best things to do in florence italy
Florence, Italy, is a city steeped in art, history, and culture. Here are some of the best things to do in Florence:
Visit the Uffizi Gallery: One of the world’s oldest and most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
See Michelangelo’s David: The iconic statue of David is a must-see in Florence. Located in the Galleria dell’Accademia, this towering marble sculpture is a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
Explore the Duomo: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is a stunning Gothic church that dominates the city’s skyline. Take a guided tour to climb to the top for breathtaking views.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio: This medieval stone bridge is lined with shops and offers stunning views of the Arno River. It’s a great place to take a romantic stroll or shop for souvenirs.
Visit the Pitti Palace: This grand palace was once the residence of the Medici family and now houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments.
Stroll through the Boboli Gardens: Located behind the Pitti Palace, these beautiful gardens offer stunning views of the city and are a great place to relax and unwind.
Try the local cuisine: Florence is famous for its food, including ribollita (a hearty soup), pappardelle (wide pasta with wild boar ragù), and cantucci con vin santo (almond biscuits dipped in dessert wine).
Visit the Oltrarno neighborhood: This charming neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River is known for its narrow streets, charming piazzas, and local artisans.
Take a day trip to Tuscany: Florence is the perfect base for exploring the Tuscan countryside. Take a day trip to visit vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hill towns.
Attend a performance at the Teatro della Pergola: This historic theater is one of the oldest in Italy and hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, and concerts.
Visit the Accademia Gallery: In addition to Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia Gallery also houses a collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
Explore the San Lorenzo Market: This bustling market is a great place to find souvenirs, try local food, and mingle with locals.
Visit the Museo Galileo: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Galileo Galilei, one of the most famous scientists in history.
Take a cooking class: Learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes with a cooking class, where you can learn the secrets of local cuisine.
- Visit the Brancacci Chapel: This small chapel is home to a stunning fresco cycle by Masaccio and Masolino, considered one of the greatest works of the Renaissance.
These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in Florence. With its rich history, stunning art, and delicious food, Florence is a city that has something for everyone.