Florence, the city famous for its wealth of Medieval and Renaissance art, is having a bit of a moment—a second Renaissance, you could almost say. No longer just a stuffy, extended museum, the city is alive and kicking with a flourishing restaurant scene of newly global influences, vibrant nightlife, and brilliant shopping that showcases both independent boutiques and international brands. A slew of hotel openings has brought new life into the hospitality sector, and revamped urban regeneration includes a granary and ex-tobacco factory attracting creatives and digital nomads from across the globe. And then there are the classics: Museums are being brought back to life with restoration projects, updated layouts, and new exhibitions. True, the city has had a reputation for overtourism, but you can avoid the crowds by visiting in the off-season and exploring beyond the compact Centro Storico. As enchanting as ever, but now with a real buzz, these are the best things to do in Florence.
Read our complete Florence travel guide here, which includes:
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
