.STO on Arno, B-Roof, Sky Bar, or the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Pagliai
  • Order craft cocktails at Colle Bereto, Rex Café, Moyo or Fresca Cafe
  • Dance the night away at Tenax Club, YAB Disco Club, Otto Zone, or Secret Sin

Shopping in Florence Italy

  • Shop the famous San Lorenzo leather markets
  • Stroll the Oltrarno artist neighborhood and wander the workshops
  • Shop for jewelry along the Ponte Vecchio
  • Window shop along Via Maggio
  • Do some high-end shopping in Piazza Santa Trinita
  • Wander the designer shops on Via Tornabuoni

Instagrammable Places in Florence Italy

Best viewpoints: San Miniato al Monte Terrace, Campanile di Giotto, Piazzale Michelangelo, San Niccolo Tower, Tower of Palazzo Vecchio, Arnolfo Tower, Biblioteca delle Obiata, Belvedere Fort, Bardini Gardens Terrace, rooftop of La Terrazza at Hotel Continental, Ponte Santa Trinita, Rooftop Bar at Grand Hotel Minerva, Giardino delle Rose.

Photograph the frescoes of San Miniato al Monte, the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, Florence’s ornate door knockers, Duomo Rooftop, Michelangelo’s David, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Courtyard, Arno River Banks, Boboli Gardens’ Fountain of Neptune, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella façade, Mercato Centrale

Day Trips from Florence Italy

  • Take a Vespa tour of Tuscany
  • Spend the day in the colorful hillside towns of Cinque Terre
  • Climb the famous tower in Pisa Italy
  • Explore the medieval towns of Siena, San Gimignano, or Lucca
  • Take a drive through the Chianti and stop for some famous Italian red wine

Special Events in Florence Italy

Be sure to check the Florence Italy Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Uffizi Gallery Florence Italy things to do
Uffizi Gallery

Plan your Trip to Florence Italy

Why Visit Florence Italy

Florence Italy had approximately 13 million visitors last year. Florence has it all: cobblestone streets, shutters adorn worn buildings, insanely beautiful doors, frescoes galore, the Duomo, beautiful gardens, old city walls, Chianti wine, leather markets, famous public art, and, of course, David.

How Many Days in Florence Italy is Enough

3 days in Florence Italy is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.

Is Florence Italy Safe for Solo Travelers

According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Florence Italy is low. However, hailing a taxi at night is considered dangerous, the risk of running into a scam is medium and the risk of pick pockets is high. Check their website for more information.

Best Time to Visit Florence Italy

Shoulder season in Florence Italy is April to May and September to October. Summer is high season; expect temperatures in the high 80s, large crowds and increased prices. Winter is off season; expect temperatures between the mid-30s to upper 50s and short days.

How to Get to Florence Italy

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is the international airport in Florence Italy. LAX to FLR is about 14 hours with one layover.  JKF to FLR is about 11 hours with one layover. Prepare for your flight!

Th easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by tram. The T2 tram runs every 5-10 minutes. The last stop is Unita stop near the central station.

How to Get Around Florence Italy

Florence is a walkable city with a pedestrianized city center. There is a network of trams and busses available for areas outside of the city center, it is not necessary to rent a car. Day trips can easily be booked from the Santa Maria Novella railway station to various cities in Tuscany.

Where to Stay in Florence Italy

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

What Should I Budget for Florence Italy

According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $189 per person per day. As always, cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.

Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Florence Italy

Couples may enjoy watching the sunset over the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River, making fresh pasta meal during a cooking class, taking a hot air balloon ride over Tuscany, or a day trip to Chianti for a vineyard tour.

Things to Do in Florence Italy with Young Children

Explora Children’s Museum, Museo Galileo, puppet shows, or riding the Piazza dells Repubblica Carousel are a few of the best things to do with young children in Florence.

Things to do in Florence Italy with Teenagers

Young adults may enjoy climbing the Duomo, a street art tour, sampling authentic food at the Central market, shopping for leather goods at San Lorenzo Market or taking a Segway tour through the city.

Visiting More Italian Cities?

Check out our Italy Travel Guide with links to must see destinations and itineraries!

Piazza della Signoria Florence Italy must see
Piazza della Signoria

Plan Your Trip to Florence Italy

Italy Travel Guide

Pick up an Italy Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Florence Italy Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Florence Italy Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in Florence Italy, a Bucket List City

Discover the ultimate guide to things to do in Florence Italy with this curated list of 100 unforgettable activities. Explore must-see landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy authentic Italian experiences, from cooking classes and gelato to wine tasting in Tuscany. Plan your trip with tips on when to visit, where to stay, and the best photo spots for lasting memories. Don't miss a single moment in this breathtaking bucket list city!
Discover the ultimate guide to things to do in Florence Italy with this curated list of 100 unforgettable activities. Explore must-see landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo’s David. Enjoy authentic Italian experiences, from cooking classes and gelato to wine tasting in Tuscany. Plan your trip with tips on when to visit, where to stay, and the best photo spots for lasting memories. Don't miss a single moment in this breathtaking bucket list city!

Have a great vacation!

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16 Responses

  1. This brought back great memories of my trip to Firenze ten years ago. I bought the most beautiful pair of earrings on the bridge and lost one last year, still bummed about that.

  2. This is a fabulous list of things to do! I’ve been to Florence a couple of times and it seems like there’s always something I missed! I would definitely want to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower the next time so I can see the Duomo from a different angle.

  3. I spent maybe 18 hours in Florence. Definitely not enough and I’d love to go back. So many amazing things on this list and you’ve captured some great photos of the city. Top of my revisit list would be to climb the steps to the top of the Duomo and maybe go on a drive through Chianti. I love me some red wine.

  4. Florence is such a beautiful city! I wish we had more than a day to spend there when we visited. There are so many great things to see and your post really makes me want to go back again. I’d love to see Michelangelo’s David, climb the Duomo, tour the Palazzo Vecchio secret passages, and take a cooking class the most, but all of your ideas sound like a lot of fun. We need to get back there for sure!

    1. I was there 2 days the first time and 5 this time. And, I did a pasta and a pizza class, both were great!

  5. Fabulous list of recommendations! When I visited Florence last, I didn’t accomplish half of what you have listed here. This all makes me want to return and use this post as a checklist 🙂

  6. Fantastic list! I would love to go back to Florence and tick some of these of the list. The last time I was there is was 40 degrees and super busy so unfortunately we spent most of the time at the pool!

  7. Lots of great ideas here, I don’t have any context at all about Florence so many of these things I do not know. Looks like I’ll need to visit that Florence tourism office to get that map and probably research in advance! Looks like Michaelangelos’s David visit, pizza and wine would be the top of my list. thanks for the tips!

  8. So many great ideas here! I spent five days in Florence and didn’t really do anything besides wander around the streets and up to Piazzale Michelangelo. By the end of it I was kind of wondering what all the fuss was about. Now I feel like I missed out on something (granted, I was super broke at the time and anything with admission fees was a no-go, but still).

    1. There’s still quite a bit you can do without admission fees. You really must go back when you can shop the leather market!

  9. This is such a comprehensive list – have you been able to do all of these? I’ve been wanting to visit Florence for quite a while and this list has made me even more interesting. Plus, you had me at Chianti wine and leather markets at the very beginning of your post – sign me up! Are the prices pretty reasonable on leather there?

    1. I did everything I was interested in. I skipped things like the tombs and the science museum. Leather is VERY reasonable in the market, but you must negotiate.

  10. Wow I had no idea there was so much to see and do in Florence! When I was there I didn’t do half the things you listed. I loved walking on the Ponte Vecchio and looking at all the jewelry and of course I ate pizza and gelato everyday. They have such amazing shopping so I spent a lot of my time doing that there. I didn’t climb up the Duomo but I loved looking at it, it has such a unique look almost as if it’s fake! Next time I visit I will make sure to use your list and do everything on it!

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