Things to Do in Florence – Roam Traveller’s Ultimate Travel Guide

Introduction

Florence, or Firenze, is the jewel of Tuscany—a city of Renaissance art, artistry in every cobblestone, and culinary delights around every corner. With its world‑renowned galleries, historic palaces, charming piazzas, and hilltop views, Florence is a living museum. Here’s Roam Traveller definitive guide to the top things to do in Florence, perfect for culture lovers, food fanatics, day‑trippers, and first‑time wanderers alike.

1. Discover Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery

Home to one of history’s greatest sculptures, the Accademia Gallery hosts Michelangelo’s David, an icon of Renaissance artistry. The visceral detail and serene power of this colossal marble statue leave almost every visitor in awe.

• Tip: Tickets sell out quickly—book a timed entry early in the morning.
  
• What else to see: The museum also features Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures (Prisoners) and Florentine paintings from the 13th–16th centuries.
  

2. Marvel at the Uffizi Galleries

Just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi is Florence’s star attraction. Its halls contain masterpieces by Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian.

• Planning advice: Visit on a weekday during early spring or autumn for fewer crowds.
  
• Rooftop reminder: Stop at the café terrace for a view of the Arno River and Piazzale Michelangelo in the distance.
  

3. Climb the Duomo—Brunelleschi’s Dome & Baptistery

Rising above Florence’s skyline, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) is a stunning structure topped with Brunelleschi’s dome.

• What to do: Climb 463 steps to the dome’s summit for sweeping views.
  
• Other highlights: Gaze at the Baptistery’s gilded bronze doors (“Gates of Paradise”) and explore the crypt beneath the cathedral.
  

4. Cross the Ponte Vecchio & Explore Oltrarno

The iconic Ponte Vecchio bridges the Arno with shops selling goldsmith wares and jewelry. Cross into Oltrarno, Florence’s artisan quarter, where local workshops, cafés, and hidden gardens await.

• Must‑do: Visit the artisans at work in small studios, especially on Via Maggio and Via Santo Spirito.
  
• Garden gem: The splendid gardens of Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens are perfect for a shaded afternoon stroll.
  

5. Stay Magical at Piazzale Michelangelo & San Miniato al Monte

For one of the most scenic views in Tuscany, head to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. Nearby, visit the peaceful Romanesque Church of San Miniato al Monte with its mosaic marbles and serene atmosphere.

• Photography tip: Bring a tripod or steady camera—you’ll capture the city aglow with golden light.
  

6. Immerse Yourself in Local Markets: San Lorenzo & Sant’Ambrogio

Europe’s most passionate food culture shows itself in Florence’s markets.

• Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo): Upstairs you’ll find stall-based eateries serving pasta, pizza, gelato, and Tuscan specialties.
  
• Sant’Ambrogio Market: Less touristy, more local—shop for seasonal produce, cheeses, meats, and household goods. Try lampredotto, a traditional sandwich made from slow‑cooked beef tripe.
  

7. Taste Tuscany – Food & Wine Experiences

Italian cuisine in Florence is hearty, regional, and indulgent.

• Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Thick T‑bone steak), pappa al pomodoro, pappardelle ai funghi, ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup).
  
• Wine scene: Consider a wine‑tasting day trip to Chianti or Montepulciano, or join a local wine bar in Florence to sample Sangiovese and Vernaccia.
  

8. Visit Churches & Museums Off the Beaten Path

• Santa Croce Basilica: Resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli—don’t miss the frescoes by Giotto.
  
• Bargello Museum: Sculpture lovers will enjoy Donatello’s David (the original small bronze statue), and works by Verrocchio and Michelangelo.
  
• Santa Maria Novella Church: A hidden gem with frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Masaccio and a striking green‑white marble façade.
  

9. Enjoy Street Performers & Live Music in Piazza della Signoria

The lively Piazza della Signoria is an open‑air gallery with a replica David, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Loggia dei Lanzi. By evening, street musicians, caricaturists, and performers enliven the square.

• Nearby bar: Stop at a wine bar just off the piazza for a glass of Tuscan red and people-watching.
  

10. Day Trips: Tuscany at Your Fingertips

• Siena: Just 1.5 hours by train or bus—visit the Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral.
  
• San Gimignano: Famous for medieval towers and Vernaccia wine.
  
• Lucca: A cycling city encircled by intact Renaissance walls.
  
• Cinque Terre: Reachable by train via Pisa; a coastal village paradise.
  

 Best Time to Visit Florence

• Spring (April–June): Mild temperatures, blooms in Boboli Gardens, manageable crowds.
  
• Fall (September–October): Harvest festivals, golden orchards, comfortable weather.
  
• Summer (July–August): Warm and vibrant, but hot—book sites early.
  
• Winter (December–February): Quiet, lower prices, perfect for museum lovers; occasional rainy days.
  

Recommendation: Late spring and early fall strike the best balance between weather, crowds, and local life.

 Packing Tips for Florence

• Shoes: Walkable, supportive footwear—cobblestones everywhere.
  
• Layers: Light sweaters or scarves for early mornings and evenings.
  
• Reusable water bottle: Tap water in Florence is drinkable and the city has refill stations.
  
• Plug adapter: Italy uses Type C, F, and L; voltage is 230 V.
  

 Tips for Smart Traveling

• Skip-the-line tickets: Book Uffizi and Accademia in advance to avoid long queues.
  
• Florence Card: Offers access to many museums and transport discounts—consider if you plan multiple visits.
  
• Respect dress codes: Some churches require modest attire to enter.
  
• Safety note: Florence is safe but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.
  

 Events & Cultural Highlights

• Firenze Gelato Festival (May–June): Celebrate Italy’s signature dessert at various locations.
  
• Magna Firenze Food Festival (September): Local food and artisan markets on Lungarno.
  
• Opera performances at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino during summer.
  
• Scoppio del Carro (Easter Sunday): A dramatic fireworks tradition inside Piazza del Duomo.
  

 Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

• Le Murate Literary Café: A former prison turned arts hub with a café and curated events.
  
• Stibbert Museum: An eccentric collection of armour, weapons, and exotic textiles—off the tourist path.
  
• Giardino Torrigiani: A private garden in Oltrarno, open to visitors by reservation—rare greenery in the city.
  

 Sample Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Visit the Accademia to see David.
  
• Afternoon: Cross Ponte Vecchio; explore workshops in Oltrarno; coffee at Piazza Santo Spirito.
  
• Evening: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, dinner in San Niccolò.
  

Day 2:

• Morning: Uffizi Gallery.
  
• Lunch: Mercato Centrale pasta and gelato.
  
• Afternoon: Climb the Duomo and Baptistery.
  
• Evening: Wine tasting or walk under lit bridges.
  

Day 3:

• Morning: Santa Croce & Bargello Museum.
  
• Afternoon: Florentine food tour at Sant’Ambrogio Market.
  
• Evening: Street music in Piazza Signoria and dinner at a trattoria.
  

Day 4 (optional):

• Day trip to Siena, San Gimignano, or Lucca.
  

 FAQ – Visiting Florence

Q1: How many days are enough in Florence?
A: Plan 3–4 days to explore major sites, soak up local life, and take a day trip.

Q2: Is Florence walkable?
A: Yes—most historic sites are compact, though prepare for hilly terrain in Oltrarno and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Q3: Are English tours available?
A: Yes—audio guides and English-speaking tours are widely available at major museums.

Q4: Can I visit Uffizi and Accademia in one day?
A: Technically possible if timed early, but best to split to fully appreciate each collection.

Q5: Is Florence expensive?
A: Moderate—meals and museums cost less than in Rome or Venice, though high-end dining and shopping can add up.

 Final Thoughts from Roam Traveller

Florence is more than a city—it’s the heart of the Renaissance, a festival of light and stone, painting, sculpture, food, and history. From the serene gardens of the Boboli to the heartbeat of Piazza del Duomo, every corner pulses with stories waiting to unfold.This is Roam Traveller’s most refined travel guide to Florence—your companion to wander well, eat well, and fall in love with a city that truly is timeless.