7 Things You Should Do in Florence at Least Once, According to Celeb Travel Experts
With its Renaissance masterpieces, swoon-worthy architecture and life-changing gelato, Florence is a city that stirs the soul. But with so much to see (and eat), it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we turned to the pros—celebrity travel experts like Samantha Brown, Rick Steves, Mark Ellwood and Matt Kepnes (aka Nomadic Matt) for their favorite spots in the Tuscan capital.
From iconic landmarks and hidden gardens to locals-only gelato joints and a museum filled with medieval armor, these seven picks offer a curated mix of Florence's greatest hits and under-the-radar gems.
Ready to fall in love with the Italian city? Here's where to begin.
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Whether you're climbing the Duomo's dome at dawn or sipping espresso in a quiet courtyard, these are the places travel pros return to again and again.
No trip to Florence is complete without a stop at the Duomo, so make it your first destination. Between the breathtaking architecture and magnificent frescoes, it's nearly impossible not to feel something profound—even Martha Stewart got emotional during her visit, recounting a stolen kiss at the cathedral in her documentary Martha.
As Samantha Brown puts it, 'The main draw, of course, is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Construction began in 1296, but wasn't finished for over 170 years.' This awe-inspiring landmark crowns Florence's skyline with Brunelleschi's iconic red-tiled dome. Don't just admire it from the piazza—climb the dome or Giotto's Bell Tower for a bucket-list view of terracotta rooftops and the Tuscan hills beyond. It's 463 steps to the top, but the panorama is more than worth the effort.
After the Duomo, travel expert Rick Steves recommends keeping the cultural momentum going at the Uffizi Gallery, where you can witness The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo up close.
"Reserve timed tickets as soon as you know when you'll be in town to avoid wasting hours in long lines, especially during peak season," he suggests. Then follow his self-guided Renaissance Walk (also available as a free audio tour) to connect the city's top sights. He also advises travelers to 'set up a good itinerary in advance, grouping your sightseeing by neighborhood' for a smoother day. Avoid Sundays and Mondays, when many attractions close early, and steer clear of the first Sunday of the month—'free days are actually bad news,' he warns, due to crowds and the lack of reservation options.
For a foodies in search of a more local experience, Brown recommends skipping the tourist-filled Mercato Centrale and heading east to . 'It's where actual Florentines shop,' she says—and apparently Stanley Tucci agrees, as seen in his new series Tucci in Italy.
The market is packed with stalls offering fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses and irresistible street food, all humming with nonnas doing their daily shopping. Grab a warm porchetta sandwich, find a sunny spot nearby and savor a slice of authentic Florence.
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Florence may be packed with centuries of art and architecture, but Brown reminds us that it's also about slowing down. 'You don't need to do it all,' she says. 'Find a few places that speak to you, enjoy an espresso or a glass of Chianti and just be present. That's the real beauty of Florence.'
For a peaceful pause, head to Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace, where you can sip wine on a shaded bench surrounded by Renaissance statues and sweeping views. Or visit Bardini Gardens for a quieter, less-touristed escape with blooming wisteria in spring and panoramic city vistas. For something more local, Piazzale Michelangelo offers not only that iconic Florence skyline, but also grassy slopes perfect for a picnic or a reflective moment.
Travel writer Mark Ellwood has his priorities in order when in Florence—and the first stop is gelato. For the real deal, he shared his favorite spot with the New York Post: , a hole-in-the-wall gem near Palazzo Vecchio, 'all exposed wood beams and Italian-spouting staff.' This is where the original gelato master's legacy lives on. Expect 'gooey faves like rice pudding, tangy fruit sorbets (try the mandarin) and even offbeat combos like pistachio-chili-chocolate," he says. At just €1.80 a cone, it's a deliciously affordable indulgence well worth seeking out.
For an off-the-radar escape, travel blogger Nomadic Matt recommends the , a public library tucked inside a former convent just a short walk from the Duomo. Popular with local students, it's also "an important cultural center," complete with a dedicated section on Florentine history, he says. The shaded courtyard, framed by leafy shrubs and a towering tree, offers a calm spot to sit and recharge. But the real hidden gem? The Caffetteria delle Oblate, a rooftop café upstairs with a quiet terrace and one of the best unobstructed views of the Duomo—without the tourist crowds.
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Kepnes calls the 'one of Florence's most interesting and unique museums,' even though it doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves. Tucked away on the outskirts of town, this lesser-known gem houses the private collection of Frederick Stibbert, who also donated his villa and gardens to the city. Inside, he says you'll find over 36,000 artifacts, including ornate historic armor from the Middle East and a fully reconstructed army of medieval knights on horseback in the grand hall. The showstopper? "Napoleon Bonaparte's cloak from when he was crowned," he shares. At just €10 admission, it's a budget-friendly and crowd-free way to explore a completely different side of Florentine history.
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7 Things You Should Do in Florence at Least Once, According to Celeb Travel Experts first appeared on Parade on Jun 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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