Itineraries for Your Trip to Florence
2 Days in Florence for First Timers
Like many first-timers to Florence, my inaugural visit was a whirlwind of Renaissance art and architecture masterpieces and markets as I worked through my mental checklist of must-sees in this bucket-list city. Unfortunately, I tried to cram too much into too short of a stay, ending up exhausted and overwhelmed.
Over subsequent visits, I’ve learned to slow my pace and take in Florence in more manageable bites. Together with its cultural treasures, I make sure I delve into the artisan workshops and independent boutiques, savor the old-meets-new dining scene, and go beyond the headliners in the surprisingly compact historic center to explore the atmospheric neighborhoods. Follow my itinerary to experience the Cradle of the Renaissance in two days.
Hemmed in by hilltops that trap humidity, Florence is stifling in the summer and bone-chilling in the winter, so pack accordingly.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stop at the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) to see Michelangelo’s towering David.
Start at Florence’s most famous landmark: the Duomo (or, officially, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore). Get ahead of the crowds at this A-list sight by visiting first thing in the morning, and opt for a skip-the-line tour to avoid spending hours waiting in line to enter the church. Most tours also cover the Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni), Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto), and Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). For the best view in town, opt for an itinerary that includes a climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola del Brunelleschi).
After taking in Florence’s most famous architectural masterpiece, turn your attention to its treasure trove of art. Take a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery or Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) for a deep dive into their masterpieces, or opt for a combined tour to touch on the highlights of both collections in just hours. Either way, timed-entry admission will optimize your afternoon.
You’ve checked Florence’s heavy hitters off your list, so take a break from culture and unwind over a glass (or two) of wine. Florence is ideal for sampling the bold reds and aromatic whites produced in the surrounding Tuscan hills, from Chianti to Montepulciano. Join a wine tasting in the heart of the city to sip local labels paired with artisan cheeses and charcuterie or experience Italy’s happy hour during an aperitivo walk.
Now that you’ve seen the most famous sights and museums in Florence’s historic heart, set your sights across the Ponte Vecchio straddling the Arno River and tour the quieter lanes of the Oltrarno. Pop into the artisan workshops and neighborhood eateries for which this atmospheric quarter is known.
Take a delicious break and immerse yourself in traditional Florentine cuisine with a cooking class this afternoon. Learn how to prepare some iconic dishes such as fresh pasta, authentic pizza, and other specialties. Then, sample the fruits of your labor during a celebratory meal to top off the class.
End your two days in Florence in style by catching the sunset over the city’s iconic dome from the most panoramic perch in town. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo high on the hillside just outside the historic center with a Piazzale Michelangelo tour at the end of the day and marvel as the golden light of dusk makes the city glow.
- I’m in Florence for two days. What are the must-see attractions that I should visit?
Start your trip by climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome on a tour of the Florence Duomo, then see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Galleries. On day two, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to explore the calmer Oltrarno district, where you can walk through the Medici family’s former apartments at the Pitti Palace and watch the sunset at the hilltop Piazzale Michelangelo.
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in Florence?
If you’re traveling with a group, share a thickly sliced bistecca alla Fiorentina, the city’s signature T-bone steak, and red wine from Chianti. For a street-food lunch, try Tuscan cured meats and cheeses on local schiacciata bread, or do as the Florentines do and order a panino con lampredotto, a cow stomach sandwich. Don’t leave town without tasting custardy Buontalenti gelato, invented in Florence, or pici and pappardelle pasta dishes served with meat sauces.
- How can I avoid the crowds in Florence?
Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, so crowds are a year-round reality. Escape the big tour groups by exploring green spaces, such as the Boboli Gardens, and lesser-visited cultural sites, from the sculpture-filled Bargello Museum to the frescoed San Marco Museum With the right timing, you can also avoid crowds at Florence’s top attractions—watch the sunrise at Piazzale Michelangelo instead of the sunset, for example.
- Which Florence neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for two days?
For your first time in Florence, it’s well worth staying in the historic center to be steps away from the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and other highlights. If you have an early departure from the city, stay in San Lorenzo or Santa Maria Novella for easy access to the train station and airport tram. To be centrally located but removed from the tourist rush around the cathedral, book a hotel in the Oltrarno’s Santo Spirito or San Niccolò neighborhoods.
- What’s the easiest way for a first timer to get around Florence?
Florence’s main attractions are clustered in the walkable historic center, so you could spend your entire trip exploring on foot. The Santa Maria Novella train station, for example, is just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. Ride the T2 tram line to get from the city center to the airport, or book a taxi if you’d rather not hassle with public transportation.