To say that I adore traveling to Florence would be a bit of an understatement. And with a whole lot of things still left to do on my bucket list, it would seem…inefficient…of me to go back to places I have already visited. However, when it comes to this Italian city, all bets are off because it just keeps calling my name.
Florence is just such an entertaining place with so many things to do, see and taste—from breathtaking museums to high-end shopping to the tastiest pasta in the world.
Did I mention pasta?
And then there is the Duomo. Best known to outsiders as the Florence Cathedral, the Duomo is a magnificently imposing building that could, for all intents and purposes, tell you what Florence is all about: a city brimming with gorgeous Renaissance architecture, cultural diversity and a wonderful history that goes all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire.
If you are lucky enough to visit Firenze, as the locals call it, then you might want to tick a few of these experiences from your own Florence Bucket List.
Florence Bucket List: The Best Things to Do in Italy’s Top City
WHAT TO SEE + DO
1. ✧ Go to the Museo Zoologico La Specola
2. ✦ Climb to the Top of the Duomo
Named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore, construction of this mammoth gothic structure begun towards the end of the 13th century and it remained under construction for some 140 plus years. Its Dome, which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1418, offers visitors a close look at frescoes of the Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari and an impossibly beautiful aerial view of Florence.
But…to enjoy all this, you have to climb some 463 steps to the top of the Duomo! It’s quite a workout, I’ll tell you that much. But the scenery at the top (not to mention the burned calories!) is absolutely worth it.
Book a Tour: Duomo Guided Tour & Reserved Cupola Access
Book a Tour: Dome Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
3. ✧ See the Medici Dynasty Show
4. ✧ Stroll Through the Flower Market in Piazza della Repubblica
5. ✦ Rub the Nose of the Fontana del Porcellino
Lovingly nicknamed ‘Il Porcellino’ by the locals, this bronze fountain of a boar is believed to bring you good luck if you rub the nose. Sculptured and cast by Pietro Tacca, this wonderful work of art is considered a good luck charm because traditionally, a female wild boar was associated with good fortune. Women who wanted sons would rub the nose and travelers going out of Florence would do the same to ensure their safe return.
Whichever way you look at it, you have nothing to lose by rubbing the snout of this cute porker. Just get there early because it’s one of the most popular things to do in Florence. I arrived at 7:00am and was the only person there!
Book a Tour: One-Hour Segway Tour with a Stop at Mercato Porcellino
6. ✧ See the Killer View from Piazzale Michelangelo
7. ✧ Escape to the Neighboring Town of Fiesole
8. ✦ Stroll Through Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens, which are connected to the unbelievably beautiful and the grand Palazzo Pitti, are as green and as lush as can be. Created in the 16th century, these 45,000 square meter gardens are about much more than just grass and flowers. They give you an opportunity to escape the stuffiness that sometimes comes with visiting too many museums and ancient buildings.
Visiting here is what I do in Florence every time I come.
The gardens feature some interesting 16th-18th century sculptures. The main lawn has an obelisk as well as a fountain. It also has some rather exotic flowers and plants, as well as large ponds that have eye catching water features. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors while still in the middle of a city.
9. ✧ Take a Leather Class at Scuola del Cuoio
10. ✧ Fountain of Neptune Piazza della Signoria
11. ✧ Buy Your Signature Scent the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is almost like the ‘Isla de Muerta’ from Pirates of the Caribbean; if you don’t already know where it is, then you will probably miss it. Located in an unassuming building not so far from the train station, it is one of the world’s oldest cosmetic stores. This 600-year-old establishment still uses ancient secret recipes to make some of the most fragrant perfumes known to man.
The store itself, although carrying high-end products, is very laid-back and highly welcoming. ‘The Acqua di Rose’, a rose water distillate made by 14th-century monks to help fight the Black Death, is still one of the best-selling products today.
12. ✧ Visit the Porte Sante (“Holy Gates”) Cemetery
13. ✧ Go to Forte di Belvedere
14. ✦ Watch the Sunset over the Arno and Ponte Vecchio Bridge
There is a rumor that when the Germans were retreating, they were under strict orders from the Führer himself NOT to destroy the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. That is how beautiful this structure is, even today.
Lined with souvenir shops and high-end jewelers, this medieval work of art is something you have to cross at least once when in Florence. Be warned, it gets a little hectic because of the amount of human traffic it sees! After the chaos and shopping, simply walk to the next bridge over to watch the sun set over the Arno River as it illuminates the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in all its splendor.
Don’t forget to make a quick stop at Gusta Pizza beforehand to get a take out pie to bring to the river!
15. ✧ Walk the The Vasari Corridor
16. ✧ Take the Stairs to San Miniato al Monte
17. ✦ Haggle at San Lorenzo Market for Leather
Near the San Lorenzo church, there is a market that is known for high-quality Italian leather. The San Lorenzo Market is perhaps even busier than the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. The thing about it is that not every item that claims to be ‘Made in Italy’ is authentic, so do some research. You do, however, have A LOT of options available to you.
Do a little haggling with the various merchants here and rest assured that even if you do not come to an understanding, you will almost definitely find the very same item two stalls down the road at a different (often more affordable) price.
18. ✦ Watch the Rowers on the Arno River
19. ✧ Walk Through Palazzo Strozzi
20. ✦ Check out the Statue of David at Galleria dell’Accademia
The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to the ‘Statue of David’, Michelangelo’s most famous sculpture. Just like seeing the Mona Lisa in Paris, it is a top thing to do in Florence and won’t take long to get a glimpse. If you are a museum lover, than this one also has many other sections with interesting works, like one that displays musical instruments from maestros such as Bartolomeo Cristofori, the guy who invented the piano.
You could also always just opt to see the strikingly similar ‘Statue of David’ replica that sits in Palazzo Vecchio. And they allow photographs there, but not inside the Galleria.
Book a Ticket: Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David
Book a Tour: David at Accademia Gallery: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
21. ✧ Climb Giotto’s Campanile
22. ✧ Browse the Mercato Delle Pulci Flea Market
23. ✦ Visit an Artisans Workshop
For centuries now, countless generations in Florence’s Oltarno (on the other side of the Arno) region have produced goods fit for Kings, Queens and members of the noble class. These silversmiths, milliners and leather workers continue to produce some of the best artisanal goods today building on craftsmanship skills that have been passed down through countless generations.
One of the best things to do in Florence is to take a day to stroll through the Oltarno neighborhood and marvel at these exceptionally gifted artisans as they work in their own workshops.
Book a Tour: Artisan Walking Tour in Florence
Book a Tour: Artisan & Craftsmen Walking Tour
24. ✧ Attend an Opera at St. Mark’s Anglican Church
The Opera at St. Mark’s is really like no other Opera in the world. The dramatic and often extremely moving manner of storytelling employed here is sublime and exceptional by any standards.
Built within a former Medici Palace, the church has been renovated to reflect the Neo-Renaissance style that is slowly beginning to influence many locations in Florence.
Buy a ticket and witness the Opera from a whole new, not necessarily religious, perspective at St. Mark’s Anglican Church.
25. ✧ Go to the Uffizi Gallery
I’m not a gallery kind of gal, but I will make an exception for the Uffizi Gallery. Outstanding works of art such as Doni Tondo (by Michelangelo); The Ognissanti Madonna (by Giotto); Madonna of the Goldfinch (by Raphael); and The Birth of Venus (by Botticelli) are just some of the renowned pieces you will find when you visit the Uffizi Gallery.
As is to be expected when talking about one of the world’s most famous and oldest museums, there are many art aficionados who want in. If you go in July, you could wait up to three hours just to enter! Yes, it is that popular, so make sure to buy tickets in advance.
Book a Ticket: Timed Entrance Ticket to the Uffizi Gallery
Book a Tour: Florence Walking Tour and Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery
WHAT TO EAT + DRINK
26. ✦ Have lunch at Mercato Centrale’s Upper Floor
The Mercato Centrale in Florence is like what you would get if you turned an art gallery into an eatery. Featuring some wonderful cast iron architecture and deco, as soon as you walk in your senses from sight to smell will be bombarded with an array of choices. You will be surrounded by delectable edibles such as wild boar salami, prosciuttos and other forms of cured meats.
Once you have done a bit of walking around and maybe grocery shopping on the market’s first level, you should take the time to have lunch (and a glass of vino) at the newly renovated and decorated upper floor where you will find trendy food stalls with all the Italian favorites.
27. ✦ Eat Pizza—Everywhere!
28. ✦ Drink Your Cappuccino Standing Up
There are a few things you should know about drinking a Cappuccino in Florence, and Italy in general; there are rules that should be followed (I surely broke all of the them, on more than one occasion!).
Some of these cultural rules include things like:
- Never drink your Cappuccino after or even with your meal, unless it’s your breakfast.
- Never drink your Cappuccino after midday.
- Never drink a Cappuccino with anything savory.
But the one that stands out, so to speak, is that you should drink your Cappuccino standing up and at the bar. Sitting down will cost you much more; sometimes as much as four times more! This is how the locals do it, and you know what they say about being in Rome—it applies here too.
29. ✦ Have an Aperitivi Cocktail
30. ✦ Eat a Lampredetto Sandwich
If you are too busy to have a sit-down lunch at Mercato Centrale’s upper floor, you know, because you still have to go rub the nose of the Fontana del Porcellino, climb to the top of the Duomo and catch a glimpse of the Statue of David all before you can watch the sunset over the Arno and Ponte Vecchio Bridge, then you should definitely eat a Lampredetto Sandwich on the go.
A Florentine delicacy, your typical Lampredetto Sandwich is a soft roll sandwiching tender slices of tripe (cooked cow stomach—it’s much better than it sounds!), salsa verde, spicy sauces and heavenly delight. I’ve raved about a lampredetto sandwich before; clearly, it is a favorite of mine.
There is a delicious lampredetto food truck right in front of Mercato Centrale.
31. ✧ Eat at One of the Michelin Starred Restaurants
32. ✦ Dine Al Fresco
Florence is one of the most artistic and culturally vibrant cities in the world. This means that you will have no shortage of choices should you want to dine in a high-quality restaurant serving some of Italy’s most delicious delicacies. To enhance your experience find one that has outdoor sitting (typically right along the cobbled streets) and dine al fresco with the rest of the locals.
Places like Ristorante Sant’ Ambrogio, Bottega Conviviale and Vini e Vecchi Sapori are perfect for those who want to dine Al Fresco on Italian dishes close to all your favorite city center attractions.
33. ✦ Go Wine Tasting Throughout Tuscany
34. ✧ Take a Pasta Making Class
Why wouldn’t you want to learn to make pasta from the people who have perfected the art of it? Under the guidance of world class chefs who have taken the time to master pasta techniques, you will learn some cooking secrets that will have you impressing your loved ones once you get back home.
Florence Cooking Classes has plenty of options (including gelato making classes!) and will give you a hands-on pasta class that will having you screaming “Mangia”. Not only is it fun, but you also get to taste some of the most divine pasta you will probably ever have because you made it.
Book a Class: Market to Table Cooking Lesson
35. ✧ Eat a Traditional Bistecca Fiorentina
Traditionally, the Bistecca Fiorentina (that’s an Italian T-bone to you and I) come from a specific Tuscan breed of cattle known as ‘Chianina’. Although some restaurants use a different breed because there aren’t that many Chianina cows available, the taste and style of cooking Bistecca Fiorentina are similar—typically grilled and topped with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
When you go to places like Trattoria Sostanza or L’Osteria di Giovanni you will get to eat some of the best, most juicy and tasty traditional Bistecca Fiorentina in all of Tuscany.
Read: Where to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
36. ✦ Drink Chianti Classico at a Wine Bar
If you have a mind to go for wine tours in the countryside, you can certainly do so; Tuscany is riddled with wineries that will mesmerize, intoxicate and spoil you rotten with some incredible wine choices.
But, if you are not thinking of driving around but still want to have a taste of good old Italian wine, then you should think of drinking a glass of Chianti Classico (or other tasty Italian varietal) at a wine bar. One of my favorites is the tiny Il Santino or the very traditional Le Volpi e l’Uva which is rated on top for many locals.
37. ✧ Get Pastries at a Secret Night Bakery
The thing about these secret night bakeries is that they are not so secret in Florence. If you know who to ask (any partygoer), you will be directed to late night bakeries that serve oven fresh cornettos or warm brioche at extremely affordable prices.
Many of them are wholesale bakeries that produce most of the pastries you see in restaurants and vendors on the streets of Florence. They are closed during the day and open their doors to sell their delightful gifts by night as they work tirelessly to keep mainstream Florence fed come morning.
Read: Florence’s Secret Night Bakeries
38. ✦ And yes — Eat Gelato
There is just no way you can go to Florence and not eat Gelato. This has to be by far one of the best reasons for being in the city; there is excellent Gelato on offer almost everywhere you look.
I kid you not!
Coming up with a list of who serves the best Gelato in Florence is really hard; they all do. Take your time and sample as many options as you can eat without dying of personal shame. My favorite is a scoop of hazelnut with a scoop of pistachio at Gelateria La Carraia.
WHERE TO SLEEP
39. ✦ Sleep in a Hostel
In all my years of traveling I have only spent one single night at a hostel, and it was in Florence at Tasso Hostel. It was not your typical, bare-minimum hostel. It is clean; it is tucked away between residential homes, Florentine craftsmen and restaurants on a side of the Arno that doesn’t see as many tourists. Plus, it has a fully stocked bar that sells cheap wine and a wonderfully decorated and spacious outdoor patio.
If sleeping in a hostel is one your bucket list, there are many others to choose from too. A couple of the other top rated are Academy Hostel and My Friends.
40. ✧ Rent an Apartment and Stay Awhile
If you need more than a bunk bed at a hostel, and want to stay in Florence for awhile, then consider renting an entire apartment. It’s the perfect way to feel like you are living in the heart of the city! Asso’s Place is a beautiful 1,300 square foot place thats location can give you this unique experience.
Plus, it has a stunning view of the Duomo.
Florence Hotel Recommendations:
A few other recommended places to stay in Florence:
Honestly speaking, there is just too many things to do and see on just one short visit to Florence. Which is one of the main reasons why it is the perfect city for those who want to experience Italy at its best; it has something for everyone.
What things to do in Florence will check off your bucket list?
Essential Tips for Visiting Florence
Getting There: The Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci, is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner, which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. From the airport to the city center, you can take a taxi, or the “Vola in Bus” bus shuttle, that will take you from the airport to the central Santa Maria Novella train station in Downtown Florence.
Where to Stay in Florence: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. Palazzo Roselli Cecconi (moderate) and D’home Florence (moderate) are both great choices in the heart of Florence. For something on the less expensive side, try the Relais Lavagnini Florence and Albergo Bencidormi located close to the Santa Maria Novella station in central Florence. For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the Hotel Montebello Splendid or the Hotel Lungarno. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Getting Around: Driving in Florence can be a bit of a challenge and parking fees can be expensive, but if you choose to rent a car, RentalCars.com has great deals. If you are not renting a car, there are plenty of options. Florence is best explored by foot. Taxis are also available all over the city, plus most of the top attractions can be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.
City Transportation Passes: There are two different Florence Travelcards you can purchase. For trips within the city, you can get the 90-minute ticket which is valid for one trip. For a longer stay (3 days), you can get the Carnet Ticket, which includes 10 journeys of 90 minutes each within the city of Florence. The Florence Travelcards allow you to use all public bus lines, Tramvia (Line T1) and Trenitalia Trains within Florence. You can purchase both Travelcards at any newsagent or kiosks at any train station.
Best Tours in Florence: You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator, and here are some of the top ones:
- Michelangelo’s David Guided Accademia Gallery Tour (with priority access)
- Florence Dome Climb (with priority access)
- Half-Day Afternoon Tour From Florence to Chianti
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany (with pick-up from Florence)
- A Day Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre and Porto Venere (roundtrip to and from Florence)
Insurance: It’s always a good idea to travel fully insured so you are protected in case of trip cancellations or medical emergencies. You can check out pricing at Travelex Insurance.
Universal Adapter: Your American plugged equipment will need an adapter. I use the Celtic Universal Adapter, which has brought me around the world with no problems.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure.
You Might Also Enjoy
25 Best Walking Shoes to Wear in Italy: Spring to Summer
Italian Electricity: Adapters Needed for Plugs in Italy
Florence Bucket List: 40 of the Best Things to Do in Italy’s Top City
Italian Food Bucket List: 50 Best Foods From Italy to Eat
How to See the Pope at the Vatican in Rome: The Papal Audience
Recipe: Italian Sausage & Oven Roasted Eggplant Farro Risotto
Walk on the Via Dell’Amore Trail in Cinque Terre
Five of The Best 10-Day Itineraries for Northern Italy
Italy’s Medieval Monteriggioni Castle in Tuscany
Absolutely love Florence.
This list of things to do is marvelous!
I’ve done several … most, actually.
Walking the streets around the Duomo at night, when all the lights are on, is magical.
Thanks for giving me lots of memories with this post.
Your right about the Duomo at night—magical!!
Thank you for this great article! For someone who lives in Florence, I can confirm that those suggestions are great! Gelateria La Carraia is also one of my favourite place, the ice cream is absolutely delicious! We have a beautiful apartment to rent in the heart of Florence, perhaps next time we will get the chance to host you?
Check it out here: http://www.fibnb.com/
It looks lovely! Looks like a perfect place for me to stay next time I’m in Florence :)
Italy is so far my favorite country in the world. I love the language, I love the food, the landscapes. I have been there over 10 times but I still haven’t made it to Florence. I’ll need to make up for it. And I love the idea of taking a pasta-making class. Hopefully I’d be able to recreate some true Italian tastes at home after that! :D
Florence is one of my absolute favorites! You definitely need to go!
Thanks very much for this! I’m planning a trip to Florence and this has helped greatly! ? very excited now!
Have a great time!
Great suggestions.
I only spent a few days in Florence when I went and there are things on your list I need to return to see and do!
I did love Florence and wanted to go since studying A Room With a View at school!
I hope you get to go back and do the rest of the list!
You have such nice pictures. Love these tips, too!
Thanks for all the tips and advise! And for making this read so enjoyable! So much to see and do.
I am a Florentinr resident … thanks for your suggestions on Florence. It is a very good list… but I would recommend you visit the Museo del Duomk next time you are in town. It is spectacular and pretty easy to visit in the city centre…. all the best!
Thank you for the suggestion! I will definitely visit next time I’m in town.
Thank you for the inspiration!