Florence bucket list: everything you need to visit

Last Updated on March 5, 2026 by Ioana

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. From seeing Michelangelo’s David to learning how to make fresh pasta, this city blends world-famous art with unforgettable local experiences. This Florence bucket list covers the must-see landmarks and the unique activities that will make your trip truly memorable. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

See Michelangelo’s David sculpture at Accademia Gallery

Seeing Michelangelo’s David in person is one of those rare travel moments that actually exceeds expectations.

The statue stands over 17 feet tall, carved from a single block of marble, and the detail is almost unreal. The anatomy is so precise that it’s hard to believe it was created in the early 1500s.

The sculpture is housed inside the Accademia Gallery, which is actually a relatively small museum. You can walk through most of it in about an hour.

That said, the crowds are very real. When I visited, the line wrapped down the street well before opening time, and there were easily over a hundred people waiting outside despite tickets being timed.

Inside, there is almost always a cluster of visitors surrounding David, all trying to take photos or simply stand still long enough to admire it.

Because of this, booking tickets in advance is not optional in my opinion. Even with a timed entry, you should expect to wait briefly before entering.

Once inside, you’ll go through airport-style security, and then you’ll follow a corridor that dramatically leads you toward the statue. That first full view is unforgettable.

Eat a schiacciata sandwich

If there’s one food you absolutely need to try in Florence, it’s a schiacciata sandwich.

This Tuscan flatbread is slightly thinner and chewier than focaccia, with a crisp exterior and soft inside that holds generous layers of high-quality Italian ingredients.

The most famous place to try one is All’Antico Vinaio. It’s incredibly popular and often has long lines stretching down the street, especially around lunchtime.

When I walked by, there were easily dozens of people waiting. The sandwiches are huge, packed with ingredients like mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream, prosciutto, and truffle spreads. It’s absolutely worth trying at least once.

That said, it’s not the only great option in Florence. Places like Pino’s Sandwiches offer equally delicious schiacciata with a more relaxed vibe and typically shorter lines.

Pino himself often works behind the counter, which adds to the authentic, local feel. The quality of ingredients is just as good, and you still get that perfect balance of crispy bread and flavorful fillings.

Whether you grab your sandwich to-go and sit in a nearby piazza or enjoy it while wandering through the city, this is one of the simplest but most satisfying Florence bucket list experiences.

Visit the Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome

The Duomo complex is the heart of Florence. No matter where you stay in Florence, you’ll eventually look up and see the massive red dome dominating the skyline.

Officially called the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, it’s one of the most impressive architectural achievements in Europe.

Brunelleschi’s dome was engineered in the 1400s without modern tools or scaffolding techniques, and to this day architects still study how it was constructed.

Climbing it is absolutely a bucket list experience. The staircase is narrow and steep, and at times you’ll share tight passageways with people going in the opposite direction.

It’s not glamorous, but when you reach the top and see Florence spread out beneath you, it’s worth every step.

The Duomo complex also includes Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery of St. John, famous for its intricate bronze doors. The entire area is constantly busy.

When I visited, the piazza was packed from morning until late afternoon, with tour groups, photographers, and visitors lining up for timed entries.

Booking your tickets in advance is essential if you want to climb the dome or access multiple monuments.

Even if you don’t climb, simply standing in Piazza del Duomo and taking in the marble facade up close is unforgettable. The scale, the detail, the history! It’s the visual definition of Florence.

Learn to Make Fresh Pasta (with Unlimited Wine!)

No trip to Florence is complete without diving into its culinary culture, and a pasta making class is the perfect way to do it.

In this class, you’ll learn to roll, cut, and shape fresh pasta from scratch. This is a skill you can actually take home and impress your friends with.

The coolest part? You’ll enjoy unlimited Tuscan wine while you cook.

The class is small, so you can ask questions, get tips from the chef, and really immerse yourself in Italian cooking techniques.

Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a fun afternoon activity, this class is hands-on, interactive, and delicious.

By the end, you’ll leave with your own pasta creations, a satisfied appetite, and a story to tell that’s far more memorable than just another lunch in the city.

Sip wine from a historic wine window

One of the most charming and unexpected experiences in Florence is ordering a glass of wine from a tiny street window.

These small openings, called buchette del vino, date back to the 1500s when noble families sold wine directly from their palaces to avoid taxes and reduce contact during times of plague.

Today, only a handful of these wine windows are still operating, which makes finding one feel like discovering a secret.

You’ll walk up to what looks like a small wooden door in the wall, knock, and moments later a hand appears holding a glass of Tuscan wine.

It’s simple, but it’s such a memorable Florence moment. When I tried it, there was a small crowd gathered around, everyone smiling and taking photos, but it still felt intimate and authentic.

You step aside with your glass, lean against a centuries-old building, and sip Chianti in the middle of a Renaissance street.

It’s not just about the wine. It’s about participating in a tradition that’s been part of Florence for hundreds of years. And that’s exactly what makes it bucket list worthy.

Visit Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is one of the most impressive squares in Italy and has been the political heart of Florence for centuries.

The moment you step into the piazza, it feels like an open-air museum. Sculptures surround you, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David and other dramatic Renaissance statues displayed under the Loggia dei Lanzi.

Overlooking the square is Palazzo Vecchio, the fortress-like palace that once served as Florence’s seat of government. Its tall tower dominates the skyline, and it still functions as the city hall today.

Walking inside feels like stepping into the power center of Renaissance Florence. The rooms are richly decorated with frescoes, gold details, and massive painted ceilings that reflect the influence of the Medici family.

When I visited, the piazza was constantly buzzing. Tour groups gathered near the statues, street musicians played nearby, and photographers tried to capture the perfect angle of the palace tower. Despite the crowds, it never felt chaotic. It felt alive.

Even if you don’t go inside Palazzo Vecchio, spending time in Piazza della Signoria should be on your Florence itinerary. It’s one of those places where you truly feel Florence’s history, art, and civic pride all at once.

Wander through Uffizi Gallery

If you only visit one major art museum in Florence, make it the Uffizi Gallery.

This is where you’ll come face to face with some of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.

The museum itself is massive. Plan at least two to three hours if you want to experience it without rushing.

When I visited, the galleries were busy but well organized, with steady foot traffic moving from room to room.

The most famous paintings, like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, naturally draw crowds, and you may need a few minutes to get close enough for a proper look.

What makes the Uffizi special isn’t just the individual artworks. It’s the story they tell together.

You can literally walk through the evolution of Renaissance art, watching techniques, perspective, and emotion develop from one room to the next. Even if you’re not an art expert, you’ll notice the shift.

Tickets here also sell out frequently, especially in high season, so reserving a timed entry in advance is highly recommended. It makes a huge difference in how smooth your visit feels.

The Uffizi isn’t just a museum stop. It’s a deep dive into the artistic revolution that shaped Western culture, right in the city where it all began.

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Florence.

This medieval bridge, lined with jewelry shops, stretches across the Arno River and has connected the two sides of the city since the 1300s.

It’s one of the few bridges in Florence that survived World War II, which makes it historically significant as well as beautiful.

That said, I’ll be honest: when I visited, it was extremely crowded. The walkway was packed shoulder to shoulder, especially in the middle of the day.

It was difficult to stop and enjoy the river views because people were constantly moving around you. At one point, it felt more like being in a queue than on a historic bridge.

If you want a more pleasant experience, I recommend going early in the morning or closer to sunset.

The light reflecting on the Arno is beautiful, and the atmosphere is much calmer. Alternatively, admire the bridge from a distance. Some of the best views are actually from nearby bridges or along the riverbanks.

Even with the crowds, Ponte Vecchio is still a Florence bucket list stop. Just go in knowing it’s popular for a reason and plan your timing wisely.

Visit Pitti Palace and stroll in the Boboli Gardens

Across the Arno from the historic city center sits Pitti Palace, a grand Renaissance palace that once housed the powerful Medici family.

Walking through its massive halls, you can admire intricate frescoes, opulent rooms, and collections of art that showcase centuries of Florentine wealth and influence.

It’s not just a museum. It’s a window into the lives of one of history’s most fascinating families.

Behind the palace lie the Boboli Gardens, one of Italy’s earliest examples of formal Renaissance gardens.

These gardens were designed to impress, with manicured paths, fountains, statues, and sweeping views over Florence.

As you wander through the groves and terraces, you’ll notice how European courts later copied this style, making it a trendsetter in its own time.

Visiting the gardens feels like stepping into another world. There’s a sense of calm and elegance, even when other visitors are exploring nearby.

Tickets include both the palace and the gardens, so you can easily spend several hours here. Bring comfortable shoes, because the grounds are extensive, and don’t miss the views from the higher terraces.

Catch the sunset in Piazzale Michelangelo

For the ultimate panoramic view of Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Perched on a hill across the Arno River, this square was designed in the 1800s by Giuseppe Poggi and features bronze replicas of Michelangelo’s most famous statues.

From here, you can see the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and the winding red rooftops stretching across the city. It’s the classic Florence postcard view come to life.

The climb up is about 15 minutes from the river level. It’s a gentle hike, though the stairs and cobbled paths can get warm on sunny days, so bring water and take your time.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Rose Garden, which is worth a quick stop to enjoy its colorful blooms and serene atmosphere.

Once at the top, it’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals. People gather with cameras, picnics, or a simple glass of wine to watch the sun dip behind the hills of Tuscany.

Even if you’ve seen Florence from the streets or rooftops before, Piazzale Michelangelo provides a sweeping, cinematic view that makes you pause and appreciate the city in a way nothing else can.

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