25+ Tips For Visiting Florence Italy

Looking to make the most out of your trip to Florence? Look no further!

As a stunning UNESCO-listed city and the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a popular tourist destination. To help you have the best visit, I’ve put together this list of must know tips and tricks for visiting Florence.

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I won’t be covering the basics like how to take the bus or order coffee or avoid pickpockets. Those have been covered extensively by others.

Instead, I’ll be providing you with the insider knowledge (based on many visits) on how to see the best of Florence in the most efficient way possible.

By following these tips and planning ahead, you’ll be able to skip lines, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time in Florence without missing out on anything important. So let’s dive in and start planning your perfect Florence itinerary!

READ: 3 Days in Florence Itinerary

Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery

Key Tips For Visiting Florence

Here are my 25+ useful tips and tricks for visiting Florence.

1. Book in Advance

The most important tip for Florence is to book tickets for the attractions you want to see well in advance.

In peak season, notoriously long queues plague many of Florence’s must see sights — especially the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia. In fact, as in Rome, you’ll find long lines all year long, not just in high season.

If you plan ahead, you can save hours of lining up. For Florence, you have to be organized; you can’t just casually turn up. To avoid disappointment or angst, book in advance.

You can book many tickets online in advance: the Uffizi, the Accademia, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Bargello Museum, the Pitti Palace, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Medici Chapel. That way, you enter via the pre-paid fast-track queue at a time of your choosing.

Neptune Fountain in the Boboli Gardens

2. Walk

Florence is small for a grand European city. You can easily walk everywhere. The major sites are clustered in the center. Everything is within 20 minutes, 30 minutes at most.

If you want to stretch your legs, you can hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo or San Miniato al Monte for views.

Or cross the Arno River. You may fall in love with the Santo Spirito and San Niccolo areas. There, you can visit the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, the Basilica of Santo Spirito, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.

READ: Guide To the Pitti Palace

If walking isn’t your thing, you can use Florence’s fairly efficient ATAF buses. Be sure to validate your ticket once you’re on the bus. There’s no metro in Florence.

the Pitti Palace, home to some of the best art in Florence

4. Learn Some Medici History

The Medici were the most celebrated family of the Renaissance. Florence is synonymous with the Medici and the Medici is synonymous with Florence.

The Medici family commissioned virtually all of Florence’s breathtaking art and architecture– works by Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Donatello, and Fra Angelico. Some of the Medici even became popes.

The Medici were one of the longest lasting dynasties in history. They weren’t just great patrons of the arts, but also key players in geopolitics.

Giambologna, Cosimo de Medici Equestrian Monument, 1594

So another tip for visiting Florence is to acquaint yourself with the Medici family history. It will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Florence. Here’s my nutshell history of the Medici.

Or sign up for a Medici-themed tour in Florence. For example, you can book:

Brunelleschi’s dome on the Duomo

5. Tickets & Tours For The Duomo Complex

You’ll also need tips for visiting the Duomo complex in Florence. You have to be organized to visit the Duomo and climb the dome. It’s an exceedingly popular activity.

Florence used to have a combination ticket for all the Duomo sites. But it longer does. You’ll have to pre-book individual tickets and tours on the website (if you read Italian).

The Duomo is free to enter, but you have to queue up. If you book a Duomo tour, you can skip the line.

So, you may want to book a guided tour of the Duomo. You can also book a guided tour of the Duomo that includes access to the dome and secret terraces that you wouldn’t see on a regular visit.

It’s absolutely essential to pre-book a ticket to climb Brunelleschi’s dome.

You can also book a combination guided tour for the Baptistery, Duomo Museum, and a dome climb. This 3 hour combination guided tour covers the four attractions I’ve just mentioned, plus Giotto’s bell tower.

You can also book a combined tour to the Duomo + the Accademia Gallery.

Hall of Paradise inside the Duomo Museum

6. Climbing The Duomo Dome

As I mentioned, the dome climb is ONLY possible with an advance reservation. You can book a time slot when you purchase your ticket online.

Dome climb time slots can fill up days in advance, so reserve well ahead. Know in advance that it’s 463 steps to the top and there’s no elevator.

Once you’ve made the reservation, you can’t change it. Show up 20-30 minutes early.

The entrance for the dome climb is on the north side of the Duomo. Little blue signs in the Duomo piazza will point you to the entry for the different sites.

view of Florence from Brunelleschi’s dome

7. How Best To Visit The Duomo Complex

To help plan your visit to the Duomo complex, here are the time schedules of the Duomo sites. They all open and close at different times. Check the individual websites because sometime the hours change.

Duomo: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Brunelleschi’s Dome: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Giotto Bell Tower | Campanile: 8:15 am to 10:15 am & 11:15 am to 7:30 pm
Crypt:10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Duomo Museum: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (but closed Sunday afternoon)
Baptistery: 8:15 am to 6:30 pm

I would start with the Baptistery of St. John at 8:15 am, move on to the Duomo Museum, and then have a bell tower climb scheduled for 11:00 am or so.

Pro Tip: The Baptistery is under restoration for the next few years, but you can still visit.

Don’t rush through the wonderful museum, which has an outstanding collection of Medieval and Renaissance sculpture and a reconstructed Duomo facade.

READ: Compete Guide to the Duomo Museum

Honestly, you don’t HAVE to visit the interior of the Duomo. It’s rather bare inside.

You might almost think it was unfinished. This is a line you can eliminate without guilt. But if you have booked a tour that includes the Duomo, you can skip the line that way.

You don’t want to climb both the Duomo dome and the Giotto bell tower on the same day. Also, because there are religious sites, you must dress conservatively. No sleeveless tops or short/skirts above the knee.

the Tower of Arnolfo at Palazzo Vecchio

8. Duomo Dome vs. Giotto Bell Tower vs. Tower of Arnolfo

Which climb offers the best view in Florence? They all have their perks and downsides. On the whole, I think Giotto’s bell tower offers the best experience.

With a Duomo climb, you have great views of Florence and can see Vasari’s frescos in the cupola.

But you have to make an advance timed entry reservation, as I mentioned above. And the last bit of the climb is arduous.

On a Giotto bell tower climb, you have the best views in Florence of the Duomo and Brunelleschi’s dome. There are no elevators though, and it’s 414 steps to the top. The lines can sometimes be quite long.

You can visit the Tower of Arnolfo at Palazzo Vecchio with a ticket for the palace for a small additional small fee.

This is a great alternative if there are long queues at the Giotto Bell Tower. But no more than 35 people can enter at once. In bad weather, it’s closed.

Sandro Botticelli's famed Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery — Sandro Botticelli’s famed *Birth of Venus* in the Uffizi Gallery

9. Visiting The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums in the Western world. It’s Florence’s #1 attraction and the third most visited site in Italy.

The Uffizi is overflowing with amazing art works from the International Gothic period and the early, high, and late Renaissance. You have to book early if you want to visit.

READ: 30 Masterpieces To See in Florence

The official website for the Uffizi (and several other city museums) is polomuseale.firenze.it When booking advance tickets online, note that available time slots for full price tickets are marked “Intero/Full.”

Once you’ve selected a slot, you’ll receive an email with a voucher. You take that to the Uffizi ticket desk a few minutes before your visit to swap for an actual ticket. Be sure to get in the right line to avoid wasting precious time.

If the website is too complicated or sold out, you can click here to book a timed entry skip the line ticket. Be aware that the Firenze Card gives you entry to the Uffizi, but no longer lets you skip the line.

The Uffizi is also a popular place to take a guided tour, because of its history and the sheer number of masterpieces.

Booking a tour will also give you skip the access. You have several options:

a 1.5 hour small group guided tour
a 2 hour small group guided tour
a 2 hour private tour
a 2 hour early entry guided tour (8:30 am)
a combined tour of the Uffizi + Brunelleschi’s dome
a 5 hour tour of both the Uffizi and the Accademia

Sandro Botticelli, Primavera, 1482 — Sandro Botticelli, *Primavera*, 1482

If there are no available slots on the museum website or on the links above, you can try to buy from ticket vendors such as Florence.net or Tickitaly.com.

They charge approximately € 5 more per ticket. But they may have more time slots available, if you want or need flexibility.

For more information on the amazing Uffizi Gallery, here’s my guide to the Uffizi masterpieces and my guide to DIY prep for the Uffizi.

READ: Guide To the Best Museums in Florence

aerial view of Siena’s Il Campo square and the Palazzo Pubblico

10. Florence As A Base For Day Trips

Florence’s central location makes it an excellent base for day trips around central Italy.

That way, you can escape Florence’s adoring (and sometimes maddening) crowds during the day and you don’t have to switch accommodations every night to see a new place in Tuscany.

Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station is located smack in the city center, behind the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

It quickly connects you to other charming Tuscan towns and villages just crammed with beautiful art, architecture, palazzos, and piazzas. Not to mention some of the best pasta and chianti in Italy.

It’s easy to drive from Florence as well. Here are my tips for renting and driving a car in Europe and my guide to 15 day trips from Florence.

Pisa, Siena, Assisi, San Gimignano, and Pienza are great day trip options. You can even day trip to Venice or Milan. If you’d like to book a guided tour from Florence, here are some options:

READ: 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany

view of Florence from the Bardini Gardens

11. Try Some Hidden Gems

Most tourists in Florence are visiting the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. They do that and they think they’ve “done Florence.” But Florence is so much more than these three must see sites.

If you’re a repeat visitor, you may want to avoid the seemingly ever-present tourist siege and seek out some hidden gems in Florence.

Florence’s less visited destinations boast beautiful Renaissance art without the crowds and lines. You can admire a groundbreaking painting, sculpture, or fresco without elbowing your neighbor or having your view obstructed.

courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio

12. Florence’s Palace Museums

If you’re a first time visitor, you likely won’t have Florence’s palaces on your Florence itinerary. There’s just so many things to do in Florence, if you’re only there for a short time.

But if you’re a repeat visitor looking for some potentially less crowded destinations in Florence, the palace museums are your ticket to nirvana.

Florence has quite a few elegant palazzos that hold astonishing art collections. These less visited Florentine palaces house some of Florence’s unmissable masterpieces, amid dazzling rooms designed and decorated by Florence’s rich and famous.

Here are my Florence palace guides:

Neptune Fountain in the Piazza della Signoria

13. Free Things To Do In Florence

Are you visiting Florence on a budget? No problem. In Florence, you can see priceless art for no price at all.

A surprising number of Forence’s must see sites and hidden gems are free, if you don’t want to rack up hefty museum charges. Florence is essentially a living museum with art sprinkled everywhere.

Most significantly, some of Florence’s churches open their ornate doors for free. Inside, you’ll find stellar Renaissance art from such luminaries as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, and Donatello. Florence’s Piazza della Signoria is also an outdoor sculpture gallery.

Here’s my complete guide to free things to do and see in Florence.

copy pf Michelangelo's David in Piazzale Michelangelo

copy of Michelangelo’s David in Piazzale Michelangelo

**14. Three Versions of David By Michelangelo**

If you didn’t score a ticket for the Accademia Gallery, no worries.

There are three versions of Michelangelo’s David in Florence. The original is in the museum of course.

But there exact replicas of the world’s most famous sculpture in Piazzale Michelangelo and in front of the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio.

view of Florence from San Miniato al Monte

15. Sunset Views In Florence

When people visiting Florence want a panoramic view, they usually head to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s famous lookout square. To be sure, Piazzale Michelangelo is nice. But it’s also filled with bus loads of tourists and vendors hawking trinkets.

If you want to escape the crowds, head to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte instead. San Miniato is just 5-10 minutes further up the hill.

The ancient church is a unique and harmonious blend of medieval architectural styles, pre-dating Florence’s Renaissance treasures. It’s completely free to visit.

San Miniato is an oasis of calm away from the hurly burly of Florence with amazing Gothic art and unsurpassed views. The perspective over the city is absolutely extraordinary.

While you’re there, visit the beautiful Sacred Door Cemetery. right behind the basilica. Built in the 19th century, the cemetery is an open air museum, stuffed with beautiful funeral art, mausoleums, and memorials of illustrious Florentine Catholics.

Michelangelo’s Tomb for Giuliano de Medici

16. Themed Artist Trails

Are you an art lover who likes to travel with a theme? Florence is fantastic place for that, especially if you love the Renaissance era. Here are my guide to Florence’s artists trails:

Leonardo and Raphael also lived in Florence. Here’s my guide to Leonardo’s paintings and my guide to the most famous paintings of Raphael.

Piazza Santo Spirito

17. Visit Florence’s Churches

Another tip for visiting Florence is to visit some of the city’s many churches. There is more to Florence than the Duomo, however magnificent it is. The city is overflowing with interesting churches, some of which are under the radar hidden gems.

If you’re an early bird, many churches open very early at 7:00 am or so. If you’re looking to maximize your sightseeing, you can head to a church or two of your choice before the major attractions open at 9:00 am.

If you only have time for one church visit, make it the Basilica of Santa Croce. It’s simply not worth waiting in the Duomo line. Click here if you want to pre-purchase a skip the line ticket.

READ: Guide To The Most beautiful Churches In Florence

Tomb of Michelangelo in the Basilica of Santa Croce

Santa Croce is just stuffed with artistic treasures. The basilica has one of the greatest assemblages of paintings, sculptures, and funereal tombs in existence.

You can admire frescos by Giotto and sculptures by Donatello. You can also pay your respects to Michelangelo, who is buried there.

Some other churches that you should consider putting on your Florence itinerary are: the Basilica of Santo Spirito, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, San Marco Monastery, and the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Michelangelo’s sculpture of Night in the Medici Chapels

18. Visiting The Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapel is a very popular attraction in Florence. It’s part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo complex. So you need some tips for visiting.

The New Sacristy of the Medici Chapels boasts the most Michelangelo sculptures anywhere in Florence. There are 6 tomb sculptures, including one of Michelangelo’s best sculptures, Night.

But entrance to the Medici Chapels is completely separate from the basilica. You can’t buy a combination ticket that includes the Medici Chapels because it’s an independent state museum.

The Medici Chapels absolutely requires pre-booking. When you line up to go in, be sure to get in the correct line for your time slot.

Click here to purchase a timed entry skip the line ticket. Click here to book a guided tour. The Firenze Card is accepted.

A ticket for the Medici Chapels also gives you access to the Chapel of the Princes and the Medici Crypt. It does not give you access to the basilica itself. You need to book a separate ticket to visit the San Lorenzo complex.

view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo

19. When To Visit Florence

Florence’s sites are beautiful any time of year. But the best time to visit is shoulder season in the spring or fall.

April-June and September-October are generally mild and sunny. Unfortunately, however, Florence still can be busy then.

You could come in the winter season, November-March. It can be cool and rainy. But if you dress appropriately, you’ll be fine and can enjoy Florence without the crowds. If you’re a museum hound, this is the best time to visit.

Porta di San Giorgio in the Oltrarno district

20. Where To Eat Gelato

Florence is a Mecca for gelato lovers. The city is known for producing some of the best gelato in all of Italy.

The gelato is made with high quality locally sourced ingredients made fresh that day, and is simply delicious.

Florence has a high concentration of gelato shops. But, based on my tasting experience, here are the best places to grab gelato in Florence:

Gelateria Santa Trinita: Southern edge of the Ponte Vecchio
Gelateria La Carraia: Just across the Arno near Ponte La Carraia
La Strega Nocciola: Just across the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno District
Il Procopio: On Via Pietra Piana
Gelateria de Neri: Near the Ufizzi Gallery. There’s always a line, but the gelato is worth the wait.

the Uffizi Gallery on the Arno River

21. Firenze Card

Another Florence tip is that I don’t think it’s worth to purchase the Firenze Card, unless you plan to visit every single museum in the city on a mega busy sightseeing blitz. It’s pricey at 85 euros.

From a strictly financial point of view, there may be little real savings from purchasing the Firenze Card. Right now, the Firenze Card also doesn’t include the Duomo complex and monuments, though that may change.

However, one added perk of the Firenze Card is that you can usually skip the lines at most attractions with the card. So card holders won’t have the hassle of making advance reservations and getting separate tickets.

This is not true, however, at the all important Uffizi Gallery anymore. Card holders can no longer skip they line. They will have to queue up.

22. How Long To Stay in Florence?

So much to see, so little time. For a small city, there’s an astonishing amount to see in Florence. You may be overwhelmed with our options.

How long you decide to stay will depend on your interest in Renaissance art and architecture. And whether you want to allot time for aimless wandering, wine tasting, and leisurely meals.

Florence deserves at least one well-organized day. But art lovers could easily stay a week.

I’ve written a 1 day itinerary for Florence and a 3 day itinerary for Florence. You can also check out my guide to how many days to spend in Florence.

Piazza Santo Spirito in the now trendy Oltrarno district of Florence — Piazza Santo Spirito in the now trendy Oltrarno district

If you only have one day, it’s essential to set up your itinerary in advance and pre-book tickets to the major attractions.

Be aware that Sundays and Mondays aren’t ideal for sightseeing in Florence. Many places are either closed or have shorter hours.

23. How To Get To Florence

Many travelers will fly into Rome and Milan and take the high speed train to get to Florence. You can also fly directly into Florence Airport or Pisa Airport.

From Florence Airport, you can book a private transfer to your hotel. You can also book a private transfer from the Pisa Airport.

Florence's pretty Oltrarno neighborhood — Florence’s pretty Oltrarno neighborhood

24. How To Get Around Florence

Florence isn’t a big city. You can traverse the entire city in 30 minutes. So plan to spend your time walking for the most part. It’s pedestrianized, so there’s no traffic.

But there are lots of other fun ways to get around Florence and see the sites. You can:

rent a vespa
take the hop on hop off bus
take a daytime Segway tour
take a nighttime Segway tour
take a electric bike tour
take a nighttime walking tour with an art historian

25. What To Do In Florence At Night

There are plenty of things to do in Florence at night. And sometimes it’s less crowded when the day trippers leave.

You can enjoy at sunset from Florence’s many viewpoints. Or stroll through the streets on an evening walking tour.

The Palazzo Vecchio is open at night. You can do your other sightseeing during the day and visit the mighty edifice in the evening. Click here to pre-book a ticket.

You can take a nighttime Segway tour. This tour takes you to the major attractions and lets you glide around Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica.

The evening is a good time to take a food and wine tour, a small group food walking tour, or a Chianti wine tour with dinner. You can even take an evening cooking class that includes dinner.

26. Where To Stay In Florence

There are plenty of amazing hotels in Florence. You’re really spoiled or choice.

If you want something central, book at the Hotel Brunelleschi or Portrait Firenze. Portrait Firenze is one of the most sought after hotels in Italy and is just steps away from the Ponte Vecchio. Of course, the Four Seasons is always beautiful and in a quiet location.

The Palazzo Vecchietti is housed in a beautiful 16th century townhouse. The St. Regis is a beauty too, right near Santa Maria Novella. Il Salviatino has a patrician feel and offers Duomo views.

In the Oltrarno, I really like Villa Cora with its stunning views and Renaissance style suites.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my must know tips for visiting Florence Italy. You may enjoy these other Italy guides:

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