Things to Do in Florence – Birthplace of the Renaissance

Florence sets the stage for romance with its cobbled streets and golden Tuscan light. Once upon a time, Florence played a pivotal role in the cultural and intellectual movement, obtaining the status as Birthplace of the Renaissance. From climbing the iconic Duomo to admiring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Florence invites you to experience the heart of Italian culture. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Florence promises unforgettable moments at every turn. Sherry and I spent 7 nights in Tuscany, and the 3 nights in Florence was the perfect start. Consequently, we detail the best things to do in Florence.

Officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo is a symbol of Florence’s ambition, faith, and Renaissance genius. Construction began in 1296 and spanned over 140 years, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural and artistic identity. Florence built the cathedral to rival the great churches of Europe, proudly showcasing the city’s growing wealth and cultural power during the Middle Ages.

It is the third largest cathedral in the world, behind only St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London. From its grand design to its placement at the heart of the city, the Duomo stands as a tribute to Florence’s past glory and ongoing legacy as a center of culture, beauty, and belief.

To reach the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, visitors must conquer 463 narrow, winding steps—but the effort pays off with breathtaking 360° views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, historic skyline, and surrounding Tuscan hills. Climbing the Duomo is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences in Italy, and is one of our favourite activities in Florence.

Make sure to purchase tickets from the official site and reserve a climbing spot beforehand. Getyourguide has these marketed at double the price. The spiral staircase can be a bit claustrophobic, but the view from the top is totally worth it.

As the sun dips behind the Tuscan hills, Piazzale Michelangelo transforms into Florence’s most magical viewpoint. Perched high above the city, this panoramic terrace offers an unmatched perspective of Florence’s skyline—complete with the Duomo and the Arno River glowing in golden light. Locals and visitors alike gather here each evening to soak in the romantic atmosphere, often with a gelato or a bottle of wine in hand.

Florence makes it easy to explore on foot. We started at the Duomo, grabbed a sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio, passed by the Rose Garden and reached Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset—all within 30 minutes. Crowds gathered, each person angling for the perfect photo. Still, with sandwiches in hand, we carved out a quiet spot and watched Florence glow in the golden hour light – a must do activity!

Standing at over 5 meters tall, Michelangelo’s David is not just a sculpture—it’s a symbol of Renaissance brilliance and Florentine pride. Housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, this marble masterpiece captures David in the moment before his legendary battle with Goliath. Michelangelo carved the statue from a single block of Carrara marble, showcasing extraordinary anatomical detail and emotional intensity. If you’re planning your Florence itinerary, seeing Michelangelo’s David is an absolute must for lovers of art, history, and timeless beauty.

Like the Brunelleschi’s Dome, make sure to reserve tickets and a time slot from the official website. David stands underneath a domed skylight, purpose-built to illuminate the statue’s details. The layout is designed so that David is the focal point, drawing you forward through a gradual artistic journey from rough stone to perfection.

For the non-vegetarians out there, no visit to Florence is complete without tasting its most legendary dish: Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This thick-cut, bone-in T-bone steak is sourced from Chianina cattle, one of the oldest and most prized breeds in Italy. It is grilled over an open flame and served rare to preserve its natural flavour and tenderness. Typically shared between two people due to its size (1-1.5 kg), it’s a must-try for meat lovers and a culinary rite of passage in Tuscany. Undeniably, put a steak on a plate and a glass of wine in my hand, and you won’t find anyone happier in that moment.

Florence’s street food scene is deeply rooted in tradition, and nothing captures it better than the city’s iconic sandwiches. From the legendary All’Antico Vinaio, known for its stuffed schiacciata sandwiches piled high with Tuscan meats, cheeses, and truffle spreads, to humble panini shops tucked down side streets, Florentine sandwich culture is all about bold flavours and local pride.

We grabbed handheld meals that delivered fast, affordable bites bursting with regional ingredients like finocchiona, pecorino, and creamy artichoke spread. When we arrived at All’Antico Vinaio, the line snaked down the block. We waited patiently, and once we reached the front and placed our order, it was clear the hype was real. Admittedly, the sandwiches came out massive and loaded with bold, fresh Tuscan flavours—absolutely worth the wait. The perfect snack to bring to the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint.

However, for a truly authentic taste of Florence, don’t miss the city’s beloved street food staple: the lampredotto sandwich. Made from the fourth stomach of a cow (yes, fourth!), lampredotto is slow-cooked with herbs and broth until tender, then sliced and served in a crusty roll—often dipped in the flavourful cooking juices and topped with spicy salsa verde. Consequently, the best place to get these are at food stands located throughout the city. It might sound scary if you’ve never had stomach or tripe before, but its absolutely worth trying!

Tucked away on the slopes of Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose) offers a tranquil escape from the city’s bustling streets. This hidden gem is home to over 350 varieties of roses, beautifully arranged among winding paths and shaded benches, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat. Less crowded than other major attractions, the Florence Rose Garden provides a serene atmosphere for relaxing, enjoying nature, and capturing picturesque views of the city. Meanwhile, there is a small bar located in the garden where you can grab some Aperol Spritz – we certainly did!

Florence is a city that captivates the heart—whether you’re wandering through Renaissance masterpieces, enjoying a romantic sunset over the Arno, or savouring a perfectly grilled bistecca alla fiorentina. With its rich blend of history, art, culture, and cuisine, Florence offers an unforgettable experience for couples and curious travelers alike. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the city always has something new and inspiring to share. As you plan your journey, be sure to slow down, soak in the views, and let Florence leave its timeless mark on you.