Best 3 Days in Florence Itinerary: A Complete Guide
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As the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance (and gelato!), there’s so much to discover during 3 days in Florence, Italy. Consider me your expert guide…
Ready to visit the magnificent Duomo and marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and da Vinci? To learn about the infamous Medici family? To sip Chianti Classico wine as the sun sets over the Arno River?
And, of course, to experience Florence’s incredible foodie scene?
From humble cucina povera (peasant-style) dishes to bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), freshly shaven truffles to pecorino cheese, and negroni cocktails to Tuscan wine, you’re going to eat and drink very well in Florence!
After visiting Florence many times, Iโve created the ultimate 3-day Florence itinerary.
It includes all of my favorite Florence’s highlights, from delicious food and wine to Florentine history, culture, art, and architecture. There are plenty of hidden gems and authentic experiences too; so whether this is your first or fifth visit, I’m positive this is the only 3 days in Florence itinerary you’ll need!
3-Day Florence Itinerary Summary
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of my 3-day Florence itinerary! Read on for all the details…
Day 1 in florence:
- Go on this David, Accademia Gallery, and Duomo Tour
- Sandwiches at AllโAntico Vinaio and gelato at Gelateria Dei Neri
- Walk through the Historic Center using this route
- Afternoon aperitivo or Tuscan wine-tasting session
- Go on this Renaissance & Medici Tales Walking Tour OR this Sunset Food & Wine Walking Tour
- Dinner at Mercato Centrale
Day 2 in Florence:
- Learn to make pasta, ragรน, and tiramisรน during this Tuscan Cooking Class & Market Tour
- Explore the rest of the Duomo complex (Giottoโs Bell Tower, Baptistery of St. John, etc.)
- Wine at Cantina De’ Pucci, a “wine window” near the Duomo
- Try Florentine steak at Ristorante del Fagioli
Day 3 in Florence:
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery
- Explore Oltrarno (less touristy side of Florence)
- Lunch at Osteria Santo Spirito or Gustapizza
- Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
- Traditional Tuscan dinner at IโBrindellone or Trattoria Dell’Orto
Where to Stay in Florence:
I recommend staying near in the Historic Center (near the Duomo) or in trendy Oltrarno/Santo Sprinto.
- Donati Luxury Tower Suites – luxury stay
- Palazzo dei Conti Residenza d’Epoca – most popular!
- Oro Nero Florence – near the train station
- Boutique Hotel del Corso – budget-friendly
- Casa Botticelli – my favorite!
Best Art & History Activities:
- Accademia Gallery, Duomo, and Brunelleschiโs Dome Tour – includes 3-day Brunelleschi Pass!
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery (get your ticket online or book a guided tour)
- Renaissance & Medici Tales Tour – donation-based!
- Mysteries and Legends of Florence Tour – donation-based!
Best Food & Wine Activities:
- Go on this sunset walking food and wine tour
- Try a schiacciata sandwich
- Order a Florentine steak (and local wine!) for dinner
- Try a lampredotto sandwich at the Mercato Centrale
- Learn to make Tuscan-style pasta from scratch
- Go on a Chianti wine and cheese tour
Important Tips:
- Many attractions are closed on Monday (i.e. Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, and Pitti Palace).
- Shoulders and knees must be covered to visit the Duomo and other religious sites.
- Install an eSIM on your phone for easy access to mobile data.
Have extra time in Florence?
There are so many amazing day trips from Florence! My favorites include this Tuscany in One Day Tour and this Cinque Terre day trip! You can also take a self-guided day trip to Siena or Bologna by train!
Florence Map & Walking Route
I made this handy Florence map just for you! You can save it in your Google Maps app and use it as you explore.
- Click the star (in the heading) to save this map to your Google account.
- Open your Google Maps app, select “Saved” and go to “Maps.” Find the Florence map listed there.
- Click the tab in the top left corner to see my pinned locations and turn on/off map layers and walking routes.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Florence
Put on your comfy walking shoes and explore the cityโs medieval streets, museums, and must-see spots. Along the way, you’ll learn about Florenceโs rich history and key figures โ from the Medici Family to Brunelleschi to Michelangelo.
Plenty of delicious food, Aperol spritzes, and Italian wines are in your future tooโฆ
Coffee & Breakfast
If you’re like me, you love to start the day with a coffee and a cornetto (or “Italian croissant”).
Ditta Artigianale is my go-to for specialty coffee and breakfast in Oltrarno; thereโs another located on Via Neri in the city center too! Ala Grande Caffรจ, Rooster Cafe Firenze, and Coffee Mantra are great too.
Visit the Accademia Gallery & See David
Kickstart your three days in Florence with this Skip-the-Line Accademia Gallery & Duomo Tour.
Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and nothing symbolizes that more than Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece, David. You need to see him with your own eyes!
At the Accademia Gallery, you’ll see other works by Michelangelo (including his Prisoners), Giambologna, Botticelli, and other famous Italian artists.
Visit the Duomo & Climb Brunelleschi’s Cupola
Next up on the Skip-the-Line Accademia Gallery & Duomo Tour, youโll visit the Piazza del Duomo to see the city’s most iconic architectural masterpiece: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Or, simply, the Duomo.
The cathedral is adorned in exquisite green, white, and pink marble, intricate statues, and stained-glass windows. It took 140 years to construct!
But the most impressive feature is the ingenious self-supported brick dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
During my guided tour, we learned about the Duomoโs history, before climbing 463 stairs to reach the top of the dome! The panoramic views from the top are unbelievable.
Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes of The Last Judgment, painted on the domeโs interior, were equally enchanting. You’ll admire them up close as you climb!
Click here to book your Skip-the-Line Duomo & Accademia Gallery Tour!
Great news! This tour includes a Brunelleschi Pass. Valid for three days, it grants access to Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Opera del Duomo Museum, the Baptistery of St. John, and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata. All are included in Day 2 of my Florence itinerary.
Lunch at AllโAntico Vinaio
Next up, have lunch at AllโAntico Vinaio, Florenceโs most famous sandwich shop.
Youโll know youโre in the right place when you see the huge line of hungry people. Join them for a fresh schiacciata bread sandwich filled with epic Italian delicacies.
I recommend the Favalosa, with salami, house-made pecorino cream, artichoke cream, and spicy eggplants. Or La Tricolore, with beef carpaccio, cream of pistachio, stracciatella cheese, and chopped hazelnuts. There are vegetarian options too!
SECRET SPOT: Instead, go to I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti for a schiacciata-bread sandwich thatโs just as good (if not better) without the crazy line.
Gelato at Gelateria Dei Neri
Next up, stop by Gelateria dei Neri – my favorite gelateria in the city center! With all the classic flavors you love, plus originals like gorgonzola and walnuts or Mexican chocolate, you’ll love it too!
Explore the City on Foot
Ready to roam the charming streets of Florence, gelato in hand? Follow the walking route from my Google Map to see these top attractions in the historical center…
Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is a beautiful neo-Gothic Franciscan church in the Piazza di Santa Croce. It features immaculate frescoes by Giotto and houses the grand tombs of Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Gioachino Rossini, and many other famous Italians. It costs โฌ8 to enter and is well worth it!
Arno River
Of course, Florence is separated into two sides by the Arno River. Stroll along the river and cross the many bridges – especially the Ponte Vecchio. It’s particularly dreamy around golden hour and sunset!
Ponte Vecchio
This medieval bridge (which actually has Roman origins and means Old Bridge) is the only bridge that survived World War II.
The Ponte Vecchio is always crowded and chaotic during the day, thanks to its long history, beautiful view of the Arno, and myriad jewelry and souvenir shops built on top of it. Itโs a must-see anyway! Consider returning after sundown, when itโs practically empty.
Mercato del Porcellino
The Piglet Market is one of the oldest continuously operated markets in the world! Here, you’ll find stalls selling Florentine leather goods. Make sure to haggle if you see something you like! The symbol of the market – the Fontana del Porcellino – is a bronze statue of a wild boar. Rub his nose for good luck!
Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria is the beating heart of Florence – the cityโs main square. The town hall – the Palazzo Vecchio – dominates the scene with its 311-foot-tall clock tower.
The Loggia dei Lanzi (an outdoor gallery of stunning Renaissance sculptures), the Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain), and the replica of Michelangelo’s David are must-sees too!
Piazza della Repubblica
Next, meander to Piazza della Repubblica, another main square in Florence. You know, the one with that iconic merry-go-round? It’s lined with nice (albeit touristy and overpriced) cafรฉs and the beautiful Triumphal Arch, built in 1895.
Via del Corso
Starting from the Piazza della Repubblica, roam down the Via del Corso, one of Florence’s best shopping streets. From local boutiques to international shops, this street is a haven for fashionistas, window shoppers, and people-watchers alike!
Via deโ Tornabuoni
This is the most luxurious shopping street in Florence; here, you’ll find Salvatore Ferragamo’s original shopfront, as well as many Italian and international designers, from Gucci to Versace to Tiffany & Co.
Love fashion? Pop into the Museo Ferragamo for โฌ8.
Enjoy an Afternoon Aperitivo
Do as the Italians do and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo. That is, an appetite-stimulating cocktail and a little snack.
I don’t know about you, but I love a good negroni. This classic cocktail was invented in Florence in 1919!
For your aperitif in the historic city center, head to SEยทSTO Rooftop Bar (at the Westin Excelsior) for fabulous drinks and city views!
If you want to stroll and sip, you can grab to-go cocktails from most of the cafes and bars you pass by.
Mainstay Florentine cafรฉs like Caffรจ Sant’Ambrogio and Rivoire also do the job.
HOT TIP: Book this Tuscan wine-tasting session for a fun, interactive experience! Itโs held at a cute wine bar in front of the Ponte Vecchio.
Go on a Guided Walking Tour
Next up, go on this donation-based Renaissance & Medici Tales Tour to begin understanding Florence’s tremendous historical and cultural significance.
I LOVED this tour! We learned all about the rich, powerful, and treacherous Medici family – and the pivotal role they played in shaping (and funding!) the Renaissance.
The two-hour tour runs daily at 10:00 AM or 4:30 PM. Click here to make your reservation (for about $3!). Bring cash to tip your guide; $10/person is standard.
NOTE: This tourโs low cost means the group will be large! Want something more intimate? Go on this Private Medici Family Walking Tour.
Dinner at Mercato Centrale
For an easy but delicious dinner, the second level of Mercato Centrale (A.K.A. the Central Market or San Lorenzo Market) is your place!
There, youโll find a stunning array of eateries and bars, offering everything from handmade pasta blanketed in freshly shaven truffles to pizza margherita to Florentine steak.
Day 2 of 3 Days in Florence
Your second day in Florence should be all about food and wine! After all, thatโs what Tuscany does best. Pace yourself!
And yes, plenty of important historical sites are included in today’s Florence itinerary too!
Tuscan Cooking Class
Your Florence itinerary wouldnโt be complete without this Cooking Class & Market Tour!
I had SO much fun during this small-group cooking class, learning to make traditional Tuscan and Italian dishes. Here’s how it went.
The experience started with a visit to the Central Market to gather farm-fresh ingredients and learn about traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Back at the school, as we sipped plenty of local wine, we learned to make:
- Tuscan-style ragรน sauce
- Bruschetta to snack on as we cooked
- Ravioli and pappardelle pasta from scratch; we kneading the dough, rolled it out, stuffed the ravioli, and cut the pasta
- Classic tiramisu for dessert
And, finally, came the best part: the feast! At the end, we received recipe books to recreate the dishes at home. To this day, I still do!
The class starts at 9 AM. Come hungry! Click here to book your Cooking Class & Market Tour.
Visit the Monuments in Piazza del Duomo
Remember the Brunelleschi Pass that came with your Skip-the-Line Accademia Gallery & Duomo Tour on Day 1?
It’s time to use it toโฆ
- Savor the views atop of Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto).
- Explore the incredible Renaissance art and history within the Opera del Duomo Museum.
- Check out the crypt inside of the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata.
- Enter the Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) and admire the gilded mosaics within its dome.
Stop by a Wine Window (Buchetta del Vino)
Next up, order a drink from a buchette del vino (wine windows) and sip it in the street.
Florence is home to about 150 wine windows, but only some are still in service. A couple of blocks away from the Piazza del Duomo is one of the best: Cantina De’ Pucci.
History of Florence’s Wine Windows
Dating back to the mid-1500s, ruler Cosimo de’ Medici allowed noble families to sell the wine they produced directly to consumers from their homes, through windows. This helped them avoid the extra taxes of selling wine from official enoteche (wine shops).
In the early 1630s, when the plague swept through Florence, locals constructed even more wine windows so they could serve wine without contact. In 2020 (ugh), the trend resurgedโฆ
Savor a Traditional Florentine Dinner
Ready for a fabulous traditional Tuscan dinner? Head to Ristorante del Fagioli.
This rustic restaurant, with its open-view kitchen, serves typical Florentine cuisine at its finest – at reasonable prices too, considering its Michelin guide inclusion.
We ordered a delicious bottle of pinot nero from San Gimignano, a panzanella salad, to-die-for penne strascicate (Tuscan penne al ragรน), a succulent 1.4-kg grilled Florentine , and half-portion sides of Tuscan white beans, patate alla contadina (farmer-style stewed potatoes), and green beans.
We were absolutely stuffed by the end, and ran up a tab of around โฌ120. So good!
IMPORTANT NOTES: This restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays! Make a reservation in advance, in-person or by phone! Cash only. If you need a Plan B in the city center, then head to Pensavo Peggio for “Grandma’s Lasagna.” You can usually get in without a booking.
Day 3 of 3 Days in Florence
Today will be all about Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery and exploring Florence’s coolest neighborhood, Oltrarno, for the afternoon.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
Art lovers should set aside two to three hours to explore Florence’s best art museum: the Uffizi Gallery.
Prepare to be blown away by priceless pieces crafted by Italy’s foremost artistic geniuses, such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giotto.
Make sure to purchase your ticket in advance online from the official site!
ANOTHER OPTION: Go on this Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with a Guide which already includes your ticket. Your guide will lead you through 50 rooms and tell you about the gallery’s most impressive masterpieces. Click here to book it.
Explore Oltrarno
Next, it’s time to explore the neighborhood of Oltrarno, which literally means “the other side of the Arno River.”
This side of Florence is less touristy, more affordable, and absolutely packed with cool restaurants, bars, and historic sites.
What to Do in Oltrarno
- First of all pizza! Head to Gustapizza for a delicious Neapolitan-style pizza. So good.
- Pop into the Basilica di Santo Spirito and people-watch in the main piazza, Piazza Santo Spirito.
- Stop by BABAE, the best wine window in Santo Spirito.
- Visit the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace). Brunelleschi designed the original palace for the Pitti family in 1457. Later, it became the Medici family’s main residence.
- By now, it should be late afternoon – the perfect time to explore the Boboli Gardens! Attached to the Pitti Palace, these vast, regal, historic gardens feature incredibly manicured green spaces, sculptures, and views of Florence.
- Next up, head to Loggia Roof Bar, Il Santino, or Volume for your afternoon drink and snack.
- If you have extra time, walk around the legendary gardens of Villa Bardini.
Watch Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
No matter what time you head up to Piazzale Michelangelo, you’ll be met with a spectacular Florence skyline view. But especially at golden hour and for sunset! (Plus, a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, and an intense crowd…)
My advice? Bring a bottle of Tuscan wine and a couple of glasses. Maybe some cheese or even a to-go pizza or panino. Get there early to grab a seat on the steps. Enjoy the live music, the vibrant atmosphere, and drink in the wondrous view.
HOT TIP: For the absolute best panoramic view of Florence (without the crowds!), head to Basilica di San Miniato. Seriously. You can’t beat this view!
Stroll Through San Niccolรฒ
After you watch the sunset, head back down the hill and find yourself in the charming neighborhood of San Niccolรฒ.
Stroll down Via di San Niccolรฒ, and continue until you reach the lively cobblestone streets of Santo Spirito again for dinner.
As you go, admire the Porta San Niccolรฒ and the Torre del Belvedere, glowing in the golden night lights, and peer into the eclectic antique shops.
Dinner, Drinks & Gelato in Santo Spirito
Welcome to my favorite neighborhood in Florence – where you can find authentic trattorias, great bars, a vibrant atmosphere, locals enjoying cocktails with their friends, and lower prices than across the river.
For dinner, I highly recommend IโBrindellone (make a reservation!) or Trattoria Dell’Orto. If those are too busy, you canโt go wrong with Osteria Santo Spirito or Gustopanino. Hosteria del Bricco in San Niccolรฒ is also good.
Then, donโt miss Gelateria Santa Trinita for the BEST gelato in Florence. Gelateria La Carraia is another nearby gem.
Have an Extra Day in Florence?
If you have extra time, take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside! Iโve embarked on countless day trips from Florence, but here are my two favorite Tuscany ones:
Tuscany in One day Tour
Itโs impossible to see all of Tuscany in one day, but this comprehensive Tuscany tour makes it easy to experience the highlights!
From Siena and San Gimignano, to Pisa and a family-run Chianti winery, you’ll experience the best of Tuscany. Think: incredible views, amazing wine, delicious food, marvelous architecture, charming centuries-old towns, and award-winning gelato.
I’ve been on this tour twice and highly recommend it!
Chianti wine & Cheese Safari
Want to spend a day drinking fantastic wine, sampling local cheese, and devouring traditional Tuscan delicacies at three gorgeous Renaissance villas in Chianti? On this Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari, you’ll do exactly that!
Where to Stay in Florence
Donโt underestimate the importance of choosing accommodation wisely in Florence. Book a hotel with a central, convenient location so you can walk everywhere!
Historic Center
The most popular (but most expensive!) neighborhood to stay in is Duomo/City Center. You’ll always be within close walking distance of all the must-see attractions – but you’ll also never catch a break from all the action, noise, and hordes of tourists.
The surrounding neighborhoods of San Lorenzo and San Marco, Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce are also great options, though you’ll have to walk a bit more.
Oltrarno & Santo Spirito
I always stay in Oltrarno and recommend you do the same!
Oltrarno (including Santo Spirito and San Frediano) is the coolest neighborhood in Florence. This area, on the other side of the river, is full of fantastic bars, restaurants, cafรฉs, gelaterias, and cool antique shops. Oltrarno is more authentic and where locals hang out.
Best Hotels in Florence
Historic Center
- Donati Luxury Tower Suites – luxury stay
- Palazzo dei Conti Residenza d’Epoca – most popular!
- Oro Nero Florence – near the train station
- Boutique Hotel del Corso – budget-friendly
Oltrarno/Santo Spirito
- Hotel Lungarno – luxury stays
- Casa Botticelli – my favorite!
How to Get to Florence
And lastly, let’s discuss how to get to Florence!
Arriving via Airplane
If youโre flying into Florenceโs Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), getting to Florence is easy. Simply walk outside and hop in the taxi line; the fare to the city center is fixed at โฌ28 (plus โฌ1.20 per suitcase). If youโre staying in Oltrarno, expect to pay a few euros more.
Prefer public transportation? From Florence airport, you can take the T2 tram, which goes all the way to the Unitร stop, near the Santa Maria Novella station. From there, the Duomo is just a short 8-minute walk away.
Arriving via Train or Bus
Florenceโs train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) and bus station (Firenze Autostazione) are located right next to each other, in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, just an 11-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo.
Need a taxi from the station to your hotel? The taxi meter will determine your fare.
If youโre traveling via high-speed train from another destination in Italy, I recommend booking through Trenitalia.
MORE FLORENCE INSPIRATION:
Florence Itinerary: Travel FAQs
Even though Florence is a small city, there is a lot to do! At a bare minimum, you need 2 days in Florence. With 2 days, you will see many of the city’s highlights and eat some delicious food. But ideally, you should spend 3 days in Florence to see all of the top attractions – such as the Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cathedral (and climb up the Duomo and Bell Tower), Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens – and to go on a historical walking tour, take a cooking class, drink at a wine window or two, and dine at some of the best restaurants. Plan on 4 days in Florence if you want to do all of the above and take a day trip through the Tuscan countryside.
The best time to visit Florence is during spring (April and May) or fall (September and October). These seasons bring mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. On the other hand, June, July, and August are the busiest, hottest, and most expensive months to visit Florence. Between November and March, it can be very cold!
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Hi Maddy! I am loving your site. I am planning a trip with one friend in April 2026. The two of us live in the USA and are both in our early 60’s. We would like to fly into Florence and spend a couple of days there to see the main attractions. We will probably take the high speed train to Rome for a day or two (thanks to your train travel timetable!). I have already visited Venice and some surrounding towns as I have a son stationed at Aviano Airforce base in Aviano. My son lives in San Quirino.
The main purpose for this trip is WINE! I have worked in wine tasting rooms in various winerys in Virginia. I love learning about wine so the focus of the trip is tasting wines of the Tuscany region. Having said that I am thinking day trips from Florence to Tuscany would not be the way to go. I would definately like to take advantage of some of the tours you have suggested to taste wine and see some sights while staying in Tuscay. My question to you is what town do you suggest we stay in for three or four nights (or more) to really be able to visit many vineyards in most of the towns in the Tuscany region? Will we need a car to travel from town to town in Tuscany? Thank you so much for your website!
Lisa Caywood
Hi Lisa! I would do a day trip to Chianti during the time you spend in Florence. Then rent a car and drive down to Val d’Orcia, one of the most scenic areas of Tuscany. I’d visit and stay in Montepulciano or Montalcino (both are beautiful medieval towns) or at an agriturismo in the countryside nearby, and go to the wineries around there! You’ll try some of Italy’s top wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. :)