Florence itinerary — 3 days

Fontana del Porcellino is a famous bronze fountain in Florence, located near Piazza della Repubblica. The fountain features a bronze wild boar with water dripping from its mouth. According to legend, rubbing the boar's snout ensures your return to Florence, while another legend suggests making a wish and placing a coin in the statue's mouth for it to come true if it falls between the grates.

In the heart of Florence, Italy, stands the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a 15th-century Dominican church renowned for its stunning frescoes by Gothic and early Renaissance masters. Situated on the northern side of the river, this area is home to some of Florence's major attractions.

Located in the heart of Florence, Mercato Centrale is a historic market building that has been transformed into a modern food hall. The ground floor still houses traditional vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and seafood. However, the real attraction lies on the upper level where Mercato Centrale offers a diverse range of Italian regional cuisine. Visitors can indulge in delectable pizzas from Ciccio or explore other food court-style options such as pasta, meats, seafood, and salads.

Basilica di San Lorenzo, a landmark Renaissance church in Florence, is known as the burial place of the Medici family. The church features an unfinished facade designed by Michelangelo and a library he also designed. It was originally built in the 4th century and later transformed into a magnificent Renaissance building by Filippo Brunelleschi from 1377 to 1446. Inside, visitors can admire Brunelleschi's Sagrestia Vecchia with sculptural decoration by Donatello.

The Medici Riccardi Palace, a 15th-century mansion designed by Michelozzo for the Medici family, is now home to an art museum and a famous chapel. The palace hosts an exhibition featuring works by Italian artist Oscar Ghiglia, known for his ties to Tuscany and European artistic developments. The palace's architecture stands out with its arched windows, partially shuttered loggia, rusticated floors, and large cornice capping the roofline.

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, a must-visit for art enthusiasts, is celebrated globally for housing Michelangelo's iconic statue of David. This remarkable museum also showcases an impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by renowned artists like Sandro Botticelli and Giambologna. Established in the 18th century by Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Lorraine as a teaching space for the Academy of Fine Arts, it has evolved into one of the most frequented cultural sites in Florence.

David, the renowned Renaissance-era marble sculpture by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece that depicts the biblical character David. The statue is celebrated for its exceptional detail and accuracy in portraying the human form. While the original can be found at the Galleria dell'Accademia, a replica stands at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio. Visitors to Florence can also admire other impressive works by Michelangelo inside the gallery.

Palazzo Vecchio, originally built to house the city's government officials and later transformed into the Medici family's residence, is a 13th-century fortified palace in Florence. It boasts lavishly decorated chambers, ornate courtyards, and a towering presence atop the Piazza della Signoria. Inside, visitors can explore secret passages, admire frescoed ceilings, and marvel at well-preserved artworks that offer insight into Florence's rich history under powerful families like the Medici dynasty.

The Uffizi Galleries, located just a short stroll from the iconic Ponte Vecchio, is a 16th-century building that houses an extensive collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings and masterpieces. This renowned museum welcomes over two million visitors annually who come to admire ancient sculptures and historic paintings spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times.

Ponte Vecchio, a stunning medieval bridge with Roman roots, is not just an architectural marvel but also a vibrant hub of culture and history. First documented in 996, this resilient structure has weathered the test of time, surviving floods and even World War II. Rebuilt in the 14th century after a devastating flood, it became home to exclusive shops selling jewelry and souvenirs when Ferdinand decreed that only goldsmiths could operate here in 1593.

Palazzo Pitti is a magnificent Renaissance royal palace that serves as a treasure trove of art and history, housing an impressive collection across six distinct museums. Among these, the Palatine Gallery stands out with its stunning array of late Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces from renowned artists like Raphael, Rubens, and Tintoretto. Visitors can explore twenty-eight elegantly adorned rooms filled with artistic brilliance.