Our top ten not-to-be-missed things to do in Florence
Photo: Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography
Florence is one of Europe’s greatest cities famous for it’s Renaissance architecture, art and sculptures. It is the beating heart of Tuscany and really worth a visit if you are getting married in the region. There are so many things we love about Florence; the authentic Tuscan cuisine, bustling markets, fab rooftop bars, cobbled streets and eclectic restaurants….but we have whittled down our faves to bring you the 10 not-to-be missed things to do in the city.
Florence Airport, Peretola
Pisa: 68 km, 40 min by car / train
Milan: 300 km, 3.5 hours by car
Venice: 250km, 2.5 hours by car
Rome: 276,36 km, 3 hours by car
There are three train stations in Florence:
Santa Maria Novella, piazza Stazione, 1 - Firenze
Campo di Marte, via Mannelli, 12 - Firenze
Rifredi, via dello Steccuto, 1 - Firenze
For more details click here
There are two tramlines in Florence, one of which connects Florence airport with train station of Santa Maria Novella, right in the heart of the city. For more information on this click here
1 / Piazza del Duomo, Dome Square
This really should be first on your hit-list! A large open-air museum that includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's Dome (yes that Dome!), Giotto's Bell Tower, St. John's Baptistery, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. It’s in the centre of the city and super easy to find as the Dome really dominates the skyline. You can go inside the cathedral for free although be warned there can be a long line in the Summer. In our opinion, moseying around outside in awe with a big pot of gelato is sufficient - and highly recommended.
Photo: Sam Docker
2 / Ponte Vecchio, The Old Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the world and certainly one of the great icons of Florence. The Ponte Vecchio or ‘Old Bridge’ joins the centre city with the district of Oltrarno on the south bank of the river Arno. It is best known today for the wooden-shuttered goldsmiths’ shops that line both sides of it.
Photo: Passione Toscana
3 / Rooftop cocktails at La Terrazza
La Terrazza rooftop bar is located on the top floor of the medieval Consorti tower at the stunning Hotel Continentale, close to the famous Ponto Vecchio bridge. This means fabulous views of the Arno, Brunelleschi’s Dome, San Miniato, Palazzo Vecchio and Forte Belvedere. The wooden decked terrace is a modern yet cosy spot for a cocktail or glass of wine. Get there early afternoon/early evening to be sure to get a good spot and stay for the beautiful sunset.
Photo: CN Traveller
4 / Tour the city in style in a Fiat 500
What better way to see the city than in a super stylish and ever-so Italian Fiat 500! You can rent your own private car from Vintage Rent Firenze and do their Panoramic Tour of the city which includes all of Florence’s highlights. What we love even more is that each car has its own name, personality and backstory. So how about it, hop into Wilma the lobster-colored 500 L; she was born in Florence in 1971 and loves to go to Piazzale Michelangelo on a Sunday morning (just FYI).
Photo: Vintage Rent Firenze
5 / Panoramic views at the Bardini and Boboli Gardens
Both gardens are directly behind Palazzo Pitti - Florence's most important palace. The Bardini Gardens and villa were reopened to the public in 2005, after five years and 12 million euros had been spent in restoring them. A lot of people still don’t know about the gardens, which means they are a bit of a hidden gem and you can sometimes have the gardens almost to yourself. Offering amazing panoramic views of the city and some relative privacy, these beautiful Italian-renaissance gardens are a must-see. Go at the end of April to see the garden's famous wisteria archway in full bloom! After you’re done exploring the Bardini gardens, follow the signs and make your way to the Boboli gardens. The Boboli represents an elegant style Italian garden with picturesque arches and charming meadows. For only 10 euros, you can purchase a Bardini ticket, which also comes with entrance into the Boboli gardens.
Photo: Palazzo San Niccolo
6 / Historic markets + local food sampling
In Florence there are three markets, located in the center that are not to be missed!
Central Market - It is a traditional market, a paradise where lovers of gourmet products will find the best foods and ingredients of Tuscan gastronomy. There is so much delicious food on offer but we recommend these local specialities; local cheeses, such as "caprino del Mugello", "pecorino buccia di rospo", "ravaggiolo di Palazzuolo" and "Lucardo marzolino", typical cold cuts of the area, such as Tuscan sbriciolona, Certaldo onion salami or cinta senese capocollo, as well as a few bottles of Brunello di Montalcino, of Chianti or Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Every store at the market sells its own products, which you can eat immediately or take away with you. There is a huge food hall with lots of tables, available at no extra cost, should you wish to sit and eat straight away and soak up the atmostphere!
Mercato San Lorenzo - This market starts from the Central Market and extends to the Church of San Lorenzo. Here you can buy both souvenirs, clothing and leather goods.
Pig market - Also called Mercato Nuovo, the Piglet market is similar to that of San Lorenzo. Its name derives from the bronze statue of the boar (work of Pietro Tacca), which is located in the southern part of the Market. It is said that anyone who strokes the snout of the boar will return to Florence (this piggy magic has definitely worked on us!).
7 /Museo di Palazzo Vecchio - Old Palace Museum
For over seven hundred years Palazzo Vecchio has been the heart of Florence's civil power as it was originally built to be the home and workplace for the officials of the republic (all those important chaps). Palazzo Vecchio is built in the form of a castle and surmounted by the majestic Tower of Arnolfo. It is a seriously admirable example of civil architecture from the fourteenth century, and even if just from the outside, well worth a visit.
Photo: Elena Monteleone
8 / Galleria degli Uffizzi - Uffizzi Gallery
The Uffizzi is famous worldwide for its collections of ancient sculptures and paintings. The collections of paintings from the 14th-century and Renaissance period include some absolute masterpieces by Giotto, Simone Martini, Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. In short, really an unmissable stop for any of the art-loving, culture-vultures among us! For opening times and tickets check here.
Photo: Italy Magazine
9 / Piazzale Michelangelo, Michelangelo's Square
Michelangelo's Square is located on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, just east of the city centre. It's the most famous panoramic vantage point in the city. A mandatory destination for those killer views and Insta-worthy visuals.
Photo: Chad Ehlers Alamy
10 / Horseback riding in the Chianti Hills
Explore the beautiful Tuscan landscape and hills of Chianti on horseback! The maneggio Guelfi Neri is located in the wonderful hills of Montespertoli just outside of Florence and they have a stable of 25 boxes and a large pasture for their horses. They lead sessions for riders of any level over 14 years old accompanied by instructors. They suggest rides of 1-2 hours for beginners at a walking pace to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
We hope this has given you some inspiration for some epic Italian exploring but it wouldn’t be fair on you or Italy not to read our pick of the Best places to eat and drink in Florence. Eating game-face on!
Looking for some more travel-inspo? Check out our article on Elba Island and why you need to go there! It’s just a two-hour drive from Florence and a fab location for a group trip with your wedding party or somewhere for the two of you to sneak off to after the big day.
Written by Beth Butler, marketing person and lover of all things weddings; with a particular passion for beautiful photography, muted florals and a good cup of tea.
