Things to Do in Florence: Sight by Sight, With Timing and What to Book (2026)

This guide to things to do in Florence goes sight by sight, with timing and booking tips. The historic center is small, so you can walk everywhere. However, the big museums need reservations and several close on Mondays, and that shapes your plan more than distance does.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Things to do in Florence at a glance

The Duomo, the dome and the bell tower

First, start at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Entry to the cathedral itself is free. In fact, the Opera del Duomo ticket office says it needs no ticket or booking (checked September 2026). However, the lines can be long, so come early.

To climb Brunelleschi’s dome, you need the Brunelleschi Pass. According to the official Duomo site (checked September 2026), it includes the dome and the bell tower. It also covers the Baptistery, the museum and the crypt of Santa Reparata. For the dome, you choose a fixed time slot, and the climb has 463 steps with no elevator. In addition, Giotto’s bell tower has 414 steps. If you only have energy for one, pick the dome for the climb inside the structure. By contrast, the bell tower gives you the best view of the dome itself.

After the climbs, visit the Opera del Duomo Museum. In fact, it holds the original panels of the Baptistery doors and Michelangelo’s late Pietà. For a guided climb, see the Florence Duomo dome climb.

The Uffizi Galleries

The Uffizi holds the great Renaissance paintings: Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo and Caravaggio. According to the official Uffizi site (checked September 2026), it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. However, it closes on Mondays.

As a result, allow at least two and a half hours, with a break at the café. For ticket types and timed entry, read our guide to Uffizi tickets. Alternatively, the Uffizi guided tour helps you focus on the key rooms.

Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia is small, so most visitors come for one statue. Still, do not skip the unfinished Prisoners along the corridor, which show Michelangelo’s figures emerging from the marble. According to the official Accademia site (checked September 2026), it opens from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm. Like the Uffizi, it closes on Mondays.

Overall, one hour is enough. For background, see our guide to the Accademia Gallery, or book the Accademia and David tour.

Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the Bargello

Piazza della Signoria is the civic heart of Florence. Here, a copy of the David stands at the door of Palazzo Vecchio. Next to it, the Loggia dei Lanzi shelters statues by Cellini and Giambologna. Inside the palace, the vast Hall of the Five Hundred shows the power of the Medici. Allow about an hour for the interior.

A few minutes away, the Bargello is Florence’s museum of sculpture. For example, it has Donatello’s bronze David. Also, it is often quieter than the famous galleries.

Ponte Vecchio, the Oltrarno and Palazzo Pitti

Cross the Ponte Vecchio early in the morning, before the crowds, when the goldsmiths’ shutters are still closed. Then explore the Oltrarno, the district across the river, with its workshops and the church of Santo Spirito.

Also on this side, Palazzo Pitti was the Medici family’s main residence. Then, behind it, the Boboli Gardens climb the hill. Note that Palazzo Pitti closes on Mondays. By contrast, the gardens close only on the first and last Monday of each month. For all the green spaces, see our guide to gardens in Florence.

Santa Croce, San Lorenzo and the markets

Santa Croce holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, as well as frescoes by Giotto. Again, allow an hour. Meanwhile, near San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels hold the family tombs that Michelangelo designed. Next door, the Mercato Centrale is a covered food market. For what to order there, see our guide on where to eat in Florence.

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato

Finally, end the day on the south bank. First, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the classic view of the Duomo and the river. Then climb a little further to San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church with an even quieter view. Of all the things to do in Florence, this one is free and needs no booking.

How to plan your things to do in Florence

In general, two full days cover the essentials on a first visit. On day one, do the Duomo, the Accademia and Piazza della Signoria. Then, on day two, see the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio, the Oltrarno and the sunset. If you only have one day, follow our Florence in one day itinerary. For guided options, compare the best tours in Florence for a first visit. Finally, our Florence travel guide covers neighborhoods and practical tips.

Staying overnight in Florence? Compare places to stay below, and see our 3 days in Florence itinerary to plan the rest of the trip.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Also, if you are planning a night or two, our guide to where to stay in Florence helps you pick the right area.

Things to do in Florence: frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Florence?

Two full days cover the main sights. Add a third day for Palazzo Pitti, the Bargello or a day trip into Tuscany.

Which Florence museums close on Mondays?

The Uffizi, the Accademia and Palazzo Pitti close on Mondays. The Boboli Gardens close only on the first and last Monday of the month.

Do you need to book the Duomo dome climb?

Yes. The Brunelleschi Pass includes the dome, and you must choose a fixed time slot. The climb has 463 steps and no elevator.

Is the Florence Cathedral free?

Yes. According to the Opera del Duomo, the cathedral itself needs no ticket or booking. However, the dome, bell tower and museum need a pass.

What is free to do in Florence?

The cathedral interior, the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria with the Loggia dei Lanzi. Also, Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte are free.