So, you’ve got three days in Florence? Lucky you! This city—where the Renaissance was born, where every cobblestone whispers secrets of Michelangelo and the Medici—is a living museum. But with so much to see, where do you even start? Don’t worry. I’ve crafted the perfect 3-day Florence itinerary that balances iconic sights, hidden gems, and lots of gelato. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Renaissance Masterpieces & Iconic Landmarks
Climb domes, meet David, and watch the sunset over the Arno.
The Duomo Complex
Start your trip with Florence’s crown jewel: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, aka the Duomo. This marble-clad masterpiece took over 140 years to build, and climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome is a rite of passage. The 463-step climb rewards you with panoramic views of the city and a close-up look at Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgment frescoes. Pro tip: Book a Brunelleschi Pass in advance—it grants access to the dome, Baptistery, Bell Tower, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, where you’ll find Donatello’s haunting Mary Magdalene sculpture.
After descending, step into the Baptistery to admire the Gates of Paradise, Lorenzo Ghiberti’s gilded bronze doors depicting biblical scenes. Fun fact: Michelangelo dubbed them “fit for Paradise,” hence the nickname!
Accademia Gallery & San Marco Museum
Next, meet the world’s most famous statue: Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Book timed tickets weeks ahead—this is Florence’s second-most-visited site, and lines snake around the block. While there, don’t miss Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners sculptures, which seem to emerge from the marble like ghosts.
A short walk away, the Museo di San Marco offers a quieter, meditative experience. This 15th-century monastery houses ethereal frescoes by Fra Angelico, including his Annunciation, a masterpiece of Renaissance serenity.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Cross the Arno River to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s go-to sunset spot. Arrive early to snag a seat on the steps and watch the city glow gold. On your way, stroll through Piazza Santo Spirito—a local hangout with artisan shops and the Basilica di Santo Spirito, Brunelleschi’s final (and unfinished) church.
For dinner, head to Trattoria Sabatino, a no-frills Oltrarno institution serving ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) and melt-in-your-mouth pasta.
Day 2: Medici Legacies & Hidden Treasures
Uffizi masterpieces, the Ponte Vecchio, and a tripe sandwich? Oh yes.
Uffizi Gallery & Ponte Vecchio
Day two kicks off with the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s greatest art collections. Prioritize Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and da Vinci’s Annunciation. Use the Firenze Card for skip-the-line access (more on that later!). As you exit, peek into the Vasari Corridor, the Medici’s secret passageway to the Pitti Palace.
Then, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, the only Florentine bridge spared in WWII. The goldsmith shops here have glittered since the 16th century—window shopping is free (but good luck resisting)!
Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
The Palazzo Pitti, the Medici’s former palace, is a treasure trove of art. The Palatine Gallery dazzles with Raphael’s Madonna of the Chair and Titian’s Portrait of Pietro Aretino. Afterward, wander the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling Renaissance park with manicured hedges, fountains, and the cheeky Bacchus Fountain by Giambologna.
Grab lunch at Nerbone in Mercato Centrale, where locals swear by the panino con lampredotto (tripe sandwich). Adventurous eaters, this is your moment!
Oltrarno Artisans
Spend the evening exploring Oltrarno, Florence’s artisan quarter. Pop into workshops crafting leather goods, marbled paper, and gold jewelry. Don’t miss the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, a 17th-century pharmacy selling perfumes and remedies made from ancient monastic recipes.
Day 3: Day Trips or Local Immersion
Choose your own adventure: Tuscan villages or Florence’s lesser-known gems.
Day Trip to Fiesole or San Gimignano
Hop on a 20-minute bus ride to Fiesole, an Etruscan hill town with Roman ruins and jaw-dropping views of Florence. Hike Monte Ceceri, where Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying machines (spoiler: they didn’t fly).
Prefer medieval vibes? Take a train to San Gimignano, the “Medieval Manhattan,” famous for its 14 surviving towers. Or head to Siena to marvel at its Gothic cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo.
Santa Croce & Mercato Centrale
Stay in Florence and visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the “Temple of Italian Glories.” Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried here, and the Pazzi Chapel is a Renaissance architecture highlight.
Then, dive into Mercato Centrale: shop for truffle oil and leather bags downstairs, then head upstairs to the food hall for fresh pasta, schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread), and espresso.
Practical Tips for Your Florence Trip
Reservations & Passes
Firenze Card vs Individual Tickets
| Feature | Firenze Card (€85) | Individual Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 72+ museums & public transport | Pay per attraction (e.g., Uffizi: €20-25) |
| Waiting Time | Skip-the-line entry | Long waits at popular sites |
| Best For | Heavy sightseers | Selective visitors |
- Book tickets early: The Accademia, Uffizi, and Duomo climb require reservations, especially April–October.
- Firenze Card: Worth it if you plan to visit 3+ major sites daily.
Dining Like a Local
- All’Antico Vinaio: Legendary focaccia sandwiches.
- Osteria delle Tre Panche: Modern Tuscan near Santa Croce.
- Gelato: Grom (classic), Perché No? (creative flavors), La Carraia (budget-friendly).
Avoiding Crowds
- Visit major sites at opening (8:15 AM) or late afternoon.
- Explore Oltrarno or San Lorenzo Market in the early morning.
Why Florence Stays With You
Florence isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. Whether you’re tracing Michelangelo’s chisel marks on David, savoring a sunset spritz, or getting lost in Oltrarno’s labyrinthine streets, this place bridges past and present like nowhere else. As the locals say, “A Firenze, non si dorme!” (“In Florence, you don’t sleep!”). But with this itinerary, you’ll at least sleep well, knowing you’ve tasted la dolce vita.
FAQs
1. Can you travel from Florence to Rome by train?
Absolutely! Florence and Rome are well-connected by Italy’s high-speed rail network. Trains like Frecciarossa or Italo zip between Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence) and Roma Termini (Rome) in just 1.5–2 hours. Tickets start around €20–€40 if booked in advance. It’s a scenic, efficient way to travel—perfect for day trips or extending your Italian adventure.
2. Is Florence very expensive?
Florence is mid-range compared to other European cities. Expect:
- Accommodation: €80–€150/night for a central 3-star hotel (higher in peak season).
- Food: €15–€25 for a trattoria meal; budget-friendly street food (like €5 panini) abounds.
- Attractions: Major sites (Uffizi, Accademia) cost €12–€25, but free gems include piazzas and churches like San Lorenzo.
Tip: Save with the Firenze Card or visit free viewpoints like Piazzale Michelangelo.
3. Is 3 days too long in Florence?
Not at all! Three days let you dive deep into Renaissance art, explore Tuscan cuisine, and even take a day trip (e.g., Chianti or Pisa). You’ll avoid burnout while soaking in the city’s charm.
4. Is Florence a walkable city?
Yes! The historic center is compact—most landmarks (Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio) are within a 20-minute walk. Cobblestone streets and pedestrian zones make it a joy to explore on foot. For longer distances (e.g., Pitti Palace), buses or taxis are available but rarely needed.
5. Does Florence get cold at night?
Seasonally, yes:
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Chilly, with lows around 40°F (4°C). Pack layers and a coat.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm days (80s°F/27–32°C), cooler evenings (60s°F/15–20°C).
Pro tip: Spring/fall evenings are mild—ideal for aperitivo on a terrace!
6. Is it easy to travel around Florence?
Extremely! Beyond walking:
- Buses: €1.50 single ticket; useful for hills like Fiesole.
- Bikes/Scooters: Rentals available for zipping across the Arno River.
- Taxis: Use apps like AppTaxi for reliable service.
No metro, but you won’t need it!
7. What is the off-season in Florence?
November–March (excluding Christmas/New Year’s) is Florence’s quietest period. Benefits:
- Fewer crowds at the Uffizi and Duomo.
- Cheaper hotels (up to 30% off).
- Cozy vibes with holiday markets in December.
Note: Some attractions may have shorter hours.
