It takes 72 hours (maybe even less) to fall in love with the Tuscan capital. Here’s an itinerary to visit Florence in three days; you’ll be sure to come back anyway.
It is no coincidence that it is one of the world’s most beloved Italian cities. It is more than just an open-air museum; Florence retains intact the grace and elegance that made it the cradle of the Renaissance. We suggest an itinerary to visit Florence in three days and discover its most important treasures, but we know you’ll return there anyway.
First day, first stop: Piazza della Signoria and surroundings
Depending on where you are staying, use public transportation or take a walk to the center of Florence: Piazza della Signoria, the place from which the city’s ancient and recent history has passed. For now, “settle” for the copy of Michelangelo’s David that stands in the square: tomorrow you will see the original 🙂
After a tour around the Neptune Fountain, visit the Palazzo Vecchio (which is still the seat of the City Council) and devote part of the visit to the Salone del Cinquecento, where numerous frescoes and sculptures of worldwide importance by artists such as Ghirlandaio, Vasari, Michelangelo, and Donatello are preserved.
Given the high attendance in all seasons, especially on weekends, we recommend that you book your visit to Palazzo Vecchio in advance, using the references on the Florentine Civic Museums website.
Day-1, late morning: Santa Maria del Fiore
Leaving Palazzo Vecchio, take Via de’ Calzaiuoli and enjoy the view of Piazza del Duomo. Here the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the scene unchallenged, thanks to the marvelous marvel of aesthetics and architecture that is Brunelleschi’s Dome. Don’t forget to visit the Baptistery, right next door.
At this point, hunger will set in, not least because from the Dome, you can easily smell the intense aroma of freshly baked bread. Follow your nose to Cimatori Street and enter the tiny store “I due Fratellini”. It’s one of the most mouth-watering and authentic places in the entire city: enjoy a hot sandwich stuffed with Tuscan delicacies: prosciutto and truffled pecorino, anchovies and butter… We’re not so sure you’ll only eat one!
And after lunch? The Uffizi and the Lungarno
Now that you’ve regained your energy, there’s no excuse not to tackle the 400 steps that will take you to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower: the breathtaking view of the city will repay your effort!
Once back down, head for the Uffizi Gallery: one of the most famous museums in Italy and the world. We strongly suggest you buy tickets online in advance to avoid the endless queues at the ticket counters. Botticelli’s Venus and Spring await you.
To finish off the day, you could indulge your romantic streak by strolling on the banks of the River Arno, enjoying the sunset as you cross the Ponte Vecchio. You won’t regret it.
Day-2: the Piazza San Marco district
From Piazza San Marco, on foot or by public transport, head for the Accademia Gallery. Here you will finally enjoy the thrill of meeting Michelangelo’s David, the original one, and you can admire other fantastic Renaissance works such as “The Rape of the Sabine Women” and “Madonna and Child,” by Giambologna and Botticelli, respectively.
In the afternoon, visit Piazza di San Lorenzo and spend the rest of the day in the market of the same name, where you can buy local handcrafted products and souvenirs at the stalls. If you’re partial to good food, you won’t resist the powerful lure of the flavors wafting into the square from some of the stalls. Indeed, here’s where you can sample the best of Florentine street food tradition: lampredotto, tripe, and porchetta.
Day-3: Oltrarno
Take public transportation to the left bank of the Arno River, an unmissable stop on the Florentine tour. Here you can visit the Pitti Palace, and stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens without worrying about the time. Also cross the Bardini Garden and enjoy the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo: you will understand at a glance why everyone loves Florence.
If you have some time left at the end of the day in Florence, you should indulge in some shopping in the best Italian craft shops!
Reaching Florence by train
Italo takes you to the heart of the Renaissance every day with many trains to Florence, from Bologna, Brescia, Milan, Naples, Padua, Reggio Emilia, Rome, Salerno, Turin, Venice, Verona, and Ferrara. Did you know that from Rome Tiburtina, you reach Florence in just one hour and twenty minutes? Plan your three-day itinerary in the city, and if, as we think, that’s not enough for you, you can always go back whenever you want, maybe thanks to a special offer (like deals on trains for Carnival) or by using an Italo promo code!
