Best 21 Things to Do in Florence 2025

Florence has it all. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this vibrant city promises experiences you’ll treasure forever. Ready to uncover the very best of Florence?

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to make your trip unforgettable.

Best Things to Do in Florence

Uffizi Gallery

Located in the heart of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery houses Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. In 2023, the Uffizi Gallery ranked among the world’s top 10 most-visited museums, attracting over 5 million visitors. A must-visit for art lovers, it offers a deep dive into Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Renaissance wonders.

Source: Wikipedia

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, located in Florence's Duomo, is a magnificent example of the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Brunelleschi’s iconic red-tiled dome defines the city’s skyline, while the interior dazzles with magnificent frescoes that celebrate Florence's Duomo and Uffizi art treasures.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Stepping into the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella felt like entering a peaceful sanctuary hidden within Florence’s vibrant heart. As I wandered through its tranquil cloisters and admired the stunning frescoes, I found it was the perfect escape, a quiet, reflective moment that felt like a gift amid the city's energy. Families, couples, or solo travelers will all find a little piece of serenity here.

David by Michelangelo

Michelangelo's David, a 5.17-meter marble masterpiece, is one of Florence’s most iconic symbols. Depicting the biblical hero before facing Goliath, it showcases stunning detail and human anatomy, now housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia.

Santa Croce Church

Santa Croce Church, an attraction in Florence situated in the heart of the city, honors legendary figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. For those who enjoy art and history, it is a must-see because of the magnificent frescoes by Giotto and others.

Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens, a serene escape from Florence’s lively city center, were designed in the 16th century, blending Renaissance and Baroque styles. With statues, fountains, and scenic walkways, visitors can enjoy panoramic city views and explore hidden gems like Isolotto Island.

Medici Chapel

The Medici Chapel, in the Basilica di San Lorenzo, is a stunning tribute to the Medici family, featuring Renaissance architecture and Michelangelo's intricate sculptures. It offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Medici palaces in Florence.

Arno River

One of my favorite memories in Florence was strolling along the Arno River at sunset. Watching the light dance across the water and the historic Ponte Vecchio, lined with its charming jewelry shops, was pure magic. It’s the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with Florence over and over again.

Duomo di FirenzeDuomo di Firenze

The Duomo di Firenze, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a landmark renowned for its marble façade and stunning frescoes. Climbing the dome provides panoramic views of Florence's skyline, making it a must-see attraction in the city.

Piazzale Michelangelo

For stunning panoramic views of Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo, offering sweeping views of landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio. It's a Historical landmark in Florence and a popular spot for sunsets, best for photography, and a romantic escape, with a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David on display.

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is a vibrant historic square, home to iconic landmarks like Palazzo Vecchio and stunning sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David (replica) and Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus. Once the heart of Florence’s political power, it remains a vibrant hub of activity today.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge, beautifully connects Florence's historic center to the charming Oltrarno district. It is particularly lovely at dusk because it is lined with jewelry stores and provides stunning views of the Arno River.

Terracotta Rooftops

The city of Florence glows with the distinctive terracotta rooftops, which have been sculpted by generations of artists. Seeing them from a high viewpoint was a highlight of my visit—the rooftops stretched endlessly, each one telling a quiet story of the city’s timeless charm.

Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti top-rated museum in Florence, once home to the Medici family, now hosts museums like the Palatine Gallery, featuring works by Raphael and Titian. Visitors can explore its royal apartments and the beautiful Boboli Gardens, reflecting Florence’s Renaissance grandeur.

 Tips: To see Florence's fusion of art and nature, visit the Boboli Garden

Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s iconic David, along with his unfinished Prisoners and a rich collection of Renaissance paintings. Visitors can also explore an exhibit of antique musical instruments, showcasing the musical heritage of the era.

Palazzo Vecchio

Standing in Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio reflects Florence’s rich political past and Renaissance splendor. Visitors can explore grand halls, secret passages, and frescoed chambers, with Arnolfo’s Tower offering breathtaking views over the city.

Bargello Museum

Housed in a medieval palace, the Bargello Museum showcases a stunning collection of Renaissance sculptures by masters like Donatello, Verrocchio, and Michelangelo. Donatello's bronze David is one of the highlights, making it a more subdued but fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose)

Nestled below Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden is a serene retreat with over 350 rose varieties and stunning views of Florence. Adorned with Jean-Michel Folon’s sculptures, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic stroll surrounded by nature and art.

Tips: To avoid the crowds and have a peaceful experience, go early in the morning.

Brancacci Chapel

I was amazed by the vibrant frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino in the Brancacci Chapel, which is sometimes referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Early Renaissance".The realistic facial expressions and deft perspective employed in the scenes of St. Peter's life make it an unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about Florence's Renaissance art and history.

Museo Galileo

The Museo Galileo celebrates the legacy of Galileo Galilei with a rich collection of scientific instruments, including his original telescopes. It's a fun place for kids and adults interested in science and innovation because of its interactive exhibits.

Stibbert Museum

The Stibbert Museum Hidden Gems in Florence is a unique house-museum featuring over 36,000 artifacts, including impressive European, Islamic, and Japanese armor and weapons. Highlights include historical costumes, paintings, and one of the world’s finest Japanese collections outside Japan.

Florence 1-day trips  -Florence itinerary 2025

Location	Description
Duomo Complex	Experience the rich history of the Baptistery and Museum by climbing the recognizable Dome or Bell Tower.
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio	Discover Florence’s political heart and artistic statues.
Uffizi Gallery	Discover the Renaissance through the works of painters such as Botticelli.
Ponte Vecchio	Take breathtaking pictures of the city and the sunset.
Piazzale Michelangelo	Shop, stroll, and admire the romantic views.
Gelato Stop	End your day on a sweet note with a delicious scoop from La Carraia or Gelateria dei Neri, two of Florence’s favorite gelato spots

Florence Cuisine

Florence is a popular place for foodies with its warm and rustic cuisine made with basic, regional ingredients. Classic dishes like Pappa al Pomodoro, a rich tomato and bread soup, and Ribollita, a substantial stew of vegetables and bread, highlight Tuscany's penchant for comfort food. To truly appreciate Florence, pair it with a glass of Chianti Classico. Cantucci are a popular Florentine treat that are crispy almond biscuits dipped in sweet Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo.

Shopping in Florence

30% of visitors are interested in shopping, with Florence's fashion scene, particularly leather goods and luxury shopping, drawing a significant number of tourists.

Where to Shop

• San Lorenzo Market is renowned for quality leather goods, offering jackets, bags, and wallets at great prices, perfect for a true Florentine shopping experience.
• Via de’ Tornabuoni is Florence’s go-to street for luxury shopping, featuring flagship stores like Gucci, Prada, and Ferragamo. Even for window shoppers, its elegant architecture makes for a stylish stroll.

Travel tips - Florence sightseeing tips

• Best Time to Visit: The best seasons to visit are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) because of the pleasant weather and reduced crowds.
• Getting Around: While local buses and taxis are accessible, Florence is a walkable city.
• Museum Bookings: For a smooth and stress-free visit, consider reserving your tickets in advance to skip the lines and make the most of your time exploring.
• Dress Code: When visiting churches, it's encouraged to wear respectful and modest clothing, ensuring a comfortable and respectful experience for all.
• Language: While English is commonly spoken in popular tourist areas, embracing the local Italian language adds to the rich cultural experience and is warmly appreciated by the locals.

Conclusion

Florence is an experience rather than merely a place to visit. The city’s combination of timeless art, stunning architecture, and rich history ensures that every visit is unforgettable. Whether you're strolling through cobblestone streets, admiring a Michelangelo masterpiece, or enjoying a glass of local wine, Florence invites you to immerse yourself in its charm.

Book your Florence tour with Dream Tourism right now. Prepare to tour one of the most fascinating cities in the world by packing your bags and grabbing your camera!