Things to do in Florence

Activities, attractions and tours

Arcetri showing a city and landscape views
Arcetri showing a city and landscape views
Arcetri which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge
Arcetri which includes a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Ponte Vecchio showing boating and a river or creek
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Top places to visit

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

When the architect Filippo Brunelleschi proposed the design for what was, at that time, the largest dome in the world, he was aiming high. The dome was the crowning glory of an ambitious building project begun in 1294 and finally completed nearly a century and a half later with the consecration of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in 1436, one of the architectural wonders of the Renaissance. The dome, which measures 45.5 metres in diameter, still holds the world record for the largest brick and mortar structure of its kind, and the breathtaking view from the top is one of the highlights of any visit to Florence.
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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

2. Ponte Vecchio

No visit to Florence would be complete without crossing the Ponte Vecchio. The oldest bridge over the Arno dates back to 1345 with its origins in the 10th century. It is the only one of the city’s historic bridges to escape destruction during the Second World War, allegedly at the express orders of Hitler himself, who enjoyed its panoramic views of the river, and its picture-postcard arches have survived numerous floods, most recently in 1966.
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Ponte Vecchio which includes a bridge and a river or creek

3. Uffizi Gallery

As you wander open-mouthed past some of the most familiar paintings and sculptures in the world, it’s hard to imagine that Florence’s celebrated Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) started life as administration offices for the city’s magistrates. It wasn’t until 1574 that the Grand Duke of Tuscany chose the building to house his collection that would be added to by subsequent generations and finally become a star attraction of the Grand Tour.
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Uffizi Gallery in Florence in Italy

4. Piazza del Duomo

Florence’s famous Piazza del Duomo is a magnet for locals and visitors alike. This historic square, with its roots in the glorious Renaissance, is packed with lively cafés and bars, food stalls and street entertainers, so take time out to sip a cappuccino or snack on a slice of pizza and watch the world go by before heading off to explore the fascinating buildings that line its sides.
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Piazza del Duomo showing night scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

5. Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) was built in 1458 for Luca Pitti, a wealthy Florentine banker. A century later it became the chief residence of the Medici family, who filled it with their priceless collections of art, artefacts and jewellery. Subsequent residents included Napoleon and King Victor Emmanuel III, who donated it to the Italian people in 1919. Today it houses several art collections as well as the Medici treasure.
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Palace of Pitty

6. Piazza della Signoria

Culture vultures make a beeline for the Piazza della Signoria, gateway to the Uffizi Gallery and the Loggia dei Lanzi. This lively square has been a popular meeting place for Florentines since the 14th century, and day or night you’re sure to find something going on.
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Piazza della Signoria featuring heritage architecture

What to do in Florence

Popular places to visit

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

After visiting Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Florence. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The magnificent dome of Santa Maria del Fiore provides the Florentine skyline with one of its most iconic outlines.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Ponte Vecchio which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Ponte Vecchio

The shop-lined Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno is one of Florence’s most familiar and most romantic landmarks.

Ponte Vecchio
Uffizi Gallery in Florence in Italy

Uffizi Gallery

A visit to Florence’s famous art gallery will bring you face to face with some of the world’s best-loved masterpieces.

Uffizi Gallery
Piazza del Duomo showing night scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Piazza del Duomo

The beating heart of Florence is the perfect place to chill out, surrounded by some of the city’s most breathtaking architectural treasures.

Piazza del Duomo
Arcetri which includes a city and landscape views

Pitti Palace

Head to the south bank of the Arno River to immerse yourself in some of the finest art galleries in Florence.

Pitti Palace
Arcetri showing heritage architecture, a city and landscape views

Palazzo Vecchio

After visiting Palazzo Vecchio, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Florence. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria featuring a statue or sculpture, art and a city

Piazza della Signoria

Meet up with Michelangelo’s David, check out one of the world’s most prestigious art galleries, and soak up the ambience of this favourite Florentine meeting place.

Piazza della Signoria
Santa Maria Novella showing a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

You can find out about the history of Florence with a visit to Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Areas of Florence

Arcetri showing a bridge and a river or creek

Historic Centre of Florence

Lose yourself in the Renaissance charm of Florence’s old town, where masterpieces by Brunelleschi and Giotto line up alongside cafés, gelato shops and trattorias.

Historic Centre of Florence
Duomo featuring heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Duomo

4.5/5(418 area reviews)

Visitors to Duomo rave about its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Piazza di Santa Maria Novella or Via de' Calzaiuoli while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Duomo
Ponte Vecchio showing a bridge and a river or creek

San Giovanni

If you're spending some time in San Giovanni, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza della Repubblica are top sights worth seeing.

San Giovanni
Santa Maria Novella which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes

Santa Maria Novella

4/5(254 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Santa Maria Novella. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Porta al Prato - Leopolda Tram Stop or Fratelli Rosselli Tram Stop to see more of Porta al Prato.

Santa Maria Novella
Piazza Santa Croce showing a city and street scenes

Santa Croce

4.5/5(55 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its interesting museums, and you can plan a trip to Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza Santa Croce while you're in town.

Santa Croce
Arcetri which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

Oltrarno

4.5/5(165 area reviews)

Oltrarno is a destination visitors seek out for its fascinating museums, picturesque gardens and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Pitti Palace or Santo Spirito Basilica while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Oltrarno
Panorama of old buildings in Campi Bisenzio in Tuscany

Campi Bisenzio

Careggi Rifredi which includes heritage architecture

Rifredi

Coverciano

Lungarno del Tempio

Frequently asked questions

Is Florence worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Florence is explore Duomo Museum. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's walking trails and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Florence?
Once you've visited major attractions like Palazzo Capponi and Palazzo degli Uffizi, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Florence.
What is the top tourist attraction in Florence?
The top tourist attraction in Florence is Duomo Museum, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Florence?
Three days in Florence is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Duomo Museum, Palazzo Capponi and Palazzo degli Uffizi are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Porta al Prato.
Is Florence a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Florence, like Duomo Museum and Palazzo Capponi, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Florence is Historic Centre of Florence and Santa Maria Novella is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Florence with kids?
Deciding what to do in Florence with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Florence for adults?
Castello del Trebbio and Ruffino - Tenuta di Poggio Casciano are just a couple of the things to do in Florence. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Florence?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Florence is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Ponte Vecchio is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.