Florence itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Florence
8 stops · ≈ 6 h 22 minA 14th-century fortified fortress-palace presiding over Piazza della Signoria, serving for centuries as the political heart of Florence and former seat of the Medici rulers. Crowned by the 95-meter crenellated Arnolfo Tower, the palace contains the breathtaking Salone dei Cinquecento adorned with battle frescoes by Giorgio Vasari, opulent private ducal apartments, and Michelozzo's sculpted courtyard fountain.
The preeminent treasury of Renaissance art, housed in the 16th-century magistrates' palace designed by Giorgio Vasari along the River Arno. Assembled by the Medici family, its collection features iconic masterworks: Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, and Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, alongside Titian and Caravaggio. Top-floor windows frame postcard views of the Ponte Vecchio.
Florence's oldest and most picturesque bridge, spanning the Arno River since 1345. By decree of the Medici in the 16th century, butcher shops were replaced with goldsmiths and jewelers, which continue trading here today. Above the shops runs the Vasari Corridor connecting Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti, offering iconic river views from the central arches.
The 84-metre campanile beside Florence cathedral, begun by Giotto in 1334 and finished by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti. Its white, pink and green marble echoes the baptistery and the Duomo, with relief panels and statues of prophets in the niches — originals in the Opera del Duomo museum. No lift: 414 steps lead to an open-air terrace with close-up views of Brunelleschi's dome and the terracotta rooftops.
Florence's iconic cathedral is a pinnacle of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, clad in patterned white, green, and pink marble. Its crowning glory is Filippo Brunelleschi's immense brick dome, engineered in the 15th century without wooden scaffolding. Admission to the church nave is free, though climbing the dome and Giotto's Campanile requires paid tickets.
Dominating the Florence skyline, Brunelleschi's Dome crowns the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore as a triumph of Renaissance engineering. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built without temporary wooden scaffolding between 1420 and 1436, it remains the largest masonry dome ever erected. Climbing the 463 narrow stone steps rewards visitors with close-up views of the Last Judgment frescoes and a breathless panorama of the city.
The largest Franciscan basilica in the world, founded in 1294 to Arnolfo di Cambio's design on Piazza Santa Croce in Florence. Known as the "Temple of Italian Glories", it serves as the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Gioachino Rossini. Inside, side chapels display masterwork frescoes by Giotto, while its peaceful cloisters frame Filippo Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel.
Florence's quintessential viewpoint, set on a hilltop above the south bank of the Arno River. Designed in 1869 by Giuseppe Poggi, it delivers an unobstructed panorama of the city skyline: Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's Campanile, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio. A bronze replica of Michelangelo's David anchors the terrace, where crowds gather to watch the sunset.
Reserve
5If you have time left — worth it too.
If you're seeking a serene escape from the bustling streets of Florence, look no further than the Biblioteca delle Oblate. Nestled on Via Oriuolo, this charming library is housed in a historic 14th-century convent and offers an enchanting rooftop café with stunning views of the iconic Duomo. Here, you can savor delicious food and drinks—both alcoholic and non—while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere away from tourist crowds.
Fontana del Porcellino is a beloved historic bronze fountain depicting a wild boar, situated beside the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo in central Florence. Sculpted in the early 17th century by Pietro Tacca from an ancient Roman marble original, it is surrounded by legend. Visitors rub the boar's polished bronze snout and drop a coin into its jaws; if it falls through the grate below, good luck and a return to Florence are guaranteed.
One of the best things to do in Florence is a guided tour. We took two tours while we were in the city, and it was the perfect way to learn about Florentine history and see the sights. A walking tour is a good way to explore the city center, while a driver with a local guide allows you to see more in a short amount of time. Discover Florence through the eyes of experienced guides who will take you through the city's hidden treasures. Joining a guided tour or a free tour will let you experience the true essence of Florence. Private tour of Florence
Florence's historic central food hall in the San Lorenzo district is a nineteenth-century iron-and-glass landmark designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, architect of Milan's Galleria, and opened in 1874. The ground floor bustles with traditional Tuscan merchants selling wheels of pecorino, cured prosciutto, fresh truffles, and Florence's classic lampredotto sandwiches. Upstairs, a modern gourmet food court offers artisan pizzas, pastas, and Chianti wine.
The Bardini Garden on the left bank of the Arno is a quiet alternative to the crowded Boboli Gardens. A terraced Renaissance garden with a baroque stairway, it is famous for its seventy-metre wisteria arcade in spring, and the upper terraces look at the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore. An English park with a pond and the exhibition-bearing Villa Bardini complete the scene. One ticket also covers the Boboli Gardens.
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines.
- Try to learn a few basic Italian phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
- Check opening hours for museums, as they may vary.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets are mostly cobblestone.
- Take time to explore lesser-known neighborhoods for a more authentic experience.