Florence had already left an impression on me years ago. I had visited the city once before, but ever since that first trip, I knew I wanted to come back and experience it again. For years, Florence stayed high on my travel wish list, and last summer it finally happened.

Walking through the streets again felt both familiar and completely new. I had more time to really explore, to enjoy the food, the views, and the atmosphere that makes this city so special. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Florence, these are the experiences that made my return visit unforgettable.

What to Do in Florence

1. Seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia

Visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia was one of the main reasons I wanted to return to Florence. Seeing the original statue in real life is incredibly impressive. The statue is displayed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and seeing it in real life is truly overwhelming. Even if you think you know what to expect, the scale and detail are impressive. Entrance tickets cost around €24 for adults. I booked my ticket in advance, which saved me a lot of time because the lines can get very long, especially in summer. The museum is usually closed on Mondays and closes in the early evening, so it’s worth checking opening hours before you go.

2. Walking Across Ponte Vecchio in the Evening

The Ponte Vecchio is free to visit and easy to cross at any time of day, but I quickly learned that timing makes a big difference. During the day it’s extremely crowded, so we went back in the evening when the atmosphere felt much calmer. With fewer people around and the lights reflecting on the Arno River, walking across the bridge at night was a completely different experience and one of my favorite moments in Florence.

3. Exploring the Duomo Area

The Duomo of Florence, officially called Santa Maria del Fiore, dominates the historic center. We spent quite some time simply walking around the cathedral and admiring the marble façade from different angles. Going inside the cathedral itself is free, but queues can be long. If you want to visit the dome, bell tower, baptistery, or the Duomo Museum, you’ll need a ticket. A combined ticket for the entire Duomo complex costs around €30 and gives access to all major parts. We decided just to visit from the outside, since the lines were so long and the price was a little bit too high for us. The building is just as beautiful from the outside! In case you do decide to visit the inside, dress codes are enforced, it’s important to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

4. Trying Pappardelle al Cinghiale at Osteria de’ Peccatori

Food was a big part of our trip to Florence, and one dish I really wanted to try was pappardelle al cinghiale, a traditional wild boar pasta. We had dinner at Osteria de’ Peccatori, and the dish was rich and full of flavor. Main courses here usually cost between €15 and €20, which felt reasonable for the quality and location. After dinner, we ordered dessert and tried the pistachio ice cream, which turned out to be a highlight on its own.

5. Visiting Mercato del Porcellino

While wandering through the city, we stopped at Mercato del Porcellino, a small market near the historic center. There’s no ticket required, and it’s a nice place to browse leather goods and souvenirs, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Outside the market stands the famous bronze wild boar statue. You can rub its nose for good luck and toss a coin into the fountain: apparently, if the coin falls through the grate, you’ll return to Florence someday.

6. Using a Vintage Photo Booth Near S. Forno Panificio

One of my favorite souvenirs from Florence came from an old-fashioned photo booth. There’s a great one near S. Forno Panificio, close to where we stayed. We went early in the morning and didn’t have to wait at all. Using the photo booth only costs a few euros, and while these booths can get busy in more touristy areas, this location felt much quieter. It’s one of the best spots in Florence if you want to avoid long queues.

7. Walking Around Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria felt like an open-air museum. I loved slowly walking around the square, taking in the statues, the Neptune Fountain, and the impressive Palazzo Vecchio. The square is completely free to visit and lively throughout the day, making it a great place to pause, look around, and soak up the atmosphere of Florence.

8. Visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, located near the main train station, looked stunning from the outside, and I was surprised by how quiet the area felt compared to the busier streets nearby. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited, so I didn’t get a chance to go inside. If you plan to visit, make sure to check the opening hours in advance, as the architecture and interior are said to be beautiful and worth exploring.

9. Watching the View from Piazzale Michelangelo

For the best panoramic view of Florence, we went to Piazzale Michelangelo. Visiting the viewpoint is completely free, but it does require a bit of a walk uphill. We went around sunset, and while it was very crowded, especially in summer, the view over the city, with the Duomo clearly visible, was absolutely worth it. If you prefer a quieter experience, arriving earlier or staying a bit later helps.

10. Drinking from a Wine Window

One of the most fun and unique experiences I had in Florence was ordering a drink from a wine window, known locally as a buchetta del vino. These small windows were originally built in the 16th century so that wealthy Florentine families could sell wine directly from their homes, without leaving the building. I grabbed an Aperol, though a glass of wine is obviously the most popular choice, and continued my walk through the city. Prices usually range between €5 and €10, and it’s such a simple but memorable way to experience one of Florence’s oldest and most charming traditions.

11. Visiting Farmacia Santa Maria Novella

We also visited Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Entry is free, and the interior alone makes it worth visiting. The beautifully decorated rooms feel more like a museum than a shop, and it’s a lovely place to browse perfumes, soaps, and herbal products, even if you don’t plan on buying anything.

Where I Stayed in Florence

For my trip to Florence, we stayed at a charming apartment called Sitornino Apartment, located in the heart of the San Frediano district, one of the city’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. This place was perfect for us because it combined great location, comfort, and independence all in one. Inside, the flat was comfortable and well-equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, a living area and a bathroom, which was great for relaxing after a day of exploring. I loved having the kitchen and space to unwind, especially after long walks around town.

It was a great choice for our stay because we could explore most attractions on foot, start our days early without rushed commutes, and come back each evening to a quiet, cosy space.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Florence

Returning to Florence after so many years made me appreciate the city even more. Booking tickets in advance saved me a lot of time, early mornings were my favorite moments, and some of the best experiences came from simply wandering without a plan. If you’re planning a trip and searching for what to do in Florence, I hope these experiences help you make the most of your visit to this incredible city.