2 Days in Florence: How to Make Every Hour Count

This 2-day Florence itinerary is built for people with limited time and high standards – covering the essential sights in the right order, with honest advice on what’s worth the effort and what you can skip.

Two days in Florence is tight – there’s no getting around that. The city rewards time, and most people who visit for two days leave feeling like they moved through it rather than spent time in it. 

But if you structure it well – book the right things early, don’t overload each half-day, and leave a little room for the city to surprise you – two days is enough to feel like you’ve actually been there.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Florence, including a full month there in 2023. Returning most recently, I remember early mornings wandering quiet streets, the light stretching across the Arno as rowers passed beneath the bridges. 

There’s more to this city than its iconic sights – but on two days, you do need to be a little strategic about which parts of it you actually get to see.

2 Days in Florence: At a Glance

Important building blocks of this itinerary

There are simply oodles of places to see in Florence and it’s somewhat daunting to put pen to paper and start crafting your own itinerary.

With that in mind, my top piece of advice is:

Start with the things to do in Florence that tickets get booked out for the quickest!

The best way to craft your itinerary is on a number of building blocks that focus on the most popular sights in Florence.

These attractions require prior booking and you are allocated a specific time slot. Therefore, it makes the most sense to start with these first and build everything else around them.

Stick to one ‘big hitter’ for each part of the day (i.e. morning and afternoon).

Your itinerary should look a little something like this:

Once you’ve booked the above attracions, everything else will flow more easily around them.

I’ve used the above as it is an order I have followed before, but take it as an example and don’t feel that you have to follow that exact order.

If I were to remove one of the above from your Florence itinerary, then what would it be?

At a push, I would remove the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

While these are both beautiful and extremely interesting, I feel like you can’t visit Florence (particularly if it’s your first time) without seeing the masterpiece that is the Statue of David, the Duomo and some of the highlights held within the Uffizi Gallery.

If you need to make up time during your 2 days, or find that the prescribed itinerary is a bit too jam-packed, you can save a good chunk (probably around 3 hours), by cutting out the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

However, I would recommend making a short visit to the Bardini Gardens instead of the Boboli Gardens for the gorgeous city and Duomo views. It is, quite possibly, my favourite viewpoint in Florence. 

Tips for getting the most out of a tight 2-day timeframe in Florence

1 Book tickets well in advance

Top attractions in Florence sell out months in advance, so buy tickets for these before you do anything else.

By the time you get around to booking (and the later you leave it), you may only be able to purchase certain time slots, so secure your tickets first and then craft the rest of your itinerary around these time commitments.

Decide on your must-sees immediately, and then book those tickets! Here are tickets for Florence’s most popular spots:

• Galleria dell’Accademia & The Statue of David
• Uffizi Gallery
• Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
• Pitti Palace
• Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Tour

2 What to do if tickets to bucket list attractions are sold out

If some tickets to attractions are sold out, go down the guided tour route.

In fact, I’d also urge you to choose at least one well-reviewed guided tour while you are in Florence.

A well-chosen tour always makes my trip, and you depart with a much deeper understanding and knowledge of a destination. Many operators will hold a certain number of tickets to must-see attractions across various time slots on a given day.

Yes, it will end up being more expensive than if you had been able to snag tickets of your own accord, but you also receive the added benefit of an expert guide, which means you will get a lot more from your visit.

3 Guided tours worth taking

I’d highly recommend any tours run by the amazing Walks. They run a highly professional, slick operation with extremely well-vetted tour guides.

Any tours I’ve taken with them (like this Colosseum at night tour—read my review here) have been memorable and worthwhile. They are led by experts in their fields, such as archaeologists and art historians. You honestly can’t go wrong.

Other reputable resources to try are:

• Viator 
• GetYourGuide
• Tiqets

4 If ease of access to the sights is crucial for you, build your itinerary first and choose your accommodation second

The wonderful thing about Florence is that it is surprisingly compact and extremely walkable. Luckily, many of the sights are located in close proximity to each other (within 2-3km max).

However, if you want to make the most of your time and be slap bang in the middle of it all, choose an accommodation that is in the middle of all your chosen sights once you have decided upon your itinerary.

It’s also worth noting, however, that if you have your heart set on a hotel or apartment located anywhere within Florence city centre, you can’t go too wrong from a location perspective.

I’d advise that you book your accommodation as soon as you can to avoid missing out.

Download the planning guide

Florence for the Cultured Traveller

How long the city really deserves, when to come, and how to shape your days so Florence unfolds rather than rushes past — with the missteps to avoid along the way.

Your 2 days in Florence itinerary in full

Day 1 – Morning

1 – Visit Michelangelo’s Statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia

Kick off your itinerary with a morning visit to see the Statue of David – the earlier, the better, as that way, you will have the majority of the Academia all to yourself (albeit if only for a short while).

Originally commissioned to adorn the side of the Duomo, once Michelangelo’s David was completed in 1503 it was instantly obvious that this masterpiece needed to be appreciated from closer quarters.

The statue found its resting place in the Piazza della Signoria, where it stayed for almost 400 years before being moved in 1873 to the Galleria del’Accademia in order to protect it from further damage and weathering.

Hewn from one solid piece of Carrara marble, David stands at just over 5 metres tall, weighs over 5 tonnes and took forty men four days to move less than a mile from Michelangelo’s studio to its original perch in the Piazza della Signoria!

Nothing prepares you for seeing the Statue of David in real life. It is absolutely mesmerizing and had me encircling it in a silent stupor.

To say that time stops upon viewing David is an understatement – to be placed in a state of sensory deprivation amongst hordes of people says a lot about how hard-hitting this masterpiece truly is.

The rest of the gallery houses some extremely interesting collections too, which, if you have any interest in art, should not be skipped – there is another unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo and some fantastic religious panels upstairs.

It features paints in fantastic fluorescent colours that I had not previously associated with Renaissance art. In total, you’ll probably spend 1-2 hours here.

BOOKING | If you fancy a special, VIP visit to see the Statue of David before opening hours, the wonderful Walks of Italy run a pre-opening morning tour that also includes a Brunelleschi Dome climb – click here for more info.

If you’d prefer to go the entry only route, then save time queuing and book your skip-the-line ticket to see the Statue of David here.

2 – Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels

The Basilica of San Lorenzo, with its unassuming, unfinished facade, is a beautiful Renaissance construct that was masterminded by Brunelleschi and was the Medici family’s parish church.

Brunelleschi left the interiors of the church relatively unadorned, wanting the architecture to do the talking.

The real boon of a visit to this complex, however, are the adjacent Medici Chapels. I can’t fathom why they are so overlooked, and personally, I find their interiors much more rewarding than a visit to the Duomo’s interiors.

The Princes’ Chapel houses the Medicis’ remains in what is, quite potentially, the most opulent way possible.

It’s the New Sacristy that clinches it, however.

Designed by Michelangelo and finished off by Vasari, it is also home to the largest collection of Michelangelo sculptures in Florence.

It’s especially interesting in that both the building and sculptures were designed by the same artist. Light plays a crucial part in the design and to see it fall onto the exquisite statues of both Night and Day (up close, with only a handful of other people in there) is quite something.

They’ve also recently uncovered a room where Michelangelo was thought to have gone into hiding – and it’s covered in sketches by his hand. It’s rather special.

Access to the Chapels is through a separate entrance round the back of the church.

| Book a tour: Book a private tour of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels here

3 – Pop into the Mercato Centrale 

Located in San Lorenzo, a couple of streets over from the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Mercato Centrale was located just behind our apartment on Via Faenza and was a well-frequented spot during my month in Florence!

On the ground floor, you will find many traditional vendors offering fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, et cetera, as well as some exceptionally good takeaway pasta (F.N. Pasta Fresca) and some sandwich shops as well.

On the upper floors, you will find a ginormous food court with umpteen different food stalls, ranging from Italian to foreign cuisine. It’s a little bit touristy but the food is good and with communal tables it’s perfect for groups with differing tastes.

An outdoor market also runs across several adjacent streets, offering leather goods, clothing, and other souvenirs.

Do note that it’s exceptionally touristy, however, and much of the ‘genuine Italian leather’ bags are assembled at factories outside the city, with components imported from China.

FOODIE TIP

Take this Tastes & Traditions of Florence tour for 9 food tastings, 3 glasses of wine, coffee and a visit to the less touristy San Ambrogio Market.

Day 1 – Afternoon

4 – The Duomo, Brunelleschi’s Dome, The Baptistry and Giotto’s Campanile

After lunch in Mercato Centrale, make your way down the street to Florence’s most iconic site; the Duomo.

In the 15th century, the Duomo of Florence caused great embarrassment to the Florentines, who had embarked on a grand plan to build the largest dome that Europe had ever seen.

The structure stood incomplete for 140 years, as no one could solve the puzzle of how to roof the dome and build a free-standing brick structure that wouldn’t collapse.

Then, Fillipo Brunelleschi entered the scene.

Under Medici sponsorship, Brunelleschi devised an ingenious method, drawing on elements of Ancient Roman engineering to complete what is still today considered one of the greatest architectural feats of masonry ever to be constructed.

Visiting the Duomo

It is free to enter the cathedral itself, but be warned – by early morning queues snake their way around the cathedral.

You can skip this queue if you have any sort of ticket to the Duomo Complex. Simply enter by the door around the side of the cathedral beside the entrance to Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Also, besides Vasari’s painted interior of the dome, I believe there is much more to see in the Medici Chapels and Michelangelo’s New Sacristy nearby if you haven’t managed to get any form of tickets for the Duomo – so don’t sweat it if you haven’t managed to snag them.

Dome Climb

If you want to climb the dome, you must book a ticket far in advance of your visit. You must choose a time of entry and ticket numbers are limited (i.e. not all people who buy tickets for the Duomo complex will be able to climb the dome).

If you are a bit claustrophobic, you might not enjoy the Dome Climb. The passageways are tight, as they were built not for visitors but for the men working on the dome during its construction.

Giotto’s Campanile

If you’re a). too claustrophobic to climb the dome, or b). miss out on tickets, then you also have the option of climbing Giotto’s Campanile (or Bell Tower), which is a little bit roomier on the way up (there are some narrow spots though).

Besides from the wow factor of actually being inside the dome if you choose to do the Dome Climb, you’ll actually find the views better from Giotto’s Bell Tower, as you’ll be able to see the dome itself.

Baptistry & Opera del Duomo Museum

Also highly worth visiting is the Baptistry for its stunning mosaic ceiling – and it will only take a few minutes of your time, too.

If you have an all-access ticket for the Duomo complex, then you’ll also be able to visit the Opera del Duomo Museum.

In its own right, it is a place that is highly worth visiting (there are incredible Michelangelo and Donatello statues here, as well as the gigantic bronze doors from the Duomo).

If you have only 2 days to spend in Florence, however, then you likely won’t have time this time round unless you cut things out of this itinerary.

Santa Reparata

If you’ve purchased any of the ticket options to the Duomo Complex, then you’ll also have access to the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata. I found this to be fascinating!

You descend through the floor of the cathedral to the ruins of one of the first Christian temples in the history of Florence. Operating for 500 years, it was demolished in 1379 and the current cathedral was built atop the ruins.

There is still much to see, and it’s like descending into a hidden, ancient, underground world.

5 – Wander through Florence and indulge in some retail therapy after your day of sightseeing

By the time you’ll be finished at the Duomo it will be late afternoon.

Take your time to wander through the streets of the Centro Storico, grab a gelato, and if you’re prone to the odd shopping spree, then you’ve come to the right place!

Milan may be renowned as the fashion capital of Italy, but that’s not to say that elsewhere is lacking in style, none more so than Florence, which offers a wide range of high end designers, high street fashion chains, and artisanal stores.

Florence’s most famous shopping street is the Via de’ Tornabuoni, whose elegant buildings house a high proportion of the high end designer stores in Florence.

Pop into the Ferragamo flagship store and afterwards, have a top-notch glass of wine and the most divine little sandwiches ever (try the one with truffle) at the elegant Procacci, which was a favourite haunt of mine during my extended stay in Florence.

Florence’s primary smattering of high-street shops lies a couple of streets over and radiates out to incorporate the streets around Piazza della Republica.

Those in search of something a little more unique should make their way to Oltrarno’s Via dei Serragli, where you can expect to find independent boutiques, a range of artisinal stores, vintage shops and modern art galleries.

Day 1 – Evening

Firstly, congratulations – you’ve almost made it to the end of your first day in Florence!

You’ll probably be exhausted (but pretty elated), and to cap off your evening, I would suggest the following. 

6 – Sunset stroll to take in the Ponte Vecchio and the river Arno

The Ponte Vecchio is rather hard to miss, as it connects one side of the city to the other and its golden arches are clearly visible from every other bridge that traverses the city.

In the early days of the Renaissance, the bridge was home to the city’s butchers, as health inspectors wanted to keep them as far as possible from the more important parts of the city. What in fact happened was the spread of illness and putrification of the Arno river, as the butchers used to toss their waste in it.

At this stage, the Medici family had constructed and were using the Vasari Corridor, which ran across the top of the bridge on part of its route. The kilometre-long corridor was used by the Medicis as a safe passage to traverse the river between the seat of government and their home at the Pitti Palace.

Grand Duke Francesco I Medici found himself disgusted by the smells that emanated from the river and the butchers were replaced with the gold and silversmiths that the bridge is now famous for today.

A beautiful time of day to take in the Ponte Vecchio is in the evening, as the sun dips and casts a golden hue over the cladding of the bridge and the surrounding buildings.

Stroll along the water’s edge and walk across the bridge to soak up the atmosphere. Don’t dally too long, however, as you have one more stop on your first day in Florence.

7 – Evening in the Oltrarno

By the time you’ve finished admiring the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll have hopefully made your way across it!

In doing so, you will be on the Oltrarno, or the ‘other side of the Arno’.

Historically a haven for artisans, today you’ll find that it still has a bohemian vibe and rich craft heritage still in existence.

I think it’s a nice place to close out your first day. While only a river and a few hundred metres separate it from the heaving centro storico, it really does demonstrate the ‘other side’ to Florence

To make the most of your evening, I recommend this excellent food and wine tour.

The experience includes 8 food tastings and 4 drinks, while you take in local enoteca and trattoria, taste Bistecca alla Fiorentina and get to visit one of Florence’s best peculiarities – one of its wine windows.

Learn more about the tour here.

If you’d prefer to go it alone, make your way towards Piazza Santo Spirito. Don’t forget to explore some side streets and seek out a wine window for yourself!

For a special experience, I recommend that you book a table for drinks at the Loggia Roof Bar of the historical Palazzo Guadagni. Now a hotel, its terrace overlooks the piazza and it is a lovely way to wile away your evening.

I advise that you book a table in advance – you can do so here.

Day 2 – Morning

1 – Immerse yourself in great masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery

Home to some of the greatest masterpieces on the planet, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s finest and oldest art galleries.

Designed by Giorgio Vasari for the Medici in 1581, its collection is unparalleled and there are many rooms in which you can lose yourself for hours.

Highlights for me were Botticelli’s Primavera, which is bewitching in real life, along with the incredible Niobe room, which houses twelve exquisite and incredibly moving sculptures.

The room itself is also absolutely spectacular and is bookended by two ginormous works by another of my favourite artists, Rubens.

I recommend that you try book one of the first time slots of the day – that way, you won’t happen upon a backlog of fellow gallery-goers.

Also, do be aware that the Uffizi collection is a rather large one, for which you may not have the energy to see it all. Check the floor plans in advance of your visit, and pick out which artists and works you’d really like to see, taking note of where they are located in the gallery.

I’d then recommend that you visit all of these rooms first, and then once you’re done, you can decide if you want to give the gallery more time or not.

2 – Piazza della Signoria & the Loggia dei Lanzi

Located adjacent to the Uffizi Gallery and close to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria is Florence’s main square and was the political heart of the city, as it houses the Palazzo Vecchio, seat of Florentine civic power for over seven centuries.

Throughout its existence the square has seen uprisings, executions and political intrigue galore (like the Bonfire of the Vanities and the public hangings of the perpetrators in the Pazzi Conspiracy to bring down the Medici – Florence’s Renaissance history was wild!).

While the square is one of the Florence main attractions that you’ll likely pass through several times during your visit, make sure to pop into the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery that runs along the south side to admire the incredible works of art.

The statues in the Loggia are a well worth spending some time on.

Among them is Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, a dramatic bronze statue that captures a pivotal mythological moment.

Nearby, Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women stands as a masterful marble depiction of raw human emotion and struggle.

Keep an eye out, too, for the regal grandeur of the Medici lions – yet another symbol of the family’s power in the city, as well as the copy of Michelangelo’s Statue of David that stands outside the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio – where it originally stood.

Look closely behind it, too, and you will spot the carved graffiti said to be made by Michelangelo (a sketch of his own head).

3 – Visit the imposing Palazzo Vecchio

I’ll hold my hands up and say I made the mistake of not visiting the Palazzo Vecchio on my first visit to Florence.

When I made it there, it was one of the most interesting attractions I’ve visited in Florence to date.

This appreciation was probably fueled by my growing fascination with the Medici family over the years. However, I do think that for anyone visiting Florence, Palazzo Vecchio provides a unique glimpse into the civic power and institutions that were the backbone of Florence’s rise to superstardom.

The palace was the nerve centre of Florentine power and was where the Curia, Florence’s ruling council, made key decisions that shaped the city’s future.

The Medici family, through strategic marriages, alliances, and sheer political acumen, gradually took over the Curia. Their ascent was marked by constant power struggles with rival families, but their shrewd manoeuvres eventually made them the de facto rulers of Florence.

Cosimo I, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, used Palazzo Vecchio as his residence, commissioning extensive renovations to reflect the Medici’s power and prestige. The palace was the Medici family’s home until they moved across the river to the more expansive Pitti Palace.

On my visit, I took the Secret Passages tour, which I highly recommend. My small group of six got to see hidden rooms, secret staircases and concealed passages used by the Medici family to navigate the palace discreetly.

Rooms like the Studiolo of Francesco I (which you can only see on the tour) showcase a treasure trove of artworks and curiosities, reflecting the Medici’s love for art and science.

Even if you don’t do the tour, the pièce de la resistance inside Palazzo Vecchio is the Hall of the Five Hundred (Salone dei Cinquecento), a vast and grandiose space originally designed for the Great Council of Florence.

This hall is adorned with massive frescoes by Giorgio Vasari, depicting battles and triumphs of Florence. Statues, including Michelangelo’s impressive (if unfinished) “Genius of Victory,” only add to the hall’s impressive impact.

Elsewhere, there are opulent chambers, grand halls adorned with intricate frescoes and historical artefacts that narrate Florence’s political tales.

A visit to Palazzo Vecchio is also very manageable.

It doesn’t require hours of your time, and it’s not overwhelming, but it’s incredibly interesting, especially if you opt for the Secret Passages tour.

Tickets for this tour are limited and, while it seems not many people know about it, make sure to book well in advance to secure your spot.

Personally, I really found that it was worth it for the unique insights and behind-the-scenes look at one of Florence’s most important historical sites.

Worth knowing

For a behind-the-scenes look at the Palazzo Vecchio, including secret rooms and corridors, book this Secret Passages Tour.

4 – Grab a Schiacciata; Florence’s take on the panini

By now, it will be time for lunch!

The original version of this blog post encouraged readers to head to All’Antica Vinaio, a revered institution for Florence’s famous schiacciata.

Having now tasted my way around a great many of the establishments offering schiacciata in Florence (I had one every day for my lunch for a month!), I would be inclined to say – skip it.

There are plenty of other places where you’ll get equally as good, if not better, without the obscenely long queues that go with it.

My own personal favourite in the vicinity is located close by: I Girone Dei Ghiotti.

While not completely unknown, it’s still worth queuing for a few minutes – their selection of fillings and the bread itself are positively sublime. Grab a drink and head upstairs if you want to sit in and eat.

On the same street, you also have the wonderful I Fratellini, a hole-in-the-wall spot. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag a stool on the street beside it for the ultimate people-watching position.

If you’re prepared to go a little further (around a 10-15 minute walk), you’ll find the marvellous Pino’s Sandwiches.

This is an institution for Americans studying abroad in Florence, but while this might sound a bit naff, it really isn’t – the family are lovely, the ingredients and sandwiches are droolworthy and there is plenty of room to grab a seat and enjoy your schiacciata.

You can also wash it down with a glass from their extensive wine list (they have Brunello di Montalcino by the glass for less than €10).

Day 2 – Afternoon

5 – Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

The Palazzo Pitti (or Pitti Palace) was built in 1598 by Luca Pitti, an ambitious Florentine banker and friend of Cosimo I de’ Medici.

Pitti’s fortunes faded upon Cosimo’s death and the palace was subsequently bought by Eleanor of Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici of Tuscany (who was great-great grandnephew of the original Cosimo and who later became Grand Duke of Tuscany), in 1549.

The couple set to work on doubling the size of the palace and eventually, it became the Medici’s primary residence in Florence, as well as home to their vast art collection. Today, the Palatine Gallery at the palace contains over 500 paintings, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian and Rubens.

The gallery also leads into the opulent Royal Apartments, which form part of every visit to the Pitti Palace. Visit and take in the vast and opulent palace first, before making your way out into the beautiful Boboli Gardens, which stretch gracefully up the hill from the Pitti Palace.

The gardens are vast and elegant, like an Italian version of Versailles, and it is a welcome retreat from the museums and galleries of Florence to spend a couple of hours wandering the wide paths, discovering its grottos and relaxing on the grass in the sun.

The Medici modelled original designs on an amphitheatre, in which they hosted live plays.

A visit to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens does well to round out the Medici trail in Florence. It shows the zenith of their power and how far they came in a relatively short period of time. For me, it feels more like visiting the palace of the monarchy of an entire country, as opposed to a (relatively small) city.

6 – Bask in the beautiful views at the Bardini Gardens

While lesser known than the neighbouring Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Gardens are perched high on the hillside of the Oltarno, with expansive views of the city of Florence below and it’s one of the places to go in Florence that I’d recommend should you wish to escape the crowds a little.

You can also visit using your ticket from the Bardini Gardens.

In April, the wisteria is positively bursting from its trellises in a riot of purple and to catch a glimpse of the Duomo through these blossoms is a rather special sight.

In all the Florence guides and itineraries I pored over in advance of our trip, I barely saw these fabulous gardens mentioned yet this was one of my favourite things that I saw in Florence, so it’s a Florence hidden gem that you need to get yourself to!

Day 2 – Evening

7 – Catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo  

From the Bardini Gardens, continue up the hill towards Piazzale Michelangelo to catch the sunset. This square, set high on the hillside of the Oltrarno, offers panoramic views of the city of Florence below.

It’s around 1km distance in total from the Bardini Gardens and will take between 15-20 minutes.

Its beautiful views do come with a caveat, however – it gets incredibly busy at sunset, which is prime viewing time.

To circumnavigate this, if you leave it a little late to get a good spot in the piazza, you could try find a spot on the road just below it – the views are almost as good.

Alternatively, you could also head a little higher up the hill.

The Church of Miniato is located a few hundred metres above Piazzale Michelangelo. This Romanesque church features exquisite marble pillars and frescoes and also, even better views of the city of Florence, should you be willing to walk that little bit further up the (very steep) hill.

If you time your visit right, you’ll even get to hear the resident monks sing mass in Gregorian chant at 5.30pm (4.30pm in winter).

NOTE | Visiting for sunset may not fit in with your plans, and if not, don’t worry. It’s still beautiful at any time of the day, and you’re more likely to have fewer people to share the view with if you come outside its most popular hours.

I walked up up one Saturday morning in the middle of July at around 10 am, for example, and there were maybe only 20 other people milling about.

More than 2 days in Florence? 

Explore more of the city

If you have more than 2 days to play with would like to explore some more, then below are some further suggestions to keep you occupied.

Bargello Museum

The Bargello is one of the most significant art museums in all of Florence.

This fascinating collection is housed in the Palazzo del Bargello, a historic building that dates back to 1255 and served various roles throughout history, such as a fortress, a prison, and eventually, a museum.

Even the building alone, without taking into consideration the art, feels like stepping way back in time.

It is, however, most famous for its unrivalled collection of Renaissance sculpture. As a visitor, you’ll get to admire an array of works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Cellini.

Its most famous resident is Donatello’s Statue of David, a piece that broke the mould and caused a great shock at the time due to its somewhat provocative nature and the sexual connotations it may (or may not) infer.

Considering the Bargello was relatively quiet on a Saturday afternoon during crazy time in Florence (the middle of summer), it makes for a much more relaxing visit than the likes of the Uffizi or Accademia.

Santa Maria Novella

One of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany featuring beautiful Dominican cloisters. Home to an incredible amount of priceless artwork by masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli and Vasari. 

Basilica di Santa Trinita

This church is free to visit but is closed for a long lunch between 12-4pm, so plan your visiting time accordingly! In one corner, you will find the beautifully frescoed Sassetti Chapel, which was painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio around the time when Michelangelo was thought to have begun his apprenticeship with him (1480s).

Considered one of the best representations of Florence during the Renaissance, it contains portraits of famous Florentines such as Lorenzo the Magnificent and his sons, in settings such as the Piazza della Signoria and the via Tornabuoni.

Santa Croce

Burial place to many a great name in Florence’s story (including Michelangelo and Galileo), Santa Croce is one of Florence’s most recognisable churches. It’s also home to a wealth of Renaissance art.

Don’t miss the Pazzi Chapel, which is one of Brunelleschi’s most famous works and is a masterpiece in early Renaissance design. You will also find leather goods at stalls in the piazza here.

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Thought to be the oldest operating pharmacy in the world, having been established in 1221 by the Benedictine monks from the adjacent Santa Maria Novella. Fascinating shop of old curioso, featuring the original recipes that were used by the monks still  to this day. 

The interiors of the shop make it worth a visit alone, transporting you back through  the centuries. Its old production workshops are now a museum that takes you back through the old processes and equipment used. 

Purchase soaps, candles, perfumes  and cosmetics here as a high quality and novel souvenir to remember your time in Florence by. 

Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio

Most Florence itineraries will include the Mercato Centrale, but an alternative that has a more local vibe and is off the beaten path is the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, which is located just far enough outside of the centro storico area for the crowds of tourists to have dissipated.

Indoors, discover fresh food produce along with a selection of restaurants, while outdoors, you will discover antiques, clothing, jewellery etc. 

Gucci Garden

Fashionistas rejoice, and then make your way to the Gucci Garden, where the Gucci Museum is housed within the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia. which housed the Gucci Museo.

The space includes a store with one-of-a-kind items, the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura (a restaurant by a three-Michelin-star chef) and the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition rooms which have been curated by critic Maria Luisa Frisa.

Palazzo Strozzi

Offering an alternative to the primarily Renaissance artwork around the city and something for those seeking non touristy things to do in Florence, this is the best place in the city to see contemporary art and travelling international exhibitions, along with concerts, events, talks, workshops and theatrical performances.

Plan to spend an hour and a half here.

Day trips from Florence 

If you have more than three or four days in Florence, I highly recommend that you take a day trip into the surrounding Tuscan countryside. It’s simply too beautiful an area to miss out on when you are so close.

There is much on offer, depending on your own interests.

Take a tour

If you’re unsure of what tour to take, then you should definitely start off with a wine tour. I’ve rounded up the best wine tours of Chianti leaving from Florence in a separate post – read it here.

Below, however, is a shortlist of tours by category with excellent reviews.

• Best all-rounder: Tuscany Day Trip From Florence With Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano
• For foodies: Cooking class & lunch at Tuscan farmhouse
• For wine lovers: Small-group experience in Tuscan countryside
• Tuscan towns: Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni (& wine tasting)

Do it independently

It’s also not too difficult to explore Tuscany independently should you be a confident enough driver.

Rent a car, pick it up from either downtown Florence or at the airport, and then take the day to explore dreamy Tuscan towns like these ones, or you could even take a few days to go on a proper road trip through Tuscany.

Alternatively, if you’re not too keen on hiring a car, you could also take the train to Siena. Read how to spend a day in Siena here.

Located just over 90 minutes away by train (or by car), Siena offers visitors a chance to experience some of Italy’s best-preserved medieval architecture and art.

From its picturesque cobblestone streets fringed with grand palazzos and churches, to its colourful Piazza del Campo where twice a year horse races are held, Siena is more than worthy of a day trip from Florence

RELATED READING | 11 Best Towns In Tuscany That You Need To Visit At Least Once

Where to stay in Florence

Once you stay close enough to the centre, you will never be too far away from anything and so can walk everywhere.

Make sure to plan and book your accommodation in Florence well in advance, as pulling off a successful itinerary will hinge on it!

There are some amazing luxury and boutique lodgings on offer for your short visit, with stylish and opulent 5 star hotels in Florence and more quirky, independent 4 star hotels in Florence available too.

For a more thorough exploration of Florence’s accommodation, I’ve drawn together a list of the best luxury vacation rentals, top hotels with pools, as well as a general where to stay in Florence guide.

Here, however, are a shortlist of selected places to stay.

Where to go for brunch in Florence

Ditta Artigionale | Various addresses – now an institution in Florence, they have led third-wave coffee in the city. There are five spaces altogether, and I find their Sprone and Sant’Ambrogio locations the best for a more laid back brunch experience.

Melaleuca Firenze | Lungarno delle Grazie, 18 – the perfect location to drop into if you’re strolling along the Arno in the morning, or have descended from Piazzale Michelangelo (it’s just across the river). A buzzing spot, with huge portions of very tasty brunch dishes.

Le Vespe Cafe | Via Ghibellina 76R, 50122 – healthy foods, with no chemicals or preservatives. Set up by a duo – a Florentine and a Canadian – this spot focusses on Canadian breakfast/lunch with a healthy twist.

Floret Artisan Kitchen & Bar | Via Roma 19/21r, 50123 – this gorgeous, rooftop garden-themed spot is where the health-conscious (or just those who appreciate some Instagrammable interiors) should go for brunch in Florence. Think colourful and contemporary, both in terms of food and surroundings.

Where to eat lunch in Florence

Cammillo Trattoria | Borgo San Jacopo 57R, 50125 – located in the Oltrarno, this is where the locals eat. Come here for a thoroughly Tuscan meal.

Alla Vecchia Bettola | Viale Vasco Pratolini 3/5/7, 50124 – another local gem that is off the beaten track in the Oltrarno district. A bit further from the action than some other restaurants recommended here, it’s quite near the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, so consider combining a visit with lunch here.

Think lots of locals sitting elbow to elbow in a very lively location.

I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti | Via dei Cimatori, 23, 50122 – my joint-favourite sandwich shop, and place to grab a schiacciata in Florence.

Pino’s Sandwiches | Via Giuseppe Verdi, 36R – my other joint-favourite sandwich joint. Run by a lovely, welcoming and chatty family. Plenty of seating, and a great selection of wines to boot.

Where to eat dinner in Florence

Trattoria La Burrasca | Via Panicale, 6 – A repeat favourite for us, hidden away just off the back of San Lorenzo market. Cheap and cheerful with proper Tuscan food and relaxed service. Fresh pasta is delicious – try the pici with guanciale, grano and pepper. Excellent steaks too!

Ristorante Frescobaldi | Piazza della Signoria 31, 50122 – a little more high end, and yes, a bit touristy, but this elegant restaurant is located right on the Piazza della Signoria and is decorated with plush velvet booths that give the place a very glamourous air.

If warm enough, sit outside to take in the setting of the piazza and all who pass by. Wonderful service, wonderful food and wonderful wine from their own vineyard.

Da Garibardi | Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38R– I was surprised by how good this place was, as I feared it may have been too touristy. Yes, there are other tourists, but the food here is great. Set beside the more famous ZaZa, you will also need to book should you be visiting at the weekend. Tuscan dishes in pleasant ambiance. Try to sit outside. Look out for the pici al cinghale and tortellini with pecorino and pear. We also received a great recommendation for a bottle of Bogheri here.

Gurdulu Gastronomia | Via delle Caldaie 12-14 Rosso Santo Spirito, 50125 – The most contemporary establishment on this list, this Santo Spirito cocktail bar and restaurant is located – surprise, surprise, like most other recommendations on this list – in the Oltrarno district!

Perfect for a dinner for two, grab a cocktail and ask for a table in the romantic candlelit courtyard.

Where to go for aperitivo in Florence

Procacci | Via de’ Tornabuoni, 64R – Probably my favourite place to grab a glass of wine in Florence. Despite its expensive-looking sheen and its well-heeled patrons, it won’t break the bank. Glasses of wine less than €10. Delightful little brioche panini several euros a pop – think smoked salmon, truffle, meat cuts. Delightful!

Il Santino | Via S. Spirito, 60/R – for aperitivo, head to this busy and atmospheric little wine bar located in a former cellar. Great choice of wines and snacks, if you’re still feeling peckish head a few doors down the street to sister restaurant Il Santo Bevitore.

Le volpi e l’uva | Piazza Dei Rossi 1, 50125 – I loved this little enoteca in Florence, which stocks smaller, local wine producers so you can be sure to sample something unique here.

We were lucky to get a table in this very busy spot, which is located on a side street on the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio, so come slightly early to guarantee a seat for a pre-dinner drink. If you fancy having some lunch here, make sure to book a table, as it is extremely popular with the locals.

Casa del Vino | Ariento 16/r Dietro i Bancarelli – for something a little more traditional, head to this old school wine bar that’s located slap bang in the middle of a local leather market.

Bottles of wine are held in wooden shelves and this is the perfect spot for a quick midday snack and glass of wine in some very traditional surroundings.

Divina Terrazza at Grand Hotel Cavour | Via del Proconsolo 3, 50122 – a stylish, rooftop spot that offers spectacular views of the Duomo of Florence. Come here for pre-dinner aperitifs, or return after dinner for cocktails when this spot gets a little livelier.

La Terrazza Bar at the Hotel Continentale – this rooftop bar in Florence is exceptionally unique, in that it sits on the top of a 13th century medieval tower, and overlooks the Ponte Vecchio and Arno river.

Common questions & logistics

Is 2 days enough for Florence?

There is so much on offer in Florence – museums, galleries, quaint streets, atmospheric piazzas, awe-inspiring viewpoints, mouth-watering Tuscan food, artisan shops, designer boutiques…I could go on.

So how many days in Florence is enough, then? I’ve covered this in detail in this blog post about how long to spend in Florence.

However, to speak frankly, I don’t think you could ever cover the entire city, historic and beautiful as it is, without living here for many years. If I personally had the luxury while planning a trip, I’d happily spend a week in Florence, peeling it back layer by layer.

However, for the majority, 48 hours in Florence will be enough to get a taster, leaving you with a solid idea of what makes this city so special.

If you can sneak in that extra day then I would say that 3 days in Florence is probably an optimal amount of time.

If you don’t have a particular interest in history, art or museums, then you’ll probably be fine with just a couple of days – but if you don’t carry these interests, then it’s probably worth questioning whether you should visit Florence or not.

Only have 1 day in Florence?

If you’re tight on time and are passing through Tuscany, then a day in Florence is still a day well spent. Resign yourself to the fact, however, that one day is not sufficient to see all of its highlights.

In this instance, I would suggest cherry-picking 1-2 absolute must-sees and then spending the rest of your day ambling through the streets and soaking up the atmosphere.

If you can, push it to 36 hours and spend a night here too – it will show you what the city is like once the daytrippers leave, and it will also allow you to fit in an extra activity on the second morning (a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, perhaps?!).

When to visit Florence

The spring months of April and May are fantastic times to visit Florence, as the streets are less crowded, the temperatures are less hot than the blistering heat of summer, and the museums and galleries are also less busy.

By April, Florence has shaken off the shackles of winter and spring is most definitely in the air. It’s also when the wisteria is in full bloom, and Florence erupts in a beautiful mauve kaleidoscope of colours.

By April, daytime temperatures can reach a pleasant 18 degrees Celsius, dropping down to around 7 degrees at nightime, with temperatures in May warmer still.

If you’re wondering what to pack for Florence in springtime, you’ll find that if the sun is out during the day you’ll likely want to at least bare your arms and may get a little warm walking about.

Bring lighter layers that you can easily take on and off – think dresses and tights, jeans/pants and short-sleeved tops along with sweatshirts and cardigans. If travelling in April then don’t forget to pack a light rain jacket too, as April is susceptible to spring showers!

If you can’t make it in springtime, I’d recommend October for similar reasons – temperatures can still reach a pleasant 21 degrees Celsius during the daytime while the volume of tourists will be tapering off.

I’ve personally spent a month in the city from mid-July through to August, in the middle of 2023’s brutal heatwave in Europe. It wasn’t particularly pleasant, or conducive to sightseeing. It’s also exceptionally crowded then, so if you can, really do try and fit in your visit in the shoulder season.

How to get to and around Florence

Getting to Florence from Florence Airport

Florence has its own airport, Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, which is located a mere 4km from Florence city centre. Florence airport is connected to many other major cities within Europe as well as a number of Italian cities.

Getting to Florence city centre from the airport is made very straightforward by the T2 tram line that runs between the airport and the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence city. It’s also extremely affordable, with tickets costing €1.50.

They run very frequently and it takes around 20 minutes to reach Florence city centre. If you have lots of bags or don’t fancy taking the tram, then take a taxi – you can book your airport transfer in advance using GetTransfer. 

Search for flights and compare prices on Skyscanner

Getting to Florence from Pisa Airport

You may find, especially if travelling on a long haul international flight, that Florence airport does not service your destination of origin, or that flight schedules are limited.

If this is the case, then your next best option is to fly to Pisa Airport. From Pisa airport, take the Pisa Mover train (which is a sort of shuttle) to Pisa Centrale and from here, hop on a train to Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence.

Getting to Florence by train

Travelling to Florence by train from another city in Italy is a doddle. Italy is extremely well connected and on its major routes, offers a very reliable, reasonably priced services with frequent high-speed trains.

Search for and reserve your train tickets in advance here

How to get around Florence?

For the vast majority, you will find that the best way to get around Florence is by foot. Much of the charm of Florence is to be found down narrow side streets and one-way, heavily cobbled streets – which you just won’t get to see in a vehicle.

Its main areas are pedestrianised, and the roads around them are primarily subject to a long-winded one way system – so it may take you a long time to travel a relatively short distance in a car.

If you’re limited for reasons of mobility, there are buses that do go to different areas within the city, while there is also a local tram.

Download the planning guide

Florence for the Cultured Traveller

How long the city really deserves, when to come, and how to shape your days so Florence unfolds rather than rushes past — with the missteps to avoid along the way.

Continue Planning Your Trip to Florence

If two days feels tight after reading this – it is, and that’s worth acknowledging. If there’s any flexibility in your schedule, even half a day extra makes a real difference. My guide to how many days to spend in Florence covers exactly this:
➙ How many days in Florence?

If you’re extending to three days and want a structured itinerary for that:
➙ 3 days in Florence: a balanced itinerary

And for the broader planning picture – when to go, what to book, how to approach the city:
➙ Florence travel guide: plan your trip with months of first-hand knowledge