Brunelleschi’s soaring dome atop Florence Cathedral is one of the symbols of the city, so make sure to get up close to this engineering marvel. Savor views over the city’s rooftops from the dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, admire the architecture and art inside the cathedral and baptistery, and venture below the cathedral floor to discover the ancient ruins of the Basilica of Santa Reparata, an early Christian church that once stood on this spot.

Florence is one of the world’s top destinations for art. Use fast-track entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery to see works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and other Renaissance greats without having to wait in line. After you’ve checked Florence’s two headliners off your list, visit other fabulous museums like the Bargello National Museum, Palazzo Vecchio, and Pitti Palace.

Across the Arno River, Florence's bohemian Oltarno neighborhood has long been a hub of the local artisan culture and still has landmark workshops passed down through generations. Browse shops like Pitti Mosaici famously known for its handcrafted mosaics. Make an appointment to visit their historic workshop and watch the detailed mosaics come together in person.

There are a number of landmark food markets in the heart of Florence where locals have been shopping for generations. A market visit with a foodie guide or passionate home cook offers a unique glimpse into Florentine life. Take a guided market tour of Mercato Centrale or Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, paired with stops to sample classic street food favorites like lampredotto (stewed beef offal) and, of course, gelato.

The historic center of Florence lies along the banks of the Arno River. It’s surrounded by lush hills dotted with villages like Fiesole, Bellosguardo, and Settignano. A jaunt to these nearby slopes offers both sweeping views across Florence’s terracotta-tiled roofs and a quiet respite from the crowds of the city center. Set off by e-bike, Vespa scooter, or on foot to take in the views from the San Miniato al Monte overlook and explore the hills that inspired Leonardo da Vinci and others.

Sunsets in Florence are legendary, bathing the city in golden light and tinting the sky with a kaleidoscope of pinks, oranges, and blues. There are a number of great spots to catch this magical spectacle each day, but none more famous than Piazzale Michelangelo, perched above the Oltrarno neighborhood. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset hour from a unique perspective with a sunset boat tour down the Arno River, or pair your sunset stroll with a wine-tasting or foodie crawl in Florence’s old town.

There are a number of fashion museums in Florence that highlight some of the top names in haute couture and shoe design. Admire vintage clothing and shoes at Gucci Museum, the Ferragamo Museum, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion in Pitti Palace with a Florence fashion tour or go on a fashion spree of your own with a private shopper. For a wardrobe overhaul that won’t break the bank, visit outlets such as the Barberino Designer Outlet.

Just beyond the hills that encircle the city, Tuscany’s Chianti wine country beckons with historic family-run cellars that have been producing Chianti Classico and other flagship Italian wines for centuries. Florence is an ideal jumping-off point for a day trip to Chianti filled with winery tours and tastings. You can explore on your own, but a full-day or half-day wine tour with transportation included lets you skip the stress of driving.

Florence is an open-air museum and each square overflows with architecture and art. Get your bearings and make sure you see the most important highlights by exploring the centro storico with a guide. Take in headliners like the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio easily on foot in this walkable city, or strike further afield with an e-bike, e-scooter, golf cart, or tuk-tuk to visit the Piazzale Michelangelo scenic overlook for views across the Arno River.

Hidden behind the city’s Renaissance palaces lie equally storied gardens which offer a break from Florence’s crowds, just steps from the city’s top sights. Stretch your legs along the gravel walks in the Boboli Gardens, known for its ornate fountains and grottoes and set just behind Pitti Palace, or walk up the terraced grounds of Bardini Gardens behind Fort Belvedere for unrivaled views over the historic center and Brunelleschi’s iconic dome.