What to See, Do, & Eat in Florence Italy

If you dream of traveling to Italy, then Florence simply must be on your itinerary. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence truly has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

From amazing architecture and world-renowned art to high fashion, historical sights, and cuisine that fuels both the body and soul, Florence Italy should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

Simply stroll the bustling streets and sip wine in the cafes as you enjoy Florence’s energetic vibe, or pack your itinerary with the multitude of notable museums, historical sights, and guided tours available around every turn. You can’t go wrong in Florence!

I’ve been fortunate to visit Florence twice, and while I definitely haven’t seen everything this world-class city has to offer, I have taken in many of the iconic sights.

I’m excited to highlight some of my favorite things to see, do, and eat in Florence to help you plan your next Italian adventure!

What to See in Florence

Duomo and the Gates of Paradise

One of the first stops on your Florence itinerary should be the massive Duomo. This impressive cathedral (which many simply refer to as the Duomo) seems to pop up out of nowhere and is the focal point of the city.

Whether or not you choose to enter the structure, you will want to spend time simply admiring its elaborate facade of white, pink, and green marble and the intricate details all around.

Atop the cathedral is one of the biggest and most beautiful red domes that was a feat of engineering in its day and still receives admiration from all who come to Florence.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Campanile, the bell tower, which for a small fee provides one option for visitors to get a fabulous view of the city from above.

Directly across from the Duomo is the Baptistery where you will likely find a hoard of tourists clamoring for a view of the Gates of Paradise. 10 panels align the doors of the Baptistery depicting scenes from the bible with their impressive 3-dimensional bronze carvings.

With numerous restaurants and shops surrounding the Duomo, this is the perfect spot for people-watching. Sit with a glass of wine amidst the beauty of Florence, and marvel as modern-day tourists mingle with art and architecture created long ago.

Ponte Vecchio

The Arno river runs through the heart of Florence and under the iconic Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge).

This famous bridge has a long and rich history, threatened by raging floods on numerous occasions and narrowly surviving the attacks from the Germans in World War II.

Once home to Florence’s Butchers, the Ponte Vecchio now houses numerous jewelry shops and serves as the backdrop for tourists’ selfies.  Above the beautiful arches and the array of shops, you may notice tiny windows running the length of the bridge. An upper passageway created a safe way for Florence’s elite to navigate the city during times of war and unrest.

Take time to cross the bridge, but also admire this structure from a distance as you take in the beauty of Florence. Be sure to see the Ponte Vecchio during both daytime and evening hours.

Go ahead and indulge in a few selfies of your own in front of this iconic bridge…I promise you will fit right in!

Piazza Michelangelo

My favorite views of Florence can be seen at Piazza Michelangelo. Whether you choose to hop in a cab, take the bus, or climb the multitude of steps up to Piazza Michelangelo, you will want to experience this perch high atop Florence.

Here you will find a replica of Michelangelo’s most famous statue, David, but it is the sprawling view of Florence and the Tuscan countryside that will take your breath away. Linger along the ledge as you snap photos and spy the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo’s red dome down below.

Locals and tourists alike, myself included, find they can’t tear themselves away from the view. Grab your favorite drink from the beverage cart and join the masses on the steps as you appreciate the view. You will likely be surrounded by students from the nearby University as everyone is serenaded by a local musician who adds to the romantic ambiance.

Piazza Michelangelo is my favorite spot in Florence and is best enjoyed at sunset!

Santa Croce

Another enchanting area not to miss while in Florence is the piazza in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce.

This beautiful and well-renowned church serves as the burial site for many famous Italians, including Galileo, Machiavelli, and the one-and-only Michelangelo.

The piazza serves as yet another spot for locals and tourists to gather and appreciate the laid back Italian lifestyle.

One of my favorite memories of Florence includes happening upon an opera singer sharing his amazing gift for those lucky enough to be in the piazza of Sante Croce at that moment.

What to Do in Florence

Accademia

I almost didn’t go to the Accademia. That would have been a HUGE mistake! Worried about the notoriously long lines, the Accademia was not on my original and well-thought-out itinerary.

After all, I had already seen a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Did I need to see the original? (The answer is YES!)

After some quick research on the Accademia, we ventured that way, (without pre-booking tickets online), and decided if the line wasn’t atrocious we would step inside this infamous museum.

We were told the line for the regular entrance to the museum would require a reasonable 45-minute wait. But an entrepreneurial tour guide quickly offered us the last remaining spots on the tour starting immediately, and we were swept right into the gallery.

While hasty decisions based on the urging of aggressive tour guides can lead to regret, that was not at all the case in this instance.

For about 20 euros each an expert guide took us through the relatively small yet very impressive museum. Her passion for art, and Michelangelo, helped the museum’s artwork come alive for us.

We started in the room with the plaster model of the Rape of the Sabines statue, learning that the original was still located in Palazzo Vecchio.  I was fascinated by this statue of spiraling human forms depicting brutal times.

Nothing quite prepared me for leaving that room and seeing Michelangelo’s David illuminated with natural light at the end of the long hallway.

I don’t consider myself an art aficionado, but for some reason, I was overcome with emotion. Tears welled up in my eyes at the sight of David. Seeing David for myself and witnessing this legendary piece of art was almost too much for me to handle.

I managed to keep it together and was enthralled with the tour guide’s recitation of Michelangelo’s life and her expert depiction of the famous statue before me.

I examined David from every conceivable angle and couldn’t resist snapping dozens of photos.

I could go on and on about my experience in the Accademia and my newfound appreciation for Michelangelo’s body of work. But I’m not an art history major. So I highly recommend you find your way to the Accademia to admire some of the best examples of renaissance art for yourself.

While you are in Florence, consider visiting the famed Uffizi gallery as well.  That one remains on my own Florence to-do list.

Palazzo Vecchio

The second replica of David and the actual Rape of the Sabines statue can be found in the piazza of the Palazzo Vecchio.  Serving as the city’s town hall, Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is a popular spot any time of the year.

Like much of Europe, inspiring art can be seen both inside (with an admission fee) and outside in the piazza.

After admiring the numerous statues and fountains in the piazza and under the Loggia, be sure to wander inside the first part of Palazzo Vecchio to admire the artwork in the courtyard.

This area is free to explore on your own. For a fee, you can venture further into Palazzo Vecchio to learn the history of Florentine rule and ascend to the top of the bell tower.

The Bronze Boar

You will want to seek out the Fontana del Porcellino, located in the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, near the Ponte Vecchio.

Here you will find tourist after tourist rubbing the nose of this bronze statue of a boar and then putting a coin inside its mouth so it slides down into the grate below.

Take time to complete this traditional task yourself and as the coin descends, make a wish! Put your coin on the tip of the boar’s tongue to help it fall into the grate on your first try.

This gesture is said to bring good luck while rubbing the nose of the Porcellino before leaving Florence is said to ensure you will make a return visit.

Cooking Class

While vacation provides a great opportunity to get out of the kitchen, when in Italy, cooking is less of a chore than it is a form of expression.

Why not take some time in Florence to brush up on your culinary skills in an experience that ends with feasting on your own creations?!

My daughters and I had a blast in our Pizza and Gelato making class, and we were proud of our culinary prowess.

Read all about our time in the Italian kitchen here. Then check out the many classes and tours offered by Florencetown as you prepare to make some wonderful memories in Italy.

Shop for Leather

Florence is highly regarded for its production of fine leather craftsmanship. You can’t walk far in Florence without stumbling upon a shop or outdoor market selling a variety of leather items stamped with the official Firenze symbol.

I’m the proud owner of 2 leather purses, a wallet, and an eyeglass case that I painstakingly selected during my trips to Florence. Choosing the right leather souvenirs was no easy feat due to the multitude of options that surrounded me at every turn!

Leather bags, coats, belts, keychains, and purses of every size abound and come in an array of festive colors.

My best advice, bring extra euros and splurge on a leather memento that will remind you of your trip to Florence for years to come. Leather goods also make fabulous souvenirs for those not lucky enough to venture to Italy with you.

Day Trips

Situated in the center of the boot-shaped country, Florence is the perfect home base for exploring other parts of Italy as well. With Italy’s excellent train system, Florence puts you just an hour or 2 away from many other notable cities that can be easily and inexpensively visited with a day trip.

Travel just 2 hours north by train and you can explore the charming canals and bridges of Venice. Or let a high-speed train whisk you south to historic Rome in about 90 minutes. Pisa and its famous leaning tower are only a 1-hour train ride away.

If you decide to venture outside of Florence’s city limits the train will get you to these well-known cities as well as the lesser-known gems of Lucca, San Gimignano, Sienna, and many more.

What to Eat in Florence

Wine

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany Region, which is the heart of wine country.

I love a good glass of wine…and in Italy every glass of wine is a good one! So why not enjoy a glass at every meal. If you aren’t sure what to order, you can never go wrong with the house red wine.

Pasta

Of course, pasta is a given in Italy so be adventurous and try a variety of these carb-filled dishes.

Lovingly made with just a few natural ingredients, the pasta in Italy doesn’t seem to pack on the pounds as it does in America! And with all the walking you will do in Florence you should feel free to indulge in the pasta in Florence’s many excellent restaurants and cafes.

The tortellini I had at Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence was the best pasta I have eaten in Italy…or anywhere in the world! The belly button-shaped, cheese-filled pasta was coated with the perfect amount of creamy sauce, and the bits of ham were tender and salty. Perfection on a plate!

Pizza

You can’t go to Italy and not eat authentic pizza. I ate pizza at least once a day during our Italian adventure and tried a few unique varieties in Florence.

If you want to skip the fancy restaurants, consider dining at Mercato Centrale. Part farmer’s market, part food court, this enormous building features tons of unique options for a quick bite, a sweet treat, or a filling meal.

Unlike typical American food courts, my teen daughters found it a bit challenging to find casual fare that was to their liking. However, I feasted on a grab-and-go slice of pizza, with a white sauce and a variety of cheeses, that was unlike any pizza I had ever tried. Yum!

Steak

Another one of Florence’s specialty dishes is bistecca alla fiorentina.  This is Florence’s version of the perfect cut of steak.

Authentic Florentine steak comes from a certain cut of sirloin, must be cooked to precise specifications, and is usually served in a thick slice, bone-in. This is one dish I won’t attempt to replicate at home!

Gelato

Regardless of the time of day, it’s always time for gelato in Italy!

Florence has no shortage of gelaterias to choose from. That makes it easy to indulge in this frozen, sweet treat at least once (sometimes 3 times) a day!

I did my homework on gelato before our recent trip to Italy. Studying the difference between American Ice cream and Italian gelato, I had a good grasp on how to spot authentic gelato and where to find “the best” gelaterias.

But at the end of the day, I decided I am not a “gelato snob” and the best gelato is whichever one I am currently devouring!

There are literally hundreds of gelaterias sprinkled all throughout Florence, so I recommend you do your own taste testing and try as many as your wallet and waistband will allow!

Even More to Explore in Florence

This article just scratches the surface of all there is to explore in Florence and the history of this fascinating Italian city. To learn more about Florence I suggest downloading the Rick Steves Audio Europe app, which has several great walking tours and podcast episodes about this enchanting renaissance city.

I have a feeling my travels will take me back to Florence once day, and I hope you make your way to this captivating city as well!

Have you visited Florence? What do you love most about this renaissance Italian city?

Want more of my tips on Italy? Check out this episode of the Fly with Chris and Di podcast, featuring Traveling Tanya!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

P.S. Subscribe to my email list here and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips…plus I’ll send you my free Packing List!

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