25 Unforgettable Things to Do in Florence

Ciao! Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, the home of the Renaissance, wood-fired steaks, and some of the best gelato in all of Italy. Needless to say – there are a lot of amazing things to do and see when visiting Florence. We’ve created our list of top things to do in Florence list below, but would love to hear your favorites in the comments below for future travelers!

Traveling Chic’s TOP 25 Things to Do in Florence

See David at the Accademia Museum – Michelangelo’s infamous sculpture of David is housed in the Accademia Museum in Florence.
Stroll across Ponte Vecchio – The colorful bridge you see highlighted in many photos of Florence. Very lively and lined with expensive jewelry shops.
Explore the decor at Pitti Palace – The former home of the Medici royal family which is full of beautiful art and grand decor.
Take a cooking class at Giglio Cooking School – What could be more fun than learning to make some of that delicious Italian food that you’ve been eating. Bonus – you’ll have recipes to bring home to recreate for your friends and family!
People Watch at Piazza Santa Croce – The Basilica di Santa Croce Church is located in this piazza and is where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.
Taste test the best Gelato in Florence – The best gelato typically doesn’t have bright colors dyed by food coloring and piled high on display. The locally made, family owned Gelaterias are less showy (often keep the gelato in silver containers) and are all about the taste! Some of our favorites include: Gelateria Dei Neri; Gelateria Artigianale; Grom; Cantina; Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico; My Sugar; Perche no! and Vivoli.
Rub the nose of Fontana del Porcellino – No trip is complete without a quick stop at Florence’s famous bronzed boar statue to rub his nose for good luck!
Take a bike tour in the countryside – ‘I Bike Tuscany’ will pick you up in Florence and help you discover some of the best wineries and scenery in the area.
Try a local dish -A few local Florence favorites include: Florentine steak, Coccoli (fried dough with cheese and prosciutto – YUM!), Wild Boar Ragu, Truffle pasta (mushrooms are grown locally) and Tuscan wine (Brunello and Vin Santo – a dessert wine – are two great options!
Sip a cappuccino at a cafe – Caffe Gilli is a fancy little stop to start your day of sightseeing.
Enjoy a spritz at La Terrazza Rooftop – Whether you stop by for aperitivo hour or go for a drink after dinner the views from the rooftop of the Hotel Continentale are spectacular.
Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo – Walk or bike to Piazzale Michelangelo for amazing views of the city (bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with sunset)!
View the art in the Uffizi Gallery – This museum houses some of the world’s best art from the Italian Renaissance (i.e. Botticelli’s La Primavera and The Birth of Venus, Giotto’s Ognissanti Madonna, and much more).
Take a day trip to Siena – One of the most popular day trips from Florence. The entire town is an UNESCO world heritage site. In August, the annual Palio horse races make this small town very lively.
Relax in the Boboli Gardens – Lovely gardens located inside the Pitti Palace. The perfect place to rest from a full day of sightseeing.
Climb the Steps of the Duomo (Cathedral of Florence) – You can admire the architecture of this gorgeous cathedral in the center of Florence from the ground, or climb the 463 steps to an incredible view of the city (need to make reservations to climb ahead of time). As an alternate option, climb the Bell Tower next to the Duomo (similar view and free).
Shop in San Lorenzo Market – A large market perfect for finding souvenirs and leather goods.
Take time for an espresso break
Practice your Italian at a cafe
Tour Florence’s School of Leather – Florence’s School of Leather (Scuola del Cuoio) makes handbags and accessories on site that you can take home with you. They offer one-hour tours (14 Euro – must book in advance) and you can learn the leather-making process and techniques. There is a shop there, so you can bring yourself home a beautiful, authentic, and somewhat expensive souvenir.
Shop along Via de’ Tornabuoni – Window shop the famous Italian designers stores and Santa Maria Novella Farmaceutica.
Enjoy a long dinner at La Giostra – You must try the pear ravioli!
Indulge in wine during lunch!
Take a picture with a sculpture at Palazzo Vecchio – A high tower in Piazza Signoria filled with beautiful sculptures and cafés.