What to do in Florence?
Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is an open-air museum where every façade tells of the Medici, Michelangelo and Botticelli. From the dome-crowned Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio, book skip-the-line tickets for the Uffizi and the Accademia to experience the Tuscan capital fully.
Florence highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
Cathedral & Brunelleschi's dome
The cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and its red dome by Brunelleschi dominate Florence in all their splendour. Climb the 463 steps to the top for a dizzying view; a timed ticket is compulsory and should be booked early.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is the temple of the Renaissance: Botticelli's Birth of Venus, works by Leonardo, Raphael and Caravaggio. It's one of Italy's busiest museums — a skip-the-line ticket is all but essential.
Michelangelo's David (Accademia)
You come to the Accademia Gallery for a single work, but what a work: Michelangelo's David, carved from a single block of marble, stunning in its perfection. Book your slot to avoid hours of waiting.
Ponte Vecchio
The only bridge in Florence spared by the war, the Ponte Vecchio still carries its goldsmiths' shops suspended over the Arno. At sunset, its golden reflections make it the city's most romantic spot.
Piazzale Michelangelo
On the south bank, Piazzale Michelangelo offers the ultimate postcard of Florence: the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Tuscan hills behind. Head up for sunset, drink in hand.
Tuscany day trip
Florence is the gateway to Tuscany: Chianti vineyards, the towers of San Gimignano, the squares of Siena and cypresses as far as the eye can see. A day trip, often with local produce tastings, is a magnificent extension of your stay.
Plan your visit to Florence
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Florence?
Spring and autumn are perfect; summer is hot and packed with visitors. As the city is tiny, it's pleasant to visit in any season, outside the peaks.
Getting around Florence
Everything is done on foot: the historic centre is pedestrian and crossed in minutes. No need to rent a car — it's even banned in the central zone (ZTL).
Where to stay in Florence
The centre, around the Duomo, to have everything at your feet; the Oltrarno, across the Arno, for a more authentic, quiet atmosphere.
Activities & tickets to book in Florence
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Florence by theme
Book your activities in Florence by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Florence, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Florence is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Florence and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Florence from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Florence on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Florence: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Florence like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Florence lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Florence. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Florence: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Florence?
Yes, essential for the Uffizi, the Accademia (the David) and the dome climb, all on timed slots and often sold out in season.
How many days to visit Florence?
Two to three days for the city and its major museums. Add a day for a trip to Chianti or Siena.
Which area to stay in Florence?
The historic centre for everything on foot, the Oltrarno for a more authentic, artisan side, steps from the Ponte Vecchio.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
April-May and September-October: pleasant climate and ideal light. The Tuscan summer is stifling and crowded.
Plan Florence day by day
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