Things to Do in Florence on Mondays: Museums, Walks, and Hidden Experiences

Are you wondering what to do in Florence on Mondays after reading that all museums are closed? The truth is a little different. While some of the most famous state museums—like the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, and Palazzo Pitti—do remain closed, Florence is far from quiet on Mondays. Many attractions are open, the streets are alive with history and charm, and the city offers unique opportunities to explore at a slower, more authentic pace.

Instead of treating Monday as a “lost day,” think of it as a chance to see another side of Florence: admire breathtaking views from Brunelleschi’s Dome, step inside centuries-old churches, discover less crowded museums, shop in elegant boutiques once they open in the afternoon, or simply enjoy Tuscan food and wine without rushing.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect Monday in Florence—from a list of museums that are open, to a sample itinerary with ideas for morning, lunch, and afternoon activities, plus practical tips to make the most of your day.

Museums Open on Mondays in Florence

Several important museums and monuments welcome visitors on Mondays. Below you’ll find a curated selection with opening hours to help you plan your itinerary:

Museum / Attraction	Opening Hours
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)	Mon–Sat: 10:15 AM – 3:45 PM
Baptistery	Daily: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (closes 1:30 PM on first Sundays)
Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile)	Daily: 8:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola)	Mon–Fri: 8:15 AM – 6:45 PM; Sat: until 4:30 PM; Sun & holidays: 12:45 PM – 4:40 PM
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (Museum & Cloister)	Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Fri: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun & religious holidays: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Medici Chapels	Daily: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM (closed Tue, Dec 25, Jan 1). Extended openings until 10:50 PM on September 1, 8, 15, 22, 27, and 29, 2025.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello	Mon–Sat: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM; Sun: until 1:50 PM; closed Tue. European Heritage Days (Sept 27, 2025): open until 9:50 PM. Closures: all Tuesdays, 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month, Dec 25, Jan 1.
Museo Galileo	Daily: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Dec 25 and Jan 1)
Museo Novecento	Daily: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closed Thu)
Palazzo Medici Riccardi	Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (closed Wed, Dec 25, Jan 1)
Palazzo Vecchio	Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Thu: until 2:00 PM)
Arnolfo Tower (Torre di Arnolfo)	Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Thu: until 2:00 PM)

A Practical Monday Itinerary in Florence

Morning — Art and Views

Start your day at the Duomo complex.

Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for breathtaking views, admire the mosaics of the Baptistery, and visit the Cathedral itself. If time allows, add the Opera del Duomo Museum or the crypt for a deeper dive into Florence’s religious history.

Lunch — Tuscan Flavors or International Twist

By lunchtime, many restaurants begin opening. Treat yourself to a classic bistecca alla fiorentina, fresh Tuscan salads, and local wines. Elegant cafés such as Gilli or Rivoire are perfect for a refined pause.

If you’re craving something international, the Hard Rock Cafe Florence is always open. (Pro tip: booking through GetYourGuide often comes with discounts.)

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Afternoon — Shopping or Exploring Further

Wander through Via Roma and Via de’ Tornabuoni for fashion boutiques, or browse artisan workshops. Book lovers will enjoy Giunti Odeon, a bookstore located inside the city’s former cinema.

Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno neighborhood, where you’ll find quiet streets, artisan studios, and cozy cafés.

If you’re in Florence between June and early October, consider a boat cruise on the Arno River with live music—a magical way to end the day.

Alternatively, dive back into culture by visiting:

• Museo Bargello for Renaissance sculpture,
• Museo Galileo for science and innovation,
• Santa Maria Novella for Gothic architecture, or
• Museo Novecento for modern art.
• Palazzo Vecchio for the grand Salone dei Cinquecento and panoramic views from the Arnolfo Tower.

Quick Tips for Mondays in Florence

• Check schedules in advance: Some museums adjust hours seasonally or for special events.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Florence’s cobblestones can be tough on your feet.
• Stay prepared: Pack water, a hat in summer, or an umbrella in rainy months.
• Looking for more? Mondays are also a great time to leave the city—discover the best day tours from Florence to Tuscany’s hills and medieval towns
• Thinking of more independence? Check out our guide on renting a car in Florence and explore Tuscany at your own pace.
• Stay connected: Travelers often use eSIMs. Check out discounts with Holafly to keep data costs low during your trip.

Florence on Mondays: Final Thought

Florence on a Monday may feel quieter without the Uffizi or the Accademia, but that’s precisely its charm. It’s a day to experience the city at a different pace—climbing towers for panoramic views, exploring churches and less-crowded museums, savoring Tuscan cuisine, and discovering artisan neighborhoods.

Whether you stick to the Duomo complex, cross into Oltrarno, or end with a cruise on the Arno, Mondays in Florence can easily become one of the highlights of your trip.