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Rich in art, history and atmosphere, Florence is one of those cities that leaves an impression almost immediately. Often described as the cradle of the Renaissance, it is a destination where architectural masterpieces, world-famous museums and elegant piazzas come together with remarkable ease. With so many things to do in Florence, Italy, even the simplest walk through the city can feel like part of the experience.
Whether it is a first visit or a long-awaited return, Florence offers the kind of journey that feels both timeless and deeply rewarding. From iconic cultural treasures to simple moments spent wandering through its atmospheric neighbourhoods, it is a city that invites travellers to slow down and take in its charm one beautiful corner at a time.
Few experiences capture the magic of Florence quite like climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome. Rising above the city’s red rooftops, the Duomo is Florence’s defining landmark, and the ascent to the top is one of the best ways to experience it. The climb follows the inside of the cathedral’s extraordinary dome before opening onto panoramic views over the historic centre, with the Tuscan hills stretching beyond. It is not just a beautiful viewpoint, but also a chance to stand inside one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of the Renaissance.
To make the most of it, it works best as part of a visit to the entire Piazza del Duomo complex. The Brunelleschi Pass includes access to the Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata, with admission valid for three calendar days. The Dome is the highlight and the only site that requires a reserved time slot, so it is worth planning this in advance. Since 1 March 2025, visitors must also present an identity document together with their ticket to access the Dome climb, so it is important to bring one on the day of your visit.
The climb is demanding but well worth it. Visitors need to tackle 463 steps, and there is no lift, with entry through Porta della Mandorla on the north side of the cathedral. Once at the top, the view is one of the city’s finest, making this an excellent first stop in Florence.
Among the essential things to do in Florence, visiting the Uffizi remains one of the defining cultural experiences. Housed inside the vast Vasari-designed complex, the gallery is known for its outstanding collections of ancient sculpture and painting, with masterpieces spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern period. Its Renaissance rooms are the true highlight, with works by Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Caravaggio turning the museum into a journey through the artistic legacy that made Florence famous.
Rather than trying to race through every room, it is best to treat the Uffizi as a place to slow down and take in a few major highlights. The beauty of the visit lies not only in the paintings themselves, but in the sense of stepping into the heart of the Renaissance, surrounded by works that shaped the history of Western art.
Because it is one of the city’s most visited attractions, booking ahead is well worth it. The Uffizi is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and timed tickets can be booked online in advance, which makes planning much easier, especially in the busier months.
Seeing Michelangelo’s David in person is one of those travel moments that fully lives up to the anticipation. Carved between 1501 and 1504, the sculpture is even more striking in real life, with its scale, precision and intensity making it feel far more powerful than any photograph suggests. It is the kind of masterpiece that makes the entire visit worthwhile on its own.
The Accademia offers more than a single iconic artwork. It houses the largest number of Michelangelo sculptures in the world, which gives the visit an added sense of depth and makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in Florence’s artistic heritage.
This is also one of the easiest museum visits to fit into a packed itinerary, since it is focused and rewarding without requiring half a day. Booking in advance is a smart move, since B-Ticket is the only official authorised sales channel and last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Piazza della Signoria is one of the most atmospheric places in Florence, where art, politics and history come together in a single dramatic setting. Formed alongside Palazzo Vecchio between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the square became the city’s civic heart and still feels like an open-air stage lined with monumental sculpture. The Loggia dei Lanzi gives the space the feel of an open-air museum, while the square itself is marked by famous works and historic symbols, from the Fountain of Neptune to the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Dominating the square is Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s symbolic monument and, for more than seven centuries, the seat of Florence’s government. Inside, the monumental rooms reveal layer after layer of Florentine history, from the vast Salone dei Cinquecento to richly decorated Medici apartments and Renaissance masterpieces by artists including Ghirlandaio, Bronzino and Vasari. Together, the square and the palace offer a rich glimpse into Florence’s political and artistic legacy.
Crossing Ponte Vecchio is one of the classic things to do in Florence, Italy, and one of the city’s defining experiences. Built in 1345 on the site of an older crossing, it has survived floods, war and centuries of change, becoming one of Florence’s most recognisable landmarks. Its row of historic shops gives it a character unlike any other bridge in the city, while the goldsmiths’ workshops established here in 1593 add to its distinctive atmosphere.
What makes the experience especially memorable is not only the bridge itself, but the setting around it. From the centre of Ponte Vecchio, the views over the Arno, the neighbouring bridges and the surrounding hills are especially beautiful. A slow walk here, followed by a stroll along the riverbanks, is one of the simplest ways to take in the city’s beauty.
For travellers looking for slower-paced things to do in Florence, the Oltrarno offers a different side of the city. This is where Florence feels a little slower and more lived-in, with artisan workshops, quieter streets and elegant piazzas giving the area a distinct character. Stretching between Piazza Santo Spirito, Porta Romana and Porta San Frediano, this is one of Florence’s most characteristic areas, rich in traditional craftsmanship and everyday local life.
The area also brings together some of the city’s best-known landmarks. Pitti Palace adds grandeur and history, while the Boboli Gardens offer a more relaxed experience, with formal green spaces, sweeping paths and a quieter pace than the city centre. Together, they make the Oltrarno ideal for a slower-paced half-day in Florence.
A very enjoyable way to experience Florence is through its food, and Mercato Centrale is an excellent place to do it. Located in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood, just a few minutes from the Cathedral and other central landmarks, it brings together artisan food stalls in a lively setting that feels both local and easy to explore. It is the kind of place where a simple lunch can quickly turn into a truly memorable stop in the city.
The Florence location opened in 2014 to mark the 140th anniversary of the historic iron-and-glass structure first built in 1874. Today, it is much more than a market, bringing food, culture and the city together in one lively space, making it ideal for trying a variety of Tuscan flavours in one stop without losing the sense of place.
Few places end a day in Florence better than at Piazzale Michelangelo, the city’s most famous panoramic terrace. Perched above the historic centre, it opens onto the classic postcard view of Florence: the Duomo rising above terracotta rooftops, the Arno winding through the city, and the skyline glowing in the soft evening light. It is the kind of view that instantly explains why Florence leaves such a lasting impression.
The square itself was completed in 1875 and was conceived as a tribute to Michelangelo, which adds another layer of meaning to one of the city’s iconic viewpoints. Even so, what makes it unforgettable is the atmosphere rather than the history alone: as the sun begins to set, the entire city seems to slow down, and the terrace becomes a memorable place in Florence to simply pause and take it all in.
For an even more peaceful finish, continue a little higher to San Miniato al Monte. The present church dates to 1018 and stands on the hill above the square, overlooking the city with a beautiful panorama of its own, in a quieter and more reflective setting.
After exploring the many things to do in Florence, Italy, finding the right hotel can shape the pace and style of the trip just as much as the sights themselves. Some travellers may want a landmark address in the very heart of the historic centre, while others may prefer a more contemporary stay, a smaller boutique-style property, or a practical base that keeps costs lower without losing convenience. Across all budgets, location matters here, and a well-placed hotel can put the Duomo, major museums and the city’s most memorable walks within easy reach.
Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
Set on Piazza della Repubblica, this hotel is a refined choice for travellers who want to stay in one of Florence’s most central and elegant settings. Its location places guests within easy reach of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Via de’ Tornabuoni, right in the heart of the city’s historic centre and surrounded by some of its most iconic streets and landmarks. What makes it especially appealing is the way it combines a landmark address with polished interiors and a distinctly Florentine sense of style, creating a stay that feels both sophisticated and closely connected to the character of the city.
Hotel Rapallo
Smaller in scale and more intimate in feel, this historic hotel in Florence is a charming option for travellers who want a quieter and more personal stay. Managed by the Conti Lapi family since 1954, the hotel combines a long-standing sense of hospitality with a setting that feels warm, welcoming and comfortably understated. Its recent renovation has introduced a more modern and functional style, while still preserving the relaxed, traditional character that gives the property its appeal. For visitors who prefer a calm base with a more individual atmosphere, it offers a thoughtful balance of comfort, character and convenience.
Hotel Calimala Florence
Blending historic character with a more design-forward feel, this 4-star hotel in Florence is a stylish choice for travellers who want a stay that feels both contemporary and central. Set in the heart of the city, it combines classic elegance with a modern aesthetic, creating an atmosphere that feels polished, lively and well-suited to the city’s more fashionable side. With modern rooms, added comforts such as two gyms, and a rooftop dining setting that adds to its appeal, it works particularly well for visitors looking for an energetic base with a more refined, design-led character.
Hotel Nizza
A practical and well-located option for travellers who want to stay close to Florence’s main sights, Hotel Nizza offers the convenience of a central base in the historic heart of the city. Within walking distance of the Cathedral, the train station and many of the city’s best-known attractions, it makes exploring Florence easy without sacrificing comfort. Located in historic Florence, the hotel combines convenience, understated elegance, and traditional hospitality, making it a dependable choice for visitors who value both accessibility and a sense of local character.
Ultimately, this is a city that feels timeless from the very first walk through its historic centre. Whether the trip is built around art, architecture, food or simply the pleasure of wandering, the range of things to do in Florence, Italy, gives the city a rare mix of history, beauty and atmosphere that rewards both first-time visitors and those returning to see it from a new perspective. With every street, square and skyline view, it has a way of making visitors want to stay a little longer.
To make the stay just as memorable as the destination itself, explore Travelmyth’s 60 hotel categories and find the accommodation that feels truly tailored to your travel style, whether that means luxury, boutique-style charm, family-friendly comfort, spa facilities, dog-friendly stays or something more unique. It is an easy way to match the right stay to the kind of Florence experience you want to have.