This is your unique guide to Florentine food, sights, things to do, wine windows not to miss & gelato places you have to visit. In the end of the guide you will also find my curated map with more than 100 of the best locations and spots.
Thinking about exploring the wonderful capital of Tuscany? Where it feels like stepping back in time to a renaissance fairytale. Where every corner is filled with culture and history and you can indulge in food for ages. Then this article is for you!
We all know how difficult it can be to navigate a new city, especially if you only have a limited amount of time. I've lived in Florence and gathered my favourite things to do in the city in this article plus the rest of them (+100 locations) in a free map in the end of this guide. All to make it easier for you to get the best experience possible when visiting.
In this guide you will find 10 unique things to do, with some examples of locations. In the end of the guide you will find a link to the perfect map you can download which includes more than 100 of my favourite spots in Florence, including restaurants, sights, museums, photo spots, gelato places, wine windows and cafes.
The article includes:
Top 10 unique things to do in Florence
1. Find the perfect view of the Duomo
The landmark of Florence is without doubt the Duomo. And there are many places you can get the perfect view of it. Either at a rooftop or a library or cafe. You can make it a full time activity trying to find the best view of it. After actually climbing it that is - which I would recommend doing as early as possible.
Location: View on Art Rooftop
Local location tip: Biblioteca delle Oblate (a bonus that it's free except if going to the café)
2. Visit a wine window
One of the most unique things to do and a must if going to Florence! Have a glass of wine served through a wine window. At some of them you ring a bell and they will take your order - through the window.
Location: Babae
Local wine window tip: Fiaschetteria Fantappié
3. Dance and watch the sunset from above
There is something magical about the sunsets in Florence. In this city you can even watch it from above the city, while dancing and sipping on your prosecco.
Location: walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo before the sun sets.
Dreamy hack: bring a pizza and some drinks and dance at sunset.
Local tip: instead of Michelangelo, go to San Miniato or Giardino delle Rose which are located close to Michelangelo
4. Go to a museum and learn about the culture
Some top museums: Uffizi, Academia, Palazzo Vecchio
Pro tip: book the museums you want to visit in advance as many are very popular
Hack: every first Sunday of the month many museums are free, but be early! Many want to benefit from this great experience.
Local tip: Did you know you can watch the David replica outside of Palazzo Vecchio?
5. Eat your way through the panini places
You can't go to Florence without eating panini. It's simply not possible. But which one to go to? There are so many great ones but here are a few of my favourites.
Great panini places: All'Antico Vinaio (tiktok famous) or La Schiacciata
Local tip: head over to the other side of the river and try Il Panino del Chianti or Panini and Vini
Additional tip: Via dei Neri is a great street for a restaurant visit!
6. Explore the artistic palaces and sights
Want to feel like a true Bridgerton? Put on your fanciest clothes and head to one of the many beautiful old buildings and sights in Florence. One of my favourite places is Boboli gardens. And why not combine it with a visit to the Palazzo Pitti where you truly will feel like a royal?
Palazzo Pitti is like stepping into a artistic fairytale. The art in this building is truly stunning. They also usually have
Location: Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti
Dreamy tip: Bring a blanket to Boboli and a book and spend the afternoon reading in the garden
Hack: go here on the first Sunday of the month because then it's free
Local tip: Take the time to look around in the city. Many buildings or even bridges has roofs with breathtaking ceilings, facades or details. Many of them you can access without cost.
See which museums are included here
Find all my favourite dreamy museums in the map you can download in the end of the article
7. Watch the sunset at Ponte Vecchio
In the evening this bridge is filled with people but also artists and singers. And the sunset is beautiful.
Location: Ponte Vecchio
Local tip: head over to the bridges next to Ponte Vecchio and get a view of the bridge when the sun sets and the colours of the Ponte Vecchio are most beautiful.
8. Visit an old beautiful store
I admit it, this place can be a bit crowded. But the interior is simly stunning. Step back in time when going into this store. Notice the details in the ceiling. And make sure not to miss the floral immersive exhibition in the back.
9. Gelato o'clock
If you can't miss eating a panini while in Florence you definately can't miss having a gelato for dessert (or whenever you feel the sweet tooth kicking in). One of the best gelatos I've had was in Florence. If you cross the river from the central parts and head over towards Santo Spirito you'll find the best gelato.
Location: My favourite is Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera | Santo Spirito
Tip: make sure to look for gelato places that have lids on their ice cream. That way it stays fresh and tasty and I've noticed it's where the best ice cream is to be found.
Find 9 of the best gelato places in my free map in the end of this article.
10. Head over to the Santo Spirito square for aperitivo and food
One of my favourite areas for an aperitivo is Santo Spirito, mostly because I love the relaxed vibe and the beautiful yellow church in this square. Located closely the square you'll find many wonderful food places.
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito across the bridge from central parts of Florence
Local tip: head over south west, for instance to the street of Via delle Caldaie and the connecting streets for food, more wine, gelato or a cup of coffee. Many amazing restaurants, wine bars and cafés in this less touristic area.
Another tip: in daytime, this square is a local food market and sometimes also hosting flee markets
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When should you visit Florence?
I hope you now feel ready for a visit to Florence. If you're like me, you will want to go back soon. Florence truly has a special piece of my heart.
But, there are some times I would recommend going to this beautiful city. In July and August it can be pretty hot and keep in mind that Florence is located in the middle of the country, meaning it can get very hot. If you have the possibility, try to go at another time. If going during these months, you can for instance visit the Piscine Le Pavoniere (pool area) to cool down.
How many days do you need?
I would recommend planning at least 2 or 3 full days. But if you love art, museums and food, maybe even more.
Don't forget to pre-book museums
Don't forget to pre-book the most popular museums such as Academia, Uffizi or Palazzo Vecchio. Would at least book a couple of weeks or even months ahead if going in peak season.
Dreamy map with more than 100 locations
Did you like these dreamy tips? There are so many other things you should do but this article would have been too long. Instead, make sure to download my curated map here for free with more than 100 of the top things to do, places to eat and what to visit in Florence - from a local pov.
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P.S - if you are into slow travel, finding hidden gems and choosing the train for your travels - don't forget to check out my curated slow travel and interrail guide. Filled with all the tips, hacks and inspiration you need to plan your own slow travel dream trip.
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