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 view 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. 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!
Last updated: September 2025
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Florence 101
Currency: Euro €
Language: Italian
Payments: Most places accept credit cards, but having some cash is useful for small purchases or at local markets.
Tipping: Not required, but leaving a few extra euros for is appreciated.
Visit in: Year-round. Spring and fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is quieter and great for museum visits.
Transport: Walkable city. Taxis are available, but public transport is limited in the center.
Best for: Art, history, and food lovers!
Quick Picks for Florence
Short on time and can’t decide what to do? Here’s what I would prioritize.
- Must-See: Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia, Ponte Vecchio.
- Tours you can’t miss: Walking tour, pasta-making class, and wine tour
- Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–October (fewer crowds, great weather)
- Where to Stay: Stay near the Duomo for first-timers. We loved Residenza Della Signoria (affordable and only a couple of blocks away).
- Best Gelato: Gelateria dei Neri
Best Time to Visit Florence
The weather in Italy makes it easy to visit Florence year-round. However, you’ll want to choose the best time to visit Florence based on your budget and also the type of experience you’d like to have.
If you’ve ever heard someone say they didn’t like Italy, it is probably because they visited in the peak of summer. Hot weather, sweating profusely, no iced coffees, and a ton of people everywhere. Doesn’t sound like the Italian summer we all dream of.
Personally, I think Florence is magical during the spring and early fall. I visited in September and loved it. The weather was perfect, still warm and the sun shining, but not as hot. And it was way less crowded, which meant we could visit all the tourist sites without being elbow to elbow with other people.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season, so you can plan your dream Italy vacation!
- For ideal weather and fewer crowds, visit in April–May or September–October.
- If you don’t mind the heat and love a lively atmosphere, summer is great for you.
- For budget-friendly travel, winter is your best bet.
Spring (March – May)
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.
Where to Stay in Florence
I recommend you stay in the Historic Center, especially if it’s your first time in Florence. You’ll be super close to all the main tourist attractions.
Hotels we recommend:
- For a unique luxury experience: Stay at Il Salviatino, it isn’t only one of the best hotels in Florence, but it is also a private Italian villa. It is located within a 5-minute drive from the city center, so you can see all the main sights and enjoy staying at an Italian villa with amazing views of the city. We absolutely loved it here.
- Budget-friendly boutique hotel: Residenza Della Signoria is a beautiful boutique hotel located a couple of blocks away from the Duomo. We had a great experience here, and totally recommend it if you want to be in the middle of the action and if you prefer cute little boutique hotels.
- 4-star hotel experience near the center: Mercure Firenze Centro is located within a 10-minute walk of the city center, and it offers all the amenities you’d want to feel right at home. Bigger rooms, central AC, and a continental breakfast.
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.
- Tours to book in advance: Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb Entry Ticket & Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, Chianti Wine Tour, Palazzo Vecchio.
- Consider getting the Firenze Card: If you’re planning to visit multiple museums, the card offers access to over 70 attractions within 72 hours.
- Don’t forget a universal adapter + power bank: This is the adapter I have; it is affordable, comes in a pack of two, has 3 outlets and 3 USB ports, and is under $15. I also purchased the INUI power bank; it charges my phone up to 3 times, it is slim and lightweight.
- Bring a water bottle: Florence tap water is safe, and you’ll see a lot of water fountains throughout the city.
- Florence charges a nightly tourist tax: 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.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Florence’s streets are cobblestone, so it is essential to wear comfortable shoes.
- Many businesses close in the afternoon: Florence has a slower pace, and many businesses may shut down from 1 PM to 3 or 4 PM for riposo (Italy’s version of siesta).
- Taxis can’t be hailed on the street: you’ll need to call one or go to a taxi stand.
- Stay away from restaurants with english menus: if you want to try authentic italian food, look for small trattorias where locals are eating. Also, don’t expect to eat dinner before 7:30 PM—Italians eat late!
How Long 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 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, experience unique activities like a cooking class, or go on another wine tour (you can never go to too many).
Now, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the city and do a bunch of day trips, then staying in Florence for a week might be perfect for you. You’ll be able to do day trips to Pisa, Cinque Terre, and more. If you scroll all the way down you’ll find the day trip recommendations.
Plan Smarter: Tickets You’ll Want to Book in Florence
I’ve handpicked some of the best Florence experiences for you. Book them before they sell out!
Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb Entry Ticket & Duomo — This is a must-see attraction, and because it is so popular, tickets tend to sell out, and lines are long. This is the exact tour we booked, and it was an amazing experience. Keep in mind that Brunelleschi’s Dome climb is over 400 steps, but the view is worth it!
Galleria dell’Accademia — You cannot visit Florence without seeing Michelangelo’s David. If you’re traveling during the summer, I recommend getting the skip-the-line tickets because of how crowded it can get.
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 go back in time to take it!
Uffizi Gallery — Another museum you simply cannot leave Florence without visiting.
Chianti Wine Tours — You’ll read about my experience and the tours we recommend. But there are plenty of options that fit every budget and schedule.
Palazzo Vecchio — Explore Medici Palace, and hear stories, legends, and learn about its extensive historical significance.
Pizza and Gelato Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse — Learn how to make mouth-watering pizza and gelato with a professional Italian chef.
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.
How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
This detailed 3-day Florence itinerary covers the city’s must-see attractions, restaurant recommendations, hidden gems, and insider tips—everything you need to make your trip to Florence magical.
3-Day 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 (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 Sights (Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia, Ponte Vecchio)
Day 1 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
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 of the duomo. 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 so worth it!
Tourist sites fill up pretty fast, 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.
These are the exact tickets we purchased. They give you acess to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, Museum, and Bell Tower within three days. And if you want to climb the Brunelleschi’s Dome, you’ll have skip-the-line tickets. This is the best value for the price, you just need to make sure to use the tickets within the 72 hour period. Buy them here.
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. If you’re purcashing the tickets I recommeded, then you’ll have access to this too.
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 exact same bag. I got it in Florence, and she got it in Rome, and she also paid an extra 30 Euros. So, I highly recommend you do your shopping here.
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. It might be worth it to purchase skip the line tickets for the Galleria dell’Accademia if you’re on a tight schedule.
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 sculptures 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!
If you’re enjoying this 3-Day Florence itinerary, then you’ll love all of my upcoming travel guides to cities like Budapest, Rome, Amsterdam, and more. Leave your email below to get them sent directly to your inbox.
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.
For a unique experience, consider booking a boat cruise or a rafting tour along the Arno River. It’s such a fun way to experience Florence — way more fun than just standing on the bridge for a photo.
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.
Recommended for you: 25 Unique Things To Do In Florence You Can’t Miss
Day 2: Wine Tour + Tuscany Day Trip
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 that fit every budget and schedule.
Alternative Day 2: Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Pasta-Making Class
If wine tours aren’t your thing, or if you’ve already done a wine tour somewhere else, here are a few activities you could do instead.
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 empty, which was perfect. I found this museum fascinating, since it was 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.
If you’re into history, this guided Medici tour is such a cool way to dig deeper into Florence’s past. You’ll hear stories and little details you’d never pick up on your own.
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.
Want to know some secrets of the Medici family? Take a guided tour of the chapel; it’s 100x better than going solo.
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. How amazing is that? It blew my mind that you can have an idea of how they could have smelled in the past.
Take a Pasta-Making Class
Learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy is such a unique experience! I honestly regret not taking the viral pasta-making class. 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: Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Boboli Gardens
Day 3 Florence Itinerary
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace
- Piazzale Michelangelo
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.
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.
👉 Pro tip: Museums like the Uffizi are closed on Mondays, so double-check hours before planning your itinerary.
Boboli Gardens + Pitti Palace
Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno district and visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, another former residence of the Medici family. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous rooms and art collections.
The Boboli Gardens 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!
👉 If you’d like to see both, it’s better to purchase a combo ticket.
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.
Unique Things 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.
- Pasta-making class: I regret not taking this pasta-making class, as it is such a unique experience to have.
- 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.
If you’re doing a longer Italy trip, then you’ll want to check out my 14-day Italy itinerary. We were able to visit 7 cities in 14 days. At least, it’ll give you an idea of what 2 weeks in Italy can look like.
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!
Recommended for you: 18 Amazing Things to Do in Cinque Terre, Italy
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.
Florence Frequently Asked Questions
Three days is the perfect amount of time to see the main landmarks, visit museums, and enjoy the local food scene. If you want to explore beyond the basics or take a day trip into Tuscany, four to five days is ideal.
Some must-try dishes include:
Gelato (because Florence is home to some of the best!)
Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak)
Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pasta with wild boar ragu)
Ribollita (Tuscan bread soup)
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer is beautiful but hot and busy, while winter is quieter and budget-friendly, especially for museum lovers. This Florence itinerary works for every season.
Walking is the best way to explore the city! There are buses and taxis, but no metro or Uber. If you’re traveling beyond Florence, the train station (Santa Maria Novella) is the best way to reach other Italian cities.
Yes—Cathedral/Baptistery enforces a dress code, so you’ll need to carry a cardigan or scarf to cover your shoulders and wear pants the day you plant to visit the catherdal.
2–3 weeks in peak season; earlier for summer weekends.
State museums like Uffizi/Accademia offer free entry the first Sunday’s of the month. However, keep in mind that it can get very crowded.
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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- 25 Unique Things To Do In Florence You Can’t Miss
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