A 3-Day Florence Itinerary You’ll Love: What To See, Do & Eat

Florence is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world, and honestly, I think it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. It is full of history, amazing art, and a gorgeous Tuscan scenery that feels surreal. The best part? The wine tours! Joking aside, whether you’re traveling to Florence to try the Florentine steak, or to see the Michelangelo sculpture, there is something for everyone. Here is how to spend 3 perfect days in Florence! This 3-day Florence itinerary includes all the must-see attractions, plus some hidden gems and local experiences that will make your trip extra special. Grab a glass of wine, and let’s get started!

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Best Time to Visit Florence

Florence is stunning all year round! However, when you visit can make a big difference in your experience. Personally, I think Florence is magical during the spring and early fall. I visited in September and it was still hot, but a bit less crowded!

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season, so you can plan your dream Italy vacation!

Spring (March – May)

I might be biased because I love the sun, but spring is one of the best seasons to visit Florence. The weather is perfect, the city is blooming, and it isn’t crowded yet. You can expect sunny days perfect for getting lost in the streets, visiting gardens, and sipping an Aperol spritz at an outdoor café. Just be aware that Easter weekend is busy, so book ahead!

• Best for: Perfect weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor activities.
• Downside: Some rainy days in March/April. Busy during Easter weekend.

Summer (June – August)

Florence in summer is beautiful but intense. Temperatures can soar above 90°F (32°C), and the streets are packed with tourists. Many locals escape to the coast in August, so some smaller shops and restaurants close for vacation.

• Best for: Lively atmosphere and late-night gelato walks.
• Downside: Crowds, high prices, and serious heat.

Fall (September – November)

Fall is another fantastic time to visit. September is still warm but way less crowded than summer, and by October, the weather cools down, making it perfect for walking around. Plus, it’s harvest season, so if you love food and wine, this is the ideal time for a Tuscan wine tour!

• Best for: Fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and great food.
• Downside: November can be a bit gray and rainy.

Winter (December – February)

Winter in Florence means fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, and festive vibes. December is especially charming with Christmas markets and twinkling lights throughout the city. January and February are the least touristy months, so if you love museums and don’t mind chilly weather, it’s a great time to visit.

• Best for: No crowds, lower prices, and Christmas charm.
• Downside: Cold (but rarely below freezing) and shorter days.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Trip to Florence

Florence is an incredible city, but a little planning goes a long way in making your trip smooth and stress-free. Here are my top travel tips to help you make the most of your visit!

Book Tickets in Advance

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, which means long lines at major attractions. To avoid wasting time in long lines, book your tickets weeks in advance—especially in peak seasons! I cannot stress this enough!

👉 Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple museums, consider getting the Firenze Card, which gives you access to 70+ attractions over 72 hours.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Leave your heels and uncomfortable shoes at home. One of the best things about Florence is that you can walk almost everywhere! However, Florence’s streets are cobblestone, so it is essential to wear comfortable shoes.

👉 Pro tip: If you need to get somewhere quickly, taxis are available, but they cannot be hailed on the street—you’ll need to call one or go to a taxi stand.

Be Mindful of Opening Hours

Unlike some major cities, Florence has a slower pace, and many businesses close in the afternoon for riposo (Italy’s version of siesta). Smaller shops, restaurants, and even some museums may shut down from 1 PM to 3 or 4 PM, so check the hours online and plan accordingly.

👉 Pro tip: Museums like the Uffizi are closed on Mondays, so double-check hours before planning your itinerary.

Stay Away from Restaurants With Big English Menus

If you want to try authentic Italian food, stay away from restaurants with big English menus and waiters trying to pull you in. You’ll see that a lot in Italy, especially around major tourist attractions. Instead, look for small trattorias where locals are eating. Also, don’t expect to eat dinner before 7:30 PM—Italians eat late!

👉 Pro tip: Some must-try Florentine dishes include:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak)
• Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pasta with wild boar ragu)
• Lampredotto (a traditional Florentine street food sandwich)

Tipping Isn’t Expected

Unlike in the U.S., tipping in Italy isn’t mandatory. However, if you get great service, it’s always appreciated to round up the bill or leave a few extra euros.

👉 Pro tip: Some restaurants already include a service charge (coperto), so check your receipt before tipping extra!

Be Aware of Tourist Taxes & Extra Fees

Most hotels and Airbnbs in Florence charge a tourist tax of about €4-5 per person per night, which is collected separately when you check in.

👉 Pro tip: If you sit down at a café in a busy tourist area like Piazza della Signoria, you might be charged extra just for table service. So, if you’re just grabbing a quick espresso, stand at the bar instead of sitting down!

Explore Beyond the Main Attractions

While you definitely need to see the Duomo and Uffizi, I’d recommend to also explore other hidden gems in Florence for a unique experience.

Visit Nearby Cities

If you have extra time, I recommend you take a day trip to nearby cities like Pisa and Siena. There are lots of tours, and you’ll get to see more of Italy. If you keep scrolling you’ll find day trip ideas!

👉 Pro tip: Combine Florence with other amazing cities into the perfect 2 week Italy itinerary.

How Many Days to Stay in Florence

Florence may not be a huge city, but there’s so much to see and do that you could easily spend a week here and still not run out of things to explore. That being said, the perfect amount of time really depends on your travel style.

I stayed for 4 days because I wanted to experience everything Florence had to offer. However, if Florence is part of your Italy itinerary and there are other cities you’re more interested in, then 2 or 3 days might be perfect for you!

If you want to go beyond the basics and experience Florence at a slower pace, four to five days will give you time to explore some lesser-known spots like the Oltrarno district, visit more museums, take a cooking class, or go on another wine tour!

Now, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the city and have a more relaxed time, then staying in Florence for a week might be perfect for you. This way you can also take day trips to nearby cities.

Tours You’ll Want to Book in Florence

Pizza and Gelato Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse — Learn how to make mouth-watering pizza and gelato with a professional Italian chef.

Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine — Make fresh pasta like the grandmothers of Italy during a class at a cooking school inside Florence’s Medieval Tower. This is the tour that is going viral on TikTok, and I wish I could back in time to take it!

Food Walking Tour with Local Steak and Tuscan Wine — Explore the authentic flavors of Tuscany alongside a foodie guide. Enjoy 14 local tastings during 5 unique stops.

Pisa Day Tour with Leaning Tower of Pisa — Staying one day too many in Florence? It’s the perfect opportunity to travel to the nearby city of Pisa.

Detailed 3-Day Florence Itinerary

This detailed 3-day Florence itinerary covers the city’s must-see attractions, restaurant recommendations, hidden gems, and helpful tips—everything you need to make your trip to Florence magical. I have also created a map below so you can easily view where all must-see spots are. As you can see, everything is walkable, and you’ll probably unintentionally walk by all the attractions.

Florence Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile, lunch at Mercato Centrale, shop for leather goods, Galleria dell’Accademia, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio
Day 2: Wine tours. We recommend: Chianti Safari: Off-Road Tuscany Wine Tour.
Alternative Day 2: Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, pasta cooking class
Day 3: Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, Piazzale Michelangelo

Day 1: Classic Florence

Today’s Itinerary

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Lunch at Mercato Centrale
• Shop for leather goods
• Giotto’s Campanile
• Galleria dell’Accademia
• Piazza della Signoria
• Ponte Vecchio

First stop: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

You’ll start your day at Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. I highly recommend climbing to the top. The views are amazing, and you can look closely at “The Last Judgement” fresco.

Just a heads up, there are over 400 steps to get to the top! We thought there were only 200 steps and were pretty surprised when we had to keep going! But the views were worth it!

Touristic sites fill up pretty fast in Florence, so I recommend purchasing the tickets beforehand. We had an early morning slot, and we saw a huge line of people waiting to purchase tickets.

We bought our tickets directly from the Duomo Firenze website. You’ll want to choose the Brunelleschi Pass, which gives you access to the Duomo, the Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the Opera Duomo Museum. However, keep in mind you have 3 days to visit all of these attractions before your ticket expires. There are also skip-the-line tickets available.

An alternative is to climb the Giotto’s Bell Tower. It is adjacent to the Duomo, and it offers another vantage point over Florence, including a view of the Duomo itself.

Next up: Mercato Centrale + Leather Market

After your intense workout, you’ll head towards the Mercato Centrale. I am a huge fan of eating at local markets in Europe, and the Mercato Centrale didn’t disappoint!

You’ll find everything from fruit, wine, cheese, meat, and a lot more on the ground level. To grab some authentic Italian food, you’ll head to the second level. You can also expect to find burgers, pizza, gelato, and even some international cuisine.

Florence is known for the quality of its leather. And right outside the Mercato Centrale, you’ll find lots of leather vendors selling everything from belts, to luggage, bags, and even clothing. This is the perfect place to find souvenirs too. Be ready to haggle and shop around for the best price.

If you’re traveling to other Italian cities, we found that Florence had the best prices for leather goods. My sister and I bought the same bag, I got it in Florence, she got it in Rome, and she also paid an extra 30 Euros. So, I highly recommend you do your shopping here.

Coming up: Galleria dell’Accademia + Piazza della Signoria

Next up, is the Galleria dell’Accademia. This is where you’ll find Michelangelo’s sculpture David, and where you’ll also fight with other tourists for a photo with the sculpture!

I cannot emphasize enough, how important it is to purchase your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during spring and summer. The tickets for the Galleria dell’Accademia cost 16 euros per person, and are free for those under 18.

If you want a seamless experience and don’t want to waste time waiting in line, then you should get the skip-the-line tickets, which are only 35 euros.

It only takes a couple of hours to get through the museum. So, you’ll head to the Piazza della Signoria right after. It is a historic plaza with notable sculpture and the Palazzo Vecchio.

If you’re hungry for a snack, I recommend walking to All’Antico Vinaio, a famous sandwich shop, and then return to the Piazza to people watch and enjoy the delicious sandwich!

Last stop: Ponte Vecchio + dinner in the Oltarno district

The Piazza della Signoria is also only a few blocks away from the Arno river. Strolling along the river during sunset hour is a must! There you’ll also find the Ponte Vecchio, a unique historic bridge lined with jewelry shops.

After crossing the bridge, you’ll find yourself in the Oltarno district, known for its authentic Florentine restaurants. This is the perfect way to end the day.

Day 2: Wine Tour

When in Florence, you have to do a wine tour—it’s a non-negotiable! Even if you don’t drink wine, you’ll learn a lot about Italian vineyards, and depending on the tour, you’ll explore and dine at gorgeous Italian villas.

The tour we booked is the Chianti Safari: Off-Road Tuscany Wine Tour with Walkabout Tours. I did a lot of research and probably looked at 15 different wine tours, but this one seemed to be the one that offered the most value. And I highly recommend it. It takes you to three different villas, lunch is included, and it is highly educational. The last villa was stunning!

If you decide to book this tour, it starts at 8:30 am and lasts until 6 pm. When you get back to Florence, you’ll be hungry! So, I recommend making a restaurant reservation beforehand since they tend to get busier around that time.

A few good, recommended restaurants are: Cammillo Tratoria, Buca Mario, and Cantinetta Antinori.

If you’d like to do one more wine tour during your time in Florence, I recommend the Antinori nel Chianti Classico, the CRU tour which costs 180 euros per person and includes lunch. This is more of a high-end tour, and we loved it!

If none of the tours above seem to convince you, there are plenty of options!

Alternative Day 2: Museums

If wine tours aren’t your thing, or if you already did a wine tour somewhere else, here are a few activities you could do instead.

First stop: Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Start the day with an espresso, and then head to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. It is located a couple of blocks away from the Duomo. This museum isn’t one of the most popular ones, so you can get away with purchasing the tickets the same day. We went there as soon as it opened and it was a bit empty, which was perfect. I found this museum fascinating, since it is the house of the Medici family.

A bit of history, the Medici were a wealthy and powerful Italian banking family and political dynasty that ruled Florence and Tuscany back in the 15th century. They were also patrons of artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo DaVinci.

Next up: Basilica of San Lorenzo + the world’s oldest pharmacy

Right next door, visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of Florence’s most significant churches and the Medici family’s official church. Designed by Brunelleschi, it features a stunning yet unfinished facade and houses works by Donatello and Michelangelo. Don’t forget to explore the Medici Crypt, where members of the family are buried.

Next, take a short walk to Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest apothecaries in the world. Dating back to 1221, this pharmacy was originally founded by Dominican monks. And you can smell the perfume that was created for Catherine di Medici.

Final activity: pasta cooking class

Learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy is such a unique experience! I honestly regret not taking the viral pasta making class with unlimited wine. But oh well, now I have an excuse to return to Florence!

Depending on the class, you might learn how to make fresh pasta, Tuscan soups, bruschetta, or even tiramisu. It’s a class and a dinner, all in one!

Day 3: Museums & Gardens

Today’s Itinerary

• Palazzo Vecchio
• Uffizi Gallery
• Boboli Gardens
• Pitti Palace
• Piazzale Michelangelo

First stop: Palazzo Vecchio

You’ll start the day by strolling around the city and admiring all of its beauty. Next, you’ll head to the Palazzo Vecchio, located in the Piazza della Signoria.

It was built in the 13th century, and it looks like a fortress. Just like many historical buildings in Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio was once home to the Medici family and today it is the city’s town hall.

If you’d like to visit the Palazzo Vecchio, book tickets in advance. If you’re only staying a couple of days in Florence, then booking skip-the-line tickets might be worth it.

Next up: Uffizi Gallery

Next, head to the Uffizi Gallery, just a few steps away. This world-renowned museum houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Don’t miss The Birth of Venus and Primavera, two of the most famous paintings of the Renaissance.

Depending on the season, the line might be hours long, so we recommend purchasing the tickets in advance. All tickets come with a timeslot, however, we were a bit late and they still let us in. I recommend choosing an early time slot before it gets crowded.

Coming up: Boboli Gardens + Pitti Palace

Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno district and visit Pitti Palace, another former residence of the Medici family. Inside you’ll find gorgeous rooms and art collections.

After exploring the palace, explore the Boboli Gardens. They are one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence. I absolutely loved walking around the gardens, which are huge by the way. You’ll find everything from sculptures, to fountains. It is gorgeous!

Last stop: Piazzale Michelangelo

End your day with a short uphill walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best viewpoints in Florence. From here, you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of the city, with the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Tuscan hills in the background. Arrive just before sunset for the most magical experience. You could also buy a glass of wine and have a cute picnic up here.

Hidden Gems to Add to Your Florence Itinerary

Looking for more unique activities and things to see in Florence? I wrote an article with over 25 unique activities. Maybe you’ll find something else to add to your Florence itinerary. Below are four activities I recommend looking into.

• Rub Il Porcelino for good luck: According to local legend, rubbing the boar’s snout ensures good luck and guarantees a return trip to Florence.
• Visit Scuola del Cuoio: The Scuola del Cuoio is a leather school using traditional techniques. It was founded after World War II to teach leatherworking to orphans.
• Enjoy a Negroni: Florence is the birthplace of the Negroni, so sipping one (or two) during aperitivo hour at sunset is a must
• Get Wine Through Buchette del Vino: Experience Florence’s old tradition of buchette del vino, or “wine windows”.

Staying Longer? Day Trips From Florence

If you have extra time in Florence, consider exploring the stunning Tuscan countryside and nearby historic towns. Here are some of the best day trips from Florence.

Pisa & San Gimignano

Pisa is world-famous for the Leaning Tower, but there’s more to see, including the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Duomo. After snapping some photos, head to Lucca, a walled city known for its bike-friendly streets, Roman amphitheater, and beautiful churches.

Getting there: Take a direct train from Florence to Pisa (~1 hour), then a short train ride to Lucca.

Recommended tour: Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch

Siena

Siena is famous for its Gothic cathedral, historic streets, and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice a year. It is a must-visit for history lovers and offers a true taste of old-world Tuscany. Here is a one-day Siena itinerary.

Getting there: Take a direct bus from Florence to Siena (~1.5 hours) or drive for a scenic ride through the countryside.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is such a gorgeous and unique destination. It is essentially a cluster of five colorful villages perched along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera. You can hike between villages, enjoy fresh seafood, and take a dip in the Mediterranean. It’s a long day trip but absolutely worth it! I’d consider visiting Cinque Terre if you’re visiting in spring, summer, and early fall.

Getting there: Take a train to La Spezia, around 2 hours, then switch to the Cinque Terre Express train that connects the villages.

Recommended tour: I found this one that takes you to both Pisa and Cinque Terre, it has amazing reviews too!

Bologna

For an amazing food experience, head to Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy. This city is home to authentic tagliatelle al ragù, as well as incredible markets and Europe’s oldest university. Spend the day eating your way through the city, climbing the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views, and admiring the beautiful Piazza Maggiore.

Getting there: Take a direct high-speed train from Florence to Bologna, it takes around 30 minutes. There are also plenty of day tours you can book to have a more laid back experience.

Best Places to Stay in Florence

If it’s your first time in Florence, I recommend you stay in the Centro Storico, which is near all the touristic attractions. Florence is a very walkable city and that way you’ll get everywhere easily! However, depending on your travel style, here are other options that might suit you.

Best for First-Time Visitors: Historic Center (Centro Storico)

If you want to be in the heart of Florence, stay in the Centro Storico near the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio.

• Pros: Walkable, close to major attractions, plenty of restaurants and shops.
• Cons: Can be touristy and more expensive.
• Hotel Picks:
  • Luxury: Brunelleschi Hotel (stunning views of the Duomo)
  • Mid-Range: Mercure Firenze Centro
  • Budget: Residenza Della Signoria

Best for a Local Experience & Nightlife: Oltrarno

Across the Arno River, Oltrarno is Florence’s artsy side. It has plenty of artisan shops and some of the city’s best restaurants.

• Pros: More local vibe, excellent restaurants, lively but not overcrowded.
• Cons: Slightly further from some main attractions, but still walkable.
• Hotel Picks:
  • Luxury: Hotel Lungarno
  • Mid-Range: Palazzo Guadagni
  • Budget: SoprArno Suites

Best for Convenience & Train Access: Santa Maria Novella

If you’re arriving in Florence by train or planning day trips to nearby cities like Pisa, or Cinque Terre, staying near Santa Maria Novella Station is a smart choice. You won’t have to lug your luggage through the city to catch your train.

• Pros: Close to the train station, good value accommodations, still walkable to major sites.
• Cons: Not as picturesque as other areas.
• Hotel Picks:
  • Luxury: The St. Regis Florence
  • Mid-Range: c-hotels Ambasciatori
  • Budget: Hotel Alba Palace

Best for Budget Travelers & Markets: San Lorenzo & San Marco

These neighborhoods are just north of the Duomo, offering affordable accommodations while keeping you close to Florence’s best attractions. You’ll also find Mercato Centrale, a great spot for trying local food.

• Pros: More budget-friendly, lively markets, still central.
• Cons: Can be a bit noisy due to market activity.
• Hotel Picks:
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Orto de’ Medici
  • Budget: Hotel Lorena

Where We Stayed

Il Salviatino—Luxury Italian Villa

If you’re looking for a unique luxury experience, Il Salviatino is where you’ll want to stay. It is one of the best hotels in Florence and a private Italian villa. Il Salviatino is in the rolling Tuscan hills and has amazing views of the surrounding nature and of the Duomo.

You can have the unique experience of staying in a dreamy Italian villa while still being within a 5-minute drive from the city center (the hotel offers a shuttle service).

We absolutely loved it there. And after a couple of nights, we switched to the Mercure Firenze Centro Hotel, to experience the city center of Florence.

Mercure Firenze Centro

The location of the Mercure Firenze Centro is great! It is within a 10-minute walk of the Historic Centre of Florence and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It is a 4-star hotel that offers some amenities like a bar and lounge, continental breakfast, and more. This is a great option for those looking for a nice hotel near the city center.

Residenza Della Signoria

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Residenza Della Signoria is a beautiful boutique hotel right in the center of the city. This is the closest hotel to the city center, located within a 5-minute walk from the Uffizi Gallery. Since it is a boutique hotel, the hotel staff is not on the property the entire day, so if you have any issues or forget your keys you’ll have to solve it via WhatsApp. That being said, we had an amazing experience in this hotel and also such a great view of the streets! It is so conveniently located, that you’ll love it there.

Florence Frequently Asked Questions

Florence is one of those cities that leave a mark. Whether you spend three days exploring its iconic landmarks or extend your trip to venture into the Tuscan countryside, every moment in Florence feels magical. I hope this Florence itinerary was helpful. Buon viaggio!

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