In 2017, I made may way to Florence from Rome via the bumpiest bus known to man. The entire ride, all I remember thinking was “this is absolutely not worth it”. Spoiler alert: it was. Florence is a gorgeous city, and a perfect spot to spend a weekend when you are exploring Tuscany. There are so many interesting things to do in Florence, that it is well worth the trip.

Although I was only in the city for three days, we managed to cram so much in. The city itself is small, and can easily be explored in a long weekend. If you are planning a trip to Florence, this guide should help kickstart your itinerary of ‘must-sees’.

Without further ado, here are 9 wonderful things to do in Florence.

9 amazing things to do in Florence, Italy

1. Visit the Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral) and climb to the top

The Duomo di Firenze is perhaps the most iconic structure in the city. The cathedral took over 100 years to build, and is home to the largest masonry dome in the world. 

If you are in Florence, then stopping into the Duomo is an absolute must. I highly recommend climbing the 463 steps to the top o the dome. From its rooftop, you can see sweeping panoramic views of Florence’s red tiled rooftops and the Arno River flowing through the city. 

Cost: climbing to the top of the dome costs around 20 Euros. You can purchase tickets online in advance, or at the northside entrance of the cathedral.

2. Stop by the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums. The gallery was established in 1581, and is home to an astonishing number of Renaissance pieces created by famous artists like Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. 

One of the most iconic works housed in the Uffizi Gallery is The Birth of Venus by Botticelli – which depicts the goddess rising from the sea. The building itself is basically a work of art! If you are interested in art, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-see.

Cost: Admission to the gallery costs around $20 Euros for general admission, and closer to $65 Euros for a long, guided tour. You can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, due to long lines during peak tourist season, I recommend booking online in advance on their official website.

3. Stroll through the San Lorenzo and Mercato Centrale open air market

Florence is well-known for its famous leatherworking. As such, a trip to the city would be remiss without a stroll through the famous open-air leather market. In the early morning, vendors roll out their shops and place their items on display for passersby to peruse. You’ll see jackets, purses, wallets, gloves – you name it – all constructed out of fine Italian leather. 

You could easily spend an afternoon wandering through the maze of shops and goodies. If you’re in search of souvenirs for your trip back home, the markets are absolutely the place to be. Payment in cash is always preferred, but most vendors accept card payments as well.

Cost: The markets themselves are free… but the cost here will depend on what you end up buying!

4. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge that spans across the Arno River. It is thought to be one of the oldest bridges in Florence, and was the only bridge that crossed the Arno until 1218. Astonishingly, Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno that was not destroyed by German bombing during World War II. Given how long it has stood the test of time, it is no wonder the bridge’s name means, quite literally, “Old Bridge”.

Ponte Vecchio is unique in that it is lined with shops and vendors selling jewelry, food, art, and other souvenirs. The bridge is also a popular spot for street performances and live music. If you are lucky, you may see performers and artists on your stroll across!

Cost: Walking across the bridge is free! Though you may decide to drop a few Euros on some souvenirs along the way.

5. Wander in the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

The Pitti Palace is a large, Renaissance mansion turned museum located in Florence, Italy. The palace houses a vast collection of art, sculptures, and furniture. The Costume Gallery, Palatine Gallery, and Royal Apartments are must-sees on your Pitti Palace visit. 

Adjacent to Pitti Palace are the sprawling Boboli Gardens. Admission to the gardens is included with a Pitti Palace garden. The gardens offer a panoramic view of Florence, and provide a little shade from the hot, Tuscan sun. IN the gardens, you can explore the Grotto di Buontalenti, the Amphitheater, and the gorgeous landscape. 

Cost: Combined tickets to Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens cost 22 Euros.

6. See Michalangelo’s Statue of David in the Galleria dell’Accademia

Michalangelo’s Statue of David resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia. The Statue of David is widely renowned as one of Michalangelo’s greatest works and is a staple of the Renaissance art movement. Today, visitors can view the statue up close and appreciate the attention to detail that Michalangelo maintained during construction. 

Although The Statue of David is the most popular attraction, the gallery also houses works from many other notable artists. For any music fans, the gallery also houses several cellos, violas, and other stringed instruments constructed by Antonio Stradivari in the late 1600s.

I recommend booking tickets online in advance, as crowds can pick up during peak tourist seasons.

Cost: Tickets to the gallery cost 12 Euros for a typical guest. Tickets for EU citizens ages 18-25 cost only 2 Euros, and all guests under 18 years old can enter for free.

7. Raft in the Arno River

The Arno River flows directly through the city of Florence, and is the largest rivers in the region. The river played an important role in Florence history. It was used for the transportation and trade of goods with neighboring cities, and it also acted as a defense for the city during times of war.

Today, the river banks make for a lovely place to stoll. The water is beautiful, and often musicians or artists line the banks. If you are looking for a more adventurous activity, you can opt to kayak along the Arno River in Florence. Toscana SUP & Kayak offers tours. You can purchase kayaking tickets on the day of your visit, or online in advance.

Cost: Walking along the banks of the Arno is free. However, if you would like to kayak a guided tour can cost anywhere from 35-80 Euros depending on length of the tour and size of the group. I recommend checking out the official websites linked above to get an accurate cost estimate.

8. Climb to the top of the Campanile

The Campanile is a bell tower located in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. The Campanile was completed in 1359, and stands at 276 feet (84 meters) tall. The bell chamber is decorated with marble panels and sculptures and is widely known for its beautiful, panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding countryside.

There are 414 steps to the top of the Campanile. Those who are willing and able to embark on the strenuous climb will not be disappointed. If you are planning to climb to the top of the tower, I recommend getting there early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Cost: Climbing the Campanile costs 10 Euros for adults, and 5 Euros for children between the ages of 6 and 11. Children under 11 climb for free. Check out the Campanile’s website for the most up-to-date ticketing information.

9. Fly in a hot air balloon over Tuscany

The Tuscan countryside boasts some of the most beautiful views, greenery, and natural landscaping in the world. If you have an afternoon free, you might consider embarking in a hot air balloon ride over the region. It is a particularly great option if you are looking for something romantic to add to your itinerary. There are several companies that offer tours from Florence. 

Balloon Tuscany – This company operates from March to November and offers a slew of morning and evening flights. In addition to the flight itself, the service offers shuttle services to and from the launch site, and complimentary snacks and Champagne before and after landing.

Ballooning in Tuscany – This company offers hot air balloon flights over Florence, Siena, and other nearby Tuscan towns. Flights typically last an hour, and are followed by a delicious Tuscan breakfast of coffee and pastries.

Florencetown Ballooning – This company offers hot air balloon experiences in tandem with tours of the local wineries (and, of course, wine tastings). The entire experience lasts around 4 or 5 hours, which includes a one-hour hot air balloon ride, wine tasting, lunch, and transportation to all of the sites.

Cost: Hot air balloon rides can be quite pricey. Check out the company websites linked above for up to date ticket prices.