15 things you must do in Florence, Italy

It's impossible to work on a list of the best things to do in Florence without listing the Duomo right off the bat. The largest church in town was built in 1296 and attracts tourists like a magnet. So many people come here daily that you'd think Catholicism was the new Tik Tok. Let's be honest, though: we're all here for the architecture, the view from the top of the Duomo and the layered, colorful fresco by Giorgio Vasari. 

A museum that showcases the Renaissance from its beginning to end, The Uffizi Gallery provides an excellent overview of the most decadent era in art history.  The walls are lined with works by Raphael, Leonardo and Michelangelo (basically, all the Ninja Turtles), as well as works by other Italian masters like Botticelli and Caravaggio. Plus, the venue is home to one of the great rooftop bars. Grab a spritz and enjoy a view no paintbrush could capture. 

Speaking of views, there's only one place where you can get a panoramic view of the whole city. Piazza Michelangelo offers a view of the countryside, the Duomo, Arno and Palazzo Vecchio, and all those magnificent houses in between. 

Dodge the wait time at restaurants and instead head inside this 19th-century market. Home to some of the freshest fruit, wine and veggies in Florence, Centrale's second floor is packed with vendors serving up dishes you can't find anywhere else.

Did we mention Florence might have the best food on the planet? Whether the stories are true or not, the city's restaurants are packed with locals who can't get enough of their cuisine. Zeb is one such place, a Michelin Guide restaurant serving up some of the best dishes in town. Make sure you book in advance, though, cause everyone who lives here knows that the food at Zeb is to die for. 

Palazzo Vecchio is a gorgeous structure in the main square, making it a great stop if you're short on time or want a birds-eye-view of Florence. Plus, the hall of 500 is a room you really can't miss.

Step back in time (literally) as you wander through one of the oldest gardens in Italy. This estate was once home to monarchs and artists and remains one of the most verdant areas in the city. The landscape is lined with statues, fountains and flowers, and overlooks both the tiles of the town and the treetops of the tillage. Bring a book, a friend and some food--there's no better place to have a picnic. 

There are more cafes in Florence than there are Starbucks in Los Angeles, but sitting in the throngs of tourists can take away from the glamour of it all. If you want to enjoy an espresso with a view of the Duomo, away from all the noise and vendors and music, head over to Biblioteca Della Oblate for a coffee done right. There's a reason locals have been coming here for years--it's about as peaceful as the city gets.  

The Ponte Vecchio is emblematic of the city of Florence. Looming over the Arno River with arched shoulders, this medieval bridge is considered one of the most famous sights in Europe, one that's stood the test of time. Like the rest of Florence, it somehow hasn't aged a day since it was built. 

Let's be honest: the Statue of David carries this museum like Lebron carried the 2018 Cavs. There's not much here, but Michelangelo's statue remains such a dominant force, you just have to buy a ticket. 

This square is home to some of the finest art in Florence, as well as other tourist attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Gucci Gardens and Palazzo Vecchio. Swing by at night for a free concert, or come in the morning to see the center as it was 500 years ago--awash in sunlight, silence and statues. 

Cappelle Medicee is one of the oldest and largest domes in Florence and one of the city's best-kept secrets. Originally built as a showcase for Medici's art collection, it was turned into a chapel and now houses a room full of Michelangelo's. Even better? No crowds! 

If you want a slice of nature without actually going to...nature... there's no better place to visit than Giardino Bardini. Lined with olive groves, fountains and wisteria, everything here is tailor-made for relaxation. 

Florence is full of ice cream parlors, but with all due respect, not many will offer you a proper taste of gelato. For that, head to the fashion district where you can find a little joint called Perche No. Not only does it have the softest, most celebrated gelato in town, but it's also got a tiramisu that can go toe-to-toe with any tiramisu in Paris. 

Take a day trip to one of the many hill towns in Tuscany. The options are endless, and you'll be able to soak up that famous Tuscan sun you've been reading about. In the summer months, Sienna is where most people go, though it's San Gimignano that offers the ultimate hill town experience. Surrounded by medieval towers, lined with cobblestone alleys and ripe with overgrown vines, this is the perfect spot to unwind after a week in Florence.