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Best Free Things to Do in Florence

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Florence

Best Free Things to Do in Florence

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374 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying

  • Lora J
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I recommended visiting this Square for the fantastic panorama over the whole of Florence, being able to admire the beautiful palaces, churches and italian art.
    Written 12 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SimeyTravels
    San Diego, CA3,461 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This market certainly comes at you with the options. It's quite large, and offers shopping outside and dining inside. There are several restrooms throughout the indoor space and plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the food and/or drinks you may have purchased from one of the many food stalls.

    You can buy anything from a leather jacket to a Lampredotto to sweets to American BBQ to cheeses and meats and fish. This was one of the spots we returned to frequently, intent on our quest to try all the things and buy all the souvenirs.

    It does get hot inside, though. There are two corners - that we saw, at least - that have overly large A/C machines, but the air didn't really fill the space and people tended to congregate in front of the huge fans to cool themselves off before having to head back into the sun and the heat.

    The vendors we did interact with were friendly and funny and willing to share as much information as you could handle about what they were selling that day.
    Written 7 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,579 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Piazza del Duomo in Florence contains the Florence Cathedral topped by Brunelleschi's famous dome along with the Giotto Bell Tower and the Baptistry of San Giovanni. It makes for a truly spectacular sight both day and night. The Brunelleschi Pass can be purchased online that provides a timed entry to climb the 463 steps to the top of the Dome and also provides entry to all the sights at the Piazza del Duomo over a 3-day period. It can get extremely crowded in the area so make sure to visit first thing in the morning to avoid long lines to enter the Cathedral which has free entry. Returning in the evening after crowds have quieted down is also very enjoyable as the Catedral and Bell Tower are beautiful when illuminated at night and the atmosphere is more serene.
    Written 1 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jessica
    Florence, Italy1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My boyfriend and I wandered hand in hand through the heart of Florence, and we were mesmerized by Piazza della Signoria. This square is a vibrant tapestry of history and art. The majestic Palazzo Vecchio seemed to whisper centuries-old secrets, while the statues, like the imposing Neptune Fountain, stood as timeless sentinels. We marveled at every corner, especially the replica of Michelangelo's David. The square was alive with both tourists and locals, adding to its charm. If you visit Florence, a stroll through Piazza della Signoria is an absolute must! 👫🗺️🏛️✨🌍
    Written 10 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,579 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Famous and oft-photographed medieval stone bridge built in the 14th century that is has been lined with shops for centuries. The shops are now selling jewelry and souvenirs, and the bridge is often very crowded with tourists, but it is still an amazing sight. The views of the bridge down river are quite nice. I particularly enjoyed stopping by after dark when it wasn't as crowded, and street musicians were performing creating a nice atmosphere.
    Written 2 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark6,232 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many people head to Piazzale Michelangelo to capture good shots of Florence from above, and the rather dull square is indeed suitable for that.

    However, by walking a little further up the hill to Basilica San Miniato al Monte, the view of the city is even better. From there, you can include a few classic Tuscan cypress trees in your panoramic shots (see the attached image).

    The fact that there’s also a picturesque church and an enchanting cemetery at your photo spot certainly doesn’t hurt, does it?
    Written 6 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,579 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Centro Storico or the Historical Center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Florence is regarded as one of the centers of the Renaissance and the architecture and art that can be found when visiting the city is truly amazing. The Piazza del Duomo with the Florence Cathedral and Giotto's Bell Tower, the Piazza della Signori with the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, the Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio are some of the highlights.
    Written 7 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,579 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Built in the 14th century, it functions as an open-air sculpture gallery at the Piazza della Signori next to the Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery. The sculpture highlights include the Rape of the Sabine Women and Perseus with the Head of Medusa. It is certainly worth seeing when visiting the piazza.
    Written 6 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia52,839 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perseus with the Head of Medusa is one of the most beautiful sculptures displayed in the Loggia dei Lanzi in the Piazza della Signoria, just outside Palazzo Vecchio. It is a bronze art work created in the mid-16th century by the great artist Benvenuto Cellini.
    Written 4 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • surrealus
    New York, NY492 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you're looking for fresh ingredients or clothes, this is a great market. They have fresh fruit, vegetables, pastas, sauces and more. Come early, it closes by 2
    Written 25 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,579 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Former granary that was converted into a church in the 15th century and features gothic architecture. Unfortunately, the interior was under construction when we visited in November 2023, so we only got a brief peek. On the exterior is sculptures by famous artists including Ghiberti and Donatello representing the patron saints of the various guilds in the city.
    Written 5 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN7,579 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming public square where once stood a marketplace dating back to medieval times. The area was torn down and rebuilt between 1885-1895 when Florence was briefly the capital of a newly united Italy. The construction included the impressive triumphal arch. Today the square is lined with restaurants and cafes and contains a carousel. Street musicians regularly perform adding some liveliness to the square.
    Written 2 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia52,839 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Piazza Santa Croce is a very large public square. It is located in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce after which it is named.
    Written 5 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian R
    Vienna, VA710 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An exceptionally beautiful Baroque church. Well worth the extra walk from other attractions. Plus you can pop into the Church of San Marco next door.
    Written 7 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Drumraine
    Dublin, Ireland320 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The exterior of this church is unassuming and gives no hint as to the wonders inside. It contains several dozen side altars each with a unique artistic treasure: paintings from the middle Renaissance, a wooden crucifix by Michelangelo, embroidered altar cloths, battenburg lace.
    The fretwork on the baldacchino is pure elegance. Actually, it’s hard to find enough superlatives to use here.
    Written 10 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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