Florence, Italy is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As the epicentre for Italian culture and art (as well as food!), it’s a destination that deserves to be at the top of your bucket list. With so much to see and do in this historic city, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. This 3 Day Florence Itinerary will take you through everything you need to know, including:
- How to get around
- Must-know travel tips
- The top tourist attractions
- Where to Eat
- The coolest day trips from Florence
Don’t forget to check out my other Italy Blogposts to help you plan your trip:
- Florence Bucket List: 30 Epic Things to Do
- 220+ Italy Instagram Captions
- What NOT to Do in Italy: 10 Things You NEED to Know
- 15 Unique Airbnbs in Europe that’ll Amaze You
- Europe on a Budget: 12 Money Saving Hacks
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3 Day Florence Itinerary: Overview
Day 1
- Piazza Del Duomo
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Baptistry of St John
- Mercato Centrale
- Mercato Del Porcellino
- Piazza della Signoria
- Gelato
Day 2
- Uffizi Gallery
- Osteria All’anitco Vinaio
- Ponte Vecchio
- Pitti Palace
- Boboli Gardens
- Piazzale Michaelangelo
Day 3
- Accademia Gallery
- Santa Croce Church
- Florence Photo Booths
- Basilica di San Lorenzo
- Piazza della Repubblica
3 Day Florence Itinerary Map
Where is Florence?
Situated in the North of Italy, not far from Pisa, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region. It’s a city that’s particularly well-known for its art and culture, with a number of impressive galleries and beautiful architecture.
How to Get to Florence
Florence Airport
Florence has it’s own airport, Amergio Vespucci airport, which is just outside of the city. The journey should only take around 15 minutes by taxi, or 20 minutes using the bus shuttle, which will drop you off at the Santa Maria Novella railway station in central Florence. It’s a small airport, however, meaning that less flights arrive here. You may find it cheaper to fly to nearby Pisa.
Pisa Airport
Many airlines prefer to schedule flights to Pisa, so you may find this a more convenient option. From the airport, you can either catch a bus, run by Autostradale, or walk to Pisa Centrale station and catch a train to Florence Santa Maria Novella. I personally did the latter and would recommend it. The walk to the train station is relatively short and the train takes only an hour to arrive in Florence. Santa Maria Novella train station is very central, meaning it should be easy to get to your hotel from here.
By Train
If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Italy, such as Rome, Milan, or Bologna, you may find that your train stops at Firenze Campo di Marte or Firenze Rifredi stations. These stations are less central, however you can easily catch a train from either to Santa Maria Novella, which should only take five minutes or so. From here, you should be able to find your way easily to your accommodation.
Getting Around Florence
Florence is a very walkable city. You’ll probably find you won’t need to use public transport, especially if you’re following this 3 day Florence itinerary or sticking to the main tourist sites. I personally didn’t use any public transport using my time there and walked everywhere without trouble.
Non-resident traffic is banned in the city centre, so don’t bother hiring a car, as it will likely cause more stress than necessary!
How Long to Stay in Florence
There’s a lot to see in Florence. If you enjoy traveling slowly and really want to soak up the city, you could stay for weeks. Heck, you could live here for a year and really get a feel for the place. However, if you’re just looking for a city break, 3-4 days should be sufficient to see the major sites!
That being said, if you get a chance to visit Florence, take it – no matter how short the trip! It’s a beautiful city and even 24 hours here is worth it!
Where to Stay in Florence
Budget
PLUS Hostel in Florence is the perfect budget location. Pick from a dorm or private room and enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools and the panoramic terrace!
Alternatively check out the Student Hotel – a bright and fun location with a rooftop pool.
Mid-Range
The Rivioli is a Boutique Hotel just 10 minutes walk from the Duomo.
Luxury
Enjoy lavish decor, delicious food, and a central location at the Four Seasons Firenze to make your trip to Florence truly special.
Must-Know Travel Tips for Visiting Florence, Italy
- Get a Firenze Card – this is the official museum pass of Florence! It’ll get you entry to all of the main attractions including the Duomo, the Accademia Gallery, and the Uffizi
- Make use of Rick Steves free walking tours – download the Rick Steve app, if you’re looking to save money and get to the know the city! I personally used them when visiting Florence and found them to be a great alternative to paying for a guide
- Buy skip-the-line tickets – if you’re buying individual tickets, instead of opting for the Firenze Card, make sure to purchase skip-the-line tickets. It’ll be well worth it!
- Museums are closed on Monday – so make sure to visit another day of the week
- Walk everywhere – Florence is a really walkable city and one of the best ways to really appreciate all of the lovely little streets is on foot!
Firenze Card: What You Need to Know
Firenzecard is the official museum pass for Florence. You can purchase it for €85 and it’ll be valid for 72 hours from the first time it’s used. It gives you access to a long list of museums and tourist sites (you can find the whole list here!), as well as discounts at various restaurants around the city. Often it includes skip-the-line entry but make sure to check online prior to visiting!
It’s well-worth purchasing one, if you’re planning to make the most of your stay and cram in as much as possible. Using this Florence 3 day itinerary as an example, the Firenzecard would work out much cheaper. Museums ticket costs can quickly add up and it’d be a shame not to see as much as you can whilst staying in the capital of culture!
You can purchase a Firenzecard online or at one of the authorised sales points across the city.
3 Day Florence Itinerary: Day 1
1.1 Piazza Del Duomo
The Piazza Del Duomo is the most iconic piazza in Florence and is definitely where you should head first thing. If you can, wake up early to see the piazza before it’s brimming with tourists. Here you’ll find a number of the most famous sites in the city, including the Cathedral of Santa Marie del Fiore (also known as the Duomo!) and the Baptistry of St. John.
Top Tips for the Piazza Del Duomo:
- You’ll see lots of restaurants in this area. Because it’s a major tourist location, try to find somewhere down one of the side streets instead. It’ll be probably be less expensive and much nicer! If you can, opt for a traditional trattoria
- Beware of pickpockets! This is always important to remember at busy tourist spots!
1.2 The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Marie del Fiore)
The Duomo is Florence’s most iconic building and an absolute must-visit when in the city. You’ll see it as soon as you arrive at the Piazza Del Duomo, due to its immense size. The cupola (or Brunelleschi’s dome) is the third largest dome in the world, beaten to the top spot only by Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica and London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Take a wander around the whole building to truly take in its size (and allow yourself that ‘pinch me, I’m in Florence!’ moment), before heading inside. Entry to the Cathedral is free but lines form quickly, so I’d recommend arriving early. And a word of warning, the Cathedral itself is much less impressive on the inside than it is on the outside, though the famous dome is stunning!
The Duomo is made up of various parts including the dome, the bell tower and the crypt. Entrance to each of these requires a ticket. I’d highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, if you’d like to explore any of these options, as they’re very popular!
Top Tips for Visiting the Duomo
- Arrive early in order to avoid queues and make the most out of your day
- Dress appropriately – this is, first and foremost, a place of worship, so knees and shoulders should be covered
- Climb the bell tower, instead of the cupola as you’ll get great views of the iconic dome
1.3 Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower stands right next to the dome. If you want breath-taking views of the city, as well a good look at the iconic Dome, this is not to be missed. I personally decided to climb the tower instead of the dome and have no regrets! I really wanted to get some up-close photos of the Dome and the tower provided the perfect viewpoint! This was one of the best things I did in Florence and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Top Tips for Climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Book your tickets in advance! This is a very popular activity meaning its often sold out. I love spontaneous travel as much as the next person but, in this case, it pays to be organised!
- Give it a miss if you’re scared of heights, claustrophobic or not physically fit. The views from the tower are high, so not for the faint-hearted, and you’re required to walk up 414 narrow steps
1.4 Baptistry of St. John
Directly opposite the Duomo, you’ll find the Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistry of St. John). It’s one of the oldest buildings in Florence, and is well-known for being the building that Dante was baptised in!
What draws most people to the building is its beautiful bonze doors. They’ll be easy to spot, as they’re generally surrounded by a large crowd of tourists! Lorenzo Ghiberti spent much of his lifetime creating the 28 bronze panels that feature on the doors and they’re truly a sight to see.
The most famous of these doors is known as the ‘Gates of Paradise’. The original doors are now actually held in the Duomo Museum, so the ones you’ll see here are simply replicas! They’re very convincing however and it’s great to see the way the building would have looked originally.
1.4 Mercato Centrale
Whilst in the area, head to Mercato Centrale for a spot of lunch. Here you’ll find two levels. On the lower, locals sell fresh produce and groceries. If you’re staying in an airbnb, this is the place to pick up some amazing fresh pasta or delicious cheese! Even if you’re not up for cooking, it’s fun to walk around this area of the market and see the locals purchasing their food for the week.
On the upper level, you’ll find lots of street food style eateries, which make for the perfect quick lunch. There’s plenty of delicious Italian cuisine to pick from but if you want to stay true to Florence, pick something with truffle! Pay at the vendor and then take a seat wherever you like. There’s also free wifi here, which is always a bonus when traveling!
1.5 Mercato del Porcellino
This market is fairly touristy and overpriced, so I wouldn’t recommend staying too long. The superstition in me, however, has to tell you to visit the Fontana del Porcellino. The is a bronze boar statue you can find in the market. If you place a coin in his mouth and let it fall into the fountain below, it’s said to bring you good luck, and rubbing his nose is believed to ensure your return to Florence. It’s definitely worth a go if it means coming back to this beautiful city!
Right next to the fountain you’ll also find a street food van selling lampredetto. This sandwich is a local delicacy, filled with the fourth and final stomach of a cow, often topped with a spicy sauce. If you’re keen to try some traditional food in Florence, then this is a good place to start!
1.6 Piazza della Signoria
One of the best things about Florence is that you don’t even need to step foot in a museum to see some stunning works of art – they’re peppered all over the city! The Piazza Della Signoria houses some of the city’s most famous statues, which are all available for viewing for free. Here you can find a copy of the statue of David, as well as Neptune’s Fountain, and Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes.
If you’re a fashion fan, make sure to check out Gucci Garden. This museum celebrates the history of the brand, with some of the fashion house’s most iconic pieces across the years, as well as a book store selling niche magazines and publications. Whilst you’re there, you can also grab some food at the beautiful restaurant, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, or pick up some one-of-a-kind accessories from the boutique.
1.7 Grab Some Gelato
Gelato is a must wherever you are in Italy but most people don’t know that it was actually invented here in Florence! This is the ultimate excuse to eat it by the bucket-load whilst you’re here, so make sure to have some during the day to keep your fuelled on your adventure!
Top Tips for Finding the Best Gelato in Florence
- Look for metal containers with lids – this shows that the gelato is being kept at the correct temperature
- It shouldn’t look shiny – this means that the sugar content is too high or that it’s oxidised (meaning it’s old!)
- It should be quite flat in the container – the pretty high-piled swirls look pretty but they’re actually a sign that there’s too much air in the mixture. It’s also likely that it’s high in vegetable fat to stop it from melting.
- Pick muted colours – brighter flavours might look exciting but it’s likely laden with lots of artificial colours. The best gelato is the stuff made with premium ingredients!
Gelateria Recommendations in Florence
- Perche No? Via dei Tavolini, 19r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Gelateria La Carraia, Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
- Vivoli, Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- My Sugar, Via de’ Ginori, 49/red, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
3 Day Florence Itinerary: Day 2
2.1 Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest galleries in the world. Home to some of the most important collections of Italian Renaissance artwork, including work by Botticelli, this gallery is one of the most-visited locations in Florence. This means that it pays to either get there before it opens, or book a skip-the-line ticket.
The Uffizi contains over 100,000 pieces of art, spread across more than 50 rooms. If you’re new to art (and even if you’re not!), this can be a little overwhelming. It would be a shame to wander around aimlessly, not knowing what anything is or what to prioritise, so I’d recommend booking a guided tour if possible to get the most out of your visit!
Top Tips for Visiting the Uffizi Gallery
- Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month but beware that crowds and queues will be huge!
- Purchase a skip-the-line ticket to avoid spending all day in the queue
- Arrive early, if you haven’t pre-purchased a ticket, to avoid the crowds
2.2 Osteria All’antico Vinaio
You have to visit a panino shop whilst in Florence. These little holes in the wall serve some of the best sandwiches in the world and are the perfect place to get an affordable meal on the go.
The most famous panino shop in Florence is Osteria All’Antico Vanaio. It’s a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, thanks to their incredible, flavourful sandwiches. The panino are made with schiacciata bread (a specialty in Florence). They don’t have any vegetarian options on the menu but if you ask them, they’ll be happy to put something together for you. Whatever you do, make sure to order something with the truffle cream – it’s amazing!
2.3 Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world and quite unique in its history. On the bridge itself, you’ll find a row lovely shops. Once upon a time, these stores were home to the butchers of Venice, who’d throw their offcuts out of the window and into the Arno River. They’re now filled with jewellers, as jewellery stores are the only types of shops allowed to inhabit the bridge since the 16th century.
Adolf Hitler was particularly fond of the Ponte Vecchio, after seeing it during his State Visit. Whilst German forces blew up every other bridge, they Ponte Vecchio was left standing.
Take a walk along this beautiful and unique bridge, heading towards the Pitti Palace on the other side of the river.
2.4 Pitti Palace
Once the private residence of the infamous Medici Family, the Palazzo Pitti is now open to the public for viewing. Displaying a number of masterpieces, including work by Raffaello, and historic artefacts, it provides a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in old Florence. It’s believed that the palace was designed by Brunelleschi, the same architect who engineered the city’s Duomo.
There are 3 Galleries in the Pitti Palace:
- Palatine Gallery – where you can find art by Tiziano and Raffaello.
- Gallery of Modern Art – pieces from the 17th and 20th centuries
- Fashion Gallery – dresses worn by royals from designers such as Valentino, Emilio Pucci, Gianni Versace, and Giorgio Armani
The lovely Boboli Gardens are located behind the palace, so make sure to schedule them both in for the same day.
2.5 Boboli Gardens
Formerly the gardens of the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens are the most beautiful gardens in Florence. They span a total of 11 acres, with beautiful fountains and grottos to explore. Strolling around the grounds is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in the city. It’s also a lovely, romantic spot if you’re visiting Florence with a significant other.
Be sure not to miss the beautiful blue Rococo Kaffeehaus in the terraced area of the gardens!
2.6 Piazzale Michelangelo
When people ask what they should do in Florence, this is always the first thing I say. Piazzale Michelangelo is a beautiful square on the south bank of the Arno River with panoramic views of the city. It’s a magical experience, especially if you arrive for sunset, when the sky is filled with colour.
The square lies at the top of a hill, so it’s a bit of a climb to get there but completely worth it. Grab a bottle of wine and pack a picnic to share with a friend whilst you watch the sun set over one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
3 Day Florence Itinerary: Day 3
3.1 Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is significantly smaller than the Uffizi. However, it remains a must-visit as the house of Michelangelo’s David, the most famous statue in the world. David is displayed in a specially-designed room, built to frame the piece perfectly. Made out of a single block of marble from the Carrara quarries of Tuscany (where you can find some of the whitest marble in the world), it weighs 5,560kg! The craftsmanship really is stunning. Art-lover or not, you can’t leave Florence without seeing this beautiful piece of history.
Top Tips for Visiting the Accademia Gallery
- Purchase your tickets in advance online
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the big crowds around David
- No flash-photography is allowed in the gallery
- Don’t visit on Mondays, as the gallery will be closed!
3.2 Santa Croce Church
Santa Croce is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Florence. It has a great atmosphere with lots of locals and the best restaurants and bars. The focal point is Santa Croce Church, which can be found in the square. The beautiful building is generally overlooked for the bigger, most impressive Duomo. Use this to your advantage to see some of Florence’s history, without waiting around in long lines!
At the Santa Croce Church, you’ll find there’s actually a lot more to see than at the Duomo. Here you’ll find the graves of some of Italy’s most brilliant minds, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Michiavelli. There’s also beautiful frescoes by Giotto, a gilded bronze statue by Donatello, and a number of beautiful family chapels.
Whilst you’re in the area, grab a drink and spot to eat from one of the local restaurants and check out some of the unique shopping in the area!
Top Tips for Visiting the Santa Croce Church
- Check out this incredibly useful blogpost from the creative adventurer if you want to save money on a tour guide, it includes everything to look out for during your visit
- The Firenze Card is accepted here
- Dress appropriately, as this is, first and foremost, a place of worship
- Once a year, you can watch a match of calico fiorentino – an early (and very violent) form of football that originated in the 16th century. Each of the four districts plays against one another in medieval outfits in the Santa Croce Square
3.3 Visit a Photo Booth
One of the coolest things about Florence is the vintage photo booths that are dotted around the city. The old fashioned booths make for the perfect Instagram opportunity and, for a few euros, you can get the cutest momento of your time in Italy.
There’s one close to the Santa Croce Church, so this is the perfect time to grab a souvenir on your final day! You can find all of the photo booth locations across the city by searching ‘Fotoautomatica’ in Google Maps. The one near Santa Croce Church can be found at Via dell’Agnolo, 117, 50122.
3.3 Basilica di San Lorenzo
The Church of San Lorenzo was once the parish of the Medici family and remains one of the largest churches in Florence. After seeing the outside, many choose not to enter, thinking it looks far less impressive than the Santa Maria Del Fiore Duomo. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover! Instead take a step inside this innocuous church for the best surprise.
Although it doesn’t look like anything special from the outside, the real magic happens when you step through the doors. Here you’ll find beautiful cloisters and carvings, the most extravagant of which can be found in the Medici Chapels. The resting place of the Medici family features extravagant marble mosaics, beautiful columns, and an exquisitely painted dome.
The church also houses works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Filippo Lippi.
Top Tips for Visiting the Church of San Lorenzo
- Dress appropriately, with your knees and shoulders covered, as this is a place of worship and you may not be allowed in otherwise
- Make use of the English-speaking art historian who is generally stationed in the central aisle of the basilica and can answer any questions you have about the architecture or the Medici family
- Purchase your tickets in the cloister. Your ticket includes entry to the cloister, treasury and church
- San Lorenzo isn’t open to tourists on Sundays, so make sure not to visit then!
- The Medici chapels are open different hours from the basilica, so make sure to check online before arrival
3.4 Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica is one of the main squares in the city. In fact, you might have found yourself walk past it already during your time here. It’s marked the centre of the city since Roman times and remains a busy and beautiful spot in the city.
Use this as the start of a final walk around the centre of the city, taking in the beautiful views of the warm buildings and impressive Duomo (perhaps with a gelato in hand!) before heading home from your big adventure.
Day Trips to Add to Your Florence Itinerary
Alternatively, you could use your final day to visit one of the other beautiful nearby cities. Each one is easily accessible by train!
Bologna
The trouble with visiting Italy is that it has more famous cities than anywhere else in the world, meaning that beautiful locations such as Bologna are often overlooked for more well-known locations, such as Venice, Rome, and Milan. This is a huge shame as Bologna has so much to offer.
- As the birthplace of Bolognese, Bologna is heaven for foodies
- It’s seriously beautiful, with plenty of gorgeous porticoes that can be found on UNESCO’s world-heritage list
- The city is home to the oldest university in the world
- It’s known as the city of towers, with 20 or so towers dotted around the city
The train journey takes under 40 minutes!
Siena
Siena is another underrated city close-by to Florence. This beautiful historic city can be found in the heart of Tuscany. Much like Florence, the city’s gem is its Duomo. Unlike it’s better known counterpart, the interiors of the Duomo here are incredibly ornate and, in my opinion, much more impressive!
The train journey from Florence to Siena takes 1.5 hours
Pisa
If you’re flying in and out of Pisa, it might make sense to work a quick tour of the city into your trip to Florence. It’s obviously best-known for one of the most iconic landmarks in the world – the leaning tower of Pisa. However, the city has much more to offer.
- Visit the beautiful riverside church, Santa Maria della Spina
- See the gorgeous Palazzo dei Cavalieri at the Knight’s Square
- Take a stroll along the Arno River
Tuscany
If you want to really make the most of your day outside of Florence, opt for a Tuscany road trip or guided tour. This will take you through the major cities and tourist sites of Tuscany. Make sure to stop off at one of the beautiful vineyards to try to some amazing wine!
Rome
If you really wanted to, you could take a day trip to Rome from Florence. The high speed train only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, it’s not something I’d really recommend. In my opinion, as such a big city with so much to see, Rome needs much a longer than day!
3 Day Florence Itinerary FAQs
3 days is the perfect amount of time to see Florence. This will give you plenty of time to take in all of the main sites of the city, as it relatively small and walkable. I personally spent 3 days in Florence and had a fantastic time.
4 days in Florence is definitely not too long! There’s lots to see and do, meaning you could easily stay for even 5 days. 4 days will allow you to take things a little slower and see most things that the city has to offer.
Exploring the city in the heat of July & August can be very difficult. Instead, the best months to visit Florence tends to be May, June, September, and October. That being said, this city is so beautiful, that there really is no bad time to visit, so go whenever you’re able!
With all of the attractions and museums on offer, Florence can be an expensive city to travel in. It’s still possible to visit on a budget, however. There are plenty of airbnbs and hostels, and cheap (and delicious) sandwich shops. I recommend prioritising the activities that are most important to you to visit Florence on a budget.
Interesting Facts About Florence
- Gelato was invented in Florence!
- The Medici Family ruled Florence from 1434 – 1737, and led the Renaissance movement, which is why you’ll find some much incredible artwork across the city
- Gucci was founded here in 1921 by Guccio Gucci
- The Duomo’s dome in Florence is the 3rd largest in the world, beaten only by Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, and London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral
