Things to Do in Florence: The Complete 2026 Guide

NOTE: Florence fits perfectly into most Italy itinerary plans as it connects easily with cities like Rome and Milan while offering a completely different cultural experience.

1. Explore the Florence Duomo Complex

The Florence Duomo Complex is one of the best places to experience Florence's Renaissance art, architecture and history in one visit. Located around Piazza del Duomo, the complex includes Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata.

Climb Brunelleschi's Dome

No list of top things to do in Florence is complete without starting at Piazza del Duomo. The Florence Duomo is one of the best places to visit in Italy and is famous for its stunning pink, white, and green marble facade. Here, visitors can admire the exterior and enter the cathedral's main nave without any entry fees, making it a must-visit even for travellers searching for free things to do in Florence.

Explore the Cathedral, Baptistery and Bell Tower.

For the complete experience, visitors can climb Brunelleschi's Dome, which is regarded as one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Renaissance. The climb includes 463 spiral steps, and from the summit, travellers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Florence's rooftops, historic churches and the surrounding Tuscan hills.

NOTE: Children under six years old are not allowed to climb the dome.

Your Duomo ticket also gives you access to other historic attractions within the Duomo Complex, depending on the pass you choose:

• Ghiberti Pass (€15/₹1,651): Includes the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Santa Reparata Crypt, and Opera del Duomo Museum.
• Giotto Pass (€20/₹2,201): Includes everything in the Ghiberti Pass, plus Giotto's Bell Tower.
• Brunelleschi Pass (€30/₹3,302): Includes all of the above, along with entry to Brunelleschi's Dome.

Best time to visit: The Cathedral itself is open Monday to Saturday from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm. Go early in the morning for cooler temperatures and a better chance of avoiding the busiest periods.

How to reach: The Duomo is in the centre of Florence and is easiest to reach on foot. It is around a 10–15-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella railway station.

Dress code: The Cathedral, Baptistery and Crypt are places of worship, so shoulders and knees should be covered.

Travel Tip: If you are visiting Florence during Italy's peak tourist season (May and October), reserve your Brunelleschi's Dome time slot 3–4 weeks in advance, as tickets often sell out 

2. See Botticelli's masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery. 

No trip to Florence is complete without visiting the Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world's most famous art museums and a must-visit place in Florence for anyone interested in Renaissance art. The gallery houses an extraordinary collection of masterpieces by legendary artists, including Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian.

The museum's biggest highlights are Botticelli's iconic paintings, The Birth of Venus and Primavera. These masterpieces attract visitors from around the world, visiting the Uffizi Gallery one of the best things to do in Florence, Italy.

• Ticket Costs: The standard admission ticket costs €25 (₹2,751), while visitors entering after 4:00 pm can take advantage of a discounted €16 (₹1,761) ticket.
• Best time to visit: Arrive around opening time if you want a quieter museum experience. 
• How to reach: The Uffizi is centrally located between Piazza della Signoria and the Arno River. It is easy to walk to from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio or Santa Maria Novella area. 

3. See Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is one of the top attractions in Florence and home to Michelangelo's world-famous David. Standing 5.17 metres (17 feet) tall, this masterpiece is far more impressive in person than any photograph can capture and is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance.

• Ticket Costs: Tickets typically cost €16 to €38 (₹1,761to ₹4,182), depending on the season, booking method, and any add-ons you choose.
• Best time to visit: Choose an early morning or later afternoon time slot. 
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 am–6:50 pm, with final admission 30 minutes before closing. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
• How to reach: The Accademia is on Via Ricasoli, only a short walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Travel Tip: The Accademia Gallery often sells out quickly, especially during the peak tourist season. So, it is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and book your tickets at least two to three weeks in advance.

4. Walk Across Ponte Vecchio at Sunset

Ponte Vecchio is the city's oldest surviving bridge and has been home to jewellery shops since the 16th century. Walking across Ponte Vecchio is one of the best free things to do in Florence. 

For the best view, head to nearby Ponte Santa Trinita just after sunset. The bridge's lights reflecting on the Arno create one of Florence's most beautiful evening views. The walk takes only a few minutes and costs nothing, making Ponte Vecchio an easy addition to any Florence itinerary.

• Best time to visit: Go around golden hour or just after sunset when the Arno and surrounding buildings take on warmer colours and the bridge's shops begin to light up.
• How to reach: Ponte Vecchio is within easy walking distance of the Uffizi, Piazza della Signoria, Duomo and Palazzo Pitti.

5. Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Florence. This hilltop terrace offers sweeping views of the city's skyline, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and the hills of Fiesole. The viewpoint is one of the best additions to the list of best things to do in Florence for free. 

• Best time to visit: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to find a good viewing spot. Allow 1–2 hours, especially if you want to enjoy the view.
• How to reach: You can walk uphill from the city centre, take a local bus or use a taxi. Walking is rewarding but involves a steep climb.
• Nearby attraction: Continue to San Miniato al Monte, just a short distance uphill, for another beautiful viewpoint and a quieter atmosphere. 

Travel Tip: For the best experience, arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to find a good viewing spot. Bring a light blanket and some snacks for a relaxed picnic and a great way to end a day of sightseeing.

6. Explore Oltrarno's Artisan Streets 

Oltrarno is one of the best places in Florence to experience the city's traditional crafts and local atmosphere. Located across the Arno River, this neighbourhood is known for small artisan workshops, independent galleries, wine bars and quieter streets away from the main tourist crowds.

One of the best ways to explore the neighbourhood is simply to wander its streets and shop for leather, gold, wood, and other traditional materials. For travellers looking beyond the usual landmarks, exploring Oltrarno is one of the offbeat things to do in Florence. 

• Best time to visit: Explore in the late morning or late afternoon, when you can combine sightseeing with shopping, coffee or an aperitivo.
• How to reach: Cross the Arno using Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa Trinita or Ponte alla Carraia. Most of Oltrarno can then be explored on foot.
• Best combination: Start at Ponte Vecchio, walk through the artisan streets towards Santo Spirito, then continue to Palazzo Pitti. 

7. Visit Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens 

Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens are among the best places to experience Florence's Medici history and Renaissance grandeur. Located across the Arno River, Palazzo Pitti was once the residence of the powerful Medici family and now houses several museums.

After exploring the palace, travellers can explore the Boboli Gardens. This historic garden, designed as a Renaissance garden, features fountains, sculptures, terraces and tree-lined paths. It is a relaxing break from Florence's busy city centre and offers plenty of space to explore at your own pace.

• Ticket Costs: Tickets for the Boboli Gardens generally cost around €10–€13 (₹1,100 to ₹1,430). If you plan to visit several major attractions, a combined Passepartout ticket offers better value. The pass is valid for five days.
• Best time to visit: Go in the morning or late afternoon, particularly during summer when the gardens can become hot in the middle of the day. 
• How to reach: Palazzo Pitti is in Oltrarno, directly across the Arno from the historic centre. It is a short walk from Ponte Vecchio. 

New 2026 option: From March 3, 2026, a combined Boboli + Bardini Gardens ticket costs €15 (₹1,650) and is available at the ticket offices on the day of use. 

Important to know: Boboli's closing time changes seasonally. Last admission is generally one hour before closing. 

8. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce, nicknamed the “Temple of the Italian Glories”, is one of the most important historic churches in Florence. The church is known for its Gothic architecture and contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Niccolò Machiavelli, making it a fascinating stop for history and art lovers.

If you are visiting this place, it is recommended to visit the surrounding Piazza Santa Croce. The square hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including a popular Christmas market during the festive season. 

Opening hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 9:30 am–5:30 pm
• Sunday and religious holidays: 2:00 pm–5:30 pm
• Final admission is generally at 5:00 pm.

Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon, especially if you want enough time to explore the entire monumental complex. 

How to reach: Santa Croce is in Piazza Santa Croce and is easily reached on foot from the historic centre. 

Dress code: Santa Croce is an active place of worship, so dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and knees.

There are plenty of free things to do in Florence. From walking across Ponte Vecchio to watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, here are some of the best free experiences to add to your itinerary:

• Visit Florence Cathedral for Free: The cathedral's main interior is free to enter, although queues can be long. However, separate tickets are required for the dome, bell tower, and other parts of the complex.
• Walk Across Ponte Vecchio: Cross Florence's historic Ponte Vecchio for free and enjoy views of the Arno River and its centuries-old jewellery shops. It is an easy, scenic stop to add to a walking tour of the historic centre.
• Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo: Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence's skyline without paying an entrance fee. Arrive before sunset to watch the Duomo, rooftops, and surrounding hills glow in the evening light.
• Explore San Lorenzo Market: Browse the outdoor market stalls and experience one of Florence's lively historic neighbourhoods without an admission fee.
• Explore Piazza della Signoria: Explore this historic square and the sculptures displayed in the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi without an admission fee.
• Visit San Miniato al Monte: Visit this beautiful hilltop basilica for free and enjoy its Romanesque architecture along with views over Florence. 
• Visit Florence Museums on Free-Entry Days: Major state museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery offer free admission on selected days, including the first Sunday of the month. The free-entry days can be busy, so check the official museum information before planning your visit.
• Explore Florence's Historic Centre on foot: Wander through streets, piazzas, and riverside paths to experience the city's architecture and atmosphere. Much of Florence's historic centre is best experienced on foot, and you don't need a ticket to enjoy these. 

Florence is a beautiful city for couples, with sunset viewpoints, riverside walks, rooftop aperitivos, and intimate dinners around almost every corner. If you're looking for romantic things to do in Florence, these experiences are especially worth adding to your itinerary:

• Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo: Arrive before sunset, find a spot overlooking the city, and enjoy a glass of Chianti from a nearby wine bar or enoteca.
• Take an evening walk along the Arno: Stroll along the river after the crowds begin to disappear. Cross some of the quieter bridges for beautiful views of Florence reflected in the water.
• Enjoy a rooftop aperitivo: Several rooftop bars around the city offer views of Florence's terracotta rooftops and the Duomo. It's an easy way to combine drinks with a memorable sunset.
• Have dinner in the Oltrarno: Cross the Arno and look for a small trattoria away from the busiest tourist streets. The neighbourhood's relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for a slower evening together.
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: For a more traditional experience, a carriage ride through central Florence can be a charming way to see the city's historic streets, particularly after dark when the main squares are quieter.

Florence is small enough to explore on foot, but there is far more to the city than its famous Renaissance masterpieces. Give yourself at least three full days to explore the top things to do in Florence. From free viewpoints and historic piazzas to artisan workshops and local neighbourhoods, some of Florence's best moments don't require a ticket at all. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or travelling as a couple, adding Florence to a wider Italy trip gives you the perfect balance of art, history, food and relaxed evenings.