Piazza del Duomo Tours and Activities

Piazza del Duomo which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and night scenes
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city
Piazza del Duomo which includes heritage architecture
Piazza del Duomo


Giotto’s Bell Tower, the resplendent Baptistery, as well as the cathedral and its dome draw the crowds to this square in the heart of the city.

Join the bustling crowds, vendors and street performers in the cultural and geographical heart of Florence, the Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral for which the square is named is a spectacular centerpiece. In its shadow you will find several other historical, artistic and architectural treasures.

The Gothic facades of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto), make a striking first impression with pink, green and white marble designs standing out from the stone colors of the buildings around them. Enjoy an uninterrupted panorama of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities from the top of either building. Climb the dome’s 463 steps for breathtaking views towards the Tuscan hills.

Directly opposite the entrance to the cathedral is the Baptistery of St. John, one of Florence’s oldest buildings. It was built between 1059 and 1128. The octagonal structure is renowned for the three sets of bronze doors on the northeast and south entrances. Each set is made up of several panels depicting biblical scenes. The most famous is the Gates of Paradise on the east side. The interior of the baptistery is often compared to the Pantheon of Rome, with its ornately decorated walls and marble inlays arranged in geometrical patterns.

Explore the east of the piazza to see the Duomo Works Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). This building contains several artworks originally commissioned for the dome. Find a superb collection of Gothic sculptures by artists such as Donatello, as well as the original Gates of Paradise.

Walk through the grand arches of the Loggia del Bigallo on the corner of Via dei Calzaiuoli and Piazza San Giovanni and see more devotional works such as frescoes and a painted cross that date back to the 14th century.

You can easily spend a day taking in the attractions of the piazza. The crowds can be busy, but you needn’t feel rushed. Pull up a seat in the shade, enjoy a panini or gelato from one of the many food vendors and watch the comings and goings in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

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Best Lodging Options Near Piazza del Duomo

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

4 out of 5
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
c-hotels Ambasciatori

c-hotels Ambasciatori

4 out of 5
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
c-hotels Ambasciatori
Hotel Paris

Hotel Paris

3 out of 5
Via Banchi 2, Florence, FI
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Hotel Machiavelli Palace

Hotel Machiavelli Palace

3 out of 5
Via Nazionale 10, Florence, FI
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Grand Hotel Cavour

Grand Hotel Cavour

4 out of 5
Via del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Cavour
Bernini Palace

Bernini Palace

5 out of 5
Piazza San Firenze 29, Florence, FI
Bernini Palace
 Hotel Calimala Florence

Hotel Calimala Florence

4 out of 5
Via Lamberti 5, Florence, FI
Hotel Calimala Florence
Grand Hotel Baglioni

Grand Hotel Baglioni

4 out of 5
Piazza Unita Italiana 6, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Baglioni
IQ Hotel Firenze

IQ Hotel Firenze

4 out of 5
Via Camillo Cavour, 88, Florence, FI
IQ Hotel Firenze
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Piazza del Duomo

While visiting Piazza del Duomo in Florence, you can explore various Duomo tours that offer a deep dive into the stunning architecture and art of the cathedral. Consider joining guided tours to ascend the dome for breathtaking views of the city, or enjoy audio tours that detail the rich history and significance of the area. Don't miss the chance to experience the magnificent Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile nearby.

Shopping

The Central Market, located 483m from Piazza del Duomo, offers a vibrant atmosphere for local produce and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, The Mall Luxury Outlet, 17.7km away, features luxury brands, while the Conte of Florence Factory Outlet, 11.3km away, is great for family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

At Stadio Artemio Franchi, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events. The Nelson Mandela Forum offers a serene environment for relaxation and wellness activities. For family fun, head to Costoli Pool, where you can enjoy outdoor swimming and recreational activities in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Mugello Circuit, located 111.3km from Piazza del Duomo, where adrenaline and speed await. For a more leisurely adventure, embark on Fiesole Bike Day Tours, a mere 483m away, or hike the scenic trails of Parco di Montececeri, 4.8km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Teatro Verdi, just 483m from Piazza del Duomo, where culture and romance blend in captivating performances. For a unique twist, visit the Arcetri Observatory, 3.2km away, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars.

Find the best attractions near Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo in Florence is a vibrant hub for culture and family experiences, featuring stunning landmarks like the cathedral and various art museums. Visitors can explore the iconic Duomo, soak in the atmosphere of the square, and appreciate nearby attractions that highlight the rich history of the area. Whether you're drawn to the architectural beauty or the local art scene, there's something for everyone in this captivating destination.

  • Historic Centre of Florence: Immerse yourself in the heart of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in Renaissance art and architecture. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with stunning buildings and vibrant culture that narrate the city’s storied past.
  • Piazza di Santa Maria Novella: A lively square featuring the beautiful Santa Maria Novella church, this piazza offers a blend of culture and city vibes. Enjoy the local atmosphere, cafés, and the stunning architecture surrounding you.
  • Uffizi Gallery: One of the most renowned art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Marvel at the impressive collection while soaking in the artistic heritage of the Renaissance.

Best time to go to Piazza del Duomo

Visitor numbers around Piazza del Duomo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Piazza del Duomo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.2°F (24.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.2°F (24.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Piazza del Duomo

When visiting Piazza del Duomo in Florence, take advantage of free entry to the square and nearby attractions like the Historic Centre of Florence and Ponte Vecchio. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting in January, February, or November when prices are lower, and aim to book about a month in advance. Tuesdays are the least expensive nights to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare room rates and look for eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Piazza del Duomo are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Piazza del Duomo about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Piazza del Duomo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Piazza del Duomo is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Piazza del Duomo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.