35 Things to Do in Florence for First-Timers

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Attractions & Museums | Food & Drink | Outdoors | Shopping

Nowhere in Italy is better for experiencing art and culture firsthand than Florence. The city features some of the world’s most famous Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo’s iconic David at the Accademia. Even the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I got to know Florence inside and out during a solo trip to Italy. Along the way, I discovered all the stunning architecture, culture, and delicious Italian food that the Tuscany region is known for. Even just walking around the cobbled streets is entertaining because there are so many beautiful areas in Florence. 

I’m going to cover all the best things to do across the city right here and help you refine your Florence itinerary. Let’s get started. 

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Best Things to Do in Florence

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Stare in awe at this enormous, elaborate church that’s one of the most visited attractions in the Tuscan region. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-230-2885 | Website | Hours: 10:15 am – 3:45 pm daily; closed Sun | Entrance: Free access to Cathedral | 👉 Browse Tours to Florence Duomo on Viator

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo should be your first stop in Florence. Admiring the exterior of Cattedrale di Santa Maria doesn’t cost a penny and it provides the perfect introduction to the city’s jaw-dropping Renaissance architecture. 

The Brunelleschi Pass allows you inside all the parts of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore for €30. This all-inclusive pass provides access to the attractions in Cathedral Square, too. You can get into Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Opera Del Duomo Museum.

Investing in the Brunelleschi Pass is the ideal way to see a bunch of iconic sites when you have limited free time on your Florence itinerary.

Accademia Gallery

Stand under the world-famous David statue by Michelangelo and explore the largest collection of his work.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +390550987100 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:20 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 16€ | 👉 Browse Tours to the Accademia Gallery on Viator

Witnessing Michelangelo’s David with your own eyes is practically a requirement when you visit Florence. The famous statue is living out its days inside the Accademia Gallery as the main attraction of the museum. Over a million people line up around the block for a chance to see David every year, so expect crowds. 

Once you’ve experienced the prized possession, make sure you take an extra stroll around the museum to see some of Michelangelo’s other finished and unfinished pieces. When I visited Accademia Gallery, I was surprised at just how many incredible statues there were hidden away.

There’s no question about it – the Accademia Gallery is definitely one of the best museums in Florence.

Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the most beloved and oldest art museums on the planet with works by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-294-883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 25€, adults, Free under 18 | 👉 Browse Tours to the Uffizi Gallery on Viator

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the reasons Florence is so well-known for its art galleries. It’s often considered the best art museum in the world thanks to its huge collection of work by famed Renaissance artists. 

The museum holds thousands of pieces, including some of the most famous ones ever created. The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, and Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci are all waiting inside Uffizi. 

Try to visit the museum in the mornings on Wednesdays to Fridays to avoid all the other tourists. It’s always busy on weekends and Tuesdays because the museum is closed on Mondays. 

👉 Pro Tip: The Uffizi Gallery is home to 2,200 pieces of cherished artwork. To truly appreciate all the history behind these artifacts, I recommend visiting Uffizi on a tour. This Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour will teach you everything and even provide priority access to the museum. As a solo traveler in Italy, these types of tours are a great way to make friends, too!

Ponte Vecchio

Snap a photo on this prominent Florence bridge that runs over the Arno River.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Ponte Vecchio is a recognizable selfie spot where visitors flock to grab a photo of themselves in Florence. The bridge running over the Arno River was actually the only one to survive WWII. Today, Ponte Vecchio is an emblem of the city and you can’t miss it on a Florence visit. 

The best time to visit Ponte Vecchio is right before sunset because it provides perfect views of the sun dipping down below the river. There are also a bunch of jewelry and souvenir stores around Ponte Vecchio, so it’s a good place to get some shopping done. 

The Central Market of Florence

Eat all the Italian munchies you can handle at this bustling market with produce, wine, and a food court.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055) 239-9798 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 11 pm Mon-Thurs and Sundays, 9 am – 12 am, Fri-Sat | Entrance: Free

The first stop for foodies in Florence should be the Central Market. It is located less than a ten-minute walk away from major attractions like the Florence Cathedral. So, this is a really convenient stop for lunch on a busy day. 

On the first floor of the market, you’ll find a series of produce stands selling all the Italian staples. The second floor is really where the magic happens, though. Here, there is a food court with a banquet of amazing bars and restaurants. 

The Central Market is great for people who are traveling in a group with varying food preferences. With that being said, it is swarming with people during the high season. Avoid peak lunch and dinner hours (around 1 pm and 8 pm) for a calmer atmosphere at this market.

If the idea of diving into Florence’s food culture sounds intriguing to you, I’d highly recommend joining this Florence Street Food Tour that takes you throughout the Central Market with an insightful local guide.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Get a panoramic perspective of Florence and its attractions at this picturesque square/viewpoint.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Piazzale Michelangelo provides visitors with the clearest perspective of Florence. You can even spot many of its major attractions from above. From this spot, you’ll get an incredible bird’s eye perspective of the Ponte Vecchio, the Florence Cathedral, and more. 

It is located just outside of the historic center across the Arno River in the hills of Florence. It’ll take 25 minutes to walk there from the city center or around 10 minutes to drive. The most picturesque time to visit the elevated square is during sunrise when there are few other tourists there.

👉 Pro Tip: The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte is another interesting stop only a short walk away from Piazzale Michelangelo. You might even be able to catch a service at San Miniato Al Monte on Sundays and holidays. 

Strozzi Palace

See a stunning example of Florence’s rich history at a palace owned by one of the city’s richest families.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-264-5155 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily, 10 am – 11 pm Thursdays | Entrance: €16, adults, Free under age 6

Florence is a royal city filled with lavish palaces, such as the Renaissance-era Strozzi Palace. Strozzi Palace took nearly 50 years to complete and was finally finished back in 1538. 

It was originally designed as a residence for one of Italy’s richest families. These days, Strozzi Palace has transformed into more of an art museum.

There are always new exhibits at the palace, and it’s even occasionally used as a venue for events like fashion shows. Check the Strozzi Palace website to figure out what’s happening during your trip to Florence.

Gucci Garden

Take a journey through fashion history at this museum dedicated to luxury Italian clothing and bags.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (557)-592-7010 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: €8, adults, Free under age 12

For a break from art museums in Florence, make a stop at Gucci Garden. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves fashion. 

The museum walks you through the history of Gucci’s style and includes tons of exhibits with sample pieces. The whole place is very chic, and it’s great for photos.

Cappelle Medicee

Explore this art-covered dome where the influential Medici family was laid to rest. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-064-9430 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:50 pm daily, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: €9

Cappelle Medicee, also known as the Medici Chapels, is a hidden gem of Florence. It’s a stunning art museum with tons of statues, tilework, paintings, and a massive decorated dome ceiling. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time looking up to spot every detail. 

Beyond the beautiful design this is a very significant Florence historical site. Several members of the powerful Italian Medici family are buried right in these chapels. It’s incredible to witness just how much the family is still cared for, even in death.

Historic Attractions & Museums

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Walk through a lesser-known, more intimate Florence church that was built over 650 years ago.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-219-257 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Mon-Thu; 11 am – 5:30 pm Fri; 9 am – 5 pm Sat, 1 – 5 pm Sundays | Entrance: €7.50, adults, Free under age 11

The Santa Maria Novella Gothic-style church is a more laid-back alternative to the busier Santa Maria De Fiore. This peaceful Florence church is filled with elaborate frescoes that were painted back in the 14th century. It’s wild how colorful they still are after all this time. 

I actually stumbled upon Santa Maria Novella by accident when I was just wandering around the streets of Florence. I was immediately struck by how enormous this church really is, so try to grab a photo standing in front of it for reference. 

San Miniato Al Monte Church

One of the oldest churches in Florence sits high above the city near Piazzale Michelangelo.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 055 234 2731 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 7 pm Mon-Sat, 8:30 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 7 pm Sundays | Entrance: Free

San Miniato is a less visited church in Florence compared to, say, Santa Maria del Fiore (“The Duomo”) or Santa Croce. However, it’s unique and worth visiting in its own right. 

Firstly, San Miniato shows off the fact that Florence was a center for beauty and architecture long before the Renaissance even took place. This church was actually built way back in 1018.

Secondly, and most notably, San Miniato sits high above Florence, even higher than the famed Piazzale Michelangelo. Awe-inspiring views of the city lie below and Tuscan hills sit all around. 

San Miniato also has a small, peaceful cemetery you can walk around. Art and architecture lovers will truly appreciate this church. 

The Basilica di San Lorenzo

Visit one of the oldest churches in Florence chock full of gorgeous artwork and a packed library. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-214-042 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily, Closed Sundays | Entrance: 9€, adults 

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence, dating back to the 1400s. From the outside, this Florence Basilica doesn’t look like there’s much going on, but inside it holds a ton of exceptional artwork. 

Every inch of San Lorenzo is loaded with paintings and architectural features that are perfect down to the last detail. Basilica di San Lorenzo is also the burial place of the famed artist Donatello and features a library designed by Michelangelo.

Opera del Duomo Museum

Experience a treasured art museum with pieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-230-2885 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: 30€

Opera del Duomo is another one of Florence’s top museums and is definitely worth a visit even though it’s glazed over by many visitors. In comparison to the other attractions around, Opera del Duomo is actually fairly new, but it’s still just as impressive. 

Inside, there is a wealth of statues by beloved Italian artists and a bunch of other types of artifacts. Plus, the architecture of the museum is just as captivating as the artwork. 

After seeing all the pieces go up to the terrace on the third floor where you’ll get an epic view of the Bruneschelli’s dome. Don’t forget, you’ll get access to the museum, the Duomo itself, the bell tower, the dome, and more by buying the Brunelleschi Pass on the Duomo website.

Baptistery of St. John

Stare up in awe at the intricate details in the ceiling of this holy place of worship.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-230-2885 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: €15 

Stick it out for just one more stop when you’re visiting Cathedral Square to see the gorgeous Baptistry of St. John. Once again, you will have access to the Baptistery and more attractions around the area when you buy the Brunelleschi Pass for €30. 

The interior is immaculately decorated from the floor all the way up to the ceiling. Your neck might hurt from looking up at the beautiful, golden artwork on the apex of the structure, though.

Palazzo Vecchio

Explore this opulent Medieval fortress that doubles as Florence’s town hall.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-276-8325 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Mon-Wed & Fri-Sun; 9 am – 2 pm Thu | Entrance: 12.50€, adults, Free under 17 | 👉 Browse Tours to Palazzo Vecchio on Viator

The 724-year-old Palazzo Vecchio serves as Florence’s town hall, and it is one of the most important local buildings. You can see it poking out of the skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo and tons of other spots around the city.   

Like many of Florence’s famous buildings, stepping into this palace feels like stepping back in time. You’ll want to keep your camera in hand here, especially when you get to the room covered on all sides and the ceilings with gigantic paintings.

Palazzo Pitti

Visit one of Florence’s top museums housed in a 15th-century castle on the edge of Boboli Gardens. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-294-883 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 16€, adults, Free under age 18 | 👉 Browse Tours to Pitti Palace on Viator

Palazzo Pitti is right in front of the Boboli Gardens. It’s a 15th century palace that’s been given new life as an extensive art museum. Today, Pitti Palace actually contains five different museums for visitors to enjoy. 

There is the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, and the Museum of Russian Icons. I’d suggest the Modern Art Gallery for art lovers. It’s on the second floor of the palace with terrific views.

Synagogue and Jewish Museum in Florence

This beautiful, domed synagogue in the Santa Croce neighborhood is home to a Jewish museum. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 055 245 252 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm Sun-Thu, 10 am – 3 pm Fri, Closed Sat | Entrance: €10

The Synagogue and Jewish Museum in Florence is located just off the beaten path in the Santa Croce neighborhood. Its dome is often overlooked in favor of more well-known churches, but its unique architectural style and museum are worth visiting.

The synagogue was built in 1882 in Italian and Moorish Revival styles. The interior features beautiful brown, red, blue, and gold geometric designs. There’s also a museum displaying historical artifacts, photographs, and more.

Food & Drink

Osteria Belle Donne Wine Window

Grab an afternoon glass of white wine on the go at this inviting Florence hole in the wall (literally).

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-238-2609 | Website | Hours: 12 – 11:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Wine windows are an age-old tradition in Florence. These literal holes in the wall became a thing over 450 years ago as a way to serve customers during a health epidemic. The tradition stuck around and now you’ll frequently stumble across these wine parties in the alleyways. 

On my trip to Florence, one of my close friends eagerly urged me to check out one of these secret wine windows. There are still more than 150 of them hidden across the city. It’s like a fun, little scavenger hunt with a glass of wine as the prize. 

It can be a bit difficult to find them, but one of the most well-known and still fully functional wine windows in Florence is at Osteria Belle Donne. All you have to do is give the window a knock and you’re mere moments from sipping on a glass of refreshing Italian wine in the street.

Angel Roofbar

Munch on a Mediterranean meal and sip on cocktails with stunning views of Palazzo Vecchio and the whole city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (339)-411-3863| Website | Hours: 12 pm – 3 pm & 5 pm – 11 pm Wed – Sun, 5 pm – 12 am Mon-Tue | Entrance: Free, reservation recommended

While there are quite a few options for rooftop bars across Florence, Angel Roofbar stands out among the crowd. This spot is right around the corner from Piazza della Signoria in the city center. So, it’ll be easy to reach no matter where you are in the city.  

Angel Roofbar has plenty of delicious Mediterranean food on the menu with just as many cocktails and wines to choose from. Of course, the star of the show at this rooftop eatery is its scenery. 

From the terrace, you’ll have access to striking views over the city. Most people try to grab a table at Angel at sunset, but the evening is really the best time to go. At night you’ll have the chance to spot Palazzo Vecchio lighting up at night from Angel Roofbar.

Caffe Gilli

Enjoy a morning cappuccino and baba pastry at this 290-year-old cafe in the heart of Florence.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-213-896 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free

The famous Gilli Cafe has been serving customers for hundreds of years. When you’re in Florence, trying this historic restaurant in the city center is a must. Gilli Cafe is open all day from 7:30 am to 12 am, so you can stop in any time. 

I’d recommend just getting drinks or a pastry from here since the food prices are quite inflated. It was one of the priciest restaurants I came across in Italy. Instead of a full meal, I opted for a rum-soaked baba pastry and a creamy cappuccino from Gilli Cafe.

InTavola

Join a class and learn how to make traditional gelato, hand-made pasta, or even a full 4-course dinner.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-217-672 | Website | Hours: Depends On The Class Booked | Entrance: 29€ to 75€  | 👉 Browse InTavola Cooking Class on Viator

An entertaining way to dive into Florence’s food culture is by taking a cooking class at InTavola. This culinary school in the Oltrarno neighborhood puts on a variety of different cooking classes at varying price points. 

There are gelato-making classes (29€), lessons on how to craft hand-made pasta (69€), and even a full four-course dinner (75€). You can check out the full list of available classes on the Intavola website or book the class through Viator.

Nino and Friends

An artisan chocolate shop in the heart of Florence with free samples, delicious chocolates, and other goodies.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +39 055 022 7387 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm daily 

In search of a sweet treat? Head to Nino and Friends. This artisan chocolate shop sells a delicious array of chocolate truffles, bars, and other treats. They offer samples upon entering the store so you can pick your absolute favorite flavors before purchasing.

Nino and Friends also offer savory sauces and home items like hand-painted shot glasses and ornaments. 

Il Vezzo

Reserve a table at this quaint, exceptional eatery prized for its Florentine steak. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-281-096 | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 10:30 pm daily

Among all the fantastic restaurants in Florence, Il Vezzo distinguishes itself as one of the best. It’s a bit outside the main city center in a quieter area, making it an excellent dinner option for travelers who prefer a calmer atmosphere.

Everything on the menu is crafted to perfection, but Il Vezzo is renowned for its Florentine Steak. Their presentation is just as amazing as the taste of each dish. 

One thing to note is that Il Vezzo is a very tiny, intimate restaurant space with only a couple of tables available. You won’t get a spot unless you make a reservation in advance. I even got turned away when I showed up alone without a reservation in the first hour they opened! 

Gelateria dei Neri

Choose from a huge assortment of colorful flavors at Florence’s best gelato shop.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-210-034 | Hours: 10:30 am – 12 am daily, Closed Tuesdays

In Italy, you’re obligated to try gelato in every city from Milan to Naples. 

The place to fulfill this sweet craving in Florence is Gelateria dei Neri. This is a classic gelato shop that has a flavor for everyone – whether you’re into chocolate, fruity, or something else entirely. There are also push-pop ice creams and big tubs available.

Rasputin

Indulge in the full speakeasy experience at this secret cocktail bar.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-760-9957 | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 2 am daily | Entrance: Free

Rasputin is a mysterious speakeasy cocktail bar in Florence. It’s situated across the river from the main historic center in the Oltrarno district. The bar can be a little bit difficult to find since it’s hidden away on the streets. That really gives it the prohibition feel, though. 

Here’s a hint: Enter Rasputin by ringing the bell and heading down the stairs. From there, you’ll reach an underground bar with jazz music, high-quality cocktails, and an overall elegant vibe. 

Outdoor Activities

Piazza della Signoria

Wander a statue-filled central city square near Palazzo Vecchio and other Florence attractions. 

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free 

Piazza della Signoria in the heart of Florence is right near many of the city’s most important sites. The Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio are less than a 5 minute walk away. Visiting all of these Florence attractions in one fell swoop saves you a lot of time. 

There are several recreations of famous statues inside the bustling Piazza della Signoria. You’ll be able to get a glimpse of a faux David by Michelangelo, Marzocco by Donatello, and more. Piazza della Signoria is a good alternative for visitors who don’t have time to see the real thing at every single Florence museum. 

Boboli Gardens

Take a stroll through a pristine 450+-year-old garden that’s believed to be the inspiration for many other royal European gardens.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 390-552-3885 | Website | Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: 10€, adults, Free under age 18 | 👉 Browse Tours and Tickets to Boboli Gardens on Viator

Boboli Gardens is a nice spot to take a break from the chaos of a major city like Florence. The gardens are just across the Arno River in the beautiful Oltrarno neighborhood. As you walk through, you’ll come across thousands of wild orchards, grottos, and viewpoints. 

Boboli Gardens is right next to Pitti Palace, so it’s smart to visit both of these popular Florence attractions in one afternoon. Note that the Gardens are closed on the first and last Monday of the month.

San Gimignano

Take a day trip to a Medieval Tuscan town to see its tower-filled skyline and drink Vernaccia.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free, tour recommended | 👉 Browse Tours to San Gimignano on Viator

There are many day trips to take when you visit Florence, but out of all of them I’d highly recommend San Gimignano. This Medieval Tuscan town is small enough to explore in a single day yet still has a lot to see. 

There are historic attractions to visit, like the Porta San Giovanni Roman Wall and the 177-foot Torre Grossa. You can spend time in the bustling Piazza del Duomo of San Gimignano and Piazza della Cisterna. Then, finish with a glass of locally-made Vernaccia white wine at a winery. 

This hillside community is located just an hour southwest of Florence. It’s really easy to reach by car or takes around 2 hours each way on the train or bus and you’ll have to transfer at Poggibonsi station. If figuring out transportation sounds stressful, just book this San Gimignano and Siena Day Trip from Florence. It will conveniently bring you to these two adorable Tuscany towns in a comfortable coach with air conditioning and WiFi. 

Piazza della Repubblica

Take your kids on a ride around the carousel or just people-watch with coffee at this historic square. 

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Piazza della Repubblica is a fun, easy stop in Florence for families with kids. It’s a lively town square less than a 5-minute walk away from the Florence Cathedral. 

Gilli Cafe is actually located on the edge of Piazza della Repubblica and it’s a lovely place to people-watch from. There is also a functioning classic carousel in the middle of the square that’s sure to build a core memory for your kiddos. 

Tuscany Vespa Cycle and Bike Tour

Zoom through the Tuscan countryside to reach a winery and have a tasting.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (328)-071-4849 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 10 am & 3:30 – 4 pm daily | Entrance: Various Tour Options | 👉 Browse Tours With Tuscany Vespa Cycle & Bike Tours

Visitors can see a lot of Florence on foot, but you’ll see more of the Tuscan region on a Vespa or bicycle. Tuscany Vespa Cycle and Bike Tours accommodates these trips for you with knowledgeable guides. 

They have a variety of tours that allow you to experience the surrounding countryside. There are options like a sunset Vespa tour through Tuscany, a Tuscan off-road wine tour, and a Florence city bike tour. They also provide bike rentals in Florence for 1 hour (4€) to a full day (15€). 

Giardino delle Rose

Get away from the busy city streets by having a picnic in this peaceful rose garden with sweeping views. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-234-2426 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am – 8 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

Most visitors looking for a garden in Florence go to Boboli, but Giardino delle Rose is a lovely alternative. This rose garden is a little more calm and less touristy. 

Giardino delle Rose is right near Piazzale Michelangelo, so the garden’s location provides exceptional views over Florence. For a romantic date in Florence, bring along a bottle of wine and some snacks to watch the sunset from Giardino delle Rose.

Shopping

Santo Spirito Market

A buzzing weekly market where you can find everything from vintage items to handmade jewelry. 

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

The weekly Santo Spirito Market in Oltrarno (the other side of the river) is the perfect place to shop locally, pick up gifts, and find unique bits and bobs in a more relaxed, yet equally vibrant, area. 

Santo Spirito Market happens every day of the week, but Sunday is the best time to go. You’ll find more vendors selling a wider variety of clothing, accessories, vintage items, and other goods. 

After hitting up the market, don’t forget to wander around the Santo Spirito neighborhood. You’ll find tons of other local artisan shops around here.

Melrose Vintage Ginori

Browse the eclectic array of vintage wear at this ever-changing shop in the city center.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (055)-267-0030 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Florence is one of the best cities to go shopping in Italy, so go crazy on retail therapy. A good place to start your Florence shopping trip is Melrose Vintage Ginori. Located right in the city center, Melrose Vintage is flooded with a range of goodies for both men and women. 

Expect to find dresses, shoes, leather jackets, belts, hats, and more when you’re browsing at Melrose. The offerings are always changing and good items go fast. Keep an eye out because it’s a fantastic place to discover luxury clothing for a huge bargain.

Oltrarno Photo Booth

Step back in time and capture your trip to Florence on film. 

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: €2 

Capture your Florence memories the old-school way — on film! This photo booth in the Oltrarno neighborhood is a cute activity to include in your itinerary. 

It costs €2 but the machine only takes €1 and €2 coins, so come prepared. Since the photos are on film, they take about four minutes to develop, and they’re a little wet when they come out. Be careful to not touch the ink and let it dry!

Mercato del Porcellino

Go shopping for leather bags, wallets, or belts at this bustling outdoor bazaar. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (339)-327-1143 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Leather-making has been a tradition in Florence for generations. Thanks to the city’s riverside location, leather makers always had the supplies and water they needed to go through the process of creating the material.

Today, Florence remains one of the best cities to buy leather goods. You can do your own leather shopping at Mercato del Porcellino. This outdoor market has every type of leather product imaginable for a good price.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stay aware of your surroundings when you’re shopping at San Lorenzo Market. These types of places are pick-pocketing hotspots. When I was walking by I actually saw a thief run off with a tourist’s wallet (and about 10 locals chasing after him).

***

Which activity are you going to do first in Florence? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more places to visit on your trip to Italy? Then you’ll want to read Lea Rose’s list of places to visit in Italy next to discover nearby Tuscan destinations as well as other hidden gems across the country.

–Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this post.