Florence feels like an open-air museum with tasty food on every corner. Walk down any street and you’ll see grand domes, detailed statues, and small trattorias serving fresh pasta. You can visit a famous artwork in the morning and enjoy handmade tagliatelle by lunch. It’s easy to see why so many travelers love Florence for both its art and its food.
If you’re planning your first trip, you might be wondering what counts as a must-do in Florence. Should you focus on museums? Try a cooking class? Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside? The good news is you can do all of it.
In this guide, you’ll discover the ultimate must do in Florence experiences for food and art lovers. From standing in front of Michelangelo’s David to making fresh pasta with your own hands, these are the moments that make Florence unforgettable.
Things to do in Florence for art lovers
1. See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
Tourists viewing Michelangelo’s David statue inside the Accademia Gallery in Florence
Visiting the Galleria dell'Accademia (Accademia Gallery) is easily one of the top must do in Florence experiences. This is where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Seeing it in person is very different from seeing it in photos. The size, the detail, and the emotion on David’s face are stunning.
Klook Tip: Go early in the morning to enjoy a quieter visit and better photo opportunities.
Lines can get very long, especially in summer. With fast-track entry to Accademia Gallery, you can step right in and focus on enjoying the art. This is one of the true Florence must-see attractions, especially for first-time visitors.
📍 Address: Via Ricasoli, Florence, Italy
🕒 Best time to visit: Early morning (8:15 AM opening) or late afternoon on weekdays
2. Explore Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery
Elegant hallway inside the Uffizi Gallery with classical sculptures and large windows | Photo Credit: Clay Banks on Unsplash
The Uffizi Gallery is a treasure chest of Renaissance art. Inside, you’ll see masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. This is where you’ll find Botticelli’s famous “Birth of Venus.” For many travelers, this is a clear must-do in Florence.
Klook Tip: Download a simple museum map beforehand so you can easily find the most famous artworks.
The Uffizi is one of the biggest must-see stops in Florence. Plan at least two to three hours to explore properly. Take your time and really look at the paintings, you’ll notice details you might miss at first glance.
📍 Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy
🕒 Best time to visit: Late afternoon or during shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October)
3. Ride the Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Tourists riding an open-top sightseeing bus in Florence on a sunny day
Klook Tip: Sit on the upper deck for the best panoramic views of Florence, especially when heading up to Piazzale Michelangelo. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses on sunny days.
If you want an easy way to explore the city, hop on the Florence sightseeing bus. It’s perfect for if you want to see many highlights in one day. This bus stops near major landmarks like the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, as well as scenic viewpoints overlooking the Arno River and the Tuscan hills.
4. Visit Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Courtyard fountain inside Pitti Palace with historic architecture in Florence
Visit Pitti Palace and explore the Boboli Gardens right behind it. You’ll walk through grand rooms where the powerful Medici family once lived. As you move from room to room, you’ll see impressive art and beautiful details.
Klook Tip: Bring water and wear good walking shoes, the gardens are large!
Fountain and landscaped terraces in the Boboli Gardens in Florence
Then go outside and walk through the gardens, where you can enjoy statues, fountains, and open views of the city. This Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens tour is a refreshing break from busy streets and one of the quieter Florence must-see attractions.
📍 Address: Piazza de' Pitti, Florence, Italy
🕒 Best time to visit: Late morning or early evening in spring or fall
Things to do in Florence for foodies
5. Join a pasta and gelato cooking class
Fresh handmade pasta being plated during a cooking class in Florence
Art feeds your soul, but food feeds your heart. One of the most delicious must-do experiences in Florence is joining a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch and create authentic Italian gelato.
This pasta and gelato cooking class lets you step into a real Italian kitchen and cook like a local. You’ll mix, roll, and shape your own pasta. Then, sit down and enjoy the meal you created. It’s one of the best things to do in Florence if you want more than just sightseeing.
📍 Address: Meeting point details provided after booking (central Florence)
🕒 Best time to visit: Midday or early evening for a relaxed meal experience
6. Join a Florence street food tour
Assorted Italian pastries and baked goods at a Florence market stall
If you want to taste Florence beyond restaurant menus, join a guided Florence street food tour. This experience lets you walk through local neighborhoods while trying authentic bites along the way. It’s a fun and easy must-do in Florence if you want to taste more than just pizza and pasta and discover what locals really eat.
Klook Tip: Bring small cash in case you want to buy extra treats along the way.
You’ll stop at small shops, bakeries, and market stalls to taste local specialties. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Florence’s history and food culture. It’s one of the most flavorful things to do in Florence because you explore and eat at the same time. Come hungry and ready to discover new favorites.
📍 Address: Meeting point details provided after booking (central Florence)
🕒 Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening for the best atmosphere
Bonus: Add a Tuscany day tour to your trip ✨
7. Take a Tuscany walking day tour
Rolling vineyards and countryside landscape in Tuscany at sunset | Photo credit: Johny Goerend on Unplash
Florence is incredible, but Tuscany gives you a whole different side of Italy. Head beyond the city for a full-day adventure filled with rolling hills, vineyards, and small towns that feel straight out of a postcard.
This Tuscany walking day tour lets you explore beyond Florence’s museums. Walk through historic villages and enjoy the beautiful countryside. It’s one of the most memorable must do in Florence experiences if you have extra time. You’ll see why Tuscany is famous for wine, olive oil, and stunning landscapes. This trip adds more meaning to your Florence itinerary.
📍 How to get there: Join a guided day tour for the easiest option, or take a regional train or rent a car to explore Tuscany at your own pace.
🕒 Best time to visit: Spring and early fall for cooler weather
FAQs
What should you not miss in Florence?
You should not miss seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and exploring the Uffizi Gallery. These are true must see in Florence experiences for art lovers. Also, don’t skip trying authentic Tuscan food or joining a cooking class. Florence is best enjoyed with both your eyes and your taste buds.
What is the number one attraction in Florence?
Many people consider Michelangelo’s David the number one attraction in Florence. The sculpture is powerful, detailed, and unforgettable. Seeing it in person feels special and emotional. That’s why visiting the Accademia is often the top must do in Florence for first-time travelers.
What is Florence, Italy famous for?
Florence is famous for Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and incredible Italian cuisine. It is the birthplace of masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli. The city is also known for fresh pasta, gelato, and Tuscan wines. It combines art and food like nowhere else.
What to do in Florence for the first time?
Start with the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries. Then explore the city center and enjoy authentic local food. Add a cooking class or a Tuscany day trip to make your experience even richer. These are the top things to do in Florence for first-time travelers.
What masterpieces should I see in Florence?
Make sure to see Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” and Leonardo da Vinci’s works at the Uffizi. These pieces define Florence’s artistic legacy. They are essential stops on any art lover’s list.
Start checking off your Florence bucket list!
Florence is the kind of city that surprises you in the best way. One minute you’re standing in front of a world-famous sculpture, and the next you’re making fresh pasta with your own hands. Every day feels full, fun, and a little unforgettable.
If you’re planning your trip, start with these must-do experiences in Florence and build your itinerary from there. Book your tickets early on Klook, skip the long lines, and make the most of your time. Florence is ready for you; go explore, eat well, and enjoy every moment.
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