Things to Do in Florence: A Guide to Top Activities, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region in Central Italy, is renowned for its rich history and contribution to art and culture. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was a hub of medieval European trade and finance, making it one of the wealthiest cities of that time.

The city’s artistic heritage includes masterpieces by Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Francesco Guicciardini, and it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti.

UNESCO declared the Historic Centre of Florence a World Heritage Site in 1982, and Forbes ranked it as the most beautiful city in the world in 2010. Florence continues to exert influence in the fields of art, culture, and fashion, and attracts millions of tourists each year.

Attractions and Things to do in Florence

1. Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums and a major tourist attraction in Florence. It houses a superb collection of priceless art, particularly from the Italian Renaissance period. The gallery is located in the historic center of Florence and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Travel Tip: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the art.

2. Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)

The Florence Cathedral, with its iconic red dome, is a symbol of the city. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the dome is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The cathedral’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and stained glass.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the dome for a breathtaking view of Florence, but be prepared for a steep ascent.

3. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge over the Arno River. It’s famous for having shops built along it, a common practice in medieval times. Today, the shops are mostly jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.

Travel Tip: Visit during the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture beautiful photographs.

4. Palazzo Pitti

The Palazzo Pitti is a grand Renaissance palace that was once the residence of the Medici family. Today, it houses several important museums and art collections, including the Palatine Gallery with works by Raphael, Titian, and other masters.

Travel Tip: Spend some time in the adjacent Boboli Gardens, a beautiful outdoor space with sculptures and fountains.

5. Accademia Gallery

Home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, the Accademia Gallery is another must-visit museum in Florence. Besides the iconic sculpture, the gallery hosts a collection of Renaissance paintings and musical instruments.

Travel Tip: Like the Uffizi, lines can be long, so booking tickets in advance or opting for a guided tour is advisable.

6. Santa Croce Basilica

The Basilica of Santa Croce is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and as the burial place of many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Pazzi Chapel, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture located within the complex.

Unique Activities in Florence

1. Fresh Pasta and Gelato Authentic Cooking Class

Learn the secrets of making authentic Italian pasta and gelato in this hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll create delicious dishes from scratch and then enjoy the fruits of your labor with fellow participants.

2. Pizza and Gelato Preparation Class

Dive into the world of Italian culinary delights by learning how to prepare pizza and gelato. This class will teach you the traditional methods used by Italians, ensuring you can recreate these iconic dishes at home. Taste your creations and share the joy with fellow participants.

Day Trips from Florence

1. Pisa

The leaning tower isn’t the only highlight of this historic city; the Cathedral and Baptistery are masterpieces in their own right. Just an hour by train, it’s an architectural wonder worth the short journey from Florence.

Travel tip: Avoid the crowds by visiting the tower in the early morning or late afternoon, and remember to book your tickets in advance if you wish to climb it.

2. Siena

Renowned for its medieval streets, stunning cathedral, and the famous Palio horse race, Siena is a step back in time. Less than 90 minutes by bus or train from Florence, it offers a unique Tuscan experience.

Travel tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the city is built on hills and its streets can be uneven.

3. Cinque Terre

Five breathtaking coastal villages linked by scenic paths offer stunning views, fresh seafood, and a taste of Italian coastal life. Located about 2.5 hours from Florence by train, it’s worth every moment of the journey.

Travel tip: Purchase a Cinque Terre Card which provides access to the trails and unlimited train rides between the villages for the day.

Where to stay in Florence

Florence, Italy, is a city renowned for its rich history, art, and culture. With over 5,518 hotels, the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. From luxurious 5-star hotels to budget-friendly options, Florence’s hospitality scene caters to families, couples, solo travelers, and business guests alike. The hotels are often located near major attractions, providing easy access to the city’s famous landmarks such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery.

1. Best Reviewed Hotel

c-hotels Ambasciatori (★★★★)

• Description: An elegant hotel next to Santa Maria Novella Church in Florence’s historic center, 10 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral. Soundproofed rooms with air conditioning.
• Price: €97 per night
• Rating: 8.7 (Fabulous)

2. Most Luxurious Hotel

Solo Experience Hotel (★★★★)

• Description: Set in a 17th-century building overlooking Florence’s Basilica of San Lorenzo. Offers large rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathroom.
• Price: €188 per night
• Rating: 9 (Superb)

3. Budget Hotel

Hotel Medici (★★)

• Description: A 2-minute walk from Duomo Square, Hotel Medici offers basic rooms with simple decoration. Wi-Fi is available throughout.
• Price: €74 per night
• Rating: 7 (Good)

4. Hotel for Family

NilHotel Florence (★★★★)

• Description: Offering free parking and free Wi-Fi, NilHotel Florence is a 10-minute drive from Florence Airport and city center. A varied American breakfast is served every morning.
• Price: €101 per night
• Rating: 8.3 (Very good)

5. Hotel for Couples

c-hotels Diplomat (★★★★)

• Description: Just a 10-minute walk from Florence Cathedral, Hotel Diplomat is in the historic center, near Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Rooms come with free WiFi.
• Price: €115 per night
• Rating: 8.4 (Very good)

6. Hotel for Solo Travelers

Hotel St. James (★★)

• Description: The Hotel St. James is a charming hotel, centrally located near the major artistic masterpieces of Florence. Wi-Fi is available throughout.
• Price: €111 per night
• Rating: 7.8 (Good)

Did you know? Facts about Florence

• Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and was a major artistic, cultural, commercial, political, economic, and financial center during the medieval era.
• The Historic Centre of Florence was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
• Forbes ranked Florence as the most beautiful city in the world in 2010, thanks to its stunning Renaissance art and architecture.
• Florence plays a vital role in Italian fashion and is ranked in the top 15 fashion capitals of the world.
• The city was home to the influential Medici family, who were patrons of the arts and had two members become Popes in the early 16th century.
• Florence was established by the Romans in 59 BC and later became a flourishing trading and banking medieval commune.
• The Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge, was spared from destruction during World War II due to its historical value.
• Florence served as the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871 before the capital was moved to Rome.
• The city experienced a devastating flood in 1966, damaging many art treasures, and markers around the city show the flood’s highest point.
• Florence’s climate is characterized as humid subtropical, tending to Mediterranean, with hot summers and cool, damp winters.

FAQ about Florence

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence
https://www.getyourguide.com/florence-l32/
https://www.booking.com/city/it/florence.en-gb.html