Things to do near the Florence Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo has more to see than the cathedral alone. This list has 12 ideas: the first seven are parts of the Duomo complex, and the last five are places a short walk away. If you want to climb, start with the dome climb, because it needs a booked time slot.
Hours and prices are given for 2026 where they are set. Check the current timetable of each place before you go. Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and the Oltrarno are covered by a sister guide, and the David and the Accademia by another, both linked at the end of the page.
Inside the Duomo complex: ideas 1 to 4
1. The cathedral interior
Entry is free and needs no reservation. Look for Paolo Uccello's clock on the inner entrance wall and the marble floor, inlaid in the 16th and 17th centuries. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10:15 to 15:45.
2. Brunelleschi's dome
463 steps, no lift, and a booked time slot. The Brunelleschi Pass at €30 (2026) includes the dome, and you enter at the Porta della Mandorla on the north side. Bring an ID.
3. Giotto's Bell Tower
414 steps to a separate viewpoint, also without a lift. The tower is under restoration, so the view can be limited. It is closed from 9 to 13 November 2026 for maintenance.
4. The baptistery
The octagonal Romanesque baptistery stands in front of the cathedral. The bronze doors outside are not the originals, which are in the museum. The mosaics in the vault are not visible during the restoration.
For the full set of options, see Duomo tickets and passes.
Our pick: the David next door
Our take: the Accademia is a short walk away, and this tour covers both.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Florence Duomo tours and day trips
Guided visits of the dome, the cathedral and the baptistery with museum, with live prices and availability.
Inside the Duomo complex: ideas 5 to 7
5. The museum
The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo at Piazza del Duomo 9 holds the original Gates of Paradise, Donatello's Mary Magdalene and Michelangelo's Pietà Bandini. Allow about 90 minutes. It is closed on the first Tuesday of each month. See the museum page.
6. Santa Reparata
An archaeological path under the cathedral floor, with the remains of the older basilica. It is included in the regular passes and has a booked slot with the Ghiberti Pass. The stairs are in the right aisle, the ground is uneven and there is no lift.
7. The cathedral terraces
A guided route on request, about 32 m high with 150 steps and no bags. It is not part of the standard pass, so book it as a separate visit.
A short walk from the square: ideas 8 to 10
8. The Bigallo
The loggia and complex of the Bigallo stand at Piazza San Giovanni 1. The museum is closed for restoration for now, so plan an outside stop only.
9. Orsanmichele
On Via Calzaiuoli between the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria. A former grain store, later a church, with a museum of the original guild statues. In the 2026 schedule from 15 March to 31 December it is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday to Saturday 08:30 to 18:30 and on Sundays 08:30 to 12:20 and 13:30 to 18:30. Church and museum together cost €10. Some Mondays have special hours, so check before you go.
10. Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo
A cast-iron market hall designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and opened in 1874, northwest of the Duomo. Market and food stalls are separate from any Duomo ticket.
A short walk from the square: ideas 11 and 12
11. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Close to the square, with the museum entrance at Via Cavour 3. It is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 with last entry at 18:00, and closed on Wednesdays. It has its own ticket and is not part of the Duomo passes.
12. Piazza della Repubblica
The square comes from the large-scale rebuilding of the old city centre in the 19th century. It has a carousel and is a short walk from the cathedral.
Beyond the square
Other big sights of Florence have their own guides.
For the Uffizi, the Arno and the Oltrarno, the Uffizi guide and its sister pages take over. For Michelangelo's David, the Accademia Gallery guide covers tickets and hours. This site stays with the Duomo and the square.
For a short day, a good order is the cathedral interior, the museum, a climb with a booked slot and Orsanmichele. For most visitors, the dome plus the museum already fills a morning.
Things to do near the Duomo: frequently asked questions
What is there to do near the Florence Duomo?
On the square itself: the cathedral, the dome, the bell tower, the baptistery, the museum and Santa Reparata. A short walk away: Orsanmichele, the Mercato Centrale, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the Piazza della Repubblica and the outside of the Bigallo.
Is the Bigallo museum open?
No, the museum is closed for restoration for now. You can still look at the loggia from outside at Piazza San Giovanni 1.
Which sights are free near the Duomo?
The cathedral interior is free. The dome, bell tower, baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata need a pass. Orsanmichele costs €10 for church and museum in 2026, and Palazzo Medici Riccardi has its own ticket.
How long does it take to see the Duomo complex?
The museum alone takes about 90 minutes and the dome climb about 45 minutes. A full set of passes is valid for 3 calendar days.
Can I walk to Orsanmichele and the Mercato Centrale?
Yes, both are a short walk from the square. Orsanmichele lies on Via Calzaiuoli towards the Piazza della Signoria, and the Mercato Centrale is in San Lorenzo, northwest of the Duomo.
Is cathedralofsantamariadelfiore.com an official site?
No. This is an independent visitor guide with no connection to the cathedral, its foundation, the museums mentioned here or the city of Florence.