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The Best Things To Do In Florence

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How to do the best things in Florence, and the best tours to take in Florence.

If you have been searching for the best things to do in Florence or the best tours to take in Florence, you have no doubt been met by hundreds of results on every tour and ticket booking website under the sun. It’s overwhelming to say the least. We have cut out all of that noise. Keep reading to find out what the best things to do in Florence are, which tours to take, tickets to book, and when to do it on your own. We’ve included links so you can skip reading through hundreds of results on the booking platforms and just go to the exact tour we recommend.

Skyline image of Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, from the Piazzale di Michelangelo

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Skip To One Of The Best Things To Do In Florence:

Our criteria for selecting the best tours to take in Florence

If we recommend a tour, it’s for one of 3 reasons: We have taken it, our happy clients have enjoyed it, or we would book it if we were going to Florence for the first time all over again. When selecting a tour, we look at specific criteria:

  1. Value for money: We ask ourselves, “is it worth it?”
  2. What’s included: We’re looking to see if the admission ticket is included. We want to know what part of the tour is guided. We look at the maximum group size and whether transportation, food, or drinks are included. 
  3. Ratings: We look at ratings, not just the numbers; we read reviews (especially recent reviews). We do look at how many reviews there are because this tells us if the tour is potentially new. We prefer vetted tours/tour companies, and we try to buy from marketplaces that vet the tour companies. These marketplaces also tend to offer excellent customer support. 
  4. We also read other travel bloggers’ blogs to see what they’re recommending and why.

A note on tours: you do not have to take a tour for everything you do in a foreign city. Tours are great because you learn about things you might have missed otherwise. Guides are typically local and can be a treasure trove of local information. Sometimes you only need a tour if you have a deep appreciation for the artists on display at a particular gallery. Maybe you want to admire the pieces on your own; it’s always up to you. You do not have to do anything a specific way, simply because you know someone else who did. That being said, always look for skip-the-line tickets; if they are offered, it is for a reason. Don’t spend your vacation waiting in a long line.

Many of these recommendations are from some of the sites you’ve probably already been on. We prefer these because they are easy to book on and have great customer service. We’re saving you the trouble of sifting through 10-30 pages of results to find the best experience. Use this guide instead!

Tour types by size

There are two main things to consider when selecting the type of tour you want: cost and size. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Private tours can be the most expensive, unless you are traveling with a family or a bigger group. These are often priced per group with a maximum number of people. This means that the cost gets lower per person the more people you have in your group. Private tours are the best tours because they cater to your group. You can spend more time on the topics that interest you, and less on the ones that don’t. You have the tour guide all to yourself; ask them all the questions that you have. A private tour also means that you won’t be stuck in the back of the group. 
  • Small group tours are going to have a moderate price range, but likely cost a little more than a large group tour (which we’ll discuss in a moment). A small group tour is typically limited to somewhere between 8 and 15 people. Read the fine print: we’re starting to see some “small group” tours allowing 20-25 participants! We tend to do small group tours the most; they are a great experience and keep the cost low. We’re usually traveling as a duo, so private tours aren’t very cost-effective, and it’s nice to mingle with other travelers. You should compare the cost of a private tour to a small group tour when you have a bigger group.
  • Large group tours are the least expensive because you are leveraging the size of the group. This means that your group could be as few as 20 people or as big as 65 or more people. You will probably be straining to hear the tour guide. If they hand out those little radios, there may be too much feedback for you to hear everything. That being said, there are times when large group tours are the most efficient option. We once took a large-group tour on a big bus from Dublin, Ireland, down to the Cliffs of Moher. We did it because it was cost-effective, but it could have been better with less people. You decide what is best for you. We typically don’t recommend the big tours because they are the furthest from a personal or intimate guided experiences that you can get. 

If you decide that you don’t want a tour, we always recommend skip-the-line tickets when they are available. Sure, it means having something scheduled while you’re on vacation, but the alternative is standing in line, sometimes for hours. You should never spend your vacation standing in long lines. If you want the info that comes with the tour, but not the guide and the group of strangers, consider a self-guided audio tour.



Keep reading for more on the best ways to experience the best things to do in Florence.

Must do if it’s your first time in Florence:

If you want to limit the number of tours you take or the money that you spend on them, there are 2 types of tours that we highly recommend. If you don’t do any other tours, consider a walking tour. A walking tour should be done at the beginning of your visit to a foreign city. A walking tour will help you get the lay of the land. The other type of tour we recommend is a food tour because you can learn so much about a culture through the foods that they eat. You can either book a food tour or use a DIY option.

Walking History and Monument Tours in Florence

A walking tour will help orient you to a city that you are not familiar with. A walking history tour will teach you about the city you are visiting and what you’re looking at. You can usually find these at different times of the day, even in the evening or at night.

The best walking history tours in Florence:

Indulging in a Food Tour is one of the Best Things to do in Florence

If you’re a foodie, do a food tour early in your visit. You will learn so much about local culture through food and discover dishes that you might have overlooked otherwise. These dishes are often the best thing you’ll eat in that city. The eateries that you visit should give you insight into authentic restaurants, cafes, and bars. We do a food tour every time we visit a new country. These are typically walking food tours; they aren’t history tours. However, the guide will point out sites along the way, and you’ll get the lay of the land that way. Always ask your food tour guide for additional restaurant recommendations.

Our Recommendation on the best food tour in Florence:

DIY Tours in Florence

DIY tours are a great way to learn something on your own schedule and familiarize yourself with Florence. One company in particular does this really well. The tours are ‘told’ by local artists, journalists, writers, tour guides, and passionate locals. You can download the tour for offline use, and the navigation still works. The app uses GPS to play the correct information at the right time. You can start, pause, restart, and stop the tour whenever you want to. 

The guide tells you where to go, so you can put your phone in your pocket and just listen while you walk. Run the tour straight through, or spread it out over a day or two, allowing you to stop for a snack or a drink. No falling behind or waiting for someone else to catch up. No straining to hear the guide. No broken equipment. Download the app, buy the tour you want, grab your favorite earbuds, and you’re off! You can find walking tours of a city, museum, or gallery, and even food tours in some cities.

Try one of these DIY tours in Florence:

Okay, onto the major attractions. Florence is a city with a long history, and you can’t possibly fit all of the best things to do in Florence into one visit. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance; here are the top experiences and best tours to take in Florence.

Il Duomo (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Fiore, home to Brunelleschi’s Dome)

A must for first-time visitors, The Duomo is one of the top things to do in Florence. First, let me differentiate: “duomo” does not mean “dome.” A duomo is typically a cathedral and is considered the principal church of a city. This particular duomo has a dome.

The Duomo is built on top of an older church, Santa Reparata. Once you are inside the Duomo, you can visit what is left of Santa Reparata. Don’t just admire the Duomo from the outside! Go inside, it’s a real treat to see the inside of Brunelleschi’s Dome, or better yet, climb inside the dome. From the inside, you’ll be able to get up close to Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement. This fresco is the largest in the world (painted on the interior of the dome). The building and especially the dome (which came later) have a bit of a sordid history. You’ll learn all about it’s history on a walking tour.

*The climb inside the dome and up the bell tower can be difficult for those who have trouble with tight spaces or heights. When you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Florence from on top!

The best things to do in Florence: view of the Duomo from Giotto’s Bell Tower

The best Duomo tours in Florence and how to do it on your own:

  • If you are a budget traveler, you can wait in a long line to get inside for free, but who wants to spend their vacation in line? 
  • We recommend a tour that takes you through the complex and tells you about the history. You want this information so you know what you’re looking for once you get into the dome. This private tour will show you all around the Duomo complex. At the end of the guided portion of the tour, you can climb the dome on your own (if you select that upgrade). 
  • You can opt for a small group tour, which means your group won’t be the only one participating. The size is limited, and it may be more cost-effective. This small group tour is great because it guides you where you need it and lets you explore the rest on your own, over the course of 3 days. You’ll be guided through your visit/ascent of the dome. After your dome climb (and descent), you’ll have a guided tour of The Opera del Duomo Museum. Finally, you’ll receive your 3-day pass to explore the interior of the Duomo, crypt, Baptistry, and to climb Giotto’s bell tower. The tour takes a maximum of 20 people. For a little more, you can get the semi-private tour, with a maximum of 10 people. Sometimes we book small group tours and end up being the only ones on it! 
  • If you only care about the dome climb, or are interested in doing one in the evening, check out this guided tour of the dome with an aperitivo at the end.

  • If you aren’t interested in a tour, then you can book skip-the-line tickets to enter through a different entrance on your own. Book these on the official Opera Di Santa Maria Del Fiore website. These can sell out weeks in advance, especially if you want to climb the dome (which we recommend). Get the Brunelleschi pass to have 3 days to explore everything. Your dome climb is the only timed entrance and starts your 3-day pass. 

Pro Tip: Split your time and climb the bell tower and dome on different days. Climbing both can be a lot to do in one day. 

Hint: Head to the section below on combining tours to maximize your time.

*We typically don’t recommend eating in the Piazza del Duomo, as it caters to tourists. However, if you need a semi-quick bite between sites, head to Panini Toscani (located on the dome side of the Duomo). Grab a panino and a glass of wine while you marvel at the dome from the outside. This is the charming midday al fresco dining that Italian trips are made of.

Accademia dell’Arte (Michelangelo’s Statue of David)

Getting to see the statue of David is one of the best things to do in Florence and tops the list of most visitors to the Renaissance city. Gaze upon the famous David, seriously, pictures can’t prepare you for the staggering size of this beautiful sculpture of the human (male) body. The statue is displayed at the end of a corridor flanked by several sculptures by Michelangelo. Throughout Florence, you will see “replicas” of the Statue of David. These do not do the real thing justice or prepare you for it, as they are much smaller. *It’s worth noting, though, that these replicas are made by real artists; they are not cast in some warehouse.

Inside the Accademia dell’Arte, you will find Renaissance paintings, sculptures, a room of plaster casts for a multitude of famous sculptures, and a museum of musical instruments. For people who appreciate art and history, a visit to the Accademia is one of the best things to do in Florence. Since we’ve been (three times now), you can find us just staring at The David while the rest of our group wanders!

Michelangelo's statue of David

The best things to do in Florence: Michelangelo’s statue of David at the Accademia dell’Arte in Florence

The best Accademia dell’Arte tours in Florence and how to do it on your own:

  • For people who have a particular interest in Renaissance Art, we recommend a private guided tour where you won’t have to share your guide with anyone but those in your group. This tour is with a guide who is educated in art history. You’ll have skip-the-line tickets, and the guide will accompany you for 2 hours inside the gallery. After that you can stay in the gallery as long as you want to (or at least until closing time). A private tour like this has more flexibility. At the beginning of the tour you can tell your guide if you have a particular interest. For example, you might be interested in the museum of musical instruments, or you might liwantke to dedicate 30 minutes to admiring David. 
  • For travelers who prefer to be on their own, you can book tickets through the Galleria Accademia Firenze website. Per the website, “Reservations are highly recommended; if you do not have a reservation, the wait for access may be long.” We can tell you that the line is long and you do not want to be in it! At the time of writing this, tickets are €24 online. When you purchase the tickets, you will select an entry time; be early. Upon arrival, you will find several lines. If you can’t figure out where you need to be, ask someone who is directing line traffic. 
    • Alternatively, for a little more, we recommend these skip-the-line tickets and purchasing an audio guide once you’re inside. This company will meet you outside with your ticket and tell you exactly where to go, skip-the-line AND skip-the-hassle!

Pro Tip: Plan to visit the Accademia in the later part of the day. Around 5:20/5:30 pm, it will be less crowded! The last entry to the Accademia is 30 minutes before it closes. Since you will probably want more than 30 minutes inside, we recommend entering 60-90 minutes before closing. Keep in mind that closing procedures start 10 minutes before they close. You will not be able to access the musical instrument rooms at that point. 

Hint: Head to the section below on combining tours to maximize your time.

Savor artworks by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, etc. A favorite of Renaissance enthusiasts, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most prestigious museums of art in the world. This is another of the best things to do in Florence for art lovers. This gallery seems endless; there are multiple corridors and 3 levels. The building itself is worth seeing. One corridor offers lovely views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Arno River, the Palazzo Vecchio, and of the Duomo.

The best Uffizi Gallery tours in Florence and how to do it on your own:

  • The gallery can be overwhelming. We recommend a guide who will take you to see all the important pieces. This will save you the trouble of reading every plaque to make sure you don’t miss anything. The gallery is massive!

  • If you prefer to go on your own and see each piece of art, start with skip-the-line tickets that include an audio guide. Once you’re inside, you will get a map of the gallery with 3 suggested routes. Select the best route for how much you want to see and how much time you have. If you purchase tickets on the official website, you have to go through one queue to collect your tickets and then another queue to get inside. Get these skip-the line tickets instead.

Pro Tip: Go later in the day. If you go at 4 pm you’ll still have 2.5 hours before closing to enjoy the gallery with fewer crowds.

Hint: Head to the section below on combining tours to maximize your time. Perhaps you want to combine entry to the Vasari corridor with your visit to the Uffizi.

*As with most great galleries, there is a cafe, which has a rooftop view of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. We suggest a reservation if you don’t want to wait in line. You’ll pay a little more for your spritz here, but how often are you spritzing on a gallery rooftop with a view of THE Duomo?

Palazzo Vecchio (Hall of 500)

In Italian, “Vecchio” means old, and the Palazzo Vecchio is an old government building. The Palazzo is open late at night in the summer, giving a little more flexibility to your schedule. You will enjoy stunning views of Florence, see Dante’s death mask, browse the hall of maps, marvel at the ancient monumental apartments, and gaze up at the hall of 500. If you’re a Dan Brown fan or a movie buff, you will be familiar with the Palazzo from his book Inferno, or the movie of the same name. The Palazzo Vecchio was once the seat of the senate. The Palazzo Vecchio still an active government building, and is sometimes closed for this reason. Check the website to make sure it’s open.

The best way to see the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence:

  • Honestly, you don’t need a tour here unless you have a deep interest in the history of Florence. Tickets are made available on the first of each month for the next 30 days. Book your tickets on the bigliettimusei.comune.fi.it website. You will want to book a ticket for the museum and a ticket for the tower (Torre di Arnolfo). Depending on your interest and pace, if you include the tower, the average visit is 2-3 hours, but you could do it quicker if you wanted to.
Tower at Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy

The best things to do in Florence: Palazzo Vecchio

Pro Tip: If you go in the late afternoon (4-4:30 pm), you’ll enjoy fewer crowds

If you’re hungry after your visit to the Palazzo Vecchio, we recommend going about 3-5 blocks away from the Piazza for better prices and more authentic restaurants. You could also cross the Ponte Vecchio (bridge) to find lunch or dinner in the Oltrarno neighborhood.

Cross the Ponte Vecchio (Famous bridge with jewelry shops)

One of only 4 bridges in the world that have shopping on the bridge. Did you know that the Medici decreed that this bridge should only have jewelry shops? It originally housed fishmongers, but the Medici didn’t enjoy the smell of fish when they crossed the Vasari Corridor. A secret passage above the bridge shops, which connects Pitti Palace with the Uffizi (and thus Palazzo Vecchio).

The best way to see the Ponte Vecchio, Florence:

  • Although many walking history tours of Florence will take you across the bridge and tell you some stories about it, you don’t need a tour or tickets to do it. Take your time crossing the bridge to window shop and admire the beautiful gold jewelry. One fo the best things to do in Florence is to stroll through here at night, when all the people have gone; even though the shops are closed, you can see the old-world charm of the many original stalls. Consider walking down to the next bridge, the Ponte Santa Trinita, for a stunning view of the Ponte Vecchio.

The best things to do in Florence: The Ponte Vecchio bridge at night

Visit Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace, once home to the Medici)

Once home to the Medici family and later Napoleon, the palace is Florence’s largest museum complex. In 1919, the palace and everything inside were donated to the people of Italy. The palace houses several galleries, including the Palatine Gallery with 28 rooms/halls, a carriage museum, the royal apartments, and a costume gallery. The costume gallery should not be overlooked. The costume gallery will change pieces and themes from time to time. We’ve seen fashion through the decades, beginning in the mid 1800s. We’ve also seen themed rooms like swans, spiders, butterflies, snakes, coral, or lace. You may even see some costumes worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga.

The best way to visit Palazzo Pitti in Florence:

  • If you don’t care so much about the history and just want to admire the palace on your own, you can buy tickets online or in person. Check the Uffizi.it website for details and hours (the Palazzo is closed on Mondays). Make sure you select the ticket that includes the apartments; the price is the same, but you must meet the escort provided by the palace in order to view the apartments. You will have a timed entry for the apartments; don’t be late, as they limit the number of visitors per time slot. Note that tickets cost less if you buy them the day of your visit, but they could be sold out by then.
  • If you would like a guided tour of the Palazzo and the Palatine Gallery, this small-group tour also includes a visit to the Royal apartments. You’ll even have time to see the costume gallery.
The best things to do in Florence: The White Room at Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy

The best things to do in Florence: The White Room at Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy

Hint: Head to the section below on combining tours to combine Pitti Palace with the Boboli Gardens.

Pro Tip: If you want, you can enter the palace before your timed entry to the Royal apartments. Keep in mind that you can only enter each gallery once. You want to make sure you’ll have enough time for the gallery you enter before you need to meet your escort for the Royal apartments. Make sure you have at least 40 minutes for each gallery. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have time to get to the Royal apartments. We also recommend seeing the galleries in your order of interest. Don’t save the best for last, or you might run out of energy for it before you get there.

Boboli Gardens (Iconic Tuscan Garden at Pitti Palace)

Stroll through the quintessential Italian gardens located behind the Pitti Palace. Plan to spend a couple of hours here if you want to walk every path and see everything the 11-acre garden has to offer. You’ll find fountains, sculptures, tree-covered walkways, and stunning views of the Duomo. Traverse the garden as you imagine the gossip that was shared when the Medici, aristocrats, and royalty slipped into the garden for more private conversations!

The best way to stroll through the Boboli Gardens in Florence:

  • We think the best way to enjoy the Boboli Gardens is on your own, at your own pace. Get tickets online (on the uffizi.it website) or in person. The garden is big, and you could easily spend 2 hours here, especially if you’re going to visit the porcelain museum (included in your ticket). If it’s hot and you just want to see it, instead of exploring and walking every pathway, you could probably breeze through it in 30 minutes or less.
The best things to do in Florence: strolling the pathways at Boboli Gardens

The best things to do in Florence: Strolling the pathways at Boboli Gardens

Pro Tip: Your ticket will include entry to Giardino Bardini, another excellent garden in Florence, adjacent to Boboli Gardens. Giardino Bardini has one of the best views of Florence! You have one day to use the ticket, so you need to visit the gardens on the same day.

Hint: Head to the section below on combining tours to combine Pitti Palace with the Boboli Gardens.

After your time in Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and/or Giardino Bardini, you might be parched and a little hungry too. We recommend our favorite wine bar in Florence. At Le Volpi e L’uva you can enjoy wine, buy some to take with you, and have the best crostone – the truffle sausage is our new favorite.

Piazzale di Michelangelo, Rose Gardens, and Giardino dell’Iris

Each of these sites is located next to the others and in the ‘Oltrarno’ area, across the river from the historic center. You’ll be dazzled with views of the city from a new perspective. Once you get to the top, you will find sweeping views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hillsides. You can see some of the ancient city wall, a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David, and souvenir vendors. The Piazzale is a great place to get a photo of you with the city behind you. During the holidays, there is a large decorated Christmas tree in the corner of the piazza.

The best things to do in Florence: Giardino dell'Iris

The best things to do in Florence: Giardino dell’Iris

The best way to enjoy Piazzale di Michelangelo, Rose Gardens, and Giardino dell’Iris in Florence:

  • You can take a bus to get up to the Piazzale. We recommend seeing more of the city by walking up to it. We personally like the walk down via San Nicolo and through the Porta San Miniato.
  • The Rose Gardens are located just below this grand Piazzale. Stroll through the variety of roses or take a bottle of wine and snack with you to bask in the Tuscan sun on the lawn of the Rose Garden. Entry is free, and this is a popular place for locals to visit and enjoy the good weather.
  • The Giardino dell’Iris is on the opposite side of the Piazzale from the Rose garden; it is only open approx. 25 days out of the year, and opening day is April 25th. This beautiful garden showcases the symbol of the city, the iris, in colors and varieties you’ve never dreamed of. The garden has winding paths that together comprise over 2 miles in length. This garden is also free to enter! However, donations are greatly appreciated.

Don’t miss: The Basilica di San Miniato is located down the road from Piazzale di Michelangelo. Not to be confused with Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte, which you will pass by first. Behind the Basilica di San Miniato is the Cimitero delle Porte Sante (cemetery). Both the basilica and the cemetery are worth a visit if you have the time. You will also find great views from the Basilica and the cemetery.

Giardino Bardini (THE best view of Florence)

Okay, you may not see this garden on other lists of the best things to do in Florence because it isn’t as well-known as the Boboli Gardens. Giardino Bardini deserves a mention while we’re on the subject of gardens and outdoor spaces. In our opinion, this garden offers THE best view of Florence. This garden was mentioned earlier, with information about the Boboli Gardens, because a ticket to Boboli Gardens includes entrance to the Giardino Bardini. There are two entrances; the main entrance is at Villa Bardini, a 17th-century villa that showcases art exhibits. You can reach Villa Bardini after an uphill walk on Costa Scarpuccia and Costa S. Giorgio. The second entrance is a little easier to reach on Via Dei Bardi. However, this is quickly followed by many steps to climb inside the garden. The garden isn’t as big as Boboli Gardens, making it easier to see it all.

View of the Duomo in Florence, Italy, from Giardino Bardini in the spring

The best things to do in Florence: View of the Duomo, from Giardino Bardini

The best way to enjoy the Giardino Bardini in Florence:

  • Get a ticket to Boboli Gardens and see them both on the same day. If you only want to go to Giardino Bardini, or don’t want to go to the gardens on the same day, you can buy tickets when you get to Giardino Bardini. You can also get them online in advance using the Villa Bardini website.

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Recommendations to combine experiences on your first visit to Florence and see more in a day

For travelers who only have a day or two in Florence, consider tours that combine points of interest. They do the organizing and planning, and all you need to do is show up!

Accademia dell’Arte and Duomo: This small group combo tour will give you a guided tour of the Accademia to see the Statue of David. Afterwards, you’ll get a guided tour of the Duomo Museum and the Duomo. This tour does not include a climb in the Dome, but you can opt to add Giotto’s Bell Tower. The Bell tower also provides amazing views of the city, and something you can’t see from the top of the dome: the dome itself! 

Accademia dell’Arte and the Uffizi gallery: This 3-hour small group tour will guide you through the highlights of the Uffizi Gallery and then the Accademia dell’Arte. With a maximum of 14 participants, it’s not private but could still be fairly intimate. This would be a great way to fit more into your day if you are only interested in the highlights.

Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia dell’Arte, and Duomo with major monuments and Piazzas: There are a couple of great options for this. This option will give you the best of Florence in a day, a great way to make the most of your time if you aren’t in Florence for very long. You will have a guide who is educated in art history. You’ll go inside the Accademia and the Uffizi Galleries with your guide. You’ll be taken through all the major monuments and piazzas in the city center and have a break to refuel.

Highlights of Accademia dell’Arte, major Piazzas, and Uffizi Gallery: This tour is another combo option if you just want to see the highlights quickly. The tour gives you 30 minutes at the Accademia, so your focus will be on David. After that, you’ll get a walking tour through the 2 most important piazzas, including the Duomo (from the outside). The tour culminates with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. After the guided portion of your tour, you can remain in the gallery.

Include entry to the Vasari corridor with your visit to the Uffizi gallery. The corridor was built to give the Medici safe passage from the Palazzo Vecchio all the way to Pitti Palace. If you want to remember what you saw and why it’s important, you won’t want to miss this small group tour through the Uffizi and the Vassari corridor.

Pitti Palace & the Boboli Gardens: Get the Pitti & Boboli Cumulative ticket. To do this online visit the uffizi.it website:

  • Select the option for Pitti Palace and the apartments. 
  • Afterwards, you will select a date and time (the time is for the apartments).
  • Next, you can select the option below to include Boboli Gardens. 
  • This is the most cost-effective way to see both. At the time of writing this, a single ticket to the Palazzo is €16-€19, and a single ticket to the Garden is €10-€13, but the combo ticket is just €22-€25.

Note that the garden is open on Mondays, but the Palazzo is not. You will have one day to use the ticket, so everything must be done on the same day. You could do the Palace, then break for lunch before strolling through Boboli Gardens. Bonus: Your ticket to Boboli Gardens gives you access to Giardino Bardini on the same day. The uffizi.it website also gives the option for a 5-day pass. The pass includes the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens (with an option to upgrade and include the Vasari Corridor). This option has some limitations with scheduling, so check the website for more details.

Visit all the gardens in a day on a private tour. You can book a private 3-hour tour with a guide to go to Boboli Gardens, Giardino Bardini, the Rose Garden, and Piazzale di Michelangelo. This private tour is great for bigger groups (up to 15 people) because you pay one price for the group. Note that entry tickets to Boboli and Bardini gardens is not included in the tour price. If you’re going while the Giardino dell’Iris is open, you can go to the garden after your tour and wrap up the day nicely.

Get a market tour and a cooking class: A few years ago, I attended this market tour and cooking class that I still talk about to this day. It was amazing, and the tour company still puts it on! Start the morning with a market tour. After that, you’ll get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets of Florence. Spend the day at a Tuscan farmhouse eating & drinking, cooking & learning to cook a few Tuscan dishes, while enjoying the stunning views. This promises to be a day that you will remember for the rest of your life!

Add These Best Things To Do In Florence To Your Itinerary If You Have More Time

If you’re going to be in Florence for several days, consider these less frequented but equally incredible points of interest.

Basilica di Santa Croce (Tombs of the Italian Geniuses)

Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Leopold, and Galileo are all entombed inside this magnificent cathedral. Inside, you will also find the cenotaph of Dante (a tomb without the body). The piazza in front is one of our favorites in Florence. If you’re there before Christmas, you’ll find it full of Christmas market stalls.

The best things to do in Florence: Basilica di Santa Croce

The best things to do in Florence: Basilica di Santa Croce

The best way to visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and pay your respects to the Italian Masters:

  • A tour is suggested if you want to know more about the cathedral, the artworks by Donatello, Giotto, and Brunelleschi, as well as the tombs of many Italian geniuses. This small group tour allows for no more than 15 participants. At the end of the 1- hour tour, you have the option to remain inside and keep exploring on your own. 
  • You can absolutely do this on your own. You can buy tickets online on the SantaCroceOpera.it website or in person. We have been here many times. There was only one instance when we weren’t able to get tickets when we arrived. If you’re visiting during high season or a holiday, then you might want to get your tickets in advance. The cathedral is active, and you will want to check their schedule if you do/don’t want to be there during their services.

The Basilica di Santa Croce is located right by one of our favorite places to sit outside and enjoy pizza and spritz in Florence. Finisterrae is a great place for a meal, and the menu has something for everyone’s tastes.

Basilica di San Lorenzo (The church of the Medici Family)

The oldest Florentine Cathedral is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. This is where the Medici family worshiped. Beneath the cathedral, you can see Cosimo the Elder’s tomb along with a few other surprises. The interior of the basilica is very beautiful, and the basilica is Filippo Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece.

The best way to visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence:

  • You can buy tickets on site, but download the TravelMate app for their audio guide before you go. You’ll have access to the cloisters, the treasure of San Lorenzo (where Cosimo Medici’s tomb is), and to the old sacristy. 
  • If you want to see the secret room that Michelangelo hid out in (La stanza segreta di Michelangelo), you have to plan ahead. Tickets usually sell out 3 months or more in advance. The ticket includes access to the Basilica of San Lorenzo and can only be bought online on the b-ticket.com website. You will only be allowed in the room for 15 minutes, and only 4 visitors are permitted at a time.

Pro Tip: The church is very close to the San Lorenzo market. If you want to see the market when it’s open, go to the market first. The first floor of the market, where the actual market is, closes in the early afternoon. The second floor of the market is more like a food hall. The food hall is open until midnight every day except December 25th.

Palazzo Medici e Riccardi (Home of Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent)

If you enjoy seeing how aristocrats lived in different times, make sure to stop in here. This is the first Palace of the Medici, where Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent both lived. Donatello, Michelangelo, and Botticelli all worked at this Palace. You’ve got to see the stunning chapel of the Magi (Cappella dei Magi) and the Mirror Gallery! The palace is located kitty-corner to the Church of San Lorenzo, and you could easily visit it before or after the church.

The best way to go to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence:

  • No reservations or tours needed. You can buy tickets when you arrive or get them online in advance on the palazzomediciriccardi.it website.

Casa Buonarroti (House of Michelangelo)

Michelangelo had a home in Florence where some of his artwork is displayed. You’ll find a model of the facade of the Church of San Lorenzo (which was never realized). You’ll also see sculptures, a drawing of Cleopatra, and paintings; he even painted the ceiling in one of the rooms!

The best way to see the home of Michelangelo in Florence:

  • At the time of writing this, tickets are €8 per person. Some make this a quick visit, while others spend 60-90 minutes inside. Get tickets on site (or in advance online on the casabuonarroti.it website).

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella (15th Century Gothic Church)

A Beautiful church you’ll see when you exit the Santa Maria Novella train station. However, the facade you see from the train station does not do the church justice. The real entrance to the church is on the opposite side of the church from the train station, in Piazza della Santa Maria Novella. When you enter the church, you’ll be greeted first by a lovely garden as you walk to the ticket booth. Inside, there are works by Giotto, Brunelleschi, Girlandaio, and Botticelli. We find this church to be underrated, as it is quite magnificent but usually doesn’t top the itineraries of first-time visitors to Florence.

How to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence:

  • Purchase tickets on site; you should not need to buy them in advance. If you wish to purchase tickets in advance, you can get them on the ticketsmuseums.comune.fi.it website.
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella Florence, Italy

The best things to do in Florence: Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Been there, done that? If you’re returning to Florence, mix it up a bit with these suggestions

If you’ve been to Florence and already experienced the main highlights, you might be looking to see a different side of Florence. These are some great options to expand your cultural knowledge of Florence and enjoy smaller crowds.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello (The most important collection of Renaissance sculptures in the world)

The Museum is in a 13th-century palace; the building alone is worth your time. It is filled with the most important collection of Renaissance sculptures in the world, including the bronze David by Donatello. Inside, you will also find sculptures by Michelangelo, Giambologna, and Cellini. The palace has an interesting history as it was once a prison (in the second half of the 1500s), and then restored and reopened in 1865.

Donatello's David at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence
Courtyard and the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence

The best things to do in Florence: Donatello’s David and the courtyard at Museo Nazionale del Bargello

The best way to visit the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence:

  • Buy tickets when you arrive at their ticket office, or get tickets online before you go. We went during high season, and we didn’t need to book in advance. If you want to get tickets in advance, visit the Musei Dei Bargello website.

Seeing the current exhibit at Palazzo Strozzi is something we do every time we are in Florence, if we haven’t seen it yet. The palazzo is the perfect backdrop for art exhibits. The exhibits remain on display for several months, and since we live just a short train ride away from Florence, we’re trying to catch every exhibit they have. The Palazzo is close to the Piazza della Republica where the oldest cafè in Florence (founded in 1733), Caffé Gilli, is located. Grab an espresso or shakerato after your visit, or maybe a glass of wine before… Art is always fun with a little wine.

The best way to visit Palazzo Strozzi in Florence:

  • Buy tickets when you arrive. You can also get them online, but we’ve never had a problem getting them upon arrival. Once you go upstairs for the exhibit, you’ll find bathrooms and a cloak room on your right before you enter the exhibit.
Inner courtyard at Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, Italy

The best things to do in Florence: Palazzo Strozzi art gallery

Pro Tip: If you came via a speed train, ask about a discount and show your train ticket.

Gucci Museum

This is a fun one for fashion lovers. Did you know that Gucci started out as a small shop in Florence in 1921? The gallery at Palazzo Gucci takes you through the history of Gucci’s contribution to fashion, from dresses to shoes and purses.

The best way to visit the Gucci Museum in Florence:

  • Wear something cute and fashionable, you’re going to the Gucci Museum after all! 
  • Buy tickets on arrival. You’ll get your tickets on the groundfloor in the boutique and bookstore.
  • Yes, there is a boutique on the ground floor. You might want to plan to have a shopping budget if you want something special from Gucci!
  • When you’re done exploring the museum, you can treat yourself to a beverage and a snack at their posh all-day cafè (Gucci Giardino). Or enjoy a meal (a reservation is suggested) at their osteria (Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura) in Piazza della Signoria.

Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

Another great choice for fashion lovers, especially shoe lovers! Learn all about Salvatore Ferragamo’s love of shoes, his history of making shoes for celebrities, and which shoe designs to thank him for. The current exhibit is 1898-1960. You’ll see Ferragamo’s shoe designs over the decades and get a sense of what women used to wear, and what we’re wearing now.

The best way to visit the Ferragamo Museum in Florence:

  • Buy tickets on arrival to go through the museum, reading every plaque you wish to along the way.
  • There are guided tours available by reservation only. Check the bottom of their “times and tickets” page on the museo.ferragamo.com website for more information.
  • When you’re done at the museum, you can treat yourself to a special pair of Ferragamos in the store above the museum.

Afterwards, cross the Ponte Santa Trinita (bridge) into the Oltrarno area to experience a more locals neighborhood. Get a drink and something to eat in the Piazza Santo Spirito. There’s a great gelateria just off of Piazza Santo Spirito (Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera), check them out for some unique flavors!

Museo Novecento (for modern and contemporary art)

This museum is located across the Piazza della Santa Maria Novella from the church of the same name. Here you will find modern and contemporary art exhibits. Check their website to see what’s on display when you’ll be in town. This museum is a great place to spend some time on a rainy day. At the time of writing this, full-price tickets are €9.50 and can be purchased online on the MuseoNovecento.it website or in person. You’ll probably spend about an hour at the museum. The museum is closed on Thursdays.

The best way to visit Museo Novecento in Florence:

  • You should have no trouble purchasing tickets when you arrive; there’s no need to book in advance.

Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli Onlus (Set designs, costume sketches, and more)

Franco Zeffirelli was an Italian stage and film director, producer, production designer, and politician. The foundation has over 300 works of his, from set designs (for operas) to drawings and costume sketches. The permanent exhibit includes clothes that were produced from his sketches for operas and movies. This was far more impressive than we expected it to be.

The best way to visit the Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli Onlus in Florence:

  • Get tickets when you arrive, no advance booking needed.
The best things to do in Florence: Costume from Turandot Opera at Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli

The best things to do in Florence: Costume from Turandot Opera at Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli

See a performance of opera music while you are in Florence

It’s said that Opera was born in Florence. The first Opera was performed in 1600 at the wedding of France’s Henry IV to Marie de Medici at the Pitti Palace. You can opt to see an Opera or a performance of Opera music; there is a plethora of options.

The best way to enjoy Opera in Florence:

Unique tours in Florence

If you’re looking for something unique or specialized in Florence, here are a few tour ideas that may interest you.

Go all in on Michelangelo: If you’ve always been fascinated by Michelangelo, take an art tour dedicated to him. This 3.5-hour tour will take you through the milestones of his life and his most important works. You’ll visit the Accademia, Medici Chapel, and Basilica di Santa Croce (his final resting place). 

Pro-tip: When the tour is over, head over to Casa Buonarotti to really round the day out!

See Florence through Dante’s eyes. Take a walking history tour through the neighborhoods where Dante was born and raised. See the spaces of Florence that inspired Dante’s Divine Comedy and greatly influenced his political career. This 75-minute small group tour combines history, literature, and the daily life of Dante while you get the lay of the land. 

After-hours VIP visit to the Duomo. This exclusive tour allows you to remain in the Duomo after all the tourists have gone for the day. You’ll climb the dome on a guided tour and have access to both terraces. Finally, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the official closing of the Cathedral by the Key Master when they turn the lights off and lock up the building. If you like having experiences that no one else you know has had, then this is the tour for you! 

Follow the footsteps of the Medici family. A small-group tour (no more than 15 people) that focuses on Florence’s history as an art capital of Europe, and how the powerful Medici family shaped the world of Italian art. This walking tour will take you from the Basilica di San Lorenzo to the Pitti Palace and everywhere in between to see the top sights through the Medici family’s lens. 

Learn about the history of queer culture in Florence on this 2-hour small-group LGBTQ Renaissance walking tour. This is a walking tour like no other. You’ll see monuments and key points of interest as you learn about the LGBTQ history and community in Florence. Your guide will tell you about the secret lives of the members of the queer community, how the laws have changed over the centuries, and the evolution of the social and political climate. 

For more about visiting Florence, read our Florence Travel Guide: Jump into the Heartbeat of Florence.

If you feel that we have left something out of our best things to do in Florence, or if you have any questions, please comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope this guide has helped you to identify the best things to do in Florence and the best tours to take in a way that allows you to still travel like you! Planning a trip requires a lot of research to make the most of every city you visit. If you’re not excited about spending 15-30 hours planning an amazing trip, we get it. If you would rather have someone do the research, planning, & booking for your custom travel itinerary, while you count the days until you leave, let us do the heavy lifting. Visit our Custom Travel Planning page to learn more.

-XO, The Twins

How can we help? We would love to hear your questions!

Contact us by email at thetwins@twicethetraveler.com

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Visit our Travel Resources page for more of our favorite websites, apps, and products we frequently use to plan and enjoy a trip.

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