Ready to uncover the best things to do in Florence this summer?
Imagine walking through centuries of art. Maybe you’ll climb terracotta-tiled rooftops or taste the region’s finest flavors.
Florence isn’t just another city: it’s one of Italy’s icons. You’ll find must-visit galleries, panoramic viewpoints, and hidden neighborhood treasures.
Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been here before, there’s always something new to see.
So, are you up for a summer adventure that’ll show you why Florence feels like the heart of Tuscany’s magic?
Let’s get started!
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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do a thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.
Florence in Summer: My Top Things to Do and Places to See
1. Take a Day Trip to Tuscany: Ride Through the Tuscan Hills or Bike the Countryside
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Just outside Florence, the Tuscan region stretches out with rolling fields, olive groves, and vineyards. These landscapes have fed Italy for centuries.
You might join a small tour, or maybe you’d rather rent a bike and meander along country roads. The route winds past old farmhouses and those classic hilltop villages.
Along the way, why not stop at a family-run winery? You can sample Chianti wine and try some freshly made pecorino cheese.
If you’re planning a ride, it’s smart to start early. Bring water, grab a hat, and double-check your bike brakes before heading out.
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2. Climb the Duomo
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The Duomo dome (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) came from the mind of Filippo Brunelleschi back in the 1400s. Honestly, it’s one of those Renaissance feats that still makes you wonder how they pulled it off.
You’ll face nearly 500 narrow steps just to get inside the dome’s walkway. Then, there’s another climb if you want to reach the outer balcony.
At the top, you can peer down at the frescoed walls and enjoy the view of Florence’s red rooftops. Tickets go fast, sometimes very fast, so grab them weeks in advance and… wear comfy shoes.
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3. Explore the Uffizi Gallery
Started back in 1581 by the influential Medici family, the Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
As you wander through those grand halls and catch sunlight pouring in from the high windows, you’ll spot works that genuinely changed the course of art, like “The Birth of Venus.”
In summer, lines can get very long, so it’s smart to grab skip-the-line tickets. Not up for a marathon visit? Just pick a handful of rooms to explore, and you won’t end up exhausted.
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4. Cross the Ponte Vecchio
(Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy – Photo by Ali Nuredini)
The Ponte Vecchio dates back to 1345. It’s one of the rare European bridges where shops still line both sides.
Back in medieval days, butchers used to run their stalls here. Now, jewelers have taken over, displaying gold and sparkling gems. During WWII, retreating troops left the bridge standing.
If you want a peaceful experience, try visiting early in the morning. That’s when the crowds haven’t shown up yet.
5. Take a Walking Tour of Florence
(Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Tuscany, Italy – Photo by Nicola Pavan)
A guided walking tour lets you see Florence’s top sights in just a few hours. You’ll hit the Duomo, Santa Croce, and Piazza della Signoria.
Local guides love to point out little architectural quirks. They’ll talk about how Florence grew from a Roman outpost into a Renaissance giant, shaping banking, art, and even science.
Most tours wrap up near the Arno River. If you ask me, that’s a good spot to stick around for lunch.
6. Relax at Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo opened in 1869 as a public square. There’s a bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David standing right in the center.
The square sits on a hill just south of the river. From up there, you get this sweeping view, Duomo, bridges, the whole city spread out.
I’d bring a picnic blanket and some water. Watching the sky shift colors at sunset feels pretty magical.
If you want to skip the crowds, try going just after dawn.
7. Visit the Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo’s original David, carved way back in 1504, the Accademia Gallery also shows off some of his unfinished sculptures. You’ll find a collection of Renaissance paintings here too.
The statue of David stands in a special hall with soaring ceilings, so you can really see every detail: the marble muscles, those veins, the whole thing. If you want to avoid the crowds, book your ticket online and try for a weekday morning.
8. Stroll Through Boboli Gardens
Behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens stretch out, crafted in the 1500s by the Medici. They’re a showcase of early Italian garden design.
You’ll spot marble statues, grottoes, and fountains tucked among cypress alleys and fishponds. Climbing up to the Viottolone, you get this classic view of Florence, all framed by sculpted hedges.
The open lawns can get pretty hot in summer. Bring a hat and slap on some sunblock if you don’t want to “melt”.
9. Walk Around Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria has been Florence’s political heart since the 1200s. This open square buzzes with energy and stories.
You’ll spot the Loggia dei Lanzi nearby. It’s home to life-size statues like Perseus holding Medusa’s head.
The Fountain of Neptune stands out too. It’s a nod to Italy’s naval power back in the 1500s.
Palazzo Vecchio rises over the square with its tall clock tower. Sometimes it almost feels like the building’s watching everything.
Grab a bench at the edge if you need a break. It’s the perfect spot to watch the scene.
10. Discover the Oltrarno District
On the south side of the Arno River, Oltrarno buzzes with artisan workshops. Craftsmen here still shape leather goods, ceramics, and custom jewelry by hand.
The streets feel more like a lived-in neighborhood than a tourist trap. You’ll stumble across small cafes dishing out local favorites.
Drop by the Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine. The early Renaissance frescoes by Masaccio are worth a look.
Afterwards, maybe wander into a family-run trattoria for supper.