Best Things to Do in Florence: A Comprehensive Guide Featuring Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Florence

Florence is the heart of Renaissance art, architectural splendor, and Tuscan charm. Packed with world-famous galleries, panoramic viewpoints, historic piazzas, and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s no surprise that so many people search for things to do in Florence. Whether you're here for culture, food, or scenic beauty, combining walking tours with an efficient hop on hop off bus Florence service ensures you experience the best of the city—at your own pace.

1. Start with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Florence

If you're trying to see all the highlights quickly, hopping aboard the hop on hop off bus Florence is a brilliant way to begin. Offering two main lines—Blue (city highlights) and Red (Fiesole hillside)—the buses operate with audio commentary in multiple languages and allow unlimited boarding for 24–72 hours

Top Stops Include:

• Piazza del Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, Giotto’s Campanile)

• Piazzale Michelangelo (breathtaking city panorama)

• Santa Croce & Santa Maria Novella (historic churches & artisan shops)

• Fiesole (Etruscan ruins and sweeping landscape)

By riding a full loop once, you're setting up an ideal itinerary—then hop off where your interests lie for deeper exploration. This makes the bus a smart, flexible foundation for discovering things to do in Florence.

2. Marvel at the Historic Piazza del Duomo Complex

Step off the bus at Piazza del Duomo, Florence’s iconic centerpiece. Here, the intricate façade of Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, Brunelleschi’s soaring dome, Giotto’s Campanile, and the golden Florence Baptistery await .

Top Tips:

• Book a skip‑the‑line ticket to climb the Duomo—the view atop Brunelleschi’s dome is unforgettable.

• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds

3. Step into Renaissance Masterpieces

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Uffizi Gallery (Botticelli, Leonardo, Caravaggio) and the Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David. These are city highlights and key things to do in Florence

Strategically plan your visits using your hop-on pass—perhaps ride to the Uffizi stop, explore the exhibits, then hop back on to reach another destination.

4. Stroll Through the Artisan Quarters

The bus stops at Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella, which are gateways to Florence’s artisan neighborhoods—Oltrarno and the leather district respectively. Explore the workshop-lined streets, chapel frescoes, and flavorful cafés.

Nearby, the Tornabuoni Chapel and Sassetti Chapel feature stunning frescoes by Ghirlandaio; both are off-the-beaten-path artistic gems.

5. Embrace the Panoramic Views at Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the most Instagram-worthy vistas is from Piazzale Michelangelo. This lookout provides sweeping views of the Arno Valley, terracotta rooftops, and the Duomo silhouette. It’s a top stop on the bus’s Blue Line and a must-do thing to do in Florence

Continue to the nearby Giardino delle Rose, a tranquil garden with lush blooms and hidden sculptures—a restful slice of beauty.

6. Wander the Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace

Cross back over to the Oltrarno district for a stop at the magnificent Pitti Palace, gateway to the expansive Boboli Gardens—a 16th-century medley of formal gardens, statues, grottoes, hedged paths, and fountain panoramas.

These Italianate gardens offer space to breathe and experiences like absolutely theatrical photo ops—one of the most delightful things to do in Florence.

7. Savor Local Fare: Markets and Trattorias

Don’t let your foodie side miss out. Stop at Mercato Centrale to sample cheeses, charcuterie, pasta, and Tuscan street food. Or head to All’Antico Vinaio, famed for its schiacciata sandwiches.

For evening indulgence, venture to Via Gioberti in Beccaria for authentic lampredotto and Tuscan wines—a local foodie paradise.

8. Cross the Legendary Ponte Vecchio

You won’t want to skip crossing the historic Ponte Vecchio, lined with golden-jewelry shops and boasting scenic Arno views. A short hop from the Duomo stop and a quintessential thing to do in Florence.

The hop-on bus makes it effortless to include; perfect for pairing with a sunset gelato break at riverside cafés.

9. Explore Fiesole and the Hillside Retreat

With the bus’s Red Line, you can escape the crowds by heading to Fiesole—a hillside town with ancient Etruscan ruins and sweeping panoramas over Florence.

Take an afternoon here to hike Roman terraces, sip espresso by the amphitheater, and return refreshed to the city.

10. Enjoy Evening Vibes and Offbeat Tours

As twilight falls, Florence reveals another side. Consider:

• Evening panoramic bus rides back to Piazzale Michelangelo for romantic city skyline views

• Night strolls through Piazza della Signoria and along lit-up riverside paths.

• A twilight tour of tucked-away chapels and artisan studios in Oltrarno.

• With your hop on hop off bus Florence pass valid till evening, you have both freedom and flexibility.

1. Start early – avoid midday heat and crowds; aim for first departure around 9:30 a.m.

2. Combine transport – mix walking through historic core with bus rides to higher or distant stops.

3. Hydrate & stroll – keep water handy and shoes comfy, as Florence is best savored on foot.

4. Schedule your museums – visit major galleries during off-peak hours; evenings are ideal.

5. Choose your ticket wisely – 48–72 h bus passes offer extra days for slower exploration

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Blend of Convenience and Culture

Florence is small enough to wander endlessly, yet rich enough that you’ll want guided points of reference—hop on hop off bus Florence delivers exactly that. It’s your gateway to all the essential things to do in Florence, from Renaissance art to hilltop views.

Pair it with leisurely walks, gallery visits, garden picnics, and indulgent Tuscan meals, and you'll come away with a full, nuanced experience of this timeless city.