Spending 3 Days in Florence

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Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, offers a perfect blend of art, history, and culture for a memorable 3-day visit. This compact city allows you to explore its many treasures on foot, from world-renowned museums to stunning architecture and charming piazzas.

Three days in Florence isn’t a huge amount of time. While the city may be small in size, there are countless fantastic things to do, including several huge museums where you could easily spend an entire day alone.

In just three days, you can immerse yourself in the city's rich artistic heritage, indulge in delicious Tuscan cuisine, and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this iconic Italian destination.

Whether you're admiring Michelangelo's David, strolling across the Ponte Vecchio, or enjoying a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return.

With three days, we also think you should take advantage of Florence’s amazing location in the heart of Tuscany to get out of the city and explore other parts of this glorious region on your third day.

The easiest way to do that is to take a guided tour, but you could also do it yourself via train or renting a car. We’ve got plenty more on where to go on a day trip from Florence and what to do and see below.

A couple of useful tips for your visit:

  • Florence is a popular Italian destination, especially from April to November. It gets crowded, so book skip-the-line tickets for major sights like the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery. For guided tours, book early to secure your preferred time.

  • Note that most museums are closed on Mondays.

  • The Florence Card doesn't cover Duomo sights and still requires reservations for some attractions. However, some passes, like for the Duomo or Pitti Palace, are valid for several days, offering flexibility.

  • Walking is the easiest way to get around the city center. If you are staying outside the historic centre, there are regular buses and trams (tickets cost €1.70 and can be purchased from automatic vending machines, at tabacchi shops - only in cash, or with Autolinee Toscane app). Avoid driving as most of central Florence is a limited traffic zone. Taxis can be found at designated stands or called by phone to any location.

  • Consider the Florence Pass for priority entrance to major sights, an audio guide app, and discounts on other attractions.

Day 1 in Florence

Begin your day the Florentine way - savouring a rich espresso and a warm, flaky cornetto (the Italian version of a croissant) at one of the charming cafés in the historic center.

Some noteworthy spots for quality coffee and delectable pastries include: Caffè Rivoire in Piazza della Signoria, Gilli in Piazza della Repubblica, and Pasticceria Serafini on Via Gioberti.

Following this delightful start, spend an hour or two exploring the Centro Storico. Meander through the winding streets, cross picturesque squares, and pass by Florence's iconic landmarks. This leisurely walk will help you get your bearings and locate the sights you plan to visit later.

Be sure to take a peaceful stroll along the Arno River. Begin near the famous Ponte Vecchio and make your way to Ponte Santa Trinita. Then, turn onto Via de' Tornabuoni and continue until you reach Piazza Santa Trinita. From this point, every street leads to something of interest in this captivating city.

After a quick lunch, it's time for some worldclass art. The Uffizi Gallery, located on the bank of the Arno River, is must-visit when in Florence. Museum houses masterpieces of artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci.

As the Uffizi Gallery is huge and don't attempt to see everything. You may find buying audio-guide helpful or taking a guided tour (we love this City Wonders 1.5-hour tour!). If you don't take a tour, be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets and buy them well in advance. It's good not to overload yourself with too much art when exploring the Uffizi.

If still not tired, consider walking up to Piazzale Michelangelo, a wide piazza from where you can enjoy amazing views of the sunset over Florence (you'll need 20 minutes on foot to reach). This bike tour is ideal for exploring highlights of Florence in only 2 hours!

Finish your day with a strolling down Oltrarno streets or along Arno River and dining in one of many local restaurants. Leave the evening for strolling along the Arno River and having a nice dinner at one of trattorias in Oltrarno.

Day 2 in Florence

Begin the second day of your Florence adventure at the stunning Piazza del Duomo, where a collection of magnificent sights awaits.

Take a stroll around the square, snapping photos of the awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, which stands out with red-tiled roof, among - the Baptistery of Saint John and Giotto's Tower.

Don't overlook the Opera del Duomo Museum, often missed by tourists but home to remarkable Renaissance masterpieces.

We suggest picking just a few attractions from the Duomo Complex rather than trying to see it all. Pop into the Cathedral for a quick look, then ascend to the Dome for breathtaking views of Florence (be sure to grab those skip-the-line tickets!).

As you climb the 463 steps, marvel at the expansive arched structure above and, once inside, admire the spectacular Last Judgment frescoes. Keep in mind that the staircase can be quite steep and narrow at times - not ideal for those with claustrophobia or a fear of heights.

To maximize your time, consider joining a guided tour that covers the Cathedral, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, and the Dome in just 2.5 hours.

If you'd rather avoid the queue for the dome climb, head to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo 9, €6 entry). This often-overlooked gem houses sculptures that once adorned the Duomo and Baptistery. At the top of the grand staircase, you'll find Michelangelo's radiant Pietà - a true masterpiece not to be missed.

After a couple of hours exploring these sights, head to the Mercato Centrale, which is only 5 minutes walk from here. Walk around the stalls, grab some edible souvenir and have a quick lunch in one of the food places (we recommend the ground floor). Or just go outside and have a lunch somewhere else.

After the afternoon break at your hotel or apartment, head to Bargello Museum, to see the most famous sculptures. Then in the evening stroll around the Piazza della Signoria, snap some photos, wander around shops...

Not your first time in Florence? Consider visiting:

  • Basilica di San Lorenzo designed by Brunelleschi, filled with Renaissance art from Donatello and Michelangelo, and the Medici Chapels which were added onto the basilica.

  • Santo Spirito in Oltrarno, just across the Arno River, whose plain exterior gives no hint of the beautiful interior.

  • The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, close to the Accademia Gallery, has a fascinating history which pairs well with the intricate Baroque decorations.

  • The Orsanmichele Church and Museum, beautiful church you'll notice by the outside niches, decorated with sculptures of Saint's.

  • Santa Trinita Church, that stands on Piazza Santa Trinita (you'll recognize by the Column of Justice (a massive granite column, coming all the way from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla in Rome). Visit the church for free!

I agree with other posts that it's best to see these museums on different days if you can so that you don't get too overwhelmed with all of the art. The Uffizzi is a half-day visit and the Academia is much smaller and will take about one to two hours, depending upon how much time you like to spend. While in Florence, you'll also want to spend another day to see the Duomo and Baptistery.

Then you can fill in your days with wandering around and stopping for coffee (one of my favorite things to do), shopping, or going to the leather workshop at the Monastery of Santa Croce. Naturally, there are a lot of other things to do and see (palaces, Boboli gardens, churches, etc), but you only have three days and you want to make sure you leave time to relax and experience the city.

Opt for a unique experience in Florence:

If you'd prefer to explore more during these 3 days in Florence, why not to do this in a special way? You can join a cooking class or a food tour, go on a Vespa or walking tour of the city, or take a boat ride along the Arno River.

Taking a guided food tour of Florence

For food lovers, we recommend taking a walking food tour while in Florence. On the food tour, a friendly local guide will take you and your group on a stroll through the streets of Florence, while popping into food venues to taste delicious local food such as schiacciata with salami, lampredotto, homemade pasta, Florentine steak, wild boar stew, and pappa al pomodoro. Not to mention loads of wine, dry cantucci cookies, and creamy gelato, enjoyed on most tours!

Tourists love this morning food tour of the historic centre and this private food tour that takes you to the local food market and other great places.

Join a cooking class - learn to make fresh pasta or tiramisù

Taking a cooking class in Florence is a great opportunity to learn how to make fresh fettuccine or ravioli from scratch (as well as sauces). The best part is enjoying wonderful food you made! Kids will love these classes!

One of the most popular cooking classes is this one (includes cake and limoncello in the end) and these small-group classes held in cooking school on the other side of Arno River. Don't worry if you are vegan or vegetarian, or even gluten-free intolerant - there are classes also for you.

What is the best way to reach Florence?

If you're planning a trip to Florence, the best way to get there is by train (if you are not arriving by plane). Santa Maria Novella is Florence's central station, where you'll find regular services arriving and departing from across Italy.

If you are staying elsewhere in Tuscany, for example in Arezzo, Lucca, Siena or Pisa, you can easily get to Florence by train, with average journey times of under 2 hours. Get to Florence from Rome in only 1 hour and 30 minutes and from Venice in 1h and 15 minutes.

Once you arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, you're a 15-minute walk away from the historic centre and most sights of Florence.

Where to stay in Florence?

You'll love staying at Casa di Chiara, the stylish and cosy Florence apartmentYou'll love staying at Casa di Chiara, the stylish and cosy Florence apartment

The historic centre of Florence is a compact little gem so wherever you choose to stay, you are never going to be too far from the main sights and a variety of restaurants, bars and great shops.

You simply need to decide if you want to be right in the heart of the action in the city center, or if you'd prefer to stay in the less bustling Oltrarno, surrounded by charming osterias and unique boutiques, or perhaps retreat to the hills, which is ideal during the hot summer months. Florence truly has something to offer everyone.

We deeply suggest Casa di Chiara, a warm and chic apartment just a 20-minute stroll from the historic center. Extremely comfortable and fully equipped with everything you might need, plus fantastic hosts, this wonderfully cozy apartment serves as an excellent base for exploring Florence.

You'll adore staying at the Globus Urban Hotel, a 4-star Florence accommodation with an unbeatable location. It's a quick walk from Santa Maria Novella train station, and the Duomo and other attractions like the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio are also within easy walking distance. The incredibly friendly and helpful staff really sets this Florence hotel apart. The hotel boasts modern, spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast spread (including options for vegans, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free).

Alba Palace Hotel is another fantastic option in Florence, just steps away from Santa Maria Novella train station. From here, you can easily walk to the historic center in a mere 5 minutes. The rooms are very comfortable and clean, ensuring a pleasant stay. The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of choices, and the staff are friendly and accommodating.


Can you explore beyond Florence in 3 days?

We believe that 3 days in Florence is barely scratching the surface, as this city could be explored for months.

Nevertheless, if you're determined to venture beyond Florence's borders, numerous options await. From here, you can easily access other Tuscan gems, such as San Gimignano (a picturesque hilltop town), Siena (renowned for its culinary delights, art scene, museums, medieval cityscape, and the thrilling Palio horse race), Pisa (home to the iconic Leaning Tower), or Lucca (famed for its multitude of towers). These destinations are reachable by train or through organised day tours.

Another great option is Bologna, a city boasting captivating architecture and mouthwatering cuisine (famous for its tagliatelle and tortellini pasta, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar). If you consider yourself a food enthusiast, this city should definitely be on your radar!

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