We know it's almost impossible to condense the things to do in Florence in a list of 10! You would need at least a couple of days to fully enjoy the city, visit most museums and neighborhoods and to REALLY get a taste of the city, the vibes that locals breathe everyday!
1. The Oltrarno
This ultra-professional walking tour kicks off in the historic Piazza Santo Spirito. It's best for those wanting to learn more about Florence's artisans—the craftsmanship and skill that's in danger of disappearing—rather than folks hoping to shop for international fashion brands. Groups are small, since it's a private tour, and you have to book yours in advance.
One of the more beautiful and tranquil squares in Florence, Piazza Santo Spirito is an expansive square taking up the entire block. Its early Renaissance architecture may mean less flair than other buildings in the city, but its wow factor is unmistakable, thanks to a unique combination of fresh air, serenity, and overall vibes. Let your eyes unfocus for a second, and you'll feel like you've jumped back into the years of the Medici rule. At the antique market you can browse for cheap, cheerful impulse trinket, or invest a few hours—and a few more euros—in something you really cherish.
3. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi, an illustrious collection of who's who in priceless Renaissance art, is a Florence must-see. Plus, thanks to the progressive curatorial investment by director Eike Schmidt, the Uffizi is upgrading its experience with temporary exhibitions, a virtual gallery , fantastic instagram presence, and a passepartour for access to all three museums: Gli Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, and Giardino di Boboli. Schmidt continues to open doors, filling up 14 rooms with 105 previously warehoused works from 16th and 17th century painters including Titian and Tintoretto. This continues the Uffizi’s trend of showing off the very best of the Renaissance, as it did with its Room 41, dubbed the Raphael and Michelangelo Room, which focuses on the artistic exchanges between the two masters. You should also know that this is a timed-entry reservation system.
Housed in a ravishing vaulted space—formerly the stables of a grand Renaissance-era palazzo—this shop has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance. Once you're through the modest doorway, you'll find yourself immersed in the sensual fantasy world of the legendary perfumery. Master perfumer Nicola Bianchi founded his business in Lucca before moving to this space in Florence’s Santa Croce neighborhood, the only outlet for his collections, which are all beautifully displayed in mahogany-and-glass cabinets or laid out on antique tables. It's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the olfactory nerve.
The setting for the Museum of Costume and Moda is the perfect example of Florentine elegance: 14 beautifully decorated rooms (damask-paneled walls, frescoed ceilings) in the Meridiana wing of the gorgeous 15th-century Pitti Palace complex. The Pitti Palace is unmistakable—everyone knows it—but for some reason this museum still feels like a secret known only to fashion insiders. The focus of the collection is Italian, so expect to learn all about Baroque formal wear while catching up on 1980s Armani and Versace, and contemporary Valentino.You can easily cruise through the 14 rooms and get a lot out of the museum in an hour.
The Medici Chapels are two beautiful buildings in the historic Basilica of San Lorenzo, which set the stage for the Renaissance. They're a great stop if you're short on time, a Michelangelo buff, or want to feel like a Medici prince or princess—even for an hour. The site is truly mind-blowing. They'll make you want to delve even further into the history of the Medici family and Michelangelo. Tickets, which cost €9 (about $10) and can be booked online or in person, are required.
Context Travel's private Galileo and Science tours are great for anyone interested in learning about the science of the Renaissance, and it's especially great for families with kids. Martino, the guide, is a professional, introspective academic, Dante scholar, and has a philosophy PhD who clearly loves Galileo—and his enthusiasm is infectious. The Renaissance is his playground, and he comes prepared, never dumbing down nor condescendingly responding to any questions. He is also passionate, professional, thoughtful, and witty.
8. Gucci Garden
Gucci creative director, Alessandro Michele, is always pushing the limits, and this time he blurs the lines between monument and merchant at Gucci Garden, an interactive complex where fashion, food, history, and art commingle. Located in the 14th-century Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence’s Piazza Signoria, Gucci Garden is Michele’s colorful journey through the Florentine fashion house’s past, present, and future. The multi-level boutique-slash-museum includes a store selling exclusive Gucci Garden designs, a gallery space with contemporary exhibitions, and a ground-floor restaurant by rockstar chef Massimo Bottura.
The Bell Tower is emblematic of the city of Florence. Looming over the Duomo at nearly 280 feet, the free-standing tower is considered the most eloquent example of 14th-century Gothic architecture in the city, one that happens to be visible from every vantage point. The views from the top are truly breathtaking; after 414 steps, you will be sweating and breathing deeply, but you'll have deemed the journey worth it.
Craft Cocktail and Aperitivo Tour of Florence kicks off at a given meeting point in Piazza della Repubblica or via dei Tornabuoni. The custom tours are private or for small groups and are tailored to your preferences—say, a particular liquor or cocktail—and are led by a team of sommeliers, culinary professionals and food historians. You'll visit multiple cafés and bars on foot. Though reservations are required, you can book as late as 24 hours in advance.
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