Wander Through The Many Gorgeous Gardens

Florence has so many beautiful gardens, it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. The most famous one is the Boboli Garden. These gardens can best be described as an outdoor museum, with the abundance of statues and fountains within. You could easily spend an entire afternoon strolling the vast grounds on a sunny day. If you want to escape the city crowds, the Rose Garden is a favorite of locals and a truly tranquil spot to soak in the views of Florence surrounded by sweet smelling roses. It’s a little off the beaten track but your host will easily be able to get you there.

Your local host can also take you to the lesser known Giardino Bardini, which many Florentines consider to be even more beautiful than the more popular Boboli Gardens. This Renaissance garden offers panoramic views of the city from its grounds filled with lush greenery and fragrant fresh flowers.

Eat Your Way Through Mercato Centrale

Visit Mercato Centrale, a centrally located culinary paradise which makes the perfect lunch spot. Located in an atmospheric nineteenth-century building in San Lorenzo, locals living in the area often pop in here to grab some reasonably priced tasty Tuscan fare. It’s set over two floors, and the huge variety means there truly is something for everyone’s taste.

The ground floor is a buzzing marketplace filled with food vendors selling an assortment of delectable cheeses, spices, meats, wines, and more. And the food court upstairs offers plenty of scrumptious options to feast your way through. Foodies, Mercato Centrale should be high on your list when deciding what things to do in Florence. Interested in food? Discover our food tours in Florence

Explore the Exciting Street Art Scene

Art is absolutely everywhere in Florence. It’s even made its way onto the streets themselves. A new generation of local Florentine street artists has emerged over the last few years, so you are in for a treat as this is one of the top things to do in Florence

Stroll through the streets and spot a variety of unique and interesting street art pieces.  Your local host can even take you on a street art tour and point out some of the most memorable pieces, with a little background on the street artists and their stories. Famous Florentine street artists to look out for include Clet with his modified versions of street signs, and Blub with his interesting underwater pieces. And you are in luck, because your local host knows all about it!

Enjoy a  Gelato From a Traditional Florentine Family-Run Shop

Florence is also known as the city where gelato originated. So, when you’re planning your list of things to do in Florence, don’t miss out on trying some traditional Tuscan gelato flavors, such as pistachio and crema. Local recommendation: Try as many flavors as possible before you leave!

Florentine gelato institutions which have been around for years include the likes of the popular Vivoli and Perché No!. On top of their classic flavors, both also have seasonal fruit varieties and an evolving list of special gourmet flavors.  Your host will be able to take you on a whirlwind tour of the best gelato spots in Florence, many of which have been run by the same families for decades.

Marvel at the Masterpieces in the Uffizi

When it comes to things to do in Florence, the Uffizi is no hidden gem. But it’s an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Tuscan capital city. Sure, there are many galleries to explore in Florence, but this famous art museum includes priceless pieces such as the Venus de’ Medici, Ognissanti Madonna and The Birth of Venus.

Keep in mind that this is a hotspot for tourists but thanks to your local guide, you won’t have to deal with the touristy crowds! Your local guide can help you book in advance and skip the line ticket, this way you won’t miss out on anything!

Feast Your Way Through Florentine Food Markets

When putting together a list of things to do in Florence, you’ve got to touch upon the famous food more than once! Get ready to immerse yourself in the local cuisine by exploring some of the food markets that your host will happily take you to. Eat like a local at the Mercato San Lorenzo, a covered food market with a variety of stalls selling Tuscan cheese, olive oil, spices, wines, meat, fish and so much more!  

The historic Mercato Sant’Ambrogio offers an even more local eating experience. It is a little off the beaten track but your host will be able to guide you. They’ll also be able to help you barter in Italian, which is all part of the experience!

Enjoy Evenings In the Lively Oltrarno Neighborhood

After a long day taking in the many sights and things to do in Florence, you’ll be ready for a relaxing drink in the evening. Check out one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods to spend your evenings in Florence, the lively yet still chill Oltrarno district. Relax with some Tuscan wine in one of the many bars located in Piazza Santo Spirito. This neighborhood  is off the touristy path, so you’ll get an authentic experience where you’ll witness how local people in Florence enjoy their evenings. Your host will also be able to recommend the spots with the best live music.

Take a Cooking Class With Your Local Host

If you’ve fallen in love with Tuscan cuisine by the end of your trip, it’s understandable! So, how about learning how to cook a few of Florence’s best dishes before you leave? Your host will be able to teach you in a private cooking class some traditional dishes and will guide you on where to get the best ingredients to take home.

Whether you’re craving the tiramisu or dreaming of pasta, your host will be able to teach you how to recreate it at home. What better way to reminisce about your trip when you’re home than by cooking up one of your favorite Florentine meals?

Take In Stunning City Views from the Top of the Duomo

When you’re searching for things to do in Florence, you’ll come across the Duomo in every list. And for good reason! Undoubtedly the most iconic building in this historic city, the top of this beautiful Gothic church offers some of the most spectacular views of the city.

The best way to explore the Duomo is with a local tour guide, who’ll be familiar with every nook and cranny and the history behind it. Once you get to the top, they’ll also be able to point out all their favorite Florentine spots to you. Be prepared to wait in line to get to the top, but trust us, it’s worth it. The bustling piazza in front of the Duomo also makes a great spot for people watching.

Go on a Day Trip to Fiesole

Looking for an idyllic day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city?  Your local host can take you to Fiesole, a quaint and tranquil village less than 10km from the city. Located in the midst of the Tuscan hills, you can enjoy a lazy afternoon strolling through the markets and shops selling many charming local food and artisan items that you’ll be tempted to take home as gifts and souvenirs. And it’s yet another spot where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and get that classic Florence photo with the Duomo in the background. See all day trips from Florence.