So you're planning a trip to Florence? Smart move. I remember my first time wandering those Renaissance streets - the smell of espresso mixing with leather shops, that jaw-drop moment seeing the Duomo appear out of nowhere. But figuring out what to do in Florence Italy isn't just about ticking off famous spots. It's about eating where locals eat, finding quiet corners when the crowds get overwhelming, and understanding how to actually enjoy this place.
Must-See Florence Attractions (With Real Practical Details)
Look, nobody comes to Florence without seeing David. But seeing him without wasting half your day? That's the real art. Here's how to actually experience the big sights without the headaches.
The Art Heavyweights
| Attraction | Why It Matters | Practical Details | My Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| David at Galleria dell'Accademia | Michelangelo's masterpiece that's way bigger than you imagine | Via Ricasoli 58/60. Open Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm. €12 entry + €4 booking fee. Book online MONTHS ahead. | Go at 8:15am on a weekday. Fewer crowds, better photos. |
| Uffizi Gallery | Botticelli's Birth of Venus, rooms of Renaissance genius | Piazzale degli Uffizi. Open Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:30pm. €20+€4 booking fee. Last entry 1hr before close. | Focus: Botticelli Room (10-14), Michelangelo's Holy Family. Skip the long café queue. |
| Duomo Complex | Cathedral, dome climb, baptistery, bell tower | Piazza del Duomo. Various hours. €30 combo ticket valid 3 days. Dome climb requires reservation. | Climb Giotto's Bell Tower first – views include the dome itself! |
Honestly? The Duomo interior disappointed me after seeing St. Peter's. But climbing Brunelleschi's dome? Absolutely worth the 463 steps. Just don't do it after pasta lunch.
Underrated Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Bardini Gardens - Better views than Piazzale Michelangelo without the crowds. €10 entry. Via de' Bardi 1. Open daily 8:15am-7:30pm. Bring water.
- San Miniato al Monte - 11th-century church with Gregorian chants at 5:30pm. Free entry. Hike up from Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Mercato Sant'Ambrogio - Where locals shop. Cheese stalls, €5 pasta plates, leather bags without tourist markup. Open Mon-Sat 7am-2pm.
Last Tuesday I grabbed fresh focaccia at Sant'Ambrogio for €3.50 while tourists paid €8 near Ponte Vecchio. Small victories.
Eating & Drinking Like a Florentine
Forget "authentic" places with English menus out front. Real Florentine food is simple, seasonal, and doesn't cost €25 for pasta.
| Spot | What to Order | Damage (€) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trattoria Sergio Gozzi | Ribollita (bread soup), peposo stew | €12-15 mains | Piazza di San Lorenzo 8R. Cash only. Opens 12pm. Get there early. |
| All'Antico Vinaio | Schiacciata sandwiches (try La Favolosa) | €7-8 | Near Uffizi. 3 locations on same street. Line moves fast. |
| Gelateria dei Neri | Ricotta fig, buontalenti flavor | €2.50-4 | Via dei Neri 9R. Open till midnight. Avoid the neon gelato places. |
Wine Bars That Don't Rip You Off
House wine in Florence is usually better than fancy bottles. Seriously. My neighborhood spot pours excellent Chianti for €3/glass.
- Le Volpi e l'Uva - Tiny bar with 40+ wines by glass. Piazza dei Rossi 1. Glasses €5-9. Open 11am-9pm.
- Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina - Tastings with view of Pitti Palace. €15 for 3 wines. Piazza Pitti 16.
- Procacci - Truffle sandwiches + prosecco. Historic spot. €8 combos. Via de Tornabuoni 64R.
Smart Day Trips Without the Hassle
Consider escaping when cruise ships dump 5,000 people into the historic center. All reachable by train under 1.5 hours:
| Destination | Why Go | Train Info | Do This |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siena | Medieval streets, Piazza del Campo | €9.80 each way. 1hr 15min. Frequent departures. | Climb Torre del Mangia for €10. Book ahead July-Aug. |
| Chianti Region | Vineyards, countryside views | Bus 365A to Greve (€3.50). Rent car for flexibility. | Castellina in Chianti village lunch at Albergaccio. |
| Lucca | Ride bikes on intact city walls | €8.10 each way. 1hr 20min. Trains hourly. | €10 bike rental + picnic from Forno A Vapore bakery. |
Personal opinion? Siena's more magical than Florence if you hate crowds. But don't tell anyone I said that.
When to Visit & Seasonal Perks
July in Florence feels like walking in a pizza oven. But come in November? You'll have David almost to yourself.
- March-May: Wisteria blooms at Bardini Gardens. High season starts April.
- June-August: Brutally hot. Book EVERYTHING early. Some trattorias close August.
- September-October: Best weather. Truffle season starts!
- November-February: Rainy but empty. Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce.
Saving Money Without Missing Out
Florence doesn't have to break the bank if you know tricks:
- Free First Sundays - State museums free first Sunday monthly. Insanely busy but worth it for budget travelers.
- Aperitivo Hack - €8-12 drinks include buffet dinners at many bars (6-9pm). Try Kitsch or Rex Cafe.
- Firenze Card? €85 for 72hr museum access. Only worth it if you'll visit 4+ museums consecutively.
- Bus Over Taxis - €1.50 tickets valid 90min. Taxis charge €3.90 drop fee + €1/km.
My biggest money save? Fill water bottles at fontanelle (little fountains). Public tap water here tastes better than bottled.
FAQ: Your Florence Questions Answered
How many days do I need for what to do in Florence Italy?
Minimum 3 full days. Day 1: Uffizi/Duomo. Day 2: Accademia/Oltrarno district. Day 3: Market hopping/day trip. Add days for slower eating and wine.
Is Florence walkable?
Historic center is entirely walkable. Wear broken-in shoes - I averaged 22,000 steps daily last week. Hills require decent fitness.
What's the biggest mistake tourists make?
Overbooking museums. You'll get art fatigue. Alternate cultural mornings with long lunches and neighborhood wandering.
Where should I stay?
Santa Croce or San Lorenzo districts for central location on a budget. Avoid areas near Santa Maria Novella station at night.
Can I do Florence on a tight budget?
Yes. €5 schiacciata lunches, free churches (Santa Croce exterior, San Miniato), €1.50 bus fares, and window shopping make it possible.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who Lives Here
Figuring out what to do in Florence Italy isn't about cramming everything in. It's about slow mornings with cappuccinos, getting lost in Oltrarno's backstreets, chatting with butchers at Sant'Ambrogio market. Skip the €50 steak dinners - grab a panino and sit on the Arno at sunset. That's the real Florence.
Most importantly? Put the map away sometimes. The magic happens when you turn down that random alley and find a 500-year-old workshop making leather journals. That's what keeps me here after all these years.
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