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Looking for the best things to do on your upcoming trip to Florence? We’ve got you covered!
Florence is an amazing city rich in culture, history, art, food, and wine. We can’t get enough of it and keep coming back time and time again. On our travels, we have tried out many activities and some were definitely better than others.
We want to make sure you are only putting the best of the best experiences on your travel itinerary, which is why we’ve created this guide!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our FAVORITE thing to do in Florence is this pasta-making class! We were paired with a professional chef to make three types of fresh pasta and sauces.
It was a delicious meal and included free wine. Plus, now we can make authentic Italian pasta at home!
Check out the 1,000+ 5-star reviews and book it here!
Tip: This cooking class is very popular – secure your spot here and get FREE cancellation before you go.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Florence, Italy
- 1. Day Trip to Tuscany including Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano
- 2. Visit the Uffizi and Accademia Museums
- 3. Learn to Make Pasta in a Cooking Class
- 4. Join Florence’s Best Walking Tour
- 5. Go on a Food and Wine Tour
- 6. Take a VIP Tour of Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome
- 7. Save Your Feet and Tour the City in a Rickshaw
- 8. Visit Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre
- 9. Tour the Countryside on a Vespa
- 10. Learn to Cook Authentic Italian Pizza
- Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Italy
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Florence, Italy
1. Day Trip to Tuscany including Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano
- Duration: 11 to 12 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Guided tour through Siena, entry to the Gothic Cathedral, wine tasting in Chianti with organic farm lunch (if option selected), explore San Gimignano at your own pace, visit Pisa and climb the leaning tower (if option selected)
- Inclusions: Transportation from Florence, English-speaking guide, Sienna Cathedral entrance fee
- Rating: 5 Stars (Check out the 17,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If a day full of history, art, food, and wine sounds like your kind of thing, then you must experience Italy’s Tuscany region on this full-day tour!
It takes you to all of Tuscany’s top highlights including the medieval city of Siena, the Chianti wine region, San Gimignano, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. I loved exploring the smaller towns within the Tuscan Region to really get a taste of authentic Italian culture.
The first stop is Sienna where we had so much fun wandering the cobblestone streets and learning all about the history of this medieval town. A highlight was going into the Siena Cathedral to admire the stunning artwork.
Next up was my favorite part, lunch on an organic farm and winery! We sampled some amazing wine from the family-run estate and had a delicious lunch prepared fresh from food right on the farm. Lunch is an optional add-on for this tour, but I highly recommend it – the food is to die for!
Next up we got to wander around the UNESCO site, San Gimignano. This small walled town looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale and will leave you in complete awe. The day ends with a visit to Pisa, where you can take the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa photos!
Prices for this Tuscany day trip start at €105, but I highly recommend adding on they lunch and wine tasting and skip-the-line tickets to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Trust me it’s worth it, my favorite day in Italy was on this tour! And I’m not alone, this day trip has over 15,000 5-star reviews!
Secure your spot on this popular Tuscany day trip here before it sells out!
Related Read: To learn more about our favorite Tuscany day trip, check out our detailed review here!
2. Visit the Uffizi and Accademia Museums
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am, 10:15 am, or 12:15 pm
- Highlights: Small group tour (10-15 people max), skip-the-line entrance & guided visit to the Uffizi and Accademia museums, city walking tour through Duomo Square and Piazza della Signoria
- Inclusions: Professional local guide, radio and headsets, skip-the-line museum entrance
- Rating: 4.5 stars (Check out the 2,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Florence is known around the world for its magnificent art and Renaissance history. Some of the most famous and significant pieces from the era are housed in Florence’s Uffizi and Accademia museums.
To make the most of your time at these amazing museums, you must go with a professional guide. On this half-day small group tour, you will get just that, plus skip-the-line entrance to both the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries. The lines to these places get crazy, so this is a HUGE advantage!
I’m not a big history buff, but I was left in awe at the masterpieces within these museums and the history behind them. Seeing Michelangelo’s iconic “David” sculpture was a highlight and I also really enjoyed the city tour through Duomo Square and Piazza della Signoria.
I learned so much about things I normally would have walked right past if I didn’t have our expert guide!
The tour costs €129 which is worth it just for the skip-the-line access alone in my opinion! It is very popular, so make sure you book in advance!
Read the hundreds of reviews and book your spot on this tour here!
3. Learn to Make Pasta in a Cooking Class
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am, 2:30 pm, or 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Learn to make 3 types of fresh pasta and traditional sauces, enjoy unlimited wine throughout, eat the pasta you made at the end
- Inclusions: Professional chef, all ingredients, all equipment, lunch/dinner meal, unlimited Tuscan wine and soft drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I know a large percentage of people come to Italy to try all of the delicious food (I don’t blame you!), but why not learn to make it so you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine once you’ve returned home?
This 3-hour pasta cooking class led by a professional chef will have you cooking pasta like a pro in no time. This class was definitely a highlight of my Italy trip. Chef Lorenzo was hilarious and taught us everything step by step, so even if you’re new to cooking, you will be able to follow along.
Set in a medieval tower from the 1200s, you will prepare 3 types of pasta from scratch: ravioli, tortello, and pappardelle. Plus the sauces to go with them of course. And if that isn’t enough, the class also includes unlimited wine throughout, so you know everyone will be having a great time!
At the end of the class, you will get to try your creations, so make sure to come hungry. My favorite was the ravioli with butter and sage (which I actually still make when I want to impress my friends at dinner parties!).
The cooking class runs three times daily. You can choose to do a 10 am class and have the pasta for lunch, or later in the day to enjoy your pasta for dinner. We think this is a fantastic deal for the unique experience that you get – just look at the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here!
Check the schedule and reserve your spot for this authentic Italian cooking class here!
Related Read: If the above tour is booked up, don’t worry! You can check out the top 6 cooking classes in Florence here for more options!
4. Join Florence’s Best Walking Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Visit and learn about Florence’s main historic landmarks with a professional guide, go shopping on Via Tornabuoni, visit artist workshops in Oltrarno, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to see Michelangelo’s original David sculpture
- Inclusions: Professional guide, skip-the-line Accademia entrance, headset
- Rating: 5 (check out the 950+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Let’s be honest, there is SO much to see when visiting Florence! That’s why this city walking tour is so helpful as it covers the highlights and hidden gems so you can get the most out of your limited time here.
We loved this 3-hour walking tour and recommend it for your first day or two in Florence. It takes you around to different landmarks and neighborhoods so you can get a feel for the city. Then you can return to your favorite places later!
You’ll visit many places such as the Piazza della Repubblica, which has been the center of the city since Roman times, and the Piazza della Signoria, which is the current political center. You’ll also see and learn about many iconic sites like the Palazzo Strozzi (a beautiful Renaissance palace) and the Ponte Vecchio (the oldest bridge in Florence!).
My favorite part of the tour was when we got to browse the boutiques of Florence’s fashion street and when we went to the Accademia to view the original sculpture of David. You get to skip the line on this tour which is such a benefit, we walked past a huge queue of people lined up waiting to get in!
It runs every day except for Mondays and is highly rated (look at all these 5-star reviews!), so make sure you book in advance.
Book this popular walking tour here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
5. Go on a Food and Wine Tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: Departures every half hour from 3:30 pm to 7 pm
- Highlights: Sample 14 different delicious dishes, try 5 different types of wine from historical “wine windows”, learn to make a Negroni, visit trendy neighborhoods and restaurants
- Inclusions: All food and wine samples, Negroni making demonstration, English speaking guide, food guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When I was in Florence, I was overwhelmed by the number of options when we were trying to figure out where to eat. I wanted to make sure we were having the best of the best and trying all of the authentic Tuscan dishes, so that’s why we decided to go on this epic food and wine tour!
You will taste your way through some of Florence’s trendiest neighborhoods as you sample over 14 different dishes from Parmigiano to Tuscan soup. Everything was delicious and I really enjoyed learning about “cucina povera”, a Tuscan practice of cooking food with zero waste.
The best part of this tour is that you get to wash down your food with some delicious wine! Along the way, we stopped at many of Florence’s iconic “wine windows” to sample some of the region’s best wines such as Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan. Ringing the bell and being served through the tiny holes in the walls was such a fun and unique experience.
Fun fact, the wine windows originated back in the 16th century when Florence wine producers were allowed to sell their wine directly to customers tax-free. And then they later came in handy during the plague of the 1600s and again during COVID!
This tour runs every evening, which is perfect because you can use it as your dinner!
Read all of the glowing reviews and secure your spot on this wine and food tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Take a VIP Tour of Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Skip the line Duomo admission, guided tour of the Florence Cathedral Museum and Brunelleschi’s Dome, VIP access to a private terrace, enjoy scenic views of Florence
- Inclusions: Local guide, skip-the-line Duomo ticket, dome climb
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
In every picture of the Florence skyline, there is always one structure that stands out from the rest and that’s Brunelleschi’s Dome. On this VIP tour, you will get to climb up to the top of the Dome and experience incredible views all over Florence and the Tuscan region.
The view from here is known as “the greatest view in Florence” for good reason. Get your camera ready for some epic pictures!
We love that this tour includes skip-the-line tickets to the Duomo (the Cathedral that Brunelleschi’s Dome is part of) so that you don’t waste any precious time in line. You will have an expert guide with you the entire time as you tour the Duomo Museum and Brunelleschi’s Dome. And what makes this tour truly VIP is you get to visit one of the Cathedral’s private terraces, which is normally closed to the public!
It’s important to note that the climb up to the top of the dome is 463 steps, so only those with good mobility will be able to climb up. The Cathedral also has a dress code, so make sure your shoulders and knees are covered during your visit.
This VIP access tour has almost 900 5-star reviews, so you can rest assured you’ll be getting the best experience.
The tour only operates on Monday and Saturday, so make sure you book in advance here!
7. Save Your Feet and Tour the City in a Rickshaw
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 9 am to 9 pm
- Highlights: Private rickshaw tour through Florence’s historic center, see top sights like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, enjoy local insights and hotel pickup, perfect for a relaxed, scenic experience
- Inclusions: Local guide, your comfy rickshaw, plenty of jokes and fun facts, hotel pickup (select hotels)
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 620+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Florence is one of the most walkable cities in Italy, but if you’re looking for a more relaxing way to see the sights, this private rickshaw tour is a total game changer. We did this ride on a warm afternoon and loved every minute of it. No sore feet, no crowded buses, just one iconic view after another!
Our guide, Stefano, picked us up right from our hotel and was a real fountain of local knowledge. We were gliding past the Duomo, catching glimpses of Ponte Vecchio, and winding through quieter alleys where the crowds thinned out and the atmosphere felt nothing less than ‘Florentine’.
Because it’s a private tour, everything moves at your pace. We stopped for photos, grabbed a quick gelato, and even paused at one of the quieter piazzas just to soak in the scenery. The rickshaw itself was surprisingly comfortable and shaded, which made a big difference in the midday heat. With that said, there are so many time slots available throughout the day, so this is a really flexible tour.
This is a fantastic option if you’re short on time, visiting with family, or just want to experience Florence in a way that feels easy and special. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and one of the most charming ways to discover the city.
Check availability and reserve your Rickshaw experience online here!
8. Visit Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre
- Duration: 13 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Explore the 5 villages of Cinque Terre on foot, choose to hike between the villages or take the train, get epic views of the Italian Riviera on a boat ride
- Inclusions: Professional guide, transportation, entry ticket to Cinque Terre National Park, Riviera boat ride
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 7,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre (AKA Cinque Terre National Park) is a protected area in Northern Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s made up of 5 colorful seaside villages built on the hillside and I think it’s a must-see when visiting Italy!
Luckily, Cinque Terre is located only 2 hours from Florence and this full-day tour will take you there on a day trip. You can choose the transport-only option, but I highly recommend doing the full guided tour.
There are two options for the guided tour: you can either hike between the villages or you can take the train. When I went, we did the hike and I had a blast! It was a 3.4-mile (5.5-km) route that was moderately challenging with some steps, uphill sections, and uneven terrain. But it was worth it for the incredible views along the way!
If the hike sounds a bit too challenging, book the option to take the train between villages. It’s also lovely and you’ll get free time to enjoy all of the shops that the different villages have.
No matter what option you select, the day ends with a boat ride through the Italian Riviera to the village of Riomaggiore, which is known for its brightly colored houses. The boat ride is weather dependent though, so if this option isn’t available on the day of your tour you will take the train instead.
We thought the guided tour was well worth it (so do the thousands of others who left it a 5-star review!). Make sure you book in advance because this tour is likely to sell out!
Book this incredible Cinque Terre day trip here to secure your spot!
9. Tour the Countryside on a Vespa
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 8:20 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Ride a Vespa through Tuscany, take in the views of Florence from many vantage points, admire the Basilica San Miniato al Monte, visit Galileo’s old estate for lunch and wine
- Inclusions: Single or double Vespa, helmet, radio, tour guide, lunch with wine, insurance, fuel
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 3,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
It doesn’t get more Italian than riding around Italy on a Vespa! I did this 6-hour tour of the countryside on my last visit to Florence and was truly living out my Lizzie McGuire dreams!
Our guide was so much fun and made sure everyone was comfortable riding before we took off through the streets of Florence. Before long, we were riding up the hills to amazing viewpoints such as the Basilica San Miniato al Monte, one of the highest points in all of Florence. Next, it was off to the countryside to visit Galileo’s country estate where we had a delicious meal and glass of wine.
I love that we were provided headsets and two-way radios so that we could communicate with our guide the entire time. You can also choose between a double Vespa or a single Vespa when booking, which is a nice option (I prefer to let Dan drive, while I relax on the back!).
The tour runs every day except Sunday and tends to book up pretty far in advance, which doesn’t surprise me considering it has over 3,000 5-star reviews!
If you’re ready to see Italy in style, book your Vespa tour here!
Related Read: Need some help planning the perfect Florence trip? Check out our detailed 3-day itinerary to get the insider scoop on all the must-see spots and best restaurants!
10. Learn to Cook Authentic Italian Pizza
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am, 3 pm, 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Learn to make your own pizza and gelato from scratch, sample a variety of different pizza and gelato flavors, sip on unlimited wine
- Inclusions: Professional chef, all ingredients, lunch or dinner, unlimited wine, graduation certificate, recipe booklet
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I don’t know about you, but when I think about Italian food my mind automatically thinks of pizza and gelato, and that’s exactly what you get to make during this 3-hour cooking class led by a professional chef!
Before you get started on your own creations, the chef will share some important history about Italian pizza and let you sample some of the variations from different regions. This should help you determine what type of flavors you want on your own pizza. Don’t worry, you really can’t go wrong!
Next, comes the gelato lesson (my favorite part!). You’ll learn how gelato differentiates from regular ice cream and get to try a bunch of different samples for dessert.
Oh, and did I mention that wine is unlimited during this cooking class? That’s right, you’ll get to sip on some delicious vino while making (and enjoying) your creations.
If this sounds like your kind of tour, make sure you reserve your spot in advance, because spots do tend to fill up.
Read the glowing reviews and secure your spot here!
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
Now that you have your Florence itinerary all planned out, you need somewhere wonderful to stay! There are tons of options in Florence, whether you want a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay, and whether you want to be in a historic, trendy, or off the beaten path area. I’ll leave a few recommendations below to narrow down your search.
Luxury – $$$
Located in the historic center of the city, the Donati Luxury Tower Suites is a stunning historic building. It’s been renovated into a 5-star hotel, and the design will have you never wanting to leave the hotel! Some rooms have views of the Duomo, and you can choose between deluxe rooms or suites – but everything will be of the highest quality!
Prices reflect this luxury, starting at €420. Check availability and reserve this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Porta Faenza is a moderately priced hotel in the old district, walkable to many local hot spots and main tourist sights. It’s also walkable to the train station, so you can get all around Florence! The rooms are quirky, cozy, and historic, making for a charming stay. You can book rooms for one to five people, ranging from €150 to €380.
Check availability and and book this room on Booking.com.
Budget – $
You don’t have to sacrifice your budget to stay in the historic part of Florence. B&B Lorenzo&Lorenzo Vol.2 is a lovely, quaint hotel situated in the historic district. The rooms are simple, but comfortable and clean, and it’s a relaxed environment. Prices start at €65 and reach €180 during the busy time of year.
Reserve this stay on Booking.com.
To see even more options, check out all the hotels in Florence here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Florence, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Florence is an amazing Italian city and I hope our list will help you make the most of your time here! We loved exploring Florence and trying out some of the amazing tours here. It’s well worth it to plan ahead – even just to skip the lines at some of the most popular attractions!
Whether you’re touring Europe or planning another adventure, check out all our blogs here! We’ve been traveling the world for years to build up a collection of travel tips and inspiration to help you out.
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