Weekend in Florence: Our 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Last Updated on August 27, 2025
Florence is a city that grabs you and doesn’t let go. I remember that overwhelming sensation when I arrived in Florence after walking the Path of Gods from Bologna, wandering its cobblestone streets, completely mesmerized. It felt less like a city and more like an open-air museum, where every corner revealed another masterpiece.
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is packed with an almost overwhelming amount of art and history. But beyond the world-famous galleries and iconic landmarks, there’s a vibrant, beating heart to Florence. It’s in the lively chatter of the local markets, the clinking of glasses in a hidden trattoria, and the simple joy of eating a perfect scoop of gelato on a sun-drenched piazza.
I’ve designed this 3-day Florence itinerary to give you a taste of it all – the monumental art, the incredible Italian food, and the undeniable charm that makes this city so special. This guide is perfect for first-timers, blending famous must-sees with local experiences to help you fall in love with Florence, just as I did.
Table of Contents
Day 1: The Heart of the Renaissance
Explore the Duomo Complex
Your first morning is all about diving headfirst into Florence’s most iconic sight: the Piazza del Duomo. The centerpiece, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), is simply breathtaking. Its sheer scale and the intricate pink, green, and white marble façade are a spectacle in themselves.
I strongly recommend pre-booking a private Florence Duomo tour with Dome climb, which gives you a timed slot to climb the 463 steps of Brunelleschi’s Dome and includes a guided city tour with a local expert. The climb is an experience, taking you along narrow, centuries-old passageways, but the reward is the single best panoramic view of Florence.
If you have time, check out the other monuments in the square: Giotto’s Bell Tower (another fantastic climb for a different perspective), the Baptistery of St. John with its gleaming replica of the “Gates of Paradise,” and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Don’t skip the museum; it houses the original masterpieces made for the Duomo, including Ghiberti’s actual Gates of Paradise, which are mind-blowing up close.
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Admire Michelangelo’s David
This afternoon is dedicated to meeting a true icon: Michelangelo’s David. The statue is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, and I cannot stress this enough: book your Galleria dell’Accademia tickets well in advance. Seeing the 17-foot marble sculpture in person is a moment that will stay with you forever; the detail and sheer presence are awe-inspiring. You can
After your time at the Accademia, take a leisurely stroll to Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart for centuries. This stunning square is an outdoor sculpture gallery in its own right, featuring the grand Palazzo Vecchio (the town hall), a replica of David in its original location, and the elaborate Fountain of Neptune.
Watch Sunset over the Arno and Oltrarno Charm
As the afternoon light softens, head towards the river and the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, famous for the glittering jewelry shops built along it. Cross the bridge to the Oltrarno district, known as Florence’s artisan quarter.
End the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, a large terrace offering that picture-postcard view of Florence. Watching the sunset from here, as the sky turns orange and pink behind the Duomo and the city lights begin to sparkle, is the perfect, unforgettable end to your first day.
Day 2: Medici Power, Markets & Masterpieces
Browse the Uffizi Gallery
Prepare for an art overload at one of the world’s greatest art museums, the Uffizi Gallery. Housed in the former offices of the Medici family, its collection is a roll-call of Renaissance masters. You’ll see Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera,” alongside incredible works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Again, booking skip-the-line tickets online is essential to avoid spending hours in a queue. Give yourself at least three hours to do it justice.
Enjoy a Food Market Feast
After a morning of high art, it’s time for a feast for the senses at the Mercato Centrale (Central Market). The ground floor is a traditional food market buzzing with locals buying fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Head upstairs to the vibrant, modern food hall, where you can choose from dozens of high-quality food stalls serving lampredotto (a Florentine tripe sandwich) and gourmet burgers.
From the market, you’re just steps away from the sprawling outdoor San Lorenzo Market, famous for its endless stalls of leather goods. It’s the spot to browse for bags, belts, and jackets, but be prepared to haggle for a good price.
Explore Santa Croce
Tonight, explore the Santa Croce neighborhood. It’s a lively area with a more local feel than the Duomo district. The main square is dominated by the beautiful Basilica di Santa Croce, the final resting place of many illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The piazza is a great spot to relax at a café. For dinner, the area is packed with fantastic trattorias.
Day 3: Palaces, Gardens & A Final Treat
Wander around Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
Cross the river back into the Oltrarno this morning to explore the lavish Pitti Palace, the enormous former residence of the Medici dukes. The palace is now divided into several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which is filled with an incredible collection of works by artists like Raphael and Titian.
Behind the palace lie the magnificent Boboli Gardens, a perfect example of Italian Renaissance garden design. Spend the rest of the morning wandering through its cypress-lined avenues, discovering hidden fountains, sculptures, and grottoes. Your ticket also grants you access to the nearby Bardini Gardens, a less-crowded gem with stunning wisteria in the spring and spectacular city views.
Learn Tuscan Cuisine
For your final afternoon, immerse yourself in Florence’s world-renowned food culture. I highly recommend a hands-on Tuscan cooking class. Many classes start with a trip to a local market to select fresh ingredients before you learn to prepare classic regional dishes like fresh pasta and tiramisu, all followed by a delicious meal of your own making, paired with local wine. It’s a fun, delicious, and memorable way to experience a cornerstone of Tuscan life. You can search for Florence cooking classes here.
An Oltrarno Farewell
For your last evening, enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of the Oltrarno, which truly comes alive at night. The neighborhood of Santo Spirito, in particular, is a local favorite, with a lively piazza filled with fantastic bars and restaurants. Find a cozy trattoria for a final Florentine dinner, perhaps at Osteria Santo Spirito or Trattoria La Casalinga, and raise a glass of Chianti for a wonderful trip.
Florence Travel Guide
How to Get to Florence
By Plane
Florence’s airport is Amerigo Vespucci (FLR), located just a few kilometers from the city center. A taxi has a fixed rate to the center, or you can take the efficient T2 tram line directly from the airport to the main train station. Alternatively, many visitors fly into Pisa International Airport (PSA), which is about an hour away and connected to Florence by a regular train and bus service. Search for flights here.
By Train
Florence is a major hub on Italy’s high-speed rail network, making it incredibly easy to arrive from other cities like Rome (around 1.5 hours) or Milan (around 2 hours). The main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), is conveniently located on the edge of the historic center, within walking distance of many hotels and sights.
Best Time to Travel to Florence
The best times to visit Florence are during the shoulder seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for walking around, and the city is beautifully decorated with spring blossoms or autumnal colours. While still popular, the crowds are generally smaller than in the peak summer months of June and July, when the heat can be intense.
How to Get Around Florence
By Foot
Florence is a wonderfully compact city, and the absolute best way to explore the historic center is on foot. Most major attractions are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. Pack comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on uneven cobblestone streets.
By Public Transport
For longer distances, like getting to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence has an efficient system of buses and trams (Tramvia) run by Autolinee Toscane. The tram is modern, fast, and the easiest way to travel between the airport, the train station, and the outskirts.
Buses cover the entire city, with useful lines for tourists being the #12 or #13 to Piazzale Michelangelo. You can buy tickets (€1.70 for 90 minutes) at tobacco shops (Tabacchi), newsstands, or via the app. You can also tap a contactless card directly on board the trams and some buses. Always remember to validate your paper ticket in the machine when you board to avoid a fine. For a more flexible way to explore, you might also consider a hop-on hop-off tour, with passes available for 1 to 3 days.
By Taxi
Taxis are white and can be found at official taxi ranks throughout the city (e.g., at the train station, Piazza della Repubblica). You cannot hail a taxi on the street; you must go to a rank or book one by phone or text. Note that Uber does not operate in Florence.
Where to Stay in Florence
The Best Areas to Stay in Florence
- Centro Storico (Duomo/Uffizi): This is the best area for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be steps away from all the major sights. The downside is that it’s the most crowded and generally the most expensive area.
- Oltrarno (Santo Spirito/San Frediano): Located across the river, this neighborhood offers a more authentic, bohemian vibe. It’s my personal favorite, known for its artisan workshops, fantastic restaurants, and lively local atmosphere, while still being just a short walk from the center.
- Santa Croce: A great mix of tourist sights and local life. The area is lively, especially in the evenings, with plenty of restaurants and bars. It offers a slightly more local feel than the Duomo area.
- Santa Maria Novella: Convenient for those arriving by train or planning many day trips, this area offers more budget-friendly accommodation. The streets immediately around the station can feel a bit chaotic, but the area around the Piazza Santa Maria Novella itself is quite charming.
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Tucked away in a tranquil corner of the city, the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is arguably the most breathtaking hotel in Florence. We were completely blown away by this property, which is housed in a Renaissance palazzo and boasts the city’s largest private garden. It feels like a peaceful, green oasis, yet you’re just a short walk from the Duomo. Check rates here.
Luxury: Hotel Lungarno
Owned by the Ferragamo family, Hotel Lungarno is the only hotel situated directly on the Arno River, and its rooms offer mesmerizing, front-row views of the Ponte Vecchio. We stayed here for a special anniversary, and waking up to that view felt like living in a painting. The hotel’s nautical-themed decor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and exclusive ambiance make it a truly special Florentine retreat. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio
We were so impressed with Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio for its incredible location and classic charm. It’s situated right at the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in the Oltrarno district, putting you in the heart of the artisan quarter. What we loved most was the rooftop terrace, which has two levels offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Duomo and the entire city skyline. Check rates here.
Budget: PLUS Florence
For travelers on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice style or amenities, PLUS Florence is an absolute standout. It’s a modern, upscale hostel that truly impressed us with its facilities, including a rooftop pool and terrace bar with incredible views of the Duomo. It offers both private rooms and dorms, a great social atmosphere, and is conveniently located near the train station and Mercato Centrale. Check rates here.
Where to Eat in Florence
Best Markets and Casual Eats
- All’Antico Vinaio: The undisputed king of panini. Massive sandwiches filled with Tuscan specialties. Expect a line. Prices range from €5-€8.
- Mercato Centrale: The upstairs food court is a must-visit for a casual lunch with endless high-quality options, from pasta to pizza to burgers. Meals typically range from €6-€12.
- Gusta Pizza: A local favorite in the Oltrarno for authentic, delicious, and cheap Neapolitan-style pizza. Grab it to-go and eat on the steps of the Santo Spirito church. Pizzas cost around €6-€9.
- Trattoria Mario: A legendary, family-run institution near the Mercato Centrale serving traditional Florentine food. It’s only open for lunch and doesn’t take reservations, so queue early. Check out the reviews.
- Trattoria La Casalinga: A cozy, beloved trattoria in the Oltrarno serving classic home-style Tuscan cooking. Check out the reviews.
- La Giostra: For a more romantic, upscale experience, this restaurant is famous for its pear and pecorino ravioli and delicious steak. Check out the reviews.
- Osteria Santo Spirito: A popular spot in a lively piazza, famous for its truffle gnocchi served in a giant bowl, perfect for sharing. Check out the reviews.
How to Get an Italian SIM card
Staying connected in Florence is easy. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. For data on the go, eSIMs are the most convenient option. You can purchase and install a prepaid data plan from providers and get online the moment you land. I have always used eSIMs from Airalo, and they’ve consistently given me good rates and customer support.
Tips for Your Trip to Florence
- Book Ahead – For the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, booking tickets online at least a month in advance is crucial to avoid spending hours in line. The same goes for climbing the Duomo.
- Museum Closures – Be aware that many museums in Florence, including the Uffizi and Accademia, are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Firenze Card – If you plan to visit many museums, look into the Firenze Card. It provides access to numerous city museums with priority entry, though you should calculate if it’s cost-effective for your specific plans.
- Comfortable Shoes – This is non-negotiable. You will be walking a lot on hard, uneven cobblestones.
- Learn Basic Italian – While English is common in tourist areas, learning a few phrases like per favore (please), grazie (thank you), and buongiorno (good day) is always appreciated by locals.
Further Reading on Italy
Thank you for reading this far! I hope this weekend in Florence guide has inspired you to start planning your trip. Whether you’re looking for the perfect 3 days in Florence or crafting your own 3 day Florence itinerary, I hope these ideas help you make the most of your time in this stunning Renaissance city.
Have you been to Florence before? Which spots were your favorite? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your recommendations and answer any questions you might have!
For those who are planning to explore more of Italy, check out some of these articles for further reading:
- Things to Do in Matera, Italy
- The Coolest Mountains in Italy
- Best Dishes to Try in Italy
- Things to do in Rome, Italy
- My 1-Week Puglia Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
- How to Spend 4 Days in Cinque Terre
- My Complete Cinque Terre Travel Guide
- A Guide to Hiking from Bologna to Florence
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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