Geaux to Florence, Italy: Best Things to Do, Places to Stay, Eat & Drink
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and offers endless history, culture, and incredible cuisine. From Renaissance masterpieces and iconic landmarks to world-class restaurants and rooftop cocktail bars, this guide covers the best things to do in Florence to help you experience the city like a traveler who truly knows it.
Best Things to Do in Florence
Florence is one of the most culturally rich cities in Europe, home to Renaissance masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, historic palaces, and scenic viewpoints. Whether you’re admiring Michelangelo’s David, exploring centuries-old churches, or watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence offers unforgettable experiences around every corner.
Start the day by visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David statue. Explore the other Renaissance sculptures and artworks in this renowned gallery. Go early or book a timed entry to avoid crowds.
One of the most recognizable domes in the world, designed by Brunelleschi. Climb the 463 steps to the top for breathtaking views over Florence. Visit the Cathedral, Crypt, Baptistry, and Bell Tower while you’re there. Pro tip: Reserve Duomo climb in advance. No elevator, so wear comfy shoes!
Take a small-group tour departing from Florence to visit nearby Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa with lunch at a Winery. Or, book a private off road tour that takes you on the back gravel streets of Tuscany visiting wineries including lunch along the way.
Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most famous bridge, lined with gold and jewelry shop. It’s historic, romantic, and perfect for sunset photos. Visit nearby Ponte Santa Trinita for the best view of Ponte Vecchio.
Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
End the day with a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square offering panoramic views of Florence’s skyline. This 19th-century piazza has a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David & panoramic views over the city.
The Uffizi Gallery is home to masterpieces by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Raphael and more. This is one of the most important art museums in the world. Plan for at least 2–3 hours. Skip the line by booking a timed ticket or guided tour
Discover Florence’s Historic Wine Windows
Florence is famous for its charming wine windows, known locally as Buchette del Vino. These small openings built into the walls of historic palaces date back to the 1500s when Florentine families sold wine directly from their homes.
Explore Piazza della Repubblica
Located in the heart of Florence’s historic center, Piazza della Repubblica is one of the city’s liveliest squares. The piazza is famous for its historic cafés, elegant architecture, and the charming Antica Giostra Toscana carousel, which has become a popular photo spot for visitors.
Florence is known for handmade leather goods — bags, belts, jackets, shoes. Visit San Lorenzo Market for leather stalls or Scuola del Cuoio for quality pieces. Boutique shops in Oltrarno for handmade paper, gold, and ceramics.
Best Places to Stay in Florence
Florence offers an incredible range of accommodations, from historic luxury palaces overlooking the Arno River to boutique hotels tucked inside Renaissance buildings. Staying within the historic center (Centro Storico) allows you to walk easily to Florence’s most famous attractions including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.
Overlooking the Arno River and just steps from the Ponte Vecchio, Portrait Firenze is one of Florence’s most elegant boutique hotels. Owned by the Ferragamo family, the hotel features spacious suites, personalized service, and spectacular river views.
Located along the Arno River in a magnificent historic palace, The St. Regis Florence is known for its opulent interiors and timeless elegance. The hotel blends Renaissance architecture with modern luxury and offers one of the most prestigious stays in Florence.
Located in Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy is one of the most centrally located luxury hotels in Florence. The hotel offers elegant rooms, stylish design, and immediate access to Florence’s top attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Just steps from the Duomo, Hotel Spadai is a stylish boutique hotel known for excellent service, modern rooms, and a fantastic location in Florence’s historic center. It’s one of the best value luxury hotels in the city.
Hotel Calimala is walking distance to Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and has a rooftop terrace with bar, pool and 360° views of Florence. Perfect for travelers who love curated interiors, rooftop cocktails, and a central location with flair
Best Places to Eat in Florence
Florence is a dream destination for food lovers. Known for traditional Tuscan cuisine, the city is famous for dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, handmade pasta, truffle dishes, and rustic Tuscan wines. From Michelin-recognized restaurants to historic trattorias serving recipes passed down for generations, Florence delivers some of the most authentic and memorable dining experiences in Italy.
Osteria Pastella
Osteria Pastella is located in the heart of Florence close by Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and is known for fresh handmade pasta — especially their tableside truffle pasta show, where they toss pasta in a giant wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano and shave truffle on top.
All’Antico Vinaio
The most famous panino spot in Florence to get huge focaccia sandwiches with Tuscan cold cuts, pecorino, truffle cream. Expect a line but it moves quickly. Other amazing sandwich shops are I girone de ghiotti, Sandwichic and Pinos.
Buca Mario
Buca Mario is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence, serving since 1886 and famous for bistecca alla Fiorentina — a must-try dish if you’re into Tuscan cuisine. Authentic interior with brick arches and white tablecloths with excellent service, local wine, and deep-rooted tradition
GustaPizza
GustaPizza is a florentine institution, known for Napoli-style pizza with blistered crusts. It’s affordable, fast, and iconic — locals and students line up. Try the Margherita or heart-shaped pie
La Giostra
La Giostra is known for its romantic ambiance and creative takes on Tuscan classics like pear and pecorino ravioli and slow-cooked wild boar. It has excellent pasta and Florentine steak.
Best Cafés, Gelato & Affogato in Florence
Florence is famous for its café culture, traditional gelato shops, and classic Italian desserts like the affogato (a scoop of gelato topped with hot espresso) that blends hot and cold flavors into one of Italy’s most iconic treats.
Gelateria Vivoli
One of the most historic gelaterias in Florence, Gelateria Vivoli has been serving gelato since 1929 and is famous for helping revive the affogato dessert in the city.
La Carraia Gelateria
Located near the Arno River, Gelateria La Carraia is known for generous portions and rich flavors.
Caffè Gilli
Caffè Gilli is one of Florence’s oldest and most elegant historic cafés located in Piazza della Repubblica.
La Strega Nocciola
Ditta Artigianale is one of Florence’s best modern specialty coffee shops and a popular brunch spot.
Gelateria dei Neri
Gelateria dei Neri is one of the most beloved gelato shops among locals and visitors alike.
Ditta Artigianale
Ditta Artigianale is one of Florence’s best modern specialty coffee shops.
Best Rooftop Bars & Cocktail Spots in Florence
Florence has a vibrant cocktail and wine scene that blends historic charm with modern mixology. From rooftop terraces overlooking the Duomo to hidden speakeasy-style bars and classic enotecas serving Tuscan wines, the city offers plenty of memorable places to enjoy an aperitivo or evening cocktail after a day of sightseeing.
View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar
Located in Hotel Medici and amazing view of the Duomo. Reservations are on first come first serve basis. Go for a drink and the view but eat elsewhere. Early evening is the best time to visit.
La Terrazza Rooftop Bar
Perched above the Arno River near the Ponte Vecchio, La Terrazza Rooftop Bar is one of Florence’s most beautiful rooftop bars. Guests can sip cocktails while enjoying spectacular views of Florence’s skyline, making it a perfect spot for sunset drinks.
Manifattura
Located near the Arno River, Manifattura is one of Florence’s most celebrated cocktail bars. The bar focuses exclusively on Italian spirits and ingredients, creating inventive cocktails that showcase the best flavors of Italy. Its stylish vintage interior and creative drinks make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Angel Roofbar
The views from this rooftop terrace are not all that exciting…you do get a wonderful view of Palazzo Vecchio and you can see the front of the Duomo (from one prime spot on the outdoor terrace), but you cannot see the dome from this rooftop bar.
Locale Firenze
Set inside a historic palace near Piazza della Signoria, Locale Firenze offers one of the most dramatic cocktail settings in the city. The bar combines Renaissance architecture with modern mixology, serving beautifully crafted cocktails in an elegant and atmospheric space.
SE·STO on Arno – The Westin Excelsior
Sleek rooftop with panoramic views of the Arno River and Duomo
Tips for Visiting Florence
Florence is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, so planning ahead can make a huge difference in your experience. From booking museum tickets in advance to choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in, a few simple tips can help you avoid crowds and make the most of your time in this unforgettable Renaissance city.
Book major attractions in advance. The Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (to see Michelangelo’s David), and the Duomo climb often sell out days or weeks ahead—especially in peak season.
Learn the museum “free days” and closures – State museums (like the Uffizi and Accademia) are free on the first Sunday of every month, but they’ll be much busier.
Understand the Duomo ticket system. The cathedral itself is free to enter, but climbing the Brunelleschi Dome, the Bell Tower, and accessing the Baptistery require a combined ticket—valid for 72 hours. Reserve your dome climb time slot in advance.
There’s no Uber or Lyft in Florence—only licensed taxis. Taxis don’t usually cruise for hails; you’ll need to find a taxi stand, call ahead, or have a restaurant/hotel call for you.
Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), connects to Pisa (~1 hour), Siena (~1.5 hours by bus/train combo), Bologna (~35 min), and Rome (~1.5 hours by high-speed train). Always validate regional train tickets before boarding (machines are on the platform) to avoid fines.
If you’re traveling to Italy from the United States or another long-distance destination, be sure to check out my packing list for Long Haul Trips.
Florence is a city that captures the heart of Italy through its extraordinary art, Renaissance architecture, incredible food, and timeless atmosphere. From admiring masterpieces in world-class museums to wandering historic piazzas, enjoying Tuscan cuisine, and watching the sunset over the Arno River, every corner of Florence offers something memorable. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or using the city as a base to explore Tuscany, Florence delivers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and Italian charm that keeps travelers coming back again and again.