How Many Days in Florence is Enough

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Wonder how many days in Florence is enough? 

If you're looking to just hit the city's top highlights, three or so days should be enough. But if you're like us, seeing the hotspots will only make you curious to stay longer – especially in a place as rich with culture, cuisine, and history as Florence.

We've been in Florence many times - sometimes for just a day, other times for as long as three weeks. Our best trip was in fall 2024, when we spent two wonderful weeks there.

Our advise is - no matter how long you’ll be there, making the most of your days in Florence takes some planning. 

So keep reading to find out how many days you need for Florence, what are the top sights and how to make the most of your visit, no matter if it's one day or multiple days.

Set up a good itinerary in advance, grouping your sightseeing by neighbourhood.

Whether you’re a day tripper or a slow traveler, these Florence itineraries will help answer some of those questions about how much time to spend.

Each corner of Florence holds a treasure of beauty

How can you explore Florence in just one day?

During a one day in Florence, you'll only glimpse the city's incredible treasures. Yet when Florence is just one stop on a broader Italian trip, strategic planning becomes key. By preparing thoughtfully, you can maximize your time and capture the essential highlights of this amazing city.

The key to making the most of one day in Florence is getting an early start. We recommend staying at Globus Urban Hotel (stayed here on one of our trips to Florence, and loved modern rooms, rich breakfast and friendly staff). In only a minute walk you'll be at Piazza del Duomo.

If visiting Florence on a daily trip from anywhere else, catch the earliest train in the morning (it's easy to get to Florence by train from Rome, Livorno, Lucca and Bologna - 👉 Get cheap Italian train tickets!

Getting from Rome to Florence is a breeze with the high-speed train - it’s only 90 minutes, and we love how easy it is

Plus, you do what you love the most. Don't run around like crazy trying to see all major sights as you won't enjoy it. Take a slower pace and combine sightseeing with eating delicious food, leisure strolling through the streets of Florence and buying unique souvenirs.

If you are not art lover, you don't have to visit any museum on your day visit to Florence. Or you can go to one of the smaller ones to get your impression of the Florence art. We recommend the Orsanmichelle Church and Museum, just a few steps from Piazza della Signoria.

Art lovers should definitely visit the Uffizi, which houses masterpieces such as Botticelli's La Primavera and Titian's Venus of Urbino (skip-the-line tickets are essential). We loved the Uffizi guided tour on our last visit!

We suggest skipping the Accademia Gallery on your one-day visit to Florence, as you don't want to loose your precious time on waiting in lines.

Go instead to the Bargello Museum, where you can see, for example, "Bacchus", one of the most beloved Michelangelo's sculptures. The palace in which museum is set is stunning, there are no crowds at all and the ticket costs only €10.

For a one-day visit to Florence, we recommend visiting the Duomo's interior (it's completely free). Other options include climbing Brunelleschi's Dome or Giotto's Tower, visiting the Baptistery or Opera del Duomo Museum. For all these attractions, you'll need skip-the-line tickets, which should be bought in advance.

Step into the first courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio and get ready to be amazed!

You'll stumble upon Piazza della Signoria, one way or another, as all streets lead to it. There is so much to see here. From the grand Palazzo Vecchio (that hides many treasures - for exploring it you'll need to buy a ticket). But one thing is free - the first courtyard with its fresco-decorated ceilings and beautiful marble columns.

While on the square, take photos of Neptune's Fountain and the David, from every angle. Admire the Loggia dei Lanzi, the open-air museum, showcasing works that have been there for 500 years, such as Cellini's Perseus, Gianbologna's Rape of the Sabine Women or Hercules and the Centaur Nessus, also by Gianbologna.

Spend the rest of your time in Florence soaking up the city’s atmosphere. Wander through its hidden streets, where charming artisan shops and unique craft stores await - places you won’t find anywhere else. For lunch, settle into a cosy trattoria for a leisurely meal, or grab a delicious schiacciata sandwich from one of the many local spots scattered across the city.

Don't skip shopping for unique souvenirs, like marbled paper goods (visit Riccardo Luci selling leather and paper goods decorated with marbled patterns). Foodies should visit Leonardo Firenze bakery to buy delicious cantucci, brutti ma buoni or the softest ever panettone!

A hassle-free way of exploring Florence - a guided tour!

Prefer to be guided through Florence? Then book a tour with a local guide!

When taking a guided tour of Florence, you'll see all major spots without the stress of planning, plus you'll get useful tips on where to eat and shop from your guide! Whether you’re in Florence for a quick fling or a long love affair, a guided tour is the perfect way to dive in.

Florence tours we can’t stop recommending:

1. Florence in a day: Covers most Florence's sights (plus visit to the Accademia and the Uffizi); starts at 9:45am next to Baptistery of St. John; lasts for 5 hours
   
   
2. Best of Florence group tour: Ideal for seeing a lot in 3 hours! You'll visit the Accademia (Michelangelo's David) and the Duomo, then have a tour of the city; starts at 9am from Piazza San Marco.
   
   
3. Florence private tour (choose from three different tour themes – Renaissance, Famous Families, or Hidden Gems). Spend a pleasant time exploring Florence in the company of a knowledgeable guide, and discover the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the everyday life of Florentines. Meet your guide at Piazza della Repubblica! Lasts for 3 hours.
   
   

👍 You'll love this private Florence tour

How to visit Florence in 2 days?

You could see a lot in 2 days in Florence! Besides main sights such as the Duomo complex and the major museums like the Uffizi and Accademia, you could spread your time onto more sights or activities.

However, our first suggestion would be to spread out the above one day itinerary and take things at a slightly slower pace. We generally don’t recommend multiple big sights on the same day, and you’ve got three in one day here. 

You can explore the Oltrarno neighbourhood better, go to the Piti Palace, wonder through Boboli or Bardini Gardens. You can explore more churches. We recommend to choose among San Lorenzo Basilica, the Santa Croce Basilia or Santa Maria Novella church.

During your 2 day visit you should definitely visit Mercato Centrale or Mercato Sant Ambrogio, to see amazing local food products and taste them on the spot. 

Take your time wandering around the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, explore more of the Oltrarno district, and enjoy a slow leisurely lunch or mid-afternoon aperitif in one of the city’s charming piazzas.

Eco Urban B&B, boasting spacious rooms and tasty breakfast, can also be a great base on one day visit to Florence.

Visit local trattorias to taste Bistecca alla Fiorentina or a plate of local salami and cheeses.

Trattorias that we love to eat in:

• Trattoria Marione
• Trattoria Anita
• Trattoria La Stracotto (love their lasagna)
• Osteria dell'Enoteca
• Il Latini

At any of the above, places, you’ll want to make reservations ahead of time (or in a pinch, show up right at opening).

How to visit Florence in 3 or 4 days?

No matter how many days we spend in Florence, we always stay at Casa di Chiara apartment. Florence sights are only 20 minutes walk from there (along the way we usually stop at Ballerini bakery to grab a pastry).

If visiting for 3 or 4 days, we usually love to fit activities such as a food tour or cooking class, a day trip to Tuscany... Here are activities that we can recommend as worth the time and the money.

I think most people who stay longer in FLorence do in fact slow their visit down OR day trip to nearby towns and do wine tours in the Tuscan region.

If you just want to see sights, I think you could do most of the tourist things in 2 days. If you want to spend time wandering the streets and checking out the surrounding countryside, it's good place to base yourself.

With three or more days, you can escape the typical tourist activities and discover Florence off-the-beaten-path by paddling under Ponte Vecchio or exploring a handmade mask studio. Culinary tours are highly popular, as Tuscany is renowned for its delectable dishes and ingredients, such as olive oil, lardo di colonnata, and Cicchetti. This is an excellent way to explore parts of the city that usually fly under the tourist radar and appreciate Italian cuisine at a deeper level.

Consider heading out of the city for day trips around Tuscany. You can visit Pisa and capture a classic picture with its famous tower, enjoy bike-riding through the vineyards of Chianti, or explore the medieval city of Montepulciano. If you're up for a longer excursion, head to the astonishing Cinque Terre. Considered one of Italy's most beautiful destinations, these five towns are famous for their colorful buildings, which appear to cling to the mountainsides along the northwestern shores of Italy. Learn how to get from Florence to Cinque Terre.

With additional days you could spread this out OR day trip to nearby towns: San Gimignano, Siena, Voltera. Even further out to Civita Bagnoreggio or Orvieto - but these are just taking you back the way to Rome.

• Taking a foodie tour of Florence - If you're someone who loves food and wants to really get to know the amazing food scene in Florence and Tuscany, going on a food tour is a fantastic way to do it. On this foodie walk with Secret Food Tours, you'll follow a friendly local guide who really knows his stuff, as he takes you through Mercato Sant'Ambrogio and other cool spots that most tourists don't know about. He'll tell you all about how people in Florence eat and what makes their food culture special. The best part? You get to try 20 different local treats along the way! You'll taste everything from schiacciata (which is this really good Florentine sandwich) to olive oil, truffles, cheese, gelato, coffee, wine, prosecco, and lots more.
• Browse Local Markets and Learn To Cook the Tuscan Way

On your 3 day visit to Florence, you may consider taking a vespa tour, and zip through the streets on a classic Vespa.

• Zip through the streets on a classic Vespa
• Pedal with ease on an electric bike tour
• Discover the city's artistic treasures on an evening walk with an expert art historian

Florence sights/museums that we loved the most:

Major Florence museums - The Uffizi and Accademia

We love visiting the Uffizi Gallery, as there is so much to see inside. You'll see here art pieces such as "The birth of Venus" from Botticelli or Doni Tondo (The Holy Family) from Michelangelo. Be sure to secure the tickets much in advance! The skip-the-line tickets are the best option!

Sandro Botticelli’s La Primavera was the highlight of our visit to the Uffizi

If you want to squeeze everything in a short time, then opt for a guided tour. We took City Wonders' small-group tour and loved it! We went straight inside, without waiting! Close to the Uffizi, you'll find Coin department store (we love their kitchen department with many affordable kitchen staff). 

The priority tickets are essential and definitely worth it, when visiting the Accademia Gallery! However, keep in mind that the museum is always crowded, so some waiting is inevitable. Make sure to arrive on time for your entry slot—we missed out once because we were late and lost our tickets.  The Accademia is amazing, but if you're short on time, it's best to prioritize other sights.

The beautiful Duomo complex

For exploring the whole Duomo complex you need more days. If you are only one day in Florence, you might only visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore from inside (it's free) or climb the Brunelleschi Dome (buy tickets in advance!).

You can also climb the Giotto Bell Tower (tall tower next to the Duomo), Opera del Duomo Museum (behind the Cathedral) and the Baptistery of Saint John . If staying in Florence more days, consider exploring some of these. Just be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets.

Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River

Spanning the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio has stood for over 700 years and is lined with charming shops, mostly selling gold, jewelry, and artwork. As you walk across, take in the unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for shopping or simply admiring the craftsmanship. Be sure to see the Ponte Vecchio, no matter how many days you stay in Florence.

Don’t forget to snap photos of the stunning views of the Arno River and Florence’s historic skyline. The bridge is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, casting a golden light over the city.

On either side of the bridge, you’ll find charming walkways by the Arno River, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the vibrant energy of the city while taking in the scenic views.

From the Ponte Vecchio, reach Ponte Santa Trinita or continue further to Ponte alla Carraia. Cross onto other side and treat yourself with amazing gelato from Gelateria La Carraia (we adore their orange chocolate flavour).

The Bargello Museum in Florence

The Bargello Museum - This is our favourite Florence museum, as we prefer sculptures than paintings. We are amazed with the palace where the museum is set, especially with a courtyard. It's not crowded and you don't need to wait in lines to get in. Plus, it's more affordable than the other ones, costing 10 euros (buy tickets on the spot).

The Bargello Museum Florence is ideal for skipping crowds at the Uffizi or the Accademia. Still, you'll experience here the famous artworks, such as Donatello's marble statue of David and Bacchus, one of the earliest sculptures of Michelangelo. Our favourite piece of art was Il Pescatore, the bronze sculpture by di Vincenzo Gemito.

You can leisurely admire the sculptures at the Bargello Museum in Florence.

The museum is set in a beautiful palazzo - we love to sit one one of the benches in the courtyard (ideal for escaping the sun or rain). It's not crowded and you don't need to wait in lines to get in. Plus, it's cheaper than other museums - costing €10 (buy tickets on the spot!).

Afterwar exploring the Bargello, we went to Il Cernacchio in Via della Condotta, to grab a tasty porchetta sandwich (you can sit there or take away). If staying in Florence for 2 or more days, be sure to visit the Bargello Museum!

Palazzo Vecchio (we loved its courtyard the most)

No matter how many days you spend in Florence, you need to see this beautiful palace on Piazza della Signoria; you can visit the large hall called the Salone dei Cinquecento, where you can admire the beautiful frescoes, paintings, decorations and statues by Michelangelo, Donatello, Verocchio, Vasari... From the top of Arnolfo Tower (223 steps) you can enjoy a spectacular view on the city (buy your tickets in advance). For something unique, go to visit secret passages inside the palace (book a tour for this). Or you can just visit the amazing courtyard, it's completely free. Be sure to explore the Palazzo Vecchio on your 3 day visit to Florence!

Piazzale Michelangelo (for enjoying stunning views of Florence)

Want to see Florence's most beautiful sunset? Head to Piazzale Michelangelo. It's a 30-minute walk from downtown, or a quick 10-minute taxi ride. From this hilltop square, you'll get amazing views of Florence and the countryside beyond. You can see everything - the famous buildings, church domes, and the winding Arno river.

Yes, it's popular with visitors and locals, but there's plenty of room to sit and watch the show. As the sun sets, the sky's colors match perfectly with Florence's orange and red rooftops. Stay until dark to see the city lights sparkle on the river below.

Is 7 days too much for Florence?

Seven days in Florence might sound like overkill for a small city, but for art lovers, history buffs, and foodies, it can be the perfect amount of time.

While most travellers spend 2–3 days hitting major sights like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, a full week lets you dig deeper.

With seven days, you can explore beyond the crowded center - visit lesser-known museums (such as the Bargello), relax in Boboli Gardens, or take day trips to nearby gems like Fiesole, Lucca, or the Chianti wine region. You’ll also have time to savour long Italian meals, people-watch in piazzas (our favourite is Piazza della Signoria), and get lost in side streets without feeling rushed.

If you crave a slower pace and rich cultural immersion, seven days in Florence isn’t too much - it’s just right.

The best ways to get around Florence?

You know what? Florence is such a walkable city - it's honestly the best way to get around! Just do yourself a favour and bring really comfy shoes. Trust me on this one - those charming cobblestones look pretty but they're not exactly high-heel friendly! And if you're planning to tackle the Duomo's dome (which you totally should), you'll want good shoes for those 463 stairs. Phew!

Here's a heads up about driving - don't bother! Most of the historic center is off-limits to regular cars anyway. We learned this the hard way and ended up just parking our rental at the hotel the whole time. If you need a ride, you can grab a taxi, but they're not cheap. You're looking at €3.30 minimum on regular days, and it jumps to €5.30 on weekends and holidays. Oh, and forget about Uber - it's not a thing here. You'll need to find one of those taxi stands near the main squares and landmarks.

Sure, there's a tram and bus system that'll take you to the suburbs, but honestly? If you're staying in the city center (which most people do), you probably won't need them. Everything's so close by that we found ourselves just walking everywhere. It's actually one of the best parts about Florence - you can wander around, get a little lost, and stumble upon the most amazing little spots. That's how we found our favourite gelato place!

How many days to spend in Tuscany?

Tuscany is more than just a destination - it’s an experience of rolling hills, medieval towns, world-class wine, and unforgettable food. But how many days do you need to truly enjoy it?

If you’re short on time, 3 days can give you a taste - visit Florence, take a quick trip to Chianti, and maybe squeeze in a hilltop town like San Gimignano. For a deeper dive, 5 to 7 days is ideal. That gives you time to explore Siena, Montepulciano, and the Val d’Orcia, enjoy wine tastings, and relax in the countryside.

Tuscany rewards slow travel, so if you can, linger. Rent a car (👍 See cheap car hire deals in Italy!), stay in a farmhouse, and let the rhythm of the region set your pace. Whether it’s three days or ten, Tuscany always leaves you wanting just a little more.

How many days for Rome and Florence?

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering how to split your time between Rome and Florence? Here's a quick guide.

Rome is a sprawling, history-packed city that deserves at least 3–4 days. With iconic sights like the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon, plus endless piazzas and hidden gems, you’ll want time to explore without rushing.

Florence, on the other hand, is more compact but equally rich in art and culture. You can see the highlights in 2–3 days, but 4–5 days lets you enjoy museums, local food, and day trips to Tuscany.

In total, aim for 7–10 days split between the two—enough time to experience both cities without feeling overwhelmed.

Final thought - How many days in Florence:

So, how many days should you spend in Florence?

No matter if you choose to spend just a day or a whole week in Florence, you'll have a wonderful experience.

We think 3 days is the sweet spot for visiting Florence. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, explore some lesser-known spots, and wander through the charming squares and neighborhoods. You can also relax at local cafes and browse the many shops, from fancy boutiques to local markets.

If you're okay with a busier schedule, you could fit the highlights into 2 days. But if you're really interested in Renaissance art and want to explore everything Florence offers, plan for 4-5 days.

Staying 5-7 days in Florence? This longer visit lets you take some nice day trips to nearby towns. Or you could just take it easy in Florence, enjoying sunny days without rushing to see everything.

Each return to Florence - whether it's your third visit, tenth, or hundredth - brings fresh discoveries. You might spot an architectural detail that previously escaped your notice, stumble upon a fascinating temporary exhibit, explore a newly opened museum, or sample cuisine at the latest restaurant. So whether you can spare just 48 hours or a full week, I encourage you to revisit Florence periodically and savour every moment. The city's treasures seem truly limitless, always offering something new to uncover.

Want more specific advice? Take a look at our guides about what to see in Florence and planning a trip to Italy.

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Best Places to Stay in Rome

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