Many cathedrals and museums require advance booking or have long ticket lines. To avoid delays, be sure to purchase tickets online in advance!

Visit the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and intricate facade of Florence's main cathedral. Don’t miss the chance to climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.

Explore the Uffizi Gallery: One of the most famous art museums in the world, the Uffizi houses masterpieces by Botticelli, such as "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," as well as works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio: This historic bridge is known for its unique shops built along it, mostly jewelers and art dealers. The bridge also offers beautiful views of the Arno River, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Discover the Accademia Gallery: Home to Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, the Accademia also features other works by the artist and a collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

Wander through Piazza della Signoria: This lively square features features the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi with its open-air sculpture gallery, and a replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: Once the residence of the Medici family, this grand palace now houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery with works by Raphael and Titian. The adjacent Boboli Gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst fountains, statues, and manicured lawns.

Admire the view from Piazzale Michelangelo: Located on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, this square offers a panoramic view of Florence’s skyline, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. It’s a great spot for taking memorable photos, especially at sunset. This is where we got engaged!

Take a walk through the historic center: Wander through narrow, cobblestone streets filled with Renaissance architecture, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Key sights include Via de' Tornabuoni for high-end shopping and Via dei Calzaiuoli for a bustling atmosphere.

Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce: This beautiful church is the burial place of famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Explore the Bargello Museum: Housed in a former prison and palace, the Bargello boasts an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures, including Donatello's "David," Michelangelo's early works, and pieces by Cellini and Giambologna.

Visit the San Lorenzo Market: This bustling market is divided into two sections: the indoor Central Market (Mercato Centrale) where you can sample local foods and the outdoor market with stalls selling leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Take a cooking class: Learn to cook traditional Tuscan dishes such as handmade pasta, ribollita, and tiramisu. Many classes include a visit to a local market to pick fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking session and a shared meal.

Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella: Located near the main train station, this stunning church features beautiful frescoes, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and striking marble facade designed by Leon Battista Alberti.

Take a boat ride on the Arno River: Enjoy a unique perspective of Florence by taking a traditional wooden boat ride along the Arno River. Operated by the Renaioli, these boat tours offer a relaxing way to see the city’s landmarks. You can book a trip through the Florencetown Gondola Boat Tour.

Enjoy a gelato: Florence is famous for its gelato, and there are numerous gelaterias to choose from. Try popular spots like Gelateria dei Neri, Vivoli, or Gelateria Della Passera for a sweet treat. Book a walking tour tasting Gelato through AirBnb Florence Experiences with Gianfranco "Gelato...Let's Walk".

Day trip to Bologna: If you don't have a car you can take an easy 25 minute train ride to Bologna. It is easy to explore this vibrant city known for its medieval architecture, rich history, and culinary delights. Visit Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna, and see the Basilica of San Petronio with its impressive interior and unfinished facade. Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views, explore the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world, and indulge in the city's famous cuisine, including fresh handmade pasta and mortadella. We have a great tour guide we recommend, and you can find Mattia's tours at www.deliciousbologna.com

Restaurant recommendations!

Below is a list of some of our favorite restaurants, bars, cafes, gelato shops, and more!

La Ménagère

Locale

Rasputin

La Volpe e l'Uva

The Lion's Fountain

Kikuya Pub

Bitter Bar

Caffe Gilli

Melaleuca

Rooster Cafe

Ditta Artigianale

Caffe Pasticceria La Loggia Degli Albizi

Gusta Pizza

Salumeria Verdi - Pino's Sandwiches

4 Leoni

Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Cibreo

Francesco Vini

Boccadarno

La Casalinga

La Buchetta

Trattoria Anita

Buca Mario

lI Santo Bevitore

Cammillo

Perseus

Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolo

Zeb

Trattoria Sostanza

Corte dei Pazzi

La Giostra

Osteria Antica Casa Torre

Vivoli

Gelateria Della Passera

Gelateria dei Neri