Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance, where every church holds a masterpiece and every trattoria serves a meal you will remember forever.
1 day in Florence
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Florence in a single action-packed day.
Renaissance Florence in 24 Hours
Duomo, Baptistery & Uffizi
Start at the Duomo. Brunelleschi's dome is still the largest masonry dome ever built. Climb the 463 steps (€30 combined ticket, pre-book) for close-up views of Vasari's Last Judgment fresco and a panorama over terracotta rooftops. The Baptistery's Ghiberti bronze doors (Gates of Paradise) are extraordinary. Walk to the Uffizi Gallery (€20, book ahead) for Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera.
Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno
Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with jewellers' shops hanging over the Arno since 1345. Cross into the Oltrarno, Florence's artisan quarter, less touristy and more authentic. The Palazzo Pitti (€16) and Boboli Gardens (€10, or €22 combined) are worth the splurge. Lunch at Trattoria Mario (shared tables, Florentine classics, mains €8–12, cash only, queue early).
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset & San Lorenzo
Walk (or bus 13) up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the definitive Florence sunset: the entire city, the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno bridges spread below you with the Tuscan hills behind. Bring wine. Return to the San Lorenzo market area for dinner, where the Mercato Centrale food hall upstairs (mains €8–14) has excellent quality. Drinks at the piazzas, and Santo Spirito in Oltrarno buzzes.
3 days in Florence
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure.
Duomo, Uffizi & Oltrarno
The Duomo Complex
The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) is free to enter. The interior is surprisingly austere, making the dome's Last Judgment fresco above more dramatic. Climb the dome (463 steps, €30 combined ticket covers dome, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and museum, and you should book online weeks ahead). The view from the top is pure Florence. Giotto's Bell Tower next door is 414 steps but equally stunning.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi (€20, book online) is the world's greatest Renaissance art gallery. Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo's Annunciation, Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio. The new rooms are less crowded. The Vasari Corridor view over the Arno from the upper windows is a bonus. Allow 2–3 hours. Lunch at All'Antico Vinaio (legendary panini, €5–7, always a queue on Via dei Neri).
Oltrarno: Artisans & Aperitivo
Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno, Florence's artisan quarter where carpenters, bookbinders, and goldsmiths still work in medieval workshops. Walk Via Maggio and Borgo San Jacopo. Aperitivo at Volume (Santo Spirito) or Golden View (Ponte Vecchio views, €10–14 cocktails). Dinner at Trattoria dell'Orto for Florentine classics (ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, mains €10–14).
David, San Lorenzo & Tuscan Food
Accademia & Michelangelo's David
Pre-book the Galleria dell'Accademia (€16, online only) for Michelangelo's David: the original, 5.17 metres of white marble genius. The gallery is small; David is the centrepiece. The corridor of Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners (Prigioni), figures emerging from rough marble, is almost as powerful. Allow 60–90 minutes total.
San Lorenzo & Mercato Centrale
The Basilica di San Lorenzo (€7) has a Brunelleschi interior and the Medici Chapels (€9) with Michelangelo's sculptured tombs, where the Dawn, Dusk, Day, and Night figures are haunting. Walk to the Mercato Centrale, where the ground floor has fresh produce and a traditional lampredotto (tripe sandwich, €4) stand. The upstairs food hall has sit-down restaurants with Tuscan specialities (mains €8–14).
Santa Croce & Steak Night
Walk to Piazza Santa Croce, where the Basilica (€8) holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The piazza itself is one of Florence's most pleasant gathering spots. For a Florentine splurge, try bistecca alla fiorentina, a massive T-bone steak (€45–60/kg, shared between two). Trattoria Sostanza (book ahead) or Buca Mario are legendary. A kilo feeds two generously.
Pitti, Boboli & Piazzale Michelangelo
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
The Palazzo Pitti (€16) was the Medici residence, and the Palatine Gallery has Raphael, Titian, and Rubens hung salon-style in opulent rooms. Walk into the Boboli Gardens (€10, or €22 combined with Pitti): 45,000 square metres of Renaissance garden design with grottos, fountains, and sculptures. The views of the Duomo from the upper terraces are superb. Allow 2 hours for both.
Oltrarno Workshops & San Miniato
Explore the Oltrarno's artisan workshops on Via Maggio, Borgo San Frediano, and Sdrucciolo de' Pitti, where leather workers, paper marbling (marbled paper is a Florence tradition), and furniture restorers welcome visitors. Walk uphill to San Miniato al Monte (free), a Romanesque church with a green-and-white marble facade and the best hilltop view in Florence, even better than Piazzale Michelangelo below it.
Piazzale Michelangelo & Farewell
End your Florence trip at Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset, with the entire Renaissance skyline spread below you, the Arno winding through the city, and the Tuscan hills turning golden. Bring a bottle of Chianti (€5–8 from any enoteca). Farewell dinner at Buca Mario (cellar restaurant, bistecca alla fiorentina) or Il Latini (Tuscan family-style, book ahead, mains €12–18). Florence stays with you.
7 days in Florence
A full week to go deep: from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Duomo, Uffizi & Oltrarno
The Duomo Complex
Brunelleschi's dome: 463 steps to the top (€30 Brunelleschi Pass, book online). Pass through the interior of the dome to see Vasari's Last Judgment fresco from centimetres away, then emerge to a panorama of terracotta rooftops and Tuscan hills. The cathedral interior is free. Giotto's Bell Tower (414 steps) and the Baptistery with Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise are included in the pass.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi (€20) deserves an unhurried afternoon. Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo's Annunciation, Titian's Venus of Urbino, and Caravaggio's Medusa. The newer wings are less crowded and house excellent Baroque works. The views of Ponte Vecchio from the upper corridor are a hidden bonus. Lunch at All'Antico Vinaio (panini, €5–7, always a queue).
Oltrarno Aperitivo & Dinner
Cross Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno. Aperitivo at Volume on Piazza Santo Spirito (€8–10 with snack spread) or Gesto (cocktails with Arno views). Dinner at Trattoria dell'Orto (Florentine classics, ribollita €8, pappardelle al cinghiale €12) or Il Magazzino (tripe and lampredotto, traditional workman's food done brilliantly). Santo Spirito buzzes every evening.
David, San Lorenzo & Markets
Galleria dell'Accademia: David
Pre-book the 8:15am slot (€16). Michelangelo's David, 5.17 metres of perfected marble, dominates the tribune hall. The unfinished Prisoners (Prigioni) lining the corridor, figures trapped in rough stone, are almost as moving. The musical instrument collection and Byzantine gold paintings are often overlooked. Allow 60–90 minutes.
San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels
San Lorenzo (€7) has a Brunelleschi interior, the earliest Renaissance church. The Medici Chapels (€9) behind hold Michelangelo's sculptured tombs of the Medici princes, and Dawn, Dusk, Day, and Night are some of his greatest works. Mercato Centrale downstairs has the best lampredotto stand in Florence (€4) and the upstairs food hall serves sit-down Tuscan meals (€8–14).
Santa Croce & Bistecca
Basilica di Santa Croce (€8) holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The Pazzi Chapel in the cloister is a Brunelleschi gem. For dinner, try a shared bistecca alla fiorentina, a massive T-bone (€45–60/kg, feeds two). Trattoria Sostanza (book ahead, cash only) or Perseus (locals' steak favourite). Drinks at Rex Caffè for cocktails.
Pitti Palace, Boboli & Hills
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Palazzo Pitti (€16): the Palatine Gallery has Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens hung salon-style in lavish rooms. The Royal Apartments show how the Medici and later the Savoy family lived. Walk into the Boboli Gardens (€10 or €22 combined) for Renaissance terraces, grottos, the amphitheatre, and views of the Duomo from the Cavaliere Garden at the top.
San Miniato al Monte
Walk uphill from Piazzale Michelangelo to San Miniato al Monte (free), a Romanesque masterpiece with a green-and-white marble facade and luminous interior. The monks sell honey, liqueurs, and soaps in the monastery shop. The cemetery behind has extraordinary Art Nouveau tombs. The view from here surpasses the piazzale below. Walk down through the rose garden (free, Apr–Oct).
San Frediano & Local Florence
San Frediano in the Oltrarno is Florence's most neighbourhood-like area, where locals outnumber tourists, trattorias are genuine, and the Piazza del Carmine anchors the community. Dinner at Trattoria Sabatino (since 1956, Florentine classics, cash only, mains €8–10, unbeatable value) or Il Guscio (creative Tuscan, mains €12–16). Drinks at Mad Souls & Spirits for craft cocktails.
Siena Day Trip
Bus to Siena
Flixbus or SITA bus from Florence (75 min, €7–12). Siena is Florence's medieval rival, a UNESCO World Heritage city of brick towers, narrow lanes, and the extraordinary shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Walk the contrade (neighbourhood) streets, each with its own church, fountain, animal symbol, and fierce loyalty. The city feels like stepping back centuries.
Duomo & Piazza del Campo
Siena's Duomo (€5 cathedral, €15 combined with library, crypt, and baptistery) has a striped marble facade and the most ornate church interior in Tuscany, with inlaid marble floors depicting 56 scenes. Climb the incomplete new nave for panoramic city views. Then sit in the Piazza del Campo, where the tilted, fan-shaped square is where the Palio horse race runs twice yearly. Lunch at a campo-side cafe or cheaper one block back.
Return & Santa Maria Novella
Bus back to Florence. Explore the area around Santa Maria Novella (church €7.50, stunning Masaccio Trinity and Ghirlandaio frescoes). The pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella (free entry) has been operating since 1612, with frescoed ceilings, marble floors, and exquisite herbal products. Dinner at Buca Mario (cellar restaurant since 1886, Tuscan classics, book ahead, mains €14–20).
Bargello, Artisans & Fiesole
Museo del Bargello
The Bargello (€9) is Florence's most underrated museum, with Donatello's bronze David (the first nude since antiquity), Michelangelo's Bacchus, Cellini's Perseus model, and Verrocchio's works. The medieval building (former prison and police headquarters) has a powerful atmosphere. The courtyard is beautiful. Most visitors skip this for the Uffizi, and that is their loss.
Fiesole Hill Town
Bus 7 from Piazza San Marco to Fiesole (25 min, €1.50). This Etruscan hill town above Florence has Roman amphitheatre ruins (€7), a Franciscan monastery with stunning views, and cafes overlooking the city. The panorama of Florence spread in the valley below is extraordinary. Walk up from the bus stop through olive groves. Lunch at a Fiesole terrace restaurant.
Oltrarno Workshop Crawl
Return to the Oltrarno for an artisan workshop crawl: watch bookbinders at Il Torchio (Via de' Bardi), paper marblers at Giulio Giannini e Figlio (Piazza Pitti, since 1856), and leather workers in the side streets off Via Maggio. Many welcome visitors and explain their craft. Dinner at Gustapanino (gourmet panini, €7–10) or Trattoria 4 Leoni on Piazza della Passera.
Wine, Food & Tuscan Life
Chianti Wine Tasting
Join a half-day wine tour to Chianti (€60–90 including transport and tastings) or rent a car and drive the SS222 (Chiantigiana road) through rolling vine-covered hills. Greve in Chianti has a charming piazza and wine shops offering tastings. The landscape, with cypress trees, hilltop villages, and vineyards, is the Tuscany of postcards. Most tours include olive oil tastings and a farmhouse lunch.
Gelato Tour & Hidden Gems
Back in Florence for a gelato tour: Vivoli (since 1930, Via Isola delle Stinche), La Carraia (Oltrarno, enormous portions, €2.50), and Gelateria della Passera (creative flavours, Piazza della Passera). Walk the quieter streets of Santa Croce, taking in the Museo Horne (€7, a collector's Renaissance home), and the flood markers from the devastating 1966 Arno flood visible on many buildings.
Enoteca Evening & Tuscan Wine
Florence has exceptional wine bars (enoteche). Le Volpi e l'Uva near Ponte Vecchio is legendary (wine by the glass €5–8 with cheese and charcuterie). Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina on Piazza Pitti has a curated Tuscan wine list. Order a glass of Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti Classico with tagliere (charcuterie board, €12–16). This is Florence at its most civilised.
Farewell: Last Views & Gifts
Brancacci Chapel & Last Oltrarno
The Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine (€8, reservation recommended) holds Masaccio's frescoes, considered the starting point of Renaissance painting. The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden is raw and revolutionary. Only 30 people allowed at a time for 30 minutes. Walk the Oltrarno one last time, when the morning light on the ochre buildings and workshop sounds is pure Florence.
Last Shopping & Souvenirs
For gifts: leather goods from Scuola del Cuoio (inside Santa Croce, ethically made, €30+), marbled paper from Giulio Giannini, olive oil and wine from Eataly (Via de' Martelli), and perfume from Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (since 1612). One last panino at All'Antico Vinaio. Pack your bags with the scent of leather and espresso.
Piazzale Michelangelo Farewell
One final sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Bring a bottle of Chianti (€5–8) and sit on the steps as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno bridges glow gold and then pink. The Tuscan hills fade to purple behind the city. Farewell dinner at a favourite trattoria. Florence to the airport is 20 minutes by Volainbus shuttle from Santa Maria Novella station (€6).
Budget tips
Free churches
Most Florence churches are free: the Duomo interior, San Lorenzo (exterior and cloister), Orsanmichele, and dozens of neighbourhood churches with Renaissance masterpieces inside. Santo Spirito has a Michelangelo crucifix.
Street food lunches
Lampredotto (tripe sandwich, €4) from market stands, panini at All'Antico Vinaio (€5–7), schiacciata (Florentine flatbread, €3–5), and pizza al taglio (€3–5) make budget lunches easy and delicious.
Water fountains
Florence has excellent drinking water. Fill at the nasoni (street fountains) and the fontanelli (chilled, sparkling water dispensers) for free. Carry a reusable bottle.
Free first Sundays
State museums are free on the first Sunday of the month: Uffizi, Accademia, Pitti Palace, Bargello, and Boboli Gardens. Book online even for free entry as timed slots still apply.
Sunset ritual
Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset with a €5 bottle of wine from an enoteca is the best free experience in Florence, better than any paid activity. The rose garden below (free, Apr–Oct) is equally beautiful.
Walk everywhere
Florence's centro storico is tiny. The Duomo to Palazzo Pitti is 15 minutes on foot. Walking is the only way to discover hidden piazzas, workshops, and the city's details. You never need the bus within the centre.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in euros. Florence is walkable and full of free experiences: church masterpieces, sunset viewpoints, and street food keep costs surprisingly low.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostels → boutique B&Bs → luxury hotels | €20–45 | €70–140 | €180+ |
| Food Street food & markets → trattorias → fine dining | €12–22 | €28–50 | €65+ |
| Transport Walking → buses & taxis → private car/day trips | €0–5 | €8–15 | €25+ |
| Activities Free churches & views → museums → wine tours | €0–10 | €16–35 | €50+ |
| Drinks House wine & aperitivo → enoteche → cocktail bars | €4–8 | €10–18 | €25+ |
| Daily Total $39–98 → $143–280 → $375+ | €36–90 | €132–258 | €345+ |
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone: most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Florence Airport (FLR): Volainbus shuttle to Santa Maria Novella (€6, 20 min). Pisa Airport (PSA): train to Florence SMN (€9, 80 min)
- High-speed trains from Rome (1.5hr, €25–50), Venice (2hr, €25–50), and Milan (1.75hr, €30–50) via Trenitalia or Italo
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is excellent, so fill at nasoni fountains or fontanelli (free sparkling water dispensers)
- Pickpocketing around the Duomo, Uffizi queue, and train station. Keep bags zipped and in front on crowded streets
- Emergency 112. Pharmacies (farmacie) are common, and several are 24hr near Santa Maria Novella station
Getting Around
- Florence is entirely walkable, as the centro storico is only 4km across. You rarely need public transport within the city
- ATAF buses (€1.50 single, 90 min) for Fiesole (bus 7) and Piazzale Michelangelo (bus 13). Buy tickets at tabacchi
- Taxis are metered. Uber works but limited. For day trips, Trenitalia and Flixbus serve Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and Chianti
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, hotels, and some piazzas via Firenze WiFi network. Coverage is good in the centre
- EU roaming works at home rates. Otherwise, TIM, Vodafone, or Wind Tre tourist SIMs from €10 at tabacchi shops
- Download Google Maps offline (narrow streets confuse GPS) and book museum tickets through official websites
Money
- Cards accepted at most restaurants and shops. Some trattorias, market stalls, and street food vendors are cash-only, so carry €20–30
- ATMs (Bancomat) everywhere: use Intesa Sanpaolo or UniCredit. Avoid Euronet and standalone tourist machines
- Coperto (cover charge, €2–3) is standard. Tipping is not expected, so round up or leave €1–2 for good service
Packing Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees for church entry, as the Duomo, Santa Croce, and all churches enforce this. Carry a scarf
- Comfortable walking shoes, as Florence is cobblestoned and hilly (San Miniato, Fiesole, Piazzale Michelangelo). Sandals break on sampietrini
- A reusable water bottle, sunscreen for summer (35°C+), and a light layer for air-conditioned museums
Cultural tips
Florence is a living museum that takes its food, art, and traditions seriously. Book museums ahead, eat where locals eat, and never order cappuccino after noon.
Coffee at the Bar
Stand at the bar for €1–1.50 espresso. Sitting at a table can cost €3–5 for the same coffee. Order "un caffè" for espresso. Cappuccino is a morning-only drink, and ordering one after 11am reveals you as a tourist.
Bistecca Rules
Bistecca alla fiorentina is always Chianina beef, always at least 3cm thick, always served rare (al sangue). It is priced by weight (€45–60/kg) and shared between two. Do not ask for it well-done, as the waiter may refuse.
Tuscan Cuisine
Florentine food is rustic and ingredient-driven: ribollita (bread soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato bread soup), pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar). Tuscan bread has no salt. This is tradition, not a mistake.
Church Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered in all churches, strictly enforced at the Duomo and Santa Croce. Carry a light scarf. No selfie sticks. Keep voices low.
Museum Booking
The Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo dome require advance booking, as walk-up queues are 2–3 hours in summer. Book months ahead for peak season. Even in winter, online booking saves significant time.
Leather Shopping
San Lorenzo outdoor market leather is mostly low-quality imports. For genuine Florentine leather, visit Scuola del Cuoio (Santa Croce), or Oltrarno workshops. Real leather smells like leather, not plastic.
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