Florence Tours

Florence offers a multitude of iconic must-visit spots and hidden gems alike, guaranteeing that you’ll never be bored no matter how long you spend in this enchanting city. Here are a few of our guide team’s recommendations to get you started:

• Check Florence’s top sights off your bucket list by visiting David and the Duomo—and, if you dare, take things one step further by climbing the dome
• Delve into the countless artistic treasures housed within the Uffizi Gallery
• Explore the sprawling Pitti Palace and bask in the tranquility of the Boboli gardens
• Wander through the picturesque Oltrarno neighborhood and take part in the time-honored Italian aperitivo tradition at its lively bars
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Sant’Ambrogio Market

Florence is well-positioned within Tuscany to allow easy access to some of the most beautiful and historic corners of the region. Consider an excursion to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower in person, an afternoon sipping wine in Chianti, or an all-encompassing Tuscany day trip covering some of the region's most picturesque towns.

First things first: There’s no such thing as “Italian food”—not when each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own distinct culinary traditions! And Tuscany is no different. When visiting Florence, be sure to seek out the regional delicacies that are at their best on their home turf.

If you’re visiting Italy, you probably (understandably) plan on eating all the pasta you possibly can. Here in Florence, try the local wild boar ragu served with wide, flat noodles (pappardelle al cinghiale) or any type of pasta graced with Tuscany’s prized local truffles.

But pasta is far from the end-all-be-all of Florentine food. Traditionally, Tuscan cuisine was characterized as cucina povera, or “food of the poor,” and many dishes that are still enjoyed today have roots in this humble gastronomic tradition. Foods like ribollita, a hearty bread and kale soup, and the famous lampredotto (tripe) sandwich were born out of efforts to reduce waste and make the most of every scrap of meat and vegetables.

Last but not least, Florence’s most famous typical food is just about as far from cucina povera as it gets: the legendary bistecca alla fiorentina, or Florentine steak. If you’re looking to splurge on an unforgettable meal while in the Tuscan capital, don’t miss it!

If you want to eat the best Florentine food at the spots real locals love, join us on one of our Florence food tours. Our Tastes & Traditions of Florence Food Tour is a fantastic daytime option featuring a visit to the Sant'Ambrogio Market. In the evening, head across the river for aperitivo and dinner on our Oltrarno at Sunset Tour. Either way, you're guaranteed a fun, relaxing, and delicious few hours.

In addition to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s larger-than-life David statue, and the iconic Uffizi, here are a few more can’t-miss museums in Florence:

• Palazzo Pitti, a former Medici palace-turned-cultural complex housing four museums
• Museo Nazionale del Bargello, known for its collection of Renaissance sculptures by masters including Michelangelo, Bernini, and more
• Palazzo Vecchio, the centerpiece of Piazza della Signoria, housing everything from ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance masterpieces
• The Galileo Museum, home to an unrivaled collection of scientific equipment and an excellent option for families
• Gucci Garden, a living tribute to the century-old luxury fashion house based in Florence

Florence is sure to delight no matter when you decide to visit. Each season has its benefits, and it all comes down to the kind of experience you’re looking to have.

Many international visitors flock to Italy for summer vacation, making Florence a popular draw in the warmest months of the year. While this means the city can get quite crowded (and the temperatures are no joke), there’s nothing better than enjoying an al fresco meal on a gorgeous summer evening. (And, worst case scenario, the nearest beaches are just 90 minutes away.

Spring and fall boast the best temperatures all year: pleasantly warm, but not too hot, with refreshingly crisp evenings. Winter temperatures can be quite chilly (although snow is rare)—but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with fewer crowds, it’s an excellent choice.

Florence is an excellent city for families, with plenty of sights and activities that will keep even the littlest travelers entertained. A spin on the famous carousel in Piazza della Reppublica is a magical experience for all ages, and kids will love getting hands-on at the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. If you need a break from walking around (and the heat!), the Oblate Library (Biblioteca delle Oblate) offers a wonderful children’s section with kids’ books and even a small garden.

Another fantastic option for families is a kid-friendly food tour! Our Tastes & Traditions of Florence Tour is centered around the vibrant and colorful Sant’Ambrogio Market—a fun and exciting stop for little ones—and features plenty of kid-approved local tastes along the way.