3 Days in Florence: The Ultimate Florence Itinerary

As the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance (and gelato!), there’s a lot to discover during just three days in Florence. 

After visiting Florence more times than I can count, I’ve distilled all of my favorite experiences into the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time and repeat visitors. 

With my Florence itinerary, you’ll visit the magnificent Duomo di Firenze, marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and da Vinci, browse vibrant local markets, explore cool neighborhoods, shop for artisan leather goods, and sip Chianti Classico as the sun sets over the Arno.

And, of course, you’ll dine at some of the best restaurants in Florence. From humble cucina povera (peasant-style) dishes to bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and negronis to Super Tuscans, you’re going to eat and drink very well in Florence!

Oh, and if you have extra time, pair this itinerary with one (or two!) of my favorite day trips from Florence. Because Florence is even better with a little Tuscan countryside action.

3-Day Florence Itinerary: Quick Summary

Short on time? Here’s a quick peek at my 3-day Florence itinerary – including the exact tours and hotels I recommend.

Day 1 in Florence:

• See Michelangelo’s David and the Florence Cathedral on this Best of Florence Small-Group Tour – includes skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide!
• Grab a schiacciata sandwich for lunch.
• Follow my walking route through the Historic Center, stopping at Florence’s most important piazzas, markets, shopping streets, and a few of my favorite spots.
• Go for sunset aperitivo at a rooftop bar with 360° views.
• Cross into Santo Spirito for dinner at a modern Tuscan restaurant.

Day 2 in Florence:

• Explore the Uffizi with an expert on this Uffizi Gallery Small-Group Tour – includes skip-the-line tickets!
• Walk across Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Santo Spirito.
• For dinner, go on this Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour of Oltrarno – my all-time favorite experience in Florence!

Day 3 in Florence:

• Browse the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and nearby flea market.
• Have lunch at my favorite trattoria in Florence.
• Explore the Basilica di Santa Croce. 
• Go for a classic Florentine affogato.
• Wander through San Niccolò and the Rose Garden.
• Visit San Miniato al Monte, then watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.
• For the grand finale, local wine, pasta, Florentine steak, and all the sides!

Have extra time in Florence?

There are so many amazing day trips from Florence! My favorites are this Tuscany Highlights Tour (which includes Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and a winery) and this Chianti Wine Safari. For a self-guided day trip, Siena and Bologna are my top picks.

Where to Stay in Florence:

If it’s your first time, stay in either the Historic Center for maximum convenience or Oltrarno/Santo Spirito for a more local neighborhood feel and food scene.

• Palazzo dei Conti Residenza d’Epoca (Historic Center), $$$ – my top pick!
• Relais Piazza Signoria (Historic Center), $$$
• Casa Botticelli (Oltrarno), $$$ – my favorite Oltrarno hotel.
• Hotel Lungarno (Oltrarno), $$$$

Must-Know Florence Tips:

• Many attractions are closed on Mondays, including the Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, and Pitti Palace. Plan accordingly!
• Shoulders and knees must be covered to visit the Duomo and other religious sites.
• Some tickets are nominative (Uffizi, Brunelleschi Pass, etc.), so make sure your ticket name matches your passport or photo ID – and bring it with you!

Florence Map & Walking Routes

Visit the Accademia Gallery & See David

Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and nothing symbolizes that more than Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece, David. Standing more than 17 feet tall beneath the soaring dome of the Accademia Gallery, he’s so much more impressive than you can imagine. You have to see him with your own eyes!

Beyond David, the Accademia Gallery also houses Michelangelo’s four unfinished Prisoners, along with works by Giambologna, Botticelli, and other famous Italian artists.

You can visit the Accademia Gallery on your own, but I recommend booking this Best of Florence Small-Group Tour instead. It includes “skip-the-line” tickets to see David at the Accademia Gallery and timed-entry access to the Duomo.

Or, if you want a David-only experience, book this guided Accademia Gallery tour instead.

Visiting the Accademia Gallery with a guide made my experience so much richer. Our guide pointed out anatomical details in David that I never would’ve noticed on my own. She also shared fascinating stories about Michelangelo’s sculpting process and his relationship with the Medici family.

Book your small-group Accademia Gallery, David, and Duomo tour here.

If you’d rather visit independently, book your tickets well in advance. For visits from April through October, reserve your Accademia Gallery tickets 4 to 6 weeks ahead. During the rest of the year, aim for at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

MADDY’S NOTE: The Accademia Gallery is closed on Mondays! Plan accordingly.

READ MORE: How to See Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery, Florence

Visit the Duomo (with Optional Dome Climb)

Next up, 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.

Clad in green, white, and pink marble, and crowned by Filippo Brunelleschi’s ingenious self-supported brick dome, the Duomo took 140 years to construct.

Entry to Florence Cathedral itself is free, but there’s no reservation you can book to skip the general line. If it’s crazy long (and… it usually is), I’d just admire it from outside and keep on exploring. Don’t waste an hour in line!

On the other hand, the Best of Florence (David & Duomo) Small-Group Tour I recommended above includes timed-entry tickets to the Duomo.

I booked the Exclusive Access Upgrade with the Dome Climb, and it was well worth it. We climbed 463 stairs to the top for incredible panoramic views over Florence, passing The Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari up close along the way.

If you want to climb independently, you need to purchase a Brunelleschi Pass online – which also includes the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the crypt of Santa Reparata – and book a time slot for the Dome. Dome reservations sell out weeks in advance – another perk of booking the guided tour.

Book your small-group Accademia Gallery, David, and Duomo tour here.

Grab a Schiacciata for Lunch

You can’t come to Florence without trying a schiacciata sandwich – the local salty Tuscan flatbread stuffed with everything from porchetta and pecorino to salami, truffle cream, and roasted vegetables.

My top pick is I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti. The line usually isn’t too long, and their sandwiches are loaded with goodness. My two faves are the “Suicida” with porchetta, sun-dried tomatoes, spicy sauce, and arugula, and the “Invidiosa” with sbriciolona, gorgonzola cream, fresh zucchini, and arugula. But you can’t go wrong!

And then, there’s All’Antico Vinaio… Florence’s world-famous sandwich shop. It’s iconic, but there’s zero need to wait in an hour-long line here. It’s worth 15 minutes, tops. If you ask me, All’Antico Vinaio was good a decade ago, but now it’s super commercial and overrated. 

Hungry for more? Here are all my favorite sandwich shops in Florence.

Explore the City on Foot

After lunch, spend a few hours exploring the Centro Storico. Simply wander, or follow my walking route to see Florence’s most important sights – along with some of my personal favorite stops!

MADDY’S TIP: If you prefer a guided walk, join this donation-based Renaissance & Medici Tales Tour to cover three centuries of fascinating Florentine history in about two hours. We learned all about the rich, powerful, and treacherous Medici family – and the pivotal role they played in shaping and funding the Renaissance. The tour runs daily, with departure times varying by season. Click here to make your reservation (for about €3). 

Gelateria dei Neri

Kick off your stroll with something sweet. Gelateria dei Neri is my favorite gelateria on this side of the Arno. They serve all the classic flavors you know, plus originals like gorgonzola with walnuts or Mexican chocolate.

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is the beating heart of Florence – the city’s main square. The town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio, dominates the scene with its 95-meter-tall Arnolfo 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 here too.

If you’re into fashion, you can also visit Palazzo Gucci for archival Gucci pieces, rotating exhibitions, and a look at the brand’s Florentine roots.

Mercato del Porcellino

The Mercato del Porcellino (Piglet Market) is one of Florence’s oldest markets. There are dozens of stalls here selling leather goods and souvenirs, but the quality can be hit or miss these days (and you can no longer be sure the products are actually made in Italy). If you see something you like, make sure to haggle.

The market’s mascot is the Fontana del Porcellino – a bronze copy of Pietro Tacca’s famous wild boar. Rub his nose for good luck.

MADDY’S TIP: If shopping for quality Italian leather is a must on your Florence itinerary, skip the market stalls and head to Scuola del Cuoio for traditional Florentine leatherwork or Il Bisonte for beautiful made-in-Florence bags and accessories. And for shoes, check out Calzoleria Toscana.

Piazza della Repubblica

Next, meander to Piazza della Repubblica, one of the grandest squares in Florence. It’s lined with nice (albeit touristy, overpriced) cafés and the monumental portico with its grand central arch, completed in 1895.

Mercato Centrale

Next, head to Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo. Even though Florence’s famous Central Market has become pretty touristy over the years, I still think it’s worth including in your Florence itinerary. Especially if you need a snack!

Downstairs is the traditional market, lined with fresh produce, butchers, local cheeses, and food counters serving uber-traditional dishes, like lampredotto sandwiches.

Upstairs, you’ll find a modern food hall packed with more than 20 food stalls, each specializing in something: truffles, fish, pizza, beer, wine, rotisserie, sandwiches, meatballs, stews, and beyond.

MADDY’S TIP: The traditional downstairs market closes around 2 PM and is closed on Sundays, so visit earlier in the day if you want to check it out. To me, it’s the best part. The upstairs food hall is open daily until late.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Next, head to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most beautiful churches.

Founded by Dominican friars in the 13th century, it’s filled with incredible art – including Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, Giotto’s Crucifix, and frescoes by Ghirlandaio and Filippino Lippi.

Tickets cost €7.5, and the opening hours vary by day.

Even if you don’t go inside, stop to admire the striking green-and-white marble façade. The piazza here is also one of my favorite spots to grab a seat on a bench and people-watch for a bit.

Stop by the Santa Maria Novella Perfume Pharmacy

Just around the corner from the basilica, pop into the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – Florence’s historic perfume pharmacy, which is partly boutique, partly museum.

The shop’s history dates back to 1221, when Dominican friars began cultivating medicinal herbs here. In 1533, Catherine de’ Medici commissioned a special fragrance for her marriage to the future King Henry II of France.

Her fragrance, Acqua della Regina (“The Queen’s Water”), is still made and sold here today, among other beautiful perfumes, soaps, candles, and skincare.

MADDY’S TIP: Into perfume? You might want to re-jig your Florence itinerary to include this Florence perfume-making masterclass, where you’ll learn about the city’s centuries-old perfume tradition and create your own custom fragrance to take home.

Stroll Via de’ Tornabuoni

Continue toward Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’s most glamorous luxury-shopping street. Here, you can window-shop major Italian fashion houses like Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani, Ferragamo, and Roberto Cavalli, alongside international designers.

At the southern end, you’ll also find Museo Ferragamo. Salvatore Ferragamo opened his luxury footwear workshop here in 1938, and the museum explores his work and the history of the fashion house.

Go for Aperitivo

Next, do as the Italians do: enjoy an afternoon aperitivo. That is, an appetite-stimulating cocktail and a little snack.

I love a good negroni. This classic cocktail was invented in Florence in 1919!

Close to Via de’ Tornabuoni, my favorite spot for sunset aperitivo and some of the best views in Florence is COSIMO Rooftop Bar, atop The Excelsior hotel.

The cocktails, wine list, and snacks are excellent, but the main draw is the view: a 360-degree panorama over Florence’s red rooftops, basilica domes, bell towers, the Arno, and the surrounding Tuscan hills. This bar is on the pricier side, but entirely worth it.

You can’t make reservations for the bar – it’s first come, first served. Try to arrive about an hour before sunset to snag a good spot.

Alternatively, if you just want to stroll and sip, you can grab to-go cocktails from most of the cafés and bars you pass by.

Here’s my list of the best rooftop bars in Florence if you’re looking for more.

MADDY’S TIP: Book this Tuscan wine-tasting session for a fun, interactive experience! It’s held at a cute wine bar in front of the Ponte Vecchio.

Have Dinner in Oltrarno

From COSIMO, it’s just a quick walk across the Ponte alla Carraia to reach Oltrarno – my favorite foodie neighborhood in Florence. And for dinner, Il Santo Bevitore is just the place. 

This candlelit, elegantly rustic restaurant strikes the perfect balance between traditional Tuscan cooking and modern flair. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect dishes like new potato flan with Parmesan cream and porcini mushrooms, riccioli pasta with ’nduja and pecorino, and veal fillet with mushroom cream, baked porcini, and calamint. 

Every bite is excellent. The wine list is just as impressive – with hundreds of bottles spanning classic Italian wine regions alongside natural and artisanal producers.

Make a reservation a week or two in advance. 

MADDY’S NOTE: You’ll notice that most of the restaurants I recommend are outside the Centro Storico. And there’s a reason for that. We’re after authentic, delicious Florentine food – not pan-Italian tourist traps, which are way more common in the Historic Center.

READ MORE: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy

Day 2 in Florence

Kick off Day 2 with Florence’s most important art museum: the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and more.

Then, cross the historic Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno, where you’ll wander through Santo Spirito, browse antique shops, and try typical Florentine food and cocktails and Tuscan wines on the ultimate Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s most important Renaissance art museums.

Wear comfy shoes and have a quick espresso al banco before you go, because this gallery is huge. With room after room of masterpieces, I highly recommend exploring it with an expert guide.

I went on this Small-Group Uffizi Gallery Tour, and I’m so glad I did. Having a guide show us the most important pieces (because there are way too many to see in a few hours!) was invaluable. But learning about the tiny details, techniques, and symbolism – and how painting evolved throughout the Renaissance – made the experience so much better.

Plus, it included timed-entry (“skip-the-line”) tickets, so we didn’t have to worry about booking Uffizi tickets ourselves weeks in advance.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, but you can continue exploring on your own afterward. My husband and I stayed about 20 minutes more, and then we were completely exhausted!

Book your Uffizi Gallery Small-Group Tour with Guide here.

If you’d rather visit independently, book a timed-entry ticket online, a few weeks in advance, through the official Uffizi website. I recommend trying to get the earliest time slot available.

MADDY’S NOTE: The Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays.

Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (which means “Old Bridge”) is an icon of Florence. It stands on the site of an ancient Roman crossing and was the only bridge in Florence left standing during the Nazi retreat in 1944.

It’s always crowded and chaotic during the day, thanks to its long history, beautiful view of the Arno, and luxury jewelry shops built on top of it. It’s a must-see anyway! But consider returning after sundown, when it’s lit up and practically empty. 

Explore Oltrarno

Next, it’s time to explore the neighborhood of Oltrarno, which literally means the “other side of the Arno River.”

This part of Florence is way less touristy than the Historic Center. It’s more affordable, and packed with cool restaurants, bars, and historic sites. It’s where you’ll find me 80% of the time when I’m in Florence!

So, spend the afternoon wandering and following your nose. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Oltrarno; choose what interests you most…

• Pop into the Basilica di Santo Spirito.
• People-watch in Piazza Santo Spirito.
• Browse the Santo Spirito Antique Market (second Sunday of the month).
• Shop the incredible vintage clothing boutiques and antique shops sprinkled throughout the neighborhood (especially on Via Maggio).
• Peek into the artisan workshops in Santo Spirito and San Frediano – Oltrarno has been Florence’s traditional artisan quarter for centuries.

• Visit the Pitti Palace, the grand former residence of the Medici family.
• Wander the Boboli Gardens behind the palace, filled with sculptures, fountains, greenery, and views over Florence.
• Go for a casual, traditional lunch at Osteria Santo Spirito or Trattoria La Casalinga.
• Stop by BABAE, one of the best wine windows in Santo Spirito.
• Sip wine and nibble on a tagliere misto at Il Santino.
• Grab gelato at Gelateria della Passera.

Go on a Food & Wine Tour of Santo Spirito

End your day with this Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour of Oltrarno – one of the best food tours I’ve ever taken. (And I don’t say that lightly, or without experience… I’ve been on dozens of food tours in Italy alone.)

Over about 3.5 hours, with a small group, you’ll eat and drink your way through Oltrarno, with about ten Tuscan food tastings, four wine tastings, and a traditional cocktail-making lesson. You even get to knock on a historic wine window! And of course, the experience ends with some of the best gelato in Florence.

On my tour, we went to six different locations. We tried local cheeses, ricotta gnudi, wild boar stew, Chianti Classico, Tuscan white wine, negronis, and a whole lot more.

I love this tour because it’s not just dinner. You get to explore Santo Spirito with a local foodie guide, visit hidden spots you probably wouldn’t find on your own, and learn all about Florence’s food and wine culture – along with some history too. And most importantly: the tastings are authentic, Florence-specific, and delicious!

As a foodie and trained chef, this is my all-time favorite experience in Florence (sorry, David).

Book your Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour of Oltrarno here.

MADDY’S TIP: This tour offers many different time slots, usually starting from around 3 PM. So you can do this for “linner” instead, if you want to! 

FUN FACT: Florence’s wine windows date back centuries, when noble families sold wine directly from their palaces through these tiny openings, bypassing taverns and wine merchants. During the plague, they also helped limit direct contact between sellers and customers. There are ~190 historic wine windows around the city, and a handful are still in use today, serving wine, cocktails, and even gelato.

Day 3 in Florence

Day 3 is about diving deeper into Florentine food, local neighborhoods, and culture. You’ll leave the tourist hotspots behind, wandering through Sant’Ambrogio, having lunch at my favorite restaurant in Florence, and visiting Santa Croce. Then, you’ll make your way through San Niccolò and up into the hills for sunset. And for the grand finale, it’s Florentine steak for dinner.

Want an alternative? There are so many amazing day trips from Florence. If you haven’t penciled one day in Tuscany into your itinerary, consider booking this Tuscany Day Trip from Florence or this Small-Group Chianti Wine Safari instead. 

Browse the Markets in Sant’Ambrogio

Start the day at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, a traditional market in Florence that still feels… traditional.

Inside this historic covered market, you’ll find butchers, cheesemongers, fishmongers, bakeries, and old-school food counters piled high with Tuscan specialties. 

The market also spills out into Piazza Ghiberti, with open-air stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and home goods. And unlike Mercato Centrale, there are locals everywhere. It’s fabulous. But note, it’s closed on Sundays.

And yes, there’s still more. Just across the street, in Piazza Annigoni, you can browse the Mercato delle Pulci, Florence’s permanent flea market. Dig through stalls filled with vintage finds and antiques, from old books and records to artwork and other random treasures.

On the last Sunday of the month, the flea market swells, overflowing into the surrounding streets with additional antique and vintage vendors.

MADDY’S TIP: Coffee first? If you’re into specialty coffee, stop by Coffee Mantra before or after the markets. It’s right around the corner, and one of my favorite coffee shops in Florence.

Lunch in Sant’Ambrogio

For lunch, head to Cibrèo Trattoria, better known as Il Cibrèino. This is my favorite restaurant in Florence, so please, don’t skip it! And book ahead.

This cozy Sant’Ambrogio trattoria serves traditional Florentine food guided by seasonal Tuscan ingredients. 

The menu changes often, but I’ll never forget some of the dishes I’ve tried here. Like delicate ricotta flan with ragù; chicken-and-ricotta meatballs; and thinly sliced roast beef served in rich white-wine broth. 

There’s nothing more to it. The service is fantastic, and the food is just… the best.

See my guide to the best restaurants in Florence for more.

Visit Basilica di Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce is so magnificent, inside and out, I think it’s a must-visit.

This medieval Gothic Franciscan basilica, in Piazza di Santa Croce, features a 19th-century neo-Gothic façade and incredible frescoes by Giotto.

But most importantly, it houses the grand tombs of Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Gioachino Rossini, and many other famous Italians.

Your ticket also includes the beautiful cloisters, Brunelleschi’s Pazzi Chapel (one of the earliest masterpieces of Renaissance architecture), and the former refectory and museum.

There’s much more to see here than just the basilica itself, so plan to spend about an hour here, all up. It costs €10 to enter and is well worth it.

Get an Affogato at Vivoli

After Santa Croce, stop by Vivoli, one of Florence’s oldest gelaterias.

The Vivoli family has been making gelato here since 1930, and while the gelato is very good, the famous order here is the affogato – gelato drowned in hot espresso.

This is good stuff, so yes, there’ll probably be a line. But it moves pretty fast. 

Explore San Niccolò & the Rose Garden

Freshly caffeinated, cross the Ponte alle Grazie and make your way into San Niccolò, a charming little neighborhood tucked beneath Florence’s hills.

Wander along Via di San Niccolò, passing little restaurants, wine bars, antique shops, and artisan boutiques. At Piazza Poggi, you’ll also pass the medieval Torre di San Niccolò, one of the surviving towers from Florence’s old city walls.

From there, start making your way uphill. Your final destination is Piazzale Michelangelo, but first, cut through the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). It’s free to enter. The views over Florence are beautiful year-round – but the garden is especially lovely in May and early June, when the roses are in bloom.

Visit Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Before heading to Piazzale Michelangelo, keep walking uphill to Basilica di San Miniato al Monte. I promise, it’s well worth the extra steps.

I first discovered this 11th-century church over a decade ago on this Vespa tour of Tuscany. It was a hidden gem then, and it still is now… The terrace features the absolute best panoramic views of Florence. No debate. It’s higher up, quieter, and way less crowded than Piazzale Michelangelo below.

Plus, the basilica itself is one of Florence’s great examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Its striking white-and-green marble façade, 11th-century crypt, beautiful medieval marble floors, and huge golden mosaic make it worth a peek.

Watch Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Then, head down to Piazzale Michelangelo. From up there, watch the sunset over the Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio, the Arno River, and the terracotta rooftops that stretch out to the hills.

Beyond the view, there’s a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, a massive staircase to sit on (think stadium seating, but for sunset), and often live musicians. It’s vibrant, buzzing, and crowded.

It’s a Florentine rite of passage, though, and the perfect way to spend your final night in the city.

MADDY’S TIPS: Get there early to grab a seat on the steps. Bring up a bottle of wine and some cups, or just buy a couple of spritzes from one of the vendors. Oh, and like every other busy area in Florence, watch your belongings.

Order a Florentine Steak

If you want me to choose the best restaurant in Florence for bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), that’s easy. It’s Ristorante del Fagioli. And I love it so much.

This traditional trattoria, with its open-view kitchen and rustic, convivial atmosphere, serves typical Florentine cuisine at its finest. And at reasonable prices, too.

If I were you, I’d order a bottle of Chianti Classico, or maybe some pinot nero from San Gimignano. I’d start with a panzanella salad, followed by the penne strascicate (Tuscan penne al ragù). Then, the best part: a succulent Florentine steak (served rare, the only way it’s allowed!), along with sides like Tuscan white beans, patate alla contadina (farmer-style stewed potatoes), and green beans.

This isn’t just dinner. This is a Florentine feast. Your grand finale. And I promise, you’re never going to forget it!

MADDY’S NOTES: Reservations are essential. There’s no online booking system, so call ahead or ask your hotel to do it for you. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Also, it’s cash only.

Prefer a Tuscany Day Trip Instead?

If this is your first trip to Florence, I’d keep Days 1 and 2 as they are. They cover the best things to do in Florence (without cramming in too much).

Day 3 is easier to swap if seeing the Tuscan countryside is your priority. I’ve embarked on countless day trips from Florence, but here are my two favorite Tuscany ones:

Tuscany in One Day Tour

It’s impossible to see all of Tuscany in one day, but this comprehensive Tuscany tour from Florence makes it easy to experience the highlights!

This day trip to Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and a beautiful family-run Chianti winery covers the best of the region. Think: incredible views, great red wine, delicious food, marvelous medieval architecture, charming centuries-old towns, and award-winning gelato.

I’ve been on this tour three times, so it must be good.

Click here to book your Tuscany highlights tour. 🍝🍷

Chianti Wine & Food Safari

If drinking Chianti wine, sampling local cheese, and devouring traditional Tuscan food at beautiful historic estates are your priorities, book this Full-Day Chianti Wine Safari with Lunch. It’s my all-time favorite day trip from Florence!

Click here to book your Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari. 🍷🧀

Best Neighborhoods & Hotels in Florence

For your three-day stay in Florence, book a hotel with a central, convenient location so you can walk everywhere! I recommend staying in the Historic Center or in Oltrarno.

Historic Center

The most popular (but most expensive!) neighborhood to stay in is Duomo/City Center. You’ll always be within easy walking distance of the must-see attractions – but you’ll also never catch a break from all the action, noise, and hordes of tourists.

Nearby neighborhoods like San Lorenzo, San Marco, Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce are also great options. You may have to walk a little farther to some sights, but you’ll still be very central.

Best Hotels in the Historic Center

• Palazzo dei Conti Residenza d’Epoca ($$$): My most popular Florence hotel recommendation. This elegant historic residence is right in the heart of Florence, with beautiful, modern rooms and suites – some with private terraces and city views.
• Relais Piazza Signoria ($$$): Choose this relais for an apartment-style stay in an unbeatable location. You’re literally on Piazza della Signoria, steps from the Uffizi and an easy walk from the Duomo. The studios and apartments have kitchenettes, and some even come with incredible views over the piazza.
• Porta Nera Private Living ($$): I stayed here recently and loved it. It’s stylish, peaceful, and super central, with a lovely courtyard and rooftop terrace. You’re about a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station and an easy walk from the Duomo and major sights.

Oltrarno & Santo Spirito

I usually stay in Oltrarno. If excellent food and avoiding crowds are your top priorities, I 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, cafés, gelaterias, and antique shops.

Best Hotels in Oltrarno

• Casa Botticelli ($$$): This one is my favorite! This intimate boutique hotel occupies a historic residence just steps from Palazzo Pitti, right in the heart of Santo Spirito. The rooms blend antique furniture, contemporary design, and art, and the whole place has more of a stylish Florentine-home vibe than a typical hotel.
• Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$$): This hotel is set inside a 16th-century palazzo right on Piazza Santo Spirito, and its terrace bar, Loggia Roof Bar, is one of my favorite Oltrarno spots.
• Hotel Lungarno ($$$$): This elegant five-star hotel sits right on the Arno beside Ponte Vecchio, and many of the rooms and suites overlook the river. There’s also a serious art collection throughout the hotel and a Michelin-starred restaurant downstairs.

More Tuscany Inspiration

• 17 Incredible Things to Do in Siena, Italy + Helpful Tips
• How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Siena from Florence
• Tuscany Vespa Tour From Florence: A Must-Do Day Trip
• How to Day Trip to Cinque Terre from Florence
• 12 Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy + Helpful Tips

Florence Itinerary: Travel FAQs