Three Days in Florence, Italy: A Detailed Itinerary (2024)

Three days in Florence, Italy, is the absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in this monster of a city.

It’s not even the biggest. (Nearby Rome, Naples, and Bologna all have Florence beat.) There is just SO much to do there before you get to any al fresco situations that beg for some lounging time.

We were lucky enough to spend a week in Florence and it still didn’t feel like enough. Add a day trip or two into the mix and all of a sudden you’re all, “What might it take to move to Tuscany?”

Florence is truly one of the greatest cities in the world.

My three-day Florence itinerary will take you on the must-see spots for a first-time visit, with notes along the way for extra attractions for those with more time.

We’ve tested all of these picks on our own trip, too, so you better believe I’ll have insider tips throughout to help with prioritizing and efficiency.

How many days is ideal for Florence?

Three days in Florence is enough to see the biggest attractions.

I’m talking about a full three days here, which likely means four nights in Florence.

If you’re able to give the city three solid days, you’ll be rewarded with impressive art, delicious food, and some of the best vibes around the country. The place really opens up with more time, but I’m not here to judge your limited vacation time. I empathize.

How do I plan a Florence itinerary?

You can plan a Florence itinerary like this:

Day 1:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Lunch at Osteria Nuvoli
• Coffee and dessert at Caffè Gilli
• Cappelle Medicee
• Accademia Gallery (David)
• Wine at La Divina Enoteca
• Dinner at Mercato Centrale or Arà: è Sicilia
• My Sugar Gelato Artigianale

Day 2:

• Uffizi Gallery
• Sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio or I Fratellini
• Basilica di Santa Croce
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Torre di Arnolfo
• Piazza della Signoria
• Gelato at Vivoli
• Ponte Vecchio
• Wine at Le Volpi e l’Uva
• Dinner at Trattoria 13 Gobbi

Day 3:

• Boboli Gardens
• Pitti Palace
• Lunch at Pizzium
• Gelato at Gelateria Della Passera
• Giardino Bardini
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• Giardino delle Rose
• Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte
• Beer and snacks at Diorama
• Street food at I’ Trippaiodi Firenze or Mame

Three Days in Florence: Day 1

This three-day itinerary for Florence kicks things off with some of the most important historical sites in the city. I do this on purpose.

You’ll need to book almost everything you read about here in advance, and I strongly encourage you to tick off the big items first as you book.

Get an early start each day, too.Tourists who sleep in are tourists who miss out in the case of Florence.

You can lounge on your couch when you’re bragging about all you were able to see on your first trip to Florence. Save the more relaxed trip for the second time around.

If your hotel doesn’t have breakfast, grab a pastry and espresso from any of the cafes you’ll pass on your way to your first round of Florence attractions.

I loved popping inside La Borsa for biscotti and grabbing early morning treats at Antico Forno Giglio.

Stop 1: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is one of the main reasons tourists travel to Florence.

This is one of the largest churches in the world, but it’s also an architectural wonder.

You can spend a full day (and more!) exploring not only the cathedral itself but the Duomo complex. This is where you’ll access Giotto’s Bell Tower and the climb up Brunelleschi’s Dome, for starters.

It’s all so overwhelming that I put together a complete guide to visiting the Duomo.

I include tips on when and where to book tickets, whether you need tours to make it happen, and how to prioritize your visit if you’re short on time.

Expect to spend the bulk of your morning here, with the expectation that you won’t see everything in that amount of time. With three days in Florence, you’ll need to make some choices. Prioritize the Duomo itself and the cathedral.

If you’re moving at an efficient clip, you can climb Giotto’s Bell Tower or browse the art at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. There is a lot of incredible art in this city, but the museum has one of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculptures.

Stop 2. Lunch

If you’re looking for local things to do in Florence, you should start with eating like a local. Osteria Nuvoli was one of our favorite spots to get those vibes going.

We ate at a communal table in a basem*nt wine cellar with a group of men from Lake Como…and it was the best time. We learned a lot about what it’s like to be rich and Italian in a place that is very unfussy. There were yachts involved in their storytelling.

We started with a shared plate of crostini with a variety of toppings like truffle cream and lardo.

For our mains, I ordered the ribolitta, a Tuscan bread soup, and Brian ordered a steamy bowl of trippa alla fiorentina. That’s tripe if you’re still working on your Italian.

Here’s the deal. The smell and texture were so off-putting to me that I could just not wrap my head around more than one bite. It smelled like the insides of an animal, which tracks. Brian loved it somehow. He’s a beast.

Interested in a few more options for Tuscan cuisine? Here are two more:

• Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino: Oh, you haven’t had your fill of tripe just yet? Here’s another popular option for the more adventurous eater. They have a play on sushi here that’s not fish. I’m telling you these Italians are funny.
• Trattoria I’Raddi: This eatery prides itself on more modern takes of Tuscan classics, but you’ll still see all of the typical dishes of the region here. The menu changes seasonally, but this is a great spot to try Florentine steak if you haven’t yet.

Stop 3: Caffè Gilli

Dessert is a separate stomach, so I’m sure you have the room.

Visit Caffè Gilli for some very historic pastries. I’m being literal here. You’ll be snacking on sweets at the oldest bakery in Florence on visits here.

We ordered a yummy selection of small pastries and the tiramisu they’re pretty legendary for, and every bite was a delight. They serve up coffee, savory snacks, and co*cktails, too.

There wasn’t any wait outside during our visit, but I can see this one getting busy in the summertime. We also popped in before the lunch hour. Take a seat or pay ahead if you want pastries to take with you.

Stop 4: Cappelle Medicee

The Medici Chapels boast the second largest duomo after the biggie you saw this morning.

This is also where you’ll find three of Michelangelo’s most important works: Dawn and Dusk, Night and Day, and Madonna and Child.

Before you get there, check out the reliquaries and treasures of Lorenzo the Magnificent.

Fun fact: Lorenzo de’ Medici, not the most modest chap, was known as such for his political and artistic interests. He was apparently quite good at both.

You’ll find quite a few religious artifacts of much importance and relics with bones inside. It was all quite macabre.

From there, head to the Chapel of the Princes, a very impressive place that makes you wonder about the funding of it all. The sacristy was the busiest nook, but it’s also a fairly small area for what’s housed inside.

That’s where you’ll find the trio of Michelangelo sculptures.

We didn’t get tickets in advance for this one because we arrived on an overcast weekday, but it’s always a great idea to book ahead so you’re not wasting time.

Stop 5: Michelangelo’s David

Michelangelo’s David lives in the Accademia Gallery, or Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. You’ll need advance tickets for this one. It just so happens our visit was in the afternoon, but move this one around based on your ticket times.

This one is busy ALL the time.

The museum is set up to show off this masterpiece of a sculpture. We were lucky enough to visit Florence in the off-season, so we could take a look at him from all sides without much intrusion from other tourists.

If you’re in Florence in winter or fall, you can enjoy similar benefits.

The tourists who were there were respectful and not getting in the way of some of his best angles.Once you’ve had your fill, you don’t need to leave the gallery. There are more of Michelangelo’s sculptures closer to the entrance.

Don’t miss the small but enjoyable Museum of Musical Instruments with its Stradivarius violin and other interesting artifacts.

Optional Stop 6: San Marco Museum

I only call this one optional because you may be feeling the weight of the day by this point. If you’re ready for some relaxing, skip ahead. I did find the monastery interesting, though.

The San Marco Museum in the university area of Florence operates out of a well-preserved fifteenth-century convent. You can walk through the Basilica di San Marco on your way as a scenic route if you get turned around by construction as we did. It was a welcome diversion.

Many tourists come here to see the architecture and the works of Fra Angelico, a Dominican friar and painter.

For me, it was all about checking out the cell of Girolamo Savonarola, the “Mad Monk” of Florence. Savonarola was hanged and burned by the Catholic Church after he spoke on exposing corruption within the system and exploitation of the poor.

It’s a little more complicated than that — he also claimed prophecies that many believed were a symptom of his madness — but it seemed like the Church wanted to shut him up in the end.

Stop 7: Wine in Florence

Italians use that pre-dinner apertivo time to open up their stomachs, apparently.

What we discovered is that some of the young people around town use that magic hour to load up on snacks so that can skip dinner altogether. That inflation hits everyone.

The best wine bars in Florence all serve up snacks to go along with a glass of Chianti or your favorite sparkling wine. Sometimes they’re even free in the form of plain Lay’s potato chips.

I’m not a hater. That salty aftertaste with sips of wine is divine.

La Divina Enoteca is most convenient to your previous stop. No wait. Friendly service. A fantastic wine list. What’s not to love about this wine bar?

We enjoyed this spot for a break in the day after a packed itinerary of exploring.

Stop 8: Dinner

Florence is a great city for affordable eats. If you indulged in some snacks at the wine bar, keep those vibes going with more local bites.

The Mercato Centrale, or San Lorenzo Market, is a Florence food court with lots of food options for cheap meals and inventive takes on Florentine cuisine.They host cooking classes here, too, if you’re into that.

Our favorite street food shop was Arà: è Sicilia. This Sicilian snack shop is known for its arancini balls. We made a full meal out of snacks from this one without any regrets.

Ask for recs on what’s fresh (and fried) that day from the friendly staff.

Stop 9: Gelato

I’ll offer up our favorite gelato stops throughout this guide based on proximity, but start with My Sugar Gelato Artigianale if you’re following along here. This is the hipster gelato shop in Florence.

It bucks usual conventions set by what some Italians describe as a gelato mafia (not my words!) to serve up some award-winning treats. Start with the blood orange.

Three Days in Florence: Day 2

As always, be flexible with your day here based on how you were able to time your tickets. Honestly, the best museums in Florence will be crowded no matter when you’re there, so where you start depends on those ticket times.

If you’re able to get a morning ticket to theUffizi Gallery, that’s ideal. You’ll be on fresh legs unless you’re sore from the previous day’s climbs.

Grab a quick bite this morning if you need it so you can hit the ground running!

Stop 1: Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most spectacular collections of art in the world. As such, the place is a monster that understandably tops tourist lists of what to do in Florence.

It’s just confusing to navigate, even if you use the museum maps. A number of the marked halls we wanted to focus our efforts on were misnumbered.

The halls have been changed further since my own visit, so I won’t be including hall numbers in my description of points of interest below to prevent a similar level of confusion for you.

That all said, it’s still worth the effort for a chance to see some very impressive, important art. You may just need to be patient with yourself as you navigate the gallery.

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to see there:

• Primavera: This painting, translated to Spring, is one of Sandro Botticelli’s most well-known works. You’ll know you’re there when you see the crowds surrounding this one and another important work nearby, The Birth of Venus. I’m sure you recognize this one from my photo below.
• Annunciation: This is one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s earliest works while he was still just an apprentice under Andrea del Verrocchio. The painting depicts the moment the Angel Gabriel lets the Virgin Mary know that she’ll be giving birth to the Son of God in short order.
• Medusa: I loved this one by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Just don’t look her right in the eye, because you know what happens. The museum changed up its Caravaggio collection since our visit, but you’ll still find her in his dedicated hall.
• The Sleeping Hermaphroditus: This lifesize Roman sculpture from the 2nd century AD gets its own dimly lit room in the gallery. It represents the sleeping son of Hermes and Aphrodite in the form of a body representing both sexes.
• The Tribune: This is likely the most photographed room in the museum. Once you see it, you’ll get why. It’s stunning. The room is dedicated to the collection of Francesco I de’ Medici, and you’ll still see important works along its red walls.

Note: You don’t need to wait in line to take a look inside The Tribune. Walk past the line, then sneak a pic from the adjoining room. You’ll notice the crowd of people waiting for a look inside.

Optional Stop 2: Galileo Museum

If you have the stamina for it, the Galileo Museum, or Museo Galileo, has all kinds of interesting artifacts from Galileo’s work and research over the years.

There’s something extra peculiar here that you won’t get in any other science museum, though.

Don’t miss the exhibit that shows off Galileo’s middle finger. You’ll find the skeletal remains in a glass egg. It’s as if he’s pointing up toward the sky.

Stop 3: Lunch

Everyone in Florence knows the sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio. Wherever you look, there they are.

If you want to know what all the fuss is about, you’ll likely have to wait in line…unless you happen to be in town on a weekday ready to snack on a late lunch/early dinner.

We got in line at the top of the lunch hour. There are multiple locations on either side of the street and they’re all the same, so just get in line where the wait is the shortest.

There may also be a man in a yellow vest directing traffic in the various lines, so listen to what he tells you to do. He knows best.

I will admit that the sandwiches were yummy. Were they the best thing we ate? No.

I like to make my own judgments, though, and hope the same for you. Just order one of their posted options unless you’re fluent in Italian and want to build your own.

You don’t need to wait in line for sandwiches while you’re in Florence. You have so many options that are just as delicious, if not just as iconic in their own little way.

If you want to do as Conan O’Brien did, head to I Fratellini for more reasonably-sized takeout sandos.

We tried this one, too, and honestly, I wouldn’t have felt FOMO if I skipped out on the more popular shop.

I had a vegetarian option with pecorino cheese to counteract a week of cured meats, while Brian stuck with the program and his spicy salami.

Stop 4: Basilica di Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce was one of our favorite stops in Florence. We initially wanted to visit to see the tombs of the most famous figures from the Renaissance.

As you walk through the church, you’ll see names like Machiavelli, Michaelangelo, and Galileo, all entombed here.

From there, head outside to the stunning chapels and archways of the basilica’s exterior. Find the Castellani Chapel which features a large painting of the Last Supper by Giorgio Vasari to see damage from the 1966 flood here.

Stop 5: Palazzo Vecchio

This museum is open until 7pm, so you can browse it after any tours you book if you take my advice in the suggestion just below. We did a quick run-through of this one because we were admittedly feeling a little Renaissance art fatigue by this point.

One exhibit space I’d highly recommend is the map room. You may have to wait in line for that one but that’s only because only 10 guests are admitted inside at a time. It’s worth what’s likely a short wait.

Let’s get on with what you’re really here for. The secret passageways tour was one of our favorite tours during our stay in Florence because it takes you inside Palazzo Vecchio in a more unique way.

I’m talking secret doors and winding staircases used by paranoid dukes and noblemen the likes of Gualtieri di Brienne, a Frenchman who spent quite a bit of time in Florence.

You’ll also learn about why the movie Inferno is impossible and ridiculous and view the impressive Hall of the 500 from a special vantage point.

I wasn’t able to get their online system to work for booking a tour, but you can email the staff (in English!) at info@musefirenze.it and they’ll respond quickly with available tour times. It’s only a few extra dollars on top of tickets to the Palazzo Vecchio, so I’m not sure why you wouldn’t go.

Stop 6: Torre di Arnolfo

The best unobstructed views of the Duomo aren’t from Giotto’s Bell Tower. You have to navigate grates at the top of that one for those hot shots. They’re from the top of Torre di Arnolfo, a medieval tower with an impressive viewing deck.

The climb up isn’t bad compared to the dome climb at the Florence Cathedral. There are landings along the way for you to rest. Book a visit here well in advance if you’re interested.

You can grab a combo ticket with the Palazzo Vecchio, too. We were able to snag tickets for our tower climb about three days out, but I noticed that it was booked solid the day of our visit. This was in October, too.

Stop 7: Piazza della Signoria

David is an incredible specimen, but he isn’t the only game in town. Visit the Piazza della Signoria just a short walk from David for a reproduction of the famous sculpture and the Fountain of Neptune.

We had to visit this one a few times during our trip as the dude seemed to shut his water hose off every time I approached for a photo. It felt targeted.

Stop 8: Gelato

I told you I’d take care of your gelato needs daily.

Vivoli has been making gelato in some form since 1926. I wanted a classic limoncello here and it did not disappoint. This is classic, fresh, artisanal gelato that you likely won’t need to wait for in the early evening hours.

Stop 9: Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most popular bridges. If you’re like us and stay on the other side of the Arno River, you may find yourself crossing it quite a bit to get from one side to the other. You may also find yourself avoiding it by the end of your trip.

The crowds on this one can get quite tiresome, so I prefer this one from afar. It’s worth crossing once, though, to take a quick look at the shops on either side.

Fun fact: This was the only bridge over the Arno River that wasn’t destroyed during World War II.

If you want to ditch the crowds for a bit, you can also paddleboard, raft, or kayak down the river. Kayaks tend to test our relationship, but if you’re braver than I am, it sounds like it could be a fun idea.

Stop 10: Wine Bar

Le Volpi e l’Uva is one of the most popular wine bars in Florence, which means you’ll want to call ahead for a reservation if you don’t have time for multiple attempts as we did. We snagged a bar spot on take two.

It was worth the wait if only to pair the delicious wine selection with their snack options.

If you’re not having some crostini with your bold reds you’re not living.

Golden View Firenze is another co*cktail option nearby. We didn’t try this one, but I’ve seen it recommended all over.

Stop 11: Dinner

If you only have time for one nicer meal while in Florence, I have to recommend the eatery that came highly recommended to us before our trip: Trattoria 13 Gobbi.

This one is known for their bistecca alla fiorentina, or Florentine steaks. Honestly, the dish is fine but not really my thing. What is my thing is cheesy rigatoni in a special sauce. You’ll see it as the rigatoni dish on your menu. Do it.

They’re open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended and available online.

Need more options? Here are a few more sit-in eateries for you to indulge in while you’re eating your way through Florence:

• Buca dell’Orafo: This one sounds very exclusive — there are only about a dozen tables in their basem*nt space — but it’s more about serving food in a communal environment. Expect all of your favorite regional dishes here.
• Il Guscio: Enjoy classic Tuscan dishes and an extensive wine list at this popular eatery. The portions at this place are quite big, so if you’re traveling with your honey you can definitely order to share. If you’re solo, lucky you.
• La Spada Restaurant: If you love your meats, this eatery is known for its flame-grilled and rotisserie options. They also have a variety of fresh pasta if you’re not feeling the meat sweats.

Three Days in Florence: Day 3

You’re going to get outside today and enjoy some of the city’s best outdoor spaces.

Stop 1: Boboli Gardens

I read all about how packed the Boboli Gardens would be on our visit, and how overrated they are compared to the rest of Florence.

Well, we found them to be absolute perfection for a morning stroll.

Start your day here and you’ll likely have a much more pleasant experience and relative solitude. You’ll enter through the Pitti Palace, but you need to pick up your tickets at the ticket office first.

The crowds tend to gather after lunch no matter what season you visit.It took us about two hours to see all that we wanted to see at a leisurely pace, but you can pick and choose if you’re short on time.

Don’t miss the statue of Abundance for the best views and the unique architecture of the Kaffeehaus Giardino di Boboli.

Stop 2: Pitti Palace

If you’re in the mood for some art after your garden stroll, return to the Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti. At one time, the enormous palace was a symbol of the Medici family’s power and influence in Florence.

Today, it’s dedicated to art and exhibits defining life in the palace.

Unfortunately, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes and the Museum of Costume and Fashion were both closed during our visit, but that still left three museums to explore on the site.

We spent the bulk of our time in The Palatine Gallery, the main exhibit space in the palace, then explored the Gallery of Modern Art.

Note: When I say “modern art” in Florence, I mean art from the 1800s. That’s modern in this town.

You can spend quite a bit of time exploring all that the Pitti Palace has to offer, but it’s also just a fun place to wander and find your favorite quirky, even cheeky, pieces.

Stop 3: Lunch

If you’re in Italy, you’ll likely be eating pizza. If you love pizza as much as I do, you’ll be having A LOT of pizza in Florence.

For proximity to the Pitti Palace, pop by Pizzium.

This place has the most patient staff I’ve ever seen. The host spent an eternity helping a pair of tourists with directions to the historic center despite the fact that they weren’t here for some of that yummy boar salami pizza.

If you like to comparison-shop, here are two more we loved:

• Gustarium: This spot serves up slices of focaccia-style pizza by weight. That sounds dangerous, but it’s actually very budget-friendly. I overheard that this one gets a little crazy at lunch when they open, but late lunch was perfect for us.
• Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpi: This pizzeria is off the usual tourist route, but that’s how the renowned pizzamaker in the name likes it. We ordered two specialty pizzas and didn’t leave a crumb behind. Potatoes and pancetta? Excuse me?!?

READ MORE: Pizza lovers won’t want to miss a trip to Naples while in Italy. Check out my guide!

Stop 4: Gelato

We saved Gelateria Della Passera on the other side of the Arno River for last because we knew we’d be passing by it so many times. That also means we could have been going here the entire time. It brought tears to my eyes.

You’ll be close to the Piazza Santo Spirito from here. If you need a longer break, this spot comes alive the later in the day it gets as a public gathering space.

We didn’t visit the Basilica of Santo Spirito that’s the cornerstone of this piazza because theBrunescelli art inside was being refurbished at the time. Either way, this is a great place to grab an apertivo at one of the eateries that surround the church.

Stop 5: Giardino Bardini

I didn’t buy into the hype that this one was more impressive than the Boboli Gardens, as it’s so much smaller. It was quite lovely, though, especially if you’re dealing with the blue skies that we had.

You’ll get numerous views of the Duomo here along with a variety of intriguing statues and themed gardens. I imagine this one is stunning in the springtime when the blooms are most impressive.

There’s a wisteria pergola here that I bet is super Instagram-worthy.Tickets are available online for both the gardens and the accompanying Villa Bardini. The villa was closed during our visit, but maybe you’ll luck out.

Stop 6: Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo boasts some of the most iconic views of the city, so it’s definitely a must in Florence. It’s great at the end of a visit as you reminisce about everything you’ve experienced there.

Just don’t assume you’ll be getting all contemplative here. This place is crowded no matter when you visit, but especially at sunset. You’ll catch a lot of selfies, and likely take some of your own.

Just enjoy one of the best free things to do in Florence.

Stop 7: Giardino delle Rose

While you may not get the best aperol in town at Giardino delle Rose, it’d be tough to find a co*cktail with a better view.

If you don’t drink, by the way, worry not. Sparkling seltzer is that much fizzier when you’re treating yourself to some sips in a scenic rose garden.

Grab a beverage here after your climb up to the Piazzale Michelangelo to lubricate (or hydrate) for all of the tourist interaction up there. All of the drinks here are cheaper than what you’ll get at the foot of the hill, too.

Stop 8: Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte

Now that you’ve found all of the tourists at Piazzale Michelangelo, head over to Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte for even lovelier views and a basilica from 1295. The church itself is free to enter and you should definitely give it some attention.

It’s one of the most impressive Romanesque structures in the city.

Honestly, though, you’re here for those vistas.

Spend some time watching the graveyard cats in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, or Sacred Doors Cemetery. This is the best view I’ve ever seen from any cemetery, so those cats certainly know what they’re doing.

Stop 9: Beer and Snacks

Florence and greater Tuscany are known for wine, but that doesn’t mean a beer lover will go home disappointed here. The beer scene has expanded quite a bit over the last few years, with bars catering to locals and travelers who just want a good pint.

We loved Archea Brewery for its extensive selection of IPAs, stouts, and sours, my personal favorite. Choose something on draft or ask the staff for a rec. They’ll point you to a style that suits your palate.

If you’re hungry, head to Diorama. This is what you get when you merge a dive bar with a gastropub. We didn’t eat here, but they boast a food menu with carefully selected eats to match their beers.

Stop 10: Dinner

You may be satiated by what you noshed on at a beer bar above, but if you’re still craving food on your final night, return to any of eateries I’ve already mentioned or explore more of the snack shop scene across the city.

I’ Trippaiodi Firenze is a food stand is known for its lampredotto. You already know this one is a tough sell for me. If you’re here to try all of that regional cuisine, though, you can’t ignore this dish made out of the cow’s fourth stomach.

Mame is a Greek food option. You can eat Greek food while you’re in Italy. No one will judge you.

In fact, you’ll look like more of a local if you branch out a bit. The pitas here are huge and come with a variety of sauces for you to try. Go for beets, friends.

More Things to Do in Florence

No matter how much time you have in Florence, it will just never be enough. We spent a full week there, so there are a few things that didn’t make this three-day itinerary.

With more time, here are some ideas:

• See a Gothic beauty at Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. The white and green pattern on its facade is a frequent stop for tourists as it’s so close to Firenze Santa MariaNovella train station. That makes this one pretty busy, too.
• Get away from the city center at the Stibbert Museum. This museum features historical armor and a lovely garden.
• Visit Biblioteca delle Oblate, a library that used to be a convent.
• Polish the snout of Il Porcellino at the Fontana del Porcellino. The bronze pig and fountain combo apparently brings good luck to all who rub it.
• Get another dose of Firenze art at the Bargello National Museum. This is one of the largest collections of sculptures in the world with works from Donatello, Michelangelo, and Lorenzo Ghiberti. Book tickets online ahead of your trip.
• Learn more about a master at the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, a popular attraction in Florence.
• Ride the merry-go-round on the Piazza della Repubblica, one of the best things to do in Florence if you’re here with kids.
• Pop in for a choral or instrumental concert at St. Mark’s English Church.
• Shop for leather and suede. Benheart is a good place to start for Italian-made goods.
• See the oldest pharmacy in the world at Officina Profumo Santa Maria Novella for perfumes, not medicines.
• Book a food tour. If you want to do as little work as possible beyond chewing all of the delicious eats around Florence, book a Florence food tour. We went self-guided, but that’s only because we booked a Bologna food tour days before.

Here are some options if you’d like a food tour in Florence:

Day Trips From Florence

Florence is such a great base for day trips out of the city. The trains are efficient and budget-friendly, especially if you’re staying in central Florence.

Here are a few options for Florence day trips depending on what you’re after:

• Want to keep it close? Fiesole is just a 20-minute bus ride from Florence to archaeological ruins and hilltop views. If you’re feeling like an intrepid traveler, there are all kinds of hiking trails for you to explore here once walked by Da Vinci.
• If you want more hilltop views, San Gimignano is stunning. It’s about an hour’s drive from Florence or a combo bus and train ride that could push two hours. Guided tours are also an option that often includes stops like Chianti and Siena.
• For epic wine times, head to the Tuscan wine region of Chianti, just 40 minutes of drive time from central Florence. The hardest part is choosing a town to visit in the region. Guided tours are best, but I’d start with Greve.
• To make your childhood dreams come true, visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We were lucky enough not to hit the walls of tourists who descend on this place in the summertime, but this is definitely one of the busier options.
• Foodies should plan a trip to Parma. This town has the best version of ham and cheese you’ll experience ANYWHERE.
• Love a historic walled city? Same. Visit the lovely city of Lucca for more casual vibes just an hour and 20 minutes from Florence by train.
• Bologna is less than 45 minutes by train. As one of my favorite Italian cities, this one is great for a more leisurely visit, but I won’t judge you for planning an eating trip to Bologna.

Two destinations I would NOT recommend as day trips are Rome and Venice. At just 90 minutes on the train, Rome may be tempting, but three days is ideal for Rome, too.

Locals in Venice hate day trippers. Don’t contribute to the city’s overtourism.

READ MORE: Is Venice still worth visiting? Read my thoughts!

Florence Visit FAQs

Tips for Visiting Florence

You’ve planned out your Florence itinerary and now it’s time to make the magic happen. I’ve rounded up a few more tips from our trip because sometimes you just have to be there to understand how to make a trip the best it can be:

• English is widely spoken in Florence, but the locals will absolutely love you if you practice your Italian while you’re here. Honestly, that goes for anywhere. You should learn some basic conversational phrases ahead of travel to any country.
• Bring a travel-sized insect repellent and anti-itch cream. We battled SO many mosquitos on our October trip and had no choice but to drop too many euros on pharmacy items as a result.
• The tap water in Florence is perfectly safe to drink. The water from the public fountains is great, too. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill as you explore the city, especially in the hot summer months.
• On that note, some of the water fountains are quite decorative. Download maps ahead of time if you don’t have international service through a carrier like T-mobile so you can search for a “public water fountain” near you.
• Many museums are closed during certain days of the week. Monday and Tuesday are popular days for limited hours if attractions are open at all. Italians also love their vacations, too, so build your itinerary with some flexibility.

Hotels in Florence

We stayed in Oltarno during our week-long trip to Florence. It’s a fantastic neighborhood with some of the best restaurants in Florence. If you’re visiting on a short stay, though, you may not want to stay on this side of the Arno River and save the walking time for the historic center.

The good news is that there are plenty of options that are more centrally located if you want to be in the thick of it. Just be aware that you will pay for that convenience, especially if you’re visiting at peak travel times like the summer months.

The Hotel Pendini was one of the more budget-friendly options I found that was still centrally located. It’s family-run and highly-rated.

Browse more options for Florence hotels with the map below:

Is Florence worth visiting?

Florence is worth visiting for art and history lovers, foodies, and any traveler interested in soaking up some of the best vibes around Italy. This is truly one of the greatest cities in the world.

Even though we spent a full week there, I’d love to come back again to use Florence as a base for travel in the region.

Planning more travel in Italy? Check out these guides:

• A Day Trip Guide to the Venetian Lagoon
• Do I Need to Ride a Venice Gondola? A Review
• Plan a Trip to Colorful Burano, Italy
• How to Spend a Beautiful Day in Verona
• How to Visit Pompeii With Rome as a Base

Traveling elsewhere in Europe? Read these:

Want to see more?