Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy, which is considered to be the birthplace of the ‘Renaissance’ art. Alongside Venice and Rome, the city of Florence makes up for Italy’s best of three. Florence city attractions are a testament to human creativity and a more inclusive culture. Explore all the popular tourist destinations in Italy with Veena World, where you can make the most out of your vacations by leaving all of your worries to us, whether it is visa, transportation or lodging.  

The magnificent architecture of the city, with world-class museums, breweries and cuisines, allows you to indulge in worldly pleasures unlike any other. There are so many things to do in Florence that need proper planning, with a knack for exploration and a fondness for novelty. The beauty of cultural heritage and sightseeing spots that pause the onlookers to contemplate and appreciate life. In a world where, if tourism is a sport, then the city of Florence is a strong contender. With plenty of things to do in Florence, travelling back in time through its museums and art galleries is probably the best among the rest. 

Top Things to Do in Florence

• Visit the Uffizi Gallery 

• Visit the Academy Gallery 

• Take a Food Tour 

• Shop at Mercato Centrale 

• Stroll around the Boboli Gardens 

• Kayaking on the Arno River 

• Visit the Pitti Palace  

  Visit the Uffizi Gallery 

This is one of Italy’s most significant museums, as it houses the pieces of Renaissance art that are in the form of paintings and sculptures. ‘The Birth of Venus and Primavera’ by Botticelli, ‘Medusa’ by Caravaggio, ‘Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi’ by Leonardo da Vinci, and ‘The Ognissanti Madonna’ by Giotto are a few pieces to name. The museum stands firm at the heart of Florence and is also the most-visited attraction in Florence, Italy, drawing millions of visitors annually. The opening hours are from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm. The museum, however, remains closed on Mondays. 

(Important notice: Tickets must be purchased online at least a month or two in advance) 

Visit the Academy Gallery 

This gallery houses the largest collection of statues by Michelangelo. The gallery also includes his masterpiece, the David, which is an epitome of Renaissance art. The Statue of David is one of the must-see attractions in Florence. In this gallery, you can also witness a wide collection of paintings by Italian masters like Botticelli and Uccello. Its popularity is such that regular tickets are often sold out. Book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments. While taking a tour of museums and their historical artefacts, it is advised that you have a tour guide who can give you insights. All of these perfectly align with Veena World’s guided Florence tour packages. 

Take a Food Tour 

The city of Florence is a heaven for foodies, where dishes like Florentine steak, Ribollita soup, and handmade pasta are popular in Tuscan cuisine. The Renaissance era also played a huge part in shaping and influencing Tuscan cuisine. It is also home to some of the most famous wines in the world, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Taking a food tour at the beginning of your vacation is probably the best way to navigate what to eat and what not to eat for the remaining days of your vacation. 

Shop at Mercato Centrale 

This historic market in Florence is a must-visit for those who like to pamper themselves. From grocery to gourmet, here you will find all of it. Mercato Centrale is one market with multiple food options. You can enjoy artisan food at one of the restaurants or purchase ready-made products & ingredients to cook at home that are crafted by the artisans. Mercato Centrale also hosts events frequently, so keep an eye out for the events just to ensure that you have the best time. Since it is a popular marketplace, the best time to avoid crowds is to visit the market at the start of business hours. Lastly, you can buy merchandise that you can take home as a souvenir or gift it to your loved ones.  

Stroll around the Gardens 

Venture outdoors into the extensive Gardens of Boboli and Bardini. These gardens are very peaceful & beautiful, and by being here, it's a perfect way to escape your mundane day-to-day routine in this bustling city. The Boboli Gardens are situated behind the Pitti Palace, which is embedded with fountains, statues, a rose garden, and well-maintained lawns, making it perfect for visitors to take a stroll. The Bardini Gardens, on the other hand, may not be as popular as Boboli. However, it offers the best views of Florence’s skyline. After taking a few pictures for the gram, you can sit by the café Belvedere to grab a drink and a snack. 

 

Kayaking on the Arno River 

Kayaking on the Arno River offers a thrilling way to experience the view of the Ponte Vecchio and other historic bridges from the water. Doing this is mainly to avoid the crowds that are typically present on the sidewalks. It is an alternative way to tour Florence that eventually makes your exploration a journey that is one of a kind. To ensure the safety of yourself and that of others, it is best that you embark on this journey under the supervision of an expert and follow the rules and guidelines. 

Visit the Pitti Palace 

This palace used to be the home of the Medici family and is a testament to the beauty of Renaissance art. At present, the Pitti Palace welcomes visitors from all around the world to witness the five unique museums that the palace houses, such as the enchanting Palatine Gallery, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, the Museum of Russian Icons, and the Gallery of Modern Art. The palace displays some of the Medici family’s remarkable private collections. The opening hours of this palace stretch from 8:15 AM to 6.30 PM, and remain closed on Mondays.  

 

Best Time to Visit Florence

 Florence, a charming destination, has a lot to offer its visitors. If you are planning a trip to Florence, the best time to visit would be between May and September. However, it is not confined to that because Florence is an all-year-round destination. Particularly, from May to September, the city enjoys warm and sunny weather, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities, such as art festivals, open-air dining, and exploring all the sightseeing places in Florence. If you are fond of art, then being in Florence would inspire you to be everything that has inspired the Renaissance painters. Also, don’t forget to explore the city's rich cultural heritage. 

As a part of your vacation, meandering through the streets, museums and marketplaces in Florence will leave you in awe. Even though it is wise to keep your guard up, being spontaneous and open to new things will give you the opportunity to learn something new. Booking your Florence tour packages with Veena World gives you the freedom to plan your holidays as you like, and all that is expected from our guests is to solely focus on having a good time and making memories. 

FAQs 

Q1. Why do some walls in Florence have tiny wine windows? 

They’re called buchette del vino, which means small stone holes from which wine was once served directly to passersby during plagues and curfews centuries ago. Many have reopened since COVID, so try getting a glass from one at Osteria delle Brache! 

Q2. What’s the most authentic Florentine souvenir (that’s not leather)? 

Try marbled paper, a craft born in Renaissance Florence. Visit Il Papiro or Piazza Santa Croce’s small workshops to watch artisans float colour on water and turn it into intricate patterns. 

Q3. Is there a part of Florence that feels untouched by tourism? 

Walk up to San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church above Piazzale Michelangelo. Few tourists venture inside, yet monks still chant vespers by candlelight. It’s pure serenity with one of the best sunset views over Florence. 

Q4. Where can I watch the sunset without the crowds at Piazzale Michelangelo? 

Climb a bit higher to San Miniato al Monte or head west to the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose). Both offer peaceful panoramas, and you’ll often share them only with locals and artists sketching the skyline. 

Q5. What’s one experience that captures Florence’s soul? 

Listening to a street violinist in Piazza della Repubblica, with gelato in hand, as church bells toll in the distance. This blend of art, life, and imperfection is what makes Florence eternally beautiful.