50 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy (2023)

Florence, Italy tops the list of popular Tuscan cities for Modern Empty Nesters to visit. The scenery, the history, the art, the food, the wine and the shopping create a beautiful backdrop for a truly unforgettable getaway. When planning your next trip, here is a list of the 50 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy (2023). It is the perfect getaway to do alone, as a couple, with friends or with your kids!

The List: 50 Best Things to Do in Florence (2022)

Here is an unranked list of the 50 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy in 2022 and beyond (since they are all amazing to do!):

1. Visit the Duomo di Firenze: Also known as Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Duomo is a sheer masterpiece and the symbol of Florence. Centrally located, admission is free, but expect lines to enter this popular tourist attraction.
   
2. Marvel at original artwork at the Uffizi Gallery: You will not believe you are seeing such famous works in person. Tickets are required and best purchased online in advance during high season.
   
3. Eat handmade pasta in any shape or form: Delicious, delicate and oh so good! You can’t go wrong anywhere you go!
   
4. Visit the Statue of David at Galleria dell’Accademia: Feel small in front of this 17 foot tall sculpture. Tickets are required and are best purchased online in advance during high season.
   
5. Have delicious Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak): Head to legendary Buca Lapi, the oldest restaurant in Florence founded in 1880 and carefully restored.
   
6. Buy yourself a leather jacket in San Lorenzo Market: Visit Omidimo Firenze Leather store for stylish, high quality leather jackets.
   
7. Eat lunch at Gucci Osteria: Feel like you’re in the House of Gucci in this beautiful restaurant located in the Piazza della Signoria.
8. Visit Mercato Centrale Firenze (Central Market): Pick up some gorgeous fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also find local gourmet food products in small shops here to take home as well.
   
9. Bike along the Arno River: Whiz by everyone biking along the beautiful banks of the Arno River.
   
10. Picnic in Parco della Cascine: Take a break from the crowds with a delicious picnic lunch.
11. Take a local cooking class at Mama Florence: Pick the course menu that suits your taste. Enjoy eating your culinary creations and getting to know your fellow classmates!
    
12. Visit the Musee Salvatore Ferragamo: This fashion museum is dedicated to the life and work of designer Salvatore Ferragamo.
    
13. Eat the best gelato ever: Delicious gelato can be found everywhere and bursting with flavor!
    
14. Grab a sandwich from TikTok sensation Alla’ Antico Vinaio: Avoid the long lines by going during off peak times.
15. Rent a Vespa and look cool scooting around town: Be careful and follow safety and parking protocols!
    
16. Go to the Musei del Bargello: See ancient works like these tiles from late 13th century Persia!
    
17. Drink a Negroni: This cocktail originated in Florence over 100 years ago!
    
18. Visit the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi: Admire the beautiful architecture, artwork and opulence of this former Medici residence.
19. Sip on Espresso while eating a Cornetto: Head to Scudieri right in front of the Duomo!
    
20. Buy Florentine lace: Delicate patterns are found in boutiques or in San Lorenzo Market.
21. Tour a local winery: Learn some of the Tuscan region’s wine secrets.
    
22. Take snapshots on Ponte Vecchio Bridge: Beautiful setting for beautiful pictures!
    
23. Shop til you drop at The Mall: Take a daytrip to The Mall Luxury Outlets located in Lecchio approximately 45 minutes outside of Florence.
    
24. Pick up some Florentine paper for your next letters: Beautiful Florentine paper makes gifts and correspondence so special.
    
25. Buy gold jewelry on Ponte Vecchio: The 48 storefronts set on the bridge will welcome you!
    
26. Take advantage of the VAT tax refund and buy designer goods: Non-EU residents may get a refund on Value Added Tax (VAT) charged for purchases on eligible goods. Check with your retailers to see if your item is eligible. Claim your VAT tax refund online, at the airport, port or in person at an authorized office.
    
27. Drink Limoncello: Drink limoncello as a digestif or mixed in a cocktail.
    
28. Take a day trip by train: Santa Maria Novella train station is centrally located for easy day trips to local towns, such as Bologna, Siena and Lucca.
29. Tour Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace): Take a tour of the last home of the Medici Family.
30. Visit the luxe Boboli Gardens: Part of Pitti Palace, you can get tickets to these manciured gardens with a view to the gardens only or as part of your full tour of Pitti Palace.
    
31. Dip your bread in truffle oil: Infused oils can be found in specialty shops or at the Mercato Centrale.
    
32. Watch the rain while eating a hot panini: Try New Bridge Sprizza cafe where you can eat a cozy panini inside while watching the rain from their open covered restaurant.
    
33. Ride the Tramway and get off at a random stop: The convenient above-ground Tramway is an easy, safe and inexpensive way to travel across the city and discover new neighborhoods.
34. Eat creative dishes in trendy Piazzo San Spirito: This hip and vibrant area takes a modern approach to food with rising star chefs.
    
35. Light a candle in Basilica de Santa Croce: Considered the largest Franciscan church in the world, this famous basilica holds tombs of famous Florentines, such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.
    
36. Visit Mercato Nuovo for more leather goods and souvenirs: Another open air bazaar style market!
37. Eat in the delicious food court on top of Mercado Central (Central Market): You will get dizzy from all the selections!
    
38. Have brunch at Instagram photo haven La Menagere: This cool, chic restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.
    
39. Get lost in Florence’s side streets: Stroll along small side streets to find hidden gems.
    
40. Load up on healthy veggies at Amble: This casual, sustainable cafe is great for delicious salads, juices or cocktails. Try a fresh spritz, like the Bunny, made with carrot juice, Prosecco, soda and bitters!
    
41. Buy Italian leather shoes: Beautiful shoes made with Italian leather are good for your soles!
42. Eat fresh prosciutto and cheeses: They are a specialty of the region!
    
43. Enjoy an afternoon cafe break in Piazza della Signora: A delicious pastry with a cappuccino perhaps?
44. Hop on the old fashioned Merry-Go-Round in Piazza della Repubblica: Feel like a kid again!
    
45. Visit the Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistry of St. John): Located in front of the Duomo, this octagonal Bapistry symbolizes wealth and prestige of its time while honoring St. John the Baptist.
46. Eat artisan made biscotti: Choose your flavors and enjoy!
    
47. Visit Piazzale Michelangelo: Take photos with beautiful views of Florence.
48. Rent a room with a view: Rent an apartment and feel like a local. Extended stays can be reserved on Airbnb, VRBO, and other luxury apartment rental sites. Count how many rooftops you see!
    
49. Eat in a local, no frills trattoria: For the best food, there is nothing like family owned restaurants passed down through generations for home style dishes.
    
50. Drink local Chianti wine: Chianti is the most popular Tuscan wine of the region. Cheers!

Florence is an Unforgettable City

There you have it! Without a doubt, you will have fun experiencing the 50 Best Things to Do In Florence Italy in 2023! Discover for yourself what makes Florence such an incredible, unforgettable city!