The Top Four Experiences You Can’t Miss in Florence—Your Ultimate Florence Travel Guide to the City of Art

Florence is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine—all wrapped in stunning architecture and sun-dappled piazzas. As the beating heart of Tuscany, Florence has shaped much of Italy’s identity, and it’s a must-visit destination for travelers who are equally passionate about art, food, and those long, slow moments that only Italy seems to do perfectly. This Florence Travel Guide will help you uncover the very best of what the city has to offer.

Yes, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance—but it’s far from frozen in time. This is a city that’s alive with creativity, where centuries-old masterpieces share the stage with contemporary fashion, cutting-edge design, and some of the best gelato you’ll ever eat. Every cobbled alley, sunlit dome, and little wine bar tucked behind a cathedral seems to whisper a story.

So whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fifth, these four unforgettable experiences will help you dive deeper into the essence of Florence. Let’s take a look at what makes this city so thoroughly enchanting.

A captivating view of Florence's architectural grandeur, featuring the iconic dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, set against a dramatic sunset sky.

1. Explore the Art and Architecture of Florence 

Florence is basically an open-air museum—just with way better espresso. Its skyline is crowned by the terracotta-tiled Duomo, and its streets are lined with masterpieces of architecture, sculpture, and painting that span centuries.

Start your day in Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart and an artistic stage in its own right. Here, you’ll find towering sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David (don’t worry, the original is coming up), and the dramatic Palazzo Vecchio, once home to the powerful Medici family. Just a short stroll away stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore—better known as the Duomo—an architectural marvel crowned by Brunelleschi’s gravity-defying dome. Climb to the top if you're feeling ambitious; the views are worth every step (and then some).

Then there’s the art. The Uffizi Gallery is a must for any art lover, with works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, just to name a few. And don’t skip the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s original David stands in all his 17-foot, marble-carved glory. Seeing it in person is one of those rare moments when the hype is 100% justified.

But it’s not just the “big” attractions—Florence rewards those who wander. Duck into lesser-known churches like Santa Croce or Santo Spirito, and you’ll find frescoes, sculptures, and ornate altars tucked into every nook. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, and every corner you turn seems to lead to another postcard-perfect view or hidden treasure.

2. Enjoy a Tranquil Picnic in the Boboli Gardens

Just across the Arno River, behind the grand Pitti Palace, lies one of Florence’s most peaceful and elegant spaces: the Boboli Gardens. These sprawling Renaissance gardens were designed by the Medici family, which means they were never going to be subtle. Think sweeping lawns, ornate fountains, grottos, and sculptures dotting manicured pathways. It’s the kind of place that feels tailor-made for leisurely afternoons.

The Boboli Gardens are ideal for taking a break from the bustling historic center. Pack a picnic—or grab a few local bites from a nearby panetteria—and claim a shady spot under the cypress trees. You’ll find panoramic views over Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, making it feel like you’ve stepped into an oil painting.

What’s special about the Boboli Gardens is how they seem to stretch time. You’ll likely lose track of the hours wandering through its hidden corners, like the mysterious Buontalenti Grotto or the leafy amphitheater near the entrance. Even if you’re not a big “garden person,” this place will charm you with its quiet, regal beauty.

For something a little less known (and with fewer crowds), check out the nearby Bardini Gardens. They’re smaller, but just as beautiful—and the view from the top is one of the best in the city.

3. Discover the Timeless Beauty of Tuscany

Florence is the gateway to Tuscany, and trust me: once you’ve had your fill of Renaissance art and piazza people-watching, the countryside will call your name. Within an hour’s drive, the landscape shifts from cityscape to soft rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards, medieval towns, and winding country roads that seem like they were designed just for convertible drives with Italian opera playing in the background.

Start with Chianti, just south of the city, known for its picturesque vineyards and, of course, the iconic wine. Whether you join a guided wine tour or take a scenic drive at your own pace, be sure to stop for tastings at family-run wineries and long, rustic lunches at trattorias where the view is as good as the food. (Tip: Look for the black rooster on the wine label—it marks a true Chianti Classico.)

Beyond Chianti, towns like San Gimignano, Siena, and Montepulciano are all within reach for a day trip. San Gimignano, with its skyline of medieval towers, feels like a time capsule. Siena is known for its dramatic piazza and striking cathedral. And Montepulciano? That’s where you’ll sip bold reds with views over golden hills.

Each town brings its own flavor—literally and figuratively. You could spend weeks weaving through Tuscany and never get bored, but even one day out of Florence will add a beautiful, bucolic layer to your trip.

4. Indulge in Florence’s Culinary Delights

Let’s be honest: part of the reason you’re here is to eat—and Florence delivers. The cuisine is honest, hearty, and deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t need to be fussy because the ingredients are just that good.

Start your culinary tour at a local market, like Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio, where the energy is contagious. You’ll see rows of sun-ripened tomatoes, wheels of pecorino, and crusty loaves of pane toscano (a saltless bread that’s better than it sounds). Grab a porchetta sandwich or a cone of truffle-sprinkled fries from one of the market stalls and eat like a local.

A succulent Florentine steak, perfectly seared over an open flame, captures the essence of Tuscany's renowned culinary heritage.

Florence is also home to a few dishes you won’t want to miss. There’s bistecca alla fiorentina—a massive, rare-cooked T-bone steak typically shared family-style. Pappa al pomodoro (a comforting tomato-and-bread soup) and ribollita (a hearty vegetable stew) are humble Tuscan classics that pack serious flavor.

And the sweets! You haven’t lived until you’ve had gelato from a true artisanal gelateria like Gelateria dei Neri or La Carraia. Go for classics like pistachio or stracciatella, or try something seasonal like fig and ricotta.

Want to really immerse yourself? Take a cooking class. Plenty of local chefs and home cooks offer hands-on experiences where you’ll knead pasta, stir sauces, and sip wine as you learn the secrets of Florentine cuisine. Not only do you get an amazing meal at the end, but you’ll leave with skills—and stories—to bring back home.

Florence is one of those rare cities that manages to feel both intimate and grand. It’s easy to fall in love with its beauty, but it’s the depth of experience—the art, the food, the people—that keeps travelers returning again and again.

Whether you’re dreaming of gazing up at Michelangelo’s David, sipping Chianti in the Tuscan hills, or just wandering through centuries-old streets with a gelato in hand, Florence will meet you exactly where you are. And then it’ll raise the bar.

Ready to fall under Florence’s spell? Let Foster Perry Travel craft a personalized itinerary that brings your Italian daydreams to life—effortlessly. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on soaking up the beauty (and the wine). Let’s start planning your perfect Florence getaway!