Best 3 Days in Florence Itinerary: A Complete Guide

As the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance (and gelato!), there’s a lot to discover in Florence, Italy. If you’re spending 3 days in Florence soon, you’re in the right place. This 3-day Florence itinerary covers everything you need to know!

Ready to visit the magnificent Duomo and marvel at masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo and da Vinci? To sip a glass of Chianti Classico as the sun sets over the Arno River? To learn about the infamous Medici family?

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 multiple times, I’ve created the ultimate 3-day Florence itinerary. 

It includes all of 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, this is the only Florence itinerary you’ll need!

Andiamo!

How to Get to Florence

First things first. Let’s discuss how to get to Florence! 

Arriving via Airplane

If you’re flying into Florence’s 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 €28 (plus €1.20 per suitcase). If you’re 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 Unità stop, near the Santa Maria Novella station. From there, the Duomo is just a short 8-minute walk away.

Hot tip: This is my favorite flight aggregator to find the best deals on airfare!

Arriving via Train or Bus

Florence’s 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.

There’s a good chance that your hotel is within walking distance of the train/bus station. If you don’t want to walk, get in line for a taxi. In this case, the taxi meter will determine your fare.

If you’re traveling via high-speed train from another destination in Italy, I recommend booking through Trenitalia. Otherwise, search bus/train timetables and book tickets on this website.

Where to Stay in Florence

Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing accommodation wisely in Florence.

Book a hotel or reserve a vacation rental that features 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. Staying in Florence’s historic center ensures you’ll always be within close walking distance of all the must-see attractions in Florence – 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 to get to the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria. That’s okay, though! Walking the beautiful streets is one of the best things to do in Florence anyway!

Oltrarno

Oltrarno (including Santo Spirito and San Frediano) is the coolest neighborhood to stay in Florence. This area, on the other side of the river, is full of fantastic bars, restaurants, cafés, gelaterias, and cool antique shops. Oltrarno is a lot more authentic and where locals love to hang out.

It’s also home to top Florence attractions like the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, historic city gates, and beautiful churches. The famous Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint is nearby too.

But best of all, staying in Oltrarno is significantly more affordable than nearby the Duomo.

I always stay in Oltrarno and recommend you do the same!

Best Hotels in Florence

All in all, Santo Spirito and Duomo are my top picks for where to stay in Florence!

Here are the best hotels in Florence to stay in for 3 days!

Luxury Accommodations ($$$$)

• Hotel Lungarno (Oltrarno; Santo Spirito)
• Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa (Oltrarno; Santo Spirito)
• Donati Luxury Tower Suites (Duomo; Center)
• Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D’Epoca (Uffizi; Center)

Higher Mid-Range Accommodations ($$$)

• Palazzo dei Conti Residenza d’Epoca (Duomo; Center)
• Casa Botticelli (Oltrarno; Santo Spirito)
• Palazzo Guicciardini (Oltrarno; Santo Spirito)
• Granduomo Charming Accommodation (Duomo; Center)

Lower Mid-Range Accommodations ($$)

• Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio (Oltrarno; Santo Spirito)
• La Casa del Ghiberti B&B (Duomo; Center)
• Oro Nero Florence (Santa Maria Novella)

Still looking? This is my favorite website for finding great deals on accommodation in Florence. From luxury apartments to chic yet affordable hotels, find your Florence accommodation here!

3-Day Florence Itinerary: A Quick Overview

We’ll dive into the details below, but here’s a super quick overview of how to spend three perfect days in Florence (A.K.A. Firenze in Italian).

• Day 1: Go on this skip-the-line guided walking tour of Florence’s iconic Duomo, climb to the top for epic views, and see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Try Florence’s most iconic sandwich shop. Explore the city center on foot. Grab some gelato. Go on this donation-based historical tour. Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. And have dinner in Santo Spirito.

• Day 2: During this Tuscan cooking class, shop for ingredients at the Mercato Centrale Firenze before learning to make classic Tuscan dishes from scratch (as you drink local wine!). Then, climb to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower and visit the Baptistery of St. John, the crypt inside of Basilica Santa Reparata, and the Opera del Duomo Museum. Next, visit a wine window to sip vino in the street. And finally, enjoy an unforgettable typical Tuscan dinner.

• Day 3: On Day 3, go on a day trip (I recommend this guided one-day Tuscany tour or this Chianti wine and cheese safari). Then, have dinner at the Mercato Centrale! OR stay in Florence and explore the Uffizi Gallery; roam around Oltrarno; stroll through the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace; savor a rooftop aperitivo; dine at an authentic trattoria; try the best gelato in Florence; and walk along the Arno.

Read on for all of the details! Below, you’ll find the best things to do in Florence in 3 days!

Want a printable PDF of this itinerary? Grab yours here!

Your first day is going to be action-packed!

Put on your comfy walking shoes and get ready to explore the city’s medieval streets, museums, and must-see spots. All the while, you’ll learn about Florence’s rich history and key figures – from the Medici Family to Brunelleschi to Michelangelo.

And yes. Plenty of delicious food, Aperol spritzes, and Italian wines are in your future too…

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; they have another location on Via Neri in the city center too! Ala Grande Caffè, Rooster Cafe Firenze, and Coffee Mantra are a few more options.

Keep the extra cafés in mind for Days 2 and 3!

Visit the Duomo & Climb Brunelleschi’s Cupola

Kickstart your three days in Florence in the Piazza del Duomo – to visit the city’s most iconic architectural masterpiece: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore). Or, simply, the Duomo.

I went on this Skip-the-Line Duomo Climb & Cathedral Tour, and I recommend you do the same! (It also includes a skip-the-line visit to Accademia Gallery, see #3!)

Clad in the most exquisite green, white, and pink marble, and adorned with intricate marble statues and stained glass windows, it took 140 years to construct the Duomo.

But the most impressive feature, of course, is its ingenious self-supported brick dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi – one of the founding fathers of Renaissance architecture.

On this Skip-the-Line Duomo Climb & Cathedral Tour, you’ll learn about the history behind Florence’s most prized Renaissance construction.

Then, you’ll climb 463 steps up, to stand atop the dome! The panoramic views from the top are unbelievable. 

And equally as enchanting are Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes of The Last Judgment adorning the interior. You’ll admire them up close as you climb.

I have been on many guided tours with the operator of this tour, and each one has been fantastic. Including this one! Their guides are always super knowledgeable and thorough. I highly recommend it.

Click here to book your Skip-the-Line Duomo & Accademia Gallery Tour!

Great news! This tour includes a Brunelleschi Pass, which is valid for three days. After the tour, on your own, you can use the pass to visit the Opera del Duomo Museum, Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John), and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata, and climb up the Campanile di Giotto (Giotto’s Bell Tower). These Florence attractions are all must-sees! I’ve included these activities on Day 2. Click here to book your guided skip-the-line tour of the Duomo & Accademia Gallery.

Important note! Religious sites in Italy have strict dress codes. To enter the Duomo, your shoulders and knees must be covered! Wear pants, or a long, flowy dress or skirt, and bring a light scarf to cover your shoulders.

Visit Accademia Gallery & See Michelangelo’s David

Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and nothing symbolizes that more than Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece: David.

No photo can do justice to its perfection; you must see it with your own eyes!

On this skip-the-line tour (also mentioned in #2), you’ll visit the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) to marvel at David.

Plus, you’ll see other works by Michelangelo (including his Prisoners), Giambologna, Botticelli, and other famous Italian artists.

Click here to book your small group Skip-the-Line Accademia Gallery & Duomo Tour!

Important note! If you’d rather visit the Accademia Gallery on your own, then make sure to purchase this skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid the long ticket line!

Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio

It’s lunchtime! And you can’t not include All’Antico Vinaio in your Florence itinerary!

You’ll know you’ve found All’Antico Vinaio – the most famous sandwich shop in all of Florence – when you see the huge line of hungry people.

Get in line for your fresh Schiacciata bread sandwich, filled with the most epic of combinations… Like salami, creamy house-made pecorino cheese, cream of artichokes, and spicy eggplants. Or beef carpaccio, cream of pistachio, stracciatella cheese, and chopped hazelnuts. There are a few vegetarian-friendly options too!

Then, self-serve your wine, and eat your sandwich in the street. Or inside, if you can snag one of the few seats.

Insider tip: There are multiple All’Antico Vinaio locations right next to each other on Via dei Neri. They’re all the same, so go to whichever has the shortest line!

Secret spot: Instead, go to I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti for a schiacciata-bread sandwich that’s just as good (if not, better) without having to wait in a crazy line.

Gelato at Gelateria Dei Neri

What’s a day in Florence without gelato?

With all the classic flavors you love, plus originals like gorgonzola and walnuts or Mexican chocolate, Gelateria dei Neri is my gelateria in the city center. You’ll love it too.

Explore the City on Foot

Ready to roam the charming streets of Florence, gelato in hand? It’s time to wander and get to know the city.

As you go, keep your eye out for these must-sees…

Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria is the main piazza in Florence! The heart of the city. The town hall, Palazzo Vecchio dominates the scene with its tall clock tower. But you also need to check out the Loggia dei Lanzi (an outdoor gallery of stunning Renaissance sculptures), the Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain), and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Piazza della Repubblica

This is one of Florence’s main squares – the one with that iconic merry-go-round! It’s lined with nice (albeit touristy and overpriced) cafés and the beautiful Arcone Triumphal Arch which was 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!

Basilica di Santa Croce

Located in the Piazza di Santa Croce, you’ll find this beautiful neo-Gothic Franciscan church which features immaculate frescoes by Giotto. Plus, the grand tombs of Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Gioachino Rossini, and many other famous Italians are inside! It costs €8 to enter.

Via de’ Tornabuoni

This is probably 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 €8.

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!

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!

This part of Florence is especially dreamy at 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 view from this historic bridge is lovely, but there are also about 20 different jewelry and souvenir shops built on top of it. The Ponte Vecchio is a must on every Florence itinerary – even if it is always crowded and chaotic in the daytime! (Go after sundown, when it’s practically empty.)

Important tip! As in all of Italy, pickpockets target tourists in crowded areas. Always stay aware. Never keep valuables in your back pockets or in backpacks/bags that can be unzipped easily. Use a crossbody shoulder bag like this or a belt bag like this, and keep it in front of your body!

Enjoy an Afternoon Aperitivo

You’ve walked a lot today – and you’re not done yet! So take a break.

Do as the Italians do and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo. That is, an appetite-stimulating cocktail, like a negroni or a spritz – and maybe a little snack.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good negroni. This classic cocktail was actually invented in Florence in 1919!

For your aperitif in the historic city center, head to SE·STO 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.

For a fun, interactive experience, go for a Tuscan wine-tasting session at this wine bar right in front of the Ponte Vecchio! Click here to book it!

Mainstay Florentine cafés like Caffè Sant’Ambrogio and Rivoire are also options.

Go on a Guided Walking Tour

Next up is an essential guided historical walking tour that’ll give you a broad understanding of Florence’s tremendous historical and cultural significance. (Seriously, you HAVE TO do this!)

On this donation-based Renaissance & Medici Tales Tour, you’ll learn all about the rich, powerful, and treacherous Medici family – and the pivotal role they played in shaping (and funding!) the Renaissance. It’s fascinating, and key to your understanding of Florence history.

You’ll also pass by Florence landmarks like the Palazzo Vecchio and Duomo while learning the stories behind them.

The tour runs daily at 10:00 AM or 4:30 PM and lasts two hours. Click here to make your reservation (for about $3!). Then bring some cash to tip your guide; the amount you tip is up to you, but $10/person is standard.

Obviously, the low cost of this tour means the group will be large! If you want something more intimate, go on this Private Medici Family Walking Tour.

This small group Sunset Walking Tour with Wine & Food Tastings is also a great option for foodies.

P.S. Another donation-based tour I loved was this Mysteries and Legends of Florence Tour. As you visit the Piazza del Duomo, Via del Campanile, and Piazza della Signoria (among other places), you’ll hear true stories of Florence’s dark side – from curiosities and superstitions to conspiracies, betrayals, and murders. It runs daily at 7:15 PM. Click here to book it.

Watch Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

The Piazzale Michelangelo should be on every traveler’s three-day Florence itinerary!

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, grab a seat on the steps, and drink in the wondrous view.

P.S. This may be the most famous viewpoint in Florence, but it’s actually NOT the best viewpoint… Check out Day 3’s details for the best, relatively secret spot!

Stroll Through San Niccolò

After you watch the sunset, head back down the hill and you’ll find yourself in the charming (but mostly residential) neighborhood of San Niccolò.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll down Via di San Niccolò, and continue until you reach the lively cobblestone streets of Santo Spirito.

As you go, admire the Porta San Niccolò and the Torre del Belvedere glowing in the golden night lights, and peer into the eclectic antique shops.

If you can’t wait for dinner, pop into San Niccolò’s Hostaria del Bricco. (You won’t be disappointed.)

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 I’Brindellone (make a reservation!) or Trattoria Dell’Orto. If those are too busy, you can’t go wrong with Osteria Santo Spirito or Gustopanino.

Then, don’t miss Gelateria Santa Trinita for the BEST gelato in Florence. Gelateria La Carraia is another nearby gem.

Day 2 of 3 Days in Florence

Your second day in Florence should be all about food and wine! After all, that’s what Tuscany does best. Pace yourself!

And yes, plenty of important historical sites are included in today’s Florence itinerary too!

Hot tip: Want a printable PDF of this itinerary? Grab yours here!

tuscan cooking class

Your Florence itinerary wouldn’t 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.

Next up, at the cooking school, the chef demonstrated how to make Tuscan-style ragù sauce… While we sipped local wine!

Then, we got our hands dirty! First, we made bruschetta to snack on as we cooked (and drank more wine). Next, we made batches of ravioli and pappardelle together from scratch – kneading the dough, rolling it out, stuffing the ravioli, and cutting the pasta! Then, we learned to make classic tiramisu.

And, finally, came the best part: the feast! At the end, we received recipe books to recreate the dishes at home. And to this day, I still do!

This cooking class will be a highlight of your Florence itinerary! You’ll love it too.

The class starts at 9 AM. Make sure to come hungry! Click here to book your Cooking Class & Market Tour.

OTHER OPTIONS!

If you’d rather learn to make pizza than pasta, then book this Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse (this one is outside of the city; transportation included!). We had so much fun in this class! The gorgeous countryside views, our individual pizzas, and the many gelato flavors we made were *chef’s kiss*.

On the other hand, if you love food but don’t actually like cooking… Go on a foodie walking tour instead! Choose between this 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals Private Tour or this Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour.

Visit the Monuments in Piazza del Duomo

It’s time to walk off your cooking class!

Remember the Brunelleschi Pass that came with your Skip-the-Line Accademia Gallery & Duomo Tour on Day 1?

It’s time to use it to…

• Climb to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) to savor the views!
• 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 (this is the original basilica which the current Florence Cathedral/Duomo was built on top of!).
• Enter the Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) and admire the stunning gilded mosaics within its dome.

Stop by a Wine Window (Buchetta del Vino)

Next up on your Florence itinerary is ordering a drink from one of Florence’s historic buchette del vino (wine windows) and sipping it in the street.

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.

And in 2020, the trend resurged…

Florence is home to about 150 wine windows, but only some of them are still in service. A couple of blocks away from the Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find one of the best: Cantina De’ Pucci.

Walk up to the window, ring the bell, order your favorite drink, and enjoy the novelty of it!

Savor a Traditional Florentine Dinner

Ready for a fabulous and traditional Tuscan dinner? Then head to Ristorante del Fagioli.

This rustic restaurant, with its open-view kitchen, serves typical Florentine cuisine at its finest – at a very reasonable price too, despite its inclusion in the MICHELIN guide to Tuscany!

Between crostini di fegatini, fagioli, and all sorts of pasta dishes, along with perfectly cooked bistecca alla fiorentina, osso buco, and braciola della casa, it’s going to be hard to decide what to try… (And the Italian-only menu won’t make it any easier!)

We ordered a delicious bottle of pinot nero from San Gimignano, a panzanella salad, to-die-for penne strascicate (Tuscan penne al ragù), 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 €120.

The service was friendly, but slow. Be prepared to enjoy a long and leisurely meal, over plenty of wine and a lively, cozy atmosphere.

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 (which is rare in peak season).

Now, get to bed! You have another big day tomorrow exploring Florence – and beyond.

Day 3 of 3 Days in Florence

For your third day in Florence, you have two options. Either head out of the city for a day trip around Tuscany or spend time exploring the Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence.

Whatever you choose, here’s what to do on Day 3!

Option 1: Explore Tuscany on a Day Trip
(Recommended Option!)

In my opinion, you can’t spend 3 days in Florence and not explore more of the beautiful region of Tuscany! It’s a must on your Florence itinerary.

(That is, if you don’t have a separate leg of your Italy trip dedicated to Tuscany already).

I’ve embarked on many day trips from Florence, but here are my two favorite Tuscany ones:

Tuscany Tour: Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti, Pisa

It’s impossible to see all of Tuscany in one day. But on this comprehensive Tuscany tour, you’ll see, eat, drink, and enjoy the highlights! 

I’ve been on this Tuscany in One Day Tour twice, so I can promise you, it’s fantastic.

On this Tuscany tour, you will:

• See the beautiful medieval city of Siena, marvel at the Duomo di Siena (it’s ridiculously stunning!), try traditional Sienese fruitcake, and learn about the city’s unique traditions (like the Palio).
• Visit a family-run winery in the hills of Chianti for a farm-fresh feast of charcuterie, handmade pasta, salads, and more – over bottomless wine and lovely views.
• Explore the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano, climb the towers, and browse the artisanal leather shops. Plus, try some of the world’s best gelato… Literally! They’ve won the Ice Cream World Championship.
• Roam the quaint streets of Pisa and see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This Tuscany tour is the perfect encapsulation of Tuscany: incredible views, amazing wine, delicious food, marvelous architecture, charming centuries-old towns, and gelato.

Click here to book your Tuscany in One Day Tour.

HOT TIP: Prefer a private option? Check out this Private Tour of Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti Day Trip from Florence instead.

READ MORE: Tuscany in One Day Itinerary: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Pisa

Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas, Vineyards, Wine & Cheese

Want to spend a day drinking fantastic wine, sampling local cheese, and devouring traditional Tuscan delicacies at gorgeous Renaissance villas in Chianti? On this Chianti Safari Tour, you’ll do exactly that!

From Florence, you’ll set off into the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit three luxurious and historic wine estates. Along the way, you’ll see amazing views of olive groves, vineyards, rustic farms, and ancient monasteries. 

At the villas, you’ll learn about organic grape cultivation and wine-making, taste artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, and countless wines – from Chianti Classico to Super Tuscan to sparkling rosé – and savor stunning views. 

You’ll also enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch including white bean bruschetta, black truffle ravioli, and cinghiale (wild boar) pappardelle… 

Click here to book your Chianti Safari of Tuscan Villas, Vineyards, Wine, and Cheese.

P.S. In this guide, I’ve detailed twelve magical day trips from Florence so you can explore all of the best options – from guided tours to vineyard visits to self-driving adventures.

Eat at Mercato Centrale

After your adventure, you’re going to be hungry!

Conveniently, the drop-off location for the Tuscany in One Day Tour is right next to the train station and Florence’s main indoor market, Mercato Centrale (also known as the Central Market or San Lorenzo Market).

For dinner, beeline it to Mercato Centrale‘s second level. There, you’ll find a stunning array of eateries and bars, offering everything from handmade pasta blanketed in freshly shaven truffles to pizza margherita to Florentine steak.

This is a quick, easy dinner option after a long, exhausting (but amazing) day trip. You’re welcome!

P.S. If you have even more time in Florence, then you’ll have to come back at lunchtime to try the ultimate Florentine street food dish: panino lampredotto. You’ll find it on the market’s ground level.

Option 2: Uffizi Gallery & Oltrarno

If you decided not to explore Tuscany on a day trip, then today will be all about Renaissance art and exploring Florence’s coolest neighborhood.

Alternatively, if you have more than 3 days in Florence, here’s how you can fill your time!

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! Then you won’t have to wait in line on arrival. You can either select the single ticket option – or choose the combo ticket which includes the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Click here to grab your ticket.

Alternatively, you can choose to go on this Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with a Guide which already includes your ticket. Your guide will lead you through 50 rooms, to the gallery’s most impressive masterpieces, and tell you all about them. Click here to book it.

Explore More of 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.

Things to Do in Oltrarno

While in Oltrarno, here are the best things to do and see:

• 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 (buchetta del vino) in Santo Spirito.
• Then, 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, which is 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.
• This wouldn’t be the best Florence itinerary if I didn’t include a daily aperitivo plan! Next up, head to Loggia Roof Bar, Il Santino, or Volume for your afternoon drink and snack.

• For the absolute best panoramic view of Florence (and without the crowds of Piazzale Michelangelo!), head to Basilica di San Miniato. Seriously. You can’t beat this view! It’s perfect for sunset, or during the day.
• And finally, have dinner in Oltrarno. Head to whichever charming trattoria catches your eye – there are plenty to choose from! My favorite is I’Brindellone.

P.S. In case you missed it, above, I shared the best neighborhoods to stay in. Santo Spirito (in Oltrarno) is one of them! Consider staying at Hotel Lungarno, Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa, Casa Botticelli, or Palazzo Guicciardini.

3-Day Florence Itinerary: Ultimate Florence Travel Guide

Well, there you have it friends, my ultimate Florence itinerary – packed with all the best things to do in Florence.

From delicious restaurants and gelato shops, to my all-time favorite Tuscany in One Day Tour and this Chianti Safari Wine Tour, and from this awesome cooking class and market tour to the best art museums, attractions, and places to enjoy an aperitivo, you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime.

I am so confident that, with this itinerary at your fingertips, you’re going to have the best three days in Florence possible!

Florence Itinerary: Travel FAQs

Want an on-the-go copy of this itinerary? Grab your printable version here!

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Planning to spend 3 days in Florence soon? Do you have any questions? Have you been to Florence before? What were the best experiences included in your Florence itinerary? Share in the comments below!

Disclaimer: I embarked on some of the tours included in this Florence itinerary in collaboration with the operators, though I never recommend anything I don’t fully enjoy. Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support!