
Visiting Florence for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Our must-do's to help first-time visitors experience the best of the Tuscan capital.
Take an in-depth look at Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering and mechanical innovations at this immersive museum. Check out the models and life-size machines built according to da Vinci’s original sketches—then head to the workshop area, where you can attempt to re-create his revolutionary arch and bridge, as well as build your own constructions. Book your ticket in advance to breeze past the entry line.
With its engaging displays, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a fun choice for kids.
A printed guide in English is available at the entrance.
The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
There’s an on-site café and gift shop.
Located on Via Camillo Cavour in the historic center of Florence, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a short walk from the train station, Duomo, and Accademia Gallery.
The museum is open daily and offers a nice respite from the summer heat and crowds of Florence’s most popular attractions. Stop in at midday when other sights are overrun with visitors.
Florence has two Leonardo-themed museums, set a few blocks away from one another. The second museum, on Via dei Servi, has a similar hands-on atmosphere as well as kid-friendly workshops dedicated to da Vinci’s building techniques. You’ll also get to see high-resolution images of some of the inventor’s most famous works of art.