Florence has a lot of advantages for the traveler: it is small, the terrain here is flat and even, and most importantly, the entire city center itself is already a landmark. In three days you will be able to see the main architectural wonders, get acquainted with the masterpieces of Western art, wander along the cobbled streets and relax over a cheese board and chianti.
When making up the route, we tried to harmoniously combine the most interesting experiences (hello, Michelangelo!) and the most exquisite flavors of “Dolce vita” (hello, ice cream!). That is why we have provided pauses in the program for you, when you can sit down to relax, taste the local cuisine and feel the atmosphere of the city. In addition, each of the stopping places is selected based on the reviews and ratings of travelers on Tripadvisor, so you will not be disappointed.
DAY ONE
MORNING: an architectural masterpiece and stunning views of the city
Come early in the morning to the Piazza del Duomo, the famous square where architectural masterpieces are located at every step. Before the crowds of tourists come here, you will have time to drink a cappuccino with a croissant. You can explore the square from anywhere, but the Café de la Paix, located next to the shiny marble facade of one of the largest cathedrals in the world, is just the perfect viewing point. Florence Cathedral, aka Santa Maria del Fiore, aka the Duomo, is your first stop.
If a cup of coffee in the morning did not make your heart beat faster, then the 450-plus steps of the staircase leading to the very top of the dome of the Florence Cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, will surely cope with this task. But the climb is definitely worth it. You will be able to explore the amazing dome itself, and the view of the city from here is breathtaking (especially if you did not have time to catch your breath after climbing the stairs).
Useful tip: the inspection of the cathedral and the dome are two different tasks. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but the queue here is simply monstrous. If you do not like to wait or your clothes do not meet the requirements for entering the church, we advise you to purchase a ticket in advance to visit the dome: this is the main attraction of the cathedral, much more impressive than the interior.
At the time of writing, a ticket to the dome entitles you to visit all the monuments of the Piazza del Duomo, including Giotto’s campanile, for three days. If you are not attracted by the prospect of climbing another 400 steps up, just admire this miracle of 14th-century Gothic architecture from the outside, and instead visit the Opera del Duomo Museum: there you will spend at least an hour looking at over 750 works of art related to the Florence Cathedral. The main attractions of the museum are the “Gates of Paradise”, dazzling gilded bronze doors decorated with sculptural panels, as well as sculptures by Michelangelo and Donatello.
DAY: walking through medieval streets
After the morning climb, you deserve a treat. Go around the corner and treat yourself to an exceptional ice cream at La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale – Firenze Duomo, which opens at noon. It is almost impossible to make a mistake in the choice, but if you find it difficult, take pistachio.
After finishing your treats, head to the Mercato Centrale market, a five-minute walk away. (On the way, it is worth visiting the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Renaissance church where members of the Medici family are buried). The stalls at the market are bursting with Italian food: there are pizza, pasta, panini, gnocchi, lasagna. Pasta Fresca is our favorite place to serve delicious fresh pasta dishes at great prices.
These carbohydrates will give you the strength to take a day walk along the cobbled streets to the southern part of the city, towards the Arno River. This is the historical center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its glory, thanks to its preserved historical appearance and architectural monuments of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
The main street of this quarter is the pedestrian Via dei Calcaiuoli, along which there are numerous shops. Take a walk around Republic Square, surrounded by numerous cafes around the perimeter and with a carousel in the center. Be sure to visit Piazza della Signoria, the main square of the area, where the fountain of Neptune, the street sculptures of the Loggia Lanzi and the impressive medieval town hall of Palazzo Vecchio, near which stands a replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David. If you have time, go inside to inspect the colossal frescoes and ceiling panels, as well as admire the view of the Duomo from here. Consider booking a ticket in advance.
EVENING: Sunset (and pizza) over Florence
At sunset, head to Michelangelo Square. By all accounts, compared to the fast routes through the city center, it’s more like a whole hiking trip. Depending on where you are at the beginning of the journey, it will take about 20 minutes, and at the end you will have to climb the slope. (If you feel tired immediately after reading, the Route 12 bus will take you straight upstairs). As a reward, you will get a delightful panorama of the city with terracotta roofs. If you calculate the time correctly, you will have time to drink a glass of drink or eat ice cream before admiring the magnificent sunset, and then enjoy the night panorama of the city over a slice of pizza on the excellently located Terrazze Michelangelo.
DAY TWO
MORNING: famous Renaissance masterpieces in the Uffizi
The Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie Degli Uffizi) is one of the most famous museums in the world, where priceless works of Renaissance art are exhibited. The best way to avoid the queue at the entrance is to arrive there right at the opening with a pre—ordered ticket. First, inspect Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”, and then spend the morning immersed in the contemplation of ancient sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto and countless other masters of that era.
DAY: Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti
After three hours of communication with Renaissance art, you just need to have a leisurely lunch. We recommend visiting the Trattoria Alfredo restaurant, which serves classic Tuscan dishes, such as fresh tagliolini pasta with local truffles.
After that, cross the Arno River over the famous medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, on both sides of which there are shops and stalls selling jewelry made by famous urban craftsmen (S. Vaggi is one of the most popular). You are in the Oltrarno quarter, which literally means “on the other side of the Arno”.
Go on to Palazzo Pitti, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the trattoria. The 15th century palace, once owned by the Medici, is now a complex of five museums. The main local attraction is the Palatine Gallery, where the Medici family’s own collection is displayed in a luxurious setting of the XVII century. You can imagine: Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens and Raphael in gilded frames.
EVENING: Italian-style dinner and drinks
After sating your eyes with the luxury and splendor of the Medici, head to Volume Firenze, a cozy bar nearby, where there are outdoor tables right on Piazza Santo Spirito. Take part in a traditional Italian pastime: an aperitif, the Italian answer to “Happy Hour”, includes drinks at reasonable prices and assorted typical snacks served from 18:30 to 22:00. Have a leisurely snack on olives and meat delicacies, and then walk down the street to Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, where classic Tuscan dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar stew are prepared.
At the end of the evening, you can enjoy drinks at MAD Souls & Spirits, a trendy cocktail bar five minutes’ walk from the restaurant. If you like bitter drinks, then do not forget that Florence is the birthplace of Negroni: the recipe for this cocktail was created here in 1919. (Feel free to raise a toast to Count Negroni himself).
DAY THREE
MORNING: Michelangelo’s masterpiece and the monastery of the XV century
Tune in for sightseeing at Ala Grande Caffe, which is famous for pistachio cream croissants and cappuccino, and then walk — it’s not far here — to Galleria dell’Accademia (Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts), one of Florence’s most popular museums. Book your ticket in advance to avoid queues, and once inside, head straight to Michelangelo’s superstar statue of David. If you see the famous sculpture and leave the museum immediately after that, of course, no one will condemn you, but why not spend another hour or two looking at the masterpieces of the Florentine masters?
Since you are in this quarter, it’s worth turning the corner and going to the San Marco Museum. This 15th-century monastery with early Renaissance frescoes, hidden behind other famous landmarks, is a real hidden gem. Girolamo Savonarola once lived here. (Spoiler: His stormy biography ended with execution).
DAY: steak and basil
To get to know the Old Town better, take a walk around the Santa Croce area. In the 15 minutes it takes you to walk along Via Ricasoli, you will have time to finally work up your appetite. When dining at Trattoria Verdi Firenze, pay attention to the signature dish: bistecca alla Fiorentina is a local type of steak.
Our next destination is the Basilica of Santa Croce. This medieval church became famous thanks to Giotto’s frescoes, and also thanks to those who rest within its walls: Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried here. Here you can spend about an hour admiring the frescoes, and then take a break at the Scuola del Cuoio, the famous tannery school, which is located in the monastery behind the basilica. Here you can see how the craftsmen work and buy leather goods at reasonable prices.
Does the body feel the lack of ice cream? The authors of the Tripadvisor reviews strongly recommend Gelateria La Carraia in Santa Croce: according to them, they serve the best ice cream they have ever tasted.
EVENING: buon appetito
Wander through the sparsely populated area of Santa Croce to get into the local atmosphere, and then stop at the bar to relax and drink a daily aperitif. Lo Schiacciavino serves wine (Chianti is a specialty of the region) and delicious tagliere (cheese and meat board). Dine at the Adagio with local cuisine, which can be ordered from the regular menu or a tasting set menu of local and seasonal products. And celebrate your last night in Florence properly at Buca 10, the friendly bar next door, where you will have time to say “chin chin” before saying goodbye “ciao”.