Welcome to Florence! One of the greatest cities in the world. Get ready for your adventure in this perfect Italian spot and to find out the best things to do in Florence, Italy!
You have a couple different options when it comes to Florence. There are some of the most insane museums in the world located in Florence (like the Uffizzi), some of the most incredible churches (like the Duomo), bridges (Ponte Vecchio), markets, wine windows, and so much more. If you’re balling on a budget, you can really just explore the city, go inside free churches and buildings, and look at the architecture without paying for tickets. However, if you do have the funds to do a deep dive into Florence, I listed a ton of the must-see museums, as well as tickets and other information.
Here’s the thing about Florence; you could be there forever and not see it all. I spend a few days there and was starting my blog post, but then I decided that I really needed some insider information from people who had spent extended time there. I asked some friends who had studied abroad or lived in Florence their favorite things to do, added that to my own lists and notes, and compiled this epic list of the BEST things to do in Florence! Thanks so much to my Uncle Bo, and my friends Abby, Carter, Katie Claire, Gracie, Price, Mary rushton and Nora!
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Museums!
The Uffizzi
This is known as one of the most famous museums in the world. The title is well deserved, since some of the greatest paintings are here as well, such as Botticellis, Ucello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens, etc.
Times:
- Tuesday – Sunday
- 8:15 am – 6:50 pm
- The ticket office closes at 6:05
- Closed on Mondays
There are a few different types of ticket options. Hit that button below for more information!
Accademia Gallery of Florence (Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze)
Go see the famous David sculpture by Michelangelo. It can be pretty hard to get a ticket based on the time of year. You need to buy the skip-the-line ticket in order to get in quickly. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting for hours to get inside. Buy all tickets wayyyy in advance!
Ballin on a budget? You can see a copy of the David in Piazza della Signoria (Duomo Square). There’s also a third copy of the statue in the middle of Piazzale Michelangelo.
Churches/Basilicas/Similar
The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
This is one of the largest churches in the world. With its incredible artwork and domes, its truly worth visiting. It is closed on Sunday and during religious celebrations. It’s free to enter the main part of the church without a ticket. However, if you want to see the dome, baptistery, museum and the bell tower, you have to book a separate ticket.
Baptistery of St. John
This is another incredible spot in Florence that you can’t miss! It’s one of the most important buildings in Florence, and it’s dedicated to John the Baptist. You can buy a ticket above, since its part of the Duomo!
Basilica de Santa Spirito
This is a chapel across the Arno famous for its early frescoes of Adam and Eve. The main section of the church is free to visit, and it’s open from 10am to 1pm and 3-6pm. There’s no photography allowed inside.
Church of San Lorenzo (Basilica di San Lorenzo)
This is an incredible Renaissance chapel with frescos by Pietro Annigoni. There’s also the Tomb of Lorenzo that has other fabulous sculptures by Michelangelo without a long wait.
Brancacci Chapel
Head to this chapel to see an incredible piece called “Adam and Eve Banished from Paradise” by Masaccio.
Other Sights!
The Loggia dei Lanzi
This can be found at Piazzi Signorini. It’s perfect for the budget traveler, because its FREE to the public! It’s an outdoor sculpture gallery filled with incredible art and sculptures from the Renaissance.
The Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the old bridge that stretches across the Arno River. It has vendors and little markets all over the enormous bridge, and it is truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
- Two tips
- Try to find the ancient sundial on the bridge! It’s on the roof of a shop that looks over the small square at the center of the bridge.
- Beware of pickpockets on the bridge, especially since it’s so crowded!
Florence Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l)
It’s super hard to find, but it’s definitely worth it! There are signs to follow; you have to go through a church to get there. It’s near Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze. It is basically where there are Italian students who make leather products. You can get engraved purses, wallets, sunglasses cases, and pretty much anything else!
The Arno River
Speaking of the bridge across the river, go explore the river itself! Stroll alongside the river banks and take time to people watch, eat good food, and enjoy the boats.
Oltrarno
This is the area on the other side of the Arno (across from the main section of Florence). It is much less crowded and has some epic restaurants.
* Thanks to VisitTuscany.com for the above post!
The Pitti Palace
This is another huge museum which has a vast collection of the Medicis. It’s divided into several different parts: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, and the Museum of Russian Icons (with the Palatine Chapel), the Palatine Gallery and the Imperial and Royal Apartments on the first floor, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a square with a panoramic view of Florence! It’s a lovely walk across the Arno.
Head to the Market
There’s a market near the train station when you buy different leather goods made in Florence. There’s really just markets everywhere, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Grab a Photo!
There are street photo booths called Fotoautomatic all over the city! Take a quick photo to commemorate your time in Florence!
Look out over Florence at the Rinascente Firenze
This department store has a rooftop cafe that very few people know about! You can go grab a cappuccino or a snack and look out over Florence.
Some Things That Friends Loved…
Restaurants
- Osteria Pastella
- This is one of the most famous spots in Florence where they make your posts out of a huge wheel of cheese!
- Be sure to get a reservation, as it is so popular and fills up quick.
- Braceria All 11
- Try the pear pasta or carbonara!
- The staff here is awesome, and a couple of friends of mine got free drinks and food from the servers!
- Acqua Al 2
- Try the blueberry steak, the caprese salad, and the steak sampler!
- Make reservations!
- Il Barretto
- Another bomb restaurant. It’s a little more $$$, so if you feel like splurging, come here!
- Try the hot chocolate soufflé.
- Again, be sure to make reservations.
- Gusta Pizza
- The best pizza in Florence!
- It’s a pretty busy spot, so be sure to go right when it opens.
- Trattoria 13 Gobbi
- Some say this is the best pasta in Florence.
- Try the vodka pasta!
- Be sure to make reservations!
- Some say this is the best pasta in Florence.
- Caffe Negroni
- Check out this cool cafe, which is actually the birthplace of Negroni!
- Dim Sum
- Asian food if you’re tired of pasta!
- Raices Latin Food
- Lions Fountain
- A bar with pretty epic wings
- La Menagere
- Its a fancy cafe with overpriced foods but immaculate vibes.
- Sbrino
- Authentic gelato!
- Try the Local’s Favorite Gelato Spot
- Perche No
- The best gelato around (according to the locals)!
- Brac
- A vegan spot
- Melaleuca
- An Australian eatery that is VERY popular
Drinks, Bars, and Clubs
- Reverse
- XO
- Yab
- Blue Velvet
- Old Stove
- Lots of students here
- Space
- Huge club
- Lions Fountain
- Very popular with study abroad students
- Babylon
- Firefly
Other Tips From Friends!
- Hike up Piazzale Michelangelo
- Boboli Gardens
- Be sure you get tickers in advance
- Go to a soccer game!
- Check out the iconic merry-go-round
- See the spot of the original Roman Forum
- Try some of the gluten-free food!
- Authentic gelato
- Prepare to SPEND BIG because there is so much shopping. It’s a great place to get gifts, leather products, scarves, etc.
- The city is super walkable!
- Check out the markets on Saturdays
- If you’re needing a spot to study, check out Cinema Odeon
- It’s basically a movie theater / library!
- WINE WINDOWS!!!! super iconic!
Other Epic Florence Adventures and Day Trips
- Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
- Cinque Terre Park Full Day Trip from Florence
- Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
- Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi and Guided City Walking Tour
- Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour
- Horseback Ride in S.Gimignano with Tuscan Lunch Chianti Tasting
- Chianti Wine Tour from Florence
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Thanks For Reading!
Once again, you guys make my literal dreams come through when you read and share these posts and join me on adventures! I truly hope that these posts help you get the very best experience out of Florence and other parts of Italy! Love you guys! xoxoxoxox, Anita
