This is a sample 3-day Florence itinerary and is meant as a guide to help you plan out your stay to maximize the value of your time. You could also use this as a 1 or 2 day Florence itinerary.
Florence is a very walkable city with plenty of things to do. While you can squeeze a lot of stops into one day, we broke down the top things to do in Florence into 3 leisurely days so you can better enjoy your trip.
Of course, we hope that you will consider a pay-what-you-like Florence walking tours.
We also recommend you purchase a city discount pass to get the most out of your trip for cheaper!
DAY 1 IN FLORENCE
Breakfast- Italians love drinking espresso or cappuccinos. Luckily, espressos tend to be pretty cheap at around 1€, so don't feel guilty about enjoying a few! You can pair it with a delicious pastry for a quick sit-in breakfast or on the go.
We recommend exploring the Uffizi Gallery on your first day. It is home to collections of paintings from the 14th-century and Renaissance periods. Our favorite is Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, but you can also find works of Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raffaello, to name a few.
The gallery opens at 8:15am, and we recommend arriving then. As long as you have purchased your ticket beforehand, getting in should be a breeze before the crowds get too busy. We recommend spending 2-3 hours here.
Lunch- You're probably hungry for lunch now. Make your way to All’antico Vinaio, just a 4-minute walk away for a panini sandwich. They are highly recommended and while lines can get long, they go fast so don't be intimidated!
After lunch, we recommend meeting up for a free walking tour at Piazza Santa Maria Novella at 2:30pm (14:30), a 12-minute walk away.
We love this name-your-own-price tour by Free Tour Florence- Another Florence. It's the best way to immerse yourself in the city and see it through the eyes of locals. Your guide is also a great resource for answering questions and offering dining recommendations. Speaking of food, there will be free samples of local fare included on this tour!
Mercato Centrale, or the central market, is a 7-minute walk away and a great place to stop next to pick up picnic essentials- and don't forget the wine! The downstairs of the market has locals selling picnic essentials like meats and cheeses. Upstairs is like a food court, a perfect spot if you need an afternoon caffeine pick-me-up at one of their cafes.
Make your way south through the Palazza Della Signoria to see the replica of Michelangelo's David statue. We recommend doing the Galleria de Academia, where the original statue is, on the next day if you have time. This one is good enough if you've only got one day in Florence because it feels like you saw the real thing.
Make your way across the Ponte Vecchi bridge, and admire the gold and jewelry shops along the way.
Now that you are across the river, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. This plaza has a bronze replica of David and also the best view of Florence. We recommend timing it so that you make it in time for sunset, where you can enjoy your picnic and take in the incredible sight of the city!
DAY 2 IN FLORENCE
For day 2 of Florence, begin at the Cathedral of Santa
Going inside is free, and if you want to climb the 463 steps to the top of the bell tower you can by purchasing the OPA Pass for 18 €.
By today you’re probably a bit tired and will need a sweet pick-me-up. We recommend gelato! There are a number of places to go to, Carabè Firenze being nearby and highly rated.
Spend the afternoon in the Galleria dell’Accademia, a 6-minute walk away. The Galleria dell’Accademia is one of the most visited museums in Florence and is where Michelangelo's David sculpture is, although there's plenty more incredible artwork there to see. Give yourself around 2 hours for this museum.
For dinner, go to a place recommended by your guide from your Florence free walking tour.
DAY 3 IN FLORENCE
Start day 3 in Florence at the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. The Pitti Palace was once the home to the Medici family and is now the home of incredible Renaissance artwork.
The Palace is divided into four museums: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes on the ground floor, the Palatine Gallery and the Imperial and Royal Apartments on the first floor, the Modern Art Gallery and the Museum of Costume and Fashion on the second floor. Entering the garden is extra, but we promise you won't want to miss it!
From there, cross back over the Ponte Vecchi for a 20-minute walk to Santa Croce Basilica, which is the burial place of notable people of Florence, including Michelangelo, Rossi, and even Galileo Galilei. The Santa Croce Basilica also has beautiful artwork to enjoy as you tour it, and the Piazza Santa Croce outside has eateries to relax and have a bite to eat at.
Since it's your last day, make sure you stop at the Porcellino, or "The Bronze Hog" on your way to the San Lorenzo Market. Stopping at this boar fountain has become a tradition, and you must place a coin in its mouth. If the coin slides out and ends up in the grate, you will successfully return to Florence!
Others say you must make a wish as it comes out and if it falls through the grate it will come true. In any case, it's a great spot to snap pictures.
Make your way up back to the San Lorenzo Market. You might have gone there on day 1 for the central market inside. This time, we want you to explore the leather market outside. This is the perfect place to pick up that leather jacket we know you've been wanting and to pick up souvenirs to take home.
