Florence, without question, is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Italy. Known as the ‘Birthplace of Renaissance’, the area is an unrivaled hub filled with world-class art and architecture in great abundance. From Michelangelo’s renowned Statue of David to the towering Duomo and its famous dome, Florence houses more masterworks than you`ll know what to do with.
The wealthy and sometimes scandalous history surrounding the prominent Medici family of Florence, one of the most renowned in the city`s past, is worthwhile to learn about. And I do mean ‘wealthy’ in more than one sense.
At one time Florence was the monetary center of Europe, and was where the original gold florins later utilized as international currency were minted. Florence was quite prominent. Florence wasn’t affluent because it possessed a lot of art. In reality, it was rather the opposite. Florence had a lot of art because it was wealthy, and that fortune permitted the commission of all these amazing works of art.
Florence’s history has all the elements of a gripping drama – murder, secrets, intrigue, and plenty of scandal (a pope with a child who was made the duke of Florence? Doubtful at best).
We’ve organized this 3 day itinerary in Florence to provide opportunities to immerse yourself in learning about the city`s history through its world-famous art museums and guided walking tours.
Our most loved thing to do in Florence, in any case, is to meander the tranquil streets before 9:00 am, which is almost about when the entirety of the travelers appear to wake up. It’s so serene and unperturbed, and the design is wonderful.
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 proposed 3 day itinerary for Florence aims to assist you in experiencing both its famous attractions and saving time for additional activities to maximize your time there.
With three days, we also consider you should make the most of Florence’s amazing location in the heart of Tuscany to venture outside the city and explore other parts of this glorious region on your third day.
The easiest approach is a guided excursion, though you could also travel independently via train or rental car. We`ve more recommendations for enjoyable day trips from Florence, including sights and activities 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%.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Florence
As a small city, you’re unlikely to go wrong wherever you choose to stay in Florence. We have an entire guide on where to stay in Florence that delves deeper into the specifics and details – be sure to read that if you’re trying to decide where to stay and want additional 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 individuals will find the majority of the city’s main attractions and hotels. For context, no matter where someone stays in this area they’ll likely be no more than a 10-minute walk from most of the places they’ll want to visit.
Staying in the historic city center ensures maximizing experiences from this 3 day Florence itinerary.
The best hotels in Florence’s historic center:
- Palazzo Gamba Luxury Apartments – A remarkable apartment hotel featuring elegant and spacious rooms, all with private kitchen areas and some decorated with frescoed ceilings and balconies. However, the best part is its location just steps from the iconic Cathedral, making it about as central as possible in Florence.
- Arte’ Boutique Hotel – A very stylish and comfortable boutique hotel located between Accademia Gallery and the Cathedral. The sizable suites can sleep up to six individuals so they are a great choice for larger groups or families. Some rooms also include a private terrace with amazing views across the Florence skyline.
Oltrarno
The locale referenced here as Oltrarno is an artistic quarter in Florence, Italy situated south of the Arno River, hence its name translating to `across the Arno`. According to the passage, it houses numerous small workshops and independent boutiques in addition to pleasant piazzas featuring restaurants and bars
While technically still a part of the historic city center, Oltrarno is usually a little calmer 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 vehicle.
The best hotels in Oltrarno:
- The House of Books – A contemporary and spacious apartment that is guaranteed to give you interior style jealousy. The stylish split-level apartment has a large kitchen, views across to the Duomo and a beautiful shared terrace. It’s conveniently found just a brief walk from the center but outside of the ZTL area so you can park your automobile on the street right outside.
- Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio – An affordable 4-star establishment situated directly beside 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 dining area terrace with panoramic views.
Your Complete 3 Day Florence Itinerary
There are a variety of amazing things to do in Florence,and it`s indeed impossible to fit it all in if you only have 3 days in Florence. In this guide, we’re going to assist you in determining what to prioritize (and by doing that, what to save for next time).
We believe Florence is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Naturally, you’ll want to see the Uffizi Gallery and some other famous sights in Florence. But you’ll also want to carve out time to savor the magnificent cuisine and wine scene of Tuscany and wander along the river.
One of our favorite facets about Florence is it serves as a superb home base for exploring the encompassing area of Tuscany. On your third day in Florence, we highly advise you take an excursion either to Lucca, Bologna, or the wine region of Chianti.
Here is a high-level overview of the itinerary.
Day 1: An Introduction to Florence, Including Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Statue of David
Day 2: Exploring the Uffizi Gallery and Oltrarno
Day 3: Customize Your Own Day Trip Adventure
For this schedule, we’ll presume you’re arriving the evening before and have three complete days to explore.
Planning a trip to Italy? You won’t want to neglect our guide to preparing an incredible Italy itinerary, with ideas for one week in Italy, 10, and 14 days in Italy, how to structure 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 viewpoint from the top of Florence’s Duomo before delving into the history of the city and finishing with the David.
Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Florence Cathedral
You’ll want to begin early on the first day of this Florence itinerary so you can experience the main attractions of Piazza del Duomo before large crowds arrive.
The Piazza is where several of Florence`s most important landmarks can be found, including the iconic Duomo, as well as the Baptistery and Giotto`s Campanile. It is easy 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 provides both the best viewpoint of Florence from above (the Campanile or Bell Tower has netting at the top, making photographs difficult), and an up-close inspection of the best part of the cathedral`s interior, the dome (which means spectators avoid the hectic line to enter the cathedral interior)..
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This restaurant was one of the initial handful of gluten free eateries in Seattle that I ventured out to after my analysis. I had heard about them through a companion who also had Celiac Disease, and I wanted to inspect it for myself to see what all the excitement was about. It turns out, the excitement was about a Celiac-safe gluten free pizza restaurant in the heart of Seattle.
If one wants to explore all the noteworthy locations at Piazza del Duomo fully, they will conserve both time and money by purchasing a combined ticket offering entry to the Duomo complex destinations. Another choice is to book a guided tour of the Duomo complex area.
Opening times for key attractions in 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 from noon to late afternoon)
- Duomo: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Brunelleschi’s Dome: Open from 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 globally.
Be sure to admire the outside of the Duomo first, which is intricately embellished 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 early in the morning, and would strongly advise doing the same for the best light over Florence and fewer crowds. Which means you’ll want tickets for the 8:15 am time slot and be lined up by 8:00 am.
It’s an early morning, but we think it’s worth it.
The site where tickets for the Dome can be purchased is here. After following that link, you`ll click on “Brunelleschi’s Dome,” then select a date and time slot to continue. Alternatively, to avoid the at times puzzling official website, tickets for entry to the Dome, which are exactly the same, can be booked here.
There are another 463 steps without an elevator to reach the dome`s peak. The walkways at the top are somewhat narrow and cramped so it may not be ideal for anyone who feels uncomfortable in tight spaces.
There is a point where you walk along a narrow balcony (behind a glass wall so you are not at risk of falling) high above the floor of the church below, which offers a spectacular view.
From there, one can see the details embodied in the artwork on the interior of the dome, which is worthy of stopping to admire. There are illustrations of heaven and hell, and some of the figures in the hell portion really make me ponder precisely what substances artists back then were taking. The imagination that went into creating this piece is truly astounding.
However, stopping to admire the scenery, with everybody else doing likewise, means standing suspended hundreds of feet up on a narrow ledge, a placement not suited for all. Alysha started feeling uneasy after roughly five minutes, prompting this brief comment. Heights do not agree with me, yet I felt perfectly at ease here.
A Walking Tour with Andrea
Exploring the city on foot is our preferred way to initially become acquainted with a new locale 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 understand the layout of the city and where to find all of the main attractions, but you’ll also learn about Florence’s fascinating history and have an opportunity to ask a knowledgeable local guide any questions you may have.
There are a few different walking excursions of Florence that we’d propose as an introduction to the city, but we have a specific recommendation based on our own personal experience in Florence.
We participated in Andrea’s Walking Excursion on our first evening in Florence, and we felt it was one of the best walking trips we took during our three month venture to Italy, Spain, and Portugal! Andrea epitomizes Italian culture, and we loved the energy and enthusiasm he brought.
His tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city in a timely manner, and we appreciated that it was only two hours long, allowing sufficient time to delve into the history, see some sights, and gain enough knowledge to determine where to focus your time or return later, without feeling like an ordeal 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 hugely recommend it as an introduction to Florence, and you should do it as early in your trip as you can.
Click here to explore pricing, reviews, and availability for the guided tour with Andrea.
There are a few additional walking tours of Florence that we’d recommend as an introduction to the city.
The following hyperlink directs visitors to an exceptionally thorough walking tour provided by Take Walks that encompasses many of Florence`s most important landmarks in a two and a half hour excursion:
Take Walks Best of Florence Tour. This small group experience led by knowledgeable guides offers insights into the histories and stories associated with iconic locations throughout the city, such as the uniquely designed Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Florence Duomo cathedral, and several other noteworthy places. Furthermore, the tour includes expedited entrance to view Michelangelo`s renowned sculpture of David housed at the Florence Accademia, an attraction also featured later in this itinerary`s recommended activities. By participating in this excursion, visitors accomplish seeing multiple highlights simultaneously.
Context Travel: Introduction to Florence (3 hour 30 minutes) – With this tour company, a local educator will help visitors get acquainted with Florence’s main places and neighborhoods while discussing the city’s fascinating history. It also includes seeing Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David and touring the Accademia Gallery art museum.
Lunch at Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo Market) or Sant’Ambrogio Market
Florence has a duo of food halls, and they offer marginally 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 culinary facility 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 marketplace – Sant’Ambrogio – is filled with locals making their regular shopping trips, especially on Saturdays. There are fewer but more authentic stands ranging from butchers and cheese sellers to ready-made foods.
Better yet, consider taking part in a guided culinary adventure that allows visiting the markets and trying some local delicacies with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour director!
The Statue of David and the Accademia Gallery
In our view, the Accademia Gallery is one of the three must-see attractions in Florence, along with the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo di Firenze (specifically, the panoramic view from the roof and the artistic designs within the dome’s interior).
My recollection of first viewing the statue of David was realizing just how immense this statue is. It is not life-sized, which was somewhat what I had thought beforehand seeing it in person. It in fact stands seventeen 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 visit. If you want to do it independently, you should know that tickets sell out months ahead for peak season (aka summertime), so make your reservations as early as possible.
If planning a last-minute trip where tickets are sold out, joining a guided tour is the best way to see Michelangelo`s David.
The museum is shut on Mondays, so prepare in advance.
Day 2: The Uffizi Gallery and Exploring Oltrarno
This day is action-packed, initiating with one of our preferred art museums globally, the Uffizi Gallery, and transferring across the river to explore a more laid-back neighborhood, Oltrarno, concluding with one of the ideal views in all of Florence.
Santa Croce Church (Basilica di Santa Croce)
Begin your morning with a brief visit to the notable Basilica di Santa Croce. The Gothic-Renaissance place of worship is located a short distance from other primary attractions (approximately a 5-10 minute walk away) but deserves to be seen, as it serves as the final resting place for several prominent Italians.
Some of the most renowned individuals buried in the church include artist Michelangelo, who resided in the area of Santa Croce, scientist Galileo Galilei and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. The church also possesses an impressive collection of artworks.
Our favorite part of the church is the facade, which observers from different angles could see was fundamentally added to the front of the church to make it appear more attractive from the front. Other parts of the church are less embellished and more austere, which demonstrates how the church evolved over the years from a humble place of worship to one of the more significant churches in Florence.
Piazza della Signoria
While there are many piazzas throughout Florence, Piazza della Signoria is the city’s central square and a definite must-see.
The large square contains somewhat of a free open-air exhibition, with numerous statues and sculptures in every direction you look.
Keep an eye out for:
- The Fountain of Neptune
- Cosimo I de’ Medici astride horseback, one of the pivotal characters in the sometimes risqué history of Florence
- A replica of Michelangelo’s David– don’t let anyone persuade you it’s the genuine article! – inthe place where the original originally stood before being relocated indoors for preservation from the elements
- The many lifelike sculptures of significant historic 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 historically important government structures. You won’t fail to notice it.
A History of Renaissance Art at the Uffizi Gallery
Round out your second afternoon in Florence by experiencing another of the city’s most renowned attractions, the Uffizi Gallery. The gallery is just south of Piazza della Signoria.
The world-renowned Uffizi Gallery possesses an unmatched collection of Renaissance and European art assembled by the Medici family over their centuries at the apex of power in Florence.
Visiting this location is highly recommended in the city regarded as the ‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’. It houses numerous priceless masterworks from notable Italian artists like 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?
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We find taking guided tours of places such as the Louvre in Paris and the Vatican in Rome beneficial, as the specialist guides are able to provide much context and detail that gets lost when exploring the museums independently.
Otherwise, we would look at the art, comment that it looks pleasant, and then move on without truly understanding the context behind what we are observing.
We believe that travelling with a guide provides value in a few aspects.
- As we already mentioned, the gallery is extensive. Which implies, unless you’re well-versed in art history, you’re going to want someone to help curate the pieces and artists that you should focus your attention on.
- An academic focused on art history brings two significant contributions to help bring pieces of artwork you will see to life. They are providing context about the historical time period and culture (who created the artist and what was occurring in the world when this piece was made?) and anecdotes. The added depth will help you comprehend the artwork and its role in Florence`s history and the broader history of Italy.
- Skip-the-queue tickets. The ticket queue 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.
Note: These aren’t gluten free (DEFINITELY NOT), but if you are searching for some of the finest gluten free donuts we’ve ever had, head to Petunia’s Pies and Pastries on the weekends – they’re 100% gluten free AND vegan.
Self-Guided Visit: If traveling independently, we highly recommend renting an audio guide. As one of Florence`s most visited sites, advance booking is crucial to beat the crowds. Tickets for specified time slots can be reserved online until 5:00 pm daily. The museum remains open until 6:50 pm, allowing plenty of exploration even for later arrivals. Advance booking is available here.
Lunch at Via dei Nei
We were astounded when we left the Uffizi Gallery onto Via dei Neri ( here on Google Maps) only to discover ourselves amid yet another prolonged line.
“Oh, this must be the line to purchase tickets or access the facility? Or does the line wrap around the whole building? It’s strange that the line extends so far from here.”
We wandered alongside the line, curious to see what exactly all these people were not very patiently waiting for. At the front of the line was a surprise.
They were lined up to get 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 businesses IN THE WORLD.
The sandwich is a very popular type of fast food available on the streets in Florence, which became clear to us when we noticed numerous shops selling essentially similar items, all with long queues extending into the roadway.
The sandwich essentially comprises two pieces of focaccia bread (though I want to clarify – it`s not typical focaccia, as it`s made differently and with more salt), containing some type of cured meat, cheese and other accompaniments sandwiched in between.
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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 unusually-appearing bridge is the oldest in Florence and was the only one to outlive the bombings of World War II. It’s been lined with shops since the 13th century. At first, numerous 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 evening, most shops will be closed. However, taking a leisurely stroll across the bridge with all the wooden shutters down while stopping to admire 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 exploring the neighborhood across the river, full of quality eats, drinks and squares worth a pause.
This digital map outlines a potential route one could take between various landmarks in Florence, Italy, although exploring on your own is also recommended.
Here are some stops we’d advise based on our own experience.
- Ditta Artigianale: One of the pioneering specialty coffee shops in Florence, this location is newer and features a beautiful interior and pleasant outdoor patio area. The coffee is excellent too.
- Gelateria Della Passera: Alysha`s favorite gelato spot in Florence, and potentially all of Italy. It`s situated on a nice little square too, making it a good place to relax, eat gelato and watch people.
- Piazza Santo Spirito: Andrea, a walking tour guide he mentioned, told us this is a popular hangout spot for locals. It’s a sizable piazza, with the Basilica Santo Spirito at one end and a pleasing fountain at the other. The perimeter of the square is lined with bars and eateries, making it a nice place to spend time in the sunshine.
- Le Volpi e l’Uva: One of our favorite wine destinations in Florence. They offer a wide selection of Italian wines from Tuscany and other regions, and the staff are passionate about wine and enjoy discussing different grape varieties and current favorites.
The Boboli Gardens
After a glass of wine or two, head up the street to Pitti Palace.
We actually don’t advise visiting the Pitti Palace if time is limited – you’ll find it in the “with more time” section below. Instead, focus your time on the lovely green space situated behind the palace, the elegant Boboli Gardens.
It is part of the Pitti Palace Complex, but one can purchase a separate ticket that is significantly more affordable and only covers the gardens.
Stretching over forty-five thousand square meters, the lavish grounds of the Boboli Gardens constitute the largest green space in all of Florence. Wandering through, you`ll come across fountains, colonnades, grottoes, a small lake and hundreds of ornate Renaissance sculptures. It`s a lovely way to take a respite from the swarms of people in the busy city outside.
On a warm day, we’d also suggest bringing some beverages (Aperol Spritz?) and snacks to appreciate 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). The ticket office is located off to the right side if viewing Pitti Palace.
It is advisable to obtain tickets beforehand – the ticket queue can be extraordinarily long, and you can bypass it directly if you already have tickets. You will still need to exchange your electronic tickets for paper tickets however, which came as a surprise to us. Again though, you skip the line, display a barcode, and go right in! Additional details and ticket purchasing are available here.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Finally, end your day on the other side of the river with a stroll up to the best viewpoint in the city, Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow the crowds of locals and travelers up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most spectacular sunsets in the city.
The expansive hilltop terrace includes a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David – once more, do not allow anyone to deceive you into thinking it is the original – as well as a restaurant and plenty of vendors catering to the crowds that flock to this magnificent spot each evening for the views.
From Le Volpi e l’Uva, you can travel on foot upwards to Piazzale Michelangelo in around 20 minutes, passing through the rose garden along the way, which is worth stopping to admire the blooming roses in the spring and summer. You’ll get some excellent panoramic views during your stroll.
If you don’t feel like strolling, hop on transportation line 12 to the top, which you can capture from the southwestern conclusion 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 consumed our weight in pizza over that period. We love pizza, even though Matt needs a gluten free diet due to Celiac Disease.
There are two places we’d recommend for pizza (including gluten free options) in Florence.
Mister Pizza was our preferred 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 located just blocks from major attractions in Florence, yet the cuisine may not be as stellar. Amongst the largest problems are the extremely long line and inefficient staff, which caused us to wait over an hour after our reservation for a table that had been booked. While the pizza itself holds quality, it wasn`t deemed our preferred in the city of Florence.
Day 3: Choose Your Own Day Trip
For your final day in Florence, make excellent use 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 areas.
You may question about Pisa and Cinque Terre, and we wouldn’t propose either as a day outing from Florence for differing justifications.
We wouldn’t advocate for Pisa because it’s not that exciting. There’s the leaning tower, of course, but that’s it. And it’s completely jam-packed with visitors. Guess what? There’s a leaning tower in Bologna too, which is a day trip we’d recommend.
Cinque Terre is too far for a comfortable day trip, and requires more than a day to see it properly.
Instead, we would propose considering a day trip to Bologna, renowned for food like prosciutto, parmesan, and bolognese sauce, or to the charming walled town of Lucca, or the renowned Chianti wine region.
Option 1: Bologna – the Choice for Foodies
Bologna is our number one recommendation for food enthusiasts in Florence. Bologna is known for its food, both within Italy and throughout the European continent.
We were fortunate enough to experience Bologna with friends who had moved there from America, and they did a splendid job showing us around and introducing us to the Emilia-Romagna region.
This is the region renowned for Italian delicacies like tagliatelle sauced with ragu (which is comparable to the American version Bolognese, but is highly dissimilar to what I believe you’re likely picturing, at minimum if you’re American), parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and mortadella.
Essentially, if you want to experience some of the finest cuisine Italy has to offer, making a day trip to Bologna should be on your plan.
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 around 40 minutes. 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 focused on spending a day in Bologna, which you should read if you choose this destination.
Ascend the Torre degli Asinelli: Did you know Bologna has its own leaning tower? It’s just not nearly as famous as the one in Pisa. Climb to the top of the Tamburini, a gourmet grocer, to procure some prosciutto and parmesan to bring back to Florence.
Option 2: Lucca – a Beautiful Town with Medieval Walls
Lucca makes for a worthwhile day trip if you want to experience a Tuscan town that receives fewer visitors than other cities in the region like Florence and Siena, but still has all the charm one would expect from Tuscany.
Situated west of Florence towards the coast, Lucca was founded by the Etruscans over 2,000 years ago prior to becoming a Roman settlement. It`s unique because it has a series of medieval walls that fully encircle the city, which is fairly uncommon to find.
Getting to Lucca
We have good news and bad news for this one.
The good news is that getting from Florence to Lucca is both simple and affordable.
Traversing the route relies on regional rail transportation which takes more time than other options due to its comparatively slower speed.
The estimated travel time by direct train, which runs approximately once per hour, is one hour and twenty minutes for a fare of 10 Euros each way.
What to Do in Lucca
Circumnavigate the city on the walls: Far and away our most loved task to do in Lucca was to tour the city walls, which is a 4km journey that takes you allll the way around the city along its unchanged medieval walls. It’s a exceptional experience, and it’s lovely. We were there in the fall, so there was plenty of pleasant fall tone to go around. A delightful way to spend your morning before venturing into the center of Lucca.
Ascend the tower: The Torre Guinigi stands prominently in the center of Lucca, distinguished by its unique garden growing atop. From its summit, breathtaking panoramas unfold across 360 degrees, spanning the city and distant mountains. Approximately 230 steps lead up through the 145 foot tower, rewarding climbers with sweeping vistas.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: One location you should definitely visit is exploring the medieval center of the town on foot. And Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is an excellent place to begin. It served as a Roman amphitheater for many years, but now all that remains of that structure is the form of the public square, which has a distinct shape replicating an amphitheater instead of being square or circular. This would be a suitable place to take a break from sightseeing with a glass of wine or an espresso in the sunlight.
Option 3: Chianti – Taste Some of the Best Wine in the World
If you have an interest in wine, you are in the appropriate place. Tuscany is one of the most renowned wine regions globally, and is conveniently accessible by day trip from Florence. Bold, full-bodied reds typically dominate here, and you’ll find famous grape varieties like sangiovese and barolo at wineries just outside of Florence.
The optimal way to do a day excursion into wine country from Florence is with an escorted tour.
You could also do it independently if renting a vehicle. However, it will likely be a more enjoyable experience joining a guided tour where a driver is provided so you can freely partake in the exquisite wines without worrying about transportation.
You have two possibilities – participate in a tour that visits multiple wineries and incorporates transportation (such as the experience mentioned here or the experience specified here), or become fully immersed with a single winery, and address getting there and back independently (such as the experience indicated hereor the experience outlined here).
Travelling without trains or buses to consider makes arrival via private transport easier, while public transportation access allows for reduced travel costs albeit with additional logistical planning needed.
They both provide great ways to experience one of the world`s most famous wine growing areas.
Planning a trip to Florence? We have detailed travel guides that may help you design an unforgettable trip.
- The Prime Activities to Experience in Florence: A Complete City Guide
- Where to Lodge in Florence: A Complete Guide to Florence’s Best Places to Stay
- A complete travel guide for celiacs with gluten free restaurants in Florence
- Where to find the finest coffee in Florence: A specialty coffee guide to the city
What to Do with More Time in Florence
If you find yourself with extra time in Florence, below are a handful of other attractions in the city worthy of 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 habitation 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 truly explore the full palace one could spend an entire day here. However, for a leisurely couple of hours, we`d suggest visiting the lavish Appartamenti Reali and the Costume Gallery, an stunning collection of clothing containing pieces from brands like Gucci, Versace, and Prada.
You can purchase admission to any of the museums at the Pitti Palace individually . However, if planning to visit the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and Uffizi Gallery on this itinerary, the PassePartout combination ticket for all three locations at €38 will provide the best value .
The Campanile di Giotto (Giotto’s Bell Tower)
- Day 7: Hood River and scenery of the Columbia River Gorge
The striking 277.9 foot tall free-standing tower dates to the fourteenth century when it was originally designed by famed painter Giotto di Bondone, for whom the building is named. However, Giotto passed away well before the tower was complete and it took an additional two architects 25 years to finish the project.
To access the top of the Campanile you’ll need to climb the 414 steep steps (there is no elevator). As long as you don`t mind a bit of exercise in the morning, the effort will be worthwhile for the amazing views back over Piazza del Duomo and across Florence from the summit.
The Campanile opens at 08:15, so arriving early helps avoid 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 structures in the city.
While numerous individuals opt to view the Baptistry from outside, we`d suggest heading inside to admire the remarkable Byzantine ceiling mosaic which dates back to the twelfth century.
One of the most renowned parts of the Florence Baptistery is the Porta del Paradiso (Gates of Paradise). However, what numerous people don’t comprehend is that the present gates are merely a replica of the original. The authentic gates are maintained in the neighboring Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum).
The combined ticket comprises access to the Cathedral Museum so it won’t cost additional funds to briefly visit inside and see the original gates, even if you don’t have much time to spend there. Although, if you have more availability on your trip to Florence, you could easily invest a few hours exploring the fascinating museum.
The Baptistery opens its doors at 8:15 am, however it`s important to note that it closes for a brief period between 10:15 am – 11:15 am each day. Because of this, the optimal time to visit the Campanile and Baptistery is between 8:15 am – 10:15 am in order to experience both locations.
Even More Things to Add to Your Florence itinerary
- Medici Chapels. The two chapels of Basilica of San Lorenzo are the final resting place of many important members of Florence’s Medici family. Parts of the chapels were designed by Michelangelo himself.
- San Marco Museum. Located in a former convent, this museum houses the largest collection of sacred art in Florence
- Piazza della Repubblica. With additional time in Florence, you will have more opportunities to simply appreciate one of Florence`s various lively plazas. Piazza della Repubblica ( here on Google Maps) is a busy square where we enjoy grabbing a coffee or spritz and observing the world pass by.
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What to Do with Less Time in Florence
Having just a day or two in Florence? Here’s how to make the most of your limited time in the location on a shorter itinerary in Florence.
Florence in Two Days
With a limited time of two days in the city, following the itinerary outlined for days 1 and 2 would allow you to experience key highlights while leaving motivation to return again for further exploration of the gorgeous Tuscany region.
Florence in One Day
With only one day in Florence, spend the morning on a guided touring walk to see as much of the city as possible in a short period of time. Try to opt for a tour including a visit to view Michelangelo’s famous statue, David, at the Accademia Gallery.
During the afternoon, schedule a visit to climb the dome of the Duomo then on to the Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.
Finish your evening by ambling over Ponte Vecchio and ascending to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.
Eating and Drinking in Florence
What’s a vacation to Italy without eating and drinking as much as possible?
Eating in Florence
- Schiacciata on Via di Neri.All’Antico Vinaio, considered one of the most reviewed eateries worldwide across various platforms, drawing hundreds of tourists daily to sample their famed focaccia (ish) sandwiches. Multiple lunch alternatives dot this street, making it a must for Florence visitors.
- Da Garibardi. For traditional Tuscan cuisine (and good wine), head to this small Trattoria and order the dishes such as wild boar with pasta or pumpkin ravioli (they have options suitable for those with Celiac disease too).
- Mister Pizza. Delicious pizzas served at a casual eatery close to the Duomo. Every pizza can be prepared on a gluten free crust!
- Grom Gelato. Our most loved gelateria in Florence, if not all of Italy. Everything they serve is 100% gluten free, but that doesn’t signify it’s not good. Their gelato is top notch, and you should order the pistachio.
- Ciro and Sons. Florence’s pioneering gluten free pizzeria serves delicious Neapolitan style pizzas that are both gluten free and lactose free. Ciro and Sons have received worldwide acclaim for their remarkable gluten free pizzas, having won the title of world champion.
Psst! Need gluten-free options? Check out our guide to gluten-free dining in Florence for top choices without gluten.
Coffee and Tea in Florence
- Ditta Artiginale – Via de Neri & Via dello Sprone. Elegantly decorated and picturesque specialty coffee shops owned by skilled coffee producers and Italian roasting brand Ditta Artigianale. Surely some of the highest quality coffee available in Florence.
- Coffee Mantra. A cozy neighborhood coffee shop known for fantastic coffee and knowledgeable baristas. It tops our list of the best coffee in Florenceas they introduce new single origin coffees daily.
- Caffe Piansa. A small family business dedicated to coffee roasting utilizing solely the finest bean varieties and manual production techniques to craft blends and single-origin beverages. Relax with a cup in their cafe or grab a bag for home.
- Le Murate. One of the most unique places to stop for coffee in Florence. Le Murate is located within a former prison. The popular student hangout has a lovely large terrace for use during the day and various live entertainment each evening.
Bars in Florence
- Casa del Vino. There are countless wine bars throughout Florence, but Casa del Vino must be one of our favorites. A cozy neighborhood wine bar with a comprehensive wine list and extremely popular locally – so you know it`s good!
- The Loggia Roof Bar. A romantic rooftop terrace bar in the Oltrarno district, near 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 throughout all of Florence, with over 100 bottles from around 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 sees tourism year-round, so no real low season exists. However, high summer attracts the biggest crowds descending on the city. Thus that period may prove most crowded unless crowds suit one`s preference over enjoyable climate.
The months of April, May, September and October are best for visiting Florence, with pleasantly warm weather and fewer other visitors to share the city with.
- Summer witness temperatures in Florence elevate to the higher 80s and 90s. So heated that many homegrown choose to escape the city in August to cooler places. July and August are too the peak visitor season so you can hope for much larger crowds.
- In Fall, Florence`s weather stays warm and bright, and open-air dining and the town`s many festivals can still be enjoyed, but with fewer visitors than summer.
- Winter in Florence doesn’t get too cold and there’s an extremely low chance of snowfall, 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 provides 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
This is another establishment that has expanded from an already successful gluten free franchise in Florence, this time it`s Sgrano. The newer Osteria Della Sgrano offers a more upscale and formal dining experience, though that`s not to say it`s stuffy or anything like that.
Flying to Florence
There are two major airports that can be used to reach Florence; Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport.
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport, PSA) is the major airport in the Tuscany region and the airport where most international flights arrive.
There are several options to get from Pisa Airport to Florence:
- Travel. 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 recommended method of transportation.
- Bus. Sky Bus Lines Caronna operates a bus from Pisa Airport to Florence for €19 with a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes. However, service is only a few times per day so travelers must verify that timings coincide with their 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, situated only 4 km from Florence city center. Many European and domestic flights arrive at this facility.
To travel from Florence Airport to the Florence city center:
- Tramway. The new Tram Line T2 is now the easiest and most affordable 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.
- Coach. The ‘Fly by Bus’ shuttle service is another straightforward way to get from the airport to downtown. The coach runs every half hour 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 roundtrip.
- Taxi. A 15-minute taxi ride from the airport to downtown will cost 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 directly 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, simply swap onto a connecting train into Santa Maria Novella station.
Arriving by Car
Florence isn’t the most vehicle-friendly city. Much of the historic center prohibits automobile traffic and the few roads have ‘Zona a Traffico Limitato’ (Limited Traffic Zone) designations. This implies you’ll face penalties for driving or parking in those areas.
Even navigating the tight one-way roads can be extremely challenging while maneuvering around in a vehicle with a ZTL permit.
If you’re arriving in Florence by vehicle 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, exploring Florence`s stunning historic center is best done on foot to fully appreciate the city!
Meander through the ancient paths, soak up the ambiance and admire the city`s world-renowned Renaissance architecture. Florence is truly one of the most lovely cities on the planet so you won`t want to miss out on anything.
Additionally, the historic center is pretty compact. You can walk from one side to the other in around 30 minutes.
Public transportation is also an option, utilizing Florence’s fleet of compact 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.
Be sure to validate your ticket as soon as you board the bus.
