Florence-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Italian breakfast at Caffè Rivoire (Piazza della Signoria, 4). Try their cornetto and cappuccino.
  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic Duomo (Piazza del Duomo), the cathedral complex of Santa Maria del Fiore. Explore the terracing and climb to the top for breathtaking views.

Afternoon

  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Head to the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) (Piazzale degli Uffizi, 1). Get tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
    • Explore the world-renowned art collection featuring Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation”.
  • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry shops and local artisans. Stop for lunch at Trattoria Cammillo (Ponte Vecchio), where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Visit the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) (Via Rondinella, 13), home to Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, “David”.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner at La Leggenda dei Frati (Piazza del Carmine). Try their seasonal menu and wine selection.
  • 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: End the day with a scenic stroll along the Arno River and admire the city’s charming atmosphere.

Day 2: Saturday

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at Caffè Rivoire (Piazza della Signoria, 4).
  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit the Palazzo Pitti (Palazzo Pitti) (Via de’ Tornabuoni), a grand palace that served as the main residence of the Medici family.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore the charming Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli), a beautiful park with stunning views.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Il Contadino (Via de’ Tornabuoni), a cozy trattoria serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Visit the San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo), a bustling marketplace filled with local artisans, souvenir shops, and food stalls.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Cantina del Gelso (Via dei Benci), a cozy wine bar serving small plates and wine.
  • 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: End the day with a scenic stroll along the Arno River and admire the city’s charming atmosphere.

Accommodations

Consider staying at:

Transportation

Florence has a compact city center that is easily walkable. However, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to get around.

  • Bus: The T1 bus line connects the city center to the surrounding areas.
  • Tram: The T2 tram line runs through the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Taxi: Available throughout the city.
  • Bike Rental: Rent a bike to explore the city on two wheels.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Florence is a conservative city; dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or museums.
  • Don’t touch art: Refrain from touching artworks or sculptures in museums and galleries.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular attractions can get crowded; plan accordingly and consider visiting early morning or late evening.
  • Learn some Italian: While many locals speak English, learning a few basic phrases will enhance your experience.

Other Recommendations

  • Gelato tour: Visit the city’s best gelaterias, such as Perchè No! and Il Gelataio di San Frediano.
  • Wine tasting: Sample local wines at a wine bar or shop.
  • Outdoor activities: Explore the surrounding countryside, go hiking, or take a boat tour on Lake Trasimeno.