Why We Love Florence
Florence is a city you explore on foot, nose in the air, with the constant feeling of walking through an open-air museum. Here, Brunelleschi's dome closes off the skyline from almost every alley, artisan workshops still smell of leather and paint, and the Arno flows quietly under the bridges. You come for the Renaissance and leave in love with everything else: the morning markets, rooftop aperitivos, and the Tuscan hills just a pedal stroke away.
The Must-Sees (and How to Really Enjoy Them)
The Duomo and Its Dome
Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and Brunelleschi's dome, a 15th-century feat of engineering, dominate the skyline. Giotto's bell tower and the baptistery next door complete this unique ensemble.
The Lokki tip: book your slot to climb the dome several days ahead, spots sell out fast, especially in summer.
The Ponte Vecchio
Florence's oldest bridge, lined with jewellers' workshops since the 16th century. Cross it at sunset for the view over the Arno and the hills.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The ultimate panoramic viewpoint over the city, its terracotta rooftops and the Duomo in the distance.
The Lokki tip: ride up through the gardens by bike, the climb is steep but the view at the top is worth every pedal stroke.
The Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi
Michelangelo's David on one side, the largest collection of Renaissance art on the other. Two unmissable museums, book online to skip the endless queues.
Florence's Neighbourhoods Not to Miss
Florence reveals itself neighbourhood by neighbourhood, each with its own mood:
- The historic centre (Duomo, Signoria): dense, monumental, best explored early before the crowds.
- Santa Croce: artisans, leather, and the basilica where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.
- San Lorenzo: the covered market and its leather and Tuscan produce stalls.
- The Oltrarno, on the Arno's left bank: Florence's artisan quarter, quieter and more local.
The Lokki tip: spend at least half a day in the Oltrarno, away from the crowds in the centre, to see the Florence we truly love.
By Bike, Through Florence and Its Hills
The historic centre is largely pedestrian and covered by a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so it's best explored on foot. But step outside the centre and Florence becomes a real cycling city: the banks of the Arno, the large Cascine park (flat, shaded, perfect for catching your breath), and above all the hills of Fiesole, one of the most beautiful rides in Europe, through olive groves with views over the whole valley.
The Lokki tip: to climb to Fiesole without leaving all your energy behind, an electric bike completely changes the experience.
Outdoor Sports in Florence, at a Glance
| Activity | Where in Florence | Best for | The Lokki tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling and e-bikes | Cascine and the Fiesole hills | Urban rides and panoramas | Ride up to Fiesole in late afternoon, the light is perfect |
| Hiking | The Chianti hills, to the south | Nature and wine lovers | Combine a hike with a wine tasting |
| Running | Cascine Park | Early-morning athletes | Head out before 8am, the park is quiet |
| River walks | Along the Arno | Strollers, families | The sunset from the bridges is unmissable |
Culture and Heritage: Florence's Museums
Florence packs a density of art unmatched anywhere in the world:
- The Uffizi Gallery: the richest collection of Italian Renaissance art (Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo).
- The Accademia Gallery: Michelangelo's David.
- The Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens: the Medici residence, with vast Italian-style gardens.
- The Bargello: Renaissance sculpture, far less crowded than the Uffizi.
The Lokki tip: book your Uffizi and Accademia tickets online in advance, on-site queues can exceed two hours in high season.
What to Do in Florence for Free?
- Cross the Ponte Vecchio and admire the Arno from the Ponte Santa Trinita.
- Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for the view (access is free, only parking is paid).
- Wander the Oltrarno's alleys and artisan workshops.
- Admire the exterior of the Duomo, the bell tower and the baptistery.
- Get lost at the San Lorenzo market, even without buying anything.
- Picnic in the Cascine park.
The Lokki tip: climb to Piazzale Michelangelo, then continue up to the Rose Garden and San Miniato al Monte, the city's best free view, without the crowds.
What to Do in Florence When It Rains?
- The Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery: two museums, a whole day.
- The Palazzo Vecchio and its lavishly decorated halls.
- The Galileo Museum, dedicated to the history of science.
- A tasty break at the Mercato Centrale, a two-storey covered market with Tuscan food stalls.
The Lokki tip: on a rainy day, head to the Mercato Centrale: great food, dry, no need to pick just one restaurant.
With Kids
The Boboli Garden for running between statues and fountains, Cascine Park for fresh air and safe cycling, the Museo dei Ragazzi at the Palazzo Vecchio designed for children, and easy strolls along the Arno.
The Lokki tip: rent bikes for the whole family and head to Cascine Park, flat and car-free, real fresh air after the density of the historic centre.
Eating (Very) Well in Florence
You can't leave without tasting Tuscan food: bistecca alla fiorentina (the famous grilled T-bone steak), ribollita (bread and vegetable soup), pappa al pomodoro, and Tuscan cured meats and cheeses to hunt down at the Mercato Centrale or the Sant'Ambrogio market, more local and less touristy than San Lorenzo.
The Lokki tip: the Sant'Ambrogio market, east of the centre, is everyday Florence, far from the tourist traps.
Going Out at Night
The Oltrarno comes alive in the evening with its wine bars (enoteca) and little tables for a glass of Chianti, Piazza Santo Spirito is where Florentines gather, and some rooftop terraces offer unforgettable sunsets over the Duomo.
The Most Beautiful Day Trips Around Florence
| Destination | Distance | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| Siena | 1h | Piazza del Campo, the cathedral, medieval streets |
| Pisa | 1h | The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli |
| Chianti | 30-45 min | Vineyards, tastings, hilltop villages |
| San Gimignano | 1h | The medieval towers, views over Tuscany |
| Cinque Terre | 2h | Colourful villages on the Ligurian coast |
Our Tips for Planning Your Trip
Allow 3 to 4 days for Florence, a full week to also explore Tuscany. The best time to visit is April to June and September to October: mild weather and beautiful light, without the crushing heat or the summer crowds.
The Lokki tip: in high season, book your museum tickets and bike rental in advance, the best slots go fast.
FAQ: What to Do in Florence
What to do in Florence for free?
Piazzale Michelangelo, the Ponte Vecchio, the Oltrarno's alleys and the San Lorenzo market cost nothing (see our dedicated section above).
What to do in Florence when it rains?
The Uffizi, the Accademia Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio and a food break at the Mercato Centrale.
What to do in Florence with kids?
The Boboli Garden, Cascine Park by bike, and easy strolls along the Arno.
How many days do you need to visit Florence?
3 to 4 days for the city, a week to also explore Tuscany (Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano).
What's the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October, for mild weather and a much quieter city than in peak summer.
Florence, at Your Own Pace
Whether you come for the art, the food, or simply to wander, Florence is best savoured on foot and by bike, between Renaissance streets and Tuscan hills. Take the time to step outside the centre, that's often where the city truly reveals itself.
