Best things to see, do, and eat in Florence, Italy

Home to arguably the best food and wine on earth. We loved Florence and the beautiful Tuscan vineyards and can't wait to return one day. You'll find our favorite restaurants, activities, and a few day trips included in this guide. Here are some travel tips: 1. The trains STOP at around 7PM; so make sure you plan your dinner reservations accordingly. The app you want is called "Trenitalia" - I've included a link to the app under "Day Trips" below. 2. Take all of your normal public safety precautions; pickpocketing and side scams are common. 3. If the gelato is mounded so high it's reaching towards the heavens, it's not for you. 4. If there are waiters outside waving you in with bold English menus, say "no, grazi". 5. Always ask if the establishment accepts credit cards before you order. 6. Prepare to tip your tour guides well, especially if your tour was "Free". 7. Do not pass up on a wine window!! This city's beautiful and unique, hidden gems.

Read less

Updated ago

Save

Restaurants

Fattoria Il Palagio

@thepointsplan

If you find yourself in the Tuscan hillsides outside of town, then this place was wonderful. The food here was delicious and the staff was very friendly. Viale Dante 99/101 50038 Scarperia / San Piero Firenze – ITALY

Add to

Details

I Fratellini

@thepointsplan

Tucked away on one of the side streets off the main piazza, don't miss this sandwich shop. The line moves quickly and the prices are very reasonable. Grab a sandwich and a spot on the sidewalk to enjoy!

Add to

Details

Fedora

@thepointsplan

Technically a cooking school, and open for lunch and snacks. Anything with oranges likely grown in the courtyard. Great spot to grab a bite and sit in their quite patio in the back.

Add to

Details

Caffè Scudieri Firenze

@thepointsplan

Nice spot to grab a pastry and a quick coffee! Order at the bar, pay at the counter in the corner.

Add to

Details

Beppa Fioraia

@thepointsplan

We loved this spot! We ate outside and everything was perfect. Make a reservation and arrive early to find a parking spot.

Add to

Details

Babae

@thepointsplan

Another one we had to cancel reservations because we wouldn't be able to make it back due to the trains stopping at 7pm. Let me know if you give them a try!

Add to

Details

Il Latini

@thepointsplan

I was so sad we had to cancel our reservation for this place because it looked amazing. A bit on the fancier side so make sure you make a reservation! One of the oldest restaurants in Florence. Order wine at the window while you wait for your table.

Add to

Details

Things to Do:

Wine Windows

@thepointsplan

So many wine windows, so little time! Is this the coolest part of the city? I think so. You'll find them tucked away along streets and alleyways with tell-tale signs of other tourists taking photos and enjoying the wine. *Try to pay or at least tip in cash. ** The surrounding businesses and museums will likely kick you out if you try to sit or stand in their walkways/ entrances so be mindful of where you enjoy your wine.

Add to

Details

Pasta Cooking Class

@thepointsplan

This pasta class was so much fun! Learn how to make pasta noodles and sauce from scratch.

Add to

Details

Florence Accademia Gallery Tour with Entrance Ticket Included

Check Prices

Piazzale Michelangelo

@thepointsplan

Great view of the city, and worth the climb. Aim to arrive around sunset or a bit earlier to grab a drink and a spot to sit down.

Add to

Details

Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum

@thepointsplan

Kid friendly and interesting spot to learn more about Leonardo Da Vinci. We did not go as we heard it was more for the kids :)

Add to

Details

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

@thepointsplan

If you want to get into the cathedrals for free, then you'll need to show early for mass. Make sure you're in line 45min before to make sure you get a spot! 8:30 AM Mass 10:00 Gregorian Chant Mass The entrance for mass is on the south side. If you face the Duomo, go to the right past the bell tower all the way to the second entrance right by the smaller domes to the side of the large dome. That's the entrance for worship. *Personal opinion, the outside is more impressive than the inside, but still worth a look around.

Add to

Details

Piazza di San Lorenzo

@thepointsplan

Largest open air Market

Add to

Details

Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER

@thepointsplan

We missed this tour because it was too hot, but it has great reviews and an interesting perspective on the city

Add to

Details

Ponte Vecchio

@thepointsplan

Tourist shops along the bridge

Add to

Details

Uffizi Gallery

@thepointsplan

Art museum, go in to see the art, or skip and just walk along the river.

Add to

Details

Day Trips

‎Trenitalia

apps.apple.com

Tuscany Bike Tour

@thepointsplan

One of the most memorable experiences we did while in Tuscany! It was beautiful and the lunch and wine provided at the end was fantastic. Pick-up point is in Florence, then you are taken via van to Tuscany to pick-up your bikes and begin the tour. Recommend the e-bikes unless your up for a challenge. Min age: 10 years old Tuscan Bike Tour 9am - 3pm $120/ Person

Add to

Details

Leaning Tower of Pisa

@thepointsplan

Just over an hour away from Florence via train. I would recommend a tour to learn about the history and the story behind the attractions. *Recommend you skip the wine tour part

Add to

Details

Venice

@thepointsplan

A 3 hour train ride from Florence, but well worth it if this is your only chance to visit. Explore the city, eat lots of gelato, take a gondola ride. *Be extra cautious of pick pockets disguised as fellow tourists.

Add to

Details

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Points Plan

We are an independent travel company that can help you fly to your dream destinations for practically free using points & miles AND I am also a certified travel advisor so that I can help you make the absolute most out of your next trip! Finding good places takes time and plenty of research, especially if you're trying to bring your family, friends and even your dog with you. We've done the research on where to stay, eat, and do with and sometimes without your dog so that you don't have to! We spent a year traveling all over Europe with our good boy, Copper, the dog (although he doesn't think he's *just* a dog). We've got places and activities that are dog-friendly as well as a few places where it's best to leave your furry friends at home. We have also planned romantic getaways, honeymoons, and friends trips all over the world. Oh hey, while you're here... We can also help get you to your dream destinations for (almost) free! We started The Points Plan to help other travelers book flights for (almost) free by developing custom travel rewards plans. We've traveled all over the world using our points and miles, and we want to fly you too! Did I mention I'm also a certified travel advisor? Once I fly you to your dream destination I want to help you find the perfect accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities, all at no extra cost to you! (Seriously, the same price you would have found online). Let me put my Type A personality to work for you and help you on your next trip!

Read less

Send A Tip

Support The Points Plan’s work.

Select your tip amount

$10

$20

$50

Or type in other amount