What to do in Province of Florence

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic bridge over a calm river at twilight, reflecting the surrounding buildings.
A historic building with striped stone walls, a large ornate wooden door, and a person standing in front of it.
A historic bridge with gondolas on a river.
A horse-drawn carriage in a crowded street with historic buildings in the background.
A bustling square with a central fountain, historic buildings, and a crowd of people.

Province of Florence Attractions

Cradle of the Renaissance, La Cittá Bella: Florence is known as many things, but it’s never been known as boring. Perched in the heart of Italy, this Tuscan capital blends historically important sights with an effortlessly modern style, and the range of Florence activities is a testament to its vibrant personality. Whether you’re interested in strolling the stylish streets or want to join one of the guided Florence tours, this is a city that belongs on your must-travel map.

Begin your exploration of the best attractions in Florence with a peek at the Old Town. This district is home to some of the city’s most stunning tourist spots, and both locals and travelers alike love the area for its historical importance. The Duomo di Firenze cathedral is the city’s primary landmark, and you can head to the adjacent Giotto’s Tower for a magnificent view of the structure and its surroundings. The Santa Croce cathedral is another must see location — it’s here that you’ll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo — and its Pazzi Chapel offers an unbeatable look at classic architecture. Wherever you choose to explore first, the Old Town is unquestionably the heart of the top things to do in Florence.

No Florence excursions are complete, however, with a peek at the local gardens and piazzas. Venture out to the Boboli Gardens for spectacular landscapes studded with sculptures, and then head over to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the hilltop view and nearby San Miniato al Monte. The Piazza Signoria is an equally lovely place to spend an afternoon, but this Romanesque square is substantially busier than the hillside spaces. Come to this area to admire the atmosphere from one of the surrounding cafes. It’s one of the top places to get a taste of the local personality.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Ponte Vecchio

As you make your way over the Ponte Vecchio, peer into the windows of the goldsmith stores that have been here since the 16th century. Enjoy a sweeping view down the banks of the Arno from the viewing balconies in the center of the bridge. Street performers, artists and tourists create a lively atmosphere during the day. When the shutters come down over the shops in the evenings, the bridge takes on a romantic ambiance, perfect for a romantic stroll.
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A historic stone bridge over a calm river, with colorful buildings on either side.

2. Piazza del Duomo

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.
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A detailed view of a cathedral's facade with intricate carvings and statues.

3. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is also known as the Duomo, which is an Italian term for cathedral. Dominating the Florence skyline is the Duomo’s magnificent dome, considered by many to be the most important architectural achievement of the Renaissance. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find stained-glass windows and frescoes by Italian masters, and one of the oldest examples of an hora italica clock in the world. For many, the most impressive part of a visit is a close-up view of the building itself.
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A historic building with intricate architectural details and a prominent tower.

4. Piazza della Signoria

Take a seat at an outside table in one of the Piazza della Signoria’s many cafés and restaurants. Watch the crowds jostle as they have for over seven centuries in the town’s political and civic center. Flamboyant street performers, milling tourists and busy locals move about this L-shaped town square in front of some of Florence’s most famous buildings.
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An ornate ceiling with intricate carvings and a view of a tower through an archway.

5. Uffizi Gallery

Names of the masters exhibited within the U-shaped Uffizi building read like a who’s who of Renaissance art. Find seminal works by Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael and Rembrandt in a collection that spans six centuries. The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is unique in that it contains only masterpieces. It’s considered by many to have the most important collection of Western art in the world.
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A grand, illuminated building with classical architecture, featuring tall columns and statues.

6. Pitti Palace

Discover a wealth of art within the vast, fortress-like walls of the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti). The Gallery of Modern Art holds important Italian pieces from the 18th to early 20th centuries, while the Silver and Carriages museums offer glimpses into the lifestyle of Florence’s longest-ruling family. The Palatine houses a collection of masterpieces second only to the Uffizi’s. The core of the building was constructed in 1458 for wealthy banker Luca Pitti, and sold to the Medicis in 1549. It was opened to the public in 1919.
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A historic building with a central fountain, surrounded by a formal garden and a large pond.

What to do in Province of Florence


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