3 Days in Florence: A Complete Itinerary for First-Timers

When planning a trip to Italy, Florence is no doubt a top destination. Known for housing Renaissance art and architecture, Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region, is centrally located in Italy making it an easy stop on your way to/from Venice or Rome.

Whether you’re marveling at Michelangelo’s David, strolling across the Ponte Vecchio, or savoring a perfectly crafted gelato in a bustling piazza, Florence offers a unique blend of art, architecture, and Italian charm and you’ll want to get the most out of your 3 days in Florence when visiting.

Since we moved to Italy, we’ve been fortunate that we are a quick 40 minute train ride from Florence and we visit it often.

Our guide is designed to help you make the most of your 3 days in Florence, with a curated itinerary that combines iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unforgettable food experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a taste of la dolce vita, Florence is bound to capture your heart.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• You can use this guide to plan a 1, 2 or 3 day itinerary in Florence
• Florence is easy to walk and there is so much to do in the city center
• If you want to visit a major attraction, book tickets NOW – don’t wait or you might miss out
• We highly recommend a day trip to Tuscany for wine tasting or a food tour in the city

This post was originally published in 2020, and was updated in January 2025.

**Boozing Abroad contains affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to purchase items through these links, we will earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here**

How many days in Florence? 

We know what you are actually asking: Is 3 days in Florence enough?

In our opinion, and based on our experience, you can see all of the main attractions in Florence in 3 days. We’ve done several trips to Florence recently including day trips as well as longer stays too. 

BUT, if you are going to see everything, you need to hustle and plan in advance.

If you book a wine tour out in the Tuscan countryside (highly recommend this, obviously), you’re going to lose out on some time in the city. 

You’ll have to choose what is most important to you when planning your Florence in 3 days itinerary. 

You can use this guide if you only have 1 day in Florence too. We’d suggest going to the Piazzale Michelangelo to end your day instead of the bar hopping option listed under the Florence in one day section. 

These days are packed so get your walking shoes on and get ready to explore Florence!

Getting to Florence 

Florence airport

The small Florence airport (FLR, also known as Peretola or Amerigo Vespucci Airport) is located about 15-20 minutes northwest of Florence’s city center.  You have a few options for getting to the city, including by tram, bus, or taxi.

Florence airport to city center by tram

• Cost: €1.70 
  • If you have massive luggage, you may need to purchase a ticket for it too…seriously.
• Approximate time: 20 minutes (including the individual tram stops) 
  • Runs daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
  • Friday and Saturday nights: runs until 2:00 a.m.

The newest and cheapest way to Florence’s city center is the T2 tram route, which operates between Piazza dell’Unità Italiana (right near the main railway station – Santa Maria Novella, or SMN for short) and the airport.  

For the most part, the trams run about every 10 minutes and do have various stops along the way, but you’ll still get to the city in about 15-20 minutes.  See the website for more specific timetables.

All tram stops have automatic ticket machines that accept cash and credit cards (including contactless cards). You can also pay with Google Pay and Apple Pay if they are activated on your phone.  Once you buy your ticket, it can be used on ATAF buses in Florence for 90 minutes after first boarding the tram.

Florence airport to city center by taxi

• Cost: Fixed rate of €28; holiday rate of €30
  • Night time rate (11:00 PM to 6:00 AM) of €32. 
  • Rides starting at the airport have an additional charge of €3.  Luggage is €1.20 per piece, maximum of 7 pieces
• Approximate time: about 15 minutes 

If you’re not one for mass public transportation, you can take a taxi from the airport to any point in the city center for a fixed rate.  This is also a good option if you have a lot of luggage and/or are not staying super close to the SMN train station (where the other options drop you) as you can get door-to-door service in a taxi.

The taxi stand is located just outside of the arrivals hall across the street from the Volainbus.  See more information here.

Florence Main train station

As alluded to above, the main train station in Florence is Santa Maria Novella, or SMN (your train ticket likely says Firenze SMN).  With 19 platforms for trains crisscrossing all over Italy, SMN services nearly 60 million passengers each year, making it one of the busiest train stations in Italy.  

There are several shops and restaurants inside the terminal so you can grab one last espresso and pastry before heading on your way. 

A short 10-minute walk from the Duomo (15 minutes from Ponte Vecchio) and other major attractions, SMN is probably going to be more accessible and cheaper to travel to/from Florence than the airport.  With numerous high-speed and nonstop trains, getting to many of Italy’s major cities is quick and easy. 

By train:

• Venice to Florence – about 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Bologna to Florence – about 35 minutes
• Rome to Florence – about 1 hour and 30 minutes

When we book train travel, we use TrainLine. It’s super easy to use and shows all the options for different train brands.

Click here to see all the train travel options in Italy.

Where to Stay in Florence 

We’ve stayed in various places in Florence both in the city center and across the river while we’ve explored this beautiful city.

Luckily, the city center is rather concentrated and you can walk the city end-to-end in about 30 minutes. Most of the major attractions you’ll want to see are only about 10-15 minutes on foot. 

Note: Most of the accommodations in Florence are apartments not hotels. We actually prefer this since it’s a bit more affordable and you typically get more (i.e. kitchen, more space, washer, etc).

Booking.com probably has the widest selection of budget (and luxury) accommodations in the world. In our experience, they consistently have the cheapest rooms.

We also like their easy-to-use interface and no money down policy. When we book our travel stays, we personally use booking.com. 

• Hotel La Gemma (Luxury): Central location with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and private parking. Guests love the exceptional service and proximity to attractions. Click here to check current prices and availability
• 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino (Unique Stay): Dante-inspired design, modern amenities, and an on-site restaurant make this a stylish choice. Click here to check current prices and availability
• Palazzo Gamba Apartments al Duomo (Apartments): Fully equipped apartments with unbeatable views of Florence Cathedral, perfect for families or groups. Click here to check current prices and availability
• FuordArno B&B (Quiet B&B): Riverside retreat near Ponte Vecchio, offering tranquility and charm just 15 minutes from Il Duomo. Click here to check current prices and availability
• Renaissance Hotel (Budget-Friendly): Boutique hotel between Il Duomo and Ponte Vecchio with spacious rooms and personalized service. Central and lively! Click here to check current prices and availability

If these don’t tickle your fancy, you can search all hotels in the box below or click here.

Save money with Firenzecard

Think of the Firenzecard as your golden ticket to Florence’s best museums and attractions—but without the chocolate factory.

For €85, you get access to over 70 cultural hotspots, including the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia (hello, David), plus the chance to skip the lines like a true VIP. It’s valid for 72 hours from your first swipe, which is perfect if you’re packing your itinerary with all things Renaissance.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re museum-hopping like a champ and only have 3 days to soak up Florence’s cultural glory, the Firenzecard is a no-brainer.

Top attractions included in the Firenzecard include:

• Palazzo Pitti: €16 for access to all collections.
• Boboli Gardens: €10 for the gardens; a combined ticket with Palazzo Pitti is available for €22.
• Uffizi Gallery: €25 for a single ticket
• Santa Croce Church and Monumental Complex: €8 for the church and museum
• Galleria dell’Accademia: €22.50 for the gallery
• Palazzo Vecchio: €12.50 for museum + €12.50 for the tower climb

Alone, these individual ticket prices total over €85 per person so it might make sense to buy the Firenzecard and get access to an addition 60+ museums.

But heads up: not everything is included (looking at you, Brunelleschi’s Dome), so check the fine print before splurging. You can get it digitally through their app for ultimate convenience as well!

Map of 3 days in Florence itinerary

Click the interactive map below!

Florence in a day 

One day in Florence Itinerary

• Visit Piazza del Duomo
  • Climbing il Duomo
  • Crypt of Santa Reparata
  • Giotto’s Campanile
  • Baptistery of San Giovanni
• San Lorenzo Market
• Lunch at Mercato Centrale
• Galleria dell’Accademia
• Aperitivo and / or Wine Windows

Piazza del Duomo

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – il Duomo

• Cost: Free for the cathedral (dome climb info below)
• Reservations Required: No
• Hours: Generally, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but you can check here for your exact dates
• Things to know: Remember, you are entering a place of worship, so proper attire is required (no short shorts, tank tops, sandals, hats or sunglasses). 

Only have one day in Florence? Or even trying to do Florence in 2 days?  Then your itinerary has to start in Piazza del Duomo for arguably Florence’s most iconic structure, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply, “il Duomo”. 

And given the prominence of this attraction, we recommend doing it first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds (and the heat).

The Brunelleschi Pass is €30 per person and can be purchased online or at the ticket office which is along the right side of the cathedral (near the exit) in the building with 4 columns and 2 statues out front.  

You can enter the cathedral for free, but to experience many of the other attractions associated with the cathedral (i.e. climbing il Duomo, climbing the bell tower, the Baptistery, and the crypt), you’ll need to purchase the Brunelleschi pass.

This pass is a no-brainer if you are doing Florence in 3 days as the attractions are clustered together in the square and you can easily do all of them in a few hours, leaving you plenty of time for the rest of your one day in Florence. 

And trust us, you’ll need it.

Il Duomo

• Cost: Included in the Brunelleschi pass
  • Not included in the Firenzecard
• Reservations Required: Yes
• Hours to climb: 8:15 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. but you can check here for your exact dates
• Things to know: No elevator, 463 stairs, tennis shoes are recommend. NO backpacks.

Construction began on Duomo in the 13th century, but the recognizable dome was not added until the mid-15th century because no one could figure out how to build a free-standing dome large enough to enclose the space (nearly 150 feet wide).  That is until Brunelleschi came along.

The exterior of the world’s 4th largest cathedral is just beautiful: shades of pink, green, and white marble, with intricate detailing and sculptures all over the walls.

The line to enter the cathedral is naturally at the front, right across the way from the Baptistery of San Giovanni.  Once inside, you’ll likely get an empty impression, but just appreciate how massive this cathedral really is: 500 feet long, 300 feet wide at its widest, arches in the aisles that reach 75 feet and the dome which towers about 375 feet overhead. 

**Reservations Required**:  Once you purchase your pass, immediately set a reservation for climbing the dome (reservations are required for this).  Once you make a dome-climbing reservation, your pass is good for 72 hours at the other attractions.  Inside the ticket office, there are self-service machines where you can claim your reservation spot by scanning your pass. This can also be done in advance online. 

If you’re visiting Florence in 3 days (and are physically capable), you must make this 463-step climb to the top of il Duomo (there is no elevator).  The queue for the dome climb is around the left-hand side of the cathedral. 

These old staircases leave little to no room for passing slow pokes or letting the in-shape, fast climbers get by you, so be in line a bit earlier than your reservation if you want to be one of the first few up in your group.  

Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of Florence. 

It’s truly breathtaking (in more ways than one)!  Plus, you’ll have earned more wine, bread, and cheese for exercising your way to the top.  Win-win!

Crypt of Santa Reparata

• Cost: Included in the Brunelleschi pass
• Reservations Required: No
• Hours: Generally, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but you can check here for your exact dates
• Things to know: Same rules apply here for attire as this is within a place of worship.  Also, entrance to the crypt is inside the cathedral (you’ll have to wait in the cathedral line to get in)

Beneath the cathedral that stands today, the remains of an even older cathedral are present and visible.  There isn’t hard evidence to say when the Santa Reparata cathedral was built, but historians think it was between the 5th and 6th centuries.  

However, it is believed that the cathedral was eventually seen as too rough and too small for the new Florence.  As such, they decided to reconstruct the building on the same footprint.  That’s right, they built an even grander cathedral (what you see today) right on top of the old one.

Excavation efforts occurred in the 1960s and 70s and finally opened this area to the public.  Accessed from the inside of the cathedral, you can walk through the crypt/museum and read more about the history of Florence and the Santa Reparata cathedral. 

You can even see the simple and humble tomb of Brunelleschi, the mastermind of the dome you just climbed.

Giotto’s Campanile

• Cost: Included in the Brunelleschi pass (not Firenzacard)
• Reservations Required: Yes
• Hours: 8:15 AM to 7:20 PM; check here for your exact dates
• Things to know: 414 stairs; there are various terraces on the way up where you can stop, take photos, rest your legs, and most importantly, catch your breath.

Contrary to what many believe, the bell tower that sits adjacent to and rivals the height of il Duomo is actually a completely separate building from the cathedral. 

Giotto’s Campanile, or bell tower, is about 280 feet tall and is considered one of the showpieces of Florentine Gothic architecture.  

Although the bell tower is named for Giotto, its first designer, he actually only worked on it for 3 years before his death.  Two additional designers were involved in finishing the tower in 1359, at a height that was less than Giotto’s original spire-shaped roof design. 

You can climb the 414 steps to the terrace at the top for more panoramic views of Florence and a different perspective of il Duomo.  This attraction is included in your Grande Museo del Duomo pass.  

If your legs and calves can’t muster the strength to do 2 separate climbs on one day, consider doing the dome on one day and the bell tower on the following day.  Florence in 3 days = 2 climbs to see fantastic views of Florence (and 2 workouts).  More wine, bread, and cheese, please! 

Baptistery of San Giovanni

• Cost: Included in the Brunelleschi pass (not Firenzecard)
• Reservations Required: No
• Hours: 8:15 AM to 10:15 AM, and the 11:15 AM to 7:30 PM; Sundays 8:15 AM to 1:30 PM; check here for your exact dates
• Things to know: Attire – if you get in the other attractions, you’ll be fine here too

There is little known history about this building, which sits just outside of Florence’s main cathedral, but it is thought to be one of the oldest buildings (and churches) in Florence, first being mentioned in writings in 897 and originally thought to be a temple to the Roman god Mars.  

The current structure was constructed in the 11th century and its octagonal shape and green and white marble make this building equally recognizable, even if much smaller than its surrounding neighbors.

Perhaps the most important features of the baptistery are the three bronze and gold doors on the southern, northern, and eastern sides of the building. 

The beautiful doors are meant to be visual interpretations of the Bible, including depicting the life of John the Baptist, virtues, the Old and New Testaments, and the fathers of the Catholic Church.  Inside, you’ll also find huge mosaic depictions of various religious scenes.

San Lorenzo Market

• Cost: FREE to visit and browse
• Hours: 8AM – midnight 
• Things to know: Make sure you walk the length of the market to see what’s available and at what price before you even start to entertain the vendors about buying.

If you love haggling with street vendors, make sure you set aside some time to come to the San Lorenzo Market which is smack dab in the middle between the SMN train station and the Accademia Gallery (home of the David statue). 

At this outdoor market, you’ll find all of your touristy knick-knacks as well as your authentic Florentine leather jackets (and probably some not-so-authentic leather jackets).  We aren’t leather-aficionados by any stretch, so you’ll have to do your own research on best places to buy and what to look for.  

In our humble opinion, do not buy leather goods from this market. There are several local shops where the leather is actually from Italy. While the market is enticing, the leather goods may or may not be from Italy. If you are looking for authentic leather goods, we recommend visiting the School of Leather near Santa Croce.

But if you are going to shop at this market, you’ll have likely worked up an appetite.  Luckily, just behind the outdoor market is an indoor market called Mercato Centrale, which is a two-level market dedicated to Italy’s one true love: food.

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

• Cost: FREE to walk around
• Hours: 10AM – 10PM daily
• Things to know: Come hungry (and thirsty)! You can grab a glass of wine to eat with any meal!

On the ground floor, you’ll find butchers, fishmongers, cheese shops, fruit and vegetable vendors, olive oils, spices, and so much more Italian-goodness.  Stroll the entire footprint to feast your eyes on all of the deliciousness. 

If you want to bring anything back home with you, talk to the vendors as most are pretty knowledgeable about what can and can’t be brought back and will even vacuum pack certain items for fresh-keeping.

Now that your tastebuds and stomach have been teased for a bit, head upstairs for the food hall which has space for 10+ food stalls, all specializing in and serving up something different (cheese, wine, coffee, dessert, pasta, fish, etc.). 

Again, make sure you walk around the entire floor to make sure you know what you want.  It’s a big decision.  If you’re traveling in a group, we’d recommend getting something from several places so everyone can try something different. 

After walking around for a few minutes seeing and smelling all of the yummy food, we sat down to have some fresh gnocchi with a light tomato sauce from La Pasta Fresca.  So simple and yet so delicious.

Galleria dell’Accademia

• Cost: €22.50; you can book online here to skip the line (which includes a €6.50 online booking fee + an additional €4 pre-sale fee)
  • If you call, you can save the €6.50 but still pay the additional €4 pre-sale fee
• Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM and ticket office closes at 6:20 PM (closed Mondays)
• Things to know: First Sunday of every month is “Sunday at the Museum”, which means free admission. You can’t book this online so you’ll have to wait in line, which could wrap around the block. Be patient, free is free. 
  • Also, large backpacks / bags may not be allowed. There is no bag check either.

Best known as the home of Michaelangelo’s original David sculpture since 1873 (there are a few replicas throughout the city), the Accademia Gallery houses some other amazing sculptures by Michaelangelo and many other artists.

You’ll find the most crowded section of the gallery in the Hall of the Prisoners, which displays Michelangelo’s unfinished “Slaves” statues lining the walls and leading up to David, which is magnificently lit under a circular skylight.  It is truly awe-inspiring to walk around the statue and admire the beauty, precision, and scale of the sculpture.

Word to the wise : don’t just marvel at David and then leave.  There are so many other masterpieces here that you should spend some time exploring the other corridors of this museum. We know this is hard when you are only in Florence for 3 days, but spend at least an hour taking in the art!

Aperitivo Time (aka Happy Hour)

We wish we understood the importance of aperitivos in Italy before our first trip here. Aperitivos are so much more than your American Happy Hours, it’s a way of life.

Aperitivos are typically when you order a drink and it comes with free nibbles. The snacks can range from chips / crackers to full on tapas, cheeses / meats and more.

In Florence, there is no shortage of aperitivo options, but here are a few places we like to frequent:

• Piazza Santo Spirito: this piazza is across the Arno river away from the city center and the piazza is lined with bars and restaurants. No matter where we are staying in Florence, we always end up here for aperitivo and dinner.
• Procacci: Super bougie wine bar and deli that has been open since 1885.  Their claim to fame is everything truffles and we had one of their delicious truffle sandwiches. Procacci sits along the ritziest street in Florence among many of the luxury stores which means the prices reflect that too.
• Wine Windows: There are several functioning wine windows now in Florence. While they don’t come with snacks typically, it’s a very neat experience. (See below for more info).

Florence wine window at Babae

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 12 PM-Midnight
  • Friday: 12 PM – 2 AM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 2 AM
  • Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Things to know: This is significantly popular now thanks to 2020. Be patient when visiting.

Walk around the streets of Florence for long enough and you may notice some miniature doors that seem to be randomly placed on the walls of buildings (we’ll admit that we missed these on our first trip to Florence several years ago). 

Brief History of Wine Windows

As it turns out, dating back to the 16th century, these “miniature doors” were actually used as wine windows and these “buildings” were old Renaissance palaces of the Florentine elite.

What’s a wine window, you ask?  Well, back in 1559, the ruling Medici allowed Florentine families to sell their wine directly out of their palaces, instead of through taverns and innkeepers, eliminating the middleman and saving these wealthy families even more money. 

And so, the buchette del vino (literally, “the wine holes”) were born. 

These wine windows allowed the families to create a marketplace for the family vineyards but keep the riff-raff out of their courtyards and their homes.  Wine windows were so popular back in the day that almost every wealthy family had one installed in their palace.

The story goes something like this: Locals would be walking along the streets of Florence looking to enjoy a glass of wine or take home one of those old-fashioned straw-covered jugs for later. 

They’d simply knock on the small window and out pops someone (or their hands, at least) with the wine.  After exchanging a few coins for the wine, they’d continue on their way.

Over the years, as wine taverns became more popular, these wine windows were (unfortunately) converted into mail slots, door bells, intercom posts, and worst of all, just plastered over. 

In 2016, an association, simply called The Wine Windows Association, was established to create a list of the remaining wine windows in Florence as well as helping current wine window owners protect and restore them. 

Now, you’re probably thinking, “Great story, but now I’m thirsty for wine.” 

You didn’t think we’d tell you this cool story and not reward you, did you? 

Today, there are hundreds of visible wine windows in Florence with more being cataloged as they are found, and using this interactive map will ensure you don’t miss them.

With 2020 changing the landscape of drinking, various wine windows have opened in Florence but Babae is the OG one having opened back in 2019. It was our first wine window experience in Florence in 2020 so we continue to go back to them.

Note: There are several tour groups that now include wine windows as part of the tour and depending on the time of day you visit, it might be slammed. Be patient or try visiting another time.

Dinner Options

We’ve done our fair share of dinners in Florence and we can tell you first hand, the food is always delicious, but some places are actually significantly better. In our opinion, don’t miss out on these places during your 3 days in Florence.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED for all of them.

• La Giostra: Known for its cozy ambiance and exceptional pasta dishes, this spot adds a touch of elegance to your Florentine dining experience.
• Trattoria Mario: A casual, no-frills eatery serving hearty Tuscan meals with daily specials based on fresh market ingredients.
• Osteria delle Tre Panche: A small, intimate osteria specializing in truffle-infused dishes like pasta and risotto.
• Trattoria Sostanza (Il Troia): A historic spot with legendary butter chicken and a cozy, classic atmosphere.
• Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori: A hidden gem serving seasonal, authentic Tuscan recipes, perfect for foodies and wine lovers.

Florence in 2 days 

Day 2 in Florence itinerary

• Piazza della Signoria
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Ponte Vecchio
• Afternoon and Lunch options: 
  • Pizza or Sandwiches
  • Uffizi Palace and Gallery
  • Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
• Wine or Gelato
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• San Miniato Church
• Basilica of Santa Croce
• Dinner

Piazza della Signoria

• Cost: FREE
• Hours: 24/7
• Things to know: this square will be busy most of the day so if you are looking to take photos with fewer people, go early!

This square has been the center of Florentine politics since the 14th century and is still a gathering place for locals and tourists today.  In addition to the towering Palazzo Vecchio that dominates the square, there are numerous other sculptures positioned throughout, many of which are even politically contradictory to each other.  

The replica David statue is said to be a symbol of the Republic’s defiance of the Medici family, while Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus, which sits just to the right of David, was paid for by the Medici family to show their physical power after they returned from exile.

The Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air sculpture gallery with many more Renaissance-era sculptures depicting various scenes.  One that might stick out is a statue of Perseo holding Medusa’s head and is a strong reminder of what would happen if you crossed the mighty Medici.

Palazzo Vecchio

• Cost:
  • Museum 12.50€; Tower 12.50€; Combined museum and tower 17.50€
• Hours (Museum): April thru September – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (except Thursdays – 9AM to 2PM); October thru March – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (except Thursdays – 9AM to 2PM)
• Hours (Tower): April thru September – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (except Thursdays – 9AM to 2PM); October thru March – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except Thursdays – 10AM to 2PM)
• Things to know: There is an archaeological site below the palace that you can also visit (additional cost, but combo tickets available) as well as numerous hidden passages and secret routes, which are accessible to visitors if you know where to look. 
  • Also, backpacks and large purses are not allowed in the museum or tower, but free lockers are available to drop your stuff. Trust us, you don’t need to be carrying when you climb the tower.

Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of political power in Florence, is located in Piazza della Signoria just down the road from the craziness surrounding il Duomo and is where Michelangelo’s original David stood from its completion in the 1500s until it was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873. 

Today, a David replica (one of several in Florence) stands watch at the entrance to the now-museum and tower.

If you’re up for yet another climb, over 400 steps will get you to the top of the tower for more fabulous views of Florence.  You really can’t have too many great views of this beautiful city.  Arguably, this view might be the best one since you get to see the full dome and grotto from above. But, we didn’t do this originally on our 3 days in Florence trip. We did it on another trip and thoroughly enjoyed the view.

While we didn’t make it into the museum portion of the palace, it’s a collection of some magnificent sculptures, frescoes, old-age maps, private apartments of the Florence political-elite, and other Florentine artifacts.

Ponte Vecchio

• Cost: FREE
• Hours: 24/7
• Things to know: Looking for the best place to take pictures of Ponte Vecchio? Walk one bridge over to Ponte Santa Trinita for the best views. 

Other than il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio might be one of the most recognizable structures in Florence.  Spanning the width of the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio is known for the numerous shops built along it (butchers, tanners, and farmers in the early days). 

Today, along with hundreds of other tourists, you’ll find jewelry, art, souvenirs, and gelato lining the bridge.  Make sure you stop in the middle where the bridge opens up a bit for some great views of Florence along the river.

Also, if you know anything about Florence, you probably know that the Medici family basically ran this city back in the day.  Well, above the Ponte Vecchio, there is a secret passageway called the Vasari Corridor that connects the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s political center) with the Palazzo Pitti (the former private dwelling of the Medici family).  

This 1-kilometer long corridor begins at the Palazzo Vecchio, passes through the Uffizi Gallery, over the shops on Ponte Vecchio, and continues all the way up to the Palazzo Pitti.  All of that so the Medici’s could have some privacy and keep watch over their citizens!

The corridor was closed to visitors in 2016 for safety reasons, but it has just reopened in January 2025! You can visit the Vasari secret corridor by booking tickets a combo ticket to the Uffizi (see below).

Afternoon and Lunch options

There are two options depending on what you want to do this afternoon.

• If you are into museums, we suggest the Uffizi Palace and Gallery and we suggest lunch at All’Antico Vinaio. 
• If you want to explore a palace and gardens, we suggest the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens with lunch at Gustapizza. You really can’t go wrong with whatever you pick!

Museum and Sandwiches:

All’Antico Vinaio

• Cost: €8-€14 per sandwich
• Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
• Things to know: One of the cheapest eats in Florence!

This is probably the most well-known food stop in Florence and you’ll understand why once you eat here.  When you show up to this fast food location (minus the drive-thru), located just behind Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, you’re bound to find a line, or maybe even three lines.   

There are usually three lines which all lead to three separate locations of All’Antico Vinaio, but they all serve the same stuff.  Make sure you scope out all three lines before getting in one of them as they aren’t always the best-formed lines. 

The lines move quickly as the many workers squished behind the service bar craft your sandwiches at warp speed.

You can create your own, pick from the large menu boards, or you can strike up a conversation with those eating around you to figure out what you want. 

And the sandwiches are absolutely ginormous, so if you aren’t that hungry or won’t be saving it for later, ask them to slice your sandwich in half so you can share. 

Without much seating available, we took our massive sandwiches around the corner and enjoyed our lunch along the river.  Side note: the pigeons also liked the sandwiches.

If you’re doing 3 days in Florence, you have to experience a true Italian sandwich! 

Uffizi Palace and Gallery

• Cost: €25 (if you book online, you will be charged an additional €4, but you will choose your date and time of entry to skip the long lines).  You can also buy a combo ticket for €38 that will get you into the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens
• Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday – 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (closed Mondays; ticket office closes at 5:45 PM)
• Things to know: One of the most well-known paintings in the world, The Birth of Venus, painted by Botticelli, can be found in the Uffizi.  Make sure you find it during your visit.  Look for the crowds of people.

Located just down the street from Palazzo Vecchio and right behind the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the first modern museums and also one of the most important Italian museums. 

As one of the top two museums visited in Italy (the Vatican Museum in Rome being the other), the Uffizi is full of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art that mainly date to the Renaissance period.  

The majority of the collection was left by the Medici family to the state of Tuscany so that they could “adorn the State, be of utility to the Public and attract the curiosity of Foreigners”. 

Judging by the long lines to get into the museum, we’d say the collection has certainly attracted the curiosity of everyone!

Housing so many precious pieces of art, the gallery was open to visitors by request since the 16th century, but it was officially opened to the public in 1765 and then formally became a museum in 1865. 

Today, the art is organized mostly in chronological order (super helpful) throughout the long U-shaped building.  

Palace, Gardens and Pizza

Gustapizza

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Things to know: Go early or be prepared to wait! Great pizza at a great price!

Because you have to eat good pizza while in Italy.  Serving up a small menu of only seven Neapolitan-style pizzas, Gustapizza packs a punch and a lot of people into its small space. 

Just a few-minutes walk from Ponte Vecchio and Pitti Palace, get here early for dinner to avoid a long wait or consider coming for lunch when things are a little less crowded.  Of course, get the house wine to wash down your pizza.

We had the Napoletano (tomato, ricotta, salami, mozzarella) and the Calabrese (tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami, basil, and olive oil) and both were absolutely delicious!

Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

• Cost: €16 for the Pitti Palace and €10 for the Boboli Gardens; or, you can book a combo ticket which includes the Uffizi Gallery for €40.  Book tickets online here
• Hours (Pitti Palace): Tuesday thru Sunday 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and ticket office closes at 12:30 PM (closed Mondays)
• Hours (Boboli Gardens): Open every day (closed first and last Monday of every month, plus January 1, May 1, and December 25); November thru February 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM; March 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM; April, May, September and October 8:15 AM to 6:15 PM; June thru August 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM
• Things to know: If you’re up for it, walk down the steep-sloping avenue, Viottolone, to get to Isolotto, the large pond with a huge fountain in the middle called “Ocean” surrounded by three more sculptures.

We’ll admit it.  On our first trip to Florence, we didn’t know about this place.  Looking back, we can’t believe we missed it because you cross the Ponte Vecchio and walk about 300 more meters and you’re there. 

Don’t be like us on our first trip to Florence….make sure you stop here.

The Pitti Palace was built back in the 1450s but was later purchased by, surprise surprise, the Medici family in 1549 and became the chief house of the family. 

Hence why the Vasari Corridor meandered from Palazzo Vecchio (where politics happened) to Pitti Palace (where the Medici’s lived). 

One look at this massive palace and you surely will not pity anyone who called this place home.

Today, the Pitti Palace is broken up into several different museum sections, each housing some of the most important pieces of art in Florence. 

The Palatine Gallery contains many 16th and 17th century paintings, the Royal Apartments contain furnishings from a remodeling done in the 19th century, and the Treasury of the Grand Dukes displays a vast collection of Medici household treasures, including silverware, precious stone vases, rock crystals, and jewelry. 

You can even see some more modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries in the Gallery of Modern Art on the top floor.

Just outside of the palace is where you will find the Boboli Gardens, the largest green space in Florence.  When we visited, it was unbelievable to us that something so massive, so beautiful, and so peaceful was tucked away in this bustling city. 

But the gardens are more than just green space, they are an open-air museum with countless sculptures, fountains, and caves scattered throughout the massive 111-acre site.

You can stroll through the grand gravel avenues lined with centuries-old trees which lead you to the large amphitheater and then to The Fountain of Neptune.  Continue up the hill and stairs and you’ll come upon another massive statue and more great views of the palace and gardens below. 

Head up even more stairs to find Giardino del Cavaliere, which is a maze of sorts and fun to walk through.  Next to these gardens is the building that houses the Porcelain Museum, a huge collection of everything imaginable in porcelain.  It’s included in your ticket to the Boboli Gardens.

As you continue to walk throughout the gardens, you’ll find little coves here and there where you’ll have great views of the city and beauty surrounding you.  Once you make it all the way around and are at the end of your walk near the Palazzo Pitti, make sure you wave “goodbye” to the court dwarf Morgante as he rides a tortoise!

Wine or Gelato break

No matter which option you picked (museum or palace), both the wine bar and gelato shop below will be within a 5-10 minute walk.

Signorvino – wine bar

• Hours:
  • 10AM – Midnight
• Things to know: They might have one of the best views of Ponte Vecchio from their patio. We suggest you book a table online as they are hard to get!

Located along the banks of the Arno River just across the Ponte Vecchio, Signorvino is a wine bar that aims to educate you about and promote Italian wine, many of which are lesser-known varieties from different regions. 

As a chain of bars around Italy, things are a little more touristy and commercialized than other shops in Italy, but it was nice to read the cool wine-region map while sipping on our wine flight. 

Come during aperitivo for some complimentary Italian-style finger foods.

Gelateria Della Passera

• Hours:
  • Tuesday-Thursday: 12-8; Sat-Sun 12-10
• Things to know: This is where the locals go and worth the yummy treat! 

Gelateria Della Passera is a very small gelato shop located a few minutes Ponte Vecchio and would be a good stop on your way back from the Pitti Palace.

Again, remember that gelato that is presented in huge mounds with bright and vibrant colors has fake stuff added. Not all gelato is created equally!

Piazzale Michelangelo

• Cost: Free
• Things you need to know: It’s quite a walk to get up to this gorgeous view, but worth it
• Location: Click here

We’ve said a few times that you can’t have enough pictures of Florence from high above, and you can thank us later for the panoramic views of this beautiful city from this perch.

A little bit further away than most things in Florence, this lookout point is about a 20-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio. 

It’s 110% worth it.

Of note, the walk up to this lookout is up a rather long hill (much of it is paved with steps), but you’ll appreciate the breeze from the top even more once you make it to the top. 

Also, you’ll pass some beautiful terraced rose gardens on the way up the hill.  Stop and admire (and catch your breath) the more than 300 types of roses that are growing here. 

If you don’t want to walk, the bus or a taxi are options, but it really is a charming walk through Florence if you are physically capable.

Along the way, make sure you stop in at any shop and grab a bottle of wine and cheese/meat/bread (PRO TIP: remember to bring a knife or find sliced cheese).  You’ll pass numerous shops on the way, so don’t worry if you miss the first one.

This is one of the best spots to catch a sunset in all of Florence.  Just remember that everyone else knows it too. If you can’t fit sunset into your schedule, it is still a magnificent sight to see at any time of day. 

If you didn’t take our advice about the wine earlier, there will be little food carts at the top of the hill selling a little bit of everything, it will just be far more expensive than if you had just listened to us originally.

You’ll also find another one of the David replicas in this square, so you can admire and take pictures with him here too if you haven’t elsewhere, or even if you have.

San Miniato Church

• Cost: FREE
• Hours:
  • Daily 9:30AM – 1 PM; 3:30-7PM
• Things to know: This church is one of the highest points in the city and has a beautiful view!

Just up the road from Piazzale Michelangelo is the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte which has the green and white marble we know and love from many of the other Florence churches. 

We know we have climbed a lot of things in Florence, but if you are up for another short climb, you can see another impressive view of Florence from even higher up than Piazzale Michelangelo.

Just outside of the church, to the front, back and side, there is a monumental cemetery that contains the tombs of some very important men, including the author of Pinocchio. 

Not lying.

We didn’t have the opportunity to enter the church, but would you believe us if we told you there was more beautiful art and mosaics inside?

Basilica of Santa Croce

• Cost: €8 which gives you access to the Basilica, the Pazzi Chapel, the Museum of the Opera, the Refectory, three cloisters, and a few other spaces.  Visit here for more information
• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
• Things to know: Remember, it’s a place of worship first, tourist attraction second, so dress accordingly.

Less than 800 meters, or about half-a-mile for us American folks, from il Duomo lies the world’s largest Franciscan church, the Basilica of Santa Croce, which was built starting in 1294.  It’s front facade is covered in that beautiful white marble that you saw earlier at il Duomo.  

Inside, you’ll find more beautiful works of art, sculptures, and chapels built and decorated in honor of prominent Florentine families, and numerous resting places for some of the most admired Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, among many others.  

The church is also well-known for something a bit more cheery, an annual celebration called Calcio Storico Fiorentino that takes place directly in front of the church on Piazza Santa Croce. 

Every June 24, Florence’s patron saint’s feast day for St. John the Baptist, four teams from the historical neighborhoods of Florence play against each other in a mix of soccer, rugby and wrestling to crown a champion.  And to the victors goes a year of pride and glory…..and a Chianina calf.  Seriously.  

The square is covered in dirt and the players all don 16th-century costumes to transport back in time.  This is a ticketed event, and tickets are usually only sold locally in person to give the locals the best shot at securing a seat. 

If you miss the game, you can catch it on livestream, or just join in on the fun at the parade that precedes the final match or the fireworks over Piazzale Michelangelo later in the evening.

Aperitivo Time (again)

This is a booze blog for Florence after all… what did you expect?

Le Volpi e L’uva

• Hours: 11:00am-3pm; 6:00pm to 9:00pm
• Things to know: this is a smaller wine bar with limited seating

Le Volpi e L’uva opened back in 1992 and approached wine in a new way, at least for the time. Their intention was to develop relationships with small wine producers and create an environment where wine was accessible and approachable to everyone. 

We always feel like wine is approachable, for what it’s worth.   

It’s a cozy atmosphere tucked into a great spot near Ponte Vecchio and it’s definitely not pretentious like some wine bars you may have visited.  We tried some wines we hadn’t drank before, including a Toscana IGT Canaiolo and a Rosso di Montalcino DOC, and befriended the bartender as best we could.

King Grizzly

• Hours: 12PM-2AM
• Things to know: cozy tavern with a good beer selection

Stuck in a perfect spot between il Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, King Grizzly is widely regarded as one of Florence’s top beer bars.  For such a wine-heavy culture and city like Florence, this true beer bar is a great change of pace.  

This corner pub looks quite unassuming from the outside and is much of the same on the inside with wood floors, wooden bar, wooden stools….you get the picture. 

But you didn’t come here for the pleasing aesthetics.  You came here for the great beer from all over Europe, the cozy atmosphere, and the friendly and helpful bartenders.  Stop in for a pint during your journey. 

Empireo Rooftop

• Hours: after 7:30 PM for non-guest
• Things to know: hotel prioritizes the guest (as they should) so if you want to visit, you’ll need a reservation, especially during the summer months

Located atop the Hotel Plaza Lucchesi, Empire Rooftop View American Bar & Pool is a rooftop bar offers a 360° panoramic view of Florence, including iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.

You can sip on expertly crafted cocktails while enjoying delicious Italian tapas, making it the perfect place to kick back after a day of sightseeing.

However, you are going to pay a pretty penny for this view. When we visited, my Prosecco was €13 and Chris’s Negroni was around €15.

Dinner

Using the list from Day 1 above, we’d recommend trying to get reservations at any of the following:

• La Giostra: Known for its cozy ambiance and exceptional pasta dishes, this spot adds a touch of elegance to your Florentine dining experience.
• Trattoria Mario: A casual, no-frills eatery serving hearty Tuscan meals with daily specials based on fresh market ingredients.
• Osteria delle Tre Panche: A small, intimate osteria specializing in truffle-infused dishes like pasta and risotto.
• Trattoria Sostanza (Il Troia): A historic spot with legendary butter chicken and a cozy, classic atmosphere.
• Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori: A hidden gem serving seasonal, authentic Tuscan recipes, perfect for foodies and wine lovers.

Day 3 in Florence – Wine Tour

By this point and time in Florence, we were experiencing severe museum burnout so getting out of the city is highly recommended. Since we are Boozing Abroad after all, we’d HIGHLY recommend a wine excursion out of the city for the day.

If you don’t want to explore this beautiful Tuscan countryside, look for a walking food tour instead. We’ve detailed both options out below.

Wine Tours from Florence

There are dozens of different tours available in Florence.

We personally use Viator when we plan out trips. If you’re new to Viator, it’s a massive online hub for all kinds of tours and excursions. You can find tons of options, like cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more, in cities all over the world. It’s a great resource for discovering specific tours no matter where you’re headed.

We took this Small Group Wine tour in late 2024. We highly recommend it! See our full day experience here!

To see all tours on Viator for Florence, click here.

Food Tour

• Hours: most are 2 – 4 hours
• Things to know: wear good walking shoes and be prepared to eat!

If wine isn’t your thing, a food tour is your next best option.

One of our favorite ways to become more immersed in a culture and city is by doing a walking tour.  It’s usually more intimate, you get to go down small alleyways to explore, and you can get the nitty gritty details from your tour guide. 

This was one of our highlights to our Florence trip because we got to taste so many different local food specialties, were absolutely stuffed at the end of the night, and got to spend some time with our local tour guide who gave us all sorts of tips and tricks for visiting the city.

We did this tour in late February on a rainy and chilly evening, and although that doesn’t sound like great walking tour weather, it meant we had a private tour! 

There are so many great options for food tours, here are some we’d recommend:

Videos for Florence

While we wish we could pack every single recommendation on Florence into this post, we can’t since it would be the length of a book. However, we do have some videos you can watch to see what we’ve experienced in Florence that weren’t touristy.

As we mentioned at the start, we live in Bologna and frequently visit Florence since it’s so close. Curious to see other things to do that we didn’t mention? Check out these videos below:

Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence blends together culture, architecture, art, food, and booze so well that it is one of the top travel destinations in Italy and all of Europe. 

From its skyline dotted with church domes and bell towers to its hole-in-the-wall wine shops and restaurants, Mark Twain said it best when he called Florence a “city of dreams.”  Every twist and turn of its old streets and every climb up its steps and hills is mesmerizing and nothing short of spectacular.

Psst: Looking for more Italy info? We have a few guides! Browse them all here or see the most popular ones below:

• The best 3 days in Rome itinerary guide
• A Quick Guide to Italian Wine classification
• Ultimate Road Trip to Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
• The 5 Best Day Trips from Bologna, Italy