Discover the most fascinating experiences in Florence in 2022. Whether you’re a fan of art, good food, beautiful architecture or the Medici family, Florence has it all. Here we show you the best ways to delve deep into the heart of the city and explore its hidden corners and magical possibilities.
From small-group tours to guided walks and cooking classes, here’s a round-up of the best experiences Florence has to offer.
=> Florence in two days, a complete itinerary
Best Things to do in Florence in 2022
1. Admire the ‘Pietà’ by Michelangelo
For the first time in history, the three sculptures of the ‘Pietà’ by Renaissance master Michelangelo Buonarroti are shown together. The Bandini Pietà is placed side by side with the world-famous ‘Pietà’ normally housed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Rondanini Pietà, at which Michelangelo worked until the very last days of his life. You get a chance to admire these amazing sculptures in the Opera del Duomo Museum, from 24th February to 1st August 2022.
=> Check out the Best Art Exhibitions in Florence in 2022.
2. Find your favourite masterpiece at the Uffizi
All art fans love the Uffizi Gallery, a treasure cove of Renaissance masters’ artworks, including the renowned “Venus” and “Spring” by Botticelli and Leonardo Da Vinci’s early paintings, the mesmerising Adoration of the Magi recently restored and displayed in the newly renovated Leonardo Room.
3. Take a cooking class in Florence
Taking a cooking class while you’re in Florence makes your trip complete. Food is very much part of local tradition – fresh ingredients mixing with a special Italian alchemy to arrive at the perfect taste/plate.
For the ultimate food experience, try a cooking course in Florence as it includes a tour of the San Lorenzo Market, where you can buy seasonal produce and taste authentic Italian produce. Alternatively this popular Tuscan cooking class offers an evening cooking course and dinner too.
4. Visit the garden of Villa Bardini
A very special place in the Oltrarno, the ‘other side of the river Arno’. You’ll enjoy magnificent views over the city, a historic garden with fountains, statues and a romantic wisteria pergola. You can walk to Villa Bardini gardens – it’s a lovely (if a little steep) 20 minute-walk from the Ponte Vecchio.
5. Get to know the Medici family
The Medici family, protagonist of countless novels and a popular Netflix series, has literally shaped the city of Florence. They’ve ruled it for three hundred years. Their influence, taste and artistic patronage have all contributed to give Florence its splendour.
To get to know the Medici in their hometown, book this intriguing Medici Walking Tour : live the history and legacy of the Medici with a professional guide.
=> Visit Francesco de Medici’s secret ‘studiolo’ in the Palazzo Vecchio, where he used to practice alchemy => you can do so by joining the “Secret Passages Guided Tour of Palazzo Vecchio”.
6. Have an aperitivo in the Oltrarno
When aperitivo time approaches, the spots favoured by the Fiorentini are in the Oltrarno: Piazza Santo Spirito and San Frediano, nominated the ‘coolest neighbourhood in Florence’ by Lonely Planet.
Check out our list of the Best places for an aperitivo in San Frediano.
7. Climb to the Cathedral hidden terraces
Would you like to get a close-up of the extraordinary Florence’s Cathedral? On this Hidden Terraces Duomo Tour you’ll be able to get right up close to the Duomo and see it in all its glorious detail.
Walk 30 meters above Florence, get close to the Brunelleschi’s Dome and get special access to the Cathedral’s hidden terraces.
8. Contemporary art at Museo Pecci in Prato
Try out a museum that’s off the beaten track. Hop on a train and head to Prato – an easy 20 minute train ride from Florence. The town – which also has a beautiful Cathedral and a Textile Museum – hosts the Pecci Center, the first museum in Tuscany dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. => See current exhibitions on the official site.
=> Best Things to do in Tuscany in 2022
=> How to experience Florence like a local
=> See Florence’s main attractions
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