Gosh what an AMAZING city! I fell in love with Florence the moment we arrived.
Florence is a city that feels like you’ve stepped straight into a world of Italian charm. It’s where Renaissance masterpieces meets rooftops for Aperol Spritzes, and the summer sunsets look like they’ve come to life from a painting in the Uffizi.
Whether you’re an art and history lover or simply seeking the best views and vibes…
Here are 26 magical things to do in Florence that will leave you wanting to book another trip back!
26 Magical Things to Do in Florence, Italy
🎨 Must-Visit Museums
1. Uffizi Gallery
Home to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, the Uffizi is Florence’s crown jewel of art museums.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM; closed on Mondays.
Ticket Prices: Full price €25; reduced €2 for EU citizens aged 18–25. Advance reservation fee: €4.
2. Galleria dell’Accademia
Come face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David and explore a collection of Renaissance art that captures the soul of the city.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM; closed on Mondays.
Ticket Prices: Full price €16; reduced €2 for EU citizens aged 18–25. Reservation fee: €4.
3. Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Once the residence of the Medici family, this grand palace now houses multiple museums and opens onto the lush Boboli Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM; closed on Mondays.
Ticket Prices: Palazzo Pitti €16; combined ticket with Boboli Gardens €22.
4. Museo Galileo
Dive into the world of scientific discovery with Galileo’s original instruments and fascinating exhibits on the history of science.
Opening Hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
Ticket Prices: Adults €13; reduced €7 for ages 6–18; under 6 free.
5. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Discover the original artworks and sculptures that once adorned the Florence Cathedral, including pieces by Donatello and Michelangelo.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM; closed on the first Tuesday of each month.
Ticket Prices: Included in the Brunelleschi Pass (€30), which grants access to all monuments in the Duomo complex over three days.
🌅 Stunning Sights in Florence
6. Piazzale Michelangelo at Sunset
This is the absolute classic viewpoint that you HAVE to visit in Florence.
Piazzale Michelangelo offers panoramic views of Florence’s skyline and it’s especially breathtaking at sunset. It gets quite crowded so either get there early for the best views or wander towards the end of a winding down sunset.
But I’ll let you in on another secret spot below that’s a little less crowded for watching the sunset…!
7. The BEST sunset view in Florence: The steps of San Miniato al Monte at golden hour (and sunset)
This is the secret spot! OK, it’s not that secretive, but I do think this area is overlooked compared to the Piazzale Michelangelo.
We watched most of the sunset and spent golden hour perched below San Miniato al Monte! Bonus points if you grab a takeaway pizza and bottle of wine up.
PS a little note, you can’t use actual glassware – so plastic cups for wine it is!
8. ⛪️ Don’t Miss: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)
You can’t talk about Florence without mentioning its most iconic landmark: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, affectionately known as the Duomo.
With its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, this Gothic masterpiece dominates the skyline and your photo reel.
Pro tip: Book early online, the dome climbs are limited daily and sell out fast!
What to see: The dazzling façade, intricate marble floors, Vasari’s frescoes inside the dome, and the view from the top after climbing 463 steps.
Opening Hours: Varies by section, typically 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed the first Tuesday of each month.
Entry Info: You’ll need a Brunelleschi Pass (€30) to access the dome, bell tower, crypt, baptistery, and museum (valid for 3 days).
9. Giardino Bardini
A lesser-known garden offering serene views and beautiful wisteria-covered walkways.
10. Brunelleschi’s Dome
Climb to the top of the Duomo for an unparalleled 360° view of the city.
11. Giotto’s Bell Tower
Adjacent to the Duomo, this tower provides another vantage point to admire Florence from above.
🍷 Secret Sips: Don’t Miss The Wine Windows of Florence
One of Florence’s most enchanting quirks? Its tiny, arched wine windows (buchette del vino) dotted throughout the city’s old buildings.
These pint-sized portals were originally created in the 1600s as a clever way for noble families to sell wine directly from their cellars while avoiding taxes… and, later, contagion during the plague.
Centuries later, many of these little windows were sealed up and forgotten… until the pandemic in 2020 reignited interest in contactless wine!
Now, some have reopened, serving wine, gelato, and even espresso through a literal hole in the wall. It’s whimsical, it’s very Instagrammable, and it’s a sip of living history.
Where to Find One:
12.🍷 Buchetta del Vino -📍Via del Giglio, 28
This is one of the most active and charming wine windows still in use today. Located near the Medici Chapels, you can knock and be served a glass of Chianti or Spritz through a historic stone hatch. It doesn’t get more authentically Florentine than that.
Pro tip: Look low on building façades, many wine windows are at waist height and easy to miss unless you’re on the lookout.
🍸 Rooftop Bars & Aperitivo Spots
You won’t want to miss these rooftop spots in Florence! We’re here for the views… and the Aperol Spritz!
13. View on Art Rooftop Bar
OK it’s a little bit Insta-famous, but it’s for a good reason.
Located at the top of Hotel Medici, this bar has the best close-up views of the Duomo. It’s a pretty casual place and ideally you’ll want to grab a table outside. We had to wait for a little bit before a table opened up.
But once you grab your table… it’s perfect for a sunset cocktail!
14. The Butterfly Terrace at IL Tornabuoni Hotel
This little cocktail bar was just a little walk away from our hotel, so we decided that was a sign enough to pop in for drinks and a few snacks.
It’s located on the rooftop of IL Tornabuoni Hotel. It’s easy enough to visit as well, head into the main lobby and up the lift to the terrace.
The Butterfly Terrace is a great spot to unwind – it’s really tucked away from the bustling of the city. The drinks were excellent and the bartenders there were super nice! I’d really recommend it.
15. Divina Terrazza
On the roof of Grand Hotel Cavour, enjoy 360° views of Florence’s landmarks.
16. SE·STO on Arno
Situated on the Westin Excelsior, this upscale bar provides panoramic views of the Arno River and cityscape.
17. La Terrazza at Hotel Continentale
A chic spot for aperitivo with a stylish ambiance and stunning views.
Loggia Roof Bar at Palazzo Guadagni
Overlooking Santo Spirito square, this bar offers a romantic setting to watch the sunset over Florence.
🍝 Best Restaurants in Florence
Let’s be honest, you’re also here to eat like an Italian! And Florence is here to deliver just that! From rustic Tuscan fare to modern culinary gems. Here’s where to feast:
⭐️ Fine Dining & Iconic Tuscan Cuisine
18. Trattoria Cammillo
A beloved institution since 1945, serving up traditional dishes like pappa al pomodoro and veal ossobuco. Elegant yet unpretentious.
19. Enoteca Pinchiorri (3 Michelin stars)
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this legendary fine dining spot is a temple of haute cuisine and impeccable wine pairings.
🍷 Casual Yet Amazing Eats
20. Trattoria ZaZa
A favorite for its Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) and hearty pasta dishes. It’s lively, authentic, and centrally located.
21. Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
A tiny, family-run gem near the Uffizi with a chalkboard menu that changes daily. No pizza, no rush—just real Tuscan love.
22. La Giostra
Candlelit and a little theatrical, this place delivers romantic vibes and excellent pear and pecorino ravioli.
🍕 Local Bites & Hidden Gems
23. I’Pizzacchiere
For killer pizza in a laid-back setting at the bottom of the walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is where we got out takeaway pizzas and took up to the viewpoint!
24. Pino’s Sandwiches
TikTok made me do it! But seriously, Pino’s was great and the staff there were all super fun. You’ll have to wait in a short line, but the first bite is WORTH IT.
25. Mercato Centrale
Head upstairs to this indoor food market to sample everything from truffle pasta to artisanal gelato. Great for group dining or indecisive appetites.
✨ Bonus Magic
26. Stroll Across Ponte Vecchio
This historic bridge, lined with jewellery shops, offers charming views of the Arno River and is especially enchanting in the early morning or evening light.
🏨 Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Florence
To complement your Florentine adventure, consider these top-rated hotels:
The St. Regis Florence
Housed in a 15th-century palace designed by Brunelleschi, this luxurious hotel offers opulent rooms and exceptional service.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Set within a Renaissance palace and surrounded by lush gardens, this hotel provides a tranquil retreat with top-tier amenities.
Gallery Hotel Art
Owned by the Ferragamo family, this contemporary hotel showcases rotating art exhibits and is just steps from the Ponte Vecchio.
Whether you’re sipping espresso in a cosy café, admiring Renaissance art, or watching the sun set over terracotta rooftops, Florence is full of endlessly magical moments.
Have the best time visiting!!
Kelly xoxo