Florence is one of those gorgeous Italian cities that needs little introduction. It’s the kinda city that’s perfect to visit on a trip across Italy and one place I’m almost certain you’ll want to go back to. That’s the thing about it, there so many incredible and the best things to do in Florence that one trip just isn’t enough.
That being said, holiday time is precious and although you might not be able to see everything on your first trip, you can surely give it a good go. This is why I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Florence on your trip to the city.
1.) Gorge on a Florentine Steak
No first-time visit to Florence can be completed without devouring a steak Florentine. It’s easily one of the biggest and best things to do in Florence if you’re not a vegetarian. For obvious reasons, if you are a veggie, you might wanna give this one a miss.
For one of the best Florentine steaks in the city, pop on over to Bucca Mario where you’ll be whisked away into the centuries-old restaurant that sits in the historic part of Venice. They serve up the tastiest Florentine steak.
Just remember, the Florentine Steak is rare in the middle, so consider this before ordering if you don’t like more rare-cooked meals.
Also, skip the first course! There’s no way you’ll be able to get through a steak Florentine and eat the first course at the same sitting. We tried this steak twice and failed miserably both times.
That being said, if you’re wanting to head to some of the best Tuscan vineyards, then book this gorgeous wine tour directly from Florence. You’ll get to visit two beautiful wineries within the Chianti Hills – it’s bliss.
2.) Stroll across Ponte Vecchio
This unique bridge is one of the oldest in Florence and possibly the most recognisable bridge in Italy. Filled with little shops and stalls, the market is a bustling place with visitors, so expect big crowds.
That being said, it’s one of the best things to do in Florence if you haven’t been before. Just make sure to wander the banks of the river Arno, too. You’ll get some impressive views of Ponte Vecchio from there.
With almost a thousand years of history, Ponte Vecchio is a must-see.
3.) Dine Like a Tuscan
Okay, so Florence is known for its tasty food and little independent restaurants that are dotted all across the city. And you know what, that’s one of the many reasons why I love Florence… the food!
Being a foodie’s dream city, there are literally thousands of places to gorge in the city. For a proper informal, but totally tasty spot, head over to La Bussola. It’s an intimate Florentine pizzeria and seafood haunt where you can actually sit with the chef cooking right in front of you. It’s such a great place to spend an evening after exploring all the best things to do in Florence.
Oh, and don’t forget to ask them about their Tuscan wines. They know so much about wines of the region.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a few more spots, head over to; Le Cappelle Medicee (for their tasty pasta), Ristorante Brandolino ( a traditional bistro) or B.O.r.G.O. (for their regional meals). You won’t be disappointed.
4.) Stroll through Piazza della Signoria
Florence has a lot of gorgeous piazzas to explore, but there are some that really stand out. Piazza della Signoria is one of those!
It’s easily one of the best things to do in Florence if you love history and want to see a little slice of the city’s past. Plus, you’ll be able to see Palazzo Vecchio right from the Piazza itself.
Now, the piazza itself is filled with statues, so keep your eyes peeled for these.
Some to look out for are the 500-year-old Fountain of Neptune, Perseus with the head of Medusa and Michelangelo’s David (which is a replica). Though, the latter is a replica, with the original housed inside the Accademia Galleries.
That being said, if art is your thing, you have to book these tickets to the Uffizi gallery which is right by the piazza. Inside, you’ll get to see original works by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and so many more.
You’ll get a timed entry with these tickets, so there’ll be no needless time wasted in queues.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for a small sign showing where the execution site of Savonarola happened and the fire of the Vanities. Gruesome.
5.) Climb Giotto’s Campanile
Take a wander around (and inside) Giotto’s Campanile that has stood in Florence for many hundreds of years. After all, it’s one of the most recognised and best things to do in Florence that you can’t really miss.
To make sure you get inside, book these incredible tickets to explore all the gorgeous spots within the Duomo itself.
AYou’ll be taken on a totally informative guided tour of the Baptistery, and get to explore the Cathedral. Plus, it will also give you access to, climb Giotto’s Belltower for some of the best views in Florence.
The tower itself is situated right next to the Florence Cathedral and is only a stone’s throw from the bustling Piazza della Signoria.
This makes it really easy to see whilst seeing the Uffizi gallery.
There are about 400-450 steps to get to the top (and no lift), so make sure you’re feeling fit before attempting the steps.
That being said, the views from the top are incredible! Plus, you’ll have worked off enough calories for a massive gelato after.
Oh, and don’t forget to keep a lookout for the hexagon panels around the base, it tells the story of mankind through the ages.