Rome is history, staggering and immense, impossible to take in. But Florence is color and light, ochre walls and cobblestone alleyways. Geometric cathedrals and towering domes. The city invites you in, and once you are there it is hard to leave. It is easy to find things to do in Florence, but these are some of my favorites.
“I was in a sort of ecstasy, from the idea of being in Florence. . . absorbed in the contemplation of sublime beauty . . . I reached the point where one encounters celestial sensations . . . Everything spoke so vividly to my soul.” – Stendahl
I could spend weeks in Florence, just wandering around, eating food, drinking wine, shopping a bit and ducking in and out of galleries and museums.
But if you only have a few days and want to see some of the highlights of the city, here is a list of 10 things to do in Florence, Italy.
Some of these suggestions include stairs or a lot of climbing, I’ll note the ones that are strenuous.
Table of Contents
1. Climb Brunelleschi’s Duomo
This one has climbing. A LOT of climbing. There are 463 steps to the top of the Duomo and you will feel every one of them. However, when you get to the top, this is the view:
I highly recommend pre-purchasing your entry tickets and picking the very first timed entry slot of the day. You can buy a Brunelleschi pass and schedule your time to climb the Duomo here.
2. Visit the Uffizi Gallery
This is the one thing that I feel like everyone must do in Florence. I could have spent a full day here, or visited multiple times on multiple days. Incredible works of art, yes Birth of Venus, but there were masterworks on every wall, it is overwhelming. The building itself is a work of art. Don’t miss it. You can combine with Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens for a full day of touring.
3. See the David at the Galleria dell’Accademia
There always seems to be a debate by people planning visits to Florence over whether to stop at Galleria dell’Accademia to see the David or go to the Uffizi. For me the Uffizi wins, but my answer is DO BOTH. You can pop in to the Galleria dell’Accademia for an hour to see the David and it’s absolutely worth it. Nothing can prepare you for how large it is. Take the time to do both.
4. Experience Sunset at Piazzale Michaelangelo
Another CLIMBING ALERT. This is up a hill, if you or someone you are with struggle with walking or climbing, this might not be the activity for you. But if you are up to the challenge of walking straight uphill to see a sunset, then absolutely go for it. Time it so that you are there an hour or so beforehand, the railings of the plaza will be very crowded with people by the time the sun starts setting.
5. Tour the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
Again, this can be combined with the Uffizi or done separately. The Palazzo and Gardens in the morning, then lunch, then the Uffizi in the afternoon followed by dinner is a great one day itinerary of things to do in Florence. As always, check opening times and dates, the gallery and the palazzo are closed on Mondays.
6. Shop at the World’s Oldest Pharmacy
The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a perfumery in Florence that is often described as the oldest pharmacy in the world. The origins of the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy can be traced back to the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria Novella that was founded in 1221. The pharmacy occupies historic premises on on Via della Scala steps from the Church of Santa Maria Novella. The retail operation is housed in a former chapel. The store itself is part museum, part gift shop and well worth the time to stop and take a look around.
Map apps will lead you astray if you put in a search for Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, as there are too many things named Santa Maria Novella and too many pharmacies in Florence. Set your map for 16 Via Della Scala and that will help, although you may still wander bit before noticing the decorated window that signals the entrance to the pharmacy.
7. Take in the Views from the Forte di Belvedere
Stand where Galileo once stood. Or where Kim and Kanye got married if you’d like a more modern reference. Belvedere Fort is an ancient fortification in Florence and boasts some of the best views of the city. It can be reached by foot (CLIMBING ALERT) or bus or car. Check opening hours before you go as the fort is not open year round.
8. Visit the Museo Galileo
After you have stood where Galileo once stood, visit the Museo Galileo to see the man himself. Actually just his finger, which is on display at the museum. And you can also see collections of Galileo’s scientific instruments in this beautiful museum. This is one of the more quirky things to do in Florence.
9. Tour the Cathedrals
Florence is a city of wondrous architecture, showcased in her many churches and cathedrals. If you are looking for things to do in Florence, visiting churches should be at the top of your list.You can’t miss the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral – it is part of the complex that encompasses Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and Santa Reparata. The jaw dropping marble that encases the cathedral and her companions is eye catching and visible if you venture anywhere near the historic city center of Florence.
Santa Maria Novella is another one to make a detour for and is easy to stop by if you are looking for the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy. The Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Church of San Miniato al Monte and the Basilica of Santo Spirito are other notable churches to visit, but this is nowhere near a complete list of churches to visit in Florence.
Hint: Make sure you check out our post on what to wear when visiting churches in Europe.
10. Buy a Glass of Wine at a Buchette del Vino
The tradition of buying a glass of wine through a window in a wall has re-emerged in Florence, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays the Buchette del Vino – literally translated as wine holes – are open for business all over the city. The Buchetti del Vino organization has compiled lists and maps of the wine windows in Florence and are a great resource if you are looking for wine windows near your hotel or along your walking route.
Keep reading…
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