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Your Guide to 3 Authentic Days in Florence

Florence is a city that captures the heart and never lets go. It has the perfect mix of charm and energy, and it truly feels like something out of a film. Florence has something for every type of traveler, from museum enthusiasts to adventure seekers. I’ve compiled all of my top bucket-list destinations into this guide, complete with my personal recommendations and tips to help you plan an amazing trip. Let’s make your trip to Florence unforgettable.

Day 1 — Explore the City

Start your day at the Famous Duomo + Giotto’s Bell Tower

• Start your day with views from one of Florence’s most famous landmarks, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, home to the iconic Duomo. Although the church’s architecture is a beautiful on its own, the main reason to go is for the views. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for an unforgettable panoramic view of the city.

• Giotto’s Bell Tower is another monument in the Piazza del Duomo that offers panoramic views. The 414-step climb and is worth it for a view of the Duomo from a different perspective. But if your schedule is packed or you’ve had your fix of climbing, you won’t feel like you missed out.

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
  • Get your tickets ahead of time on the direct website here. There are different package options that include other landmarks like the Giotto Bell Tower and other monuments of Piazza del Duomo.
  • It’s worth going as early as possible to avoid lines and crowds!
  • If you have time do both the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower, you won’t regret it!

Experience the Best Affogato at Vivoli Il Gelato

• Vivoli Il Gelato is known for its famous Affogato and can’t be missed. It’s the perfect stop after climbing the Duomo!

Pop into the Odeon Cinema and Bookstore

• You have to check out the Odeon Cinema and Bookstore. It’s a hidden gem that has it all: a beautiful old theater, a cute bookstore, and a really cozy cafe. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, take a look around, and just soak up the charming vibes.

Explore the Piazza della Signoria

• Head to the Piazza della Signoria, a bustling square home to the Palazzo Vecchio. It’s a fun side-quest with free landmarks to discover!

• FREE LANDMARKS TO EXPLORE:
  • Neptunes Fountain
  • Loggia dei Lanzi
  • Walk around the ground floor courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio
  • Sala degli Elementi

• TIP: The Palazzo Vecchio is a museum filled with art, architecture, historic rooms, and the Tower of Arnolfo. If you want to check it out, book your tickets directly here.

Fuel up at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

• Don’t miss the paninis at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti—they’re truly worth the hype! It’s an iconic spot that will not disappoint.

Head over to Ponte Vecchio

• Take a stroll to the iconic medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio. The bridge is lined with gold and jewelry shops, making it a fun window-shopping adventure. You can take a stroll along the riverfront and cross the bridge to the Oltrarno district.

Aperitvo at the Wine Windows

• After a day of sightseeing, it’s time for a well-deserved aperitivo! Go find a Florentine wine window at Wine Window Matteoni, Osteria Belle Donne, Cafe Odeon, BABAE, Fiaschetteria Fantappie, or DiVin Boccone. You can get a glass of wine served directly from a charming window in the wall—a truly unique experience.

• TIP: Many people follow the wine trail through the city!

Picnic at Piazzale Michelangelo

• If you only do one thing in Florence, make it a sunset picnic at Piazzale Michelangelo. It offers the iconic postcard view of the city overlooking the Duomo, the Arno River, and Florence’s beautiful rooftops.

DAY 2 — Markets + Museums

Start your Morning at Mercato Centrale

• You’ll find it all at Mercato Centrale. Inside, you’ll find a massive food hall with everything from fresh meat and cheese to wine. Grab a croissant and espresso, and then wander out to the endless stalls of leather goods and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to get ready for a day of adventure!

Get Lost in the Uffizi Gallery

• The Uffizi Gallery is known to be one of the best galleries in the world. It’s known for having some of the world’s most amazing art, and trust me, it does not disappoint. You’ll get to see all those iconic pieces you’ve heard about making it worth the trip!

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
  • Hours: 8:15AM – 6:30PM
  • Tickets: Get your tickets directly on the website here.

Additional Option: Find the Statue of David

• If you want to check out another museum head to The Accademia Gallery of Florence to find the famous Statue of David. If you’re a museum lover, don’t miss out! Book your tickets in advance here.

Find the Hidden Gem: Bardini Gardens

• Most tourists head to the Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace, but if you want to find less crowds and better views head to the Bardini Gardens. The gardens are a great escape and a perfect place to hang out and read a book with epic views!

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
  • Hours: 10AM – 7:30PM
  • Tickets are 10 euros, book directly here.

Apertivo + Sunset at a Rooftop Bar

• You have to make time for a rooftop bar when you’re in Florence. It’s the best way to end your day of sight-seeing. Grab an Aperol Spritz and watch the sun go down over the Duomo—it’s the perfect place to relax and get that classic postcard view.

• ROOFTOP BAR RECOMMENDATIONS:
  • Panorama Restaurant
  • View on Art
  • Toca & Nino
  • Loggia Roof Bar

Dinner at Trattoria Sabatino

• No trip to Florence is complete without a traditional Tuscan pasta dinner, and Trattoria Sabatino is the perfect place for an authentic, affordable meal. It’s a total hidden gem— don’t skip out!

Take a Nightly Stroll Through Piazza della Repubblica

• Piazza della Repubblica is known for its scenic walkways, quaint cafes, and historic merry-go-round. It lights up at night and is perfect for a post-dinner stroll. Grab a cafe and enjoy Florence at night!

DAY 3 — Day Trip to Pisa

Quick Breakfast at Forno Ghibellina

• Forno Ghibellina a traditional bakery you can’t miss. Grab a treat and espresso and head to the train station for your adventure to Pisa!

Day Trip to Pisa

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a classic tourist trap, but it’s one of those things you just have to do! It’s the an easy day trip to see the iconic leaning tower and get that famous picture for yourself.

• PISA’S MUST SEE-SIGHTS:
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Duomo di Pisa
  • Walk around the Old Town
  • Check Out the Piazza delle Vettovaglie
  • Grab a sandwich at Focacceria del Borgo
  • Walk Across the Ponte di Mezzo
  • Walk along the Arno River towards Santa Maria della Spina
  • Grab an aperitvo on one of Pisa’s main streets, Borgo Stretto

• HOW TO GET THERE:
  • Train is the quickest way to get to Pisa. Grab the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella in Florence to Pisa Centrale. You get your round-trip train ticket at the station or book on Trainline.

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
  • You can enjoy the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding attractions for free, but if you want to climb to the top, you’ll need to purchase a ticket here.
  • Make sure you get a round-trip train ticket from Florence.
  • You can easily spend half the day in Florence– don’t rush and enjoy the day.

Ditch the Guide and See Where the Night Goes

• Once you get back to Florence, just see where the day takes you! Don’t plan and start walking— check out a wine bar, go for gelato, walk around squares you haven’t seen before, hang out by Ponte Vecchio, and grab dinner wherever you end up! Sometimes no plan is the best plan.

Transportation

Plane:

• Florence has an international airport called Florence Airport (FLR). It’s 5 miles from the city center and accessible by tram, bus, or taxi.

Train:

• Florence has a main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, that serves as a major hub for both national and regional trains. The two main train companies, Trenitalia and Italo, have frequent trains running through the station. You can book train tickets directly on Trenitalia, Italo, or Trainline or get your tickets at the station.

Bus:

• FlixBus offers services to and from Florence. If you’re on a tighter budget, this might be the best option for you. Book your ticket directly on FlixBus for the best price. 

Accommodation

Florence has a variety of accommodation options for all types of budgets. The best areas to stay are in the Duomo district, Santa Maria Novella, and Oltrarno districts.

Hostel Recommendations:

• Ostello Bello Firenze
• YellowSquare Florence

Other Options:

• For other accommodation options that match your ideal budget, browse through the listings on Booking.com or Airbnb.com to find the perfect place.

Tips from a Solo + Budget Traveler 

1. Join a free walking tour! Ask your accommodation if there’s free walking tours or look on GuruWalk. Walking tours are a great way to see the city and make friends!

2. Eating out can get expensive quickly, so if you’re traveling on a budget, look for an accommodation with a kitchen. Not all hostels or guest houses have kitchen facilities. Bakeries are always a great option for a more affordable meal.

3. Don’t feel like you have to follow this guide perfectly. Florence is a city where you should get lost! Just let yourself wander, make some new friends, and see where the day takes you. Keep the door for spontaneous adventures open!

You’re all set for your adventure to Florence!

Have the best time and make sure you do one thing that makes you say “I love my life” each day! 

– G