Florence Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Florence is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture. Visit the majestic Duomo, explore the Uffizi Gallery, and stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. The city's lively piazzas and Tuscan cuisine complete the experience.
With 478+ hand-picked places to explore, Florence rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Florence
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Piazza Santissima Annunziata — a historic square that complements a leisurely stroll through Florence's architectural treasures. Just as worthwhile is Boboli Gardens: a stunning example of Renaissance landscaping behind the Pitti Palace, perfect for leisurely strolls. Monument to Dante Alighieri completes the picture: a key stop in Florence, this monument honors the city's celebrated poet with a striking statue in a lively square.
Piazza Santissima Annunziata
Florence • Historic Squares & Plazas
A historic square that complements a leisurely stroll through Florence's architectural treasures.
Boboli Gardens
Florence • Famous Landmarks
A stunning example of Renaissance landscaping behind the Pitti Palace, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Monument to Dante Alighieri
Florence • Monuments & Statues
A key stop in Florence, this monument honors the city's celebrated poet with a striking statue in a lively square.
Perseus with the Head of Medusa
Florence • Monuments & Statues
Ideal for art enthusiasts and history buffs, this sculpture captivates with its intricate detail and dramatic narrative.
Museums & Culture in Florence
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral: a central feature in Florence's historic center, perfect for a day of exploration and culture. Locals will also point you to Basilica di Santa Croce — ideal for culture enthusiasts and history buffs, this basilica showcases Italy's artistic heritage. And for something different, there's Basilica di Santo Spirito: the Basilica di Santo Spirito features a crucifix sculpted by a young Michelangelo, showcasing Renaissance artistry.
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
Florence • Historical Sites
A central feature in Florence's historic center, perfect for a day of exploration and culture.
Basilica di Santa Croce
Florence • Historical Sites
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and history buffs, this basilica showcases Italy's artistic heritage.
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Florence • Historical Sites
The Basilica di Santo Spirito features a crucifix sculpted by a young Michelangelo, showcasing Renaissance artistry.
Basilica of Santa Croce
Florence • Historical Sites
Located in Piazza di Santa Croce, this historic basilica is the largest Franciscan church worldwide.
Best Things to Do in Florence
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Fiesole Bike Tour — discover the scenic hills around Fiesole while cycling through stunning landscapes and historical sites. Florence Cooking Class by Florencetown earns its reputation too — incorporate a cooking class into your day for a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine in Florence. Round out the shortlist with Fox in a Box Florence — ideal for an afternoon break, this escape room offers a fun challenge in Florence.
Fiesole Bike Tour
Florence • Outdoor
Discover the scenic hills around Fiesole while cycling through stunning landscapes and historical sites.
Florence Cooking Class by Florencetown
Florence • Indoor
Incorporate a cooking class into your day for a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine in Florence.
Fox in a Box Florence
Florence • Indoor
Ideal for an afternoon break, this escape room offers a fun challenge in Florence.
Tuscany Bike Tours
Florence • Outdoor
Cycling through the Tuscan countryside enriches a day in Florence with exercise and scenic views.
Where to Eat in Florence
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Kawaii — a Japanese restaurant that adds a unique culinary stop to your Florence itinerary, especially at dinner. Just as worthwhile is Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori: located on Via dei Magazzini, this eatery focuses on authentic Tuscan cuisine and fresh ingredients. Brac completes the picture: ideal for families and couples seeking a cultural dining experience in Florence.
Kawaii
Florence • Asian Cuisine
A Japanese restaurant that adds a unique culinary stop to your Florence itinerary, especially at dinner.
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Florence • Local Cuisine
Located on Via dei Magazzini, this eatery focuses on authentic Tuscan cuisine and fresh ingredients.
Brac
Florence • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Ideal for families and couples seeking a cultural dining experience in Florence.
Dim Sum Restaurant
Florence • Asian Cuisine
Specializes in traditional dim sum, a unique find in Florence's dining scene.
Florence After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Gilli: located on Via Roma, Gilli is a historic cocktail bar that combines tradition with modern flair. Locals will also point you to La Terrazza del Principe — ideal for couples and groups looking for a scenic evening in Florence. And for something different, there's La Terrazza Rooftop Bar: relax at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, where stunning sunset views enhance your Florence experience.
Gilli
Florence • Cocktail Bars
Located on Via Roma, Gilli is a historic cocktail bar that combines tradition with modern flair.
La Terrazza del Principe
Florence • Rooftop Bars
Ideal for couples and groups looking for a scenic evening in Florence.
La Terrazza Rooftop Bar
Florence • Rooftop Bars
Relax at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, where stunning sunset views enhance your Florence experience.
Blue Velvet Club
Florence • Nightclubs & Discos
Located on Via del Castello d'Altafronte, this nightclub offers a stylish ambiance for nightlife lovers in Florence.
Where to Stay in Florence
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa — set in a historic 12th-century castle, this spa hotel offers a unique experience in the Tuscan countryside. Hotel Orto de' Medici earns its reputation too — ideal for families and groups seeking comfort in a historic setting with modern amenities. Round out the shortlist with The St. Regis Florence — a historic hotel along the Arno River with original frescoes and crystal chandeliers.
Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa
Florence • Spa Hotels
Set in a historic 12th-century castle, this spa hotel offers a unique experience in the Tuscan countryside.
Hotel Orto de' Medici
Florence • Mid-Range Hotels
Ideal for families and groups seeking comfort in a historic setting with modern amenities.
The St. Regis Florence
Florence • Luxury Hotels
A historic hotel along the Arno River with original frescoes and crystal chandeliers.
Hotel Brunelleschi
Florence • Luxury Hotels
Located in Piazza Santa Elisabetta, this hotel occupies a historic Byzantine tower and a medieval church.
Shopping in Florence
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Vintage Market Firenze — located on Via del Proconsolo, this shop is a treasure for vintage fashion enthusiasts. Just as worthwhile is Luisa Via Roma: known for its exclusive designer collections, this luxury boutique attracts fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. LuisaViaRoma completes the picture: incorporate a stop at LuisaViaRoma for cutting-edge fashion while exploring Florence's historic streets.
Vintage Market Firenze
Florence • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Located on Via del Proconsolo, this shop is a treasure for vintage fashion enthusiasts.
Luisa Via Roma
Florence • Luxury Shopping
Known for its exclusive designer collections, this luxury boutique attracts fashion enthusiasts from around the globe.
LuisaViaRoma
Florence • Luxury Shopping
Incorporate a stop at LuisaViaRoma for cutting-edge fashion while exploring Florence's historic streets.
MIO Store
Florence • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for vintage fashion enthusiasts seeking unique Italian designs in Florence.
Parks & Green Spaces in Florence
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Giardino Segreto di Giulia: historical sculptures and an exotic plant collection define this botanical garden in Florence, offering a peaceful retreat. Locals will also point you to Anello del Monte Morello — located in Sesto Fiorentino, this nature reserve features diverse hiking trails and impressive views of Tuscany. And for something different, there's Fiesole Hiking Trail: a scenic trail that enhances a day in Florence with nature and impressive views of the city and the countryside.
Giardino Segreto di Giulia
Florence • Botanical Gardens
Historical sculptures and an exotic plant collection define this botanical garden in Florence, offering a peaceful retreat.
Anello del Monte Morello
Florence • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, this nature reserve features diverse hiking trails and impressive views of Tuscany.
Fiesole Hiking Trail
Florence • Hiking Trails
A scenic trail that enhances a day in Florence with nature and impressive views of the city and the countryside.
Giardino delle Rose
Florence • Parks
A peaceful retreat in Florence, perfect for a leisurely stroll amid art installations and blooming roses.
96 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Florence that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Florence list:
- Chianti Hot Air Balloon Rides· Outdoor
- David by Michelangelo· Monuments & Statues
- The Fusion Bar & Restaurant· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
- Secret Garden Bar· Secret Bars & Speakeasies
- Florence E-Bike Tour· Sports
Planning where to stay in Florence?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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