Make the most of your visit to one of Italy’s most impressive destinations, with this perfectly laid out Florence 2 day itinerary!
Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a vibrant hub for art and history. With such a reputation, it’s not a surprise that it’s here you can witness many notable masterpieces by famous artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and more.
Not to mention, every corner you turn, you’re confronted with exceptional Renaissance architecture that dates back as early as the 15th century. And I can’t fail to mention the city’s historic leather tradition and exceptional food scene that stands out thanks to Tuscan influences.
Before you venture to one of the most beautiful places in Italy, check out this recommended Florence 2 day itinerary, so you come prepared with the must-sees, must-eats, and must-stays!
Read More: 50+ Essential Tips for Traveling to Europe for the First Time
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Florence 2 Day Itinerary Contents
How many days in Florence?
Best Time to Visit Florence
How to Get to Florence, Italy
Where to Stay in Florence
Florence Itinerary Overview
Day 1 in Florence
Day 2 in Florence
More Things to Do in Florence
Best Restaurants in Florence
10 Florence Travel Tips
How many days in Florence?
In my opinion, a full two days in Florence is enough time to get well acquainted with this beautiful city and see the very best. Of course, if you do have more time to spare, 3 or more days in Florence would allow you to check more items off the to-do list, explore the city at a slower pace, and maybe even take a day or weekend trip from Florence.
But I personally stayed 2 days, 3 nights—arriving in the early evening and leaving in the early morning between my two full days—and felt I had enough time to see everything I wanted to see.
Best Time to Visit Florence
In all honesty, you can’t go wrong visiting Florence any time of year. However, if you’re seeking the absolute best weather, the summer wins as the best time to visit Florence. But it’s also the busiest and most expensive time of year.
For a nice mix of good weather and (slightly) fewer crowds, the spring and fall shoulder seasons are also a great time to visit. For the lowest prices and fewer crowds, consider visiting Florence in winter. While cold, wintertime in Florence is fairly mild with temperatures often staying around +/-40-50F.
Read more: Complete Guide to Visiting Florence in Winter
How to Get to Florence, Italy
Florence is the capital of Tuscany, nestled in the center of the country. It’s a mid-sized city home to about 385,000 people, and is about 3 hours north of Rome and 1.5 hours south of Bologna.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you have a few different ways to get to Florence, including flying into the city’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport or the international airport in Pisa (which is 1 hour away).
Train to Florence
After flying, taking the train is likely your best way to get to Florence, depending on where you’re coming from. The city has four train stations, with Firenze Santa Maria Novella being the main station. The others to check for convenient routes into include Firenze Statuto, Firenze Rifredi, and Firenze Campo di Marte.
You can take a direct train to Florence from the Fiumicino Airport in Rome (what I did), downtown Rome, Milan, and other nearby cities. There are many high-speed train routes in Italy which means you can get to Florence from Rome in about 1.5 hours versus the 3-hour drive. Tickets for the train between Rome and Florence are typically $20-$50 one way.
The best place to book train tickets is directly on Trenitalia, the official website of Italy’s national train company. It’s also possible to book tickets on ItaliaRail, an approved partner of Trenitalia.
Bus to Florence
Taking the bus to Florence is another option and is best for those who are traveling on a budget. That’s because you can book a one-way bus ticket from Rome to Florence for as little as $5. It’s a slower way to travel but an excellent way to save money. The best bus companies in Italy include FlixBus, ItaBus, and Marino Bus.
Driving/private transfer to Florence
It’s also possible to book private transfers to Florence on websites like GetYourGuide.
And because Italy is a relatively small country (by U.S. standards) with a high concentration of beautiful places to visit, it’s a fantastic place to road trip. So if you’re up for the cost of renting a car, road-tripping through Italy can give you the ultimate freedom to visit even the smallest of destinations at your own pace.
The cost to rent a car in Italy typically starts around $60-$90+/day for manual and $110-$150+/day for automatic. But the price goes up substantially in the summertime, and if looking for an automatic because they’re limited. Some of the most common rental agencies in Europe include Sixt and Europcar, but all the brands you likely know do operate in Europe.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Europe
Where to Stay in Florence
When choosing where to stay in Florence, the city is small enough to be highly walkable, so you can’t go wrong staying in the city center or any neighborhood surrounding it. But be warned, Florence is not a cheap destination, so accommodations are higher here than other places in Europe. Here are some of the best places to stay in Florence!
Best Florence Hostels + Hotels
- YellowSquare Hostel Florence: An artsy hostel with a rooftop pool offering dorm beds and spacious privates ideal for larger groups, 10 minutes from the Santa Maria Novella train station.
- 3110 ArtHotel Florence: A hip 3-star hotel with nice accommodations priced at reasonable rates located about a 20 min walk from Duomo.
- Room Mate Isabelle: A charming 4-star hotel on the high-end shopping street of Via de’ Tornabuoni in a prime place to explore Florence.
- 25hours Hotel Florence: A higher-end, mid-range hotel rated 4-stars with a sauna and fitness center near Strozzi Palace.
Read more: Where to Stay in Florence, Italy: Best Neighborhoods + Florence Hotels
Florence Itinerary Overview: Best Things to Do in Florence in Two Days
Here’s what to see in Florence in two days:
Day 1 in Florence
- Piazza della Signoria + Loggia dei Lanzi
- Uffizi Gallery
- Vecchio Bridge
- Boboli Gardens
- View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar
- Accademia Gallery
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
- Cafe Gilli
Day 2 in Florence
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo, Cathedral, Tower
- Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l. : famed Leather school
- Piazza di Santa Croce and Basilica of Santa Croce
- Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
- Florence Wine Windows
- Mercato Centrale Firenze
A Perfect Florence 2 Day Itinerary
This itinerary is a bit packed, but I was able to visit all of these spots in two days and even managed to be chilling in bed by 6 every night. Granted, I’m a fast traveler (and a grandma who was traveling solo in Florence). But I’d rather share too much and encourage you to tailor the itinerary to your travel preferences, than leave off some important stops!
Without further ado, here’s how to spend 2 days in Florence!
Day 1 in Florence: Art Museums + Bird’s Eye Views
Day one starts strong, tackling Florence’s impressive art scene with two big museums: the Uffizi and Accademia, amongst a sprinkling of other stops and things to see.
Stop 1: Pass through the iconic Piazza della Signoria + Loggia dei Lanzi
Less of a stop and more of a walk-by is the Loggia dei Lanzi, a free-to-enter historical pavilion that shelters Renaissance sculptures. It’s nestled in the Piazza della Signoria where the famed Palazzo Vecchio is situated and the famous replica of Michelangelo’s David. This square is right next to the Uffizi Gallery.
This itinerary doesn’t include a stop at the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s palatial town hall. But if you have time and interest, it’s worth a stop! Inside you’ll witness incredible works of art and ornate architecture. You can also climb the 311+ foot tall tower.
Stop 2: Witness great works of art at the Uffizi Gallery
You could spend hours soaking up all of the art that’s on display in the Uffizi Gallery. I myself spent about an hour and a half and felt it was a good balance between quick yet allowed me to see what I wanted to see.
Looking up what you should see in the Uffizi in advance was really helpful for me. These are what many consider the most important stops:
- Birth of Venus and Primavera by Sandro Botticelli
- The Annunciation by Leonardo di Vinci
- The Holy Family by Michelangelo
- Caravaggio’s Medusa
- Assortment of works by Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck
- Roman and Greek sculptures
The Uffizi offers tickets on a timed basis for crowd control. While cheaper to buy in person, it’s in your best interest to spring for the online booking fee to skip the long lines and ensure you get in. You’ll need to take your online proof of purchase to pick up the tickets at the ticket office.
Stop 3: Cross the historic Ponte Vecchio (Vecchio Bridge)
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge that dates back to 1345 and is an excellent free thing to do in Florence. The bridge is lined with historic jewelry shops and offers a nice view of the river. You’ll instantly feel transported to another era when you cross the bridge.
You don’t need much time to visit Ponte Vecchio unless you hope to shop for jewelry, so I stopped by after my visit to Uffizi. The bridge is only two minutes down the road from the gallery.
Stop 4: Stroll through the Boboli Gardens
Across the Vecchio Bridge about a five minute walk away lies the scenic Boboli Gardens. These Italian gardens are the sprawling grounds behind the famed Pitti Palace, another important building filled with impressive art.
I skipped the gardens and the Pitti Palace to save on money (budget traveler here!), and because with only two days in Florence, I had bigger fish to fry! But these are two important Florence attractions that should be on your radar.
Stop 5: Lunch
It’s time for lunch, and you likely need a nice break! One of the most famous spots to grab a bite to eat in Florence is All’Antico Vinaio. This joint serves the classic Italian focaccia sandwich and allows you to customize it with your desired meats, cheeses, and spreads. Just prepare to wait in line!
If you’re not feeling a sandwich (or the long line), I grabbed lunch at Mangia Pizza, had a delicious wood-fired pizza, and found the owner to be a hoot!
Stop 6: Sip Apéritifs at View on Art Rooftop Bar
The View on Art Rooftop Bar offers an up-close view of the Duomo from terrace seating and has gained notoriety on the ole gram! The bar is admittedly expensive, and while you’re definitely paying for the view, I personally found it worth it.
I paid €11 for an Aperol spritz that was tasty, big, and came with a side of potato chips. They also offered coffees for those who wish to spend less or don’t drink. The view and the opportunity to just take a break were much appreciated. This is one place you’ll absolutely want to make a reservation for in advance because seating is limited.
Stop 7: See David in all his glory at the Accademia Galleria
The Accademia Galleria is another major Florence attraction thanks to its star work of art, Michelangelo’s David. This impressive marble statue dates back to around 1501 and measures an astounding 17 feet tall (5.2 meters). Aside from this incredible masterpiece, be sure to wander the halls and marvel at other works like Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women, as well as halls dedicated to Florentine Gothic art and musical instruments.
Much like the Uffizi, visits are timed to avoid crowding, and tickets include an additional booking fee if booked online. I recommend paying the online booking fee to ensure you can actually get in and avoid long lines. Booking online is especially recommended during the summer.
Stop 8: Catch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
The Piazzale Michelangelo is an elevated square that offers an incredible view overlooking all of Florence. The square is about a 30-minute walk (2 km/1.25 miles) from the Duomo and does involve a hill climb. However, you can take a taxi or rent scooters/e-bikes if you’re not up for the long walk.
The Piazzale is a popular place to go at sunset, as the golden glow of the setting sun over the Duomo is said to be an incredible sight. However, it was overcast and forecasted to rain when I visited (something to keep in mind!), so I opted to make this my Stop 4 in place of the Boboli Gardens after the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. But in a perfect world, sunset is best!
Stop 9: Dinner at Mercato Centrale
Florence’s Mercato Centrale is a fun and hip place to nosh on everything from traditional Florentine dishes to Chinese dumplings, American BBQ, and everything in between. And there’s a bar! The Mercato is one of those places that’s good for getting a bunch of dishes to share.
Some foods to consider trying at the Mercato Centrale are the Lampredotto (traditional Florentine sandwich with tripe on a ciabatta roll), freshly made pasta, biscotti, cannoli, fresh cheese, and more!
Stop 10: Enjoy a nightcap and dessert at Caffè Gilli
Caffè Gilli is a historic landmark and is recognized as the oldest cafe in Florence. Dating back to 1733, this establishment has been open and serving locals for nearly 300 years! It’s absolutely touristy, and a bit pricey, but the interior maintains much of its retro charm and upscale elegance. And there’s no denying it’s an iconic Florence staple.
The cafe offers take-out, or patrons can opt to dine in or out on their expansive covered terrace that overlooks the Piazza della Repubblica. Visitors can indulge in pastries, coffees, cocktails, light fare, and hot dishes.
If you’re not into touristy spots, there are plenty of other nice places to grab dessert from the many gelato and pastry shops scattered around the city.
Day 2 in Florence: The Duomo, Leather + Food
We’re keeping up the energy with another packed day because, with only two days in Florence, there’s no time to spare! Get ready to eat, climb the Duomo, and admire locally-made leather goods.
Stop 1: Breakfast at La Ménagère
I don’t normally do full-on breakfast while traveling, but I do love super cute brunch places, and La Ménagère fits the bill. This charming bistro is spacious, has indoor and outdoor seating, and doubles as a flower shop.
It opens early at 8:00 am (early by Italian standards) and is a great place to fuel up for another long day exploring Florence. This bistro also serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails if you prefer to visit a different time.
Stop 2: Experience all the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore has to offer (Florence’s famed Duomo)
Designed with eye-catching green and pink marble, the Florence Duomo is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and dates back to the late 13th century. But it’s important to mention that visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore entails much more than your standard cathedral. It’s made up of the actual church, dome, bell tower, museum, crypt, and baptistry, all of which have different entrances.
The cathedral itself is free to enter, but every other associated landmark requires paid entry. There are three different ticket passes available:
- Brunelleschi Pass €30 (entry to all 5 landmarks): Allows you to climb the dome and the bell tower, enter the Baptistery, visit the Opera del Duomo Museum, and see the Santa Reparata underneath the cathedral.
- Giotto Pass €20 (entry to 4 landmarks, no Duomo): Allows you to climb the bell tower, enter the Baptistery, visit the Opera del Duomo Museum, and see the Santa Reparata underneath the cathedral.
- Ghiberti Pass €15 (entry to 3 landmarks, no Duomo or bell tower): Allows you to enter the Baptistery, visit the Opera del Duomo Museum, and see the Santa Reparata underneath the cathedral.
It’s also worth noting that each landmark has a different opening time. For example, the Duomo is the first to open at 8:15 am, and the cathedral is the last to open at 10:00 am.
Stop 3: Lunch
You know the drill, bon appetit! Or as they say in Italian, buon appetito!
Stop 4: Stop by Scuola del Cuoio, the city’s famed leather school
Skip the standard leather stalls and opt instead to visit the Scuola del Cuoio for a Florence souvenir. The school is tucked behind the Santa Croce church in a quiet courtyard. On your walk in, you pass the offices and workrooms of leather craftsmen, which is pretty cool. And inside, there are counters set up where you can watch demonstrations of people creating leather works and embossing them with gold and silver.
The store is known to offer competitive pricing on leather goods, and they sell bags, belts, jackets, and smaller items like keychains and photo frames. Items range in price from €15 for a keychain to €190 for a small bag.
Stop 5: Snap photos of the Piazza di Santa Croce and Basilica of Santa Croce
On your way to and from the leather school, you pass the Piazza di Santa Croce where the beautiful Santa Croce Basilica stands. The neo-gothic facade features marble, and inside, you can visit the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo.
In full transparency, I did not pay to go inside the church. But it’s a famous landmark in Florence that’s worth it for those interested. Just know that it’s a timed entry with limits, which means you must pick up your tickets online in advance or risk being turned away if full when buying tickets in person.
Stop 6: Treat yourself at the 800-year-old Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
Dating back to 1221, the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is an 800-year-old establishment that has specialized in perfumes and skin care for centuries. Besides its exquisite interior, the primary location features a little museum that shares more about the pharmacy’s tradition in scents. While you’re there, be sure to sniff and look at all the goodies or treat yo’self to a luxury item. But be warned, a bottle of lotion will cost ya €55+.
The pharmacy is about a 17-minute walk from the Piazza di Santa Croce. There is also a smaller location you can visit on Via dè Tornabuoni if you don’t want to trek across town. But the original is the best!
Stop 7: Knock on one (or two) of Florence’s wine windows
One unique thing to do in Florence is to order wine through a little wine window! A practice that’s been around in the city since the 17th century, these Buchette del Vino are still around at some restaurants where you simply knock, order, and enjoy!
One of the most popular wine windows in Florence can be found at Babae, a charming restaurant serving brunch and a variety of Italian and international dishes.
Stop 8: Dinner
While you’re at Babae, I recommend considering popping in for dinner. But we all have different tastes and meal preferences, so I’ll leave this one up to you. At the end of this post, I share some Florence restaurant recommendations if you’re in need of some ideas!
Stop 9: Dessert at Vivoli Gelato
You’re in Italy, which means dessert is mandatory! If you went to Caffe Gilli the day before, you should consider checking out Vivoli Gelato tonight. Vivoli is often considered one of the oldest and best, but you can’t go wrong with most gelato spots in the city.
Customize Your Florence Itinerary: More Things to Do and See
While the above Florence itinerary covers most of the “must-sees,” there are plenty more worthwhile attractions that you can add to your itinerary or swap out if you so desire!
Additional things to do in Florence include:
- Pitti Palace Art Museum
- Palazzo Vecchio Town Hall and Museum
- Florence’s other exceptional museums
- Cappella Medici, the second-largest dome in Florence
- Al Monte Church near Piazzale Michelangelo
- Florentine markets like San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Porcellino
- Strozzi Palace
- Florence pasta cooking class
- Day trips from Florence
Best Restaurants in Florence
With only two days in Florence, I sadly didn’t have the time (or room) to check out all the best restaurants. But, I thought I’d share the highly reviewed spots that were on my radar thanks to personal and internet recommendations in case they tickle your fancy.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Florence:
- La Ménagère: Stylish restaurant and bar with a flower shop inside
- Trattoria dall’oste: Famous steakhouse with nearly 15,000 exceptional reviews
- All’Antico Vinaio: Make-your-own classic focaccia sandwich shop that attracts long lines
- Caffe Gilli: Florence’s oldest cafe serving pastries, coffee, cocktail, and light fare
- Osteria Belle Donne: Famous Florentine steaks and local wines, plus another wine window to try
- Osteria Pastella: Freshly made pasta and Tuscan specialties
- Babae: Famous wine window and creative dishes
- Ditta Artigianale: A coffee shop that makes the top of “best coffee spots in Florence” lists
- Angel Roofbar & Dining: Mediterranean joint with rooftop seating and city views
10 Florence Travel Tips
Before you go on your exciting adventure, prepare with these random but important Florence travel tips!
- State-run museums are closed Mondays (Uffizi + Accademia) and on the first Tuesday of the month (Duomo)
- Most attractions have security that requires you to go through a metal detector and have your bags scanned.
- Some shops/businesses close on Sundays (especially in winter)
- A lot of restaurants are closed on Mondays.
- Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and be sure to book them on the official websites to save money.
- Most museums are free to enter on the first Sunday of the month.
- Consider visiting in the winter for cheap hotel rates and fewer crowds! I stayed in a beautiful 4-star hotel in the heart of the city for $80/night versus their summer rate of $150+/night
- Remember to use the Italian names for cities when booking (Roma for Rome, Firenze for Florence, etc.)
- Book train tickets 14 days in advance for the lowest prices.
- Prepare to do a lot of walking and bring good shoes.