Top 15 Things To Do in Florence, Italy on Your School Trip

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, a city that sparked revolutions in art, science, politics, and human thought. For educators, it’s a dream destination, a place where the curriculum steps out of the textbook and onto the cobblestone streets. From Michelangelo’s sculptures to the workshops of modern artisans, Florence gives students a firsthand experience of how culture and creativity shape the world. Here are 15 meaningful, educational, and inspiring things to do in Florence on school trips.

1.  The Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome

Climb to the top or simply admire from the piazza, Florence’s cathedral is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Students can explore Renaissance innovation, architectural daring, and religious symbolism.

2. Galleria dell’Accademia – Michelangelo’s David

Seeing the real David in person is a moment students won’t forget. Dive into conversations about proportion, anatomy, politics, and artistic genius in the heart of the Renaissance.

3. The Uffizi Gallery

Walk through the world’s finest collection of Renaissance art. Botticelli, da Vinci, Caravaggio, all in one place. Use this as a living classroom for visual analysis and historical interpretation.

4. Ponte Vecchio

This iconic medieval bridge connects more than just two banks of the Arno, it links past and present. Students will love learning about Florence’s merchant history, goldsmith tradition, and wartime survival.

5. Palazzo Vecchio & Piazza della Signoria

Visit Florence’s historic town hall and the city’s political center. A perfect place to discuss civic life, Medici power, and the roots of modern democracy.

6. Climb the Tower of Palazzo Vecchio

Reward students with stunning views and a deeper understanding of how Renaissance Florence functioned as a city-state. Great for geography and political history.

7. Walk Through the Boboli Gardens

A stunning outdoor classroom. These sculpted gardens behind the Pitti Palace are ideal for discussing landscape architecture, patronage, and daily life among the elite.

8. Explore the Pitti Palace

Home to Renaissance rulers and now multiple museums, the Pitti gives insight into art, wealth, and social structure. Students can compare royal living with everyday Florentine life.

9. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce

The burial place of Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli, this church is where students come face-to-face with the legacy of human thought and creativity.

10. San Lorenzo Market & Mercato Centrale

Let students try local foods, interact with vendors, and learn how ingredients reflect culture and geography. A hands-on experience in Italian cuisine and daily life.

11. Artisan Workshop Tour

Florence still thrives on traditional craftsmanship. Visit leather makers, bookbinders, or jewelers for behind-the-scenes insight into the link between old techniques and modern design.

12. Gelato & Language Activity

Have students use their Italian language skills to order, ask about flavors, and compare gelato shops. A delicious and educational cultural immersion.

13. The Medici Chapels

Take your group into the private resting place of Florence’s most powerful family. The chapels are a deep dive into patronage, architecture, and political legacy.

14. Piazzale Michelangelo at Sunset

Wrap up a day with a panoramic view of Florence. Ideal for reflection, journaling, or a group photo. Students can look out over the city and understand just how much history they're standing in.

15. Sketching Session in a Piazza

Let students slow down and absorb Florence with pencil and paper. Whether they’re artists or not, it’s a great way to observe detail, practice mindfulness, and connect with place.

Learning Comes Alive

At Evolve Tours, we create school trips that don’t just show students the world, they help students understand it. When it comes to things to do in Florence for school trips, the city offers unmatched opportunities. Whether your program highlights art, history, politics, language, or all of the above, Florence delivers unforgettable lessons at every turn.

We’ll help you build a trip that brings the Renaissance into the present and makes your students part of the story. Let’s start planning your school trip to Florence.

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Email: info@evolvetours.com
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