12 Best Things to Do in Florence for First-Time Visitors

Katrina Antonio

Last updated 29 Aug 2025

First time in the city? Keep reading for all the best things to do in Florence! 🧡

Florence has a way of overwhelming first-time visitors in the best possible way. You’re surrounded by masterpieces, historic piazzas, and food that makes you want to stay as long as you can. The question isn’t what to see, but how to fit it all in.

To help you build your itinerary, we’ve gathered our favorite spots in the city. From world-famous landmarks to local markets and hidden gems, here are all the must do things in Florence for an unforgettable Italian experience.

1. Climb the Duomo of Florence

You can’t talk about Florence without starting at the Duomo, the city’s most iconic landmark. Officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this Gothic masterpiece was begun in 1296 and took nearly 140 years to complete. Its red-tiled dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, dominates the skyline and is still the largest brick dome ever built.

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Climbing the 463 steps to the top is a workout, but the payoff is spectacular: sweeping views over Florence’s terracotta rooftops, the Arno River, and the rolling Tuscan hills beyond. Along the way, you’ll pass close to Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgment inside the dome.

As it’s one of the most famous places in the city, we recommend going earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. While the Cathedral opens at 10:15 AM, the Duomo opens as early as 8:15 AM. To get skip-the-line access at the Florence Duomo, you can secure your tickets in advance and get a smooth start to your day.

✨ Nearby: The Baptistery of St. John (famous for Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise”) and Piazza della Signoria are both within walking distance.

2. Explore Masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery

If Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, then the Uffizi Gallery is its treasure chest. Built in the 16th century for the Medici family, this museum holds an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art. Here you’ll see Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and works by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.

With over 50 rooms and 100,000+ pieces of art, allot at least two hours here to get the full experience and avoid rushing. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly!

✨ Nearby: Just outside is Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and the replica of Michelangelo’s David. The Ponte Vecchio bridge is a short walk away.

Want to know more about the museum? Check out this in-depth Uffizi Gallery guide!

Klook header for Uffizi museum article with photo of the birth of venus and florence

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3. See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery

Few sculptures in the world are as instantly recognizable as Michelangelo’s David. Standing at over 5 meters tall, it was unveiled in 1504 as a symbol of Florentine independence. Originally placed in Piazza della Signoria, it was later moved indoors to the Accademia Gallery for protection.

Just a heads up: There are actually 3 David statues in Florence, and the Accademia Gallery is where you’ll see the original. You can check out the blog below to find out more about the differences between the three!

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✨Nearby: San Lorenzo Market (great for leather goods and quick bites) is just a 5-minute walk away.

A crowd of people take photos of Michelangelo’s David inside the Galleria dell Accademia Museum in Florence

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4. Take a Pasta and Gelato Making Class

Of course, how can you explore a city without getting up close and personal with its cuisine? Joining a pasta and gelato cooking class is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in local culture. Under the guidance of a Florentine chef, you’ll learn how to roll fresh pasta by hand and prepare gelato from scratch using seasonal ingredients.

They’re hands-on, fun, and perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to bring a slice of Italy home. Best of all: You get to feast on your creations at the end and bring home a booklet of the recipes used.

✨ Nearby: After class, head to Mercato Centrale to explore Florence’s bustling food market with everything from truffle sandwiches to artisanal cheeses.

4. Enjoy an Opera Concert in the Church of Santa Monaca

For a unique experience, consider attending an Opera concert at the Chiesa di Santa Monaca. This 70-minute performance features professional singers belting out iconic Italian arias—think The Marriage of Figaro, Tosca, Madame Butterfly, The Barber of Seville, La Bohème, and La Traviata, all inside this historical 15th century church.

✨ Nearby: Located in the Oltrarno district, it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio or a short bus ride on line 11 or C4.

5. Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower

Next door to the Duomo stands Giotto’s Bell Tower, a 14th-century Gothic bell tower clad in colorful marble. At 84 meters tall, it offers an alternative climb of 414 steps. The reward? Fantastic views of Brunelleschi’s Dome itself. The ascent is slightly less claustrophobic than the Dome, with a few rest points along the way.

✨ Nearby: The Santa Maria del Fiore complex (where the Duomo is located) is right across the piazza, making it easy to combine in one visit.

7. Discover the Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapels are sometimes overlooked in favor of bigger cathedrals and museums, but they’re a hidden gem of Florentine history. The Medici family ruled Florence for centuries, financially supported much of the Renaissance, and left behind incredible art. Their final resting place is here, inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Highlights include the New Sacristy designed by Michelangelo and the Chapel of the Princes, a lavish octagonal mausoleum decorated with rare marbles and semi-precious stones.

✨ Nearby: San Lorenzo Basilica and the bustling San Lorenzo Market are right outside.

8. Wander Through the Pitti Palace and Boboli Garden

Cross the Arno River to the Oltrarno district and you’ll find the Palazzo Pitti, Boboli, and Bardini Gardens, once the residence of the powerful Medici family. Inside are multiple museums, including the Palatine Gallery with works by Raphael and Titian.

Behind the palace stretch the Boboli Gardens, a vast Renaissance park filled with fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined avenues. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take some great nature shots, or just escape the city bustle.

✨ Nearby: Wander the Santo Spirito neighborhood, known for artisan workshops and authentic trattorias.

9. Explore the city with the Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If walking all day isn’t your style, the Florence Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a practical way to cover ground. With routes looping around the city center, you can easily reach several landmarks like the Piazzale Michaelangelo, Piazzale Galileo, Santa Croce and more. The buses are equipped with audio guides, so you’ll also learn about Florence’s history as you ride.

View the full route and stops of the bus here!

10. Taste Local Bites on a Street Food Walk

No list of top things to do in Florence, Italy is complete without a street food tour. This food trip brings you to the Mercato Centrale, a two-level market famous for its local eats.

Here, you’ll get to sample local Italian cuisine like pasta, schiacciata bread, gelato, and cantucci (small cookies) with vin santo (a type of dessert wine). This street food tour also passes by the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the breathtaking Duomo.

11. Explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Don’t skip going inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore itself! Unlike the Duomo, the cathedral is free to enter and does not need a ticket. The sheer scale is breathtaking, with a nave that can hold 30,000 people. This guided visit not only brings you up to the Duomo and its terraces, but gives you deeper insight into the cathedral’s history since you’ll be with a friendly local guide.

✨ Nearby: At the heart of the city, it’s near popular spots like the Piazza della Repubblica, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

12. Explore Florence by E-Bike (With Gelato!)

One of the most fun ways to see Florence is by bicycle! This Florence e-bike tour make tackling the city’s hills a breeze, allowing you to cover more ground without breaking a sweat.

This guided ride brings you around Florence’s historic city center including spots like the Santa Croce, the Duomo, Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Santo Spirito, and Piazza Pitti. And of course, no ride is complete without a gelato stop. After all, this is Florence!

Ready for a taste of la dolce vita?

What makes the city so special is its variety: one moment you might be face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David, the next you’re learning how to roll pasta or riding through the streets on an e-bike. Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, or adventurer, you’ll find more than enough things to do in Florence to keep you coming back. So, see you there? 😉

FAQs

What not to miss in Florence, Italy?

If it’s your first time, the must-sees are the Florence Duomo (including Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower), the Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. Don’t skip a stroll across Ponte Vecchio, exploring Piazza della Signoria, and enjoying a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Is 2 days enough in Florence, Italy?

Two days gives you just enough time to see the highlights—think the Duomo, Uffizi, and Accademia—plus a walk around the historic center. If you plan well, you’ll cover a lot, but expect a fast pace. For a deeper experience (and a more relaxed schedule), three or four days is ideal.

What is Florence best known for?

Florence is best known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s home to world-famous art and architecture, including works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi. Beyond museums, the city is also known for its historic squares, Tuscan cuisine, leather goods, and its role as a cultural hub of Italy.

What to do in Florence, Italy in 3 days?

Day 1: Start with the Duomo complex (cathedral, dome, and bell tower), then explore Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.
Day 2: See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, stroll through San Lorenzo Market, and spend the afternoon at Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens.
Day 3: Take it slower with a food tour, cross Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno for artisan shops, and end your trip with sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

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