What are the best things to do in Florence?
Popular things to do in Florence include the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, climbing the Duomo, crossing the Ponte Vecchio and taking a Tuscan wine or countryside day trip.
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and remarkably compact — most major sights sit within a short walk of each other. The city rewards early starts, as the famous museums get busy by late morning.
Top Attractions in Florence
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's great art museums, home to Botticelli's Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael. Timed tickets are strongly recommended.
Accademia and Michelangelo's David
The original David is the headline, but the gallery also holds Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners and a fine painting collection.
The Duomo and Brunelleschi's Dome
The cathedral's vast dome dominates the skyline. Climbing the dome or Giotto's bell tower gives close-up views of the frescoes and the city.
Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno
The medieval bridge lined with jewelers leads to the Oltrarno, the artisan quarter of workshops, trattorias and the Boboli Gardens.
Tuscany Day Trips from Florence
The most popular day trips from Florence are Chianti wine country, Siena and San Gimignano, and Pisa. Many tours combine several stops in one day.
Chianti wine country
Rolling hills, vineyards and farm lunches half an hour from the city. Wine tours usually include tastings at one or more estates.
Siena and San Gimignano
Siena's shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and striped cathedral pair naturally with the medieval towers of San Gimignano.
Pisa
The Leaning Tower and the Field of Miracles are an easy half-day by train or as part of a combined tour.
Food and Wine in Florence
Florentine food is rustic and proud: bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, fresh pasta and gelato from the city's historic gelaterie. Food tours and cooking classes are a relaxed way to learn the traditions.
The Sant'Ambrogio and San Lorenzo markets are good stops for picnic supplies and local specialties.
Things To Do in Florence for Couples and Families
Couples love sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, wine tastings and evening strolls across the Ponte Vecchio. Families enjoy gelato stops, the Leonardo interactive museums and the open spaces of the Boboli Gardens.
How Many Days Do You Need in Florence?
Two days covers the Uffizi, Accademia, Duomo and the Oltrarno. Add a third day for a Tuscan countryside trip.
Getting Around Florence
The historic center is mostly pedestrianized and best explored on foot. Trains from Santa Maria Novella station make Pisa, Siena, Lucca and Bologna easy day trips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence
Should you book the Uffizi and Accademia in advance?
Yes. Both use timed entry and lines can be very long in high season. Booking ahead saves hours.
Can you climb the Duomo in Florence?
Yes, with a reserved time slot. The climb involves narrow staircases and many steps, but the view over Florence is the reward.
Is Florence walkable?
Very. Almost all major sights are within a 20-minute walk of each other in the flat historic center.
What is the best day trip from Florence?
Chianti wine country is the most popular, while Siena and San Gimignano suit travelers who prefer towns and history over wineries.
Balancing Florence's museums with a Tuscan wine day takes some planning. App Things To Do designs personalized itineraries that sequence it all without the rush.
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