If you’ve ever watched the movie Under The Tuscan Sun, then you will have already gotten a glimpse of beautiful Tuscany. Picture this: a charming villa in the countryside, growing your own grapes, and having wine with every meal. The movie perfectly captures what it’s like to dine in typical restaurants in Florence. If you’re taking a trip there or are considering settling in, let us be your virtual tour guide. Here are some of the best things to do in Florence.

Related: Find Rooms for Rent in Florence

Outdoor Activities in Florence

1. Go horseback riding in Chianti

Traverse equestrian trails by booking a horseback riding tour. Saddle up for an hour, enjoy lunch at a farmhouse and drink some good Tuscan wine. Definitely one of the best things to do in Florence if you want a unique experience.

2. Hunt for truffles

Learn how to search for rare truffle varieties in a forest and cook them afterward! Cap off the tour with some local red wine. Consider this one of the best things to do in Florence if you’re simply in love with Tuscan cuisine.

Sports in Florence

3. Catch a game of Florentine football

Florentine football (calcio storico) dates back to the 16th century and is played on sand. It involves its players literally attacking their opponents to get a leather ball through a trough. One of the best things to do in Florence if you’re into centuries-old sports, or just want to experience something you’ve never seen before.

4. Go for a run

Marathons are big in Florence, and there even used to be a regular night race called Firenze corre. There are dozens of DIY running tours you can try depending on what you’re interested in. If you’d like to see Etruscan towns or meadows on foot, then this is one of the best things to do in Florence.

Museums in Florence

5. Gaze at magnificent Renaissance art

Feast your eyes on the work of Fra’ Angelico at the Basilica San Marco. Make sure to check out as well Giovanni Antonio Sogliani’s fresco, The Miraculous Supper of St. Dominic. If you’re in Italy for Renaissance art pieces, then trust us, this is one of the best things to do in Florence.

Timings:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 8:15am-1:50pm.
• Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month: 8:15am–1:50pm
• Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month: 8:15am–1:50pm

Entrance Fee: €8 (€2 for EU citizens aged 18-25)

6. See masterpieces up close at the Uffizi

The Uffizi is one of the best places to visit in Florence with its extensive artwork collection. Gaze at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” and Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch” at Europe’s first modern museum. With over 45 halls of artworks, better book a guided or audio tour.

Timings:

• Tuesday – Sunday: 8:15am–6:50pm

Entrance fee: €20

7. Feast your eyes on David’s sculpture at the Galleria dell’Academia

If there’s one piece of art that you shouldn’t miss, it’s Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. Expect a huge crowd because of the marble statue’s sheer popularity. Hands down one of the best things to do in Florence to get a real feel for the city’s culture.

Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: 9am-6:45pm

Entrance Fee: €20 (€2 for visitors between 18-25 years old)

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Cultural Locations in Florence

8. Take a selfie from the Duomo

Arguably the most iconic landmark in Florence, the Duomo is a Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 14th century. Get an amazing view of the city when you climb up to the cupola. One of the best things to do in Florence and perfect for upping your selfie game.

Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: 9am–6:45pm

Entrance Fee: €12 (€2 for visitors 18-25 years years old)

9. Spot the magnificent bronze statues at the Boboli Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll in the Boboli Gardens and you’re bound to spot the beautiful statues by Tindaro Screpolato or Baccio Bandinelli. It’s truly one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Florence.

Timings: Monday – Saturday: 8:15am–4:30pm

Entrance fee: €10

Shopping Centers, Bars & Restaurants in Florence

10. Shop for souvenirs at Mercato Centrale Firenze

Nothing compares to the sights, smells, and tastes that can be found in a local market. Sample fresh Florentine produce, meats, and cheeses and pick up an interesting bazaar find to take home. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Florence.

Timings: Open daily, from 10:00am to 12 midnight

11. Enjoy drinks with picturesque views

Have some much-deserved downtime with drinks at Palazzo Guadagni’s romantic Loggia Roof Bar. The watering hole provides you with a panoramic view of the hills surrounding Santo Spirito square.

Timings: Open daily from 10:00am–10:30pm

12. Tickle your palate at Trattoria Sabatino

A surprise awaits you each day as this family-run spot changes its menu daily. Its cozy, homey ambiance and humble price point make it one of the most recommended restaurants in Florence.

Timings: Monday – Friday: 12nn–2:30pm and 7:15pm–10:00pm

We hope this tour gives you plenty of great ideas for sports events, museums, outdoor activities, cultural locations, and amazing restaurants in Florence. Have fun!

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