Italy bucket list travel is something we can definitely get behind. Honestly, it’s something we’ve been doing all along with our travelers. It’s the art of incorporating once-in-a-lifetime, pinch-me-is-this-real experiences during your travels.

Oftentimes, in order to get these experiences you have to be okay venturing outside of your comfort zone, even if it’s just a little. Maybe you’re nervous about trying to navigate a new language, try a new food, or talk with strangers. But it’s those little steps that give you those bucket list moments.

If Florence is on your travel list, here are the 12 Italy bucket list experiences you need to make sure to have during your trip. Some of them are big and some are small, but each of them is going to give you an I-can’t-believe-I’m-here-and-doing-this kind of feeling.

Let us know if you want us to build an itinerary for you that incorporates each of these experiences into your trip. Travel Coaching will give you all of our top recommendations for meals, drinks, hotels, shops, and more.

See what 12 Italy bucket list experiences you need to add to your Florence itinerary!

See Michaelangelo’s The David

Florence is known for its Renaissance era art, including one of the most famous sculptures in the world. You can’t go to Florence without taking a moment to stop and admire an iconic piece of cultural heritage. You can find it in the Accademia Gallery along with some other works of art that are worth admiring.

Visit the Duomo

Another piece of Renaissance art, the Cathedral of Florence, is architecture that will take your breath away. Not only is it an engineering marvel, but it also has a rich history. We highly recommend you take a guided tour to get the full experience. In fact, there’s a limited early bird tour where you get to enter the Duomo with the person who opens up the Duomo every morning.

Try a lampredotto sandwich on a market visit

An iconic Florentine dish, the lampredotto sandwich has a polarizing reaction. Why? Because it’s made from stewing the fourth stomach of a cow. But it’s a dish that is Florentine to its core and only available in Florence. Read more about Carly’s experience trying a Lampredotto on our Heart of Italy tour.

Learn to make gnocchi with a nonna (grandmother)

Gather into the kitchen of an Italian grandmother who has been making Italian dishes for decades. She’ll share her family recipes and personal cooking tips. You’ll walk away with a full stomach and heart and an intimate look into life in Florence. Let us know if you want us to introduce you to the nonnas we know on our Heart of Italy trip!

Sip wine and make an Italian feast in a private cooking class

Getting your hands dirty in the kitchen is one of the best ways to create bucket list memories! Private cooking classes are a great way to get one-on-one time with a chef and to really participate in Florentine experiences.

Shop for artisanal leathers at Bojola

This is one of our favorite places to shop and if you’re going to the heart of artisan products and shops this leather shop should definitely be at the top of your list. They have been around since 1906. It is pricier than other places but has much higher quality.

Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio

This is the only bridge in Italy that was not bombed during WWII. We recommend crossing the bridge and then exploring the Oltrarno on the other side. Wander the streets and see what you stumble upon.

Gelato at an authentic gelateria

There are some gelaterias that aren’t serving authentic gelato geared towards unknowing tourists. If you want the real, good stuff, avoid gelaterias where gelato is piled in tall towers. This is not real gelato because it would fold under its own weight. The best gelato is typically “hidden” within the counter, kept cold, and with lids that have to be taken off to serve.

Aperitivo and Aperol Spritz in the Piazza della Signoria

Aperitivo is a tradition that takes place in bars between 6:00 – 8:30 PM. During this time you will be charged for the drink but not for certain food items included, which can range from simple nuts to warm appetizers or cheese & meat. Enjoy your aperitivo and people-watch at one of our favorite piazzas.

Vineyard and Winery Visit

Florence is known for its wines, so a vineyard tour and wine tasting in Florence is something you should consider on your trip. It would also be a great time to sit back and relax and just soak in your entire experience.

Walk through Bardini Garden

It has one of the best views of Florence and is known as Florence’s well-kept secret. It’s open to the public. There are lots of benches where you can relax and just enjoy the natural beauty and architecture around you.

Watch the sunset from the steps of the Piazzale Michaelangelo

You can’t miss the sunset from this spot. It offers a beautiful view of the city and oftentimes there are singers and other people enjoying the evening. It’s magical to participate in enjoying an Italian evening with others.

The list of Italy bucket list experiences in Florence could go on and on, which is why we take travelers to Florence every single year. If you’d like to go on an all-inclusive small group trip with us and have some of these bucket list experiences in Florence, check out our Heart of Italy trip.

If you already have a private trip planned and want to incorporate some of these Italy bucket list experiences into your itinerary, check out Travel Coaching and we can give you the specifics on where to eat, sleep, and shop while in Florence.

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.

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