Looking for ideas on Florence things to see top 10 free or paid?
The moment I visited Florence, I fell in love.
There are just so many things to see in Florence because of its rich history, stunning architecture, art, and, of course, I have to mention Florence’s food!
So if you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to Florence soon, here’s my list of my Florence things to see Top 10 both free and paid, because Florence is for every kind of traveller, no matter what your budget is!
Don’t have time to read it all? Here are the top 5 day trips and tours in Florence that we recommend.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Our Florence Things to See Top 10
The Florence Cathedral (The Duomo) - Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning when it opens (10:15 am–3:45 pm) to avoid crowds. Book a guided tour to go earlier which we recommend.
The Florence Cathedral, with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, is a must-see and should be the first stop on your Florence trip. The intricate facade and the grandeur of the cathedral are breathtaking. If you take a close look at the cathedral, you’ll notice the small pieces of marble and stone covering it.
Entry to the cathedral itself is free, but climbing the dome or bell tower requires a ticket. I would recommend pre-booking your Duomo climb here as it tends to sell out.
Ponte Vecchio - Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid tourist crowds and capture the best photos.
This historic bridge over the Arno River is famous for its picturesque views and unique shops. Strolling across Ponte Vecchio allows you to soak in the scenery and, of course, do a little shopping at the jewellery shops that line the bridge.
👉 Read Next: Tips for Hiring a Car and Driving in Italy
Piazzale Michelangelo - Free
Best Time to Visit: Sunset for a spectacular view of Florence in golden light.
This is one of the best panoramic views of Florence. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view is worth it. This is a great spot to capture the sunset over the city.
Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower - Paid (From €15)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning right when it opens (8:15 AM) to avoid the crowds.
For a small fee, you can climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, which offers spectacular views of the city and the Duomo. It’s a 414-step climb, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Centrale - Free to browse
Best Time to Visit: Morning when the market opens (7:00 AM) for the freshest produce and fewer crowds.
Here you can experience the local culture at San Lorenzo Market, where you can browse through delicious Tuscan food such as cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh pasta. Don’t miss the Mercato Centrale, where you can sample delicious Tuscan food.
The Uffizi Gallery - Paid (€20)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (opens at 8:15 AM) or late afternoon to avoid peak times.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Pre-book your tickets to avoid long lines and enjoy the extensive art collection. This gallery gets busy so we recommend Skip The Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entry Ticket.
The Accademia Gallery - Paid (€12)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (opens at 8.15AM) or late afternoon.
Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, one of the most iconic sculptures in history. The gallery also houses other important works of art from the Renaissance period, making it a must-visit. Definitely pre book times skip the line tickets as this sells out.
Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace - Paid (From €10)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds (especially in summer).
Explore the beautiful Boboli Gardens, a historic park behind the Pitti Palace. The gardens are an open-air museum, filled with sculptures, fountains, and lovely green spaces. The Pitti Palace itself is worth a visit for its art collections and royal apartments. You can reserve your skip the line ticket here.
The Basilica di Santa Croce - Paid (€8)
Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon to avoid tour groups.
Known as the Temple of Italian Glories, the Basilica di Santa Croce houses the tombs of famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. However, the church itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and offers a serene atmosphere. I could just keep staring at it!
Historic City Squares - Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the busiest times.
Florence’s piazzas are the heart of its social life. Visit Piazza della Signoria, home to the impressive Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazza del Duomo, where you can marvel at the cathedral and baptistery. These squares offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Bonus Activities
Wine Tour through Tuscany
Price: Varies (approx. €50-€150)
Best Time to Visit: Morning or afternoon, depending on the tour schedule.
Florence is the perfect base for exploring the Tuscan countryside. Book a wine tour to visit local vineyards, taste world-class wines, and enjoy the scenic landscapes. It’s a delightful way to experience the flavours and beauty of Tuscany. Book this Wine Tour here.
👉 If you’ve thought about renting a Vespa in Florence, here’s what my experience was like.
Vespa Ride through the Tuscan Hills
Price: Varies (approx. €90-€150)
Best Time to Visit: Morning for a full-day adventure.
For an unforgettable experience, rent a Vespa and ride through the picturesque Tuscan hills. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to see the countryside and discover charming villages. This was one of my favourite activities in Florence, and I really got to experience Tuscany’s stunning landscapes. Book the vespa tour I recommend here.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Florence
How Many Days Do You Need in Florence?
Florence is a city rich in history and art, so plan your time wisely. I would recommend at least three days to explore the main attractions. However, if you’re short on time, definitely prioritize the Duomo, Accademia Gallery to see the Statue of David and a stroll through the historic centre.
Where to Stay in Florence
Florence has a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Staying in the historic old town allows easy access to major attractions and is perfect if you are short on time. Plus, you’ll be able to walk to everything there. While I was in Florence I stayed at Hotel Silla and loved it.
Where I stayed in Florence
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Silla in Florence.
Where to Stay in Florence?
Hotel Silla ⭐⭐⭐, 8.7 rating
Hotel Lungarno ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 rating
Hotel Calimala ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating
Is the Firenze Card Worth It?
The Firenze Card offers access to many of the city’s museums and attractions, plus skip-the-line benefits. It’s really only worth it if you plan to visit several sites in a short period. You can get your Firenze Care here.
How to Get to Florence
You can get to Florence by car, plane, or train. The Santa Maria Novella station is centrally located with lots of connections to other major cities in Italy, making it the most popular option. I personally drove to Florence, and I loved having a car to visit the rest of Tuscany.
Do You Need Cash in Florence?
While credit cards are widely accepted, I would recommend carrying some cash for small purchases, market shopping, and tips. If you don’t have cash, that’s okay—ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city.
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