Florence is one of the most amazing cities IN THE WORLD. It’s so artsy, historic, and yet cosmopolitan, and I think everyone should visit at least once in their life. This guide will help you discover how to spend 3 days in Florence, Italy.
Itinerary for 3 Days in Florence
Day 1:
Visit Il Duomo
The iconic cathedral of Il Duomo is absolutely the first thing you should see! It is open 10 am to 5 pm most days, although it opens later on Sundays. It’s free to enter, although it does cost to climb the bell tower, which is TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Wander around the old town
Florence is the perfect city for wandering. It’s cosmopolitan, artsy, and full of shops. Florence is know for their leather so you’ll find nice quality bags, wallets, and jackets for cheaper than anywhere else! Be sure to negotiate prices a bit so you can get the best deal.
See Davide at Galleria dell’Academia
Visit the famous statue of Davide, or David, from David and Goliath. Besides this work of art, there are plenty other sculptures, both finished and unfinished to see.
Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is another must-see for Florence. Not only is it a beautiful church, but the famous Michelangelo is buried there. Outside of the church there is also a statue of Dante Alighieri, the author of the Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise.
Explore the Piazza della Signoria
This beautiful piazza was the center of the Florentine republic and houses a collection of statues by many different artists. If you didn’t have time to go to Galleria dell’Academia, you can see a replica of the statue of David here! The plaza is just simply beautiful to walk around and maybe have dinner near the Piazza.
Day 2:
Explore the Uffizi Gallery
After picking up a quick cappuccino, start your morning at the Uffizi Gallery! This art museum houses some of the most famous works in the world, such as The Birth of Venus. Florence is a city full of art, so it’s worth it to see everything while you’re there!
Cross the bridge at Ponte Vecchio
The bridge at Ponte Vecchio has several shops to see, mostly filled with jewelry and leather. After crossing the bridge, you’ll find the slightly more local side of Florence. Stop and get an aperol spritz in order to really live the Italian life.
Get a great view from the Piazzale Michelangelo
Since you’re already on the other side of the river, you should definitely climb up to see the best view of Florence: from Piazzale Michelangelo. If you time it right, you can see the sunset too and get amazing photos!
Day 3:
Take a day trip around Tuscany or to Cinque Terre
Florence is a small city, so it’s fairly easy to see everything quickly and there so many day trips from Florence to explore! Florence is located in Tuscany, a region famous for its wine and that can’t be missed! The region also has some historic villages nearby or you can go to the coast and visit the famous Cinque Terre.
Have you ever been to Florence? What is your favorite thing to do there?
The Comments
Hannah
Florence looks like such a beautiful city! I’d love to admire the pretty architecture and incredible artwork. Cinque Terre has been on my bucket list for so long, a day trip sounds perfect! Thanks for the great guide! I hope I get an opportunity to visit soon!
simplyjolayne
Italy is my happy place and Florence is a lovely city to visit. Had to cancel a trip to Cinque Terre due to Covid, so it is one of the first places I want to visit when the world opens up again.
Krista
Florence is one city in Italy that I am dying to visit still! Your photos are making me want to plan a trip ASAP. Thanks for the tips on the best things to see there!
Megan
We were supposed to go to Italy…and then Covid happened and shut it down a week before we were supposed to go! We had many of these things on our list to do. It looks amazing (especially cinque terre) and I hope we can make it over sometime!
Ildiko
Florence is truly spectacular…full of art, architecture, food, and leather! I agree that the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’ Academia are musts. so is the Duomo and the Baptistry. Grom gelataria is fabulous in Florence.