Things to do in 

Florence

Florence, with its red-roofed skyline, is a city artfully brushed with history and cultural depth. Walking its cobbled streets, you'll quickly see it offers more than meets the eye. Among the things to do in Florence are exploring storied neighbourhoods, examining centuries-old attractions, and uncovering hidden gems. Discover seasonal gems in local markets, cherish the crisp fall beauty in Boboli Gardens, or find solace in tranquil chapels dotting the city. Generations of craftsmen, poets, and dreamers have left their mark here crowning it a city that's as lovely as it is lively.

Explore Florence off the beaten path

Skip the crowds and slip into Florence’s quieter corners with a local guide who knows where everyday life unfolds.

Cultural experiences: Start late morning at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, tasting pecorino and seasonal fruit before grabbing a warm panino at tiny Semel across the street. Toward evening, settle in for an easy aperitivo at Caffè degli Artigiani in little Piazza della Passera and watch the neighborhood wind down.

Small museums and galleries: Duck into Museo Horne near Santa Croce to browse a lived-in Renaissance home filled with paintings, chests, and ceramics. Follow the river to Museo Casa Siviero, where a wartime art sleuth’s apartment tells stories of stolen masterpieces and quiet heroics. If you’ve got time, head up to Museo Stibbert for armor halls and eclectic rooms that feel like a private trove.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Climb through Giardino Bardini’s terraced paths for a calm, late-afternoon sweep of rooftops, then grab a seat at the Biblioteca delle Oblate café and watch the Duomo glow. On summer evenings, book the guided climb up Torre di San Niccolò and catch sunset from the old city walls.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Step into Giulio Giannini e Figlio by Palazzo Pitti for hand-marbled paper and classic notebooks made in-house. Pick out hand-thrown bowls at Sbigoli Terrecotte near Sant’Ambrogio, a family pottery that still fires in the back room. For gifts that travel well, browse soaps and colognes at the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, a historic pharmacy that feels like a time capsule.

Popular neighbourhoods

Experience the depth and allure of Florence by venturing through its diverse neighbourhoods. These vibrant areas echo the city's rich history, its flourishing art scene, and tantalising gastronomic experiences.

Wander through Duomo, the city's historic heart, filled with illustrious monuments, such as the magnificent Florence Cathedral and the iconic Baptistery of St John. Savour the bustling atmosphere, brimming with awe-inspiring architecture and street-side artists.

Explore Oltrarno, known for its calming atmosphere and artisan vibe. Here, old-world charm meets contemporary cool, with cobblestone streets lined with independent boutiques, inviting cafés, and traditional workshops of Florentine craftspeople.

Step into Santa Croce, the buzzing area revered for its prestigious Leather School and the serene Basilica of Santa Croce. Be swept away by the radiating energy from lively markets, music-filled squares, and numerous eateries presenting delectable Tuscan cuisine.

Immerse in San Lorenzo's local culture, home to the historic Central Market, where fresh local produce, truffle pasta, and aromatic espresso create an authentic Italian food scene. The neighbourhood's streets throb with vendors offering unique trinkets and treasures.

Relax in Santa Maria Novella, a tranquil haven hosting the stunning Santa Maria Novella Church and beautiful gardens. Discover an array of sophisticated boutiques, perfumeries, and boutiques, set amidst ancient walls that whisper tales of Florence's past.

Things to do in Florence by season

Spring: Wander through wisteria-draped terraces at Bardini and watch the city shake off winter with Easter rituals like the Scoppio del Carro. It’s often the best time to visit Florence for mild days, easy museum time, and gelato stops that suit couples, families, and slow travellers alike.

Summer: Seek shade in cool churches at midday, then follow the evening breeze along the Arno for rooftop aperitivi and open-air concerts. Things to do in Florence in summer include watching Calcio Storico in June, catching sunset views from Fiesole, and planning early starts for the Uffizi with a private guide.

Fall: Drift through quieter galleries, taste new olive oil and market truffles, and slip into the hills for harvest lunches in Chianti. Seniors and food lovers find relaxed pacing, while photographers chase golden light in Oltrarno lanes.

Winter: Christmas in Florence glows with lights, the Santa Croce market, and choirs in historic basilicas, followed by the Cavalcade of the Magi on January 6. Settle into cosy cafés between uncrowded museum visits and riverside strolls on crisp afternoons.

Annual highlights include the Scoppio del Carro at Easter, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino’s season of opera and concerts, the raucous Calcio Storico matches in June, and December’s F-Light illuminations that splash colour across bridges and palazzi.