16 Wonderful Things to Do in Florence for First-Timers

16 Best Things to Do in Florence

1. Admire the Beauty of Duomo di Firenze at Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is probably one of the most iconic squares in the city of Florence. Located in the heart of the city, the piazza is home to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in all of Italy, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo di Firenze, hands down one of the most impressive-looking cathedrals in the world.

The piazza has a long and rich history that dates back to the Roman era. It was originally a forum, or public gathering place, where the city's citizens would come to conduct business, hear announcements, and participate in public life. In the Middle Ages, the piazza was the site of the city's main market, and it remained an important center of commerce and trade for centuries.

One of the first things I highly recommend you do in Florence is to visit Duomo di Firenze. You can admire the beauty from the outside, trust me, the scale and the amazing details of the cathedral's exterior will blow you away, or you can get inside the duomo to see its beautiful Brunelleschi's Dome.

In addition to the Duomo, the piazza is also home to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Giotto's Bell Tower (an attraction we will be discussing next), and the Opera del Duomo Museum. These historic landmarks offer visitors a chance to learn more about the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Accessing the Duomo is free but if you want to see Brunelleschi's Dome, the bell tower, the Baptistery, the museum, and the crypt, you will have to buy a ticket to get in. You can get the Duomo ticket from here with free cancellation or from the official website. It should cost between 30 - 40 EUR per person to get access to all the attractions around the piazza.

The cathedral is open every day except Sunday from 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM while the Baptistery and the museum are open every day from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The Bell Tower is open every day from 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM and the Dome is open from Monday to Friday from 8:15 AM to 6:45 AM while on Saturdays, it is open from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM and on Sundays, 12:45 PM to 4:30 PM.

When you arrive, there will see a massive queue waiting to get inside the dome. If you wish to avoid queuing up for hours to get in, I highly recommend you reserve the earliest available time slot prior to your arrival. With the online reservation, you are going to have to exchange it for a real ticket before you can get access to the cathedral so be sure to be at the designated meeting point to get your voucher exchanged.

2. Climb up Giotto's Bell Tower

Giotto's Bell Tower, also known as the Campanile di Giotto, is an iconic medieval tower located in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Standing at over 84.7 m (277.9 feet) tall, the tower offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. It is hands down, the best viewpoint you can get in the city especially if you want to see the massive dome of the Duomo up close.

You can climb to the top and take in the stunning views of the city given you don't mind ascending the 414 steps to get there. There is no elevator, unfortunately so there is no easy way out for this, but trust me, the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking panoramic views of Florence that await at the top.

Unfortunately, the entire observation deck is behind fences with very small tiny holes to pluck your camera out. With a phone camera, you should be able to take photos of the view without the fence in the frame just fine but if you have a big camera as I do, it is going to be a little more challenging.

Giotto's Bell Tower is open to visitors every day from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer months. There is a fee to enter the tower, which includes access to the top and the views. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

If you want to get inside the Duomo as well as go up Giotto's Bell Tower, you can also buy a Brunelleschi Pass which will allow you to get access to all the attractions in the piazza for about 30 EUR for 3 days. If you only want the ticket to the bell tower, you can buy the cheaper Giotto Pass which costs around 20 EUR and include the bell tower, the Baptistery, and the museum. Definitely one of the best things to do in Florence.

3. Check out the view from Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte

Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte is a beautiful Benedictine abbey located on a hill overlooking the city of Florence, Italy. Founded in the 10th century, the abbey is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and is considered one of the finest examples of this style in all of Italy.

The history of the abbey dates back to the early Middle Ages when it was founded by the monk San Miniato, who was later venerated as the patron saint of Florence. Over the centuries, the abbey has undergone a number of renovations and expansions, and it remains an important cultural and spiritual center for the city.

Today, the abbey is open to the public and it is home to a number of interesting sights, including a chapel with frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi and a cloister with beautiful frescoes by Paolo Uccello.

Getting to the abbey takes a bit of effort as you will have to walk around 2 km from the city center and you will be climbing uphill for at least 20 minutes to reach the top. In the summer heat, this can be extremely challenging so please take your time and pace yourself while you walk. You can also visit the abbey in the evening to avoid the hottest time of the day.

The view from up here is also incredible with the Duomo standing tall right at the center while being surrounded by the colors of Florence's cityscape and the rolling hills of Tuscany. It is quite a sight to behold. This would also be a great alternative viewpoint for sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo if you want to avoid the crowds there.

Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte is open to visitors every day from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with extended hours during the summer months. There is a small fee to enter the abbey, which includes access to its grounds and buildings.

4. Witness the Tuscany Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Named after the famous artist Michelangelo, Piazzale Michelangelo is a public square located on top of a hill overlooking Florence and it is one of the most popular sunset spots in the city.

The history of the square dates back to the 19th century when it was built as a tribute to Michelangelo and his work. The square was designed to be a place for the people of Florence to come and appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings, and it has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike ever since.

The square offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside and it attracts a ton of people from across the world who want to witness the golden hour under the Tuscan sun.

Due to how popular the square is, the place can get extremely crowded at times, especially at sunset during peak tourist season. However, the views from the square are well worth the visit in my opinion.

Plus, you get to enjoy all the liveliness that comes with having such crowds like seeing the street musicians perform their hearts out to rock and roll and dancing your night away under the moonlit Tuscan night sky. That is exactly what I did when I was there and it remains one of the most memorable times I had in Florence.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also watch the sunset at Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte which is located higher up the hill or you can come to the square around 1 hour prior to sunset, find the perfect spot, and just hang out there until the sun is set. Definitely one of the best things to do in Florence.

5. Drop by Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di San Lorenzo was one of the first churches built in the city, with construction beginning in the 4th century, and it is one of the most unique-looking churches you will see here.

The church has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries, and today it is known as the burial place of the famous Florence family, the Medici as well as its beautiful Renaissance architecture, artwork, and a library designed by Michelangelo himself.

You will also find several important works by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello, including Michelangelo's "New Sacristy" and Donatello's "St. Lawrence" sculpture inside the church.

The decoration inside the church is also quite impressive with a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and a series of chapels decorated with frescoes and other artwork. The Basilica di San Lorenzo is open to the public every day except Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is 9 EUR per person and you will get access to everything inside.

6. Admire David at Accademia Gallery

Florence is also home to some of the best art galleries in the world and one that you must visit is Accademia Gallery, an art museum best known for its collection of Renaissance art, which includes some of the most famous and iconic works in the world, such as Michelangelo's "David" sculpture.

Here at the museum, you will be able to gaze eyes upon one of Michelangelo's best works, the real 5.17 m (17 ft) marble statue of the Biblical figure David, in all its glory.

Seeing David up close, you will be able to appreciate Michelangelo's craft much more with all the little details on the sculpture like David's bulging veins on his hands, his warning glare towards Rome that symbolized the defense of civil liberties of the city towards more powerful rival states like the Medici Family who was living in Rome then, and David's damaged left foot, caused by exposure to the elements over time as well as the 1991 hammer incident.

Getting into the Accademia Gallery can be quite tricky if you don't plan ahead. If you want to see David with your own eyes, I highly recommend you get the ticket online and book the time slot weeks in advance as the queue to get inside can be extremely long.

You might be looking at waiting about 2 hours to get in, which is not ideal. With the reserved online ticket, you will be able to skip the queue and you can stay as long as you like. Trust me, I've seen the queue in front of the museum, it went around the museum and even into the street 2 blocks away. You do not want to waste your precious time and be in that line!

Accademia Gallery is open from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM every day, with the exception of certain holidays. The museum is closed on the first, third, and fifth Sunday of every month, and is open on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, but with reduced hours (8:15 AM to 1:50 PM) so be sure to plan accordingly.

You can also go on a guided tour through Accademia Gallery if you want to dive deeper into the history of the masterpieces you see in the museum.

7. Hang Out at Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is another awesome public square located in the heart of Florence that you should not miss. The square has been a central hub of the city since the Middle Ages and has played an important role in the political, cultural, and social life of Florence.

The square is surrounded by several important buildings and landmarks, including the Palazzo Vecchio (the city's town hall), the Uffizi Gallery, and the Loggia dei Lanzi (a covered open-air gallery) which makes for a great place to start your journey in exploring all the cool museums Florence has to offer.

In addition to its historic and cultural significance, the square is also a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The square is connected via many pedestrian streets filled with shops and restaurants on both sides which makes for a nice stroll.

At night, it is also an excellent place to people-watch and take in the sights and sounds of the city as people flock to the square while the street performers come out in drove looking to entertain passersby. If you are looking for a nice hang-out place at night in Florence, be sure to check out Piazza della Signoria.

8. Check out Palazzo Vecchio

While you are at Piazza della Signoria, be sure to drop by and check out Palazzo Vecchio, an iconic town hall considered one of the city's most famous landmarks and is known for its impressive architecture, art, and history.

The palace was built in the 13th century and served as the seat of the city's government for many years. It was later renovated and expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries, and today it is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the world.

The palace is home to several important works of art, including frescoes by artists such as Vasari and Ghirlandaio, and a series of beautiful public rooms and chambers that are richly decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and other artwork.

To enter the palace, you will have to get a ticket for 20 - 35 EUR which includes access to the palace, tower, and a video guide but you can also check out its lavishly decorated courtyard for free, which is not so easy to find in a city like Florence.

With the ticket, you will be able to have access to its striking 95m-tall medieval tower that offers an incredible vista of the city and the Duomo of Florence from its viewing deck. Be sure to prepare yourself for the 233 steps you have to climb to get up there.

Palazzo Vecchio is open to the public on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and from 9 AM to 2 PM on Thursdays. You can get the ticket with free cancellation from here with free cancellation or from its official website.

9. Be Amazed at the Art Collection inside Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world, and is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance art, even more so than those you see at Accademia Gallery.

The museum was founded in the mid-16th century by the Medici family, who was a powerful and influential dynasty in Florence at the time. The museum was originally intended to house the family's art collection, which included a number of important works by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

Over the years, the collection has grown to include a wide range of art from different periods and styles, and today the Uffizi Gallery is considered one of the finest art museums in the world with the most impressive collection of art you will ever see.

In addition to its impressive collection of art, the museum is also known for its beautiful architecture and design. It is housed in a series of connected buildings that were once the offices of the Medici government, all beautifully decorated, and they are designed to be filled with natural light, which is perfect for art viewing.

There are several sections in the museum featuring many famous artists. To see them, you are going to need at least 3 hours here. If you do not have that much time, the highlight rooms for me were Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo & the Florentines, and Raffaello, so be sure to check these rooms out.

Again, if you want to visit Uffizi Gallery, you are going to have to book the ticket and choose a time slot, weeks in advance so that you do not have to queue up at the gate while you are there. The museum is open from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM every day except Monday and the ticket should cost around 12 EUR per person. If you can also go on an organized tour if you want to learn more about all the artworks you see here.

10. Enjoy the wonderful inventions of Galileo at Museo Galileo

One of the most interesting museums I really adore in Florence is Museo Galileo, a newly renovated museum dedicated to the history of science and technology, and is home to a wide range of exhibits with some of the coolest-looking instruments that will bring you back to the age of science and wonders again.

The museum was founded in the early 20th century and is named after the famous scientist Galileo Galilei, who was born in Florence and made important contributions to the fields of physics, astronomy, and mathematics that remain in use today.

Within the museum, you will find a huge collection of scientific instruments, books, manuscripts, and other objects related to the history of science and technology.

One of the most impressive pieces of instrument you will see here is Santucci's Armillary Sphere, a large armillary sphere that represents the "universal machine" of the world according to the concepts developed by Aristotle and perfected by Ptolemy.

Earth is still placed at the center since back then, it was still believed that the universe evolves around the little pale blue dot that is our planet. The sphere also displays territories that were still relatively little known at the time.

To be able to see this instrument with my own eyes, was definitely worth the 9 EUR entrance ticket for me. The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM every day except Tuesday when the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. If you are interested in astronomy and the history of science and mathematics, you are going to love this museum.

11. Check out Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is another historic landmark of the city, famous for its picturesque appearance, with a series of arches and stone balustrades, and is lined with a series of small shops and stalls that sell a variety of goods, from jewelry and art to souvenirs and gifts

The bridge was built in the 14th century and is the oldest bridge in Florence. It is constructed of stone and spans the Arno River, connecting the city's historic center to the Oltrarno neighborhood on the south side of the river.

You can see the unique exterior of the bridge from as far as Piazzale Michelangelo located way up in the hills. It is one of the most iconic pieces of architecture you see here so be sure to drop by there while you are in Florence.

12. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce is a basilica located in a vast square just east of Florence's old town area. Built in the 13th century in the magnificent Gothic architectural style, it is the largest Franciscan church in the world and is home to a series of chapels, frescoes, and other artwork that reflects the religious and cultural traditions of Florence beautifully.

Inside, you will find a stunningly decorated interior, with beautiful golden murals and an altar that glisters over the natural lights that came through its mosaic windows. The place is also known for its Giotto frescoes, as well as the place where the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo are located.

To enter the basilica, you will have to pay around 8 EUR for the entrance ticket. You can buy the ticket in front of the basilica. Basilica of Santa Croce is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Sunday when it is open from 12:30 PM to 5:45 PM.

13. Visit Pitti Palace

Built in the 15th century, Pitti Palace was originally the residence of the Medici family, but it has been converted into a museum complex that is home to a number of museums and galleries that showcase the art and cultural treasures of the city.

Inside the palace, you will find a number of beautiful public rooms, chambers that are richly decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and other artwork, and the Palatine Gallery, one of the highlights of visiting the palace.

Palatine Gallery is where you will find a great collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures, and the Royal Apartments, which are decorated in the opulent Baroque style and are a testament to the wealth and power of the Medici family. Pitti Palace is open from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM every day except Monday and the entrance fee is 16 EUR per person. You can get the online ticket from here.

14. Visit Pisa as a day trip

Pisa is located only an hour's train ride away from Florence and it is a great place to spend a day at if you have a day to spare and you would like to get out of Florence and explore other cities in Tuscany.

Pisa needs no introduction from me. It is home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and it is a place everyone should see once in their lives when they are in Italy. The town is not particularly special outside of Piazza del Duomo and the place attracts a ton of tourists so you can expect your visit to be rather hectic.

At Pisa, you can spend the day visiting Cattedrale di Pisa, go up to the top of the Leaning Tower for an incredible view over the city, and learn more about the history of the place from all the museums around Piazza del Duomo.

If you want to go up the Leaning Tower, you are going to have to buy the ticket and book a time slot before you can visit. The time slot gets booked out very fast and you might be looking at waiting around 3 - 4 hours before you can get up there.

In order to avoid wasting time, I highly recommend you buy the ticket online prior to your arrival and book a time slot in advance. The cathedral, the Leaning Tower, and the museum are open from 9 AM - 8 PM every day and you can easily reach Pisa from Florence via one of the many daily trains connecting to 2 cities.

You can also go with an organized tour which will save you a ton of time and will often include visiting other places as well like Siena, a place we will be discussing next, and San Gimignano which is not easy to reach via public transportation. This is the perfect option for those who do not have a lot of time in Florence.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Pisa? Check out:10 Best Things to Do in Pisa

15. Visit Siena as a day trip

For those of you who are not interested in Pisa, you can also go on a day trip from Florence and visit Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval towns that will make you feel like you just traveled back in time as you walk through its crisscrossing streets.

Siena has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The city is known for its medieval architecture and is home to a number of important landmarks and historical sites, including the Piazza del Campo, the city's main square and my favorite place out of all, the Palazzo Pubblico, or the city's town hall, and the Torre del Mangia, a tall tower that offers panoramic views of the city.

Siena is also home to a number of museums and art galleries that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage, as well as the impressive Duomo di Siena, a 13th Century cathedral famous for its facade and its marble stripes in symbolic black and white pattern.

Siena is also known for its unique cuisine, which includes a number of local dishes and specialties that you have to try out such as panforte (a type of sweet bread) and Ricciarelli (almond cookies).

You can easily visit Siena from Florence with a 1-hour train ride which you can find from here or you can visit the town as part of an organized tour which will often include other places as well like Pisa, perfect for those with not much time in Florence.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Siena? Check out:10 Best Things to Do in Siena

16. Visit Cinque Terre as a day trip

Last but not least, if you want to see a little bit of the beautiful coast of Northern Italy, you are going to love Cinque Terre, a beautiful coastline known for its picturesque colorful villages you often see on Instagram.

Cinque Terre is made up of five small villages that are located along the Italian Riviera but since you are visiting the area as a day trip from Florence, which is around 2 hours away, I highly recommend you go with an organized tour which will take care of all the logistics for you and open you up to more time to see the most of highlights of Cinque Terre in a day.

The tour to Cinque Terre usually takes approximately 13 hours and it will take you to all 5 villages including boat tours along the Italian Riviera if the weather permits. It is going to be an action-packed day of walking, hiking, and sightseeing which is perfect for a nice getaway trip from Florence.

For a complete travel guide to Cinque Terre, check out:A Complete Guide to Backpacking Cinque Terre

Further Reading for Northern Italy

I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
• Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2 Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary
• Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
• Every trip to Northern Italy starts in Milan. If you are a first-timer, here are the 16 best things to do in Milan.
• Have a day to spare in Milan? Why not spend it in the hilltop fortress of Bergamo. Here are the 11 best things to do in Bergamo.
• Ah... Venice, the city of art, culture, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. You just can't visit Italy without seeing it with your own eyes. To help you plan a trip there, here are the 15 best things to do in Venice.
• Planning a trip to Lake Como, but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Lake Como.
• For a complete backpacking guide to Lake Como, check out: The 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• Want to visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan? Check out: One-Day Lake Como Itinerary from Milan.
• Cinque Terre, known for its picturesque stacked houses on cliffs and coastlines, is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the bustling city life in Northern Italy. To start planning, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Cinque Terre.
• For an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Northern Italy, you can't go wrong with Bologna. For a complete travel guide, check out the "10 Best Things to Do in Bologna".
• Want to explore the Dolomites but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites.
• For a complete backpacking itinerary for the Dolomites, check out the 7 Days Dolomites Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• Planning to visit Pisa and the Leaning Tower? Check out: 10 Best Things to do in Pisa.
• Siena, a medieval town in Tuscany, will transport you back to the Middle Ages the moment you step in it. If you want to visit Siena, here are the 10 Best Things to do in Siena.
• For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Central Italy Itinerary.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.