What to Do in Florence in May 2025

What to do in Florence in May? Simple: let yourself be enchanted.

The city is in celebration mode, the light is golden, the air smells like spring, and every corner looks like it's straight out of a painting.

May is the perfect time to experience Florence slowly, surrounded by art, nature, and small pleasures to savor outdoors.

Mark your calendar: on Sunday, May 4th, admission to state museums is free.

A unique opportunity to get lost among masterpieces without thinking about the ticket price.

And if you want to discover something truly special, don’t miss the opening of the Iris Garden until May 20th this hidden gem at the foot of Piazzale Michelangelo becomes a colorful dream, filled with hundreds of varieties of the city’s symbolic flower.

May in Florence isn’t just a month—it’s an invitation to live beauty to the fullest.

Must-See Exhibitions in Florence in May 2025
Here’s a selection of the best events happening in Florence and Fiesole in May:
- Free entry to state museums. First Sunday of the month, May 4th, 2025
- “Impressionisti in Normandia”, MUDI, Museo degli Innocenti. Until May 4th, 2025
- Special opening of Baron Bettino Ricasoli’s apartment. Palazzo Vecchio. May 7th, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- “Giannelli. Il Cielo sopra Firenze”, Piazza San Lorenzo and Piazza del Duomo. Until May 15th, 2025
- “I venerdì del Museo Bandini: Storie di vite vissute nel Museo”, Fiesole, Museo Bandini. May 16th, 2025
- Live concert by Olly. Teatro Cartiere Carrara. May 19–20, 2025
- Public access to the Iris Garden. Until May 20th, 2025
- “Inside Matisse alla Cattedrale dell’Immagine”, Cattedrale dell’Immagine. Until June 2nd, 2025
- “Thomas J Price in Florence”, Museo di Palazzo Vecchio. Until June 11th, 2025
- Tracey Emin exhibition “Sex and Solitude”, Palazzo Strozzi. Until July 20th, 2025
- “Giovan Battista Foggini (1652–1725). Architetto e scultore granducale”, Palazzo Medici Riccardi. Until September 9th, 2025
Firenze Card: Free and Priority Access to Florence’s Museums

The Firenze Card is the city’s official pass that grants free and priority access to over 60 museums and cultural sites in Florence and nearby areas.

Valid for 72 hours from first use, the card allows one-time entry to each museum included in the network.

Among the main museums included are the Uffizi Galleries, the Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, the Bargello National Museum, and many more.

For the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, and the Brancacci Chapel, a free reservation is required to benefit from priority entry.

The card is available both as a physical version and a digital version via the official app, compatible with iOS (version 16.0 or later) and Android (version 11.0 or later).

It can be purchased online at the official website firenzecard.it and at various sales points throughout the city, such as museum ticket offices and tourist info points.

For more details and the complete list of included museums, check out our News section.
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Where to Stay in Florence for May Events
If you're planning a stay in Florence for the May events and want to combine museum visits with pleasant shopping experiences in the city center, the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is the perfect choice.

This four-star hotel is the ideal starting point to immerse yourself in the art and history of the historic center, thanks to its prime location and the comfort it offers guests.

Located in the vibrant heart of Florence, on one of the city's most elegant streets, Hotel Calzaiuoli is just steps from major artistic and architectural landmarks: halfway between the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the famous Uffizi Gallery, it offers immediate access to churches, museums, historic buildings, and high-fashion boutiques.

Perfect for those seeking a full cultural experience without sacrificing comfort, the hotel is also surrounded by historic cafés, typical restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and artisan shops—making every moment of your stay both enjoyable and inspiring.

Distances from Main Attractions:
- 2-minute walk to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Piazza del Duomo)
- 2 minutes to Piazza della Repubblica, the elegant heart of shopping and city life
- 3 minutes to the Gucci Museum and the Uffizi Gallery
- 5 minutes to the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most romantic icons
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