Is Florence Worth Visiting In 2025? 19 Reasons To Visit & Best Things To Do

Florence is my favorite city in Italy. As a tour manager guiding US travel groups through Europe, I’ve visited most of the places in Italy, including Florence at least 5 times. It’s still at the top of the list of must-cities to visit in Italy. So you already have the answer: YES – Florence is 100% worth visiting.

In this article, I’ll give you insider tips into what you need to visit in Florence, and how to organize your stay from my first-hand experience.

Let’s plan your visit to Florence together!

Is Florence Worth Visiting? Answered!

Yes, Florence is absolutely worth visiting! Florence (Firenze in Italian), located in the Tuscan region of Italy, is worth visiting for its iconic art, history, UNESCO sites, amazing shopping (especially authentic leather goods), cobblestone streets and charm, plus the food (delicious focaccia) and drinks!

From the Uffizi Gallery and the famous Statue of David to the Ponte Vecchio and Duomo, to all the free outdoor statues and fountains, to the gelato, pizza, and negronis, you’ll spend your time in Florence marveling at everything!

19 Reasons To Visit Florence & Best Things To Do

There are so many reasons to visit Florence that make it worth your time, and we’re about to go through them all so you can get an idea of what to expect and plan for your trip!

From the views you’ll be reaching for your phone or camera to photograph, to the history and art to enjoy, to the food and drinks, to the nightlife and even nearby spots, everyone can find things to enjoy in this amazing city. Here we go!

1. Admire Stunning Architecture

Florence is especially known for its iconic Renaissance architectural innovation. The quintessential landmark is the Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which dominates the skyline and is even more impressive up close – don’t miss touring this amazing landmark!

Other must-see architecture to admire includes the Palazzo Vecchio, the Giotto’s Campanile, the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and more sites.

Florence is a walkable city, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of the street layouts and everyday buildings, as well as the major sites!

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets to the iconic Duomo here (there is always a big line so it’s necessary).

2. Learn About The History

Florence was founded as a Roman city in 59 BCE, and eventually grew from a Roman settlement into the cradle of the Renaissance. Even in the Middle Ages, the city had become powerful and wealthy. The strategic location on the Arno River is to thank for its importance in trade and communication with the outside world.

The Renaissance occurred after the Middle Ages and marked the rebirth of art, culture, and education across Europe. Florence’s contribution to the arts and sciences played a pivotal role in this, and you can still see the effects today when you visit!

One of the most important families in Florence’s significance to the Renaissance was the Medici family. They were bankers and political leaders who were at the forefront of supporting artists and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei, as well as groundbreaking advancements in banking and commerce that led to today’s economic system.

After the Medici period, Florence continued to thrive in the midst of upheavals and even being ruled by foreign powers. It continued to be a center of art, education, and innovation.

Today, Florence is a living museum, and the historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

3. See Beautiful Art

You can’t take a trip to Florence without seeing art – seriously, even if you’re not interested in visiting a gallery – you’ll see it displayed proudly all over the streets in the form of statues and fountains! This was one of my favorite things upon arriving here, just going and taking photos with all of these.

Of course, there are also must-see art galleries that house invaluable collections of art that span centuries!

The Uffizi Gallery is the most famous, known for works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. The Accademia Gallery is also one of the most famous, known best for Michelangelo’s David, but also for the many other statues and artworks inside.

The Palazzo Pitti shows works from the Renaissance through the modern era in multiple galleries that include the Palatine Gallery and Modern Art Gallery, and the Bargello Museum has more Renaissance sculpture that includes works by Donatello and Luca della Robbia.

If you want to keep going, smaller galleries include the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, with the art and sculpture of the famous Cathedral, and the Museo Horne, among others!

➡ Book your tickets to Uffizi Gallery here.

➡ Book your tickets to see Michelangelo’s David here.

➡ Book your tickets to Palazzo Pitti here.

4. Join A Cooking Class

Florence is known for its cuisine, which comes from the “cucina povera” tradition. This tradition focuses on simplicity and making amazing, hearty dishes out of just a few high-quality ingredients, such as unsalted bread, extra-virgin olive oil, meats, and herbs.

Some of the most well-known dishes include:

🍕 Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak
🍕 Ribollita – a hearty soup with bread, beans, and vegetables
🍕 Pairing wine with meals, especially Chianti

When you visit Florence, eating the food is one of the best experiences. 

You can take it even further with a cooking class, which is available in informal local kitchens or courses offered by culinary institutes.

You’ll learn how to cook the meals, but even more importantly, you’ll be able to learn about the philosophy behind the traditions. You’ll also get a memorable experience to remember Florence by!

➡ I recommend joining this cooking class in Florence.

5. Taste Delicious Food

As mentioned before, Florence is a place to make sure to try the local food, and there are so many dishes to put on your list! Here they are:

🍕 Bistecca alla Fiorentina, mentioned earlier: try it at Trattoria Dall’Oste.

🍕 Focaccia: a flatbread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with rosemary or sage, doused in olive oil and sea salt. Florence takes it to the next level as they add different toppings you can choose from, including prosciutto, truffle, mozzarella, and more. You can’t leave Florence without eating delicious focaccia in All’Antico Vinaio shop.

🍕 Ribollita, mentioned earlier, and Pappa al Pomodoro, which is a thick, savory tomato and bread soup: try these at Osteria dell’Enoteca.

🍦 Artisan gelato – there are many gelaterias to choose from! Must-try spots include Gelateria La Carraia and Gelateria dei Neri, which are known for their innovative and classic flavors.

6. Enjoy The Views At Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo, designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1869, is the best viewpoint in Florence! You’ll get panoramic views here of the city, so make sure to bring your camera.

Along with the views, the square has replicas of sculptures by Michelangelo, including the David, so you can get photos of it with the amazing backdrop! You’ll be able to see the Arno River, the Duomo, and the iconic red-tiled roofs of the city.

To get to the Piazzale Michelangelo, you can walk from the city center through Florence, which takes 20-30 minutes and has some steep areas.

You can also take a bus like the 12 or 13 from various places in the city, which is less direct but you’ll avoid the hiking. Other options include biking or driving – there is parking available at the piazza.

7. Go Wine-Tasting

Florence is a gateway to Tuscany, one of the best wine-growing regions in the world. So not only can you taste delicious wine in the city, but you can also make a day trip to the countryside and enjoy traditional wine-tasting experience.

I highly recommend joining this wine-tasting tours from Florence. The best thing about them is that you’ll be transported to and from the venue and can enjoy the tasting (not having to drive).

My favorite place to go wine tasting from Florence is the Chianti region, particularly Castello Verrazzano. Afterward, you can visit a cute town called Greve in Chianti and return to Florence on the same day.

If you are looking for some places to taste local wine in the city center. In that case, I recommend checking out Antica Bottega Wine Tasting or Tuscan Taste Florence.

➡ Join this wine tasting tour to Chianti region from Florence.

8. Make Day Trips To Tuscany

Florence is a great spot to have as a base for visiting other places in Tuscany. Tuscany is known for its picturesque landscapes with rolling hills and vineyards, rich history with medieval towns, and cuisine (including wine).

Rent a car in Florence and visit some of the following places:

✅ SIENA is one of the best places to visit on a day trip. It’s around an hour’s drive from Florence and is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities to explore! It’s home to the famous Piazza del Campo, which is where the Palio horse race is held, as well as the Duomo di Siena.

✅ SAN GIMIGNANO is another must-visit town, with a skyline that hasn’t changed since the Middle Ages – you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time here with the medieval towers (it’s known as the “Town of Fine Towers”). You’ll enjoy exploring the cobblestone streets, tasting the award-winning gelato, and visiting the local wineries to try the Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine.

✅ PISA is a town most people know for the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and it’s just a day trip away from Florence! Beyond the tower, Pisa has the Piazza dei Miracoli, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and more places to see.

✅ CHIANTI REGION, which is located between Florence and Siena, so you can stop en route if you have time. This is Italy’s wine country, full of vineyards and olive groves, where you can go wine tasting, explore ancient castles, and find amazing cuisine in a photo-worthy landscape. I recommend stopping in Castello Verrazzano and Greve in Chianti.

✅ LUCCA is another site with well-preserved Renaissance walls, a historic center, quaint streets, gardens, and churches. It’s known for being the birthplace of many famous composers and also has the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, the Guinigi Tower, and the Cathedral of San Martino to explore.

9. Enjoy Great Nightlife

Florence is a great spot to enjoy nightlife. There are clubs and bars throughout the city (not as many as in the big cities, though), and you’ll find most people at bars rather than clubs here.

Some of the best places to go for nightlife in Florence include Tenax, Space Club (that’s where I always take my American tours), and Flo, which are clubs (discoteca in Italian – if you ask for a club, you might be pointed to the wrong kind); and Rex Cafe, Mad Souls & Spirits Bar, The Lion’s Fountain, and Piccolo (all bars).

The main strip in Florence for nightlife is the Via dei Benci. Another popular spot is the Piazza Santo Spirito, which features a lot of singing.

10. Explore The Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapels are the mausoleum for the Medici family (mentioned earlier – they were the most influential family in Florence).

The chapels, located at the Basilica of San Lorenzo, house some of Michelangelo’s sculptures in the New Sacristy, which are made from marble. You’ll be able to learn more about the Medici family as well as spending time admiring the art.

11. Shop At The San Lorenzo Market

The San Lorenzo Market is the heart of Florentine life, with produce, artisan crafts and more. You can find everything from local ingredients (to cook at your hostel or Airbnb) to unique souvenirs here.

Inside, there’s the Mercato Centrale that has food stalls, where you can watch traditional Tuscan dishes being prepared before you try them!

12. Relax At The Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens are a beautiful site to visit, and you can get a chance to relax and get some peace in the middle of your trip! These gardens are famous for their amazing landscaping and collection of sculptures from the 16th-18th centuries.

They’re located behind the Pitti Palace and have amazing views of Florence, so you can get some great photos here, too!

The entry to the gardens isn’t free, you’ll have to get tickets (I recommend skip-the-line tickets as for everything else in Florence, due to the crowds).

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets to the Boboli Gardens here.

13. Listen To The Florentine Opera

For more culture, you can attend a Florentine opera at the Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze, which is known for its outstanding productions of classic and contemporary operas.

You can check the current program on their website here. Make sure to make a booking in advance.

14. Shop For Authentic Leather Products

Florence is famous for its high-quality leather, a tradition that goes back to the medieval guilds. You can find everything from handbags to jackets to belts (I bought a mini backpack that I use daily!). 

Head to the historic Santa Croce district, home to the famous Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School), to watch the art of leather crafting and possibly buy something here. 

You can also find leather goods in the San Lorenzo Market or the shops lining the Ponte Vecchio. Just make sure to get the highest quality, locally-made leather goods!

15. Immerse Yourself In A Fresco Painting Workshop

Florence has fresco painting workshops that allow you to learn about the traditional technique of fresco painting, which was used throughout the years, including the Renaissance. This will also give you a fun souvenir to take home!

16. Visit Synagogue & Jewish Museum

Florence’s synagogue, built in 1882 with its notable green dome and Moorish architecture (it’s one of the most beautiful in Italy), and the neighboring museum is a must-visit!

You can book a tour and learn about the Jewish community of Florence, as well as see the amazing interior of the synagogue and photo-worthy views of the city’s roofs. There are multiple exhibits and events throughout the year.

➡ Book a ticket to visit Synagoge & Jewish Museum here.

17. Discover The Origins Of Negroni

Florence is the birthplace of the Negroni cocktail, and sipping on one is a must-do if you drink!

The story behind this: Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail by replacing the soda water with gin. Caffè Giacosa1815 Firenze is the place where this iconic cocktail is believed to have originated, so if you can, I recommend trying it here.

18. Visit Officina Profumo – Santa Maria Novella

The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is the oldest pharmacy still operating in the world! It was founded by Dominican friars in the early 13th century and is like a museum with ancient frescoes and intricate woodwork. 

The outside architecture is beautiful. You can enter the shop free of charge, where you can find artisanal products like handcrafted soaps, fragrances, and herbal teas. It’s super cool walking through the building. 

There is even a room with a video show you can enter – it feels like a different world. Visiting Officina Profumo was truly one of the most unique activities I’ve ever done in Florence.

19. Attend Seasonal Events & Festivals

Florence hosts events and festivals throughout the year, so if you’re in town during one of the following, it’s definitely worth visiting! These include:

👉 The Calcio Storico: a traditional football match played in medieval costumes.

👉 The Scoppio del Carro is an Easter celebration in which a cart packed with fireworks is ignited to symbolize peace and prosperity.

👉 The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino: One of the oldest and most prestigious music festivals in Italy, offering a wide range of opera, classical music performances, and ballet throughout May and June.

👉 Festa di San Giovanni: Celebrated on June 24th, this festival honors Florence’s patron saint, John the Baptist, with parades, a historic regatta on the Arno River, and a spectacular fireworks display.

👉 The Florence Wine Event: Held in the picturesque setting of the Giardino Corsini, this event typically occurs in September. At this event, wine enthusiasts can taste and learn about a wide selection of wines from Tuscany and beyond.

👉 The Rificolona Festival: On September 7th, this traditional event features a procession of children carrying colorful paper lanterns through the city streets, culminating in Piazza Santissima Annunziata.

👉 The Florence Biennale is an international event dedicated to promoting contemporary art. It brings together artists from all over the world to exhibit their work in various disciplines.

👉 The Christmas Markets: During December, Florence transforms with festive lights and Christmas markets, mainly in Piazza Santa Croce, where stalls sell a variety of crafts, gifts, and holiday treats.

👉 READ ALSO: Magical European Christmas Markets By Train: Full Itinerary

Practical Tips For Visiting Florence

My first time in Florence was amazing, and I know it will be the same for you – especially since you know all the best information to plan your trip and know what to expect! The city is filled with art, history, amazing food, and drinks, and experiences you won’t forget.

Here are some more practical tips to help you plan, from when to visit to getting around, where to stay, and more:

How Many Days In Florence Are Enough?

I recommend giving it a minimum of 3 day to fully experience all that Florence has to offer,  That will allow you time to explore the major landmarks and museums while also leaving time for unexpected discoveries.

Sit down and enjoy the cuisine while soaking up the atmosphere! You can also add a day or more for wandering around aimlessly, adding more shopping time, and taking day trips through the Tuscan countryside to the towns I’ve mentioned in this post!

Best Time To Visit Florence

The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons, which are spring (April-June) and fall (September-October). 

These times have the best weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, and the best blooms or fall colors! You’ll also be able to catch more events and festivals during these months.

How To Get To Florence

You can get to Florence by plane, train and car. The closest airport is Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport), a short drive from the city center. There are regular bus and taxi services available for transfers.

You can also fly to Pisa International Airport, which has more international connections but is an hour away by train.

💡 PRO TIP: Flights to Florence are often slightly more expensive than to other major Italian cities like Milan and Rome. If you’re on a budget, you can also book a flight to Rome and then take a bus or a train to Florence. It’ll be more affordable.

➡ Book your flights to Florence & nearby airports via Expedia here.

The main train station is Santa Maria Novella, a high-speed train hub from major Italian cities (I came to this station because I was already in Italy, and then I took public transportation from there).

➡ Book your train tickets to Florence via Trainline here.

If you’re on a budget, Flixbus is a great bus company in Europe that will also take you to Florence.

If you’re driving, you can rent a car and several parking areas outside the city are connected by public transportation options.

➡ Rent a car to explore Florence & surrouding areas (Tuscany) here.

How To Get Around Florence

Florence is a very walkable city! Most attractions are close enough to walk from one to the other. I always walk everywhere when I’m in Florence. And if it starts getting hot, I get into the closest gelato shop, get some delicious gelato, cool off, and continue exploring.

For longer distances or if you don’t want to or are unable to walk, Florence offers great public transportation with buses and trams, plus taxis and ride-sharing services.

You can also rent a bike and explore that way.

Where To Stay In Florence

The best areas to stay in Florence include the city center, which is around the Duomo; Oltranrno, and Santa Croce. These are the best for touring and the safest areas to stay in.

They offer easy access to major sites, many close dining options and proximity to daily life of locals in Florence!

I recommend booking the following hotels in Florence:

🔆 Hotel Pendini – budget-friendly – check availability and prices here
🔆 L’Aranceto Guest House – budget-friendly – check availability and prices here
🔆 Hotel Rapallo – mid-range hotel – check availability and prices here
🔆 Room Mate Luca – mid-range hotel – check availability and prices here
🔆 Palazzo Castri 1874 – luxury hotel – check availability and prices here
🔆 Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – luxury hotel – check availability and prices here

Is Florence Safe To Visit?

Florence is generally safe to visit for tourists and has a low crime rate. Of course, as with any tourist destination, petty crime happens (like pickpocketing), so make sure to use standard precautions, especially in crowded areas. The police are tourist-friendly, and you’ll feel safe and enjoy your time exploring!

Use your common sense, keep your bags closed, and don’t walk around with valuables. You’ll be fine. Florence feels the safest out of all the cities in Italy to me, so you don’t have to be worried.

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Is Florence Expensive?

Florence can be expensive, depending on your budget and choices. It is more expensive than some places for accommodations, dining out and attractions, especially in peak seasons like summer, and in the city center. 

As a mid-range traveler, plan to spend around $70 per day in Florence, including accommodation, food & drinks, and admission tickets.

You can visit Florence on a budget and see free sites like Piazza della Signoria, eating at budget-friendly places, and using combo tickets for museums and galleries. Also make sure to book accommodations early for the lowest prices!

As a budget traveler, you can easily spend as little as $25 in Florence per day.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about Florence for you. Check my answers below:

Is Florence Worth Visiting For A Day?

Yes, Florence is absolutely worth visiting, even just for a day! You can choose a few key sites to check out like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery, enjoy the free sculptures, views and architecture surrounding you, and make sure to eat the amazing food and hydrate!

Is Florence Better To Visit Than Rome?

Florence is better than Rome (in my opinion). It has more charm than Rome. But, which one you enjoy most will depend on your individual interests.

Florence is smaller and a haven for art lovers and Renaissance enthusiasts. At the same time, Rome is a much bigger city with many historical sites and museums from ancient times, including the Renaissance through the modern day.

Both cities are worth visiting for their own reasons!

Is Florence A Walkable City?

Yes, Florence is extremely walkable, with most of the major sites, restaurants, bars, and shops located in short distances from each other.

The historical center is relatively flat, so it’s easy to explore on foot, and you’ll be able to appreciate all the amazing architecture, ambiance, and views up close and in person!

WRAP-UP: Is Florence Worth Visiting?

This is Florence in its full beauty. As I mentioned throughout the post, don’t waste a second thinking about whether you should visit it. Read this guide, start planning, pack your bags, and set off to explore this wonderful city. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as much as I do every year when I come back. And don’t forget to eat the focaccia sandwich in the All’Antico Vinaio shop (it’s unforgettable).

If you have any questions or need help planning your travel itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

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