3 Days in Florence Itinerary
Renaissance masterpieces, Tuscan cuisine, and la dolce vita in Italy's artistic heart
Florence is where the Renaissance was born, where Michelangelo's David stands in eternal perfection, and where every street corner reveals another architectural masterpiece. But beyond the world-famous art, Florence is also a city of exceptional food, artisan craftsmen, and that uniquely Italian ability to turn everyday moments into art. This three-day itinerary balances the essential museums with neighbourhood exploration, gelato breaks, and a day trip into the rolling Tuscan hills. Come prepared to be moved - Florence has that effect on visitors.
Day 1: Renaissance Masterpieces
Your first day tackles Florence's artistic big-hitters. Book tickets in advance for everything - this is essential, not optional. The queues without reservations can exceed three hours.
Day 1: Renaissance Masterpieces
Accademia Gallery - David
Arrive at opening to see Michelangelo's David with manageable crowds. The 5-metre marble sculpture is genuinely breathtaking - photographs don't capture the detail or emotion. Take your time in the Prisoners corridor leading up to David.
San Lorenzo Market & Leather District
Walk through the outdoor leather market surrounding San Lorenzo church. Haggling is expected - start at 50% of asking price. Inside the church, don't miss the Medici Chapels with Michelangelo's sculptures.
Lunch at Mercato Centrale
The upper floor of this 19th-century market is a gourmet food court. Fresh pasta at Pasta Fresca, lampredotto (tripe sandwich) for the adventurous, pizza, gelato - all excellent quality.
Duomo Complex
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates Florence's skyline. Admire Brunelleschi's engineering marvel dome from outside, enter the cathedral for free, then decide if you'll climb the 463 steps to the dome or the 414 to the bell tower.
Gelato Break at Vivoli
Florence arguably invented gelato, and Vivoli has been making it since 1930. Try pistachio, stracciatella, or seasonal fruit flavours. The location near Santa Croce sets up your next stop.
Santa Croce Church
This Franciscan church holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The Giotto frescoes are magnificent. The piazza outside is perfect for a post-culture rest.
Aperitivo in Santo Spirito
Cross the Arno to the Oltrarno district. Santo Spirito piazza is where locals gather for early evening drinks. Many bars offer free snacks with your Aperol spritz - Volume and Pop Cafe are reliable choices.
Dinner at Trattoria Sostanza
This tiny trattoria has served the same menu since 1869. The butter chicken and artichoke hearts are legendary. Book ahead or face disappointment - there are only a few tables.
Firenze Card
The Firenze Card (£85/72 hours) includes most museums plus public transport. Crucially, it lets you skip queues at the Uffizi and Accademia. For three days of intensive sightseeing, it's excellent value.
Day 2: Uffizi & Oltrarno Artisans
Today features the Uffizi Gallery - one of the world's greatest art collections - followed by afternoon exploring the artisan workshops across the river.
Day 2: Uffizi & Oltrarno Artisans
Uffizi Gallery Early Entry
Book the earliest slot possible. The Uffizi holds Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, works by Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and virtually every Renaissance master. Plan for three hours minimum.
Ponte Vecchio
Cross Florence's oldest bridge, lined with jewellery shops since 1593. The view from the bridge's centre is iconic. Spot the Vasari Corridor running above the shops - the Medici's private walkway.
Lunch at All'antico Vinaio
Join the queue at Florence's most famous sandwich shop. Massive schiacciata sandwiches stuffed with cured meats, cheeses, and truffle cream for under £8. Utterly delicious, totally worth the wait.
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
The Medici's enormous Renaissance palace houses five museums. Focus on the Palatine Gallery for more Raphaels and Titians. Behind, the Boboli Gardens offer 45,000 square metres of Renaissance landscaping.
Oltrarno Artisan Workshops
This neighbourhood maintains Florence's craft traditions. Visit Scuola del Cuoio for leather-making demonstrations, peer into gilders' and framers' workshops on Via Maggio, and browse antique shops. Many welcome observers.
San Miniato al Monte
Climb to this Romanesque church above the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best sunset view over Florence. The church itself is Byzantine-meets-Renaissance gorgeous. Gregorian chants at vespers add atmosphere.
Dinner at Buca Mario
This cellar restaurant has operated since 1886. Bistecca alla fiorentina (massive T-bone steak) is the speciality, ordered by weight and shared. The atmosphere is old Florence at its best.
Museum Reservations
Book Uffizi and Accademia tickets 2-3 weeks ahead in peak season - they sell out. Use official sites (uffizi.it) not resellers charging triple. Your reservation gives you a specific time slot; arrive 15 minutes early.
Day 3: Tuscan Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano
Escape Florence for the Tuscan countryside. This day trip visits medieval Siena and the tower-filled town of San Gimignano, passing through postcard-perfect hills of vineyards and cypress trees.
Day 3: Tuscan Day Trip - Siena & San Gimignano
Depart Florence
Rent a car (book ahead, from £40/day) or join a guided bus tour (from £60pp including wine tastings). Driving offers flexibility; tours remove parking stress and add local knowledge.
San Gimignano Morning
This medieval Manhattan is famous for its 14 surviving towers (originally 72!). The town is tiny but perfectly preserved. Climb Torre Grossa for panoramic views, visit the Torture Museum if kids are old enough, and get gelato at Dondoli - World Gelato Champion.
Tuscan Lunch with a View
Stop at an agriturismo (farm restaurant) between towns. Many offer set lunches of homemade pasta, local meats, and wines from their vineyards. The views across the rolling hills are unforgettable.
Drive Through Chianti
Take the scenic SR222 Chiantigiana road through Chianti wine country. Stop at viewpoints, visit a cantina (winery) for tasting, or simply absorb the cypress-lined hills that define Tuscan imagery.
Siena Cathedral & Piazza del Campo
Siena's Gothic cathedral is covered in black and white stripes inside and out. The Piccolomini Library inside has stunning frescoes. Then walk to Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped square where the famous Palio horse race occurs twice yearly.
Aperitivo in Piazza del Campo
Sit at one of the cafes around the Campo's curve. Yes, you'll pay tourist prices, but the setting is worth it. Watch the sunset paint the Palazzo Pubblico tower golden.
Return to Florence
The drive back takes about 75 minutes. Alternatively, if you've fallen for Siena, consider staying overnight and returning tomorrow morning.
Alternative Day 3
If a day trip feels too ambitious, spend day three exploring Florence's quieter gems: the Bargello sculpture museum, the San Marco frescoes, or simply wandering the Oltrarno's quieter streets with frequent gelato stops.
Where to Stay in Florence
The Centro Storico puts everything within walking distance but is priciest and noisiest. Santa Croce offers central location with slightly more local feel. Oltrarno across the river is our favourite - excellent restaurants, artisan charm, and easy walks to main sights.
Family Accommodation
Hotel Davanzati has family suites and a rooftop terrace with Duomo views. Residence Hilda offers serviced apartments with kitchens near the Accademia. For Oltrarno, Soprarno Suites has spacious rooms and friendly staff.
Florence Food Essentials
Beyond the famous bistecca, don't miss ribollita (bread soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato bread mush - better than it sounds), and lampredotto sandwiches. Gelato twice daily is mandatory. Wine is cheaper than water in restaurants - embrace it.
Budget Eating
Avoid restaurants immediately facing main piazzas - walk one street back for better prices and quality. Lunch menus (menu del giorno) offer tremendous value. Aperitivo buffets at 18:00-20:00 can substitute for dinner.
Florence requires comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, sun protection, and layers for church dress codes. Our Italy packing list has you covered.
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