10 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy (2026)

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

Florence is extremely touristy. Like, you will definitely not be wandering around wondering where all the other tourists are.

BUT, it is still 100% worth visiting.

Florence is one of those cities where even with the crowds, you can walk around and constantly see something beautiful. The architecture, history, little streets, art and overall atmosphere make it one of my favourite city-trip destinations in Italy.

I usually consider myself a bit of a water girlie, so I tend to prefer coastal cities and places by the sea. And somehow Florence still gets me every time.

I spent time exploring the city, visiting some of its famous sights and, of course, eating my way through it. So if you’re wondering what to do in Florence, these are my 10 favourite things to add to your itinerary.

If you’re still wondering whether Florence is worth adding to your Italy itinerary, I’ve also shared my honest opinion on whether Florence is worth visiting.

How Long to Stay in Florence?

2 nights / 3 days is perfect.

Three days gives you enough time to see the main sights without having to spend every second running from one attraction to another.

If you really love museums and want to see everything properly, you could easily stay longer. But for a first visit, I think 3 days in Florence is a great amount of time.

If you’re deciding between Florence and Venice for your trip, I’ve also compared the two cities in Florence vs Venice.

10 Best Things to Do in Florence

1. Take a Walking Tour

One of the first things I’d recommend doing in Florence is a walking tour.

It’s such an easy way to get your bearings, learn a bit about the city’s history and discover places you might otherwise just walk past.

You can find free tip-based walking tours through companies such as FreeTour.com. Just remember that “free” doesn’t really mean completely free, you’re expected to give your guide a tip at the end.

And I have to be honest: this is why I’m sometimes not the biggest fan of free walking tours.

I once gave my guide €8 and she looked at me like I had just committed a crime. So personally, I’d almost rather book a reasonably priced paid walking tour where I know exactly what I’m paying beforehand.

Either way, a walking tour is a super easy and fun way to learn about Florence, and you’ll often get some good local food recommendations too.

I’d do this on your first day, so you already know a little more about the city before exploring it by yourself.

Book a tour

I found this 2-hour walking tour of Lucca’s city centre and I think it could be a really good option if you want to explore the city with a guide. It looks like a fun and easy way to learn more about Lucca while seeing the main sights.

I’d book this one: Lucca: 2-Hour City Centre Walking Tour

2. Visit the Duomo di Firenze

You obviously cannot come to Florence and miss the Duomo di Firenze.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city, especially because of its enormous red dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Even if you don’t go inside, walking around Piazza del Duomo and seeing the cathedral, dome, bell tower and baptistery together is pretty impressive.

And if you’re up for a bit of exercise, you can climb the dome for views over Florence.

Just don’t underestimate the stairs. This is one of those moments where you suddenly realise that maybe you should have taken the elevator when that was still an option.

3. Explore the Galleria degli Uffizi

If you like art and history, the Galleria degli Uffizi should definitely be on your Florence itinerary.

It’s one of the world’s most famous art museums and is packed with Renaissance masterpieces.

Even if you’re not normally someone who spends hours in museums, Florence is one of those places where I think it’s worth seeing at least one of the big museums because so much of the city’s history is connected to art.

Budget tip: the Uffizi is free on the first Sunday of every month as part of Italy’s national free museum initiative. However, you can’t reserve in advance on these free days, so expect it to be busy. If you want to go for free, I’d get there early.

If you’re travelling on a different day, tickets are available through the official Uffizi ticket system.

Interior of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

4. Walk Across Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is probably one of the most recognisable sights in Florence.

The historic bridge crosses the Arno River and is lined with jewellery shops, making it very different from your average European bridge.

It’s also one of those places that is simply fun to walk across.

Yes, it’s touristy.

Yes, it can be crowded.

But it’s iconic for a reason.

I’d recommend walking across it and then also finding a spot along the river where you can look back at the bridge. The views are especially pretty around golden hour.

And obviously, this is also one of those places where you’ll probably take approximately 47 photos before leaving.

Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno River in Florence Italy

5. Visit Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens

On the other side of the Arno you’ll find Palazzo Pitti, a huge historic palace that was once home to Florence’s ruling families.

The palace itself contains several museums, so you can spend quite a bit of time exploring the inside.

Behind it are the Boboli Gardens, which are honestly worth visiting even if you’re not desperate to see another museum.

The gardens are huge, with statues, fountains, paths and viewpoints overlooking Florence.

It’s a nice change of pace after walking through the busy city centre, especially if you’ve already spent hours surrounded by tourists.

You can also buy a combined ticket for the Uffizi, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, which is valid across five consecutive days.

6. See Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia

Another famous museum in Florence is the Galleria dell’Accademia, best known as the home of Michelangelo’s David.

And yes, seeing a giant marble David is definitely one of those Florence experiences you should have.

The museum itself is relatively small compared with somewhere like the Uffizi, so you don’t necessarily need half a day here.

The downside?

It’s popular.

Very popular.

So if seeing David is high on your list, I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance rather than just turning up and hoping for the best.

7. Visit Santa Croce

Basilica di Santa Croce is another beautiful historic building to add to your Florence itinerary.

The church is known for its impressive frescoes and its famous tombs.

Some of the most important Italians buried here include Michelangelo and Galileo, which makes the church particularly interesting if you enjoy history.

Even if you’re not a huge church person, I think Santa Croce is worth adding to a walking route through Florence because the area around the basilica is also really nice to explore.

8. Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

If you only have time for one viewpoint in Florence, I’d go to Piazzale Michelangelo.

This is one of the best places to look out over the city, with views of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Arno and Florence’s rooftops.

And yes, sunset is the time to go.

It’s also a great place to bring a drink or snack and just sit down for a while after spending the day walking around.

Just be aware that everyone else has had exactly the same idea.

So don’t expect to have the viewpoint completely to yourself, especially during summer.

Still, watching the sun go down over Florence with the Duomo in the distance is one of those moments that makes you understand why everyone comes here in the first place.

9. Visit Mercato Nuovo & Say Hi to the Porcellino

Mercato Nuovo is a small historic market in the centre of Florence and an easy stop while you’re exploring the city.

It’s particularly famous for the bronze Porcellino, the little wild boar statue.

According to tradition, rubbing the boar’s nose is supposed to bring good luck.

Naturally, everyone does it.

So if you’re walking past, you might as well give the pig a little rub and see if Florence sends some luck your way.

It’s a small stop rather than something you’ll spend hours doing, but it’s an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.

10. Go Out at Red Garter

Florence isn’t only about museums, churches and Renaissance art.

If you want to go out in the evening, Red Garter is one place to check out.

It’s a steakhouse that turns into more of a nightlife spot later in the evening, with karaoke and a fun, social atmosphere.

I think this is one of the nice things about Florence: you can spend your day looking at Renaissance masterpieces and historic buildings and then completely switch gears at night.

So if you’re travelling with friends, backpacking or simply want something more social than another quiet dinner, this could be a fun option.

Florence on a Budget

Florence can get expensive, especially when you’re paying for multiple museums, restaurants and tourist attractions.

One of my favourite ways to save money while travelling is Too Good To Go, and Florence is a good city for using it.

Otherwise, don’t feel like you need to eat at a restaurant for every meal.

Grab some fresh bread, a sandwich or something from a local shop and have a cheap lunch before continuing to explore.

You can also save money by simply walking.

Florence’s historic centre is very walkable, and honestly, walking around the city is part of the experience anyway.

My Florence Tips

Don’t try to see everything

There are SO many museums, churches, palaces and historic buildings in Florence that you could easily spend a week ticking things off a list.

You don’t need to.

Pick a few things you’re genuinely interested in and leave time to simply wander.

Book the big attractions ahead

The Uffizi, Accademia and Duomo are some of the city’s biggest attractions, so don’t assume you’ll always be able to walk in immediately.

Especially during busy periods, booking ahead can save you a lot of time.

Expect crowds

Florence is touristy.

Very touristy.

If you know that before you arrive, you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more.

Go early in the morning for the busiest sights, explore quieter streets around the main attractions and remember that the city is much more than its most famous photo spots.

How Many Days Do You Need in Florence?

For me, 2 nights and 3 days is perfect.

With three days, you can fit in:

  • A walking tour
  • The Duomo
  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
  • Accademia
  • Santa Croce
  • Piazzale Michelangelo
  • Some good food
  • A little nightlife

If you love museums and want to explore Florence slowly, stay for four days or more.

But if you’re backpacking through Italy and have limited time, three days gives you a really good introduction to Florence.

Is Florence Worth Visiting?

YES.

I know I already have a whole article about this, but I’ll say it again: Florence is absolutely worth visiting, even though it is extremely touristy.

I’m normally much more drawn to coastal places, but there is something about Florence that always works for me.

The architecture is beautiful, the history is everywhere and there is always another street, building, museum or little square to discover.

It is more expensive and more crowded than some other Italian cities, but I still think it’s one of the best city trips you can do in Italy.

If you want my full personal take, including what I loved, what I didn’t love and how I’d spend 3–4 days there, check out my Is Florence Worth Visiting? guide.

Final Thoughts

Florence might be touristy.

It might be expensive.

And yes, sometimes you’ll have to fight your way through a crowd just to get the photo you wanted.

But honestly?

Go anyway.

There is a reason so many people visit Florence. The city is ridiculously beautiful, the history is fascinating and you can spend days simply walking around and discovering something new around every corner.

For me, 3 days is the sweet spot: enough time to see the famous sights, visit a museum or two, eat a LOT and still have time to just wander around.

And if you’re travelling through Italy, definitely put Florence on the route.

Florence was also one of my stops when I travelled around Northern Italy, and you can see my full route in my Northern Italy Travel Guide.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

OR

START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

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FAQs About Things to Do in Florence

What are the best things to do in Florence?

Some of the best things to do in Florence include visiting the Duomo, exploring the Uffizi Gallery, seeing Michelangelo’s David, walking across Ponte Vecchio, visiting Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens and watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.

How many days do you need in Florence?

I recommend 3 days / 2 nights for a first trip to Florence. This gives you enough time to see the main attractions without rushing too much.

Is Florence very touristy?

Yes. Florence is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, so expect crowds around major attractions such as the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio. Going early can make a big difference.

Is the Uffizi Gallery free?

The Uffizi Gallery is free on the first Sunday of every month as part of Italy’s national free museum initiative. There is no advance reservation on these free-admission days, so expect it to be busy.

What is the best viewpoint in Florence?

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best viewpoints in Florence and is particularly beautiful around sunset, with panoramic views across the city and the Duomo.

Is Florence good for nightlife?

Yes! Florence has plenty of bars and nightlife options, especially around the historic centre. Red Garter is one option if you’re looking for a more social evening with karaoke and drinks.

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