1. Palazzo Vecchio
Start your day early to avoid the large tour group crowds. Palazzo Vecchio is the current town hall of Florence. The medieval-looking Palazzo and the Piazza Della Signoria square in front are the historic center of the city, a place for people to gather. On the inside, the hall and rooms are beautifully decorated and open to visitors. It is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
2. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Continue your walk towards Florence’s most popular thing to do: visiting the Duomo of Florence (cathedral). The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is an architectural masterpiece that took over 140 years to complete. Its exterior is colored in white, pink and green marble and during the day, it seems to change color depending on the position of the sun.
The cathedral is free to visit and although it might look busy, the inside offers plenty of space so the line is a short wait.
It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the world’s largest dome! Visitors are allowed on the top of the dome to have an incredible city view but it takes 460+ steps to climb to get there. Tickets to climb the Duomo sell out weeks in advance so if you’re wanting to do it definitely plan ahead and book.
3. All’Antico Vinaio – Must do in Florence!
After that walking, you must be hungry. Well, get ready for an experience at All’Antico Vinaio. This panini shop has tasty and affordable paninis (sandwiches) and there is always a line through the entire street, yes the entire street haha! But wait, don’t let that scare you off. They actually own three or four shops all next or opposite to each other that all sell the same so although the line looks long, it goes really fast. This is one of those things to do in Florence you should see!
Also see: Cinque Terre, five colorful villages
4. Ponte Vecchio
Make your way towards the Arno river, a short 5-min walk. Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, was Florence’s first bridge over the river. It is so unique because it is the only bridge that wasn’t destroyed during the war. Nowadays, the bridge has shops selling gold and silver jewelry so you won’t directly have the feeling you are crossing a bridge.
Also read: 2-week Italy Travel Guide
5. Get the city’s best Gelato
Cross the Ponte Vecchio, turn right and wander through the beautiful streets on the other side of the river. This part is less visited and a nice getaway from the busy streets. Make your way to Ponte Alla Carraia, but before you cross the bridge, get a delicious Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia.
Tip: If you take your gelato in a cone, ask them to leave the plastic spoon out. You don’t need a spoon if you can lick your ice cream, and you’re helping the environment. Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling.
6. Santa Croce
Piazza Santa Croce and the Santa Croce Basilica are a little more between the locals. Cafes and street performers are making the square, even more, an excellent place to sit down, relax, and absorb the charming Florence vibe for a bit.
Find all: Hotels in Florence
7. Piazza del Duomo around Sunset
Around sunset, make sure to be back at the Duomo of Florence and experience the sunset on the lively square Piazza del Duomo, in the dome on top or at one of the rooftops bars like La Terrazza or Robiglio. However, the absolute best spot is the rooftop of B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo, where you need to stay here to get to the roof. It is one of the things you must do in Italy.
8. Italian Dinner
A common misconception is that Florence is as expensive as Venice. Let’s prove them wrong. Have a delicious Italian dinner at Trattoria San Pierino or Ristorante Brandolino where you have two freshly prepared portions of pasta and drinks for 20 EUR – 30 EUR.
Find all: Hotels in Florence
How to get to Florence
Florence is best to reach by train as the city is well-connected to all major stations in Italy. The international airport offers direct flights to many European cities.
Getting from Rome to Florence only takes 80 minutes with the high-speed railway line.
How much does Florence cost?
- Hotel: 60 – 250 USD / night
- Food: 20 – 60 USD / day
- Entrance fee: 15 – 80 USD
- Transport: 0 USD (walking!)
- Water: 1.5 USD / 1.5L
- Fruit: 2 USD / bunch of bananas
- Airbnb: 40 – 180 USD / night
- Guesthouse: 75 USD / night
Where to stay in Florence
Santa Croce is the best area to stay with loads of small bars and walking distance from all the things to do in Florence. We stayed on the riverside, away from the busy streets at Palazzo Del Moro Firenze.
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