What are the best things to do in Florence, Italy? What are the most famous landmarks to see, but also the unusual and exclusive things in Florence? The city is one of the most romantic European destinations. In addition to its architecture, Florence is also a fascinating cultural destination to explore and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. In this post, find out everything you need to know and our best travel tips to visit Florence in 2 or 3 days. Let’s go!
- What to do in Florence
- Walking tour
- Best areas to visit in Florence
- Tasty places where to eat
- How many days does it take to visit Florence?
- Itinerary for 2 days
- Itinerary and tips for 3 days
- Getting around in Florence
- What to see around Florence?
1. TOP 16 best things to do and visit in Florence Italy
Florence has a vast cultural and historical heritage. There are so many exciting places to visit that you will undoubtedly have a hard time choosing! To help you, here is our list of the best things to do in Florence, the best places and spots to see, and more detailed itineraries to visit Florence in 2 or 3 days.
River right bank. The Arno River crosses the city of Florence, Italy. The right river bank is more lively. It is where the Florence train station is and where most of the best things to do in Florence are, particularly the Piazza del Duomo. You can take this as a reference for finding accommodation in Florence (find more tips in this post: Best places to stay in Florence).
1.1 Discovering the Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is located in the heart of downtown Florence, Italy. This square is one of the must-see places to visit in Florence. During a weekend in Florence of 2 or 3 days, you can start the discovery by this square. Here, we find one of the most famous monuments of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Good to know! Visiting the different Florence places will quickly increase this trip’s budget. Moreover, expect a long queue during peak season (spring and especially summer). You can skip some optional visits during a 2 or 3-day trip to Florence, Italy. As this blog article goes on, we will give the elements to help you choose.
1.2 Visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its dome is impressive. It was built in the 15th century by the architect Brunelleschi. The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the largest masonry dome in the world! It is over 155 meters high. The size of the cathedral is also impressive compared to other monuments in Florence. For this reason, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is Florence’s emblem.
Going to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but not the access to the dome nor its panorama of Florence. If you want to see the dome more closely, it is necessary to take a ticket on-site or book a guided tour with skip-the-line access to save time (prices for guided tours). You will also have to climb 463 steps to get to the top of the dome.
1.3 Going to the top of Giotto’s Campanile or the bell tower of Florence Cathedral
To discover a beautiful view of the historic center of Florence and its surroundings, you can climb Giotto’s Campanile or the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. After climbing the 414 steps of the bell tower, you will be rewarded with a 180-degree view of Florence! If the steps are not enough for you, then you can choose either to climb the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (and even see the dome up close) or to climb the Campanile by Giotto. Doing both is pointless.
1.4 Visiting the San Giovanni Baptistery
You can also visit the Florence Baptistery of San Giovanni on this same Piazza del Duomo. This monument is much smaller than the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You can see the Baptistery separately from the cathedral and the bell tower; tickets are sold separately.
Find the prices of hourly entrance tickets to the Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni on the official website in English.
1.5 Discovering Piazza della Signoria
Among the essentials to see in Florence is the Signoria Square (wiki page)! This square is 400 meters from Piazza del Duomo or a 5-minute walk. You could say that the Piazza del Duomo is the religious heart of Florence, while the Piazza della Signoria is its political heart. A pretty fountain representing Neptune is located on the square. If you visit Florence in 2 or 3 days, Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square in English) must be part of your itinerary to discover the city.
In Piazza della Signoria is Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. Since its construction, the Palazzo Vecchio has been the seat of the government of Florence. Today, it is the town hall of Florence. The interior of the Palazzo Vecchio can be visited. The gorgeous rooms testify to the influence of the city of Florence, especially during the Italian Renaissance.
- Plan to spend about one hour visiting the Palazzo Vecchio. This tour will be especially interesting for those fond of Florence’s history.
- The Palazzo Vecchio is only open to the public four days a week. The timetables are on the Florence Museum’s official website.
1.6 Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
If you can visit only one place in Florence, we recommend the Uffizi Gallery. Many visitors make this choice. The Uffizi Gallery is another must-see place in Florence. The most beautiful works of Italian Renaissance artists are exhibited here!
How long does the visit take? Between 1h30 and 3 hours is enough to visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
Remember that there can be a long queue during peak season, i.e., approximately from April to October. To save time, we recommend booking skip-the-line tickets. Here are prices and tickets for the Uffizi Gallery + audioguide.
1.7 Visiting the Accademia Gallery in Florence Italy
The Accademia Gallery in Florence is known for its collection of statues, including that of David by Michelangelo. This statue, famous all over the world, is magnificent. If you are hesitating between the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery, choose the Uffizi Gallery instead. And if you appreciate art, especially Renaissance art, do not hesitate to visit both.
Time to visit: at least 1h30 to visit the Accademia Gallery in Florence.
Tickets. If you can’t find any more tickets (limited access), you can take the skip-the-line tickets + audio guide to save time on-site.
Highly recommended. To avoid queuing and save money, you can also opt for passes that include several visits (check this option and prices here). However, sometimes, you will have to queue even with the passes. If you wish to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the dome of the Florence Cathedral, and the Accademia Gallery, the pass may be a good deal.
1.8 Walking on the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the symbol bridge of the city of Florence! Built in the 14th century, the Ponte Vecchio is both a pedestrian street and a shopping mall. It is interesting to see the bridge from afar and take it to cross the Arno River to visit other areas of Florence that are less central.
1.9 Visiting the Palazzo Pitti in Florence and strolling through the Boboli Gardens
Florence’s Palazzo Pitti (or Pitti Palace) is across the Arno River. The palace building is built in the Renaissance style, which gives it a rather massive and brutal look. Once inside, however, we no longer find this brutality, but we discover stunning pieces and works by artists recognized throughout the world. It is a must-visit place in Florence for art lovers!
How long to spend on-site: about 1h30 to see the interior of the Pitti Palace in Florence and an hour more to see its garden, the Boboli Gardens.
You can visit the palace separately from the gardens. There may be a queue in spring or summer, but outside of this period, there are fewer people. In spring or in summer, the better option is to take skip-the-line tickets (prices and availability day by day to visit the Pitti Palace).
1.10 Visiting the Central Market
Visiting the San Lorenzo market is one of the best things in Florence, Italy. It is the largest market in Florence. Its specialty is leather, but it also has a whole section dedicated to Tuscan gastronomy, which is worth a visit! The San Lorenzo market is perfect if you visit Florence in 2 or 3 days and want to take a break from museums.
1.11 Visiting the Medici Chapels of the Basilica of San Lorenzo
The San Lorenzo Basilica is a stone’s throw from the San Lorenzo market. The Medici Chapels are magnificent and breathtaking. Here lies the most famous Florence family and one of the most powerful.
In peak season, especially in summer, you can book skip-the-line tickets to visit the Chapels.
1.12 Visiting the Church of Santa Croce in Florence
Built in 1294, the Church of Santa Croce in Florence houses the tombs of famous Florentines such as Galileo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, or Dante. It is like a Florentine Pantheon.
1.13 Strolling through the Bardini Garden
What should you see in Florence apart from visiting the museums? While staying in Florence for 2 or 3 days, you may crave a break in a beautiful, quiet garden. The Bardini Garden is this place; it even has a stunning view of the city! This place is magical. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can walk in its alleys, discover its pretty statues, and admire its orchards and plants. You can offer yourself a natural pause by coming to this garden. We recommend! Admission to the Bardini Garden is chargeable but can be combined with access to the Boboli Gardens.
1.14 Discovering a beautiful panorama of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Another place that offers a beautiful panorama of Florence is Piazzale Michelangelo’s esplanade. Located on the other side of the Arno River, just like the Bardini Garden, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a beautiful view of Florence. You can get here by car or bus 12 or 13 from downtown Florence. Unlike the Bardini Garden, access to the esplanade is free, but there are also many more people, and the setting is less pretty.
1.15 Visiting the National Museum of Bargello in Florence Italy
Another must-see place of art in Florence is the National Museum of Bargello! In this museum, we find the most extensive collection of Tuscan Renaissance statues: masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, or Verrocchio. Magnificent, what more can we say?! You can book skip-the-line tickets for Bargello in Florence here or on the Florence Museums website.
1.16 Visiting the Church of Santa Maria Novella
The Church of Santa Maria Novella is far from the Florence train station. Its facade is stunning. If we look more closely, we discover sails and ships, which refer to the Rucellai family, who financed the church’s facade.
2. Visiting Florence: walking tour
Walking is the best way to visit Florence. The main routes link the unmissable places of the city. You can use these four places as a point of reference: Santa Maria Novella Church, Ponte Vecchio, Medici Chapels, and Florence Cathedral. We will add a walking route map later in this blog post.
With a guide. If you visit Florence in two days, you can book a guided walking tour to learn more about the city, its districts, and its history (check the availability and the price for the walking tour). Thanks to the guide’s explanations during the visit, you can better understand Florence and make the trip more exciting and memorable.
3. Best areas to visit and stay in Florence
The right bank of the Arno river (where Florence Cathedral and train station are) is livelier but noisier. Here is our selection of apartments and hotels to stay in Florence and enjoy your trip.
Alfieri Signature Suites: located on the banks of the Arno River, this hotel is perfect for visiting Florence on foot. The rooms are tastefully decorated, some of them directly overlooking the river. From the hotel’s terrace, you will get a lovely view of the city and the dome of Florence Cathedral.
Tornabuoni Place: Located in the heart of Florence’s historic center, this hotel offers double rooms for an excellent romantic getaway. It is well located to visit all the best things in Florence.
Hotel Garibaldi Blu: mixing modern design and frescoed ceilings, the decoration of this hotel is surprising but also striking. The location is perfect, right in front of Piazza Santa Maria Novella and its cathedral. Some rooms overlook the square directly.
Capri Moon Guest House: This guest house is in downtown Florence and offers rooms decorated in a traditional Tuscan style. The location is ideal for visiting Florence on foot.
Boheme Apartment: This apartment for 4 people is located on the left bank of the Arno River, in a quieter part of Florence. However, the location remains interesting because you can still visit Florence on foot from the apartment. It is an excellent place to stay in Florence with the family.
4. Tasty places where to eat in Florence
When you travel to Italy, you inevitably expect to eat well. Discovering Italian gastronomy is one of the best things to do in Florence. So, what are the tastiest places to eat in Florence if you come here for a weekend or more? Click on the location to open Google Maps location and reviews.
- GUSTARIUM: a delicious pizzeria in Florence! Here, you can take slices of different pizzas to eat or take away. The choice of toppings is varied. The location is perfect, right in the heart of downtown Florence.
- Panini Toscani: a good place for a quick and good lunch in Florence! Fresh Tuscan products, a good welcome, and delicious paninis to eat on the spot or to take away to continue discovering Florence.
- Ristorante Oliviero 1962 is a Tuscan restaurant in the heart of downtown Florence, not far from the Arno River. The food is delicious, and the service is excellent. It is also a perfect place to eat in Florence at night.
- Cantinetta delle Terme: a friendly atmosphere, nicely decorated and delicious dishes, and a top-notch welcome! A place to remember while visiting Florence in 2, 3 days, or more.
- Degusteria Italiana is a magnificent place with refined dishes. The prices are above average, but worth it. It’s a great time to spend with family or couples.
- Gelateria dei Neri: a perfect place to enjoy good Italian ice cream as we like it!
5. How many days does it take to visit Florence?
You can visit Florence in two or three days, but there are so many places to see that you can even stay there for a week! Florence is a city rich in cultural heritage. Art lovers will love it.
6. Itinerary and tips for visiting Florence in 2 days
What are the best things to do in Florence in 2 days?
- Discover Piazza del Duomo
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
- Go to the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (tickets for visiting the Duomo)
- Go to Piazza della Signoria
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (book skip-the-line tickets and check prices)
- Walk on the Ponte Vecchio
- Visit the Medici Chapels inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo
- Take a trip to the central market of Florence
7. Itinerary and tips for visiting Florence in 3 days
What should you do in Florence in 3 days besides the abovementioned activities?
- Visit the Palazzo Pitti in Florence (book skip-the-line tickets)
- Stroll through the Bardini Garden in Florence
8. Getting around Florence
Visit Florence on foot. You can easily visit Florence on foot. The best things to do and visit in Florence are located in the city center, which is relatively small and narrow. You can take city buses to the other side of the Arno River, but you could also go there on foot. Once in their accommodation, visitors visit Florence on foot.
Going from the airport (or train station) to downtown Florence. Traveling with luggage in downtown Florence is possible but not convenient. In addition, some streets are paved, which makes traveling with suitcases even less pleasant. The simplest solution is, therefore, to take a taxi from the airport directly to the accommodation (check the price of the Florence transfer airport).
9. What to visit around Florence?
Several interesting places are located near Florence. You can include these places in your trip with a few extra days. For example:
- Rome: the Italian capital is only 1h20 by express train. See here the best places to see in Rome.
- Pisa: known for its leaning tower, this former small port city can be reached from Florence by train (1-hour journey) or car (1 hour 30 minutes).
- Siena is simply one of the most beautiful Tuscan cities! It is 70km from Florence, and it takes 1h30- 2 h by train or 1h30 by car.
- Monteriggioni and San Gimignano: medieval villages accessible by car from Florence.
- Cinque Terre: these are the 5 villages considered the most beautiful in the world! Cinque Terre is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Visiting Florence is visiting one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. You will undoubtedly fall in love with Florence. If you can stay more than 3 days, including Pisa or Siena in your trip is an excellent idea.
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