Discover Florence in 3 days! Explore Duomo, Uffizi Gallery & more. Make the most of your trip. Start planning now!
It is no coincidence that it is one of the world’s most beloved Italian cities. It is more than just an open-air museum; Florence retains intact the grace and elegance that made it the cradle of the Renaissance. We suggest an itinerary to visit Florence in three days and discover its most important treasures, but we know you’ll return there anyway.
- Is 3 days in Florence enough?
- What to see in florence italy in 3 days
- Day-1, Morning: Santa Maria del Fiore
- Day 1 – Late Morning: Piazza della Signoria and surroundings
- Day-1, after lunch: The Uffizi and the Lungarno
- Day-2, Morning: the Piazza San Marco district
- Day-2, Afternoon: Bargello Museum and Piazza Santa Croce
- Day-3, Morning: Oltrarno Pitti Palace
- Day-3, Afternoon: Piazzale Michelangelo
- Reaching Florence by train
Is 3 days in Florence enough?
Three days in Florence is a good amount of time to see the city’s highlights, especially if you’re interested in art, architecture, and history. You can visit the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David), and other major sights. You’ll also have time to wander the charming streets, sample the delicious food, and soak up the atmosphere.
However, if you want to delve deeper into Florence’s culture and explore its many off-the-beaten-path attractions, you might want to consider a longer stay. There are also many great day trips you can take from Florence, such as to Siena, Pisa, or Cinque Terre.
| Timing | Itinerary Stops |
|---|---|
| Day 1 Morning | Santa Maria del Fiore |
| Day 1 Late Morning | Piazza della Signoria and surroundings |
| Day 1 After Lunch | The Uffizi and the Lungarno |
| Day 2 Morning | The Piazza San Marco district |
| Day 2 Afternoon | Bargello Museum and Piazza Santa Croce |
| Day 3 Morning | Oltrarno Pitti Palace |
| Day 3 Afternoon | Piazzale Michelangelo |
What to see in Florence in 3 days?
Day-1, Morning: Santa Maria del Fiore
Depending on where you are staying, use public transportation or take a walk to the center of Florence. In Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the scene unchallenged, thanks to that marvel of aesthetics and architecture that is Brunelleschi’s Dome. There’s no excuse not to tackle the 400 steps that will take you to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower: the breathtaking view of the city will repay your effort!
Don’t forget to visit the Baptistery, right next door!
Day 1 – Late Morning: Piazza della Signoria and surroundings
From piazza del Duomo continue on via dei calzaiuoli to arrive in Piazza della Signoria, the place from which the city’s ancient and recent history has passed. For now, “settle” for the copy of Michelangelo’s David that stands in the square: tomorrow you will see the original 🙂
After a tour around the Neptune Fountain, visit the Palazzo Vecchio (which is still the seat of the City Council) and devote part of the visit to the Salone del Cinquecento, where numerous frescoes and sculptures of worldwide importance by artists such as Ghirlandaio, Vasari, Michelangelo, and Donatello are preserved.
Given the high attendance in all seasons, especially on weekends, we recommend that you book your visit to Palazzo Vecchio in advance, using the references on the Florentine Civic Museums website.
After a tour around the Neptune Fountain, visit the Palazzo Vecchio (which is still the seat of the City Council) and devote part of the visit to the Salone del Cinquecento, where numerous frescoes and sculptures of worldwide importance by artists such as Ghirlandaio, Vasari, Michelangelo, and Donatello are preserved.
Given the high attendance in all seasons, especially on weekends, we recommend that you book your visit to Palazzo Vecchio in advance, using the references on the Florentine Civic Museums website.
At this point, hunger will set in, not least because from the Dome, you can easily smell the intense aroma of freshly baked bread. Follow your nose to Cimatori Street and enter the tiny store “I due Fratellini” or one of the many street food trucks.
It’s one of the most mouth-watering and authentic places in the entire city: enjoy a hot sandwich stuffed with Tuscan delicacies: prosciutto and truffled pecorino, anchovies and butter… We’re not so sure you’ll only eat one!
Day-1, after lunch: The Uffizi and the Lungarno
Now that you’ve regained your energy, there’s no excuse not to tackle the 400 steps that will take you to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower: the breathtaking view of the city will repay your effort!
Once back down, head for the Uffizi Gallery: one of the most famous museums in Italy and the world. We strongly suggest you buy tickets online in advance to avoid the endless queues at the ticket counters. Botticelli’s Venus and Spring await you.
To finish off the day, you could indulge your romantic streak by strolling on the banks of the River Arno, enjoying the sunset as you cross the Ponte Vecchio. You won’t regret it.
Day-2: the Piazza San Marco district
Begin your day at Piazza San Marco, a bustling district teeming with history and culture. Whether by foot or public transport, make your way to the renowned Accademia Gallery. Here, prepare to be captivated by the magnificence of Michelangelo’s David, an unparalleled masterpiece that exudes timeless brilliance. Immerse yourself in the splendor of Renaissance artistry as you admire other remarkable works, including “The Rape of the Sabine Women” and “Madonna and Child” by Giambologna and Botticelli, respectively.
Piazza di San Lorenzo, another gem awaiting your exploration. Delve into the vibrant ambiance of the surrounding market bearing the same name, offering an array of local handcrafted delights and souvenirs. Lose yourself in the maze of stalls brimming with artisanal crafts and unique mementos, each telling a story of Florentine heritage and craftsmanship.
If you’re partial to good food, you won’t resist the powerful lure of the flavors wafting into the square from some of the stalls. Indeed, here’s where you can sample the best of Florentine street food tradition: lampredotto, tripe, and porchetta.
Day-2, Afternoon: Bargello Museum and Piazza Santa Croce
Embark on an afternoon of cultural immersion and artistic enlightenment as you delve into afternoon Day-2’s itinerary, featuring the Bargello Museum and Piazza Santa Croce. Step into the Bargello Museum, a hidden gem brimming with unparalleled treasures of Renaissance sculpture and decorative arts. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Cellini, each piece showcasing the epitome of artistic brilliance.
After exploring the museum’s captivating collections, wander through the historic Piazza Santa Croce, a vibrant square steeped in history and architectural splendor. Admire the majestic façade of the Basilica di Santa Croce, the final resting place of illustrious figures including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the square, dotted with charming cafes and artisanal boutiques, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Florentine culture.
Day-3, Morning: Oltrarno Pitti Palace
Uncover the allure of Florence’s left bank, nestled along the picturesque Arno River, a destination not to be missed on your Florence itinerary. Dive into a world of timeless elegance and artistic grandeur as you embark on a journey to the renowned Pitti Palace and the enchanting Boboli Gardens.
Hop on public transportation and make your way to the majestic Pitti Palace, a bastion of Renaissance magnificence. Delve into the opulent halls adorned with exquisite artworks from renowned masters such as Raphael, Titian, and Rubens. Marvel at the intricate details of the palace’s architecture, each corner whispering tales of a bygone era.
After exploring the grandeur of the palace, take a leisurely stroll through the verdant oasis of the Boboli Gardens. Lose yourself in the tranquil ambiance as you wander amidst lush greenery, ornate fountains, and hidden grottoes. Admire the symphony of colors and fragrances that dance around you, offering a sensory feast for the soul.
Day-3, Afternoon: Piazzale Michelangelo
Ascend to the captivating heights of Piazzale Michelangelo and behold a breathtaking panorama that unveils the essence of Florence’s timeless beauty. Marvel at the iconic landmarks that grace the skyline, each bearing witness to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the majestic Duomo to the iconic Ponte Vecchio and the stately Palazzo Vecchio, these architectural marvels adorn the landscape like gems in a crown, captivating visitors with their splendor.
As you gaze upon the cityscape from Piazzale Michelangelo, immerse yourself in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting a radiant hue of gold and crimson upon the city below. Capture the essence of Florence’s enchanting beauty as it unfolds before your eyes, a timeless spectacle that beckons to be immortalized in memory and photograph alike. Feel the heartbeat of the city pulsating through its winding streets and bustling piazzas, each telling a story of centuries past and present.
Piazzale Michelangelo stands as a testament to Florence’s allure, inspiring wanderlust and wonder in all who visit. Whether admiring the cityscape by day or basking in the ethereal glow of twilight, each moment spent atop this panoramic perch is a treasure to behold. Let your senses be enraptured by the symphony of sights and sounds that surround you, as you bear witness to Florence’s eternal charm and grace.
If you have some time left at the end of the day in Florence, you should indulge in some shopping in the best Italian craft shops!
Reaching Florence by train
Italo takes you to the heart of the Renaissance every day with many trains to Florence, from Bologna, Brescia, Milan, Naples, Padua, Reggio Emilia, Rome, Salerno, Turin, Venice, Verona, and Ferrara. Did you know that from Rome Tiburtina, you reach Florence in just one hour and twenty minutes? Plan your three-day itinerary in the city, and if, as we think, that’s not enough for you, you can always go back whenever you want, maybe thanks to a special offer (like deals on trains for Carnival) or by using an Italo promo code!
