florence travel diary

48 Hours in Florence: My Florence Travel Diary

Um, raise your hand if you’re as excited I am to kickoff my Italy travel series! I really really hope everyone raised their hand. And if you didn’t, that’s okay. After browsing through today’s post, I’m hoping that might change.

I can’t say this enough – Italy was magical. If you know me at all, you know how much it meant for me to finally visit. I could literally eat pasta for every meal. I’m obsessed with the culture & the people. There were special moments that carried more meaning than others. And did I mention, all of the gelato, pesto, aperol spritzes, limencello and espresso I could consume? Heck yes.

Today’s post is all about Florence – the first stop on our Italian adventure. We only spent two nights/three days here but we crammed in as much as we could! Now fair warning: we didn’t get a chance to do as much of the super touristy & historical stops so you won’t find many recs here – but you know what to do, just google that $h!t. We did however fit in lots of wine, pasta, exploring cobblestoned streets, etc.

So without further ado, the first of many travel diaries coming your way this week….

Watch the Florence Travel Diary!

Getting There…

Well let me just tell you – this was quite the journey. Our flight (only $460 roundtrip!!!) got into the Venice airport around 9am.

From there, we took a bus to Piazzele Roma which is a transportation pub right by the Venice train station. The ride was about 20 minutes and cost 8 euro one way or 15 euro round trip. We purchased the roundtrip ticket since that’s how we’d be returning.

After our bus arrived at Piazzele Roma, we walked over the bridge to the Venezia Santa Lucia station to catch our train to Florence. We purchased tickets online and upgraded to first class – these were about $50 per ticket and the ride was a little under two hours.

After arriving at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station, we took the tram to our hotel! I told y’all…it was a journey but so worth it.

Stay…

When looking for places to stay in Florence, we knew we wanted to be close enough to the city center but still far enough away so we weren’t right in the middle of the crowds. When I found Riva Lofts on Instagram – I was sold.

This was by far one of the most gorgeous properties I’ve ever called home and wish we could have stayed for an entire week. The décor is super minimal and modern but still keeps the essence of traditional Italy. The rooms are light & airy and the staff were absolutely amazing and super friendly. We stayed in the loft which was perfect in so many ways. We had a terrace, a living room and kitchen, lots of closet space and tons of room to stretch out and relax.

The pool area provided the perfect backdrop for resting in hammocks and enjoying wine with new friends and the breakfast each morning was to die for (the fresh peach juice was BOMB). Highly suggest staying here even if just for a night when visiting Florence.

Explore…

Getting Around

One thing to note, there are no ubers. We took a taxi everywhere and it was pretty affordable. It was a little challenging to get a taxi while in town since you have to either call one or find a taxi stand but we got pretty lucky. They also have a tram which is like a subway or metro that also seemed pretty easy to use when trying to get around.

When it comes to food, we didn’t make any plans or reservations. We would just stumble across little cafes while exploring and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I loved the spaghetti e olio at 4 Leoni and the pizza at Ristorante Borgo Antico was to die for. Honestly I feel like you can’ go wrong anywhere you go!

Florence is full of charming little squares. One of my favorites was the Piazza Della Passera. This was where we ventured on night one and had the yummiest gelato of all time. For a slight Rodeo Drive vibe, make sure to visit the Piazza de Michelangelo district. The people watching is amazing here and the shops are stunning.

We obviously had to visit wine country and loved our tour through Tuscan Wine Time. We visited three wineries in the Chianti Region and it was one of the best days of my life. Each winery shipped wine back to the US which was so helpful.

As far as monuments/landmarks go, we didn’t get a ton of time to explore ut we did visit the Giardino di Bobol and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. My suggestion: grab a pizza and a bottle of wine and take in the sunset here. It’s breathtaking.

What I Wore…

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Photos by Shelby Gordon 

So much envy!! I also need that manicure, so pretty!

xo Jessica My Style Vita

Great post! Italy is one my dream spots! All your photos and videos are gorgeous, and I want to go more than ever now. Most importantly, how did you get those roundtrip ticket prices??

Tabitha https://shopsiloe.com/

Comments are closed.

Hey girl! Can you help me find:

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Florence, Italy: Travel Diary

“I think Florence was one of the first trips I’ve taken where I had absolutely no expectations going into it. It was sort of last-minute and wasn’t on my original list of places I wanted to go, but I’m so glad I did. To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what there was to see or do there. Turns out, this city is a real gem.” Excerpt from 2/11/19

Coming from Rome, the trip to Florence is quick and painless. It only takes about an hour and a half by train, and the trains leave quite frequently. Not to mention, the tickets are cheap. As much as I love the experience of flying, riding a train is much more comfortable. The seats are way bigger with significantly more leg room, and it’s nice not having to worry about strict baggage restrictions.

Probably my favorite thing about Florence was how walkable it is. It’s definitely a lot smaller than I envisioned, especially coming from Rome, but this made it the perfect place to explore for a quick weekend trip.

Galleria dell’Accademia

I arrived to this museum right when they opened. If you visit, I highly recommend doing the same because by the time I left there was already a huge line wrapped around the building.

The Galleria dell’Accademia has a selection of art from various Florentine artists, but it is famous for the David sculpture by Michelangelo. I had obviously heard of this statue before and was curious to see it, but I wouldn’t say it was at the top of my study abroad bucket list or anything. Let me tell you though, it left me absolutely speechless. I can honestly say that’s the first time that has happened to me with a piece of art.

For one thing, the sculpture is absolutely massive (17ft to give a little context). Aside from the sheer size, the details are impeccable and flawless. Every glance reveals something new: the sling around his back, the strands of hair lining his concentrated face, and even the veins on his hand. Not to mention, his expression is both enlightening and baffling. The inscription next to it said no one is sure whether the statue represented David before or after his encounter with Goliath; if I had to guess, I’d say before. There is just such a sense of concentration and determination in his eyes, almost as it he had unfinished business.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The outside of this cathedral is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The attention to detail is remarkable, and its stately dome is one of the defining images of Florence. It is free to go inside, but keep in mind I had to wait in line for probably about half an hour.

If you want, you can also buy tickets to go up to the top of the dome. I personally didn’t do this. If you’re looking for free views, I recommend hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo which I mention later in this post.

Gucci Museum

I heard about the Gucci Museum from a study abroad friend who had visited the weekend before. I wouldn’t consider myself a fashion guru by any means, but I definitely do appreciate it. Entrance to the museum was also free for students, so that solidified it as a must-do in my book.

The first floor is an actual Gucci store where you can purchase items. I do not have that kind of money, but it was still fun walking around and seeing all the unique pieces. Oh and the dressing room was a work of art.

The second, third and fourth floors had different exhibits showcasing the evolution of the Gucci brand with pieces from various points of their history. The attention to detail was absolutely breathtaking. I can only imagine how long it must have taken to conceptualize, design, and then actually make these intricate pieces of clothing.

In addition to the fashion on display, the walls were also creatively decorated. I especially loved this bright pink neon sign that instantly caught my attention.

Walking Across the Ponte Vecchio

This gorgeous bridge spans across the Arno River. I was surprised by how opaque and green the water appeared, which starkly contrasted the bright orange and yellow hues of the buildings surrounding it. There are a variety of shops and outdoor stands selling jewelry and other small items on it.

The Ponte Vecchio itself is a bit crowded, so I almost preferred the views of the bridge over actually walking on it. There was more room to breathe as well as take pictures from the bridge adjacent to it.

Hiking Up to Piazzale Michelangelo

If you’re in the mood for some walking, I highly recommend making the hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This square is the highest point of the city and offers a gorgeous panoramic view of Florence. 

Bargaining at the Outdoor Markets

Florence is known for its high-quality leather, and it is plentiful. Seriously, I lost count of the number of leather stores I saw walking through the streets. There are also a couple different outdoor markets that have a large selection of leather goods, along with clothing, scarves, and other random goods. I ended up bargaining for a cute little black leather backpack that I brought with me on future trips. I also purchased a brown leather journal that became my study abroad travel diary.

I was so busy perusing these markets that I forgot to take any pictures, but I did get a photo of this bronze statue of a boar right next to one of the markets.

The statue is called il Porcellino (Italian for “piglet”). According to tradition, if you place a coin in its open jaws and let it fall into the grate below you’re supposed to receive good luck. Also, if you rub the snout it is supposed to ensure that one-day you’ll return to Florence. You can see how smooth and polished the snout is compared to the rest of the statue, which is a result of the steady stream of tourists that partake in this tradition. I didn’t do the coin part, but I did rub the snout. I guess we’ll have to see if it holds true and I return to Florence at some point!

Italy is known for its gelato, and Florence definitely did not disappoint! Even though the day was quite gloomy and hazy, that definitely didn’t stop my friends and me from sitting by the bridge and enjoying some gelato.

I took an Italian class while studying abroad in Rome, and one of the main things I took away from it was how to correctly pronounce bruschetta. Contrary to popular belief, the correct pronunciation is “broo-sketta” NOT “broo-shetta.”

The Florence hostel was the first of many I stayed in while traveling around Europe. Unfortunately, it wasn’t one of the best ones. My friends and I booked 3 beds in a 9 person female room so we were with 6 strangers. The experience wasn’t entirely bad, but it also wasn’t pleasant either. For one thing, the entire building had an odd smell that I could not for the life of me describe. I do have a bit of a funny story though: We first checked into the hostel around 8:30 a.m. The person working the front desk told us it was okay if we dropped our stuff off in the room even though it technically wasn’t ready yet. We walked into the room, and it was pitch black. Not realizing people were in there, my friend flipped the light switch on and flooded the room with light. Turns out there were a few girls in there sleeping that immediately rustled around and tried turning away from the harsh light. My friend’s face was priceless when she realized what she’d done and she quickly flipped the lights back off. We stumbled through the dark to put our bags in the lockers and left as quickly as possible. Definitely not a great first impression haha.

Looking back, I’m realizing Florence was a trip of many firsts. First time staying in a hostel, trying panna cotta, ordering a caffè coretto, trying pistachio gelato, and bargaining for goods at a market. So even though Florence wasn’t too far away from Rome, it was still very much outside of my comfort zone. I appreciate all the new experiences I was able to have during that short trip.

Check Out My Podcast Episode About This Trip:

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That gelato looks DIVINE! Did you have a favorite flavor?!

Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella

Allison Elizabeth

Ooooo that’s tough! I don’t think I can pick a favorite, but I will say the most unique flavor I tried was probably pistachio.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Florence Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Florence is one of the most famous cities in Italy and a hotspot on the country’s tourist trail. Few people miss it, especially if they are visiting Italy for the first time.

With stunning Renaissance architecture, winding streets, and picturesque white buildings capped with red roofs, Florence is one of my favorite spots in Italy.

If you love art, the number of galleries here will keep you busy for weeks. There are also beautiful Renaissance churches to be explored and you could easily spend hours on foot wandering the manicured pathways at the Boboli Gardens.

The city is also a great jumping-off point for Tuscan winery and food tours. Moreover, Florence is a popular study abroad location so the city also boasts incredible nightlife.

This Florence travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this classic Italian city.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Florence

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Florence

1. Spend a day in the Galleria de Uffizi

The Uffizi holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). Towards the end of the gallery, there are some portraits and Dutch works that are beautiful too. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines. If you go later in the day, there are fewer crowds. Tickets are 20 EUR (plus a 4 EUR online booking fee).

2. Climb Il Duomo

One of Florence’s most popular sites is the Duomo (the cathedral). This huge Gothic building was started in 1296 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers Florence’s historic center. Filippo Brunelleschi, known as the father of Renaissance architecture, engineered the famous dome, which is still the largest brick dome ever constructed. The real highlight is the view from the top where you get a panoramic look at Florence and its iconic red roofs (time slot reservation required). The cathedral itself is free to visit, but if you want to visit anything else in the complex (such as the dome, bell tower, or museum), you’ll need to purchase one of three passes, with prices ranging from 15-30 EUR. The passes are good for three days. You can also get a skip-the-line ticket with exclusive access .

3. Walk along Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge, built in 1345 as the city’s first bridge across the Arno River. Today, it’s the only surviving historic bridge in Florence, as all the others were destroyed in World War II. The bridge is lined with shops selling gold and silver jewelry. It’s closed to vehicular traffic, making it a fun place to stroll around.

4. See David

Housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, Michelangelo’s 16th-century David is one of the most impressive sculptures in the world. At 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be. This is the one piece of art in the city that is a must-see. Admission is 12 EUR and skip-the-line tickets (with a guide) cost 74 EUR.

5. Wander the Giardino di Boboli

Commonly known as the Boboli Gardens, the Medicis (an Italian banking family and powerful dynasty; four popes were Medici family members) designed the landscape and architecture here in the Tuscan Renaissance style that later influenced aristocratic and royal gardens throughout Europe. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous, with ancient marble statues and large fountains everywhere, and the scent from the citrus trees completely flooding your senses. It costs 10 EUR to visit (there’s also a combined ticket for the gardens and Pitti Palace for 22 EUR).

Other Things to See and Do in Florence

1. take a walking tour.

Walking tours are a wonderful way to learn about Florence and there are a handful of excellent free tours in the city. They cover all the highlights and are the perfect introduction to the city. Florence Free Walking Tours runs daily free tours in English. Just be sure to tip!

If you’re looking for a high-quality and detailed tour focusing on the city’s art or history, try Walks of Italy . They’re my favorite walking tour company because their tours offer behind-the-scenes access and are led by informative guides. Tours start at 69 EUR for a 3-hour tour with skip-the-line access to the Duomo and Accademia Gallery.

2. Visit the baptistery

Consecrated in 1059, the baptistery of John the Baptist is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. The octagonal baptistery that you see today was rebuilt from an earlier building dating back to the 4th-5th century CE. It was here where famous Renaissance figures, including poet Dante Alighieri and members of the Medici family, were baptized. Standout features include the three sets of huge bronze doors and the interior of the dome, which is covered in golden mosaics. Admission is part of one of the Duomo passes, which range from 15-30 EUR depending on which group of monuments you want to see.

3. Visit the Piazzale Michelangelo

Head to the Piazzale Michelangelo on the south side of the Arno River for a great cityscape view. It requires a good hike up a hill but it’s a great way to see the stunning view of the city without paying to climb the Duomo. Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi designed the space in 1869 specifically to showcase Michaelangelo’s works. There’s a bronze cast of David here, along with bronze casts of some of the artist’s other works. If you aren’t able to or can’t walk up the hill, you can take city buses 12 or 13 to reach the top.

4. Lounge in Liberia Café la Cité

This is a combination bookstore, café, and cultural center. It’s a great spot for some in-depth conversation with locals and a prime atmosphere for getting some work done. They host a lot of weekly events too, such as readings and writing workshops. It’s open late (until midnight most days), when the atmosphere changes into a trendy, book-filled bar with great cocktails.

5. Admire Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti was built in 1457 for the Pitti family and was later sold to the Medici family in 1549. As major patrons of the arts, this palace serves as a beautiful ode to the Medici family’s contribution to the cultural advancement of Florence. It hosts an impressive collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including works by Filippo Lippi and Botticelli. Admission is 16 EUR (combined admission for Pitti and the Boboli Gardens is 22 EUR).

6. Explore the National Museum of Bargello

The museum, which originally dates to the 13th century, is home to original works by Bandinelli, Donatello, Antonio Rossellino, and other Renaissance masters. It has the largest Italian collection of Renaissance and Gothic sculptures in the country and is just a short walk from the Piazza della Signoria. Admission to the museum is 11 EUR.

7. Visit the Sant’Ambrogio Market

Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest districts in the city, and in fact is the oldest market in Florence, having been around since 1873. Although it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, the market here is completely underrated. It’s not as famous as the Central Market, and so its atmosphere is much more laidback. While you’re here, try some traditional foods like lampredotto (made from cow’s stomach), cured meats like finocchiona (fennel salami), pecorino sheep’s cheese, and local wines. You’ll find some excellent Tuscan food at the Trattoria Da Rocco restaurant. The market is open 7am-2pm from Monday-Saturday.

8. Hang out in Piazza Santo Spirito

Piazza Santo Spirito is a public square located in the quiet district of the Oltrarno. In the mornings, the place is bustling with market stalls. Once the sun goes down, locals flock to the bars and restaurants. There’s a nice church to admire at the center of it all as well.

9. Visit the Stibbert Museum

This is one of Florence’s most interesting and unique museums, though it doesn’t get the same attention as the city’s other museums since it’s tucked away on the outskirts of town. This is the private collection of Frederick Stibbert, who also donated his villa and gardens to the city. There’s some fascinating stuff amongst the collection of 36,000 artifacts, including historic armor from the Middle East and a completely reconstructed army of medieval knights sitting on their horses in the great hall. The main attraction: Napoleon Bonaparte’s cloak from when he was coronated. Admission is 8 EUR.

10. SUP on the Arno River

If you want a unique way to see the Arno River, head out for a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session with Toscana SUP. You’ll paddle your way underneath the Ponte Vecchio and then take a break for a glass of Chianti (you’re in Italy, after all!). Tours start from 60 EUR and last two hours.

11. Check out the Biblioteca delle Oblate

This public library is housed in the former Convent of the Oblate and is a popular study spot for students. It’s an important cultural center too, with an entire section dedicated to local history on the first floor. When you’re done browsing, go to the rooftop terrace for a coffee at the Caffetteria delle Oblate. There’s a great view of the Duomo from here and it’s never crowded with tourists. Note: the cafe is temporarily closed.

12. Admire Santa Croce

Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and holds the tomb of Michelangelo (there are also funerary monuments to Dante and Leonardo da Vinci here too). It’s an interesting place to explore if you have already covered the highlights and have extra time in town. There are usually rotating exhibitions here as well. Admission is 8 EUR.

13. Take a vineyard tour

Florence is surrounded by vineyards, many of which can be accessed via day tours. Most tours visit a couple of vineyards and include some samples. Expect to pay at least 50 EUR per person for a half-day trip. If you have your own vehicle, you can arrange your own tour (but you won’t be able to drink). Many vineyards also operate B&Bs or Airbnbs, which makes for a nice getaway if you want to splash out for a night.

14. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Florence’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Florence has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours from 89 EUR.

For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Florence Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs 30-55 EUR per night, while a bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds costs 27-40 EUR.Private rooms cost 85-150 EUR per night during peak season.

In off-peak season, 4-6-bed dorms are 27-33 EUR while 8-10-bed dorms are 25-30 EUR. Private rooms are 70-100 EUR in off-peak season.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and a couple of hostels also have self-catering facilities and offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – During peak season, budget two-star hotels start at 80-90 EUR per night. During off-peak season, rooms start at 60 EUR. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are usually included.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for as little as 40-75 EUR per night (though prices are usually double that). You can rent entire homes (usually studio apartments) for closer to 100-125 EUR per night if you book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, and olives and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. In Florence, popular dishes include bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), lampredotto (tripe sandwich), tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles), and of course gelato.

While eating out in the city is expensive, the good thing about Italy is that you can get pizza and pasta for reasonable prices. A filling meal at a casual Italian restaurant won’t cost more than 15 EUR. You can get a small personal pizza for about 10 EUR or less.

If you want to splash out, a mid-range meal with drinks and an appetizer costs around 35 EUR.

You can find cheap sandwich shops all over the city for 4-6 EUR. A fast-food combo (think McDonald’s) costs around 8 EUR.

Chinese takeout is around 6-10 EUR for a noodle or rice dish, while a meal at a Thai restaurant is around 10-15 EUR.

Beer is around 4-5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs 1.50 EUR. Bottled water is around 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 45-55 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal produce, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking Florence Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Florence, my suggested budget is 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and enjoying the parks and plazas. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the museums and doing a vineyard tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 250 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Florence Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Florence is one of the most expensive cities in Italy. A visit here can really set you back, mainly due to all the museum tickets you’ll buy (as well as all the delicious food you’ll eat). Fortunately, there are some ways to save money in Florence. Here are my top tips:

• Eat cheap – Eating near Piazza della Signoria or in the square can be very expensive. If you move further away from the busy tourist hubs, you’ll find cheaper places to eat.
• Travel on foot – Public transportation in Florence isn’t quite as necessary as in other European cities because most attractions are within walking distance. Skip the bus and walk if you can. You’ll save a few euros.
• Get the Firenze Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions. It costs 85 EUR and is good for three days. Note: The Firenze Card is currently unavailable.
• Get a Duomo Pass – If you don’t want to get a Firenze Card but still want to visit the monuments of Piazza del Duomo, you’ll want to get one of the three passes: Brunelleschi, Giotto, or Ghiberti. These range in price from 15-30 EUR depending on which monuments you want to see and are valid for 3 days.
• Pass on the bread – Some restaurants charge extra for bread or breadsticks set on the table — but they won’t tell you until the bill comes. Decline the bread to save money.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine at the store for just a few euros. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Florence so use Couchsurfing to find free accommodation. It’s the best way to save money and connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history of the city, see the main attractions, and fill in your day without spending a lot of money. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Florence

There are several budget-friendly hostels in Florence. My favorite places to stay in the city are:

• Plus Florence
• Archi Rossi Hostel
• Ostello Bello Firenze (15% off and a free welcome drink if you’re a member of HostelPass )
• YellowSquare Florence

How to Get Around Florence

Public transportation – Florence, especially the city center, is very walkable. You can get between all the top sights (like the Duomo and the Uffizi) in just a 5-10 minute walk. The furthest you will walk to see just about any attraction is 30 minutes.

That said, if you need public transportation to get around, Florence’s Autolinee Toscane bus system is efficient and reliable. A bus ticket that’s valid for 90 minutes costs 1.50 EUR (or 2.50 EUR if purchased on the bus, though drivers often run out of tickets). You can get tickets at just about any newsstand or kiosk. You can also buy ten 90-minute tickets for 14 EUR.

Bicycle – Florence is mostly flat and ideal for cycling. Rentals start around 10-15 EUR per day. E-bikes cost 30-45 EUR per day.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap here, so I don’t recommend taking them. The base rate is 4 EUR, and then it’s an additional 1 EUR per kilometer. Skip the taxis if you’re on a budget!

When to Go to Florence

Florence is a year-round destination. The warmest months are July and August, which is also peak season. The average high throughout July and August is 31°C (88°F). Temperatures are slightly cooler in June and September, but these months are also very busy.

December and January are the coolest months, with an average high of 11°C (52°F). From March-May and October-November, temperatures average 7-13°C (46-55°F). It gets a bit rainy during this time, especially in November. Make sure you have a few layers with you.

My favorite months to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is still nice but the crowds have thinned out.

How to Stay Safe in Florence

Florence is a very safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo or even as a solo female traveler. While violent crime is rare, scams and pick-pocketing are common, especially at major tourist sites. Be vigilant around Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and always keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Don’t buy “skip-the-line” tickets from people on the street as they are usually scamming you and selling you fake tickets. To learn more about scams, you can read my post on common travel scams to avoid here.

It’s also a good idea to avoid wandering around the city alone at night, especially in Santa Maria Novella.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe, however, the standard precautions apply (when out at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink, avoid walking home alone at night if you’ve been drinking, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Florence Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Florence Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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How to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy: A Complete Guide

Florence is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy. Known as the ‘Birthplace of Renaissance’, the city is an unparalleled hub of world-class art and architecture. From Michelangelo’s Statue of David to the towering Duomo and its renowned dome, Florence is home to more masterpieces than you’ll know what to do with.

The rich and sometimes salacious history around the Medici family, one of the most famous families in Florence’s history, is worth learning about. And I do mean “rich” in multiple ways. 

At one time Florence was the banking capital of Europe, and was where the first gold florins that were later used as international currency were minted. Florence was, like, a big deal. Florence wasn’t rich because it had a lot of art. It was, in fact, it was quite the opposite. Florence had a lot of art because it was rich, and that wealth allowed for the commission of all these amazing works of art. 

Florence’s history has all the makings of a good HBO series – murder, mystery, intrigue, and plenty of scandal (a pope with a son, who was made the duke of Florence? Questionable at best). 

We’ve set up this 3 day Florence itinerary to help you learn alllll about it. From world-class art museums to walking tours, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dive into the stories that bring the city’s history to life. 

Our favorite thing to do in Florence , though, is to wander the quiet streets before 9:00 am, which is just about when all the tourists seem to wake up. It’s so calm and serene, and the architecture is beautiful.

Three days in Florence isn’t a huge amount of time. While the city may be small in size, there are countless fantastic things to do, including several huge museums where you could easily spend an entire day alone.

This 3 day Florence itinerary is here to help you experience both the city’s most famous attractions, and save some time for other experiences so that you get as much out of your time as possible. 

With three days, we also think you should take advantage of Florence’s amazing location in the heart of Tuscany to get out of the city and explore other parts of this glorious region on your third day.

The easiest way to do that is to take a guided tour, but you could also do it yourself via train or renting a car. We’ve got plenty more on where to go on a day trip from Florence and what to do and see below. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Florence

Being a small city, you can’t really go too wrong wherever you choose to stay in Florence. We have an entire guide on where to stay in Florence that dives deeper into the specifics and details – make sure to read that if you’re trying to decide where to stay and want more details.

These are a few of our top suggestions. 

The Historic City Center: Best Overall Location

The historic city center of Florence is fairly compact and is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s main attractions and hotels. For context, no matter where you stay in this area you’ll likely be no more than a 10-minute walk from most of the places you’ll want to visit. 

Staying in the historic city center will ensure you get as much out of this 3 day Florence itinerary as possible.

The best hotels in Florence’s historic center:

• Palazzo Gamba Luxury Apartments – An amazing aparthotel with elegant and spacious rooms, all with their own private kitchen and some of which have frescoed ceilings and a balcony. But the best part? It’s just a few steps away from the iconic Cathedral so is about as central as you can get in Florence.
• Arte’ Boutique Hotel – A super stylish and cozy boutique hotel sitting between Accademia Gallery and the Cathedral. The spacious suites can sleep up to six people so are a great option for larger groups or families. Some rooms also have a private terrace with stunning views across the Florence skyline.

Oltrarno is the area to the south of the Arno river – Oltrarno translates to ‘across the Arno’ – and is Florence’s artisans quarter, with plenty of small workshops and independent boutiques. There are also a few nice piazzas filled with restaurants and bars.

While technically still a part of the historic city center, Oltrarno is usually a little quieter than the main tourist district north of the river. It’s a neighborhood where you’ll be able to get a glimpse into authentic local life in Florence.

Some parts of the neighborhood are outside of the ZTL so it’s also a convenient place to stay in Florence if you’re traveling by car.

The best hotels in Oltrarno:

• The House of Books – A modern and spacious apartment that is guaranteed to give you interior design envy. The chic split-level apartment has a large kitchen, views across to the Duomo and a beautiful shared terrace. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from the center but outside of the ZTL area so you can park your car on the street right outside.
• Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio – An affordable 4-star hotel sitting right next to Ponte Vecchio (bridge), which means that while it’s in Oltrarno, the hotel is only a couple of minutes walk to the many attractions north of the river. The highlight of the hotel has to be its top floor restaurant terrace with panoramic views.

Your Complete 3 Day Florence Itinerary

There are a number of amazing things to do in Florence , and it’s definitely not possible to fit it all in if you only have 3 days in Florence. In this guide, we’re going to help you figure out what to prioritize (and by doing that, what to save for next time). 

We think that Florence is best experienced slowly. Of course, you’re going to want to see the Uffizi Gallery and some of the other famous sights in Florence. But you’ll also want to save time to experience the magnificent food and wine scene of Tuscany and to wander along the river.  

One of our favorite parts about Florence is that it serves as a fantastic home base for exploring the surrounding area of Tuscany. On your third day in Florence, we highly, highly recommend you take a day trip either to Lucca, Bologna, or the wine region of Chianti.

Here’s what the itinerary looks like at a high level. 

Day 1 : Brunelleschi’s Dome, an Introduction to Florence, and the Statue of David Day 2 : The Uffizi Gallery and Exploring Oltrarno Day 3 : Choose Your Own Day Trip Adventure

For this itinerary, we’ll assume you’re arriving the evening before and have three full days to explore. 

Planning a trip to Italy? You won’t want to miss our guide to planning an incredible Italy itinerary , with ideas for one week in Italy , 10, and 14 days in Italy , how to organize your trip, and the best things to do and see along the way.

Day 1: Brunelleschi’s Dome, an Introduction to Florence, and the Statue of David

On your first day, take in the view from the top of Florence’s Duomo before diving into the history of the city and finishing with the David.

Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Florence Cathedral

You’ll want to get out nice and early on the first day of this Florence itinerary so you can hit the main attractions of Piazza del Duomo before the crowds get too big. 

The Piazza is where you’ll find several of Florence’s most important landmarks, including the iconic Duomo, as well as the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. It’s not hard to see that these three buildings are all part of the same complex from their shared Gothic-Renaissance architecture and famous marble design.

We’d strongly recommend choosing one attraction here to focus on (there are five separate pieces of the complex) rather than trying to see it all. And we’d recommend that one attraction is Brunneleschi’s Dome. Here’s why. 

The Dome gives you both the best view of Florence from the top (the Campanile or Bell Tower has a netting at the top, which makes it hard to take pictures), and an up-close-and-personal view of the best part of the interior of the cathedral, the dome (which means you don’t have to wait in the crazy line to get into the interior of the cathedral). 

If you are interested in visiting all of the attractions on Piazza del Duomo, you’ll save both time and money by purchasing a combined Duomo complex ticket . You could also book a guided tour of the Duomo complex .

Opening times for key attractions on Piazza del Duomo:

• Campanile : 8:15 am to 6:45 pm
• Baptistery : 8:15 am to 10:15 am and 11:15 am to 7:30 pm
• Duomo Museum : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (closed Sunday afternoons)
• Duomo : 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Brunelleschi’s Dome: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome

The striking 13th-century Gothic-Renaissance cathedral is one of the largest Christian churches in the entire world. But the real highlight of the Duomo has to be its magnificent dome – known as Brunelleschi’s Dome – which was once the largest of its kind in the world. 

Be sure to admire the outside of the Duomo first, which is intricately decorated with amazing sculptures and designs. Once inside, you’ll notice that the cathedral is a little less elaborate. Don’t miss the marble floor and its pure immense size. 

Then, climb up to the top of the dome to see its striking frescoes up close and to take in the fantastic views over Florence. 

We did this first thing in the morning, and would strongly recommend that you do the same for the best light over Florence and fewer crowds. Which means you’ll want to buy tickets for the 8:15 am time slot and be in line by 8:00 am. 

It’s an early morning, but we think it’s worth it. 

The website to buy tickets for the Dome is here . You’ll follow that link, click on “Brunelleschi’s Dome,” then choose a date and time slot and go from there. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the sometimes confusing official website, you can book skip-the-line tickets here , which are exactly the same thing – tickets for entry to the Dome. 

There are another 463 steps (there’s no elevator) to reach the top of the dome. The walkways to the top are a little narrow and cramped so it’s not something we’d recommend for anyone who is super claustrophobic. 

There’s a point where you are shuffling along a narrow balcony (behind a glass wall, of course, it’s not like you’re at risk of falling) around the base of the dome high above the floor of the church below, which is spectacular. 

From there, you can see the details in the art on the interior of the dome, which is worth stopping to admire. There are depictions of heaven and hell, and some of the figures in the hell portion really make me wonder exactly what drugs artists back then were taking. The imagination that went into creating this piece is truly wild. 

However, by stopping to admire, and everybody else doing the same, you will be standing there, suspended several hundred feet up on a narrow ledge, which isn’t for everyone. Alysha was a little antsy to be done with it after about five minutes, which is why I’ve included this little blurb. I’m not a fan of heights, but I was totally fine on this one.  

A Walking Tour with Andrea

A walking tour is our favorite way to get to know a new city when we first arrive. And it’s how we’d recommend spending the first morning of this 3 day Florence itinerary after climbing the dome. 

Not only will you be able to get to grips with the layout of the city and where to find all of the main attractions, but you’ll also learn about Florence’s fascinating past and have a chance to ask a knowledgeable local guide any questions you might have. 

There are a few different walking tours of Florence that we’d suggest as an introduction to the city, but we have a specific recommendation based on our own personal experience in Florence. 

We did Andrea’s Walking Tour on our first evening in Florence, and we thought it was one of the best walking tours we did during our three month adventure to Italy, Spain, and Portugal! Andrea is about as Italian as it gets, and we loved the energy and enthusiasm he brought. 

His tour is a great overview of the city, and we liked that it was only two hours long, so it’s plenty of time to dive into the history, see some sights, and give you enough knowledge to know what to focus your time on or come back to later, but not so long that it feels like a slog by the end.

You’ll start from Piazza di Santa Croce on the eastern side of the city and make your way to Piazza di San Lorenzo over the course of the tour, with stops at Piazza della Signoria to learn about Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and see the bronze statue of Perseus, which has stood in the same spot for more than 500 years. 

We highly recommend it as an introduction to Florence, and you should do it as early in your trip as you can. 

Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability for Andrea’s Tour.

There are a few other walking tours of Florence that we’d suggest as an introduction to the city.

Take Walks Best of Florence Tour (2 hour 30 minutes) – If you’ve read our guides to Rome , then you already know we love Take Walks (if you’re interested, you can read about our amazing Colosseum tour ). This is a great small-group walking tour of Florence which covers the histories and stories of all of the city’s highlights, from the unique Ponte Vecchio bridge to Florence Duomo and plenty more. The tour also includes a skip-the-line entry to see Michelangelo’s David at the Florence Accademia, which we have you doing later in the day on this itinerary. Two birds, one stone. 

Context Travel: Introduction to Florence (3 hour 30 minutes) – With Context Travel, a local historian will help you to get acquainted with Florence’s main sites and neighborhoods while talking you through the city’s fascinating history. The tour also includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s David and the Accademia Gallery.

Lunch at Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo Market) or Sant’Ambrogio Market

Florence has a duo of food halls, and they offer slightly different experiences. Both would be a good option for lunch in between attractions here, though San Lorenzo Market is in a more convenient location given the agenda for the day. 

San Lorenzo Market (also known as Mercato Centrale ) has two levels – the lower dedicated to fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, and the upper being a hip food hall with tons of different stalls and options. There’s also an outdoor market that is full of leather goods, trinkets, and other gadgets. 

The other market – Sant’Ambrogio – is filled with locals going about their weekly shopping, particularly on Saturday. There’s a smaller but more authentic selection of stands ranging from butchers and cheesemongers to ready-to-eat foods. 

Better yet, take a guided food tour that includes a visit to the markets and try some local delicacies with the help of a knowledgeable guide!

The Statue of David and the Accademia Gallery

We would say that the Accademia Gallery is one of the three things you shouldn’t miss in Florence, along with the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo di Firenze (specifically, the view from the roof and the art on the inside of the dome). 

My memory of seeing the statue of David for the first time is realizing just how huge this statue is. It’s not life-sized, which is kind of what I had thought before seeing it in person. It’s actually 17 feet tall. 

The Accademia Gallery is really all about the David, though there are a couple of other noteworthy pieces that you should spend some time exploring.

You essentially have two options to see the Galleria dell’Accademia. You can pre-book tickets yourself (and yes, we’d highly recommend pre-booking here ), or you can join a guided tour . If you want to do it on your own, you should know that tickets sell out months in advance for peak season (aka the summertime), so book as early as humanly possible. 

If you’re planning a trip at the last minute and tickets are sold out, jumping on a guided tour is the best way to see the David. 

The museum is closed on Mondays , so plan accordingly. 

Day 2: The Uffizi Gallery and Exploring Oltrarno

This day is action-packed, starting with one of our favorite art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery, and moving across the river to explore a more low-key neighborhood, Oltrarno, finishing with one of the best views in all of Florence. 

Santa Croce Church (Basilica di Santa Croce)

Start your day with a quick visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce . The Gothic-Renaissance church is a little removed from the other main attractions (and by that we mean a 5-10 minute walk away) but it’s worth visiting, being the burial place of many notable Italians.

Some of the most famous names you’ll find buried at the church include artist Michelangelo, who called the neighborhood of Santa Croce home, scientist Galileo Galilei and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. The church also has an impressive art collection.

Our favorite part of the church is the facade, which you can see from different angles was basically just added on to the front of the church to make it look prettier from the front. Other parts of the church are less ornate and more austere, which shows how the church evolved over the years from a humble place of worship to one of the more important churches in Florence.  

Piazza della Signoria

While there are numerous piazzas in Florence, Piazza della Signoria is the city’s main square and a definite must-visit.

The large square is somewhat of a free open-air gallery, with numerous statues and sculptures in every direction you look.

Keep an eye out for :

• The Fountain of Neptune
• Cosimo I de’ Medici on horseback , one of the most important figures in the sometimes salacious history of Florence
• A replica of Michelangelo’s David – don’t let anyone convince you it’s the real one! – in the place where the original used to stand before being moved indoors out of the elements
• The many lifelike statues of important historical figures like Galileo and Da Vinci along the Loggia dei Lanzi

Piazza della Signoria is also home to Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence and one of the city’s most important historic government buildings. You won’t be able to miss it.

A History of Renaissance Art at the Uffizi Gallery

Round off your second afternoon in Florence by ticking off another of the city’s most famous attractions, the Uffizi Gallery . The gallery is just to the south of Piazza della Signoria.

The world-famous Uffizi Gallery has an unparalleled collection of Renaissance and European art assembled by the Medici family over the course of their centuries at the top of the Florence food chain. 

It’s an absolute must-visit in the city known as the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’. The gallery is home to many priceless masterpieces from different famous Italian artists including Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’, Michelangelo’s ‘Doni Tondo’ and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’.

With an astounding 101 rooms and thousands of artworks to explore, you’ll need at least a couple of hours in the Uffizi Gallery. But how do you know what to focus on?

This is the part where we tell you that the best way to see the Uffizi is on a guided tour , which is exactly what we did.

We like taking guided tours of places like the Louvre in Paris and the Vatican in Rome , because the expert guides are able to give you so much context and color that is lost on us when we walk through the museums on our own. 

Otherwise, we’d look at the art, say “yeah, that looks pretty,” and move on without really understanding the context behind what we’re looking at.

We believe that a guided tour is worth it for a few reasons. 

• As we already mentioned, the gallery is massive. Which means, unless you’re an art history buff, you’re going to want someone to help curate the pieces and artists that you should focus on . 
• An art historian brings two important things to the table that will help bring the pieces of art you’re going to see to life. They are historical and cultural context (who was the artist and what was happening in the world when this piece was created?) and stories . The added richness will help you understand the piece of art and its role in the history of Florence and broader Italy. 
• Skip-the-line tickets . The ticket line is always huge, and whether you do a tour or not, you should book your tickets in advance to walk right past them directly to the security line. 

We booked this tour of the Uffizi in Florence , and we really enjoyed it. 

Visiting Independently : If you want to visit independently, we’d definitely recommend investing in the audioguide. Being one of the city’s most popular and busiest attractions, you’re going to want to book your ticket and time slot online in advance . The entrance can be booked in 15 minute time slots until 5:00 pm each day. The museum stays open until 6:50 pm so you’ll have plenty of time to wander around, even if you arrive late in the afternoon.

Lunch at Via dei Nei

Imagine our surprise when we exited the Uffizi Gallery onto Via dei Neri ( here on Google Maps) only to find ourselves in the midst of another long line. 

“Oh, this must be the line for the ticket office? Or is the line wrapped around the building? Weird that it’s all the way over here.”

We meandered alongside the line, curious to see what exactly all these people were not-so-patiently waiting for. At the front of the line was a surprise. 

They were in line for a sandwich. Not just any sandwich, though. A “Schiacciata” (we also have seen Schiacciate, which I think is the plural form) from All’Antico Vinaio , one of the most reviewed food establishments IN THE WORLD. 

The sandwich is a very popular form of street food in Florence, which we learned when we saw multiple different shops selling essentially the same thing, all with long lines pouring into the street. 

The sandwich itself is basically two pieces of focaccia (though, I want to be clear – it’s not focaccia, it’s made differently and with more salt than your typical focaccia), with some sort of cured meat, a cheese, and some other accouterments stuffed in between.

Either stand in line for the famous one, find another alternative nearby that looks good to you, or head a half block down the street to Sgrano for a gluten free version made in a 100% gluten free restaurant. 

Take your sandwich over to the Arno and enjoy it on the banks of the river before making your way to Ponte Vecchio and preparing to cross the Arno. 

Ponte Vecchio

Just a two minute walk away from the Uffizi Gallery you’ll find Florence’s famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) crossing over the Arno river.

The unusual-looking bridge is the oldest in Florence and was the only one to survive the bombings of World War II. It’s been lined with shops since the 13th century. Originally, many of the shops were butchers or fishmongers, but due to the awful smell they were banned and most of the shops you’ll find there today are high-end goldsmiths and jewelers.

You’ll probably catch glimpses of Ponte Vecchio a couple of times while exploring Florence during this itinerary, but our favorite time to visit is when it starts to light up around sunset.

By the evening, most of the shops will be closed. However, taking a slow stroll across the bridge with all of the wooden shutters down, stopping to marvel at the sunset views along the Arno river, is one of the most romantic things to do in Florence in our opinion.

Don’t forget to look up and see the Vasari Corridor, a raised corridor built by the Medici family so they could cross without rubbing shoulders with commoners.

Oltrarno: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Between Ponte Vecchio and the Boboli Gardens, take some time to explore the neighborhood on the other side of the river, which is full of great food, drinks, and piazzas that are worth a stop. 

Here’s a map of a route you could start from, but we’d encourage you to do some exploring on your own. 

Here are some stops we’d recommend based on our own experience. 

• Ditta Artigianale : One of the O.G. specialty coffee shops in Florence, this location is newer, and has a beautiful interior and nice outdoor patio. Great coffee, too. 
• Gelateria Della Passera : Alysha’s favorite gelato in Florence, and maybe all of Italy. It’s on a nice little square too, which is a good spot to relax, eat gelato, and do some good old fashioned people watching. 
• Piazza Santo Spirito : Andrea, the walking tour guide mentioned above, told us this is where the locals hang out. It’s a big piazza, with the Basilica Santo Spirito at one end, and a nice fountain on the other. The outside of the square is lined with bars and restaurants, and it’s a good place to pass the time in the sun. 
• Le Volpi e l’Uva : One of our favorite wine experiences in Florence. They have a wide range of Italian wines, both from Tuscany and from other Italian regions, and are passionate about wine and willing to chat about different grapes and wines they’re loving at the moment. 

The Boboli Gardens

After a glass of wine or two, head up the street to Pitti Palace .

We actually don’t recommend doing the Pitti Palace if you have limited time – you’ll find it in the “with more time” section below. Instead, focus on the lovely green space that sits behind the palace, the elegant Boboli Gardens. 

It’s part of the Pitti Palace Complex, but you can buy a separate ticket that is significantly cheaper and just covers the gardens. 

The vast grounds span over 45,000 square meters, making them the largest green area in all of Florence. On a stroll around, you’ll discover fountains, pergolas, grottos, a small lake and hundreds of ornate Renaissance statues. A lovely way to take a break from the crowds of the busy city outside.

On a warm day, we’d also recommend bringing some drinks (Aperol Spritz?) and snacks to enjoy a late lunch or afternoon aperitivo as a picnic in the tranquil gardens.

Note : The entrance to the gardens is the same as the entrance to Pitti Palace ( here on Google Maps). If you’re looking at Pitti Palace, the ticket office is off to the right. 

Get your tickets in advance – the ticket line can be very, very long, and you get to skip right to the front if you already have tickets. You will still need to exchange your electronic tickets for paper tickets, though, which surprised us. Again, though, you skip the line, show a barcode, and off you go! Learn more and get tickets here . 

Piazzale Michelangelo

Finally, end your day on the other side of the river with a walk up to the best viewpoint in the city, Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow the crowds of locals and tourists up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most spectacular sunset views in the city.

The large hilltop terrace has a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David – once again, don’t let anyone convince you that it’s the original – as well as a restaurant and plenty of vendors catering to the crowds that flock to this stunning spot for the views each evening. 

From Le Volpi e l’Uva, you can walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo in around 20 minutes, and you’ll walk up through the rose garden, which is worth a stop to admire the blooming roses in the spring and summer. You’ll get some great panoramic views on your stroll.

If you don’t feel like walking, jump on bus line 12 to the top, which you can catch from the southwestern end of Boboli Gardens at Porta Romana ( here on Google Maps).

Dinner at Mister Pizza or Ciro and Sons

On your second night in Florence, it’s pizza time!

We spent five weeks in Italy, and ate our body weight in pizza over that timeframe. We love pizza, even though Matt has Celiac Disease and needs to eat gluten free. 

There are two places we’d recommend for pizza (including gluten free options) in Florence. 

Mister Pizza was our favorite pizza in Florence, and they have two locations in the city center. One right under the Duomo, where you can eat with a view of the dome, and one quieter location towards Santa Croce, which is where we ate lunch on our last day in Florence. 

Ciro and Sons is a few blocks from the main attractions in Florence, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t good. The biggest problem is the huge line and unorganized staff, which meant we were standing in a line (and by line, we mean blob of people) waiting for our table that we reserved for over an hour after our reservation. The pizza is good, but it wasn’t our favorite in Florence.  

Day 3: Choose Your Own Day Trip

For your final day in Florence, make the most of the city’s prime location in the heart of beautiful Tuscany by taking a day trip from Florence out to one of the amazing nearby destinations.

You might be wondering about Pisa and Cinque Terre, and we wouldn’t recommend either as a day trip from Florence for different reasons. We wouldn’t recommend Pisa because it’s not that cool. There’s the leaning tower, sure, but that’s it. And it’s absolutely swarming with tourists. Guess what? There’s a leaning tower in Bologna too, which is a day trip we’d recommend. 

Cinque Terre is too far to comfortably tackle as a day trip, and it requires more than a day to see it properly. 

Instead, we would recommend either doing a day trip to Bologna , one of the best food cities in Italy (if you’re a foodie and you’re into prosciutto, parmesan, and bolognese, this is the place for you), to Lucca , a charming town whose medieval walls are still intact, or the Chianti wine region . 

Option 1: Bologna – the Choice for Foodies

Bologna is our number one recommendation for foodies in Florence. Bologna is known for its food, both within Italy and throughout the European continent. 

We were lucky enough to experience Bologna with friends who had moved there from the United States, and they did a great job showing us around and introducing us to the Emilia-Romagna region.

This is the region that is known for Italian delicacies like tagliatelle al ragu (which is similar to the American version Bolognese, but is very different than what I think you’re probably picturing, at least if you’re American), parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and mortadella.

Basically, if you want to experience some of the best food Italy has to offer, a day trip to Bologna should be on your agenda. 

Getting to Bologna

Bologna is easy to get to from Florence – there’s a high speed train that gets you from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to Bologna Centrale in 40 minutes or so. From the station, it’s a 20 minute walk to the main attractions in Bologna.

What to Do in Bologna

Basically, walk, eat, repeat. 

We have an entire guide dedicated to spending a day in Bologna , which you should read if you choose this one.

Climb the Torre degli Asinelli : Did you know Bologna has its very own leaning tower? It’s just not nearly as famous as the one in Pisa. Climb to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli for great views out over Bologna. 

Eat your heart out : A good place to start would be the Quadrilatero, which is a huge area just east of the main square – Piazza Maggiore – full of amazing eateries, market stalls, and shops to buy meats, cheeses, and all of the foods. Specifically, we’d stop by Mercato di Mezzo , which is a food hall with tons of different options. We stopped at Tamburini , a gourmet grocery store, to buy some prosciutto and parmesan to take back to Florence with us. 

Option 2: Lucca – a Beautiful Town with Medieval Walls

Lucca is a great day trip if you’re looking to experience a Tuscan town that is less visited than other cities in the region like Florence and Siena, but still has all the charm you’d expect from Tuscany. 

Located west of Florence towards the coast, Lucca was founded by the Etruscans more than 2,000 years ago before becoming a Roman settlement. It’s unique because it has a set of medieval city walls that completely encircle the city, which is fairly hard to find. 

Getting to Lucca

We have good news and bad news for this one. 

The good news is that getting to Lucca from Florence is both easy and cheap. 

The bad news is that the journey is on a regional train, which is slower and takes a long time. 

It’s 10 Euros each way, and takes an hour and twenty minutes if you opt for a direct train (roughly once an hour). 

What to Do in Lucca

Circumnavigate the city on the walls : Far and away our favorite thing to do in Lucca was to circumnavigate the city walls, which is a 4km journey that takes you allll the way around the city along its intact medieval walls. It’s a unique experience, and it’s gorgeous. We were there in the fall, so there was plenty of nice fall color to go around. A lovely way to spend your morning before venturing into the center of Lucca. 

Climb the tower : Torre Guinigi is the main tower in the middle of Lucca, and it’s unique because it has a little garden growing on top. From the top, you have incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape, which includes the city and the mountains in the distance. You’ll climb 230 steps up to the top of the tower, which sits at 145 feet above the ground. 

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro : One thing you should definitely do is wander around the old medieval center of town a bit. And Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a great place to start. It was a Roman amphitheater for centuries, but now all that remains of that structure is the shape of the public square, which is distinct because it’s the same shape as an amphitheater rather than being square or circular. This would be a good place to take a break from exploring with a glass of wine or an espresso in the sun. 

Option 3: Chianti – Taste Some of the Best Wine in the World

If you’re interested in wine, you’re in the right place. Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and is easily accessible by day trip from Florence. Big bold reds rule the roost here, and you’ll find famous grapes like sangiovese and barolo at wineries just outside of Florence. 

The best way to do a day trip into wine country from Florence is with a guided tour . 

You could also do it independently if you have a rental car. But, it’s going to be a much more enjoyable experience with a group tour where you have a driver so you can imbibe in all the amazing wine without worrying about getting behind the wheel. 

You have two options – do a tour that visits multiple wineries and includes transportation (like this one or this one ), or go DEEP with a single winery, and deal with getting to and from the winery on your own (like this one or this one ). 

The former is easier because there’s no trains and buses to worry about, the latter is cheaper, but you’ll have to deal with the logistics of getting there. 

They’re both great ways to experience one of the most famous wine regions in the world. 

Planning a trip to Florence? We’ve got some detailed travel guides to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

• The Best Things to Do in Florence: A Complete City Guide
• Where to Stay in Florence: A Complete Guide to Florence’s Best Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Florence: A Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs
• Where to Find the Best Coffee in Florence: A Specialty Coffee City Guide

What to Do with More Time in Florence

If you find yourself with more time in Florence, below are a few other attractions in the city worth adding to your itinerary.

Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

The Pitti Palace is a series of museums and galleries housed inside a grand 15th-century Renaissance palace. For many years the palace was the chief residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The palace is now split into four main museums:

• The Treasury of the Grand Dukes
• The Palatine Gallery and the Imperial and Royal Apartments
• The Gallery of Modern Art
• The Museum of Costume and Fashion

To really explore the entire palace you could spend an entire day here. But for a leisurely couple of hours, we’d suggest visiting the opulent Appartamenti Reali and the Costume Gallery, a stunning collection of clothing including pieces from brands such as Gucci, Versace, and Prada.

You can buy a single ticket to visit all of the museums of the Pitti Palace . However, if you’re following this itinerary and plan on visiting the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and Uffizi Gallery, you’ll save money by purchasing the PassePartout combination ticket for all three instead (€38).

The Campanile di Giotto (Giotto’s Bell Tower)

The Campanile di Giotto is the bell tower of Florence’s Duomo. 

The impressive 277.9 foot tall free-standing tower dates back to the 14th century when it was originally designed by celebrated painter Giotto di Bondone, after whom the building is named. However, Giotto died long before the tower was complete and it took another two architects 25 years to complete the job.

To reach the top of the Campanile you’ll have to walk up the 414 steep steps (there’s no elevator). As long as you don’t mind a little morning workout, the climb is worth it for the amazing views back over Piazza del Duomo and out across Florence from the top.

The Campanile opens at 8:15 am, so the earlier you arrive, the better to avoid the crowds in Florence. 

The Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

From the Campanile, head across to Florence Baptistery, which is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the city.

While many people choose to view the Baptistry from the outside, we’d recommend heading inside to admire the incredible Byzantine ceiling mosaic which dates back to the 12th century.

One of the most famous parts of the Florence Baptistery is the Porta del Paradiso (Gates of Paradise). However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that the current gates are only a replica of the original. The original gates are kept in the nearby Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) .

The combined ticket includes entry to the Cathedral Museum so it won’t cost you any extra to pop inside and see the original gates, even if you don’t have long to spend there. Although, if you’ve got more time on your trip to Florence, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the fascinating museum.

The Baptistery opens at 8:15 am, but it’s important to note that it shuts for a short period between 10:15 am – 11:15 am each day. This is why it’s best to arrive early in order to visit the Campanile and Baptistery between 8:15 am – 10:15 am.

Even More Things to Add to Your Florence itinerary

• Medici Chapels . The two chapels of Basilica of San Lorenzo are the final burial place of many members of Florence’s important Medici family. Parts of the chapels were designed by Michelangelo himself.
• Strozzi Palace . A 15th-century palace hidden with an impressive courtyard that now hosts contemporary art exhibitions.
• San Marco Museum . Located in a former convent, this museum houses the largest collection of sacred art in Florence 
• Piazza della Repubblica . With extra time in Florence, you’ll be able to spend more time simply enjoying Florence’s many lively piazzas. Piazza della Repubblica ( here on Google Maps) is a busy square where we love to grab a coffee or spritz and just watch the world go by.

What to Do with Less Time in Florence

Only have a day or two in Florence? Here’s how to make the most of your time on a shorter Florence itinerary.

Florence in Two Days

With two days in the city, just follow days 1 and 2 of this Florence itinerary. You can always come back again to explore more of the Tuscany region.

Florence in One Day

With just one day in Florence , spend the morning on a walking tour to get to see as much of the city as possible in a few hours. Try to choose a tour which includes a visit to see Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery. 

In the afternoon, fit in a visit to the Duomo to climb the dome then on to Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery . 

End your day by walking over Ponte Vecchio and climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. 

Eating and Drinking in Florence

What’s a trip to Italy without eating and drinking as much as possible?

Eating in Florence

• Schiacciata on Via di Neri . All’Antico Vinaio , which is one of the most reviewed restaurants in the world on all sorts of platforms, which means hundreds of tourists flock there every day to get their hands on one of their Insta-famous focaccia (ish) sandwiches. There are multiple lunch options on this street, and it’s a must-do if you’re visiting Florence. 
• Da Garibardi . For traditional Tuscan cuisine (and good wine), head to this small Trattoria and order the pici with wild boar or pumpkin tortelloni (they have Celiac-safe gluten free options, too). 
• Mister Pizza . Delicious pizzas at a quick and easy canteen-style restaurant close to the Duomo. Every pizza can be cooked on a gluten free base!
• Grom Gelato . Our favorite gelateria in Florence, if not all of Italy. Everything they serve is 100% gluten free, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. Their gelato is top notch, and you should order the pistacchio. 
• Ciro and Sons . Florence’s first gluten free pizzeria serves delicious Neapolitan style pizzas that are both gluten free and lactose free. Ciro and Sons have even won the world champion award for their amazing gluten free pizzas.

Psst! Need to eat gluten free? Check out our gluten free guide to Florence for the best gluten free eats.

Coffee and Tea in Florence

• Ditta Artiginale – Via de Neri & Via dello Sprone . Elegant and picturesque specialty coffee bars owned by modern-day coffee artisans and Italian roasting company Ditta Artigianale. Definitely some of the highest quality coffee you’ll find in Florence.
• Coffee Mantra . A cozy little local coffee shop with fantastic coffee and friendly knowledgeable baristas. It tops our list of the best coffee in Florence because they rotate through different single origin coffees every day. 
• Caffe Piansa . Small family-run coffee roasters that use only the finest varieties of beans and prepare its blends and mono-varieties using artisanal processing techniques. Sit and enjoy a cup in their cafe or grab a bag to take home with you.
• Le Murate . One of the most unique spots to stop for a coffee in Florence. Le Murate is located within a former prison. The popular student hangout has a lovely large terrace to use during the day and a variety of live entertainment each evening.

Bars in Florence

• Casa del Vino . There are countless wine bars all over Florence, but Casa del Vino has to be one of our favorites. A cozy local wine bar with a comprehensive wine menu and extremely popular with locals – so you know it’s good!
• Loggia Roof Bar . A romantic rooftop terrace bar in the Oltrarno district, close to the Pitti Palace, with a great cocktail list as well as amazing panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills. 
• Beer House Club . The best selection of beer in all of Florence, with over 100 bottles from all over the world. Plus, don’t miss their unusual Birramisù, the popular Italian dessert made with beer instead of coffee.

The Best Time to Visit Florence

Florence is a popular tourist destination all year round, so there’s no real low season. However, the height of summer is when the largest crowds descend upon the city. So this is the time to avoid unless you want to spend your entire trip waiting in line for attractions in the grueling summer heat. 

The shoulder months of April, May, September and October are the best time to visit Florence, with pleasantly warm weather and fewer other tourists to share the city with.

• Summer sees temperatures in Florence rise to the high 80s and 90s. So hot that many locals choose to escape the city in August to cooler destinations. July and August are also the peak tourist season so you can expect much larger crowds.
• In Fall , the weather in Florence remains warm and sunny, and you can still enjoy open-air dining and the city’s many festivals, but with fewer tourists than summer.
• Winter in Florence doesn’t get too cold and there’s an extremely low chance of snow, making it a popular winter destination in Italy for people who prefer to avoid extreme temperatures. You’ll also get to experience the city’s Christmas decorations and festivities.
• Spring is a beautiful time to visit Florence, with long sunny days, slightly fewer crowds, and the flowers in full bloom in the city’s parks. It’s also the perfect time to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Getting to Florence

For the most part, you’re probably going to be arriving for your trip to Florence either by train from another place in Italy, like Rome or Venice , or you’ll be flying in from somewhere outside of Italy.

Flying to Florence

There are two main airports from which to reach Florence; Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport.

Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport, PSA) is the main airport in the Tuscany region and the airport where most international flights arrive.

To get from Pisa Airport to Florence there are a few options:

• Train . Take the Pisa Mover shuttle train from Pisa Airport to Pisa Central Station (€5) where you can catch one of the regular trains to Florence Santa Maria Novella station (€13.70). This takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and is the method we would recommend.
• Bus . Sky Bus Lines Caronna runs a bus from Pisa Airport to Florence for €19 which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. However, these only run a few times a day so it’s important to check whether timings lineup with your flight.
• Taxi . While a taxi is a convenient option, it is extremely expensive. You’ll pay around €150-200 to get from Pisa Airport to Florence. 

Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, FLR) is a smaller international airport, just 4 km from Florence city center. Many European and internal flights arrive at this airport.

To get from Florence Airport to Florence city center:

• Tram . The new Tramway Line T2 is now the easiest and cheapest way to reach Santa Maria Novella train station in the city center. The journey takes 15 minutes and tickets are only €1.50 one way.
• Bus . The ‘Vola in bus’ shuttle bus is another easy way to get from the airport to the city center. The bus runs every 30 minutes during the day and every hour at night, takes just 20 minutes, and costs €6.00 for a single ticket and €10.00 for a return.
• Taxi . A 15-minute taxi from the airport to the center will cost you around €25.

Arriving by Train

If you’re arriving in Florence by train, you’ll want to head to Stazione di Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) which is right in the heart of the historic center.

The other two major stations on the outer edges of the city are Firenze Campo di Marte and Firenze Rifredi . If your train arrives in either of these, just swap onto a connecting train into Santa Maria Novella station. 

Arriving by Car

Florence isn’t the most car-friendly city. Much of the historic center is pedestrianized and the few roads are a ‘Zona a Traffico Limitato’ (ZTF) or Limited Traffic Zone. This means you’ll get a fine for driving or parking there. 

Even if you do manage to get a ZTL permit, the narrow one-way roads are extremely difficult to navigate your way around.

If you’re arriving in Florence by car as part of a wider Tuscan road trip, try finding a hotel on the outskirts of the city away from the ZTL zone. You can park at your hotel and get the local bus into the historic center.

Getting Around Florence

Considered a ‘living museum’, there’s only one way to properly explore Florence’s stunning historical center – on foot! 

Wander around the ancient streets, soak in the atmosphere and admire the city’s world-renowned Renaissance architecture. Florence is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world so you won’t want to miss a thing.

Plus, the historic center is pretty small. You can walk from one side to the other in roughly 30 minutes.

If you’d rather use public transport, you can also make the most of Florence’s fleet of small electric ATAF buses.

Tickets (valid for 90 minutes) cost €1.50 and can be purchased from convenience stores around the city. If you can’t find a store and need to purchase a ticket on the bus it will cost you €2.50 instead.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket as soon as you step onboard the bus.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

One Comment

I really enjoy your blog, mostly because you inject your personal observations and experience and very importantly you impart important gluten free information. That is priceless! Just wondering how you made out at Mercato Centrale in finding gluten free food. Was it easy? Available?

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Alyson Haley

Travel Diary | Florence, Italy

Buongiorno!

Florence is the capitol of the Tuscany region of Italy. It is said to be the birthplace of the Renaissance movement from [approximately] 1300 – 1700 AD and is home to some of the most famous and treasured art pieces in the world! It is visited by nearly 10 million tourists a year and, once you experience it yourself, you’ll fully understand the draw. Due to its artistic and architectural stamp on history, and the preservation of most everything that makes it famous, both Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler have deemed Florence one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Historic Centre of Florence is also deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as of 1982. [ This is important because UNESCO is an organization within the U.N. that aims to identify, protect and preserve the places throughout the world that are considered to be an outstanding asset to humanity. I am newly obsessed with this organization because it will allow future generations to experience these places as they should … as they were developed years ago! ]

Last year, my friend Sarah Kate, my boyfriend at the time and I decided to take a mini road trip from Bologna, Italy down to Florence for the day, being that I had never been and both of them are obsessed with the city. We only spent a solid 12 hours there but filled it up nicely with pizza, exploring, gelato and lots of walking … which is essentially what traveling through any major Italian city should be like 😉 And, while I loved those 12 hours, I felt like there is more to see that I missed so when I was planning my European getaway with my friend, Victoria , earlier this year, I suggested we stop in Florence for a couple of days. She said it had been years since she had been and she definitely wanted to see it again, so we did and from those two experiences … I’ve compiled a few of my takeaways, must-see’s, tips and restaurants rec’s to share with y’all in this post!

• In the 14th century, the cultural movement called the ‘Renaissance’, meaning “rebirth”, originated in Florence. This historical time period is considered the bridge between The Middle Ages and modern day when people in Italy experienced changes in art, architecture, and learning among other things. It began in Florence but eventually influenced all of Europe.

• Almost one-third of the worlds most treasured art resides in Florence in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , the Church of Santa Croce , the Palazzo Vecchio , the Uffizi gallery , and the Palazzo Pitti .

• “Pinocchio”, the beloved childhood character, was dreamed up by native Florentine Carlo Lorenzini in the 1880’s.

• The famous statue of David by Michelangelo can be found in Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia .

• One of my favorite instruments, the piano, was invented in Florence in the 1700’s.

• Florence is the home of Europe’s very first paved streets.

• The Duomo took approximately 140 years to build! It’s enormity is truly hard to capture and, when you see it in person, you can see why it took so long!

• Museo Ferragamo is home to more than 10,000 pairs of designer shoes!

• Florence was severely damaged during WWII, with all of its bridges being destroyed except for Ponte Vecchio which Hitler [ supposedly ] deemed too beautiful to destroy! See for yourself:

• If you travel through multiple cities in Italy, you’ll notice the bread in Florence tastes different and it’s because they make theirs without salt. There’s a legend that says when the people of Pisa and Florence were against each other, the Pisans blocked shipments of salt to Florence in order to get the Florentines to surrender in whatever battle they were fighting. Instead, Florence was like … we don’t need your salt. We’ll make our bread without it.

• Gucci was founded in Florence in 1921. The original store is located in the center of Florence at Via Tornabuoni 73r – 81r Firenze, Italia 50123

• Dante Aligheri, a native Florentine, is credited with creating the standard Italian language, that the entire country uses to this day, in his native Florentine dialect.

Victoria and I had the pleasure of staying at a boutique hotel called Riva Lofts , set just a mile-and-a-half away from the city center, and thought it was an excellent experience overall.

Dress is Soft Joie but, unfortunately, no longer available. My earrings are Kate Spade . My sandals are Tory Burch . 

PRO’S

• The design of the property is an interesting mix of modern edge and romantic escape. There’s a small seating area outside and a shared living room that is available to all guests, where they serve breakfast every morning. We found both of these areas to be very charming. From there, you’ll find a large yard with some garden tables, a pool with lounger chairs as well as a few long benches and hammocks. Because of the design and aesthetic of the hotel, you could really recharge here, which I thoroughly enjoyed as Florence was our third stop of five. We had begun to feel the fatigue settling in our bones from hopping from one place to the other along with exploring each place so, literally, one afternoon we came back and just lounged by the pool with our Kindles and a couple of cappuccinos.

• We stayed in the Loft Studio, which was absolutely gorgeous. It had an nice open layout providing plenty of space to spread out, relax and recharge. Traveling is fun but can also be exhausting so right after Victoria and I checked in, we immediately collapsed, one of us on the sofa and the other in one of the beds.

• The Loft Studio has a modern and contemporary design, which I thought was really cool and unique.

• It’s just outside of the city center, approximately a mile and a half away. This could be seen as a pro or a con, depending on what you’re looking for in a hotel during your stay in Florence. Personally, I am deeming it a pro because the location it was far enough away from the city center to give you a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the crowds that are ever-present. Hotels in the city are right in the mix of it all but there was a lot of S P A C E at Riva Lofts , not only in the lofts but on the property itself, which I know Victoria and I both appreciated.

• The front desk is open from 8:00am and 8:00pm. During that time, the receptionists’ are available to call for a taxi anytime you need one. It costs between 12-25 Euro each way into the city center depending on your drop off point, and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can  absolutely walk. It would take about 30-35 minutes which I’m sure would be a nice start to the day after you enjoy your breakfast croissant and cappuccino. 

• The premises is very quiet. All other guests that were staying in the hotel were very considerate and kind. It’s a small hotel so this was a very pleasant aspect of our stay.

• The staff is extremely friendly and always available to answer any questions you may have. Most of them speak wonderful English but, obviously, you should try to at least start by speaking in Italian out of respect.

• A complimentary Italian breakfast buffet is available in an adorable shared living and kitchen area. All food options were very fresh and delicious! Victoria and I both enjoyed pigging out there each morning before heading out into the city. 🙂

•  The beds are a bit hard when you first lay down, if I’m honest, but once we got home from dinner and ready for bed each night, we both fell asleep immediately . We enjoyed a much needed sleep in on our first morning there so, clearly, it didn’t hinder my experience whatsoever.

• A con could be that it’s not in the historic city center but, as I mentioned before, it could also be a pro so it just depends on your location preference.

• This isn’t a huge deal but moreso just a heads up in case you aren’t a fan of unexpected financial surprises [who is, really? ] … As guests, you have to pay a city tax of 4.5 Euro per person per night. This is already included in the rate if you book the ‘Riva online’ rate on their website .

I shared a small tour of the Riva Lofts while I was there in April on Snapchat. I uploaded it and am sharing it here:

I saved my 24 hour story so my apologies that there are some other videos in there, as well 🙂

OTHER NOTES

• PARKING : They do have parking for guests. There are 3 parking spots in front of the entrance that are free of charge and one private garage space that is available upon request that is 20 Euro per night.

• APPROXIMATE COST PER NIGHT : $250-400 / night depending on the loft you’re wanting to book and the time of year you’re looking to stay there

• WIFI : There is WIFI that is free and available for guests in all lofts and in shared areas.

• LOCATION : Riva Lofts is  located just outside of the city center, approximately a mile and a half away. By taxi, it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to get to your destination into the center of Florence, depending on your drop off point, and costs 15-25 Euro. On foot, you can reach the city center in approximately 35 minutes depending on pace. 

• AMENITIES : Complimentary Italian breakfast buffet each morning, kettle for coffee or tea in rooms, Wi-Fi internet connection, daily cleaning, bicycles available to use, swimming pool access, CD / DVD selection, and mini-bar in each loft.

Grazie [ pronounced grat-zee-ay ] –  Thank you

Prego   –  You’re welcome

Mi scusi –  Excuse me/pardon me

Non parlo molto bene italiano –  I don’t speak Italian very well

Parla inglese? –  Do you speak English?

Potrei vedere il menu? –  May I see the menu?

Quanto costa?   –  How much is this?

Mi porti a questo indirizzo, por favore –  Take me to this address, please

Posso avere il conto, per favore?  – Can I have the bill, please?

Mi chiamo Haley !  –  My name is Haley!

It could also be helpful to know the following ‘places’ you may need to refer to when speaking with locals:

Metropolitana: Subway

Treno: Train

Macchina:  Car. Also known as auto

Autobus:  Bus

Aeroporto: Airport

Ristorante:  Restaurant

Albergo:  Hotel

Banca:  Bank. [Be sure to ask for a bancomat  if you’re looking for an ATM]

While in Florence, I received more restaurant recommendations than any other city I’ve been to on my travels! So, it’ll be hard to have a bad meal on your trip which gives you so much more to love about this historic and beautiful city! I have a few that I’ll mention based on personal experience and then I’ll mention some of the others that friends and readers have recommended, as well!

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

GUSTA PIZZA – During my first trip to Florence, my friends and I popped into this pizza restaurant for lunch after a sorority sister of mine [ who lives in Florence ] recommended it! We each ordered our own pizza and .. y’all, they are gigantic! Beware or come hungry! I love Diavola pizza, which is spicy salami and arugula with spicy oil, and there’s was AMAZING. Highly recommend this place!

ACQUA AL 2 – Victoria and I went here the last night we were in town after multiple readers and a close friend of mine told me it was a can’t miss! We ordered the tasting menu and could not have been happier with our meal! We each had PLENTY! They bring you five of their pastas, five of their meat entrees and about four of their desserts! Everything was delicious! I don’t think we had one bad thing. A lot of people love their blueberry steak. I don’t think it was my favorite but it was definitely delicious and made me understand the hype! Make sure you make a reservation at least 24-36 hours in advance! 

FRANCESCO VINI – Victoria and I popped in to this place after grabbing a sunset cocktail and small bites at  La Terrazza Lounge Bar , located at the top of  Hotel Continentale , on the first night we were in town. It was a short walk away and our table had a nice little view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore . I got the lasagne, I think, and honestly I don’t remember what else but I remember that everything we ate was delicious and our server was so nice! We talked to him for awhile after our meal because we were one of the last people to leave the restaurant before it closed hah! Highly recommend this place! You’ll really enjoy it!

A HOUSE CA.FE – This may seem like a random recommendation but this is where Victoria and I ate lunch one day. It was small, quiet and away from the crowds, which we were really needing when we went in there. We both liked the sandwiches that we got! They also had Wifi so we were able to kind of chill and get a little bit of work done there, as well.

FRIENDS & READERS’ RECOMMENDATIONS

TRATTORIA SOSTANZA – I had a few readers recommend this restaurant. We really wanted to try it but didn’t have enough time!

LA GIOSTRA – This restaurant was recommended very passionately by one of my best friends! She said it was ‘lifeblood’ and I’m really bummed I didn’t have a chance to check it out after seeing the photos on line! Another reader said it was her favorite meal and recommended the burrata! Please note that it’s cash only if you’re interested in this one and you’ll need to call ahead for a reservation!

OSTERIA CIPOLLA ROSSA – Someone on Snapchat said I had to try this restaurant!

4 LEONI – I had multiple recommendations for this restaurant! Someone recommended the pear pasta!

OSTERIA SANTO SPIRITO – A reader said this was her best meal in Florence. Make sure to call ahead and make a reservation ( your hotel could potentially do this for you ). She said she definitely try the panzanella!

TRATTORIA COCO LEZIONE  – A reader recommended this one and said her meal was absolutely delicious!

DANTE’S PIZZA – This restaurant was recommended by a reader who studied abroad in Florence while she was in college. She said this place had – by far – the best pizza in Florence!

VICO DEL CARMINE – A reader said this restaurant is life-changing! She says that the locals go here and it’s great for a casual nighttime meal.

OSTERIA CINGHIALE BIANCO – Another friend of mine told me that the truffle onion flan at this restaurant will change your life.

ENOTECA PINCHIORRI – This restaurant was recommended by a reader who says this is a really great restaurant if you’re looking for something fancy. She said that she really enjoyed her food and experience, although she said that her experience at less expensive restaurants were a little better.

CIRO & SONS – A reader said she had a great meal here!

Details on this outfit can be found HERE .

There are a few things I want to mention about meals in Italy.

• Unlike the United States, Italians typically eat an appetizer, a first course [pasta], a second course [meat], then a dessert. You don’t have to order each one of these but that’s how meals are traditionally in Italia! 🙂

• If you’re a salad person, they typically come after the main courses because they promote digestion.

• Servers don’t expect large tips. Add 10% to the total on the bill as a tip! L

• Look for places that DON’T have pictures in the menu and DON’T have people outside of the restaurant coaxing you to come inside!! Those places are tourist traps.

•  ALWAYS opt for the house white or red wine! It’s not like here where the house wine is always questionable. The house wine in Italy doesn’t have ANY sulfites in it so it’s delicious and so cheap!

So, I typically share my trips’ itinerary with you in my travel diaries, however, this one is going to be a bit different being that I’m sharing recommendations from two trips – my trip last year and this year. With that said, I’ll share the things that I’ve done, enjoyed and would recommend you doing, as well!

• ENJOY PANORAMIC VIEWS FROM PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO – If you want a stunning, elevated view of the beautiful city of Florence, you will have to be sure to make it over to Piazzale Michaelangelo. It is truly an iconic site to see! Aside from the expansive view, this spot guarantees live music and – undoubtedly – a bit of a crowd!

You can check out the view, at last in part, from the photos in THIS post!

• WALK THROUGH GIARDINO BARDINI OR GIARDINO DI BOBILI – If you’re not big on museums and prefer nature, perhaps, I’d suggest walking through either Bardini Gardens or Boboli Gardens. They’re both open to the public at a small cost. We paid 7 Euro to walk through Giardino Bardini. We didn’t realize what an amazing view it had of the Duomo. It was very similar to Piazzale Michaelangelo but not nearly as crowded! In early Spring, you’ll find a beautiful wisteria arch within the gardens. It was beautiful! We also enjoyed a cocktail with a view at the little restaurant and terrace they have for guests to sit and relax at. We only got to walk through Bardini Gardens but heard it’s gorgeous and much more expansive.

You can see that wisteria arch I spoke of in THIS post!

• OPT FOR A HAPPY HOUR COCKTAIL FROM A ROOFTOP WITH A VIEW – I’ve enjoyed sunset cocktails and bites from two amazing spots:  La Terrazza Lounge Bar , at the top of Hotel Continentale , located right next to Ponte Vecchio, and Sesto on Arno Restaurant & Bar at the top of the Westin Excelsior , located just along the Arno River. I’d say your view will be much more stunning at the Westin, however, I’d certainly call ahead to put yourself on a list for a table. Both places are a little pricey, if I’m honest, so be aware of that going in! You don’t have to be a guest of either hotel to go up on their rooftops. 

• GO SHOPPING!  Florence is the birthplace of major fashion houses like Gucci , Roberto Cavalli and Salvatore Ferragamo and is home to bustling markets and shops, so it’s an amazing place to snag something to bring home with you no matter your budget! I’d highly recommend walking down Via de’ Tornabuoni, the most famous street to shop in Florence. It’s where you’ll find the likes of Prada, Dior, Celine and the original Gucci store. It’s also where I snapped that photo of the cute bicycle in this post! Personally, I think if you’re going to purchase designer, you might as well do it somewhere with a story so why not buy a little piece of Gucci where it originated, huh? 😉 I also like to purchase items that are specific to the place I’m in so, in Florence, I picked up a cashmere scarf from a local market because, aside from its designers, it’s known for its authentic leather goods, truffle oil, olive oil and cashmere. I’m not a huge fan of markets but, if you do, head to San Lorenzo’s market! It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs for loved ones back home!

• WALK ACROSS THE FAMOUS PONTE VECCHIO  – The Ponte Vecchio is oldest bridge [ it’s name means ‘Old Bridge’ ] in Florence and dates back to medieval times. [  FUN FACT : It was the only bridge the Germans didn’t destroy during WWII. ] There have been shops along the Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century but in the late 1500’s, there was a decree that stated that only goldsmiths and jewelers be allowed to have their shops along the Ponte Vecchio. It is still this way to this day. I’m honestly not sure what the quality of these shops is like, as I just walked across it to say I have. I’m not a huge fan of crowds so I walked across pretty fast haha!

• SEE THE SIGHTS – There are so many sites to see in Florence and I can’t pretend that I’ve seen them all. Here’s a list of what you need to consider adding to your itinerary: The Duomo , the Florence Baptistery , Uffizi Gallery , Ponte Vecchio , Santa Maria Novella , Santa Croce , the Statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia , and the Gucci Museum !

• INDULGE – You’re in Italy so, last but not least, drink the wine, eat the gelato … and go for an extra slice of bread! [Just remember, there’s no salt in the bread in Florence so it’s kind of … dry]

• SIGN UP FOR A COOKING CLASS  –  I’m not sure exactly where to direct you to do this but I can’t imagine you’ll have a bad experience doing this in a place like Florence!

• TACK ON A COUPLE OF EXTRA DAYS FOR A SHORT VENTURE OVER TO CINQUE TERRE  –  This little area of Italy is in a bit of an odd spot or I think it’d be even more popular than it already is. It’s not really in a ‘convenient’ spot to get to from some of the most popular cities in Italy, so I think the only tourists that go are the ones that [1] know about it and [2] add the necessary number of days on to their trip to go to it. It’s essentially a string of seaside villages and towns along the Italian Riviera’s rocky coastline. It’s on my list of places to go to in the next couple of years. I have a beautiful photo by Gray Malin hanging in my guest bathroom of Monterosso al Mare , one of the five villages within Cinque Terre, and I’m determined to check it off my bucket list! It looks absolutely beautiful from what I see in pictures and on social media, and it seems the easiest jumping off point would be from Florence. So, if you’re looking to head somewhere a little bit quieter – although I’m sure there are plenty of tourists in Cinque Terre – I’d suggest venturing by train over to Cinque Terre.

• TAKE A WINE TOUR IN THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE –  Have you ever seen Under The Tuscan Sun? I watched it a few years ago and fell in love with how beautiful Tuscany looked! Taking your vacation out into the countryside could be such a nice respite after venturing through some of the busiest cities to see in Italy!

• HEAD TO THE TOP OF THE DUOMO – We were going to do this on my first trip to Florence but we ran out of time, unfortunately. I definitely want to do it in the future. I’ve heard it’s a stunning view although it’s quite the hike with 463 steps between the bottom and the top 🙂

• DESTINATION HIGH SEASON : The busiest season for Florence is July through early September. The best months to travel to Florence, or Italy in general, is April to June and mid-September through October. This is when the weather is more comfortable and the crowds aren’t as intense! I’ve always gone in April and I truly believe it’s the best time to see the cities! I went to Rome in August last year and it was so uncomfortable!

• TAXI PAYMENT : There is no Uber in Florence, only taxi’s. Be sure to have cash on hand before getting in! They do not accept credit or debit cards.

• TIPPING : Add 10% to your overall bill!

• LANGUAGE : There are quite a few Italians in large cities, like Florence and Rome, that know a good bit of English but, out of respect, you should always do your best to communicate in basic Italian. They’ll know you’re English-speaking but they’ll at least respect that you tried. Google Translate is a great tool to help you with pronunciation while you’re prepping for your trip! 🙂

• GOOD TO KNOW :

– To go coffee in Italy does not exist.  You always drink your coffee at the cafe, whether you’re at the bar or at a table. No ‘to go’ cups.

– Caffe Latte’s are a morning drink so just know you may get an odd look if that’s what you order after your lunch. 

–  In Italy, you have the bar and the table setting / service. Most of the time, restaurants will charge a little more for whatever you order if you sit down. For example, at the bar of one cafe … our coffee’s would have been 2.50 Euro but, since we sat down they added a 3.50 charge. It’s not usually that ridiculous of an up-charge but just know that if you’re bill seems a little pricey … and you’re sitting … that’s why. Typically, according to Victoria, it’s around 1 Euro for an espresso or macchiato and 2 Euro for cappuccino or caffe latte at the bar. Always check the menu before you order at your seat!  

– In Italy, salad comes at the end of the meal because it’s a great digestive meal and Italians are big on digestion.

– Many businesses close during the mid-afternoon hours for their midday ‘ riposo ‘.

– Italy is a part of the Schengen Zone so, if you’re coming into it from another country within the Schengen Zone … you won’t get your passport stamped, unfortunately. I didn’t even see a place to ask them to, to be honest. I was really bummed.

–  Local merchants can call cabs for you or you can use the app it Taxi. 

– Florence is a much smaller city than Rome with equally as many people wanting to see and explore its museums, historical artifacts and landmarks. Be prepared for crowded streets, long waits, selfie sticks and not-so-great cappuccinos in the heart of the city. MY TIP : Get up early and start your day exploring the spots that are likely to draw the MOST crowds, like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. You can buy tickets to venture to the top of the Duomo but, again, I’d say buy a ticket for the earliest time you can get. We got into the city center at 8:30 and there were already tour groups and families taking pictures around it. 

• WHO SHOULD VISIT THIS DESTINATION : Florence is a destination for anyone who loves art, architecture, fashion and history. It’s a romantic city with lots to see and amazing restaurants to enjoy!

Well … I think that about does it! If you have any questions or any other suggestions to add, please leave them in the comments below!! I would love to go back to Florence one day. I still have lots to see there so I’d love to hear what you did and what I should do next time I go 🙂

Hope this post was helpful for anyone who is out there planning their Florence trip! Please be sure to check out my International Packing Must-Have’s post as well as the packing list I curated for anyone heading to Italy in the summer!

Thanks for stopping by! xo.

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15 Comments

These architectures will never cease to awe me.. and gelato of course!

http://www.underaytedray.co.uk

My husband and I took a pizza & gelato making class while we were there on our honeymoon in February! We used Florencetown & it was a great experience & SO much fun! I can’t recommend it enough for people looking for a fun cooking class. They also have some other fun cooking classes & tours you can do.

Beautiful Florence travel diary … so many beautiful memories cherished during this wonderful trip. Merci for the tips. 🙂

????????LA BIJOUX BELLA ????????| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

I’ve been looking forward to this for ages! Eeek! Great travel diary, Florence is somewhere that I’m yet to travel but I know I have to go to within the next 12 months – it looks and sounds like an absolute dream!

I hope you have a lovely start to your week! Michael https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk

Thanks for posting this!! It’s just in time for my trip in 2 weeks!

-Kara http://Www.everydayk.com

Love love love this post! You were so detailed in every aspect and I really appreciate it. Now, I definitely need to go to Florence! 🙂

Oh wow! I’m totally bookmarking this post! This is hands down the best, most in-detail and informative travel diary/ post I have ever read. Thank you!

https://lartoffashion.com/weekend-getaway-lovia/

Thanks for the wonderful post! I always get your post just in time for my lunch break so it is a fun little afternoon pick me up ????I love your ivory/white? dress but I couldn’t find a link. Do you have it posted anywhere?

Thanks!! Brianne

I linked it underneath the photo for you but, unfortunately, it is no longer available :\ I’m sorry!

Oh my god, your pictures are gorgeous! I must go!! Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer Effortlessly Sophisticated

So beautiful! You always put so much into your travel posts! Much appreciated! I love how you include important phrases to know in the other language!

I think it’s SO important to know even just a little bit of the language of the country you’re visiting. It could completely change your experience with the locals you come across 🙂

Beautiful post!! And wonderful recommendations!! Just in time for my trip to Italy in 2 weeks!! Any comfortable sandal recommendations and how to dress during the day??

Hi Dana! I’ve put together a packing guide that I linked at the bottom of the post. xo.

This is an amazing post- exceptionally amazing!!!! Very useful! I wish a post like this had been around before my husband & I visited Italy. Looking forward to more travel posts from you in the future!!

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Florence in 2 Days Itinerary – The Perfect Guide

Florence or Firenze in Italian is the biggest city in the Tuscany region and my favourite city in Italy.

I have spent years working as a tour guide in Italy, guiding tourists around some of the most amazing cities.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

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Florence was one of those places I couldn’t wait to return to each time.

Imagine cobbled streets, 16th-century palaces, statues, bridges across the River Arno, and so much charm and magic, especially on summer evenings. 

This Florence in 2 days itinerary combines my knowledge of what to see, what to do, and what to eat in Florence to have the best time here.

Can you see Florence in 2 days? Absolutely.

While you might never want to leave, this gorgeous city filled with art and incredible architecture can be easily explored on foot as it is quite compact.

However, you need a plan!

This 2 day Florence itinerary will help you prepare – what tickets or tours you need to pre-book to avoid disappointment and how to schedule your busy days in Florence.

Plus you might have an extra day to take a day trip from Florence. In that case, I have some suggestions too.

Table of Contents

The Overview – 2 Days in Florence Itinerary

Here is a quick overview of all the highlights included in this itinerary. Plus, I will give you a few fantastic places to have a delicious lunch and dinner, and how not to get overcharged for gelato and pay 9 euros. LOL.

You either call it the best day ever or a tourist scam!

Day 1 of 2 Days in Florence: 

• Piazza Del Duomo, Duomo & Baptistiry & Campanille
• Piazza del Signoria & Palazzo de Vecchio and Loggia
• The Uffizi Gallery
• Ponte Vechio
• Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens 

Day 2 of 2 Days in Florence: 

• Mercato Centrale
• Santa Croce Church
• Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset

I also wrote detailed itineraries on Rome , Venice ,  Amsterdam , Prague , Vienna , Budapest ,   Athens , Munich  and  Bratislava , so if you travel around Europe, these guides have you covered.

Florence in 2 Days Itinerary – Day 1

Start the day exploring Florence with a walking tour that will allow you to see the historic centre. 

The Duomo and Piazza del Duomo

Duomo (meaning cathedral) is what most locals call the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It’s simply magnificent and monumental. It took 150 years to build and there are three types of marble from Carrara (white), Prato (green) and Siena (red) which create a colourful and very rich facade. 

The terra-cotta tiled dome was built by Brunelleschi and his design was ingenious, and even to this day is considered an architectural and engineering masterpiece. The double-walled dome rests on a drum and the entire dome was built without scaffolding, the bricks being laid in a self-supporting pattern, and took 16 years to build.

It was the first dome in the world built without central support and the 1st octagonal dome.

You can visit the Duomo free of charge, but a dress code applies (no short shorts, or singlets). You will most likely see the line form leading to the big door. If you wish, you can simply purchase the skip-the-line ticket that will get you inside through the express security check at the designated time.

Visitors are able to climb 463 steps to the top of the dome and see how the inner shell supports the outer shell. You will need a ticket for this, but it could be the perfect way to start your morning in Florence.

See the mosaic floors and all the frescos inside while keeping nice a cool, the cathedral is always cooler and provides a break from the heat in the summer.

If the lines are simply too long, you might pop in later on in the afternoon and instead enjoy the Duomo from the outside.

You will feel like Duomo appears at every corner of Florence. You’ll see it through the small side streets and of course from the other side of the river Arno.

Campanile (designed by Giotto) is the bell tower right next to the Duomo and you could also climb it – 414 steps to the top.

The Baptistry is the third structure in this square and it is renowned for its 3 sets of bronze doors, with relief sculptures by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Michelangelo dubbed them the “Gates of Paradise”. Have a look at them, it took 21 years to complete.

After visiting Piazza del Duomo head down the main street Via dei Calzaiuoli toward Piazza Del Signoria . The street has many shops and cafes that sell coffee, gelatos and paninis. It’s a good place to grab something if you have spent significant time at the Duomo.

Gelato tip: In Florence, they will often ask which cone you wish to have your gelato in. But be careful, if you choose the huge cone covered in chocolate or nuts they will fill that with gelato and you will pay 9 euros for lots of ice cream which is almost impossible to eat. So don’t be afraid to ask about the cost before you order and the size.

Piazza Della Signoria

An “L” shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), for centuries this has been the scene of Florence’s social and political life. Today it still serves as a town hall and you can wander through the courtyard.

It’s an open-air museum with many sculptures, a fountain, a palace and a museum.

There is a replica of the statue of David in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The original of Michelangelo’s “David” stood here until 1873, when it was replaced with a replica for fear of weather damage. Trust me, the real David is much better.

As you look around the square facing the palace, you will see a bronze statue of Grand Duke Cosimo and “Neptune’s Fountain” on your left .

Just behind the fountain are water taps to refill your water bottle; one is sparkling! So stay hydrated on the way here.

On the right, you will see a lot of statues under an arched roof – look out for the bronze statue depicting “Perseus with the Head of Medusa”.

Uffizi Gallery

But let’s continue through the wonderful arches of the Uffizi courtyard. Uffizi Gallery is the main museum in Florence for Renaissance art. It used to be the offices (hence the name Uffizi means office) of the Medici Family that once ruled Florence.

They also had their own private art collection that paved the way for the museum that it is today. The absolute highlight includes:

• “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli 
• “The Holy Family” by Michelangelo
• “The Birth of Urbino” by Titian

You should book a ticket online beforehand to avoid lines and disappointment. Or even better, join a group tour to get the best understanding of art, Florence, and history.

 I would suggest after lunch, maybe 1 pm or 2 pm booking. 

If you follow this 2 days in Florence itinerary and arrive here a lot earlier – simply follow the rest and return to Uffizi. Florence is so compact, it will be easy to do so.

And if you have some time, you might consider getting a portrait or caricature done by one of the street artists.

Ponte Vecchio

Italian for “old bridge”, this is the oldest surviving bridge (hence the name) in the city built in 1345. It spans the narrowest part of the river Arno and is one of the last bridges still with shops, a common feature in the Middle Ages.

Originally the shops were blacksmiths, tanners and butchers, who used the river as a handy dumping ground, but in 1593 Duke Ferdinando evicted all the tenants and replaced them with goldsmiths and jewellers, as they were able to pay higher taxes (and smelled less bad). Many still occupy the premises today. 

You will see the bridge as you reach the river from the Uffizi, this is also the best place to take photos.

A secret corridor runs above the shops, along the eastern side to allow the Medici to go from their residence to the town hall without mixing with the commoners.  

You can follow the crowds and walk onto the bridge.

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Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) and Boboli Gardens

The former palace of the Medici Family with beautiful gardens is worth walking across the bridge to see it. The palace houses some additional Renaissance art and you can relax later on and walk through the gardens. 

But if you are short on time or simply too hot, you can skip this part and have a relaxing afternoon or maybe visit Uffizi Gallery. 

You might need a little afternoon break after this as I didn’t create this Florence in 2 days itinerary to be brutal. It might be a great idea to return to your hotel, shower, refresh, and head out for the aperitivo and dinner in Florence.

You can walk across the bridge and see some other streets of Florence or you can also choose to walk along the bank of the river Arno and stop at the bridge Ponte Santa Trinita where you can take a gorgeous photo of Florence with Ponte Vecchio. 

Here are a few options I recommend: 

Aperitivo –  SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar – A popular venue with magnificent city views. A unique setting in the heart of Florence to enjoy aperitivo.

Dinner –  Trattoria Il Bargello  – It can be difficult to choose where to eat dinner in Florence, as fantastic food is everywhere. This charming old-world trattoria offers typical Tuscan fare like Florentine steak, pasta and delicious regional wines.

Wine bar –  Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina  – This is THE place to taste, enjoy and learn about the best wines of Italy. 

Florence in 2 Days Itinerary – Day 2

Start the morning with a visit to the Academia to see the real David! If you are jet-lagged or an early riser, you can enjoy Florence in the early morning without the crowds.

Galleria dell’Accademia (Closed on Monday) 

Start the day with a pre-booked skip-the-line ticket for Academia to see the Statue of David. Alternatively, join an expert art historian on a guided tour through the Academia Gallery and see Michelangelo’s David.

The Academia is a small gallery that was initially founded in the 16th century as an academy of fine arts. It was the first school in Europe to be set up to teach drawing, painting and sculpture. 

Michelangelo’s “David” (1501-1504), depicts the biblical hero who defeated the giant Goliath. It symbolises the small state of Florence standing up to its tyrannous neighbours, its original setting outside State offices cemented this. 

David is considered a true masterpiece – the anatomy is perfect and it was carved from a single block of marble without the help of any clay models and is believed to represent Michelangelo’s view of the perfect human form.

Other Michelangelo works are displayed here, as well as Botticelli and Giambolgna, and also an extensive collection of old musical instruments. 

The Academia is not open on Mondays and it opens early at 8.15 am. 

You will likely spend only an hour here. 

Mercado Centrale (Closed on Sunday)

Time to explore the Central Market of Florence, which is only a few minutes away from the Academia. This is THE market for all the foodies! There is another market, San Lorenzo which can be great for some souvenir shopping. But as the Central market closes after lunch, you want to come here first.

The Central Market is a two-level food market. The ground floor houses butchers, delis, specialty shops selling pasta and olive oil, vegetables and fruit sellers, and florists. There are a few food places, but more range of food you must head upstairs.

The Upstairs of the market is like the best food court and must do on your 2 days in Florence itinerary.

Honestly, you can eat anything here and it will be good. There is a special Napoli-style pizza, so if you are a pizza lover maker sure you try it! There is, of course, a wine bar, to try some of the local Chianti and you can buy gelato. 

If you love good food I recommend you join a food tour! This Private Tour of the market & which includes in-home cooking with a Florentine Chef is a very unique experience. It is a fantastic way to learn more about cooking in Florence and sample many local specialties.

After you have eaten your body weight you can stroll through the San Lorenzo market which is just outside to shop for some souvenirs. Florence is known for its leather, but trust me you will never buy real leather at the markets. 

Make your way to the next place exploring some small streets of Florence again.

Santa Croce ( The Basilica of the Holy Cross)

A truly beautiful and unique church from the 13th century standing on a huge square. You can admire the church from the outside or visit to see frescos from Giotto and it is home to a sculpture by Donatello called “Crucifix”, though his friend Brunelleschi commented that he made Christ look like a peasant. This is where Michelangelo is buried.

You might want to revisit the historical centre if you wish or visit Basilica San Lorenzo, Church of Santa Maria Novella or Bargello Museum. 

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

• ROME 3 Days Itinerary
• VENICE 1-Day Itinerary
• FLORENCE 2 Days Itinerary
• AMSTERDAM 3 Day Itinerary
• PARIS 4 Days Itinerary
• BUDAPEST 2 Days Itinerary
• PRAGUE 2 Days Itinerary
• LONDON 1 Day Itinerary
• ATHENS 1 Day Itinerary
• BERLIN 2 Days Itinerary
• VIENNA 2 Days Itinerary
• LISBON 2 Days Itinerary

Piazzale Michelangelo 

At the end of your final day of the 2 days in Florence itinerary, it’s time to see the spectacular sunset Florence is known for. There is no better place than Piazzale Michelangelo which overlooks the city. 

You will find locals and many tourists come here to have a drink and watch the sunset. You can walk up, but I recommend catching a taxi up and walking down the hill instead.

Tonight’s dinner! Treat yourself to one of the specialties in Florence, maybe try the famous Florentine Steak!

If you have another day in Florence, I recommend taking a day trip to the nearby Tuscan cities. Don’t hire a car and drive – trust me it’s not worth the stress. Choose one of these tours:

Where to Stay in Florence?

There are many options for accommodation in Florence. It’s all about location in Florence. I’ve listed hotels below that I recommend to suit every budget.

Budget Hotel – Hotel Cestelli  is in a fantastic location, at a fair price. This hotel is 200m from the Old Bridge and 300m from the Piazza Della Signoria square. A good option for budget-conscious travellers.

Mid-Range Hotel – FuordArno Bed & Breakfast offers stylish accommodation in Florence, only 400m from Palazzo Vecchio. An exceptional breakfast is included in the rate, this hotel ticks all the boxes. A great option for your Florence in 2 days itinerary.

Luxury Hotel – Hotel Cerretani Firenze is located in the heart of Florence, the location is unbeatable! The hotel is set in a restored 17th-century building, 300m from Florence Cathedral. This luxurious hotel offers spacious, elegantly furnished rooms and a lounge bar. Breakfast is buffet style and you don’t want to miss it. 

SHOW PRICES & AVAILABILITY FOR ALL HOTELS IN FLORENCE

Where to Eat in Florence?

Florence is a true foodie city and you don’t have to worry. This Florence in 2 days itinerary has you covered for food as well. Italians eat late, especially in summer. So dinner is usually around 8 pm at night.

If you are hungry before, simply stop somewhere for aperitivo which is usually a drink with a small snack on offer.

Of course, there are restaurants that open early around 6 pm but they will mostly cater for tourists. If you wish to dine with locals, then eat later. 

For those of you who want to eat as much pizza as possible during your Florence in 2 days itinerary, here are the 5 places to eat the best pizza in Florence . 

For breakfast and easy lunch on the go – I recommend the Central Market.

The upstairs is the perfect option and some of the panini cafes in the historic centre are quite ok, but if you want a special panini then make sure you visit  Osteria All’antico Vinaio only a few minutes away from Piazza Della Signoria.

It’s easy to find – there will be a line outside the shop! There are so many choices for amazing food in our Florence in 2 days itinerary, but these places are highly recommended.

• Best lunch spot in Florence –   Trattoria Da Rocco  OR Francesco Vini
• Best place to eat dinner in Florence – Osteria Il Gatto e la Volpe
• Best place to eat fresh pasta in Florence – Simbiosi
• Best place for Florentine Steak in Florence –  Osteria dè Benci

Quick Tips for Florence in 2 Days

• Hot Tip:  Book your tours early and skip the line to Accademia and Uffizi Gallery
• ✅ Food Tour:  Join a food tour to learn more about Florence cuisine.
• Sunset : Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

 WHERE TO STAY

• Budget Hotel – Hotel Cestelli
• Mid-Range Hotel – FuordArno Bed & Breakfast
• Luxury Hotel – Hotel Cerretani Firenze
• Boutique Hotel – Porcellino Gallery Art Boutique

‍ BEST GUIDED TOURS

• Uffizi Gallery Skip the line Guided Tour
• Academia Guided Tour (skip the line)
• Private Market Food Tour & Cooking Class
• Day trip to Cinque Terre with lunch 

Best Tips For Visiting Florence

• Florence is a popular place to visit in Europe, so I need to warn you, it does get pretty busy. But here are some great tips which sum up this Florence in 2 days itinerary.
• Florence gets very busy in the summer (June- August) and hot. Consider visiting during the shoulder season April- May/September/October.
• Prebook your tickets to Academia and Uffizi Gallery . You don’t want to miss out.
• A dress code in Italy applies – no short shorts or singlets are allowed to enter churches – so dress in light airy clothes.
• Italians dine late, after 8 pm and a smart dress code is expected. 
• You will walk a lot in Florence, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Watch your belongings – pickpocketing happens especially at the busy market. 
• Consider doing a food tour – honestly, I think a food tour is always money well spent as it ticks so many boxes, good food, new friends, insight into the culture and you can get some tips of what to do/eat from your local guide on the end! But when you visit a foodie city such as Florence, you really don’t want to miss out on the food!
• If you buy anything at the markets – bargain! Start with 50% of the first price quoted.
• Hit the streets early or late to enjoy Florence crowd-free. Nothing like watching the sunrise over the city.
• Get out of Florence on one of the many amazing day tours to see the nearby town and the charm of Tuscany.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

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Get 5% off these Group Tours in Europe

Why not consider travelling around Europe on a group tour? We recommend  Expat Explore . They offer a variety of coach and rail group tours in Europe to suit everyone.

Check out the great range of tours with  Expat Explore. If you find the perfect trip for you, use our promo code VERYHUNGRYNOMADS  at checkout for an additional  5% off your trip !

I hope you enjoyed our 2 days in Florence itinerary. Don’t miss our post about where to eat the best pizza in Florence – top 5 places!

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your attractions and tickets online: We recommend Viator and GetYourGuide
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More Travel in Italy or Exploring more of Europe?

If you’re planning to discover more of Italy, don’t miss our detailed 3 days in Rome itinerary,  and of course, some of the most popular Roman dishes to eat when you’re there.

I highly recommend you choose one of these top-rated Vatican tours for your day visiting Vatican City.

If you’d like to visit one of the most underrated cities in Italy – head to Bologna! Here are  12 Amazing Things to Do in Bologna , you’re going to love it!

You may also be interested to know these 4 top reasons to visit Italy by train.  Alternatively, if you’re planning to travel around Europe, then our post about travelling Europe by train will give you many useful tips.

We really love visiting Italy, but it’s hard to choose what destinations and cities to visit. Read our recommendations on the  15 Best Places to Visit in Italy  to help you plan the ultimate Italian adventure!

Finally, our ultimate packing list for Europe has covered all the essentials you’ll need for your trip. You must take a look at our  Complete Food Map of Europe to make sure you don’t miss anything delicious too.

Italy features in our  Top 10 Best Countries for Food Lovers , from 195 countries that we’ve visited in total. You are guaranteed to love many things about this fantastic nation.

For more of our best travel tips and advice, visit our Travel Resources Page.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

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✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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Florence, Italy: A Travel Diary and Guide

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Florence Travel Diary: Cinque Terre and Tuscany

After spending two weeks exploring the bustling cities of London, Paris, and Zurich, we were excited to head to Italy for a more coastal adventure. Arriving via train in Florence, we could already feel the warmth of the Italian sun, and we were eager to explore all that this beautiful country had to offer.

We spent three nights in Florence, and we made the most of our time there by filling every moment with adventure. Highlights included visiting the stunning Cinque Terre and drinking wine at a Tuscan vineyard.

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Things to do in Florence

Florence is one of the most charming cities in Italy, known for its Renaissance art, delicious food, and picturesque views. It’s an ideal place to base yourself for a trip to Tuscany. One of the great things about Florence is that it’s small enough to walk around, so there’s no need to worry about transport.

During our stay, we at our weight in pizza, gelato, and Aperols – I’m still dreaming about those Margarita pizzas!

At the heart of Florence lies the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a stunning piece of architecture that is a must-visit when in Florence. The cathedral is located in the Piazza del Duomo, and it’s impossible to miss its distinctive dome. We had planned to climb up the dome for the incredible views of the city, but we found out that you need to book in advance, so unfortunately, we missed out on this experience.

Instead, we found incredible (free) views over the city at the Piazza Michelangelo. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline and its iconic landmarks, including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. You can reach the Piazza Michelangelo by walking up a steep hill or taking a bus, but we opted to walk and were rewarded with stunning views along the way.

We had a very central accomodation staying at Hotel Nuova Italia . The staff here were lovely, sending us off with bags of pastries when we skipped breakfast for our early day trips.

Florence is small so you’re going to be central regardless of where you stay. One thing to keep in mind is that it can be quite noisy trying to sleep with restaurants buzzing until the early hours.

Cinque Terre

If you’re planning a trip to Europe and have limited time, I cannot recommend a Cinque Terre day trip more. Our experience was truly the highlight of our entire trip.

The day began at Firenze train station, where we hopped on a coach to La Spezia. From there, we received train passes that granted us access to the five towns of Cinque Terre.

Over the course of the day, we explored each town, indulged in a delicious seafood lunch, hiked between two of the towns, and got to take a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Although it was a long and tiring day, we wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. Our brief visit left us desperate to return to Cinque Terre for a longer stay!

Tuscany Day Trip: Siena, Wine Tasting + Pisa

The second day trip we took from Florence was out of the city exploring the wonders of Tuscany . Departing by coach from Firenze station, we were whisked through the stunning Tuscany countryside.

Our first stop was Siena, a charming medieval town with narrow streets and colourful buildings. A local guide took us on a tour through the town, where we admired stunning architecture and learnt about the Palio horse race, which takes place twice yearly.

After Siena, we drove to Fattoria Poggio Alloro, a farm and winery, where we indulged in a delicious lunch of cheese platters, fresh pasta, and multiple wines. The food was outstanding, and the wine was divine. We learned about the winemaking process and got to know the people on our tour.

Slightly tipsy and high on life, we continued our journey to San Gimignano, another small town famous for its towers and well-preserved medieval architecture. We had time to explore the town, admire the views, and try gelato awarded the “best gelato in the world” (hard agree).

The last stop of the day was the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Similarly to the Eiffel Tower, it’s difficult to describe how incredible it is to see these famous attractions in person.

If you’ve got a day to spare, I highly recommend this tour – it was incredible!

You can check out my other  travel  g uides  for more inspiration and follow my adventures on Instagram , Tik Tok & YouTube .

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Brittany Nicole

fashion | travel | motherhood

Florence – Italy Travel Diary

My most favorite city that I got to visit in Italy was definitely Florence. It is just the most beautiful place you could ever imagine! The architecture, the food, the shopping, the history, the beautiful surrounding countryside….everything about Florence just enchants me. I definitely could have spent a full 5 days in Florence, instead of just 2!

Where we stayed:

Our first night in Florence we stayed at the Backpackers Florence Central Hostel . The location was great, we could walk to plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, and historic sites from the hostel easily. We also felt very safe staying in this area of town! The hostel itself was very easy to find, it was comfortable and clean, and the host working there was very nice and friendly! I would definitely recommend staying at the Backpackers Florence Central Hostel if you are going to be travelling to Florence and are looking for a nice hostel to stay in! Also, all of the rooms in the hostel are private, so that’s a bonus!

The second night we actually stayed at a nice hotel about a 10 minute walk from the hostel. I had some rewards points through my Chase Sapphire card (which I ALWAYS use for booking travel), so we got to stay in a more luxurious location for a night 🙂 The hotel we stayed at was the Hotel River . Like the name suggests, the hotel is located right along the River Arno. The hotel was very nice and there was continental breakfast included. I think it is a little on the expensive side, and in my honest opinion, you spend way more time out of your room in Florence than it is, so I would probably save my money and stay in a hostel again next time I am in Florence.

What we did:

Well, we did A LOT of walking! We pretty much walked everywhere in Florence, from the train station to the hostel, every time we went shopping or out to a restaurant…we even walked all the way to the Piazzale Michelangelo , which is a spot at the top of a hill on the other side of the river where you can see scenic views of Florence (it was absolutely stunning!).

We also walked to the Palazzo Pitti , which is a huge Renaissance palace in Florence. From there we also saw some stunning views of the city of Florence, as well as the surrounding Tuscan countryside. A little tip if you are going to be visiting the Palazzo Pitti…get there several hours before it closes (I’d say around 3 hours before closing) if you want to be able to see the whole palace and the gardens. We got there about an hour and fifteen minutes before closing time and were only able to view the gardens and 2 exhibits.

We also did a lot of bar hopping the first night we were in Florence. We actually had met some fellow Americans when we were in the Cinque Terre and they were staying in a Tuscan villa about 20 minutes outside of Florence, so they came in to the city to hang out with us the first night we were there! It was a lot of fun, we bar hopped around some of the more “American” type bars, but it was really fun to meet new people (we even met a huge group from Australia and New Zealand that were on a Contiki travel tour).

Shopping and site seeing was probably what we did the most of during our time in Florence. Since we walked everywhere, we got to see a lot of churches and big squares, as well as small winding streets and teeny cafes. I definitely fell in love with the city and cannot wait to go back someday!

Next up on Friday will be our adventures in Naples, Ischia, Vietri Sul Mare, and Rome! It’s also the last Italy Travel Diary entry (aahhhhhh I can’t believe it’s officially over 🙁 !!!!).

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Reader interactions, related posts.

April 13, 2017 at 2:33 pm

Worthwhile! Cammy

January 18, 2018 at 10:13 am

I’ve been to Milan and Rome and instantly fell in love with Italy as a whole. Definitely would go back to visit Florence as your photos just look breathtaking.

x Amalog @ amalog.co

January 18, 2018 at 12:25 pm

Oh thank you so much! Italy is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited! I didn’t make it to Milan last time, but I’d really love to go there and to Venice as well 🙂 Thanks for reading!

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Florence Travel Diary + Tips

Welcome back! I hope you guys are loving my travel diary series and gleaning (what I hope is) good advice on traveling in a few of my favorite cities. We had such a blast exploring Spain and Italy! In case you missed them, I already posted my travel diaries from Barcelona and Rome . I’d love for you to check them out! One tip I would give is that if you’re looking for an authentic travel experience, you should try traveling in a caravan. You can even get help with the initial cost from Auto Finance Online .

Today, I’m excited to share my Florence travel diary. We used Florence as our base for the next 5 days, both exploring the city and then venturing off on day trips to Cinque Terre and Venice. When visiting somewhere new it also helps to visit hoteljules.com to find out if they have any advice to help you make the most of your visit. I love Florence. (I mean, I pretty much loved every city we went to!) But Florence is so beautiful and full of history. So many iconic structures like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, as well as the nearby leaning tower of Pisa, which we didn’t get to and I don’t even want to talk about it. (It was a total time mixup. Can you even believe it?!) Plus… THE GELATO. So much amazing gelato. I’d been wanting to visit here for such a long time, especially after my friend showed me all the different things to see and do in Florence on this website . So, without any further ado, let’s get into my trip!

How We Got to Florence

After two days in Rome , we hopped on the Trenitalia Frecciarossa and in an hour and 20 minutes, we were in Florence. Trenitalia is so easy to use and a million times better than Renfe in Spain. While you can certainly pre-buy tickets, and it may even be preferable, I was sort of terrified of doing that for all 5 of us and then having some sort of issue, problem or hold up that would prevent us from making the train. Train schedules are so precise, you know? Well. Looking back now, we should definitely have pre-bought our tickets. We also should have called the credit card company to get a pin number for our credit cards before leaving for Europe. You can’t pay at a Trenitalia ticket kiosk with your credit card without one. Because of this, every time we had to buy tickets, we had to get a number at the information desk and wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Call your credit card company before your trip and request the pin! Side note: traveling second class is perfectly fine, but the first class is so worth the extra money. So spacious and comfortable, snacks and drinks… it was way more enjoyable. (I mean, duh right?) We hopped into a taxi at the station and headed to our Airbnb rental. Actually, we hopped into TWO taxis… finding cabs that accommodate 5 people is hard in Europe, but in Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome, it was doable. Florence, no.

Where We Stayed in Florence

As I mentioned before, we stayed in our second Airbnb . First thing’s first… the air conditioning was AMAZING. You may remember that the a/c efficiency was our #1 travel criteria this trip lol. While the living area wasn’t ideal, it totally fit our needs for the stay. The location, however, was fabulous. Right on Via de Bardi, literally 50 steps from the Ponte Vecchio. We were right above a grocery store, which is great because we stocked up on water, prosciutto, cheeses, and other yummy things to nibble on for breakfast and snacks. Airbnb was once again the ideal situation for us.

What We Did in Florence

There is so, so much to do in Florence! Plus, it’s super walkable. We only ever took a cab to get to the train station. And really, just because we had bags. In Florence, we did NOT do our Hop On/Hop Off bus tour strategy. We basically just tackled our to-do list in order of what was closest and what was most important to us. (We started with the Duomo monuments!)

Must-See in Florence…

• Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore // Arguably THE most recognizable monument in Florence, you can NOT miss the Duomo. Keep in mind that you have to have your knees and shoulders covered! The view from the top is absolutely amazing.
• Il Battistero de San Giovanni // Do this before the Duomo. Get the audio guide, it’s worth it.
• Il Campanile di Giotto // If you follow me on Snapchat, you might remember the video of me climbing the 414 steps of the Campanile. Thought I was definitely going to die, tbh. The stairs are so narrow and steep… but, seriously, the view from the top is so worth it.
• Palazzo Vecchio // the statue of David used to sit outside the Palazzo Vecchio, but now there’s just a copy. If you want to visit the REAL David, make sure you head to the Accademia Gallery. The Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s city hall and is a sort of combination fortress/palace/art gallery.
• The Boboli Gardens // stunning landscaping, sculptures, and more, it’s definitely worth a stroll through the gardens. And more than a few amazing photo opps!
• The Costume Gallery // I loved the Costume Gallery! Highlighting a few of the most fashionable women throughout the past 300 years, I was living for some of the vintage YSL, Chanel, and Versace pieces on display!
• Ponte Vecchio // Firenze’s most famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio was always historically lined with jewelry merchants and today is lined with jewelry shops! The view of the city is so stunning from the bridge, and at night there are all kinds of cool performances happening.
• Accademia Gallery // pop by the gallery and visit the famous statue of David as well as the Birth of Venus . Definitely try to buy your tickets online for the shortest wait possible!
• Via de Tornabuoni // such amazing shopping! All the luxury shops are located here.

Where to Eat in Florence

We got BY FAR the most recommendations for restaurants in Florence! Here are just a few of the best:

• Trattoria La Casalinga
• Mangia Pizza Firenze // the pizza was AMAZING!
• La Cucina del Garga
• Caffe Giacosa // a quaint and chic cafe owned by Roberto Cavalli.
• Trattoria Mario // only open 12-3pm, cheap and good
• Osteria Il Gatto E La Volpe // delicious food! Probably the best gnocchi we’ve ever had.
• Venchi // amazing gelato, great variety of flavors, not expensive. Plus, they have the cutest window display, totally Instagram-worthy!

What I Wore in Florence

The whole time we were in Italy, I basically only wanted to wear dresses and rompers. One piece dressing is so chic, easy and comfortable. This dress is a total favorite! The cut is really flattering, the fabric was lightweight, and I really liked the print.

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13 Comments

AH! Looks amazing!

Kate fortheloveoffancy.com

Incredible tips, loved the images and all the yummy food!! Gorgeous dress love!! xo

Looks like a fantastic trip! Florence is definitely on my travel bucket list, I will be bookmarking this post for whenever I get to go!

I’m loving your travel guides girl! Florence was one of my favorites! So happy you had such a fun trip. xo!

Ahh I love this, Florence looks so great 🙂

BNBstyling.com

You have such beautiful pictures of your adventure there! Loved your floral dress too! I can’t wait to visit Florence one day!

xo Mariam | http://www.thepetitebijou.com

Florence is one of my favorite cities!! This looks like it was so much fun!

http://www.maggiealamode.com

I flagged and saved this post! SO HELPFUL! I went to Florence and this travel guide shows I didn’t do it right, so I need to go back!

xoxo, Bailey Here’s The Skinny

I want to go to Italy so bad! Looks amazing! http://www.kayleighskloset.com

So cute girl! Love this.

Dede Raad http://www.dressupbuttercup.com

Cue the wanderlust! These photos are gorgeous!

xoxo! Shelby http://www.glitterandgingham.com

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2 Days in Florence: Itinerary for First-Timers

Updated March 27, 2024

// By Margherita

Are you visiting Florence for the first time? This 2 days in Florence itinerary covers all the main sights, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Includes practical info to help you make the most of your time in Florence!

Experience the best of Florence on these tours! Our favourite tour provider is GetYourGuide, offering a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

• Florence: Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistery Tour – see the best of the Duomo complex
• Florence: Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour – see unforgettable Renaissance art with a specialized guide
• Florence: Uffizi Gallery, David & Accademia Small Group Tour – two of Florence’s big-ticket sights!
• Florence: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine – learn to cook amazing Tuscan food!
• Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Guided Tour – learn all the mysteries of this fascinating place 🙂

If you’re visiting Italy for the first time, I’m sure your wishlist will include Florence. After all, it’s probably the place that best encompasses people’s “Italian dream” – sunshine, narrow streets, delicious food, and so much art and beauty you can’t possibly see it all. 

For this reason, it’s no surprise that Florence is visited by hordes of tourists every year. Everyone wants a taste of the Dolce Vita and Renaissance beauty the city is well known for, and if you visit with no adequate planning, your Italian dream may soon turn into a nightmare , as you stand in endless lines under the sun. 

We’ve put together this 2 days in Florence itinerary to help first-time visitors have a great time in the city. In just two days, you’ll see all the main sights – the statue of David, the Uffizi Gallery, the marvellous Duomo complex, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and more. 

The itinerary is not crazy fast-paced, with everything scheduled down to 15-minute intervals. You’re on holiday, not going to work – there should always be some time for spontaneity! 

Before diving straight into this Florence in 2 days itinerary , let’s look at some practical info!

Florence Practical Info

How many days in florence.

Two days in Florence are the bare minimum to see the sights without rushing around. The city centre is compact and walkable, and all sights are between 10 and 15 minutes walk from one another, with the exception of Piazzale Michelangelo which is a little further away. 

If you have only one day , you can still see most of the main sights, but you’ll literally be jumping from one place to the other. However, if this is all you can spare, we’ve thought of you – here’s our one day in Florence itinerary.

3 days in Florence are an even better option if you’re planning to take a day trip, still giving you two full days to explore the city.

In any case, you should definitely book tickets ahead of time. – check out the links below!

• UFFIZI: Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Entrance Tickets
• DAVID: Accademia Gallery Reserved Ticket
• CATHEDRAL + DOME: Florence Duomo: Entrance to Cathedral and Brunelleschi Dome
• CATHEDRAL (no climbing): Florence Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
• PITTI PALACE: Pitti Palace Entrance Ticket
• BOBOLI GARDENS: Boboli Gardens Entrance Ticket

Best Time to Visit Florence

With the exception of the hot summer months, Florence is a year-round destination. Spring is ideal if you want to see the flowers in Boboli Gardens, but it’s really busy . Temperatures are mild in spring and autumn , while winter is the quietest time of the year, and the best time to get hotel deals.

However, please bear in mind that Florence is NEVER tourist-free. Months like November, January, and February are the best times to avoid the crowds – but the days will be short, and the weather might get miserable. 

Summer is the only time of the year that should definitely be avoided. The city is packed with tourists from all over the world, summer students, day trippers and cruise travellers. There are queues EVERYWHERE, locals are at the end of their wits, and many of them won’t even visit the centre altogether. And did I mention it’s hot? Florence is always one of the hottest cities in Italy!

How to Get to Florence

Florence is placed along Italy’s excellent high-speed railway network. The city is one of the intermediate stops on the Milan-Rome and Venice-Rome lines, continuing all the way to Naples and Southern Italy. Thanks to these train lines, travelling around Italy by train is really  easy and hassle-free. Here are travel times between Florence and main cities around Italy: 

• Milan: 2 hours
• Venice: 2.30 hours
• Bologna: 1 hour
• Rome:  2/2.30 hours

Many Tuscan cities like Lucca, Pisa and Siena can be reached by regional train from Florence. 

How to Get Around Florence

This 2 days in Florence itinerary can be covered on foot. All sights are just a few minutes walk from one another.

The only place that requires uphill walking to get to is Piazzale Michelangelo. It takes about 20 minutes to walk there from Oltrarno, or else you can opt for a bus or taxi. Just don’t try to take your car into Florence and drive around if you want to preserve your mental sanity!

Two Days in Florence – Day 1

Morning – galleria dell’accademia.

Start the day by visiting one of the most famous statues by Michelangelo, David. The statue of the naked shepherd is situated in the Tribune Hall in the Gallery of the Academy of Florence and dates back to the early 1500s . Above it, the skylight in the dome shines natural light onto David, symbolizing a natural halo.

Around it, there are other interesting sculptures by different artists that shared styles and beliefs with Michelangelo.

There are several other halls in the museum where you can see a wealth of sculptures and paintings from important artists. Besides David and the Slaves by Michelangelo, the most noteworthy are the Coronation of the Virgin by Jacopo Di Cione which is a radiant golden painting, originally part of the altarpiece of the San Pier Maggiore church in Florence, the painting of the Tree of Life by Pacino di Buonaguida, showcasing different happenings in the bible hanging like ornaments from a crucified Christ symbolizing the tree of life, and the marble statue Rape of the Sabines by Jean de Boulogne.

Besides, you can see a large number of musical instruments , representing the day-to-day musical habits of the Medicean court, and generally an extensive collection of statues and paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries.

Check out our full Accademia Gallery guide and book your entrance ticket here !

Palazzo Vecchio

After David, it’s time to head to Piazza della Signoria , one of the most beautiful (and busiest) in Florence. The most notable building is Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), home to the Town Hall, the Cinquecento Hall, and Museo dei Ragazzi. It used to be the seat of the political power in Florence. 

Its opulence can be seen already at the entrance where you will be met by replica statues of Hercules and Cacus, David by Michelangelo, and a sculpture of Adam and Eve.

Other masterpieces you can take in there are the newly renovated Fountain of Neptune , Loggia del Lanzi, and an equestrian statue of the second Duke of Florence, Cosimo I.

Palazzo della Signoria is one of the best examples of Florentine Renaissance palaces and has a tower looming 95 meters high above the city. The Arnolfo Tower offers 360 views of Florence and is well worth the climb.

Another of the top attractions in the palace is the Cinquecento Hall , which is Florence’s largest room at 54 meters long and 22 meters wide.

The palace hides a series of hidden corridors that the Medici built so that they had a way to escape enemy attacks and a place to hide away valuables.  I won’t reveal anything else – book the secret Palazzo Vecchio tour (including the secret passages) to know more!

• Walking time from Galleria dell’Accademia: 15 minutes

Afternoon – Lunch at I Fratellini

Palazzo Vecchio is right next to Via dei Neri and Via dei Cimatori, home to many of Florence’s famous panini shops , perfect for a quick lunch stop. Skip the queues at L’Antico Vinaio and opt for I Fratellini just opposite – their options are all delicious, personally I love anything with finocchiona (fennel salami). 

Palazzo Pitti

From Piazza della Signoria, walk across the Arno  until you reach Palazzo Pitti . This massive building was built in 1446 as the residence of the Pitti Family. However, they were too ambitious with their wealth when they built the palace and the Medici Family took over the residence when the Pitti Family went bankrupt.

The Medici expanded and improved the palace significantly. Later, when Florence was the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871, it became the residence of the Italian kings.

Inside, you find important art pieces hanging on the walls of the Galleria Palatina (Palatine Gallery). The majority of these paintings were put up by the Medicis, including colorful frescoes on the ceilings, and the gallery is now recognized alongside the Uffizi in artistic importance.

Other parts of the lavish palace include the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Medici Treasury. Book your entrance ticket to Pitti Palace here!

• Walking time from Piazza della Signoria: 10 minutes

Giardino di Boboli

Florence’s largest garden , the Boboli Garden was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of the famous Dome, as the Pitti Palace’s garden in 1457. Yet it was improved and expanded over 400 years after the Medici family bought the villa and later the Lorrain family took over.

You will understand the opulence of these families as you walk through the manicured gardens , in the shade of old oak trees, past ponds, rose gardens, detailed fountains, and the many Roman and Renaissance statues. It is still today the largest and most sought-after green space in Florence.

Among the most noteworthy attractions in the park, you find the amphitheater where multiple Roman statues are raised together with an obelisk that was brought in from Luxor in Egypt in the late 18th century.

There is also the Rococo Kaffeehouse, Neptune’s Fountain and walls by Michelangelo surrounding Giardino del Cavaliere , and the Buontalenti Grotto, also known as Grotta Grande (Big Grotto.) In the third of the 3 sections of the grotto, you can see the famous Bathing Venus by Giambologna.

Several buildings in the park, house important museums like the Museum of Costume and Fashion, and the Porcelain Museum.

Boboli Garden is VERY BUSY, especially in summer. Make sure you book your entrance tickets ahead of time – here’s our article with 6 ways to book Boboli Gardens tickets!

Evening – Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is the most famous viewpoint in Florence and offers sweeping views of the city. Situated on a hill in the Oltrarno district in the south of the historical center, it was built in the 19th century as a memorial site for Michelangelo. On the square, there are several replicas of the artist’s sculptures , like David and the four statues that stand on Lorenzo and Giuliano de Medici’s tomb.

The original plans for the memorial site included a museum with replicas of the rest of Michelangelo’s statues. But the vision of architect Giuseppe Poggi did not get any further than the building of the loggia. Today, it houses one of the restaurants on Piazzale Michelangelo.

If you manage to time your visit for sunset , you are up for a treat as the sun reflects in the Arno River and on the rooftops of Florence’s skyline. From this viewpoint, you can see the Duomo and other towers and churches rising above the terracotta rooftops.

• Walking time from Giardino di Boboli: 20 minutes / or take bus n 12 from Porta Romana

Dinner in Santo Spirito/San Frediano

After admiring the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, walk down towards Santo Spirito and San Frediano , two neighbourhoods on the left bank of the Arno River. The atmosphere is lively without being excessively touristy : Santo Spirito is popular with tourists and younger people, due to the presence of lots of outdoor bars, whereas San Frediano caters more to an older crowd, and it rose to worldwide fame after being mentioned as one of five best secret neighbourhoods in the world . 

We have two dinner recommendations – Osteria Toscanella in Santo Spirito, known for its delicious fresh pasta specialties from all over Tuscany (including testaroli al pesto from Lunigiana), and Trattoria Sabatino in San Frediano, with good meat-based dishes and a retro atmosphere. Just what you need to end the first of your two days in Florence!

Two Days in Florence – Day 2

Morning – the duomo and brunelleschi dome.

Let’s start your second day in Florence with Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral , also known as the Florence Duomo , the world’s 4th largest cathedral and the 3rd largest in Italy. The colorful marble exterior immediately catches your eye as you step into Piazza Duomo. On the outside, statues of two of the main designers , Arnolfo di Cambio and Filippo Brunelleschi, stand applauding their masterpiece.

The church was built on top of a 7th-century church, the church of Santa Reparata, and you can see the remains of it in the crypt. It was one of the earliest churches in Florence and was still in use during the building of the cathedral. Besides the archaeological remains, you can see different religious and Roman artifacts in the crypt as well as tombs and colorful mosaic floors.

Besides visiting the crypt and interior of the cathedral, where you walk across a vast patterned marble floor looking up at large columns holding the tall ceiling, it is worth visiting the dome , built by genius architect Brunelleschi and now bearing his name. There is no elevator, so you must climb the 463 steps up to the top, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Florence.

Don’t forget to book your entrance to the Brunelleschi Dome in advance and respect the allotted time for the visit.

Santa Maria Novella

After visiting the Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome, walk to the Church of Santa Maria Novella , one of the most important examples of Gothic churches in Tuscany.

The facade is the only one in Florence that is still original like it was initially planned , but it is also the oldest. While other churches have the original facade in place, the original design was different from the one finally built. The interior is filled with colorful frescoes and important art pieces by artists like Giotto and Masaccio .

You can also visit the Small Cloister and Refectory where you will be met by frescoes on walls and ceilings. Some of them need restoration but are still worth exploring.

Walking time from the Duomo: 8 minutes

Afternoon – Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Time for a quick lunch! We recommend heading to Mercato Centrale , located on the first floor of the historic San Lorenzo Market. On the ground floor, you’ll find stalls selling local produce, catering to both locals and tourists. It’s a fun place to walk around, but it’s far from a locals-only market. 

Mercato Centrale, located upstairs, gathers several different restaurateurs showcasing local specialties under the same roof, food-court style. You won’t just find Florentine specialties – there’s also pizza, American barbecue, Sicilian patisserie and more. If you want to try something truly local, opt for lampredotto , boiled cow’s stomach served in bread rolls with the addition of green sauce (recommended!)

Walking time from Santa Maria Novella: 7 minutes

The Uffizi Gallery

Walk a short distance to the Uffizi Gallery , by far the most renowned art gallery in Florence for its famous works by world-class artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

There are thousands of art pieces in the gallery, and there is no way you can get through it all in just a couple of hours – if this is what you have, we recommend joining a small-group guided tour , alternatively you can just book your tickets ahead of time!

However, you can admire some of the most important pieces like Caravaggio’s Medusa , the Venus of Urbino by Titian, Doni Tondo (The Holy Family) which is the only surviving freestanding painting by Michelangelo, Primavera and the Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, and Madonna del Cardellino by Raphael. And finally, you can take in the view of the Duomo from the rooftop terrace.

Walking time from Santa Maria Novella: 13 minutes

Santa Croce

The Minor Basilica of Santa Croce is home to 16 chapels, most of them designed by Giotto, and is popularly known as the Pantheon of Florence due to its many tombs. The church originally dates back to the late 1200s, but most of the original work was lost during a major renovation in the 16th century.

Santa Croce is the resting place of many important people like Michelangelo, Niccolò Machiavelli (a significant political leader,) and the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei , among others. You can also find a funerary monument to Dante in Santa Croce, even though he is buried in Ravenna .

Walking time from the Uffizi Gallery: 7 minutes

Evening – Oltrarno

Finally, end your day in the vibrant neighborhood of Oltrarno, where you can stroll through cobblestoned streets and admire Renaissance architecture contrasting to modern art galleries and hip restaurants and bars. Walk across Ponte Vecchio , recognized by its pastel-colored windows. Make sure you cross it to browse the different shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs. 

There are plenty of restaurants serving food and Tuscan wine for every palate. Walking around the winding, cobblestoned streets of Oltrarno you will find a wealth of small squares, lush green spaces, and quirky fountains.

Since it’s your last night in Florence , we recommend treating yourself to dinner at 4 Leoni , a fantastic restaurant in Piazza della Passera, in the heart of Oltrarno. Their bistecca alla fiorentina is cooked to perfection, but the real star of the show is the scenic location. After dinner, enjoy a gelato at Gelateria della Passera just across the square. 

1 thought on “2 Days in Florence: Itinerary for First-Timers”

Thank you for a very informative travel diary.

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Europe Travel Diary: Florence

Our Europe Travel Diary is an informal rundown of our day-to-day activities while backpacking Europe, starting with Madrid. This diary entry is based on our two nights in Florence. If you are after recommendations for Florence instead, we have a Florence Travel Guide coming soon!

Day 17: Genoa to Florence 

We managed to get to Florence in one piece after a much quicker journey from Genoa than we expected. Our Hostel was only a 15-minute walk from the train station so we set off with our backpacks through the streets of Florence. Once we eventually arrived it was too early to check-in so we dumped our bags and headed out in search of food.

Thankfully, just around the corner from our hostel was a large indoor market, with a produce market downstairs and a food court above. The food court almost had too much choice so we both couldn’t settle on one vendor and had to get different options – one of the main perks of going to markets! I settled for an Italian sausage meal with wedges and Alex went to a different stall to get a burrata and sun-dried tomatoes burger. Whilst the food was really enjoyable, we felt it was very overpriced for what it was so we’re not sure if we’d recommend it.

We then headed back to the hostel to check-in. Unfortunately, they allocated us a room at the furthest possible distance away from the lift on the 3rd floor. Once we got it and found our beds, we both agreed that the room was pretty decent. Again due to COVID, only 4/6 beds were available so Alex and I both took the bottom beds. You can tell we were backpacking because a sign of a good hostel is when they give you proper towels to use (free of charge) – luxury. 

Having spruced ourselves up so we didn’t look half dead, we ventured out for a mandatory wander around the city. This was perfect timing we were able to see the city in all its glory under the setting sun. It really was beautiful (as the pictures will hopefully show). One of the highlights was the Arno river running through Florence and the beautifully wallpapered buildings lining its banks. Moreover, situated behind the many leather markets, we found a boar with a golden snout which, I thought, would give you good luck. Turns out if you rub the snout it is meant to mean you will return to Florence; basically the same thing! 

Once we had walked around the majority of Florence’s city centre, we realised we were pretty hungry. This is where my research came into its own. Having researched Florence extensively, we walked over to a fully gluten-free restaurant where everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, could be done gluten-free. Given the amount of pizza we had consumed in Genoa, we decided to try some gluten-free pasta. The restaurant we went to had by far the best lasagne I’d ever had and I recommend this restaurant and this dish specifically to anyone who goes to Florence! Alex also thinks this is hands down the best lasagne ever even if it is gluten-free! We also finished our meal by sharing a gluten-free cheesecake which was also AMAZING! 

We then went back home to relax in the late evening. By this time, two of our roommates had already checked. Unfortunately, this meant that Leah had a bad night’s sleep as one of their alarms kept going off and the other decided to fiddle with his locker at 3 am; not what you want after a long day travelling.

Are you interested in how we navigated Europe? Check out our guide on How to Travel around Europe on a Budget .

Day 18: Florence 

Today started like most days, with a coffee. We then walked into the city centre for some more aimless wandering and to take in the sights.

One of our main aims in each place/city we visit is to buy a sewing patch. We thought this, along with the thousands of photos, would be a great souvenir from our travels. When we’ve (eventually finished) we plan on sewing them onto a blanket and keeping it as a giant memento. Thankfully on our wander, we found a patch to add to our collection.

We noticed the previous day that across the river and up on the hill was a vantage point. Alex obviously thought it would be a great idea to trek to, much to my annoyance. He finally managed to convince me it was a great idea to hike across to the other side of Florence and up the ridiculously steep steps. Despite the effort getting there, it is safe to say the view was definitely worth it! 

Tiredness was again creeping up on us so we decided to head in the direction of the hostel albeit with a significant detour. We decided to stop off at the Magnum Factory where we could design our own Magnum ice cream. It definitely disappoint and I’m glad we remembered to visit. Apparently, before COVID you could make your own but we had to settle for the guy making them instead. We both had a vanilla base with white choc. I went with walnuts, hazelnuts and chocolate rice crispies. Alex went with marshmallows, rice crispy’s and smarties…of course. 

Once back at the hostel, I fell straight asleep whilst Alex made use of his Kindle. Having awoken from my very long Siesta, we freshened up and went to another GF restaurant opposite the one we went to yesterday. As we both had pasta yesterday, we both decided to get the Diavola pizza; traditionally topped with mozzarella cheese, spicy salami and hot chilli peppers. We both agreed that this was easily the best pizza we had ever had and that we will definitely be those people that complain about the quality of pizza when we are back in England! We also both enjoyed our Aperol Spritzs’; fun fact, we can’t actually drink these anymore but you’ll have to wait for the Rome diaries to know why! 

It was then back home to the hostel to pack for the following morning. Unfortunately we accidentally only booked two nights in Florence; this is one of our biggest regrets from travelling Europe. Not that I’m still bitter, but it was completely Alex’s fault! 

Day 19: Florence to Rome 

We arose early for an early leave. Despite the overcast conditions and significant puddles on the floor, we walked 15 minutes to the train station where we got (another) rubbish coffee before jumping on the train on our way to Roma. Despite me insisting at least 3 times that Alex should go into McDonald’s Cafe for some food, he declined each time. Safe to say he’d go on to regret this as he got hungry fairly quickly. What a shock. The lesson of the day, always listen to me! 

Florence Summary

• Really enjoyed the gluten-free pasta and pizza, probably the best I (Leah) have ever had. Also enjoyed touching the pig’s nose. However, Alex didn’t book it for long enough which I will forever be upset about. 
• Beautiful city, great vibe, easy to walk and get around. The hostel was pretty decent (apart from a guy waking us up in the middle of the night). The food was obviously amazing. Definitely should’ve stayed here longer. 

Europe Travel Diary

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10 comments.

• Pingback: Europe Travel Diary: Genoa and Portofino - Alex and Leah on Tour

I love Florence and have been there many times as I live in Genoa. You have seen how easy it is to reach 🙂 And I can tell that you truly enjoyed your time in Florence. Sounds amazing!!

That’s amazing; you’re so lucky to live so near to a beautiful city; very jealous.

I always dread steep steps when looking at them from the bottom, but the view at the top makes them worth it just about every single time! Glad to hear that was your experience also.

We’re the absolute same and couldn’t agree more; could’ve stayed there for hours!

You can make your own ice cream at the Magnum factory??? That would be so cool!

Yes!! It tasted absolutely amazing.

Sounds like you had a great time in Florence. I’ve been there twice and absolutely loved it! Next time I need to try the lasagne in the gluten-free restaurant you wen to 😉

We really did – we wished we stayed longer and we’ll definitely be going back!

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2 Days in Florence: A Jam-Packed Itinerary + Helpful Tips

Last Updated: May 5, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 10 Comments

Spending 2 days in Florence, Italy is a great introduction to one of the most enchanting cities in the world. I spent my first ever 2 days in Florence while living in Italy and knew almost nothing about it at the time. Now, I’m a full-blown Florence addict with a Renaissance obsession and a Da Vinci addiction.

I’ve written surprisingly little about Florence though. Is it because it’s too perfect and I’ve been afraid to breach the subject? Like my words would only cheapen the city that should be discussed exclusively in the style of Renaissance masters? Or because Florence is one of those magical cities you have to experience for yourself to fall in love with?

Yes to all that. Florence, Italy is by far the place I’m most hoping to dig out a little nest of my own. But until then, I shall continue the tradition of just 2 days in Florence at a time. And now, I’ll help you do the same!

This post was originally published in August 2016 but has been rewritten and updated for 2023.

Table of Contents

2 days in Florence: Tips

The majority of your first of 2 days in Florence you’ll spend outside. Florence is such an incredibly accessible city there’ll be no need for anything but your own two feet to get around. And there’s a lot to see here.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a city with a Renaissance icon on every corner (in the best possible way). There’s the Duomo… and right down the street is Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. After that it’s the Uffizi, then Ponte Vecchio… and then… get my drift?

You’ll want to take it all in immediately, the same way you’ll devour a Florentine steak the size of your torso in just a wee bit (and that’s only a slight exaggeration). Take your time, savor the city, and remember these top tips for your 2 days in Florence.

1. Walk everywhere

As old as Florence is, it makes sense that it’s such a walkable city. You don’t need a cab or a car or a train to visit all the major sites. Walk around the city and absorb the whole of it. Almost nothing has changed here since the Renaissance. Stroll through the streets and imagine you’re back in the 1400s.

Pretend you’re a beautiful maiden sitting for Raphael or Botticelli… and that the church elders have just put the fear of God in you as retribution for how many ales you consume on a nightly basis. They warned you of contracting the Plague. No, syphilis. Or smallpox. You’ll bleed from your eyes just before you descend into a burning Hell to live out eternity!

The Renaissance was a, umm, complicated time. Maybe just concentrate on the pretty art and stuff.

2. Learn about Florence before you visit

Don’t be like me. Don’t visit Florence without having at least a rudimentary knowledge of what the Renaissance was all about. (Turns out, more than just syphilis, leggings, and creepy haircuts.)

Knowing the history of the city beforehand really helps you to appreciate the city while you’re there. Not one month after your first three or four visits. I make these mistakes so you don’t have to!

Read books about Florence:

• Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King
• Inferno by Dan Brown, I highly recommend the special illustrated version to see all the art and architecture mentioned in the story. Game changer!
• The House of Medici: It’s Rise and Fall by Christopher Hibbert
• Pick up a Florence guidebook for great historical summaries and tons of destination information. I’m partial to Fodor’s and Rough Guides but Lonely Planet and Rick Steves  have great options too.

Watch TV shows and movies:

• Da Vinci’s Demons on Starz is like the Game of Thrones of Renaissance Florence and about 90% historically accurate. That’s my own math based on: most of the events are true, but there’s no way Da Vinci was that hot.
• Inferno , the Tom Hanks movie based on Dan Brown’s novel of the same name. Obviously read the book first, but watch the movie too to really see Florence

Play video games:

• Assassin’s Creed 2 takes place in Florence and it, too, is strikingly accurate. I had my husband take me on a very weird virtual walking tour. Watch the Assassin’s Creed 2 trailer .

2. Mind the dress code

The city itself doesn’t enforce a dress code, but many of the places you’ll visit during your 2 days in Florence will. To enter most of Florence’s cathedrals you’ll need to have:

• Your shoulders covered
• Your legs covered
• Nothing with inappropriate wordage
• Removed your hat and/or sunglasses

As often as I see churches trying to recruit people, I sure got turned away a lot. They most definitely enforce this and will check you before you enter.

Don’t be like me—don’t get turned away on multiple occasions because you’re trying to visit during the scorching hot Italian summer. Though the thought of covering any part of your body in Italy in the summer is about as blasphemous as a 2 PM cappuccino, rules are rules and the churches have plenty of them.

When visiting during the summer, a thin scarf or pashmina will do the trick in most cases.

Also check out: Pompeii vs Herculaneum : How to Decide Which is Best for Your Trip

4. Pick up the single ticket pass

Access to all six of the Duomo-related sites (all of which are covered in this itinerary) are covered under one cheap and easy ticket.

With this pass you can get access to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the cathedral), the top of the dome, the top of the bell tower, down into the crypt, inside the Baptistery, and the cathedral’s museum for only 18 euros.

After visiting the first site you choose, you have 48 hours to visit the remaining sites. And since 48 hours = 2 days in Florence, perfecto! More on the single ticket pass here .

5. Start each day with espresso

If you thought church was the only “church” in Italy, you clearly haven’t gotten to know coffee culture in Italia . Look, it’s just the rule. I honestly don’t know what would happen if you didn’t? But I’m sure it ain’t pretty.

Have it one of a thousand ways. Many prefer it straight up and harsh as freshly poured road tar. I prefer it with some steamed milk (cappuccino). Just, whatever you do, don’t ask for it “iced.”

2 days in Florence: day 1 itinerary

The first of your 2 days in Florence will be like a grand walking tour of the city. You’ll visit the biggest sites (in every sense of the word) and end with one of the most amazing views you’ve ever seen.

Naturally, you should start your 2 days in Florence at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (henceforth known as Il Duomo ). This cathedral is Florence’s crown jewel. It’s huge; it’s breathtaking, it’s unyielding in its dress code.

To be clear, the Duomo is the cathedral famous for its massive red brick dome. Duomo is the Italian word for “cathedral” and cupola is the Italian word for “dome.” You’ll hear many people use the word duomo when referring to the dome. Don’t make this mistake.

The Duomo is Florence. The size of this building will blow your mind. Knowing that it was built by the hands of drunken Italians in the 1200s? Whoa.

This church took almost 200 years to complete and its dome remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. If you’ve spent any time in Italy then you already know why it took so long. The Duomo, its bell tower, and the nearby Baptistery collectively make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The story of the dome’s construction is actually super interesting, a little bit nerdy, and at times hilarious. Seriously, if you read one book before you visit Florence, read Brunelleschi’s Dome .

Take a walk around the cathedral and examine the size, listen to the bells on the hour, and marvel at the way Florentine life just goes on like normal in the piazza of one of the world’s most important and grand structures like it ain’t no thang.

Inside the duomo

Admire the exterior’s pink and green colors, sculptures, and windows. Then, you enter. Womp, womp…. Despite her majestic exterior, her insides are really nothing to look at, especially if you’ve been inside other European cathedrals. If this is, in fact, your first—holy cow, can you believe this place!? Wow.

Though not nearly as impressive as other Renaissance cathedrals out there, Santa Maria del Fiore definitely deserves its place on your itinerary.

Get the audio guide

My recommendation for your visit here is picking up the audio guide upon entering. It will cost a couple of euros and they’ll ask to hold your ID until you return. So don’t even think about jacking that mid-20 th century used Walkman that plays only facts about this church, no matter how bad you want it.

The audio guide comes with a map of important spots and interesting talking points inside the church. My favorites are:

The 24-hour clock

Paolo Uccello designed this clock back in 1443. It’s a 24-hour clock with the day ending at sunset which doesn’t actually make a lick of sense but it still works ! Hands up if you’ve purchased a kitchen appliance in the last 6 months that already doesn’t work anymore.

The marble floor

For whatever reason, the floors of these Italian cathedrals are always so fascinating. The one here was laid in the 1500s and I love its illusion of being three dimensional.

The portrait of Dante Alighieri

Domenico di Michelino painted Dante Before the City of Florence in 1465. It depicts scenes from Dante’s Divine Comedy including Hell on the left, Mount Purgatory in the middle and, proving just how highly Dante thought of Florence, Heaven on the right.

Explore the crypt

Exploring the Duomo’s crypt won’t take you very long but it’s worth a visit if you’re not claustrophobic. And if you are, maybe Italy isn’t the best place for you? Those Italians of yore must’ve been just tiny, tiny people. Admission into the crypt is included in the ticket price so just, why not? Life is short—spend it underground looking at old rocks.

Underneath the Duomo are the remains of the original, 3 rd -century church. You’ll see perfectly preserved mosaic floors, architectural remnants, and artwork.

Also in the crypt lies the—really hard to find—tomb of Fillipo Brunelleschi, the dome’s architect. Oh, what was that? We had a map? Well lemme just say that map is less accurate than my Roberto DeNiro impression and it’s really disorienting down there. Regardless, a map in my hands is more pointless than a circle.

After searching for far too long and taking pictures of every tomb-shaped rock we came across  just in case , we found him–in the place we least expected: the crypt gift shop. Hidden behind a cage, some walls, and a postcard rack.

Climb the bell tower

The bell tower adjacent to the Duomo is known as Giotto’s Campanile ( campanile being a freestanding Italian bell tower, and Giotto being Giotto di Bondone, the guy who designed it). It was constructed between 1334 and 1359 with a short pause in construction because of a minor setback called the Black Plague.

Climbing the tower offers you some of the best views in Florence, second only to those from Piazzale Michelangelo (the last stop on day 1 of your 2 days in Florence). To get these views you must climb the 414 steps up a narrow staircase—a tight squeeze you’ll understand fully if you’ve ever had to jump up and down to get your jeans on.

Should I climb the bell tower or the dome?

I notice a lot of people choose to climb to the dome instead of the bell tower. And to them I ask, “Why!” When you climb the highlight of a skyline, you can’t see the highlight of the skyline. Like when people visit New York City and climb the Empire State Building instead of Rockefeller Center—rookie mistake.

If your trip to Italy includes some time spent down south, be sure to check out my post on how to spend 5 days in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast . Such a beautiful part of the country that should not be missed!

Baptistery & Gates of Paradise

Florence’s Baptistery , the octagonal building in front of the Duomo, is the city’s oldest religious monument (of which there are many). How old exactly? No one really knows but the earliest recorded account of it dates back to 897. Eight. Ninety. Seven. And just look at how good she looks for her age! But doesn’t she know about horizontal stripes?

Until the 19 th century, all Catholic Florentines were baptized here including many famous ones like the Medicis and even Dante himself. And yes, you can still be baptized here. And you better be or you’ll be condemned to hell for all eternity !

Legend has it that immediately upon entering it’s physically impossible not to look up at the gold mosaic ceiling. This famous ceiling is covered in gold mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible, a huge Jesus, and a disgusting image of Hell–being eaten alive by a horned beast.

There isn’t a whole lot else to see inside the Baptistery but it’s definitely worth ten minutes of your 2 days in Florence. However, be sure to check the open times beforehand as they change almost daily. I swear to 20-foot golden Jesus there is no rhyme or reason to Italian business operation.

Gates of Paradise

Back outside the Baptistery you’ll find the Gates of Paradise, the bronze set of door on the side facing the Duomo. They depict scenes from the Old Testament and Michelangelo himself is quoted as saying they were so beautiful they could’ve been used as the Gates of Paradise.

Artist Lorenzo Ghiberti designed and created them after winning a competition for the commission. It probably didn’t hurt that “designer of all the other  doors to the baptistery” was already on his resumé. 

And guess who he beat? Filippo Brunelleschi! Nothing like getting whooped in one artistic endeavor to help you create the world’s largest dome and signature Renaissance masterpiece just a few years later. And guess who Brunelleschi beat for  that  job? Lorenzo Ghiberti! This has Daytime Emmy written all over it.  

These are not the originals

Important note: the Gates of Paradise you see on the side of the Baptistery aren’t the originals. This was a surprise and a disappointment! I hate learning that awesome things I love are not the originals—it’s like finding out about Dumbledore all over again. (Bravo Warner Brothers, I didn’t even notice. Wizardus replaceum !)

I get it, they need to preserve the priceless original Gates of Paradise. But do they let anyone know this up front? No. Not even in back either. The originals are housed in the nearby Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and I only knew that because I was  in the museum  when my art teacher friend told me. She kept talking about some competition and some golden doors… I don’t know. She talks a lot about “competitions” when we’re in Italy.

Shop at a market

Next up is shopping! One of the greatest benefits to visiting Florence. There are many outdoor markets worth checking out while you’re here. Get your handbags, your scarves, gloves, belts, and anything else you could ever need made of leather.  

My favorites are the  San Lorenzo Market with its indoor counterpart, the Central Market. And Mercato Porcellino (which also goes by the names of Straw Market, New Market, Mercato Nuovo, and probably more I don’t know about).

At both you can find all the leather your heart desires, jewelry, clothing, and maybe some touristy souvenirs? But I don’t remember seeing any of that. At Mercato Porcellino you’ll find the bronze statue of the little pig (porcellino). Rub his snout and put a coin in his mouth. If the water washes the coin out of the mouth and into the grate below, you’ll have good luck. I guess luck comes cheap these days.

And don’t be afraid to haggle

That’s the first lesson in Outdoor Foreign Market Shopping 101. Damn, if only that were a real class. I may have to change my major…

I haven’t come across an Italian shop owner who wasn’t willing to haggle. Have fun with it. Wave your hands. Walk away in disgust. Make up elaborate stories. Try Jedi mind tricks. Whatever.

Vasari Cooridor

Around the area of the Mercato Porcellino and Ponte Vecchio you can peep parts of the Vasari Cooridor, the secret passageway used by the Medicis that connects Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace. Yes! All my medieval dreams have come true! Well, almost. As soon as I get my dragons though, it’s on.

The Vasari Corridor, designed by famed artist Giorgio Vasari, was built to ensure the Medicis could get across town safely and secretly. If you didn’t know it existed, you’d never see it. I’ve only seen it in a few spots but  this map  helps to know where to look.

You  can see, above the arches in the center of the west side of Ponte Vecchio, a set of large windows–those were added in 1939 prior to a visit from Adolf Hitler so he could have a more panoramic view.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio  stands for “old bridge” –but don’t tell her that. It’s said to have been built in Roman times, washed away twice, then rebuilt again… and, at Hitler’s wishes, was the only bridge crossing the Arno River that was spared in WWII.

The bridge you’ll get shoved across today was built in 1345 and houses mostly jewelry stores. But what is today jewelry was at one time raw meat.

Why, Ponte Vecchio, what big butcher shops you had! All the better to wash away rotten carcasses down the river, my dear. …Until the Medicis could no longer stand the smell of rotting meat wafting into their secret passageway above the bridge and shut that operation down.

It’s not the loveliest of bridges but it’s rich in history, a must-see during your 2 days in Florence, and it gets you to the other side, the way bridges often do. Do some window shopping, enjoy the breeze on the river, take many photos, and thank all that is good and pure there aren’t skinless animals hanging in the shop windows anymore.

Boboli Gardens

The 16th-century Boboli Gardens is hidden behind the ginormous Pitti Palace and is a super huge garden park acting as another sort of open-air museum. I’m talking  was the inspiration for the gardens at Versailles  huge. However, from outside Pitti Palace you may never even know it existed. What is this illusion!

Boboli Gardens is full of 16th-18th century sculptures, fountains, shrub mazes, grottoes, flowers and trees, the mysterious Kaffeehaus, an indoor museum, and a massive stone bathtub for whatever reason. My favorite part of exploring Boboli Gardens (besides the fact that chasing rabbits through a maze made out of bush walls makes you feel like Alice in Wonderland) are the ridiculous views, something Florence specializes in.

Boboli Gardens is open every day except the first and last Monday of every month . Also, the closing hours vary quite a lot depending on the month. Double check the hours before you visit!

Check out both sides

Apparently the Boboli Gardens are much bigger than I realized. After our visit to the gardens we kept hearing, “Oh, did you see the … ? And the … ?! And the awesome … ???”

We’d spent a good amount of time in the Gardens, thought we’d seen it all, and still missed out on all stuff worth not missing out on. How did this happen? Curse you infinite maze!

“Well when you entered, which way did you go? “We went left…” “Oh… yeah you should’ve gone right.”

So there you go, readers. As interesting as the left side of Boboli Gardens was, it’s apparently the right side that’s the bee’s knees. Do I know what’s over there to tell you to look out for? Nope. Report back!

If you like opulent gardens and fountains galore, also consider spending two days in Tivoli . It’s got all that and way, way more and it’s just 45 minutes outside Rome.

Check out some street art

One of my favorite artists is a Florentine street artist known as Blub . He paints celebrities, other famous works of art, pop culture icons, etc, all underwater wearing snorkel masks. And I dig it. You’ll see it plastered all over Florence and he told me he has a studio where you can purchase prints. (Which one of my readers did so I could decorate my own home!)

Also, and as I’ve only seen in Italy, you can find art in the most unusual and probably illegal places. My simple mind found it hilarious so I tried to snap them all but finally got sick of taking so many pictures because these are everywhere in Florence. Apparently there are a lot of places you can’t go in Italy.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is a large plaza overlooking Florence and, without a doubt, my favorite spot in Florence.

That was the moment I fell in love with Florence. Those views! I’d never seen anything like it in my life. You can see the entire  city and not too different than it was 600 years ago. 

Florence, you killed it! At the end of a rushed day through Florence with another coming up, Piazzale Michelangelo is the perfect place to end your night. Grab a bottle of wine and sit on the steps to watch the sun go down. You’ll never forget it.

2 days in Florence: day 2 itinerary

The second of your 2 days in Florence will be all about some of the city’s best museums. And Florence has a lot of great museums! 

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

Start at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, one of the six museums covered in the single ticket pass and the Duomo’s official museum.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is just the Italian way of saying, “Here is where we keep all the sculptures and artwork that was once intended to adorn either the interior or the exterior of the Duomo.”

This museum opened in 1891 and houses over 720 years worth of priceless art. It offers the largest collection of Florentine sculptures in the world–and seeing as how it’s in  Florence, I’m not sure that’s really a brag-worthy declaration on their part.

In this museum you’ll find the Gates of Paradise–the actual, real, original Gates of Paradise, not some phony brought on for season 3 after a series of contract disputes forced a replacement. There are some pretty famous works of art in this museum, including  The Deposition  by Michelangelo.

Michelangelo began to sculpt this pietà when he was 72 years old and intended it to cover his tomb. He also intended on being buried in Rome but that didn’t happen either. The man standing is said to be Nicodemus after taking Jesus’s body off the cross, but it’s also thought to be a self-portrait of Michelangelo, that sneaky little dude.

Michelangelo worked for eight years on this sculpture before trying to destroy it because he thought it sucked. Does that mean I shouldn’t be as proud as I am at how perfectly I folded my towels this morning? 

Piazza Della Signoria

Just down the street from the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio. Piazza della Signoria is and always has been the political center of Florence. The Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall and houses a pretty interesting museum inside.

The Piazza itself offers visitors a sort of open-air art museum experience with most sculptures from the 1500s (yay to free stuff!).

Directly outside the Palazzo is the most notable, Michelangelo’s statue of David . Again, this is not the original. The original, Michelangelo-sculpted David  is housed inside the Accademia Gallery. (Side note: Did you know Ace of Base’s “Don’t Turn Around” was first sung by Tina Turner? Curses!).

However, outside the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio is  where the original  David stood from 1504-1873. So if you don’t choose to visit the Accademia, consider this the next best thing! I prefer my art  in situ anyway–helps with that whole pretending-I’m-a-medieval-princess thing I’m prone to.

Loggia dei Lanzi

Across the piazza from Palazzo Vecchio is the Loggia dei Lanzi, the “open-air museum” of which I speak. Surrounded by columns and covered in arches, this loggia–that’s fancy speak for “porch”–houses massive sculptures seemingly all based on the subjects of murder or rape…? It’s fine art, I swear. I guess just don’t bring your kids here?

Notable works include the Medici lions on the staircase, the centerpiece  Perseus with the Head of Medusa  by Benvenuto Cellini,  Rape of the Sabine Women  by Giambologna carved from the largest block of marble ever brought to Florence, and the statue of  Menelaus Supporting the Body of Patroclus  that was picked up in a vineyard somewhere in the early 16th century.

There’s the  Hercules and Cacus  by Baccio Bandinelli ,   The Rape of Polyxena  by Pio Fedi, and on the ground near the fountain of Neptune is a round marble plaque marking the exact spot where Girolamo Savonarola was hanged and burned in 1498 for being a heretic. So yeah, it’s like they’re just trying to frighten children.

Palazzo Vecchio

It wasn’t until my third or fourth visit to Florence that I even realized there was a museum inside the Palazzo Vecchio. Now, it’s a place I highly recommend. Especially if you’ve read or watched Dan Brown’s Inferno .

It’s inexpensive and won’t take up a lot of your time, but the collection isn’t massive or incredibly thrilling if you haven’t read the book (or watched the movie). But if you have, your trip through the maze of the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio is going to be amazing!

A good amount of the story takes place inside Palazzo Vecchio and everything is just as Dan Brown described them. You can see the Hall of the 500 and Vasari’s tapestries, Dante’s death mask, the map room (+ secret passageway), and me, freaking out over seeing the Dante death mask because you just don’t think those things are real.

Uffizi or Academia

You’ve got time for one more museum during your 2 days in Florence. What’ll it be? Are you Team Uffizi or Team Accademia?

Why visit the Uffizi 

The Uffizi Gallery along with the Vatican Museums make up the top two most visited museums in Italy. Uffizi is Italian for “offices” as this is the building where the Medici’s housed the administrative and judicial offices of Florence.

The Uffizi  Gallery opened to the public in 1769 and houses masterpieces by almost every notable Renaissance artist: Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Cimabue, on and on.

The Uffizi just also happens to display my all-time favorite painting, the Birth of Venus  by Sandro Botticelli, whose size will astound you. The majority of artwork inside the Uffizi Gallery is from between the 12th and 17th centuries.

Why visit the Accademia

The other museum, the Accademia Gallery, has the  David .

To be honest, I’ve never been to the Accademia so my opinion is certainly biased.  I’d love to see the original  David and I will next time for sure. But we were in the same boat–we had to choose one and we went with the Uffizi.

I don’t know what else there is to see at the Accademia other than the  David  but I do know the Uffizi is bursting with masterpieces. I’m very happy with our decision despite the fact that I thought I was going to be arrested after setting off the museum’s alarms more than a couple of times.

Visiting the Uffizi could take you an entire day if you had it. Or you can do like us and book a guided tour of the Uffizi highlights for when you’ve got just 2 days in Florence and need to maximize your sightseeing. Absolutely worth it!

Dinner at Tavernetta della Signoria

Tavernetta della Signoria  is my favorite restaurant in Florence. The food is delicious and the service and location are perfect. After my first time I kept their business card in my wallet for four years so I’d remember it when I went back.

After our time at the Uffizi, we were dumped out the back of the museum. One block over is Tavernetta della Signoria. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner after exploring the Uffizi. Masterpieces for your eyes followed by masterpieces for your mouth. Bellissimo!

I haven’t eaten anything here that wasn’t the best I’ve ever had. Start with the classic bruschetta, just make sure you pronounce it “broo-skay-tuh.”

Where to stay in Florence

The problem with deciding where to stay in Florence is that there are so many incredible hotels. I’ll start by telling you about the place I always stay when I visit, then do my best to narrow it down a little more for you!

Hotel Aurora

Our first time staying in Florence we arrived by train with plenty of wine goals but no plans for accommodation. We chose Hotel Aurora because it’s right across the street from Florence’s main train & bus station and was the first place we saw. Keep it simple, y’all.

We requested two  rooms  which turned out to be two  full-sized apartments . A huge kitchen, master bedroom, master bath, dining room, and just look at that patio.

You can’t beat the location, the service, and they even have a great breakfast in a cutesy little garden. We even had one of those old-timey elevators where you have to shut the door yourself.

I’ve also stayed there where we were given a room just off the lobby–the modern opposite of the old-timey space of yore. I don’t know what they’ve got going on at Hotel Aurora, but I like it. It’s a surprise every time you stay there.

Book your room at Hotel Aurora here !

Hotel Perseo

You can’t ask for a better location than Hotel Perseo–it’s basically in the Duomo’s front yard. The reviews rave about this property, its staff, its breakfast, and everything else. 

Some rooms have amazing city views, some look at the courtyard, but all have free WiFi and air conditioning.

Book your room at Hotel Perseo here . 

Hotel Palazzo Guadagni 

This hotel is the perfect place to stay if you still want to be at the center of it all, but in a location with a more local vibe. 

Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is located inside a 16th-century building just a few minutes away from Pitti Palace. They offer beautiful rooms with fireplaces and real frescoes; and boast a rooftop bar with amazing views. 

The rooms are quite spacious and some even come with views of the Duomo and Pitti Palace. Many of the guests are repeat visitors–such a great sign of quality.

Book your room at Hotel Palazzo Guadagni here . 

Vacation rentals

Even in Florence, vacation rentals are always an option and you can find some amazingly beautiful places with the most incredible views. Check out Florence vacation rentals here!

Optional Florence tours

If roaming about town on your own isn’t your speed, there are tons of great tours you can take in Florence. Taking tours ensures you’ll have a knowledgable local guide to teach you all the ins and outs (and most of the time to skip lines) as well as show you parts of the city you might never have seen. It’s always great when someone else takes the lead. Check out these Florence tours I’ve picked out for you to see if one (or more) is a fit!

Best of Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Access to David

This highly-rated, 2.5-hour walking tour of Florence also include skip-the-line access to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.

On this tour you’ll see much of what I talked about in this post but with the added benefit of local insight from a professional tour guide. (But probably not as many jokes.) This tour would be a great introduction to the city. Click here for booking information .

Withlocals The 10 Tastings™: Florence Private Food Tour

This 3-hour culinary tour of Florence has nothing but 5-star ratings. I’ll tell you right now–Florence, Italy is hands-down the best food city I’ve ever visited. There’s not a chance this tour won’t live up to your wildest dreams.

This tour includes all food, snacks, alcohol, and a professional tour guide. You’ll learn all about food preparation, sample some of the city’s best offerings, and explore the history-laden city on foot. This popular tour is marked “likely to sell out” so book your spot ASAP. Click here for booking information .

If you like food tours, also check out:

• This pasta cooking course in Florence
• The original small-group cooking class and Florence market tour
• This gelato and pizza cooking class

More info for your 2 days in Florence

• Heading to Florence? Find great places to stay here !
• Need a rental car? Check out the best local deals here .
• Don’t forget to pick up an Italy guidebook for your other Italian adventures.
• This  customs and culture guide to Italy  is a must-pack item!
• Keep yourself and your belongings safe in Italy with  these must-pack safety items .
• Like this post? Have questions? Hit me up on Instagram

What’s on your list to see during your 2 days in Florence?

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 32 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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• 2 Days in Florence Itinerary: How to See Florence in 2 Days

Florence is truly a magnificent destination no matter the time of year. It’s home to fantastic art, history, and of course, food! Truth be told, a weekend in Florence is all the time you need if you plan your trip ahead of time.

If you find yourself visiting Italy, be sure to add Florence to your Italy bucket list . It’s located right in the heart of Tuscany, one of the most beautiful regions in the entire country. From its lush rolling hills to its excellent wine, you’ll truly have the trip of a lifetime.

Although there are tons of activities in Florence that you won’t want to miss out on, you can easily cover a lot with just a small amount of time because of the size of the city.

So if you want to see the best of the city but you only have a limited time, you are in the right place! If you follow this 2 days in Florence itinerary you will be able to see all the beauty Florence has to offer in just 2 days.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your 2 Days in Florence Itinerary

You can find an overview of the recommended 2 days in Florence itinerary below. Each day includes some of the must-visit spots that you absolutely can’t miss out on.

The first day will involve exploring the downtown area, while the second day will consist of some museum visits.

For each day, you’ll want to make sure you purchase your tickets well in advance for the attractions. Don’t worry, I’ve included a quick reminder for each place you should buy a ticket in advance so you don’t forget!

Breakdown of your Florence itinerary

• Day 1 – Piazza della Repubblica, Duomo, lunch at Osteria All’antico Vinaio, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Fontana del Porcellino, Ponte Vecchio, gelato at La Carraia
• Day 2 – Piazzale Michelangelo, Giardino delle Rose, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace, dinner at Osteria del Fiore, gelato at GROM

Map for the best sights to see in Florence in 2 days

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you will need for this Florence itinerary.

I marked your 2 days in Florence with different colors – I used blue for the first day and magenta for the second day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Florence

Walk around the piazza della repubblica.

To start this Florence in 2 days itinerary, head straight to the Piazza della Repubblica! This is one of the most-visited plazas in all of Florence and it gets crazy busy later in the day so visiting right in the morning is a perfect time!

There are a few cafes and restaurants scattered across the plaza, so you can even grab a cup of the best coffee in the world while exploring the plaza. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see the sunrise while you’re here.

Piazza della Repubblica is considered one of Florence’s main squares, which is why it’s so heavily visited. Be sure to keep your eye out for the 15th-century Column of Abundance, which is where the Roman forum once was. You can’t miss it!

Climb to the top of the Duomo

Truth be told, if you only manage to do one thing off of this Florence itinerary, make sure you climb to the top of the Duomo. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Florence in 2 days!

The Duomo is part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and dates back to the 13th century. The Duomo is considered one of the world’s marvels and was the most giant dome of its kind for a while.

Tickets should be purchased ahead of time to climb to the top of the Duomo. Tickets are sold with time entry, so make sure you show up at least 10-15 minutes before your time to ensure that you can go inside. You’ll be let in with a group of others as you get ready to climb the 463 stairs.

The entrance fee starts from €18 and your ticket will also get you into the other attractions that make up the cathedral. Book your ticket here or if you’re interested in visiting the Dome with a local guide, be sure to check out this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.

The Duomo is honestly not super challenging to climb, as there are a few spots where you can stop and take a break on the way up.

One of those spots is right under the dome, where you can get an in-depth look at all of the frescoes painted inside the church! This is certainly one of the most beautiful parts of the entire climb.

Once you get to the very top, you’ll be able to see all of Florence from above, even out to the rolling hills of Tuscany. There is a pretty thick bar all around the top, so if you’re scared of heights, rest assured that you’ll be safe.

Keep in mind that there can be a pretty big crowd at the top, so you might have to spend 20-30 minutes just to get all around the very top. However, it’s truly worth it!

Grab a quick lunch at Osteria All’antico Vinaio

Osteria All’antico Vinaio is hands-down the best sandwich shop in all of Florence. It has over 20,000 reviews on Google alone! The restaurant is usually open between 10 am and 10.30 pm but depending on the time of day, you might have to wait in a long line.

That’s why the best time to visit is right around the time it opens! If you visit any time afternoon, you might have to wait a while until you get served.

This sandwich shop dates back to 1989 and was born inside of an old wine cellar, which only adds to the shop’s appeal. No matter what type of sandwich you want, they have it on the menu here.

There isn’t a whole lot of seating, so plan on ordering and taking it to a nearby piazza to enjoy it (Piazza della Signoria is a very close walk from here).

Explore the inside of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral, dates back to the 13th century. It’s the most prominent church in all of Florence and dominates the city’s skyline, so it’s impossible to miss it.

The Duomo is part of the cathedral and while you do have to pay for the Duomo, you can enter the cathedral for free!

Because the cathedral is free to visit, the line tends to be a bit longer. Depending on the day of the week that you’re visiting and following this 2 day Florence itinerary, you’re going to probably wait in line for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

However, it’s completely worth it! The inside is gorgeous. Take the time to go downstairs and explore the underground area a bit too. You’ll be able even to see the ancient ruins of Florence down there!

Scrub the snout of Fontana del Porcellino

Fontana del Porcellino is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florence. It’s actually a bronze fountain of a wild boar located in Mercato Nuovo (or otherwise known as Mercato del Porcellino), close to Ponte Vecchio.

The boar statue was sculpted by Pietro Tacca, based on a Hellenistic marble statue that was gifted to Cosimo I by Pope Pius IV in Rome. If you’re interested in seeing the original marble figure, you can see it in the Uffizi Gallery on your second day of this Florence itinerary.

There are two traditions you can try while visiting Fontana del Porcellino. The first one is to put a coin inside the mouth of the boar and let it slide down hoping that it ends down in the grate lying under the statue. If you’re successful, it means you will have very good luck!

The second one is to scrub the snout of the boar to ensure your return the Florence. Now you know why the boar’s nose is so shiny!

Depending on how much time you have left until sunset, you can also take a quick or an extended walk around Mercato Nuovo. It’s a covered leather market where you can find many belts, bags, and even some T-shirts and souvenirs. If you’re planning to buy a nice Italian leather bag, this is the place to do it!

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio at sunset

Ponte Vecchio is the most iconic bridge in all of Florence. It’s most well-known for being home to a bunch of shops that line the bridge. Historically, this was a great place to go for produce and meat. Now, it’s home to souvenir shops, jewelry shops, and the like.

Ponte Vecchio was the very first bridge to cross the Arno River. It was actually the only bridge on the river until 1218 and after the bridge was destroyed in a flood, it got rebuilt in 1345.

While it was initially built to help fortify the city and provide more defense, it quickly grew into something of its own.

Walking across Ponte Vecchio is definitely one of the top things to do in Florence. The bridge also offers an incredible view of the sunset and you can also snap a photo of Ponte Vecchio during sunset from the other bridge nearby.

If you’re craving something sweet, be sure to check out Gelateria La Carraia  close to Ponte Vecchio. It’s one of the best places for gelato in Florence for a good reason, their ice cream is just heavenly!

Day 2 of Your 2 Days in Florence

Catch the sunrise at piazzale michelangelo.

Piazzale Michelangelo is the number one place to view Florence from above. Yes, that means it’s even better than the view from the Duomo because you can see the Duomo from this view!

Most people stop here for sunset, so go against the grain and stop here for sunrise.

You can either walk up a steep hill (it won’t take more than 30 minutes maximum), take a bus, or drive to the top. All of them are viable options.

Seeing the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo is truly one of the best things to do in Florence in 2 days!

Giardino delle Rose

Giardino delle Rose is a beautiful rose garden located right below piazza Michelangelo. The garden is free to visit and it’s a great option to have a peaceful break from the bustling city life and admire the beauty of nature.

Giardino delle Rose was created in 1865 and it’s home to more than 400 varieties of roses. If you haven’t had breakfast yet, it’s also a great place for a picnic!

See art at the Uffizi Gallery

With 2 days in Florence, you absolutely must pay a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. This art museum opened in the 16th century and it’s not only home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, but you can also admire many incredible artworks from Leonardo, Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.

Tickets should be purchased well in advance and cost between €10-16 depending on the time of year, you can book your tickets here .

Since you’ll be seeing many amazing artworks in the museum, it’s also worth considering taking a guided tour where you can learn all about the inside stories behind the artworks.

Plan on spending at least a few hours here, but don’t spend too long, or else you won’t get through the rest of the fun activities on this Florence itinerary!

Check out the sculptures at Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is one of the most important historic squares in Florence and since it’s located right behind the Uffizi Gallery, it’s worth taking a stroll in the square after you’ve seen everything you wanted inside the museum.

Piazza della Signoria is home to many unique artworks such as the Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati and the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I by Giambologna and you can also find a copy of Michelangelo’s David at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio.

The original David statue is located in Galleria dell’Accademia but due to the time limit, I didn’t include it in this 2 days in Florence itinerary. If you happen to have some extra free time during your weekend in Florence, feel free to include the museum in your Florence itinerary as well.

Keep in mind that it’s important to book your tickets well in advance! An adult ticket costs €20, you can book it here .

But back to Piazza della Signoria! On the right side of Palazzo Vecchio, you can also find an open-air sculpture gallery called Loggia dei Lanzi.

The gallery was designed by Orcanga in 1376 and now it’s home to many amazing statues like the statue of Perseo holding Medusa’s head or the Rape of the Sabines.

If you have some extra time, it’s also worth checking out the museum inside Palazzo Vecchio!

Embrace the beauty at Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace

Boboli Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks in Florence. It was built in the 16th century for the royal Medici family and wasn’t open to the public until the late 18th century.

It was one of the first royal Italian gardens and was the inspiration for many other parks that came after!

The Boboli Gardens are located right near the Pitti Palace, also known as the Palazzo Pitti. It was built in the 15th century and was home to the Medicis and the Pittis for quite a while. Tickets cost €10 for the Pitti Palace and €6 for the Boboli Gardens.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a ticket that covers the entrance to both, so tickets have to be purchased separately in advance. You can book your tickets here !

Eat dinner at Osteria del Fiore

To finish off this 2 days in Florence itinerary, stop by Osteria del Fiore for dinner! This is an excellent Tuscan restaurant located right next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, so you can have a great view while dining on fine Italian food.

The pricing here is mid-range. To ensure that you will get a table, try to beat the dinner rush by visiting around 5 pm if you can! As a bonus, Osteria del Fiore is right next to GROM , a top-visited gelato shop in Florence. Treat yourself to a sweet dessert after dinner while you watch the sunset over the cathedral!

Useful Info for Spending 2 Days in Florence

Where to stay in florence.

This 2 days in Florence itinerary wouldn’t be complete without going over some of the best accommodations!

Due to the size and popularity of the city, you can easily find a place to stay no matter your budget. That’s one of the many things that makes Florence such a hot destination.

Because you will only be spending two days in Florence, I recommend that you try to stay closer to the city center and the downtown area. This way, you’ll be close to all the top spots to visit and you’ll be able to save time and money with transportation.

In case you want to know more about each neighborhood in the city to find out which one is the best for you, check out my in-depth guide about the best areas to stay in Florence .

Do you prefer booking Airbnbs on your travels? Then check out my article about the best apartments and Airbnbs in Florence !

For a quick solution, below you can find a few of the best hotels to stay in for your weekend in Florence, depending on your budget.

• Luxury: The St. Regis Florence
• Mid-range: Brunelleschi Hotel
• Budget: Locanda Dei Guelfi

How to get to Florence

Since Florence is one of Italy’s main cities, it’s quite easy to get there and you have a lot of options to choose from.

For international visitors, flying is often the most straightforward method. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport, located within the city, provides easy access to central Florence via a 15-minute T1 tram ride.

Alternatively, Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa serves as a viable option for potentially cheaper flights, with Florence just an hour away by train from Pisa Centrale Station.

If you’re in central Europe already or are traveling around Italy, you might opt to take the train. Italy has tons of high-speed trains, and they’re genuinely cost-effective. All the trains are relatively comfortable and offer incredible views from the window too!

If you’re road-tripping in Italy, you can also choose to drive to Florence. However, in this case, you need to be aware of the ZTL zones (restricted traffic zones) which are strictly monitored in the city center. It’s best to park your car outside of these zones and take public transportation or walk to your destination.

Best time to visit Florence

Many people who have visited Italy will agree that the ultimate best time to visit Florence is during the summer months of May to August. During this time, the weather is superb but keep in mind that this is the busiest time to visit.

That means that prices might be a bit higher for hotels/accommodations as well as transportation to and from the city but in exchange, you’ll be able to see the city at its most beautiful time.

The shoulder season is a great time to visit if you still want to have great weather but not as many people. During this time, prices will be a bit more regular, and you won’t have to wait in super long lines to get into top attractions like the Duomo. However, you’ll still have to purchase your tickets ahead of time for some sites!

To avoid all crowds, visit the city in winter. Florence is still beautiful in the winter but keep in mind that opening hours for some attractions might be a bit shorter. By visiting in the winter, you will save a fair amount of money on accommodations.

How to get around Florence

It’s super easy to get around the city if you’re spending a weekend in Florence! Truthfully, the easiest way to get around Florence is just by walking as a lot of top must-visit attractions are within a few blocks of each other.

Just make sure you wear appropriate footwear or it won’t be fun at all. Italy is known for its cobblestone streets, after all!

The bus is also a reasonably affordable way to get around the city if you’d rather not walk everywhere. However, keep in mind that the bus can get stuck in traffic and could end up taking as long as if you were to walk!

The average one-way bus ticket costs €1.5 and can be purchased at the local convenience stores or at Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Books of ten can be purchased for a discount!

As I mentioned before, getting around Florence with a car is not recommended. Parking is generally hard to come by and you need to pay attention to the ZTL zones as well. Taxis are also a possibility but can be pricey if you get stuck in traffic.

Try to opt for one of the other transportation options if you can! This will ensure you have the best experience possible for your 2 days in Florence.

Planning a trip to Florence?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Florence. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• 8 Best Areas to Stay in Florence, Italy
• 15 Best Apartment Rentals and Airbnbs in Florence, Italy

Other Amazing Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Dolomites | Lake Como | Lake Garda | Rome | Venice

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2 thoughts on “2 Days in Florence Itinerary: How to See Florence in 2 Days”

Very nice, though just for accuracy’s sake, the Duomo IS the cathedral, not just part of it. You might be thinking it’s the “dome,” but Duomo isn’t dome, it’s the church itself.

Thanks so much for correcting me!

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FLORENCE TRAVEL DIARY – FOOD, FUN & GETTING AROUND

I can’t begin to explain how beautiful and fun Italy was. I will do my best at listing everything in this post, but you must promise me that you will go one day soon. Even if you’re like me, and haven’t been in years, you must ago again as soon as you can. 🙂

WHY FLORENCE

Florence came into the picture because John and I were about to have our 10 year anniversary from the first time we traveled and lived there together as students. We thought what better way to celebrate this milestone than to relive some of those memories. It turned out to be the best thing for us, we only wished we could have stayed longer than 5-6 days.

HOTEL OR AIRBNB

Knowing that prices were going to be high to stay in a centrally located hotel for 5 nights, we dedicated to spend our money wisely and  Airbnb  a 2 bedroom apartment with a kitchen just near the Arno. John’s brother and girlfriend flew in a day after us, and we all stayed in this cute little apartment together. It was clean, cozy and we couldn’t have asked for a better location.

GETTING AROUND

We spent each day exploring around our new neighborhood by foot. So be sure to bring your comfiest walking shoes since there’s tons of exploring to be had. My feet loved being in footwear by  Joules . I wore their cute sandals all day, everyday and I got zero blisters. I was happy. However, it was SO HOT! John and I ended up getting so overheated on the first day that we got sick and needed to spend our second day in bed drinking only electrolytes! On top of that, we were running to the bathroom every few minutes, and it was NOT fun!! So tip #1 – wear comfy shoes and tip#2 – carry drinking water around with you in the hot summer months and limit direct sun exposure.

THINGS TO DO

Florence offers plenty of activities. We used to live here for a year and we still couldn’t see and do everything after school. TripAdvisor has a pretty comprehensive list of things you can do and I recommend checking it out. As for us, luckily we got around to feeling better the next day for our Radiohead  concert. The concert was just under 15 minutes away by cab at the Visarno Arena at the beautiful  Parco delle Cascine . We got there around 6pm and had an amazing time. I hadn’t been to a concert that massive in a looooong time! As we were leaving the venue that night, it began to rain. It was perfect in every way as we walked home through the beautiful park with Radiohead still playing in the background. I love these kinds of moments! I’ll be sharing videos on my YouTube channel soon, so stay tuned!

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN FLORENCE

Da Nerbone – By far my favorite spot!!!! It’s located inside Mercato Centrale. Authentic Italian flavors and I died for the mushroom side dish and risotto. We got so many different dishes and everything tasted beyond amazing! Makes the perfect spot for lunch or a casual dinner.

The Westin Excelsior – If you’re looking for some of the best views of Florence and the Arno, the Rooftop Bar is your spot! Amazing cocktails too! Highly recommend this spot out of the others we visited.

I’Tuscani 2 – Craving yummy meat and veggies? This place is simple and delicious.

L’Osteria di Giovanni – We had some amazing filet mignon and house made pasta dishes. Wonderful full course menu to choose from. Very authentic. Highly recommend this place.

Osteria Santo Spirito – Really good risotto and truffle gnocchi! We sat outside and enjoyed it fully.

Shake Cafe – Favorite spot for healthy bites and smoothies.

Caffe Amerini  – We discovered some good cafe al ginseng shakerato here. It was basically an iced latte with ginseng and it was SO GOOD. They also have baked goods and a deli.

Gelateria La Carraia – We found this place on our walk back home one night and the line was sooo long! We decided to save it for another night, but now I wish we hadn’t because we ran out of nights before we remembered to go back!

You can take the train to almost anywhere for the day. I recommend Viareggio or Siena for proximity or a tighter budget. Viareggio is a nice little beach town with good restaurants close to Florence and Siena is a beautiful medieval city. One way is about €9 on Trenitalia and takes no more than 1.5 hours. Alternatively, for the same amount of time you can go visit Rome and a one way ticket is about €35. That’s what we did because we were flying in and out of Rome.

SHOP THE LOOKS

My next posts will be on Rome and how we managed to get a car rental plus lots on Positano and a bit on Pompei, so stay tuned!

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Getting ready for summer, fishing & beyond, what to wear – on thanksgiving.

Jessi Malay

Ahhh thanks for putting together this awesome city guide girl!! Please do more, and love that white purse with the tassels <3 <3

XO, Jessi http://www.mywhitet.com/bridal-makeup-inspo/

I’ve always wanted to visit Florence!! Hopefully next summer – Italy in the summer is the best! I loved all of your vacation looks and following along. So glad you’re home babe 🙂

xx, Amy http://www.theluxilook.com

Florence is a dream. Thanks for sharing this guide, girl!

xo Corina http://unbouquetdamour.com/30-random-things-you-didnt-know-about-me

Can’t get enough of all your looks! You are so darling! And your post makes me go on a trip to Florence!

xo from Seattle, AikA❤︎

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We are fair to see and blooming, Garden-girls, and gay of heart ; For the natural way of woman Is so near akin to art.”

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The Sights Of Florence, Italy… A Photo Diary [Part 2]

All the photos from my recent trip to Florence… I will try to keep this within the remits of a photo diary and so I won’t rehash the sights, sounds and tastes of Florence  (already did that in this post )! There are quite a few photos here so I’ve split it into two posts otherwise it would take forever for the post to load. 🙂 This post kinda captures why Florence is one my favourite cities (like seriously, I would happily live in Florence) and also why  Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni n. 1  is definitely my favourite place to be in Florence!

See here for Part 1 of this post here!

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Florence for Kids Travel Book – Travel Book, Travel Journal, Pocket Guide & Activity Book: A Travel Diary for kids with fun facts and activities for drawing, playing and learning. Paperback – March 23, 2022

Purchase options and add-ons.

Are you planning a family trip to Florence and wondering how to involve kids? Yes, it’s possible! This city has plenty of attractions and amazing places to visit with children and this book is a way to visit Florence with kids having fun all together!

With this “Fun Travel Book Florence for kids” , children will be part of the trip, learning fascinating facts, having fun and enjoying moments in one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

What “Florence for Kids Travel Book” is:

This travel book for kids is not a complete guidebook of Florence, but contains relevant info and fun facts to discover the city and overall contains a lot of educational games, quizzes, pages to color and things to do during boring moments. A sort of pocket Florence guide book for kids with all what your children need to get familiar with the city and love it:

• Pictures dedicated to Florence;

• Photos of the most famous monuments;

• Information and fun facts about Florence for children;

• Pages customizable with photos, stickers, drawings;

• Travel notebook for children to write travel memories;

• Illustrated map of the city;

• All different colored pages;

• Activities, educational games and entertainments;

• Space to draw and color;

How to use this Kids Travel Book of Florence:

Through this kids’ activity book your children will:

• Learn a little bit of italian;

• Discover the most relevant places and attractions of Florence;

• Know about some important citizens of Florence;

• Discover traditional dishes and specialties of Florence.

Meanwhile children can play and get fun with educational games such as: coloring pages, word search, cross math, geometric drawing, mazes, challenging tasks and cut&play characters. Everything is dedicated to get kids involved in the trip and not get bored, learning new things about Florence.

The book is also a Travel Diary of Florence for kids that can become a souvenir for the whole family, with space to write and collect memories all together. An educational activity book and a small travel guide of Florence for little travelers to enjoy a big family adventure!

When to use the this Kids’ Florence Travel Book:

Before the trip, to get familiar with Florence, during the flight, at the restaurant, waiting for something… Wherever you want, instead of a laptop and other media devices!

About “Fun Travel Books Kids” :

“Fun Travel Books Kids” are illustrated travel books created for parents who want to travel around the world with their children. They are small and colored, with plenty of ideas and activities to avoid boring moments during a holiday with simple info and tips suitable for kids. Perfect to be used instead of media devices, to learn and play together!

From 5 to 9 years old

• Print length 40 pages
• Language English
• Publication date March 23, 2022
• Dimensions 6 x 0.1 x 9 inches
• ISBN-13 979-8438372226
• See all details

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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09X3S9V8D
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (March 23, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8438372226
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.84 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.1 x 9 inches
• #1,531 in Children's Travel Books (Books)
• #25,147 in Children's Activity Books (Books)

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Life in Italy, Italian Language, Italian Culture, Italy News, Tourism News, Italian Food

Italian travel diary: Sweet Venice to Sicily to Florence

From Venice to Sicily, on four separate trips to Italy, my mother and I ate the most delightful candies, ice creams, and ices.

A gorgeous Venetian shop stocked an astonishing variety of torrone . We patronized the shop nightly for a week in bone-chilling December dampness and brought home big bars of the nougat and nut delicacy.

In the fair city of Verona, hot roasted nuts covered in sweetness were sold on the streets at a Saturday morning market.

In Roma, elegant eternal Rome, always close to a glistening gelateria, glass cases display endless varieties of frozen desserts.

Now, I look with sweet longing at the snapshots in my photo album of marzipan cleverly shaped into fruits and vegetables and sea creatures of every kind from the immaculate shops of stunning Taormina and smile. Delicious pistachio ice cream was had in the centuries old, exotic fishing village of Cefalú and lemon ices sold on the hot, sunny May mornings. Sicily – mysterious, dark, ancient, and delicious!

On our Sicilian adventure, we spent one morning in Reggio Calabria. I booked the eight‑hour tour for that half‑a‑day to glean something of my roots. From our hotel in Messina, we could see the mountains of Calabria, and we ferried across the windy straits. I had no idea that my dress had blown up to expose a full view of my underwear clad backside, until I caught a chagrined expression on my mother’s face. It was quite a show. Touching the terraferma of our ancestors, who lived in a small, distant village, the giant palm and tropical trees, blue water and blue mountains, and Moorish detailing in the architecture, gave the place an exotic atmosphere. The city was sparklingly clean and attractive, with the exception of a few ugly buildings contructed in the Fascist style. Preserve the old, tear down the new. Face to face with the famous Bronzi di Riace, bronze statues found at sea, my mother’s sole comment on the naked men was, “Yuck!” Promenading along the streets, window-shopping, well-groomed, neatly-tailored pedestrians passed by. Il Papa had visited a local church. We had a lemon ice at Gelateria Lo Giudice, and headed back on the ferry, dress well-anchored, to Messina. On the sidewalk a man passed a flirtatious remark and then deliberately, audaciously helped himself to a look down the front of my dress with my mother standing at my side. Could we have been in Florence a week without a single sweet? Most unlikely, but I recall only one hot chocolate on a cold February afternoon. It was the week of Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, a time of fasting and abstinence.

The churches were bitingly cold and we froze to the marrow. Hidden in centuries-old, darkened church corners, as we walked past we would catch a glimpse of a celebrated painting, turn back, and behold a treasure known from the art books. Florence, the magnificent Renaissance city resplendent with art, art, and more art, and churches. Among the precious art, the most astounding object was the coarse habit worn by Saint Francis. Intoxicated with art, penitent as appropriate for our Lenten journey to the desert, it seems we bypassed the pastry shops.

My only suggestion to the Florentines: diaper your dogs.

By Gina Paone Kulch-Stritch

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