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Best Things to do in Florence (2026)

Beyond the big museums, Florence rewards slower experiences that show how the city lives. Its markets are a good place to start. The Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo combines a traditional ground-floor food market with a busy upstairs food hall, while the smaller Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, east of Santa Croce, is where many Florentines still do their morning shopping. Both are best visited in the morning, when the stalls are full and the atmosphere is liveliest.

For views, cross the river and climb to Piazzale Michelangelo, the classic sunset terrace above San Niccolò, then continue a few minutes uphill to San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church with a calmer view and Gregorian chant sung by its monks in the evening. The walk up through the gardens from Porta San Niccolò takes about twenty minutes, or you can take a bus or taxi. Closer to the station, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a historic pharmacy and perfumery whose frescoed rooms can be visited free of charge. These experiences fit easily around museum visits, and most cost little or nothing, which makes them good choices for a lighter day or an evening walk.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Florence

  1. Piazzale Michelangelo Viewpoint, San Niccolò (Oltrarno)The 1869 hilltop terrace above San Niccolò with a bronze David and the classic panorama of the Duomo, the Arno bridges and the Palazzo Vecchio.
  2. San Miniato al Monte Romanesque basilica and viewpoint, San Miniato (Oltrarno)A Romanesque basilica begun in 1013 on one of the highest points of Florence, with a marble facade, mosaics and a quieter view than Piazzale Michelangelo.
  3. Mercato Centrale Food market and food hall, San LorenzoMengoni's 1874 iron and glass market in San Lorenzo, with traditional butchers and grocers downstairs and a food hall of artisan counters upstairs.

Thing to do

3. Mercato Centrale

Food market and food hallSan Lorenzo

Mengoni's 1874 iron and glass market in San Lorenzo, with traditional butchers and grocers downstairs and a food hall of artisan counters upstairs.

View details — Mercato Centrale