Our 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Guests – Wild Junket

Final Up to date on August 27, 2025

Florence is a metropolis that grabs you and doesn’t let go. I keep in mind that overwhelming sensation once I arrived in Florence after strolling the Path of Gods from Bologna, wandering its cobblestone streets, fully mesmerized. It felt much less like a metropolis and extra like an open-air museum, the place each nook revealed one other masterpiece.

Because the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with an nearly overwhelming quantity of artwork and historical past. However past the world-famous galleries and iconic landmarks, there’s a vibrant, beating coronary heart to Florence. It’s within the energetic chatter of the native markets, the clinking of glasses in a hidden trattoria, and the easy pleasure of consuming an ideal scoop of gelato on a sun-drenched piazza. 

I’ve designed this 3-day Florence itinerary to present you a style of all of it – the monumental artwork, the unimaginable Italian meals, and the simple allure that makes this metropolis so particular. This information is ideal for first-timers, mixing well-known must-sees with native experiences that can assist you fall in love with Florence, simply as I did.

Day 1: The Coronary heart of the Renaissance

Discover the Duomo Advanced 

Your first morning is all about diving headfirst into Florence’s most iconic sight: the Piazza del Duomo. The centerpiece, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), is just breathtaking. Its sheer scale and the intricate pink, inexperienced, and white marble façade are a spectacle in themselves. 

I strongly advocate pre-booking a non-public Florence Duomo tour with Dome climb, which supplies you a timed slot to climb the 463 steps of Brunelleschi’s Dome and features a guided metropolis tour with an area skilled. The climb is an expertise, taking you alongside slender, centuries-old passageways, however the reward is the one finest panoramic view of Florence.

If in case you have time, try the opposite monuments within the sq.: Giotto’s Bell Tower (one other improbable climb for a unique perspective), the Baptistery of St. John with its gleaming reproduction of the “Gates of Paradise,” and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Don’t skip the museum; it homes the unique masterpieces made for the Duomo, together with Ghiberti’s precise Gates of Paradise, that are mind-blowing up shut.

Admire Michelangelo’s David

This afternoon is devoted to assembly a real icon: Michelangelo’s David. The statue is housed within the Galleria dell’Accademia, and I can’t stress this sufficient: e-book your Galleria dell’Accademia tickets properly prematurely. Seeing the 17-foot marble sculpture in individual is a second that can stick with you ceaselessly; the element and sheer presence are awe-inspiring. You possibly can

After your time on the Accademia, take a leisurely stroll to Piazza della Signoria, the town’s political coronary heart for hundreds of years. This gorgeous sq. is an outside sculpture gallery in its personal proper, that includes the grand Palazzo Vecchio (the city corridor), a reproduction of David in its authentic location, and the flowery Fountain of Neptune.

Watch Sundown over the Arno and Oltrarno Appeal

Because the afternoon gentle softens, head in direction of the river and the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, well-known for the glittering jewellery outlets constructed alongside it. Cross the bridge to the Oltrarno district, generally known as Florence’s artisan quarter.

Finish the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, a big terrace providing that picture-postcard view of Florence. Watching the sundown from right here, because the sky turns orange and pink behind the Duomo and the town lights start to glitter, is the right, unforgettable finish to your first day.

Day 2: Medici Energy, Markets & Masterpieces

Browse the Uffizi Gallery

Put together for an artwork overload at one of many world’s biggest artwork museums, the Uffizi Gallery. Housed within the former workplaces of the Medici household, its assortment is a roll-call of Renaissance masters. You’ll see Botticelli’s “The Delivery of Venus” and “Primavera,” alongside unimaginable works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Once more, reserving skip-the-line tickets on-line is crucial to keep away from spending hours in a queue. Give your self not less than three hours to do it justice.

Get pleasure from a Meals Market Feast 

After a morning of excessive artwork, it’s time for a feast for the senses on the Mercato Centrale (Central Market). The bottom flooring is a standard meals market buzzing with locals shopping for recent produce, meats, and cheeses. Head upstairs to the colourful, fashionable meals corridor, the place you’ll be able to select from dozens of high-quality meals stalls serving lampredotto (a Florentine tripe sandwich) and connoisseur burgers.

From the market, you’re simply steps away from the sprawling outside San Lorenzo Market, well-known for its limitless stalls of leather-based items. It’s the spot to browse for luggage, belts, and jackets, however be ready to haggle for an excellent value.

Discover Santa Croce

Tonight, discover the Santa Croce neighborhood. It’s a energetic space with a extra native really feel than the Duomo district. The primary sq. is dominated by the gorgeous Basilica di Santa Croce, the ultimate resting place of many illustrious Italians, together with Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The piazza is a good spot to calm down at a café. For dinner, the world is filled with improbable trattorias.

Day 3: Palaces, Gardens & A Remaining Deal with

Wander round Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

Cross the river again into the Oltrarno this morning to discover the lavish Pitti Palace, the large former residence of the Medici dukes. The palace is now divided into a number of museums, together with the Palatine Gallery, which is stuffed with an unimaginable assortment of works by artists like Raphael and Titian.

Behind the palace lie the magnificent Boboli Gardens, an ideal instance of Italian Renaissance backyard design. Spend the remainder of the morning wandering by means of its cypress-lined avenues, discovering hidden fountains, sculptures, and grottoes. Your ticket additionally grants you entry to the close by Bardini Gardens, a less-crowded gem with gorgeous wisteria within the spring and spectacular metropolis views.

Be taught Tuscan Delicacies

In your closing afternoon, immerse your self in Florence’s world-renowned meals tradition. I extremely advocate a hands-on Tuscan cooking class. Many lessons begin with a visit to an area market to pick recent substances earlier than you study to arrange basic regional dishes like recent pasta and tiramisu, all adopted by a scrumptious meal of your personal making, paired with native wine. It’s a enjoyable, scrumptious, and memorable method to expertise a cornerstone of Tuscan life. You possibly can seek for Florence cooking lessons right here.

An Oltrarno Farewell

In your final night, benefit from the bohemian environment of the Oltrarno, which really comes alive at evening. The neighborhood of Santo Spirito, particularly, is an area favourite, with a energetic piazza stuffed with improbable bars and eating places. Discover a cozy trattoria for a closing Florentine dinner, maybe at Osteria Santo Spirito or Trattoria La Casalinga, and lift a glass of Chianti for an exquisite journey.

Florence Journey Information

Easy methods to Get to Florence

By Aircraft

Florence’s airport is Amerigo Vespucci (FLR), situated just some kilometers from the town middle. A taxi has a set price to the middle, or you’ll be able to take the environment friendly T2 tram line immediately from the airport to the primary prepare station. Alternatively, many guests fly into Pisa Worldwide Airport (PSA), which is about an hour away and linked to Florence by a daily prepare and bus service. Seek for flights right here.

By Prepare

Florence is a significant hub on Italy’s high-speed rail community, making it extremely simple to reach from different cities like Rome (round 1.5 hours) or Milan (round 2 hours). The primary station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), is conveniently situated on the sting of the historic middle, inside strolling distance of many motels and sights.

Greatest Time to Journey to Florence

The perfect instances to go to Florence are throughout the shoulder seasons: spring (April-Could) and autumn (September-October). Throughout these months, the climate is pleasantly gentle, making it excellent for strolling round, and the town is fantastically adorned with spring blossoms or autumnal colors. Whereas nonetheless in style, the crowds are usually smaller than within the peak summer time months of June and July, when the warmth could be intense.

Easy methods to Get Round Florence

By Foot

Florence is a splendidly compact metropolis, and the very best method to discover the historic middle is on foot. Most main points of interest are inside a 15-20 minute stroll of one another. Pack snug footwear, as you’ll be strolling on uneven cobblestone streets.

By Public Transport

For longer distances, like attending to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence has an environment friendly system of buses and trams (Tramvia) run by Autolinee Toscane. The tram is fashionable, quick, and the simplest method to journey between the airport, the prepare station, and the outskirts.

Buses cowl the whole metropolis, with helpful strains for vacationers being the #12 or #13 to Piazzale Michelangelo. You should buy tickets (€1.70 for 90 minutes) at tobacco outlets (Tabacchi), newsstands, or through the app. You can even faucet a contactless card immediately on board the trams and a few buses. At all times bear in mind to validate your paper ticket within the machine whenever you board to keep away from a fantastic. For a extra versatile method to discover, you may additionally think about a hop-on hop-off tour, with passes obtainable for 1 to three days.

By Taxi

Taxis are white and could be discovered at official taxi ranks all through the town (e.g., on the prepare station, Piazza della Repubblica). You can not hail a taxi on the road; you have to go to a rank or e-book one by cellphone or textual content. Notice that Uber doesn’t function in Florence.

The place to Keep in Florence

The Greatest Areas to Keep in Florence

• Centro Storico (Duomo/Uffizi): That is the very best space for first-time guests who need to be within the coronary heart of the motion. You’ll be steps away from all the foremost sights. The draw back is that it’s probably the most crowded and usually the costliest space.
• Oltrarno (Santo Spirito/San Frediano): Situated throughout the river, this neighborhood provides a extra genuine, bohemian vibe. It’s my private favourite, identified for its artisan workshops, improbable eating places, and energetic native environment, whereas nonetheless being only a quick stroll from the middle.
• Santa Croce: An incredible mixture of vacationer sights and native life. The world is energetic, particularly within the evenings, with loads of eating places and bars. It provides a barely extra native really feel than the Duomo space.
• Santa Maria Novella: Handy for these arriving by prepare or planning many day journeys, this space provides extra budget-friendly lodging. The streets instantly across the station can really feel a bit chaotic, however the space across the Piazza Santa Maria Novella itself is sort of charming.

Luxurious: 4 Seasons Resort Firenze

Tucked away in a tranquil nook of the town, the 4 Seasons Resort Firenze is arguably probably the most breathtaking resort in Florence. We have been fully blown away by this property, which is housed in a Renaissance palazzo and boasts the town’s largest non-public backyard. It appears like a peaceable, inexperienced oasis, but you’re only a quick stroll from the Duomo. Examine charges right here.

Luxurious: Resort Lungarno

Owned by the Ferragamo household, Resort Lungarno is the one resort located immediately on the Arno River, and its rooms provide mesmerizing, front-row views of the Ponte Vecchio. We stayed right here for a particular anniversary, and waking as much as that view felt like residing in a portray. The resort’s nautical-themed decor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and unique ambiance make it a really particular Florentine retreat. Examine charges right here.

Mid Vary: Resort Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

We have been so impressed with Resort Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio for its unimaginable location and basic allure. It’s located proper on the foot of the Ponte Vecchio within the Oltrarno district, placing you within the coronary heart of the artisan quarter. What we liked most was the rooftop terrace, which has two ranges providing jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Duomo and the whole metropolis skyline. Examine charges right here.

Price range: PLUS Florence

For vacationers on a finances who don’t need to sacrifice fashion or facilities, PLUS Florence is an absolute standout. It’s a contemporary, upscale hostel that actually impressed us with its amenities, together with a rooftop pool and terrace bar with unimaginable views of the Duomo. It provides each non-public rooms and dorms, a fantastic social environment, and is conveniently situated close to the prepare station and Mercato Centrale. Examine charges right here.

The place to Eat in Florence

Greatest Markets and Informal Eats

• All’Antico Vinaio: The undisputed king of panini. Large sandwiches stuffed with Tuscan specialties. Anticipate a line. Costs vary from €5-€8.
• Mercato Centrale: The upstairs meals court docket is a must-visit for an informal lunch with limitless high-quality choices, from pasta to pizza to burgers. Meals usually vary from €6-€12.
• Gusta Pizza: A neighborhood favourite within the Oltrarno for genuine, scrumptious, and low-cost Neapolitan-style pizza. Seize it to-go and eat on the steps of the Santo Spirito church. Pizzas value round €6-€9.
• Trattoria Mario: A legendary, family-run establishment close to the Mercato Centrale serving conventional Florentine meals. It’s solely open for lunch and doesn’t take reservations, so queue early. Take a look at the opinions.
• Trattoria La Casalinga: A comfy, beloved trattoria within the Oltrarno serving basic home-style Tuscan cooking. Take a look at the opinions.
• La Giostra: For a extra romantic, upscale expertise, this restaurant is legendary for its pear and pecorino ravioli and scrumptious steak. Take a look at the opinions.
• Osteria Santo Spirito: A preferred spot in a energetic piazza, well-known for its truffle gnocchi served in a large bowl, excellent for sharing. Take a look at the opinions.

Easy methods to Get an Italian SIM card

Staying linked in Florence is straightforward. Most motels, cafes, and eating places provide free Wi-Fi. For knowledge on the go, eSIMs are probably the most handy possibility. You should purchase and set up a pay as you go knowledge plan from suppliers and get on-line the second you land. I’ve at all times used eSIMs from Airalo, and so they’ve constantly given me good charges and buyer assist.

Ideas for Your Journey to Florence

• E book Forward – For the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, reserving tickets on-line not less than a month prematurely is essential to keep away from spending hours in line. The identical goes for climbing the Duomo.
• Museum Closures – Remember that many museums in Florence, together with the Uffizi and Accademia, are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
• Firenze Card – If you happen to plan to go to many museums, look into the Firenze Card. It offers entry to quite a few metropolis museums with precedence entry, although it’s best to calculate if it’s cost-effective on your particular plans.
• Snug Sneakers – That is non-negotiable. You can be strolling loads on onerous, uneven cobblestones.
• Be taught Primary Italian – Whereas English is frequent in vacationer areas, studying a number of phrases like per favore (please), grazie (thanks), and buongiorno (good day) is at all times appreciated by locals.

Additional Studying on Italy

Thanks for studying this far! I hope this weekend in Florence information has impressed you to begin planning your journey. Whether or not you’re in search of the right 3 days in Florence or crafting your personal 3 day Florence itinerary, I hope these concepts show you how to benefit from your time on this gorgeous Renaissance metropolis.

Have you ever been to Florence earlier than? Which spots have been your favourite? Let me know within the feedback beneath—I’d love to listen to your suggestions and reply any questions you may need!

For many who are planning to discover extra of Italy, try a few of these articles for additional studying:

Disclaimer: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. if you happen to e-book a keep by means of one in all my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks on your assist!

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