Benvenuti a Firenze! One of Europe’s shining crown jewels, this Tuscan treasure is home to some of the most storied streets and magnificent museums in the world, and you can fit a lot into your 2 days in Florence. From the history of the Renaissance and the Medici family, to Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David, one is hard pressed not to fall in love with Florence. Having spent time living and working there myself, it really does hold a special place in my heart.
There is something almost palpable about the magic this city emits, evident from the first steps you take through the city center. As you meander your way through labyrinthine cobblestone alleyways, passing by a plethora of artisanal shops and cafes, the streets of Florence suddenly open up into sprawling squares, boasting famous landmarks like The Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio.
I would spend an entire month or more in Florence if I could, but as is the case for most of us, a quick weekend trip may be all we can squeeze in. A two-day itinerary such as this one is a great tool for seeing the main sites and utilizing your time well in Florence.
I’ll start off this ultimate two days in Florence guide with some suggestions on when to visit and where to stay and some other pressing FAQs. The first of two days of this itinerary and travel guide will cover places to visit on foot, all easily reachable from the centro storico (historic center). This includes some of the city’s most impressive sites, squares, churches, and viewpoints. The second day will cover a couple of my favorite museums (including seeing masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus). Finally, I’ll list what I’m sure many of you are here for – where to eat and go out at night! While the beauty and energy of Florence and its people are what draw me back to the city, let’s be honest – we’re here to eat. You’ll leave this guide hungry, but with some top spots in mind for your first Florentine feast.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Florence Itinerary Overview
Whether you’re visiting just Italy, or doing a big continental trip, Florence is a city that most travellers have plans to pass through, even for a couple of days. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Florence on countless occasions, and each visit unearths even more hidden gems than the trip before. The Italian city is simply a goldmine for all things history, culture and art.
This is why I’ve put together this 2 day Florence Itinerary, designed to help you maximise your short stay in the Tuscan capital. From exploring all the key city sites on foot, to taking in the world’s greater art, to answers to your most pressing questions about visiting Florence, my itinerary has it all.
What is the best time to visit Florence?
I recommend visiting Florence either in the late springtime (April) or early fall (September/October). Either of these travel dates should help you avoid the majority of the larger summer tourist crowds, which make simply crossing the city center a trek in itself due to the sheer volume of visitors that Florence attracts in the peak months. Additionally, should you happen to visit during Easter (Pasqua in Italian), you’ll be able to enjoy some spectacular displays for the holiday, namely at The Duomo.
Should you find yourself traveling during the summer or winter months – not to worry! Florence is beautiful year-round. Be warned, however, that the winters can be quite cold, while the summer is very hot and humid and feels quite stifling due to how built-up the city is.
What are the best things to do in Florence?
Before we get to my main Florence itinerary, I wanted to answer some quick questions that many tourists have about visiting Florence, and a brief breakdown of what to do in Florence is one of them. The city is packed with life-altering experiences – here’s just a few that make your list!
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Marvel at the The Duomo.
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Unwind in the the city’s historic piazzas.
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Tour the Palazzo Vecchio.
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Walk across the ancient Ponte Vecchio.
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Take in the Pitti Palace.
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Pick up a bargain at the Straw Market.
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See the Statue of David for yourself.
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Discover world class art at the Uffizi Gallery.
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Get back to nature in the Boboli Gardens.
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Walk in the steps of the Italian Masters.
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Indulge in Florentine cuisine and local gelati.
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Visit Florence’s coolest bars and clubs.
so much more!
Where to stay in Florence
There are various ways to go about booking your hotel or hostel in Florence, but if you’re on a limited schedule (two days, for example), I highly recommend securing accommodation located in the centro storico in order to maximize your experience. For the purposes of this ultimate two-day Florentine guide, I’ll provide three options for staying in or near the city center.
Below are options for a great affordable yet luxurious hotel, as well as a budget-friendly hostel for backpackers.
- Hotel Calimala (Hotel) – “Featuring a fitness centre, a terrace as well as a bar, Hotel Calimala is located in the centre of Florence, 800 metres from Santa Maria Novella. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. Certain rooms at the property include a balcony with a city view.”
- YellowSquare Florence (Hostel) – “Set in Florence, 1.5 km from Santa Maria Novella, YellowSquare Florence offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation features nightclub and a concierge service.”
Image: Hotel Calimala
How to get around Florence
One of the things that sets Florence apart from its Italian neighbors is its compact and easy-to-navigate layout. It only takes around half an hour to traverse the length of the city on foot and much of the city is closed to traffic to preserve its ancient streets (and because the roads can be super narrow). It is a joy in any season to explore the city on foot, and there’s truly a world wonder around every corner.
Florence also has an extensive bus and tram network, if you need to get to the city’s airport or to the main train station of the city, Santa Maria Novella. This large central train station has both domestic and international connections, and it’s easy to jump onboard and be in locations like Rome or Venice within a few hours.
The Firenze Card is a smart purchase if you need to use public transport while you’re in town. It’s most to allow you discounted access to many major landmarks across Florence, but you can add public transport to it too!
If you need to jump in a rideshare, Uber has a presence in Florence, and the city also has a number of local taxi companies. How taxis work is a little different here. You can’t hail a cab in Florence, instead you have to call one or head to one of the designated taxi stands of the city. And of course, Italians are renowned for getting around on Vespas, and you can hire one or simply take a tour on the back of one, to truly experience Florence like a local! I recommend this Florence Vespa tour, which leaves from town and takes you through the Tuscan countryside! It’s great if you can tack on an extra day to your itinerary.
The Ultimate 2-Day Florence Itinerary
Buongiorno, benvenuti, i andiamo! I hope you’re ready to explore the best Florence has to offer in 48 magical hours. Stay tuned of the end of this itinerary for more handy FAQs about Florence.
Florence Itinerary Day 1: Traverse the city on foot
It’s my firm belief that the best way to get a feel for a new city is by doing three things on your first day: explore widely, see the sunset from the highest and/or most scenic point possible, and spend the night eating and drinking like a local until you run out of steam. In Florence, fortunately, these activities involve some of the most amazing views, food, and architecture in the world!
Start your day by hitting the nearest café for some premium Italiano coffee to start your day. You’ll be hard pressed to find a poor-quality espresso in the centro storico. However, I prefer mine with a view. I recommend going to Rinascente Firenze in Piazza della Repubblica. It’s a department store, but hidden on the top floor is a bar/café with a rooftop offering a sweeping 360 degree view of Florence’s phenomenal skyline.
The Duomo
Let’s get straight to it. The Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), colloquially known as “il Duomo,” dominates the city’s skyline and is one of the prime attractions for a quick trip to the city. Construction began in 1296, was completed in 1436, and the dome was designed by founding father of Renaissance architecture Filippo Brunelleschi. It’s difficult to describe the feeling of rounding the corner and being floored for the first time by the view of this truly massive and magnificent marble structure. Additionally, the Duomo remains the largest brick dome ever constructed!
If you’d like to climb the 436 steps to the top of the dome, or perhaps climb the slightly less daunting belltower adjacent to the church itself, it will be necessary to reserve a place and buy your tickets here. It is possible to view the inside of the cathedral without a ticket or waiting in line for the dome, but if you’ve got the time, why not climb one of the world’s most impressive structures? I highly recommend it!
Piazza della Repubblica
On your way from the Duomo to the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, you’ll pass through the Piazza della Repubblica. It was the original site of the city’s Roman forum, would later be converted into Florence’s old ghetto, and now plays host to a carousel, jovial street musicians, and a variety of cafés, shops, and restaurants.
Piazza della Signoria & The Palazzo Vecchio
Winding your way towards the Arno River, you’ll now make your way to Piazza della Signoria and the city’s 13th century palace and old city hall, the Palazzo Vecchio. This building can be toured and climbed as well (there’s a theme here – lots of history, lots of stairs!), but given a two-day time crunch, I would recommend making today about seeing a variety of sites. Day 2 will include more prolonged and historic museum visits.
A few sites in this square (aside from the impressive Palazzo Vecchio) are sure to catch your eye. You’ll find an impressive fountain dedicated to Neptune, a replica of Michelangelo’s David (you’ll see the real one tomorrow at the Galleria dell’Accademia), and lastly, Loggia dei Lanzi. This final attraction houses some impressive statues and is a great place to pause and take in the beauty of the city and bustle of this large square.
At this point as a suggestion for a quick bite, one of my favorite sandwich shops in the entire world is just down the street! Take a visit to All’Antico Vinaio on Via dei Neri for panino and be sure to order prosciutto crudo with sheep’s cheese. If you’re into it, I highly recommend the truffle sauce as well.
Ponte Vecchio
It’s now time to venture to the other side of the Arno River while crossing one of the most impressive bridges in Europe! There are a few notable pedestrian and car bridges connecting the centro storico to Oltranrno on the other side of the river, but by far the most impressive and historically enriching is the Ponte Vecchio.
Once occupied by butchers, tanners, and farmers, jewelry shops now line the sides of this picturesque bridge. Stroll across, stop for gelato or coffee if you need it (you deserve it!), and head straight onwards until you reach the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace).
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
This opulent structure and its connecting gardens were purchased by the Medici family in 1549, and was originally built in 1458 for Florentine banker Luca Pitti. Napoleon once resided here, using it has a center of power in the 18th century, and it is now one of the most impressive and sprawling museum complexes in the world. At this point, I would recommend having tickets purchased ahead of time by going here, or if you want to save your museum mindset for Day 2, simply purchase a ticket on site to stroll the Boboli Gardens. They’re quite impressive in themselves.
photo via unsplash
Sunset at Ponte Santa Trinita
There are two places that cannot be passed up for a sunset in Florence. The more famous is Piazzale Michelangelo, which we’ll visit tomorrow. The other, while not a secret, is still lesser-known. Ponte Santa Trinita is a Renaissance-era bridge located just down the river from the Ponte Vecchio, and thus offers fantastic views of the more famous bridge. On the other side towards the west, you’ll be treated with a perfect view of the setting Tuscan sun.
Equipping yourself with the proper sunset provisions is also necessary – there is a great gelato shop (Gelateria Santa Trinita) just down the river to your right. Another, one of my all-time favorites (La Carraia), is situated on the corner of the next bridge down (Ponte alla Carraia). You could also hit a shop for a bottle of wine (ask them to open it and also for bicchier plastica – plastic cups).
Florence’s famous truffle gnocchi
This. Is. What. We’re. Here. For. Time to eat!
At the bottom of this guide, you can find a list of my favorite restaurants in Florence. However, for your first night I highly recommend a meal at Osteria Santo Spirito. It’s conveniently located near your sunset stop off above, and the truffle gnocchi is one of the most delectable dishes I’ve eaten in my entire life. You’ll need to make a reservation as the place is always busy, and if you do end up waiting a bit for your table to clear, just know that it’s more than worth it!
Also included at the bottom of this two-day itinerary for Florence are nightlife options. So keep reading!
Florence Itinerary Day 2: David, The Uffizi & World Class Art
Depending on the type of traveler you are, you can sleep in a little later, or hit the streets at sunrise to explore more of Florence! It’s day two of your quick trip to the city, and you can make today as busy or as relaxing as you like. For me, after seeing the sites and covering a lot of ground yesterday, day two should be at a slower pace but still include must-see places we missed yesterday. In Florence, this means prioritizing a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David, the Galleria della Uffizi for such famous works as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” and finally, Florence’s most famed sunset spot: Piazzale Michelangelo.
See Michelangelo’s David for yourself
Michelangelo’s 17 foot-tall David is perhaps one of the most famous statues in the world, and is truly a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Created between 1501 and 1504 from a single block of unwanted marble, this one is the real deal. You’ll find various replicas around Florence, but you really do need to see the real thing to get a feeling for just how enormous it is. Once situated outside Palazzo Vecchio, David was moved in 1873 and now resides permanently at the Galleria dell’Accademia. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time here.
A lunch to write home about
One of my go-to’s from during my time living in Florence is located just a bit out of the city center, and therefore may not be as well-known as some other places. Whenever I visit the city, I make sure to have at least one lunch from the menu of the day at Trattoria il Contadino. You can customize your culinary experience to include various starters and main courses, and pair it with a generous serving of local wine. Take your time and enjoy the food before heading off to your next world-famous museum!
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi is awe-inspiring from an architectural standpoint alone, and given the fact that it houses the most impressive collection of Renaissance-era paintings and sculptures in the world, it’s an absolute must-see when visiting the Tuscan capital.
The collection here is as large as it is aesthetically breathtaking, and due to that you’ll need at least a couple of hours if not more to properly experience the profound experience that is this gallery. You’ll also be treated with views from the museum’s hallway windows of the Piazza della Signoria as well as the River Arno. In fact, you may even get a chance to glance at the secret passageway that the Mecidi’s famously used to travel above the rest of the city from the Palazzo Vecchio, through the Uffizi, and all the way to the Palazzo Pitti!
For the Uffizi it will be necessary to get tickets ahead of time as there are often long lines to get in (especially in peak months) and it’s one of the country’s most popular museums. I recommend booking early in order to lock down your desired time slot and plan for 2-3 hours to explore the entire site at your leisure.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
At this point in your itinerary you’ve explored, perhaps gotten lost (in a fun way!), and sampled a healthy amount of Florence’s phenomenal food. It’s time to grab a bottle of vino and some bread and cheese, and head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for one of the square’s awe-inspiring sunsets. It’s safe to say that across all of my travels, this is my favorite sunset view of all.
The square itself it quite large, however the action is all on the staircase facing the west at sunset. Plant yourself amongst other tourists and locals while enjoying the music that is so often played by buskers in front of the crowd. It’s a view that you won’t be forgetting anytime soon!
If you arrive prior to sunset or would like to explore a bit more, there is a basilica (Basilica de San Miniato al Monte) just up the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo. If you’re lucky, the monks will be singing in the crypt below, which is open to the public. Be warned though, no food, drink or noise is permitted there. You can respectfully enter and enjoy the impressive yet austere beauty of the church service.
Above all, though, take the time to set your phone down, tip your glass up, and take in the view of the sun setting across the fairytale Florentine skyline. After the magic in the air starts to dissipate, it’s once again time to head to one of the city’s best restaurants and later, out for drinks and dancing if you so desire!
Keep reading for a few of my Florentine favorites…
The Best Places To Eat In Florence
Below are some of my favorite places that I’ve personally eaten at in Florence. I ate a lot when I lived here, so I’ve got a lot of insider tips for you! The following is divided into lists for dine-in spots for either lunch or dinner, casual eats like pizza and panini, gelato, and finally, aperitivo. Aperitivo, if you didn’t know, is the wonderful and welcoming social practice of going for a cocktail and finger food prior to heading to dinner later in the night. The Florentines know food and they know wine, and you’ll need to pace yourself in order to enjoy it all and see it through until the end of the night!
Where to eat lunch and dinner in Florence
- Osteria Santo Spirito – One of my all-time favorite restaurants, situated on Piazza Santo Spirito. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation, get a seat on the terrace if possible, and do not miss out on the truffle gnocchi.
- Ristorante La Spada – The family style “Bruno Special” is a personal favorite, and includes a ridiculous amount of homemade pasta, roast chicken, potatoes, and more. However, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.
- Trattoria Anita – A cozy restaurant welcoming locals and tourists alike, I try to make a stop here each time I visit for Florence for the gorgonzola ravioli and caccio e pepe.
- La Giostra –An intimate and upscale establishment that is perfect for a date, special occasion, or simply ticking one of Florence’s best food establishments off your Italian bucket list.
- La Buchetta – A typical Tuscan establishment with an extensive wine list, as well as a menu in which you’d be challenged to find something that’s anything less than stellar.
- Gatto e la Volpe – A gem in the middle of the historic center, this is perfect for either lunch or dinner. Highly recommend the penne alla vodka.
- La Ghiotta – Located in Sant’Ambrosio, you’ll enjoy a nice change of pace in a cozy and bustling establishment. Don’t miss out on the coccoli with stracchino cheese.
- Il Contadino – By far my favorite places for a menu-of-the-day-style lunch. Round off your meal with a small personal pitcher of the house wine and leave lunch a little looser than you arrived.
The best pizza and panini in Florence
- Gusta Pizza & Pizzeria Riva d’Arno – Florence’s most famous pizza. The same group owns both places, so if Gusta is too busy (I usually sit on the steps in Piazza Santo Spirito after grabbing my own pizza), the riverside location is always an option with less people and even better views.
- All’Antico Vinaio – Florence’s most famous panini. The freshest ingredients possible make for a phenomenal sandwich! The wait is worth it, and I recommend getting prosciutto crudo, veggies, sheep’s cheese, and truffle sauce.
- Pino’s/Salumeria Verdi – Pino’s is a hit amongst the study abroad / backpacker crowd and locals alike, and for good reason! His sandwiches are out of this world delicious, and he also has a great menu of the day with homemade Tuscan specialties. If you’re interested in vino, his other establishment is called Il Pozzo Divino, which is an 800 year-old wine cellar offering tastings and classes.
The best gelato in Florence
- La Carraia I & II – With so many choices at hand, it’s hard to pick a “best” gelato spot in town. However, La Carraia might just be the one to take that title!
- Gelateria Santa Trinita – Always busy and for good reason, this killer gelato shop is located next to Ponta Santa Trinity, making it convenient for getting your goods to go and taking in the views on the bridge.
- Gelalteria dei Neri – This slice of foodie heaven is located at the bottom of Via dei Neri, and you’ll be treated to some of the finest flavors the Florentine gelato scene has to offer.
The best aperitivo in Florence
- Moyo – A cool cocktail bar offering daily aperitivo. Try out an aperol spritz and sample the spread as well.
- Kitsch – Like many other pubs and aperitivo joints, you’ll pay a fixed price here for one cocktail and as much food as you’d like.
- Caffè Gilli – The birthplace of the Negroni cocktail and also the oldest cafe in Florence deserves a visit any day of the week.
- Procacci 1885 – An authentic little Florence wine bar dream, with a speciality in my favourite culinary delicacy – truffles!
Best Nightlife Recommendations For 2 Days In Florence
Nightlife in Florence is buzzing most nights (especially on weekends), and you might be surprised to find out that there are no open container laws here! However, you of course do need to be respectful of noise and throwing away cans/bottles while drinking on the street.
As far as a timeline goes, most people will head out on the town after dinner (11pm or so), and depending on the venue, can be out drinking and dancing until well past 4am. Check out this quick list of some spots for drinks and dancing below, and enjoy!
The coolest bars in Florence
- Lion’s Fountain – It may sound silly to suggest visiting an Irish pub in Italy, but this spot is well worth it day or night. A hit amongst travelers and the study abroad crowd, you can enjoy a quality menu of bar food and sit on the terrace people watching during the day, or hit the Sambuca and get rowdy at night.
- Red Garter – Another Florentine go-to amongst the backpacker crowd, Red Garter has been rocking since 1962 and offers great bar food, a pub and a nightclub with various events throughout the week. You won’t have a bad time here.
- Beer House Club – Florence’s home for craft beer. With a long list of beers brewed in Florence and beyond, this place is great for a night out or for simply sipping on something delicious in the afternoon.
- Harry’s Bar Firenze – An upscale joint and the perfect stop for classy cocktails, a great liquor selection, or simply a wine or beer.
- Caffetteria del Oblate – Hidden away on the top floor of a library, the view of the Duomo alone make stopping by this café worth it. Espresso or cocktail, you can’t go wrong.
- The Westin Excelsior Rooftop – you may not be staying in the penthouse here, but you can still visit the rooftop bar for a cold cocktail and one of the best views on top of the Arno.
The best nightclubs in Florence
- Tenax – Florence’s home for techno. This nightclub is one of the city’s most storied and longstanding in terms of dance music history. It’s a trek but the vibes are worth it.
- The Blob Club – When the bars close, a good bet is always following the industry crowd to the late-night spot. This is it! A two-story cozy nightclub, Blob is a place where the cool kids go.
- Manduca – in the warmer months, be on the lookout for parties at this open-air venue from promoters Sunflower and Fragolize.
- Space – if you need your Top 40 and bottle service clubbing fix, this is the place.
Other options for dancing and partying all night: Yab and Club21.
Am I missing anything from my 2-Day Florence itinerary?
While this guide for 48 hours in Florence is full of insider suggestions and jam-packed with activities, 2 days are certainly enough time to see the best that this Tuscan treasure has to offer. If I’m missing anything that should be included in this guide, shoot me an email and let me know!
Planning a trip to Florence and Italy?
Below you’ll find just a few of my favourite Italy guides from my blog. Having lived there and visited many times, it holds a special place in my heart. I’m always happy to provide tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time.
- 10 Amazing Things to do in Florence, Italy
- The Best 10 Day Italy Itinerary For First Time Visitors
- The Ultimate 3 Days in Rome Itinerary & Travel Guide
- 70+ Fun, Fascinating, and Interesting Facts About Italy
- How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Rome for First Time Visitors
- The Best 10 Things to do in Porto Ercole, Italy
- Top 23 Music Festivals in Italy to Experience Before you Die
- 30 Music Festivals in Europe to Experience BEfore You Die
- The 13 Best Places to Visit in Europe in February
- One Week Intro To Italy Travel Itinerary
- 15 Best Beach Resorts In Italy For Your Bucket List
- 15 Epic Castle Hotels In Italy
Very informative article :) Thank you for providing this information, now i could plan my itinerary for my next trip to Italy. but is there any issue with the language since most of my friends told me that majority of the people speak Italian language?
Thank you for this useful information now I could plan my itinerary when I visit Florence. I also love the info about where I can stay using Air Bnb. So excited to check out the jewelry shops in Ponte Vecchio as well and later on try the gelato!
Thank you for sharing this useful information. The whole itinerary of Florence could be planned around that.
It is definitely making a place in bookmarks now.
Visiting Florence would be a dream come true. I have always wanted to visit this place and would surely visit it once I get vaccinated.