The Ultimate Florence Itinerary: 2 Day and 3 Day Options
You've bought your ticket to Italy and performed your happy dance. Now comes the hard part: how do you determine how much time to spend in each city?
The answer is never easy and there will always be things you don't make it to. Your "next time" list. It's important to remember things will always take longer than you think so don't over schedule yourself. Remember to take those much needed breaks in between activities as well-- you are on vacation after all.
Make sure you stop to eat at a nice restaurant every once in a while and stop for a drink in a cafe on a piazza. Oh and gelato...never forget the gelato!
After spending some time exploring the Florentine streets I've come up with an itinerary for those that will have 2 or 3 days to explore and want to get the most out of them.
To read more about the museums check out my "Ultimate Florence Museum Guide". It includes links to buy tickets (from the official sites) so you can be sure to get your spot! For more information on the different churches in Florence see my "Guide to the Churches of Florence" including ticket information and what to see inside.
2 Day Florence Itinerary
For two days in Florence you'll probably want to stick with the big museums as they have the most 'bang for your buck.' My suggestion is to pick one a day unless you love museums and don't mind spending hours inside them (aka me).
Day 1
The Uffizi-Start your trip off with a bang! Join the masses and visit one of the greatest art museums in the world. Plan to spend between 2-3 hours here.
Lunch in Piazza Repubblica-Enjoy lunch in the oldest part of the city. This Piazza is where the Romanians first settled the city of Florence. It is also home to the cities oldest restaurant Cafe Gilli.
Walk Ponte Veccho-Right behind the Uffizi is one of the most recognizable sights in Florence. Walk across the Arno in style and surrounded by gold. Depending on the time of year you may catch live music or performers.
Palazzo Pitti-Continue on from Ponte Veccho and see the home of Florence's wealthiest residents. Don't forget to wander the streets of the Oltrarno and Santo Spirito Neighborhood.
Boboli Gardens-If you have the time and energy wander around one of the best examples of Renaissance gardens in Italy.
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Santa Croce-If you're museumed out for the day and want to skip Palazzo Pitti, head over to this Dominican-built church. Remember to check out the flood level plaques that can be found on the outer left corner of the Piazza. Take in the Piazza Santa Croce, the largest in Florence, where city events are often held.
Medieval Neighborhood-On your walk back from Santa Croce wander through the medieval neighborhood and see what Florence looked like pre-Renaissance.
Wander the streets of central Florence-Enjoy the shops, sample gelato and take in Piazza Senora's outdoor Sculptures. Have an aperitivo on the rooftop bar of Rinascente Firenze, the large department store across from Piazza Repubblica.
Day 2
The Academia-Start the day early to avoid the massive lines that can and will form to see Michelangelo's world famous "David."
San Lorenzo (optional)- Make a quick stop in the church of San Lorenzo or at least the Medici chapel. Large portions of the interior were designed and built by Michelangelo.
Lunch at the Central Market at San Lorenzo-Head upstairs of the San Lorenzo market and take your pick of food options. The Central Market offers cafeteria done right options, including wine bars, pizza, pastas, and my favorite, truffles. There are vegan options here as well.
Il Duomo-Also known as Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo stands in the center of Florence. Go inside and marvel at the frescoes and Brunelleschi's dome. Buy tickets ahead of time to climb up the dome and see Florence from above.
3 Day Florence Itinerary
With Three days in Florence you have a little more breathing room between activities and a chance to see a bit more of what the city has to offer off the main stream path.
Day 1
The Uffizi-Start your trip off with a bang! Join the masses and visit one of the greatest art museums in the world. Plan to spend between 2-3 hours here.
Lunch in Piazza Repubblica-Enjoy lunch in the oldest part of the city. This Piazza is where the Romanians first settled the city of Florence. It is also home to the cities oldest restaurant Cafe Gilli.
Santa Croce-If you're museumed out for the day and want to skip Palazzo Pitti, head over to this Dominican-built church. Remember to check out the flood level plaques that can be found on the outer left corner of the Piazza. Take in the Piazza Santa Croce, the largest in Florence, where city events are often held.
Medieval Neighborhood-On your walk back from Santa Croce wander through the medieval neighborhood and see what Florence looked like pre-Renaissance.
Wander the streets of central Florence-Enjoy the shops, sample gelato and take in Piazza Senora's outdoor Sculptures. Have an aperitivo on the rooftop bar of Rinascente Firenze, the large department store across from Piazza Repubblica.
Day 2
Walk Ponte Veccho-Start the day by heading south to the river and cross one of the most recognizable sights in Florence. Walk across the Arno in style and surrounded by gold. Depending on the time of day and year you may catch live music or performers.
Palazzo Pitti-Continue on from Ponte Veccho and see the home of Florence's wealthiest residents. Walk the halls of the Medici private rooms and see dresses worn by Florence's ruling family. Tickets are offered at a reduced price if you visit before 10am.
Boboli Gardens-After you've explored the interior of the palace wander around one of the best examples of Renaissance gardens in Italy. Bring lunch with you to enjoy on the grounds.
Piazzale Michelangelo-Take in the panoramic views of the city from this breathtaking vista. This is the spot to take your scenic pictures and grab a drink (This is also a great spot at sunset). After you've satisfied your inner photographer, head south past the parking lot to Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte. This beautiful church offers additional views of the city with less crowds.
Santo Spirito and the Oltrarno-After heading back down the hill from Piazza Michelangelo, head west from Pitti Palace into the the neighborhood of Santo Spirito. Stop in at the church of Santo Spirito before heading to Sbrino - gelatificio contadino, a gelatria with organic and vegan options.
Day 3
The Academia-Start the day early to avoid the massive lines that can and will form to see Michelangelo's world famous "David."
San Lorenzo- Make a quick stop in the church of San Lorenzo or at least the Medici chapel. Large portions of the interior were designed and built by Michelangelo.
Lunch at the Central Market at San Lorenzo-Head upstairs of the San Lorenzo market and take your pick of food options. The Central Market offers cafeteria done right options, including wine bars, pizza, pastas, and my favorite truffles. There are vegan options here as well. After you've had lunch walk back to the center of the city through the market. Haggle your way to a good deal on a souvenir.
Il Duomo-Also known as Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo stands in the center of Florence. Go inside and marvel at the frescoes and Brunelleschi's dome. Buy tickets ahead of time to climb up the dome and see Florence from above.
These Itineraries of course can be adjusted based on what your interests are. See my 'Ultimate Florence Church Guide" for more information on what churches to visit and my "Ultimate Florence Museum Guide" for a list of museum options.
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