2 Days In Florence Itinerary: The Best Things To Do

Use this 2 days in Florence itinerary to plan a perfect trip. Know where to stay, how to get around, what to do, and useful tips that will enable you to make the most of your time in this enchanting city during your trip to Italy.

Florence, also called Firenze, was home to famous artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci. This city is the birthplace of the Renaissance—it doesn’t just have art; it is art. While Rome stuns you, Florence sings to the soul. The city is a timeless invitation to explore the very essence of human achievement and creativity.

But Florence is not all about the past. Florence is also about the vistas, sipping on wine you bought from a ‘window’, taking one too many stops for Gelato, and enjoying the many beautiful piazzas at your own pace.

Visit this city to understand why this Tuscan gem is not just a destination but an experience waiting to happen.

Highlights of Florence

1. The Duomo ( Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
2. Accademia Gallery
3. Uffizi Gallery
4. Piazzale Michelangelo

Where to stay in Florence?

My suggestion is to always stay close to the attractions in Centro Storico. This always costs a bit more than staying elsewhere. However, for Florence, keep in mind that staying in this area will ensure that you do not have to take public transport. You’ll be able to see all the sights on this itinerary by foot, which in turn will help you save some money.

Here are some hotel options:

Sant Antonino First Floor Relais: A superb area to stay with an excellent rating. Close to the train station and the sights. Rooms have AC/heating, soundproofing, and a private bathroom.

Loft in the heart of Florence next to the Market: This is an Airbnb in an excellent location with a kitchen, washing machine, AC/heater, and wifi.

The map below shows apartments on VRBO and hotel options on Booking.com. I have also marked the main sights in the city so you can know how far the stay options are from the sights. You can click on hotels on the map for further information. Just enter your dates, and it’ll show the availability of the accommodations.

Where we stayed

Allogio Home 7: This apartment was close to everything, just like the above-mentioned options. The home has some bad ratings due to it being an old one with stairs and a few cleanliness issues. However, we thought it was okay for our stay, and it fit our budget. We loved the view of the Duomo from the bedroom window. There was an air conditioner, a fan, a functional washing machine, a kitchen, and coffee pods with a coffee machine. All we needed!

2 days in Florence Itinerary

A map of the best places to visit in Florence

This is an interactive map with all the spots mentioned in the itinerary already marked on it. Attractions for each day are denoted by a separate colour, and recommended eateries are also marked. You can expand this map for a closer look and even add the spots to your own Google Maps for future reference.

Day 0: Walking Tour, Ponte Vecchio

Since this is a full 2-day itinerary, I am assuming you arrive one afternoon before to settle in at your hotel. If you’re not arriving a day prior, then simply skip to Day 1. You will be covering all the sites from day 1 again anyway at some point or another. However, you might not understand the history of the city without doing the walking tour on day 0.

Walking Tour

I would recommend you do a walking tour on this day to get acquainted with the city and see some major sights. Here are two options:

1. Self-guided tour: You can use the Rick Steves Audio Tour ‘A Renaissance Walk’.
2. Free tour: We were obsessed with Florence before we got there. So we decided to go on a free guided tour. We chose The Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales, and it’s the best tour we’ve ever been on. Camilla, the tour guide, is an art historian with a wealth of knowledge. Just remember that free tours aren’t actually free; they rely on tips. Also, the tour guides have to pay the booking company about €2.5 for each reservation. So please turn up if you book, and please tip the guide. If you’d like to support the guide and book directly with her, then you can contact Camilla here through Flora’s Walk

Tip

You will keep hearing about the Medicis throughout your time in Florence. So it is important to know about them before you even step into the city.

The Medici were a powerful and influential banking family that played a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural life of Florence during the Renaissance. They were big patrons of art, and you could say that they, in a way, governed the city.

Before your trip, I’d recommend watching the show ‘Medici’ on Netflix. You might fall in love with Florence even before you go (like we did)

Ponte Vecchio

Your tour will end near Ponte Vecchio, so I recommend exploring the area around the bridge.

The Ponte Vecchio is a bridge built in the 14th century (meaning “Old Bridge” in Italian)—a historic gem that spans the Arno River. You’ll also notice that the bridge has an elevated, enclosed passageway. This is the Vasari Corridor, which was built in 1565 to connect the Palazzo Vecchio (city hall) with the Pitti Palace (palace of the Medicis), so the Medicis would not have to cross the bridge with the public.

What sets Ponte Vecchio apart is that it features a series of jewellery and art shops that line both sides of the bridge, creating a bustling marketplace atmosphere. Therefore, crossing this bridge and experiencing this hustle and bustle is a must.

Dinner

There aren’t many restaurants on the other side of the river, close to Ponte Vecchio. However, there is a really popular pizzeria. Walk about 450 metres to eat at Gustapizza. Expect there to be a queue!

If you aren’t willing to walk so much, I suggest walking back through the bridge after exploring and eating at Il Ricettario close by.

Day 1: Accademia Gallery, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, The Duomo, and Piazza Della Repubblica

Florence Day 1 Walking Route

Morning: Accademia Gallery

Timing: 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (closed on January 1, December 25 and every Monday)
Entrance Fee: €16 (extra €4 for online booking)
Buy your ticket here

The Accademia Gallery is a small museum, and you’re going here to see one iconic masterpiece that cannot be missed on a trip to Florence: Michelangelo’s sculpture ‘David’. David is a towering symbol of artistic brilliance and human perfection. It’s safe to say that we were speechless, and no, the fake statue at Piazza Della Signora does not compare to the real thing! Not at all. To learn more about David and other impressive works housed in the museum, download and listen to Rick Steves Audio Tour: The Accademia.

Tickets for the Accademia Gallery sell out so check the availability and book below!

Morning/Afternoon: Mercato Centrale

For lunch or brunch, walk 550 metres to the Mercato Centrale, a bustling culinary haven with two floors. The ground floor is a lively marketplace featuring an array of stalls offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses, while the upper floor is a food court with all sorts of Italian delights, from handmade pasta to regional wines and delectable pastries. Walk around, take in the smells and sights, and grab a bite!

Afternoon: Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Walk 850 metres to Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, originating in 1221 when Dominican friars began growing medicinal herbs in the gardens of the monastery of Santa Maria Novella.

You can now find a tempting variety of products, including perfumes, skincare, and home fragrances, whose recipes have been handed down through generations. Keep a look out for the “Potpourri Santa Maria Novella” and the perfume “Acqua Della Regina.”. The latter was one of the first alcohol-based perfumes in the world and was made for a Medici princess when she got married to the prince of France. It is super fresh, and I guarantee you’ll be tempted to purchase it!

However, this place is a lot more than just a store or pharmacy. It is also part museum and part art display.

The store is full of frescoes, having been part of the monastery of Santa Maria Novella. Plus, during our time there, there was also an immersive art experience with beautiful visuals of flowers in a scented room.

Don’t forget to admire the facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella en route to the pharmacy!

Afternoon: Wine Window (Buchetta del Vino)

Florence has a lot of tiny windows from which you can buy wine and sip it while standing at the side of the street and people-watching.

The tradition of wine windows in the city dates back to the 17th century. The bubonic plague had killed 12 percent of the city’s population, so these little windows were a safe way for shopkeepers to sell wine and food with minimal contact. The use of wine windows diminished over the centuries but was revived in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to social distancing measures.

The wine window you’re heading to in this 2 days in Florence itinerary is at Osteria Belle Donne, just 400 metres from the pharmacy.

Other wine windows I noticed around the city are at Cantina De’ Pucci (near the Duomo) and Babae (across the river).

Evening: Florence Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore):

Walk 500 metres to the Duomo.

You must’ve already seen the Duomo and your walk the previous evening. But no matter how many times you see this cathedral, it is not enough. The exterior is simply stunning with its striking terracotta, marble pattern, and magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

However, now it is time to enter the cathedral. While the cathedral is quite plain on the inside, it is worth going into the church to admire the frescoes on the dome that depict the Last Judgement (by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari).

Entry to the cathedral is free, but you will have to queue up. The queue in the afternoon or evening is much more manageable than in the morning. It moves fast as well. Just remember to cover your shoulders and knees for the visit.

Note: You have free time on day 2 to choose one sight you’d like to visit in the city. If you choose to visit the Duomo Complex and buy a ticket for the same, which is valid for three days, then you will be given entry through a side gate and not the main gate, which is for free entry. You’ll basically skip the queue for free entry.

Evening: View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar

Walk 160 metres and head up to this rooftop bar. Sip on Aprerol Spritz and take in the brilliant view of the Duomo.

Evening: Piazza Della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica, just 130 metres away, is one of the main squares in Florence and has marked the centre of the city since Roman times. However, you are not here for the history; you are here for the vibe. Just walk around or find a place to sit, enjoy people watching, watch live music gigs if there is one going on, and see children hop on the carousel and have the time of their lives.

Dinner

Walk 250 metres to Osteria Buongustai for a homely, delicious meal. Afterwards, head to Gelateria Edoardo il Gelato Biologico for a delicious authentic gelato!

Day 2: Uffizi Gallery, Piazza Della Signora, Choice of Attraction, Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence Day 2 Walking Route

This map excludes the 5 options given below, of which you’ve got to choose one. Each of the 5 attractions is in a very different area of Florence!

Morning: Uffizi Gallery

Timing: 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM (closed every Monday, January 1, May 1, December 25)
Entrance Fee: €12 (€4 more for online reservation)
Buy your ticket here (Note that if you plan to visit Pitti Palace as well this day, then you can get the combined ticket called PassePartout 5 Days at €18.)

On day 2, head to the Uffizi Gallery at opening time.

The Uffizi Gallery is a treasure trove of Renaissance art collected mostly by one family, the Medici. The art collection of the Uffizi Gallery was begun in the 15th century by Cosimo de’ Medici, enlarged by his descendants, and given in 1743 by the last Medici heir to the people of Tuscany. The Uffizi boasts an incredible collection, including works by iconic artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael. It is one of the oldest and best museums in the world—our absolute favourite!

The Uffizi is massive, so doing a guided tour will help you see the most important works of art, get a background about them and make the most of your time.

Morning: Piazza della Signora

Just 50 metres away from the Ufizzi Gallery is Piazza della Signora, an open-air museum surrounded by impressive buildings and even more impressive sculptures (the David is a fake, though) and the fountain, Neptune. The Piazza is an important one, as it has witnessed significant historical events, political gatherings, and artistic celebrations throughout the centuries.

You might’ve already crossed this area earlier on your walking tour on Day 0 of the 2 days in Florence itinerary, but today, spend some time to observe the art and take it all in before heading to the next stop.

Afternoon: Vintage Photo Booth (Fotoautomatica)

There is a really cute vintage photo booth just 270 metres away. It’s a fun experience, and prints of 4 photos for Euro 2. But beware; it does not work sometimes, and the photo printing process can be really slow (4-5 minutes). Skip it if the queue is huge outside!

Lunch

Just opposite the photo booth is the restaurant, Gusto Leo, where you could pop in for lunch. It is a rustic trattoria with exposed bricks that offers Tuscan cuisine.

Afternoon and Evening: Choose one of the 5 options

You can choose one of the options below for this afternoon. We had actually visited Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens this afternoon because of our interest in the Medici. If we had not visited the Pitti Palace, then we would have opted to go to either the Palazzo Vecchio or the Basilica of Santa Croce. However, I’m providing you with all the options so you can choose based on what sounds more interesting to you.

Option 1: Palazzo Vecchio: This iconic building has been the seat of the city’s government since the 14th century. The interior boasts lavishly decorated chambers, including frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and an unfinished mural by Leonardo da Vinci. From the Alforno Tower at Palazzo Vecchio, you get a breathtaking panorama of the Tuscan hills and the Duomo (tickets are separate for the tower climb).
You can buy tickets for Palazzo Vecchio and Alforno Tower here. I, however, think you should consider a tour to make the most of your visit. Go for the Palazzo Vecchio: Skip-the-Line Entry and Secret Passage Tour and purchase the Alforno Tower ticket separately from the above-given link.

Option 2: Basilica of Santa Croce: Constructed in the 13th century, this church serves both as a place of worship and a repository of Florence’s cultural heritage. The basilica’s interior features beautiful frescoes and chapels, while its exterior is adorned with a striking marble facade. It is the final resting place of illustrious figures such as Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, and Niccolò Machiavelli, and their tombs alone are worth a visit. Buy the entrance ticket (same price as the official website) or opt for a guided tour.

Option 3: Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: The Pitti Palace has a long history that extends beyond the Medici family, though it was first constructed in the 15th century as a new home for them. You can see several museums here, especially the Palatine Gallery, with works by well-known artists like Rubens, Titian, and Raphael.

Later, head to the Boboli Gardens, an extensive landscaped park with terraced slopes, fountains, greenery, and breathtaking views of Florence. You might recognise the park from Dan Brown’s Inferno. Walk around, sit under the shade of the trees, and ‘Dolce Far Niente’ it out like we did. Don’t miss seeing the Buontalenti Grotto in the gardens.

If you decide to visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, then it is important to note that there is a combined ticket with the Uffizi Gallery called the PassePartout 5 Days that helps you get the best bang for your buck. Buy the PassePartout 5 Days here.

Option 4: Monumental Complex of Piazza Duomo: There are several monuments that make up the Duomo Complex: There are 3 ticket options which have a combination of these monuments, namely:
Brunelleschi Pass (Euro 30): Baptistry, Museum, Santa Reparata, Bell Tower, Dome
Giotto Pass (Euro 20): Baptistry, Museum, Santa Reparata, Bell Tower
Giberti Pass (Euro 15): Baptistry, Museum, Santa Reparata
According to all my research, I think that the Dome and the Baptistery are most worth your time because you can get a closer look at the incredible Last Judgement ceilings in both of them. Buy the tickets here.

Option 5: Barberino Designer Outlet

If you are more interested in shopping for discounted designer wear, then take the shuttle to the Barberino Designer Outlet. The shuttle takes 30 minutes and costs €11.7 for a round-trip ride. At the outlet centre, you will find prestigious brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Furla, Michael Kors, and many more.

Evening: Piazzale Michelangelo

Perched on a hillside overlooking Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is a square, or rather a terrace, from which you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline, capturing landmarks such as the Duomo, Arno River, and the Ponte Vecchio. After dark during the summer months, you’ll find people singing and dancing here!

Every evening, tourists gather to watch the sunset over Florence, so it can be crowded. It is best to arrive an hour or more before sunset so you can get space to sit on the staircase or the railings. If you can’t find a spot here, head to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. It tends to be less crowded than Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is on the other side of the Arno. To get here, you can take the bus (just Google the route or use the At-Bus App for updated information and to buy tickets) or walk about 1.5–2 km, crossing the bridge Porte Alle Grazie.

Either way, I recommend taking the Porta San Niccolo route up the gardens to Piazzale Michelangelo. You’ll walk along the Arno River, see a historical tower, some fountains, and finally head up via gardens. The walking path to Piazzale Michelangelo is a great place for photos too!

Ristoronte Casa Toscana

After sunset, take the same way back to Ristoronte Casa Toscana near Santa Croce, for dinner. This restaurant was recommended by our tour guide, Camilla. What a find! The food was fantastic. It was probably one of the best pastas we have had.

Vivoli Gelareuia

Walk 250 metres to Vivoli, Florence’s oldest gelateria, dating back to 1929. You can try the many gelatos and sorbets here, but don’t miss trying the affogato. It looks absolutely heavenly and tastes so good too, especially if you like things on the sweeter side. It is very famous, and rightly so.

More time in Florence?

If you have more time in Florence, you can visit more of the many options given above. If those don’t interest you and you are not taking a separate road trip down to the Tuscan countryside (which you most definitely should), then I highly recommend that you do a vineyard visit and wine tasting or a full-day tour that takes you to a few towns in Tuscany and includes a vineyard visit.

Things to know before going to Florence

How do I get to Florence city from the airport?

The best way to reach the city centre from the airport, or vice versa, is to take the tram line T2 and get off at either Santa Maria Novella Train Station or Unita (near the Duomo). Most people use this option as it is fairly easy to figure out, cheap (€1.7 per ride), and it takes only 20 minutes to reach the city.
As you exit the airport, take a left, and you’ll find the tram station. You can buy the ticket at the automated kiosk at the station with cash or a card, or even online through the app, TABNET, if there is a long queue at the kiosk. For timings refer to this link.

The other way to get to the city centre is:
1. Taxi, which has a fixed base fee of €22 plus €1 per bag with a maximum of 7 bags.
2. Private Transfer

How do I get around Florence?

The Florence city centre is not very big; you can easily walk everywhere. We never used public transport during our time in Florence except to get to the airport to rent a car for our Tuscany road trip to the Hot Spring in Saturnia. The only time we thought we might need a bus was to reach Piazzale Michelangelo (lines 12 and 13), as it is across the river and up a hill. Here are the transport options you can use to get around the city centre.

1. Bus: A bus is the best way to get around besides walking. You can purchase tickets at many places, like Tabacchi shops, or even directly from the bus driver at Euro 2.5; however, I would suggest buying one beforehand from either of the two apps, TABNET or ATBUS. Tickets purchased prior to the ride cost €1.7.
   
2. However, in case you can’t get a bus and really need a taxi, these can be found in designated spots located throughout the city (train stations, Piazza Repubblica, Piazza Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo, etc.). You can also call them via the app IT TAXI or by calling the taxi companies (+39 055 4390, +39 055 4242). Remember that these are costly and can set you back by 10–20 euros for a short ride.

You also always rent a bike through bike-sharing apps like Ridemovi , shared e-scooters, or e-bikes and Vespa scooters from companies like Florence Station Rental if you’d like.

It is best to not rent a car and drive it in Florence because it has Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), designated lanes for utility vehicles, etc. It will not be stress-free, and you may end up getting fined heavily!

Florence Tourist Cards

After comparing the cost of entrance to the above-listed sights and transport against all the city cards for Florence, it is clear that none of the tourist cards will help lower your costs if you’re following this two-day itinerary. However, if you stay in Florence for 3 or more days and see several of the sights mentioned in the optional section, then you might consider checking out the tourist cards.

Other tips and must-knows for visiting Florence

1. Ensure you’re not in Florence on a Monday. You’ll not be able to see anything as the museums are closed. You can surely reach Florence on Monday, though, as on Day 0 you will not be touring the museums. But ensure Day 1 and 2 are not Mondays.
2. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot
3. Buy the entrance tickets to museums and tours beforehand, especially in the summer months. The lines to buy tickets at the museums can be long.
4. When visiting churches, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees.

Other Reads from Italy

10-Day Italy Itinerary
3-Day Rome Itinerary
A Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan
Cinque Terre in One Day
A Guide for Visiting Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany

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