Is Florence Worth Visiting? 23 Reasons to Visit & Things to Do

Considering whether Florence is worth visiting on your trip to Italy?

We recently spent some time in Florence and are here to help answer this question.

Florence is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, and with good reason! From its world-famous collections of Renaissance art and architecture to its delicious Tuscan cuisine, Florence has many sights and experiences to offer.

In this post, we will give twenty-three reasons why Florence is worth visiting and the best things to do there, so that you can decide whether to include this amazing city on your Italy itinerary.

Is Florence Worth Visiting?

Yes, Florence is certainly worth visiting! Considered by many to be the “birthplace of the Renaissance,” Florence holds some of the finest pieces of Renaissance art in the world. With its renowned art and architecture, fascinating history, and high-end food and fashion scene, Florence is a wonderful city to visit and should not be missed.

Florence also makes a great stop on a first-time trip to Italy.

Is it worth it to go to Florence for a day?

Yes! While we would definitely recommend staying several nights in Florence if possible, if you only have one day to see this historic city, Florence is still worth visiting! In one well-planned day, you can see the Duomo, visit either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery, explore a few of Florence’s historic piazzas, and still have some time to wander across the Arno River.

With Italy’s high-speed trains, you can get from Rome to Florence in as little as 1 hour and 30 minutes, and from Venice to Florence in just over 2 hours. This makes Florence an easy day trip from any of Italy’s major cities.

With only one day, we would recommend buying advance tickets to the Duomo and either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery so that you don’t waste time waiting in line (more on that below).

Alternatively, if you would rather see Florence in a day on a local guided tour, we would recommend this well-rated one-day tour of Florence:

Florence in a Day: Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi, and Guided City Walking Tour
– See the highlights of Florence in 5 hours with a local guide
– Rated 5/5 stars (over 300 reviews)
– Small group tour (limited to 18 people)

✔ Book your guided tour to see the best of Florence in one day here!

23 Reasons Why You Should Visit Florence
& Best Things to Do

Florence is a wonderful city to visit and one that we think is worth including on an Italy trip itinerary. Whether you want to admire the masterpieces of great artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli, or climb the winding staircase to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, Florence has plenty to offer.

Here are twenty-three of the best things to do that we believe make Florence well worth visiting.

1. Visit the Florence Duomo

The most famous piece of architecture in Florence is undoubtedly the Florence Duomo. As the most prominent landmark in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (locally known as “the Duomo”) looms high over the rest of the city and is absolutely worth your time!

The Duomo is so impressive that this alone makes Florence worth visiting.

The Florence Duomo took more than 140 years to complete. Although the base of the cathedral was finished in 1418, the dome wasn’t started until years later because no one could figure out how to structure the roof.

When the Duomo was finally completed in 1436, it was the largest cathedral of its time. Today, after St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Florence Duomo is the third largest cathedral in the world.

Hours: The cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 10:45 am – 3:45 pm. It is closed on Sundays. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: Admission to the cathedral is free. You don’t need a ticket to enter the cathedral. However, if you want to climb the dome or visit any of the other parts of the Duomo, such as the museum, tickets are required (more on that below).

Tip: While the inside walls of the Duomo are largely plain, be sure to go inside and look up at the famous painting on the dome’s ceiling. The Last Judgment fresco was commissioned by the Medici family and was inspired by the book of Revelation in the Bible and Dante’s Divine Comedy. (It is a pretty terrifying painting!)

2. Climb to the Top of Brunelleschi’s Dome

For a spectacular view of the city and an unforgettable experience, you can climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome. It is a grueling 463 steps to the top, but the sweeping views of Florence and inside looks at the dome are worth it!

The dome was designed by Fillippo Brunelleschi after many prominent engineers and architects tried (and failed) to design a structurally sound dome. Amazingly, Brunelleschi had no prior architectural experience at the time he proposed to complete the dome, but he was the only one who was able to successfully design and complete it.

Brunelleschi’s Dome remains the tallest masonry dome in the world today!

Hours: The dome is open Monday to Friday from 8:15 am – 6:45 pm, Saturday from 8:15 am – 4:30 pm, and Sunday from 12:45 pm – 4:30 pm. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: You can buy timed entry tickets to the dome on the official website here by purchasing the Brunelleschi Pass for 30 euros per person (which also includes a visit to the other parts of the Duomo). The dome climb is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance!

Tours: For a guided tour of the Florence Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome, we would recommend this highly rated tour:

Skip-the-Line Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
– Tour the Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome in 2.5 hours with a local guide
– Rated 5/5 stars (almost 700 reviews)
– Small group tour (limited to 19 people)
– Learn the secrets of how Brunelleschi designed and built the famous dome

✔ Book your guided tour of the Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome here!

Note: While the climbing the dome is a very unique experience, the path to the top is fairly steep and narrow (think small, winding staircases). If you get claustrophobic, consider viewing Florence from a more accessible vantage point instead, such as Piazzale Michelangelo.

3. Ride a Vespa through the Tuscan Countryside

One of the most fun and memorable ways to explore Florence and the Tuscan countryside is by taking a vespa tour! We did this amazing vespa tour on our last trip to Florence and we cannot recommend it enough!

Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
– Rated 5/5 stars (over 2,500 reviews)
– Ride a vintage vespa through the quaint cobblestone streets of Florence and through the picturesque Tuscan countryside
– Enjoy a delicious Tuscan meal on a rustic farmhouse overlooking a vineyard
– Small group tour (limited to 15 people)

✔ Book your Florence vespa tour here!

5. Visit the Uffizi Gallery

One of the most famous collections of Renaissance art is found in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The halls of the Uffizi Gallery are adorned with remarkable marble sculptures and world-famous paintings by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

If you have an appreciation for great Renaissance art, you won’t want to miss the Uffizi Gallery!

Hours: The Uffizi is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: Since the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular museums in Florence, we do recommend purchasing tickets in advance. You can buy timed entry tickets to the Uffizi on the official website here for 30 euros per ticket. Admission to the Uffizi is free on the first Sunday of every month (but is also very crowded).

Tours: To learn more about the most famous works of art in the Uffizi Gallery (and the stories behind them), we would suggest this well-rated tour:

Semi-Private Tour of the Uffizi Gallery
– See the best of the Uffizi Gallery on a 1-hour, 45-minute guided tour
– Rated 5/5 stars (over 500 reviews)
– Small group tour (limited to 15 people)

✔ Book your guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery here!

6. See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia 

While the Uffizi Gallery has many great works, the Accademia Gallery holds one particular sculpture that is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of its time: Michelangelo’s David.

This gleaming white marble statue portrays the biblical hero David just before he battles the giant Goliath. The statute was created by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504 when he was just 26 years old. It is nearly 17 feet high and weighs over 12,000 pounds.

Hours: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am – 6:50 pm (last admission at 6:20 pm). It is closed on Mondays. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: You can buy timed entry tickets online in advance from the official website here for 17 euros per ticket. We would recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as the lines to the Accademia can get very long.

Tip: If you don’t have time to visit the Accademia Gallery, there is a full-size replica of David outside in Piazza della Signoria that is easy and free to see!

7. Admire the Statutes in Piazza della Signoria

One of the best squares to visit in Florence is Piazza della Signoria. With its magnificent outdoor sculpture gallery, convincing replica of David, and impressive Fountain of Neptune, Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence’s most popular squares and should not be missed.

This square also marks the entrance to the current town hall of Florence and former palace known as Palazzo Vecchio.

8. Explore Palazzo Vecchio

Another notable and historically significant part of Florence worth visiting is Palazzo Vecchio.

Originally known as Pallazzo della Signoria, the palace was built in 1299 as a center for the Republic government of Florence. The Medici family later renovated the palace into their primary residence in the 16th century. When the Medicis decided to move across the river to the newer Palazzo Pitti, they renamed the palace “Palazzo Vecchio,” meaning “old palace.”

Palazzo Vecchio contains a number of beautiful courtyards, grand halls, and private rooms, displaying the wealth and power of the Medici family. The palace also has an iconic clock tower, which you can climb for yet another striking view of the city!

Hours: The museum is open every day from 9 am – 7 pm (and Thursdays from 9 am – 2 pm). The tower is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm (and Thursdays from 9 am – 2 pm). Last entry is one hour before closing. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: You can purchase tickets on the official website here for 12.50 euros per ticket.

9. Stroll Across Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge to span the Arno River and has become a symbol of Florence. If you have time to wander across the Arno River and explore the local Oltrarno district, you should definitely take a stroll across Ponte Vecchio!

The medieval bridge has been lined with goldsmiths and jewelers since the 16th century. While parts of Ponte Vecchio may be a bit touristy, it still makes for a lovely walk across the river!

Tip: For great views of Ponte Vecchio, walk back across Ponte Santa Trinita, a quieter, neighboring bridge running parallel to Ponte Vecchio.

10. Visit Pitti Palace

Another historic sight worth visiting in Florence is Pitti Palace (or Palazzo Pitti). Pitti Palace was once the home of the royal Medici family. Today, it is a collection of elaborate rooms, museums, and art galleries that showcase the riches of the Medici family.

Hours: Pitti Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am – 6:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Check the official website for the most current hours.

Tickets: You can purchase tickets to Pitti Palace online on in person for 17 euros. You can also buy combined tickets to the Pitti Palace, Uffizi Gallery, and Boboli Gardens for a discounted price.

11. Wander Through Boboli Gardens

Behind Pitti Palace, you will find the royal Boboli Gardens. These elegant gardens are often called an “open-air museum” because of the many beautiful fountains and statues found throughout the gardens.

Note: The Boboli Gardens were much more hilly than we expected, so bring some water and be prepared for a lot of up-hill walking.

Hours: The Boboli Gardens are open Monday through Sunday beginning at 8:15 am. The closing hours vary by month. Check the official website for current hours. The gardens are closed on the first and last Monday of each month.

Tickets: You can purchase tickets online in advance on the official website here for 14 euros per ticket. You can also buy combined tickets to Pitti Palace for a discounted price (recommended).

12. Explore Bardini Gardens

Before leaving Boboli Gardens, you should also take some time to explore the nearby Bardini Gardens. As one of Florence’s less crowded and more private places, Bardini Gardens provides a quiet solace from the busyness of the city.

Both Boboli and Bardini Gardens offer lovely, distant views of the Florence skyline.

Tip: If you happen to be in Florence in March or April, don’t miss the enchanting wisteria tunnel found in Bardini Gardens.

Tickets: A ticket to Bardini Gardens is included with admission to Boboli Gardens.

13. Stop by Mercato Centrale

If you enjoy local and bustling food markets, then be sure to stop by Mercato Centrale! Mercato Centrale is Florence’s most popular food market and is stocked with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, wines, nuts, olive oil, and many other local foods.

The first floor is more of a modern food hall, where you can sit down and enjoy a bite to eat from an assortment of different vendors.

Market Hours: The market (ground floor) is open Monday to Friday from 7 am – 3 pm, and Saturday from 7 am – 5 pm. It is closed on Sundays. Check the official website for current hours.
Food Hall Hours: The food hall (first floor) is open Monday to Sunday from 9 am – midnight.

READ MORE: Top 10 Markets in Florence Italy for Food, Flowers, Leather & More

14. Take an Italian Cooking Class

Considering taking a cooking class while in Italy? There is no better place than in Florence! Choose from the top cooking classes in Florence and learn to make homemade pasta, pizza, tiramisu, and even gelato from scratch!

We took this cooking class and market tour on our last trip to Florence and thoroughly enjoyed it:

Wanna Be Italiano – The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
– Rated 5/5 stars (almost 1,000 reviews)
– 5 hours (market tour + cooking class)
– Learn to make pasta and tiramisu at a traditional cooking school in Florence

✔ Book your Italian cooking class and market tour here!

READ MORE: 8 Things to Know Before Taking Cooking Classes in Florence Italy

15. Have Dinner in the Oltrarno Neighborhood

Similar to the Trastevere district in Rome, the Oltrarno neighborhood is just on the other side of the Arno River and is one of the best places to find local restaurants in Florence!

Here are some fantastic dinner restaurants to try in the Oltrarno neighborhood:

• Antico Ristoro di’ Cambi (a historic and rustic Tuscan restaurant known for its exceptional Florentine steaks)
• Trattoria 4 Leoni (a chic trattoria with seasonal and classic Tuscan dishes – try their pear-stuffed pasta in taleggio cheese sauce)
• Gustapizza (a pizzeria famous for its wood-fired, soft-crusted Neapolitan pizzas)

In our opinion, Florence is worth visiting just for its amazing Tuscan cuisine!

16. Eat (a lot of) Gelato

When in Florence (as in any other city in Italy), you positively must have some gelato!

Here are some of the best places to get gelato in Florence:

• Gelateria la Carraia (a local gelateria in the Oltrarno neighborhood near the Arno River)
• Gelateria Perché No (a local gelato parlor near the Duomo serving seasonal flavors)
• Vivoli (a family-owned gelateria, said to be the oldest gelato shop in Florence)
• Gelateria de Neiri (a classic gelateria near the Uffizi Gallery)

There is not much better than taking a leisurely walk along the Arno River with a cup or cone of gelato in hand.

17. Try Florentine Street Food

While you should definitely try some of the more upscale dining restaurants in the Oltrarno neighborhood, you should also venture to try some of Florence’s street food!

Here are some of the best places to try street food in Florence:

• All’Antico Vinaio (a world-famous sandwich shop with over 36,000 reviews – this place is a must-try in our opinion!)
• Trippaio del Porcellino (a great place to try a lampredotto panini, a classic Florentine street food, if you are brave enough!)
• Antica Porchetteria Granieri 1916 (an excellent sandwich shop and a great place to try porchetta, another Florentine street food staple)

If you only have time for one of these restaurants, we would recommend grabbing a sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio!

18. Peruse the Leather Markets & Shops

If you are in the market for an authentic leather jacket or bag, Florence is the place to be! Florence is known for its leather markets, family-owned leather shops, and boutiques.

The two most popular leather markets to visit in Florence are San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Nuovo. Both are open-air leather markets. While these markets are fun to peruse, they can also be a bit touristy, so we would recommend buying any leather items from a local leather shop instead!

Here are some recommended leather boutiques in Florence (where the leather is 100% made in Italy):

• Benheart (boutique selling leather jackets, belts, shoes, and more, all made in Italy)
• Cuoieria Fiorentina (boutique selling leather bags, handbags, and accessories, all handmade in Florence)
• Scuola del Cuoio (artisan leather workshop & shop selling men’s and women’s leather jackets and accessories)

We bought two leather jackets made in Florence while we were there and are glad we did!

READ MORE: Top 10 Markets in Florence Italy for Food, Flowers, Leather & More

19. Browse the Luxury Stores

Despite being a very old city, Florence is also well-known for its modern and high-end fashion scene. If you enjoy luxury shopping, then take a stroll down Via de’ Tornabuoni. This street is considered the fashion center of Florence and is known for its expensive shops and luxury boutiques!

20. Visit the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Many may consider the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte to be more of a hidden gem in Florence, but it is definitely worth visiting if you have the time. This small church is adjoined to a monastery and perched on a hill, offering a marvelous view of the Florence skyline.

For an extra special experience, visit in the evening to hear the Gregorian chants in this 1,000-year-old church.

Hours: Hours vary depending on the day. Check the official website for current hours.

Admission: Free.

21. Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

For a spectacular view of the sun going down over the city, you can watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, a terrace overlooking the entire city of Florence. This is just a short walk from the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte and provides a panoramic view of the beautiful Florence skyline.

22. Take an Evening Stroll to Piazza Della Repubblica

Another great place to visit in the evening is Piazza della Repubblica. This square is home to several historic literary cafes, and in the evenings, the square becomes a lively place for street performers and musicians. You also can’t miss the square’s antique carousel, which is especially charming when lit up at night.

23. Take a Day Trip to the Tuscan Hill Towns

One of the best things about staying in Florence is its proximity to the beautiful Tuscan hill towns. We visited several on our last trip to Italy, and we already cannot wait to go back and visit more of them.

From Florence, you can easily take a day trip to Siena, Lucca, or San Gimignano in less than 1.5 hours by train.

READ MORE: How to Take an Amazing Florence to Siena Day Trip

Alternatively, if you would rather see several towns in one day on a guided tour, we would recommend this highly rated Tuscany day trip from Florence:

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa & Lunch at a Winery
– Rated 5/5 stars (over 12,000 reviews!)
– Explore Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa in one day, hassle-free

Includes:
– 3-course Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard in Chianti
– Guided tour through the medieval city of Siena and admission to its beautiful gothic cathedral

✔ Book your Tuscany day trip from Florence today!

Where to Stay in Florence

Since there is so much to see in Florence, we would definitely recommend staying a few nights if possible! The ideal location to stay in Florence is in the city center near the Duomo, where all of the main sights will be within easy walking distance from your hotel.

Here are some hotel recommendations:

• The St. Regis Florence ($$$): This luxury 5-star hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Florence. It is situated along the banks of the Arno River, offering lovely views of Ponte Vecchio.

✔ Check prices for The St. Regis Florence here!

• Borgo Signature Rooms ($$): This small but charming boutique hotel is located on a quiet street behind Piazza Santa Croce, near the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. It has marvelous reviews.

✔ Check prices for Borgo Signature Rooms here!

• NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi ($$): This beautiful 5-star hotel has stellar reviews. It is only a five-minute walk to the Duomo and the train station, making it the perfect base for exploring Florence and taking day trips to the Tuscan countryside. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers a breathtaking view of the city.

✔ Check prices for NH Collection Palazzo Gaddi here!

Getting Around Florence

The best way to get around Florence is by walking! Other than getting to and from the airport (and possibly the train station), we would recommend walking everywhere in order to experience the best of the city. All of the main sights are relatively close together, and compared to the other towns in Tuscany, Florence is fairly flat.

We would not recommend renting a car and trying to drive into the city center of Florence. (We are used to lots of traffic where we live, but we thought the traffic in Florence was crazy.) You can also take a taxi when needed, although you should really only need it when arriving in and departing from the city.

Visiting Florence: FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Florence.

How many days should you visit Florence?

We think two full days (three nights) is just enough time to see all of the main sights in Florence. However, you could easily spend three or more days in Florence and not run out of things to do!

In two very full days, you can see the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, visit the Duomo, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, and still have some time to wander the city’s historic squares, streets, and bridges.

In three or more days, you can see more of Florence’s palaces, museums, and gardens, take a cooking class, take a vespa ride through Tuscany, or take a day trip to one or more of the Tuscan hill towns.

READ MORE: How Many Days in Florence Is Enough?

When is the best time to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall). The weather will be cool, and there will be less crowds than in the summer (just try to avoid going around Easter weekend).

Is Florence safe for tourists?

Yes, Florence is a very safe city for tourists! We walked everywhere in Florence and felt extremely safe the entire time we were there.

Like any major city, Florence does have pickpockets, so just be sure to keep your purse, wallet, and other valuables close to avoid getting pickpocketed.

Is Rome or Florence better?

Both Rome and Florence are worth visiting when in Italy! While Florence is no doubt an incredible city, if you can only visit one or the other, we would personally recommend going to Rome.

While Florence has a lot of history, art, architecture, and food, Rome has even more of all these things. Rome is also significantly larger than Florence and has an endless amount of things to do. However, if you have time to visit both Rome and Florence, you should!

(On a side note, Venice is also worth visiting if you have a few more days!)

Conclusion: Is Florence Worth Visiting?

Yes, Florence is definitely worth visiting! From its Renaissance art and architecture to its fabulous food and fashion, Florence has plenty to offer. Whether you want to visit the iconic Duomo, admire the works of the great Renaissance artists, or try your hand at making some delicious Tuscan cuisine, we are sure that you will enjoy your time in Florence!