Florence

Italy

Florence

Florence is a bustling and lovely city, less dirty and more romantic than Rome but equally historic, and a charming jumping off point for tuscany or the Cinque Terre. It is the birthplace of Renaissance art in Europe – look anywhere and you’ll see why. Florence deserves at least 2 solid days to see the top hits, but three or more is ideal. Everything in Florence spans out from the Duomo and it’s a very walkable city. It can be crowded and hot in the summer (get reservations in advance), but still has a lot of charm.

Length: 3+ days

Transportation: Train

Best Guide Book: Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany

Day 1 – Florence

Day 2 – Florence

Day 3 – Florence

Day 4 – Pisa and Lucca

In-Depth Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Florence, one of the most magical cities in the world! It’s home of some of the most famous art pieces in the world: Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and the eye-popping Duomo dome. Everything in Florence spans out from the Duomo and it’s a very walkable city. The main sites cluster around the Duomo but traversing the Ponte Vecchio is worth it as well.

You’ll either arrive to Florence by train or flight (or rarely bus). From the central train station, it’s a short walk to the Duomo (and likely near where you are staying). From the airport, your best option is to catch the T2 tram that will take you from the airport to the central train station. Of course, you can also catch a cab or Uber.

Once you arrive, drop your bags at your lodging. Lodging makes a big difference in Florence. I actually hated Florence on my first visit because I was staying in less-than-desirable lodging. For cheaper options, look at BBH Firenze and Hotel Il Bargellino. For mid-range, consider Antica Dimora Johlea, Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suite, La Residenza del Proconsolo B&B, Locanda de’ Ciompi, and B&B Il Bargello. And for a splurge, try AdAstra, Casa G Firenze, and Hotel Calimala.

Depending on what time you arrive, we recommend a walking tour today to get your bearings (and maybe to skip a line or two). Some good options include Florencetoan, Florentia, The Roman Guy, and Walks of Italy, and Artviva. Tours by Locals, Context Travel and Get Your Guide also offer good tours. If you want to do your own thing, look at the Rick Steves Renaissance Walk in the book or download the free audio tour. Move this itinerary around depending on your tour.

Start with the Duomo, Giotto’s Campanile, and Museum. This Florence’s massive cathedral and the center of the city (everything spans out from here). You can buy a pass that lets you enter through the crypt to skip the line. Here you will see the remarkable Brunelleschi’s dome, an architectural masterpiece in its time (and the largest since Rome’s Pantheon). You can climb the dome with a reservation and the Brunelleschi pass. From here, you can visit the Baptistery and Ghiberti’s famous bronze doors build in the 11th century. It’s Florence’s oldest surviving building. The doors to see are the East Doors that face the cathedral, but all are worth seeing. You can go inside and the dome is covered in Byzantine mosaic art. Next, visit the Campanile (bell tower). This was built by Giotto in the 1300s and you can climb it for amazing views. Obtain the Giotto Pass ahead of time to climb it.

After you visit this complex, make your way to Piazza della Repubblica, the square on the site of the original Roman Forum. There’s still a single column located here that once was the crossing of the main Roman roads. The beautiful arch you see is from the late 1800s. If you need a coffee (or drink) here’s a nice place to get one at one of the cafes that spill out onto the square.

After the square, work your way to Orsanmichele Church with the remarkable statues on the outside marking the 21 guilds of Florence in the 1400s. From here, walk to Piazza della Signoria. Snap a picture of the impressive Palazzo Vecchio (the Medici’s Town Hall) and then head to see the arches and statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi. This was once Florence’s forum for public debate and later became a sculpture gallery. Check out the fountain in the middle of the square before making your way to the Uffizi.

The courtyard of the Uffuzi is filled with 19th century statues of famous Renaissance people (artists, scientists, explorers, poets, philosophers – you name it, the who’s who of the Renaissance is there). Take a break and head into the Uffuzi Gallery.

Sometime around here you should eat. There are some good places nearby (I Fratellini, Ino, Loggia dei Lanzi) or you can eat at the Uffuzi gallery itself at Caffetteria Bartolini (the food may not be as spectacular but it makes for a very easy lunch). Now get ready to see one of the greatest art galleries in the world.

The Uffuzi Gallery has the world’s greatest collection of Florentine paintings (including the very famous Birth of Venus). Along with this Botticelli masterpiece, you’ll find works by Davinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, etc. They limit the number of people in at one time, so get a time-stamped entry ticket (at least a month in advance).

You’re probably exhausted, so now’s a great time to grab a gelato. Gelateria dei Neri is excellent and close by. Or head back to one of the squares and enjoy a negroni. If your feet aren’t too sore, you can even do a Craft Cocktail and Aperitivo Tour.

For dinner tonight we recommend Il Santo Bevitore (enjoy the sunset from the Ponte Vecchio as you walk there) or select from our Florence Restaurant Scene.

Day 2

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