Florence

Written by Alexander Kopp, Marika Maslanka
03/09/2025
Stunning aerial view of Florence showcasing the iconic Duomo and historic cityscape during the day.
Wolfgang Weiser, Pexels

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, captivating visitors with its unparalleled collection of art, iconic architecture, and profound cultural heritage within its highly walkable historic center.

The Oltrarno neighborhood, specifically the San Spirito and San Frediano districts, offers a vibrant and artistic environment with numerous cafes, bars, and local spots for socializing. Piazza Santo Spirito is a notable area for meeting others and enjoying aperitivos.

Top 7 Things to do in Florence

Engage with Florence's rich artistic heritage, monumental architecture, panoramic viewpoints, traditional craftsmanship, and vibrant culinary scene.

1. Climb Brunelleschi's Dome and Explore the Duomo Complex

Standing beneath the grand dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, one truly grasps the architectural genius of Brunelleschi. Climbing the 463 steps to the top of the dome offers unparalleled panoramic views of Florence's terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. Beyond the dome, exploring the entire Duomo complex, which includes Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its iconic bronze doors, the Opera del Duomo Museum housing original artworks, and the cathedral interior itself, provides a comprehensive journey through Florentine art and history. It is highly recommended to book timed entry tickets in advance to manage the crowds and ensure access.

Cost: Access to the Florence Cathedral is free, but queues can be long. A Brunelleschi Pass, covering the Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, and Duomo Museum, costs approximately €30 for adults. Guided tours that include skip-the-line access can range from €45-€55.

Transport: The Duomo Complex is centrally located within Florence's historic center and is easily accessible on foot from most accommodations.

2. Immerse Yourself in Art at the Uffizi Gallery

Stepping into the Uffizi Gallery feels like walking through a living history book of the Renaissance. Here, I witnessed masterpieces that define Western art, from Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' to Leonardo da Vinci's 'Annunciation.' The sheer scale and quality of the collection are breathtaking, offering a profound appreciation for the artistic explosion that occurred in Florence. Navigating the gallery can take several hours, so planning which sections to prioritize is beneficial. Booking tickets online for a specific time slot is essential to avoid extensive queues.

Cost: Standard adult tickets range from approximately €19 to €34, depending on the season and whether a booking fee or skip-the-line option is included. Prices may vary with temporary exhibitions.

Transport: The Uffizi Gallery is situated in the heart of Florence, between Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, making it easily reachable by foot.

3. Encounter Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia

The experience of seeing Michelangelo's David up close is truly awe-inspiring. Its imposing height and intricate detail showcase human artistic achievement at its peak. While David is the undeniable star, the Accademia Gallery also houses other significant works, including unfinished 'Prisoners' sculptures by Michelangelo and a collection of musical instruments. The gallery is smaller than the Uffizi, allowing for a more focused visit. Reserving tickets with a timed entry is highly recommended to save time.

Cost: A full adult ticket is approximately €16 at the ticket office or €20 when booked online, often including a reservation fee. Reduced tickets for EU citizens aged 18-25 are around €2, and admission is free for those under 18.

Transport: The Galleria dell'Accademia is centrally located on Via Ricasoli and is easily walkable from most parts of the historic center.

4. Wander Across Ponte Vecchio and Explore Oltrarno's Artisan Workshops

Strolling across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, with its charming jewelry shops, provides a picturesque link to Florence's past. Moving into the Oltrarno district on the other side of the Arno River reveals a more authentic Florentine experience. I found myself captivated by the numerous artisan workshops, where centuries-old crafts like leatherworking, goldsmithing, marbled paper making, and mosaic art are still practiced. Watching master artisans at work, often in small, hidden studios, offers a unique insight into Florentine culture and provides opportunities to find distinctive, handmade souvenirs. This area offers a vibrant and artistic environment.

Cost: Walking across Ponte Vecchio and exploring the Oltrarno district is free. Entry to most artisan workshops is also free, though purchases are welcomed. Guided artisan tours can cost around €60-€100, depending on the duration and inclusions.

Transport: Both Ponte Vecchio and the Oltrarno district are within easy walking distance of Florence's city center.

5. Witness a Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

Climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo is an essential Florentine experience, particularly around sunset. From this elevated square, I witnessed a breathtaking panoramic vista of the city, with the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio all beautifully framed against the changing colors of the sky. It's a popular spot, and the atmosphere is often lively with street performers and vendors. For an even more serene view, a short walk further up to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte offers a quieter, elevated perspective.

Cost: Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo is free.

Transport: From the city center, you can take a local bus (lines 12 or 13) for approximately €1.50-€2.00, with a journey time of about 10-30 minutes. Taxis cost around €11-€14 and take about 7-15 minutes. Alternatively, it is a pleasant but uphill walk of about 3.1 km, taking roughly 36 minutes.

6. Discover the Splendor of Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Stepping into Palazzo Pitti, I explored a vast complex that was once the residence of the Medici family. It houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery with its Raphael and Titian masterpieces, and the Gallery of Modern Art. Beyond the palace, the expansive Boboli Gardens offer a classical Italian garden experience, with intricate pathways, grand fountains, and grottoes. It's a wonderful place to escape the city bustle and enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst Renaissance artistry and natural beauty.

Cost: A single ticket for all Palazzo Pitti collections costs around €16. A combined ticket for Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens is approximately €22.

Transport: Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens are located on the Oltrarno side of the Arno River, a short and pleasant walk across Ponte Vecchio from the main city center.

7. Savor Tuscan Flavors with a Food Tour or Cooking Class

To truly connect with Florence, I delved into its culinary heart. Participating in a food tour allowed me to sample authentic Tuscan dishes, from fresh pasta to local cheeses and cured meats, often with visits to bustling markets like Mercato Centrale. Alternatively, a cooking class provides a hands-on experience, teaching the secrets of traditional Florentine cuisine, such as making fresh pasta or preparing 'bistecca alla fiorentina.' These experiences offer a delicious way to understand the local culture and create lasting memories.

Cost: Food tours typically start from around €60-€100 per person. Cooking classes, which often include ingredients and a meal, can range from €80-€150 or more, depending on the duration and complexity.

Transport: Food tours and cooking classes often start from central meeting points in the historic center, making them easily accessible on foot. Mercato Centrale is also centrally located and walkable.

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