When you’re thinking about what to do in Florence, many of the classic attractions come to mind, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Uffizi Gallery.
But if you want to experience the city as authentically as possible, you should head to some of the lesser-known sites, like the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Fontana del Porcellino, among others. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer, so excursions to places like Fiesole are highly recommended, even if you’re only looking for things to do in Florence in 3 days.
And after a long day of sightseeing, it’s always good to kick back and indulge at the best Florence restaurants. Not sure what to see in Florence besides the main attractions? We have some recommendations.
Loggia dei Lanzi
The Loggia dei Lanzi was constructed during the late 1300s in the Gothic style with the purpose of hosting ceremonies of the Florentine Republic. This is an easily accessible open-air museum as it sits right next to the famous Uffizi Gallery and entry is completely free.
Il Porcellino Fountain
This unique fountain from the 1600s sits in the center of Florence at the Mercato Nuovo square. Porcellino is Italian for “piglet,” and the nickname is appropriate for this bronze boar statue.
The Porcellino isn’t just a sight to look at, though – it’s said that rubbing the nose of the Fontana del Porcellino brings good luck. After you rub the nose, you should put a coin in the boar’s mouth and watch to see whether it falls into the grates where the water flows.
Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella
You may not think a pharmacy deserves a place on a list of tourist attractions but think again! The Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella is said to be the oldest pharmacy in the world, having been in business since 1221.
Sitting near the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, this pharmacy continues to concoct exquisite fragrances, herbal products and remedies today. When you step inside, you’ll be in awe of the beautiful displays not only of the products, but also of the interior of the building itself.
As a bonus, you can take home a perfume that will remind you of your trip, making this one of the best things to do in Florence.
Orti del Parnaso
This community garden in Florence is famous not only for the garden itself and the dragon fountain that runs through it, but also for the incredible vantage points offering views over the city. This is also a good place to view street art in Florence, as many of the park’s signs and walls have been overrun with graffiti.
Florence Excursions
Have you done all the things to do in Florence and want to escape the city? The town of Fiesole is just under 30 minutes from Florence by car. Not sure what to see in Fiesole? First off, Fiesole is located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Florence, so you’ll have incredible views.
But if that’s not enough motivation for you, there’s plenty more to do here. You’ll want to visit the Archaeological Museum and the surrounding area, where you’ll see remains of Roman baths and a Roman theater along with other artifacts from the Roman and Etruscan periods.
The Monastery of San Francesco is another historic building to visit, offering views of Florence and a dive into the religious history of the Romans. You can also check out the Fiesole Cathedral and the Museum Bandini during your day trip.
The Best Florence Restaurants
After all that sightseeing, you’ll want to visit some of the best restaurants in Florence to fill your belly with traditional food and wine. You’ll want to try bistecca Fiorentino, or Florentine beefsteak, along with traditional pasta with truffles.
For an Italian family-style experience, head to Trattoria Mario. To try the best fried porcini mushrooms in town, visit Il Giova. And for pizzas, head to Caffe Italiano.
As you can tell, there are plenty of things to do in Florence and the nearby Fiesole. To add to your experience, you can use SIXT ride services in and around Florence to get to where you want to go on your own schedule and at your own convenience. After all, there’s lots of exploring to do!
