First time in Florence — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in Florence, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in Florence
Duomo & Brunelleschi's Dome
CultureCentro
Climb 463 steps for a frescoed-dome-and-rooftop view — book a timed slot.
Uffizi Gallery
CultureCentro
Birth of Venus, Primavera, Caravaggios — the Renaissance in one corridor.
Boboli Gardens
OutdoorsOltrarno
Medici hillside gardens behind Pitti Palace — cypress allées and panoramic fountains.
Mercato Centrale
Food & DrinkSan Lorenzo
Ground-floor Tuscan market, upstairs food hall — tripe panini, gelato, Chianti by the glass.
Ponte Vecchio at Sunset
OutdoorsLungarno
Gold-and-jewel shops on a 14th-century bridge — best photographed from Ponte Santa Trinita.
Piazzale Michelangelo
OutdoorsOltrarno
Hilltop terrace with the postcard view — bring wine and stay for sunset.
Where to eat
All'Antico Vinaio
$Schiacciata sandwich · Centro
Cult sandwich shop — pecorino, truffle and prosciutto on warm schiacciata.
Cibrèo Trattoria
$$$Modern Tuscan · Sant'Ambrogio
Fabio Picchi's no-pasta trattoria — short menu of perfect Tuscan classics.
Gelateria della Passera
$Gelato · Oltrarno
Pistachio, ricotta-and-fig — small batch, no artificial colour.
Trattoria Mario
$$Tuscan · San Lorenzo
Lunch-only family trattoria — bistecca alla fiorentina at communal tables.
Trattoria Sostanza
$$Florentine · Centro
Tiny 19th-century kitchen famous for butter chicken and meringue-cream cake.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Duomo & Brunelleschi's Dome, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio at Sunset. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Florence and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.