Spending two days in Florence is an ideal amount of time for a first time visit. In fact, my first few trips to the city were all two-day stays. It’s just enough time to take in the main highlights, like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Duomo, and Boboli Gardens, while still having some free time to explore.
I’ve designed this itinerary to take you to the must-see sights as well as some of my favorite hidden gems and local spots. Think a family-run paper shop, a 15th-century convent just steps from Michelangelo’s David, a stunning rooftop bar and terrace in Santo Spirito, and a tiny, unassuming restaurant serving up the best meal I’ve ever had in Florence.
Read on to discover how to make the most of 48 hours in one of Italy’s most beloved cities.
Before you Visit
Museum Opening Days: Both the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are closed on Mondays, so be sure to double-check their opening hours before planning or booking your day trip. Additionally, keep in mind that the inside of the Duomo is closed on Sundays and visits to the top of the dome are only available in the afternoon, starting at 12:45 PM.
Reservations: With only 2 days in Florence, you must book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, and the Duomo (including the dome & baptistry) in advance. Also, be sure to to call ahead (at least 1-2 weeks in advance) to make restaurant reservations, as they do fill up quickly.
Get an early start: To make the most of your time without feeling rushed, aim to start your day by 9:00 AM. Both Accademia and Uffizi galleries open before 9:00AM. If you can get the first time slot of the day, that is ideal.
Read more: 27 Best Things to do in Florence
Day 1: Florence Itinerary
Accademia Gallery
Start your day at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall David. The museum houses the single largest collection of Michelangelo statues in the world, as well as many artworks by well-known Renaissance artists, such as Botticelli and Uccello.
You’ll also find a fascinating display of musical instruments, including pieces crafted by the Stradivari family, the namesake of the legendary Stradivarius instruments.
Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours here.
Purchase tickets well in advance. This is one of the most popular sights in Florence and it is extremely busy. If regular tickets are sold out, skip-the-line tickets are often available and can save you a lot of time. I ended up buying tickets through GetYourGuide during my most recent visit, as all of the regular tickets were sold out.
Tour Tip: To fully appreciate the history and artistry on display, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with an expert.
Tickets: €16 at full price, and any visitors under 18 years old can get in for free. For more ticket info, visit the official website. The Accademia gallery is included in the Firenze Card.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (last entrance at 6:20 PM).
San Marco Museum
The San Marco Museum, housed within the 15th-century Convent of San Marco, is one of my favorite museums in Florence. Just a short walk from the Accademia Gallery, it’s often overlooked, which makes it all the more special.
The convent itself is lovely to explore, with its long hallways and peaceful cloisters. But the real highlight is the series of frescoes painted by Fra Angelico in the mid-15th century.
These stunning frescoes decorate the cells on the convent’s first floor. Step into each room to admire one of his scenes up close, paying attention to the intricate details, like the delicate wings of his figures. I rarely get emotional in museums, but seeing these paintings up close brought tears to my eyes – truly worth a visit.
Tickets: The museum costs €8 and tickets can be purchased in person.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM. Closed Mondays. To confirm the schedule during your visit, check the museum’s official website.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no reservation required.
Gelato at La Gelatiera
When in Italy, gelato before lunch is totally acceptable. And trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this spot. La Gelateria is my top pick for the best gelato in Florence.
I’ve been on the hunt for the best gelato in the city and on my last trip, between my husband and I, we tasted gelato from over 14 gelateries in Florence (a tough job, I know).
I can confidently say that you won’t get much better than La Gelateria. I recommend trying one of their classic favors, like pistachio, and pair it with one of their more creative, seasonal flavors like pear and cheese.
Insider tip: Just a short walk from La Gelateria is my favorite ceramics store in Italy. Take a peek inside of the Ginori 1735 flagship store. Even if you’re not looking to buy something, the store is beautifully set up like an art gallery and is worth a quick visit.
Lunch
For a memorable lunch, go to Trattoria Sostanza – it’s my favorite restaurant in Florence at the moment. Start with the tortellini in brodo as your first course and then order the butter chicken for your second course. They also do Florentine steak really well, so why not order all three?
Another great option is Trattoria Marione al Trebbio. I like their ribolitta and ossobucco.
Make reservations ahead of time for both restaurants.
Insider tip: If you have time after lunch, go to Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. A centuries-old perfume shop with a lot of history – the store itself is a work of art.
Florence Duomo
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, or simply the Duomo, is Florence’s most iconic landmark. Brunelleschi’s dome remains an architectural marvel even today, and the cathedral itself is one of the largest in the world.
Construction began in 1296 and was completed 140 years later, in 1436. However, the stunning marble facade—with its intricate green, white, and pink detailing—wasn’t finished until the late 19th century.
Entry to the Duomo is free, and while there’s almost always a line, it moves quickly. Keep in mind, though, that the interior of the church is surprisingly plain compared to its elaborate exterior. That said, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the view of the dome from below.
What many don’t realize is that the Duomo is part of a larger complex, which includes the Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata. Seeing all five sites can easily take up half a day.
If you’re short on time or simply aren’t keen to see everything, I recommend seeing the Dome, Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, and visiting the inside of the cathedral. You can skip climbing the Bell Tower and seeing the ruins at Santa Reparata – the other sights are more worthwhile.
Tickets for the Duomo Complex
While entry to the Duomo is free, access to the other sites within the complex requires purchasing one of three passes. I recommend the Brunelleschi Pass. Be sure to reserve your tickets online well in advance—ideally at least a month before your visit.
- Brunelleschi Pass: This pass includes access to all five sites: the Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. The ticket is valid for three calendar days from the selected date. However, you must reserve a specific time slot for the Dome and adhere to that exact time; otherwise, entry will be denied. Unfortunately, several people ahead of us were turned away because they assumed they could visit the Dome at any time during the three-day period.
- Giotto Pass: This pass grants access to four sites: the Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. The ticket is valid for three calendar days
- Ghiberti Pass: This pass includes access to three sites: the Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. The ticket is valid for three calendar days.
Overview of Sights Within the Duomo Complex
Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
Experience an up-close look at Filippo Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece and Giorgio Vasari’s stunning Last Judgement, which covers the interior of the dome. To visit, you’ll need a Brunelleschi Pass and a reserved time slot—this step is mandatory, so plan ahead.
The climb involves 463 steps (no elevators), but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360° views over Florence.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Designed by Giotto and completed in 1359, this bell tower rises 278 feet (84.7 meters) above Florence. Climbing the 414 steps to the top rewards you with a spectacular view of the Duomo—arguably one of the best perspectives of the cathedral’s dome.
One thing to note – there’s a wired fence surrounding the balcony, which can make it tricky to take photos, especially if you’re using a larger camera like mine. I took the one above with my iPhone.
Baptistery
This 11th-century baptistery is well worth a quick visit. Inside, the ceiling vault is decorated with magnificent 14th-century mosaics depicting various religious figures and scenes.
While the Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti are incredible to see in person, note that the doors on the baptistery are replicas. The original gates are preserved and displayed in the Opera del Duomo Museum, just a short walk away.
Opera del Duomo Museum
This museum was an unexpected highlight of my visit to Florence—and, to my surprise, it was practically empty, which is rare for this city. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures, including the original Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti and The Deposition by Michelangelo.
I particularly enjoyed the detailed models of Brunelleschi’s dome, which offer fascinating insight into its construction, as well as remarkable works by Donatello. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace, which provides a stunning close-up view of the dome.
Santa Reparata
Hidden beneath the cathedral, Santa Reparata is the site of the original basilica that once stood where the Florence Cathedral is today. Dating back to the 5th century, it was eventually demolished to make way for the grander structure we see now.
Take some time to explore the ruins and admire the beautifully preserved mosaic floors. The space offers a fascinating glimpse into Florence’s early history and the origins of its iconic cathedral.
Insider tip: Stop by Eredi Paperone Bottega d’Arte, a lovely paper store near the Piazza della Duomo. The store is owned by a father and son duo. They make beautiful block printed and marbled paper.
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence’s main squares and has long been the political heart of the city. At its center is the Palazzo Vecchio, the historic city hall and museum. You can climb to the top of the Arnolfo Tower, which soars over the piazza, for one of the best views of the Duomo.
In front of the palazzo stands a replica of Michelangelo’s David and nearby is the Neptune Fountain, commissioned by the Medici family in the 16th century and created by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
Don’t miss the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery showcasing impressive Renaissance sculptures, which is free to visit.
Tip: Get up early and visit the square early in the morning (before 8:00 AM) to enjoy without the usual crowds.
Ponte Vecchio
Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio (which translates to “Old Bridge”) is one of Italy’s most famous bridges. As you walk across the bridge, you’ll notice that almost every shop sells gold or silver goods – a tradition dating back to the 1500s when jewelers first set up shop here.
Above the bridge is the Vasari Corridor, a private passageway built by the Medici family to connect the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. It allowed them to cross the river discreetly without being seen. The corridor recently re-opened to the public and you can book a combined visit of it with the Uffizi gallery.
For the best view of the Ponte Vecchio, head upriver to the Ponte Santa Trinita. From there, you’ll have a beautiful perspective of the bridge that’s perfect for photos.
Read more: One Day in Florence Itinerary
Wander around Oltrarno
Across the Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood. If you have some time left in your day, take an hour or two to explore some of this area’s gems. Here are some of my favorite spots:
- Santo Spirito Basilica: Designed by Brunelleschi, this is a lovely church that is free to visit. You do need to pay a small fee if you’d like to see Michelangelo’s wooden crucifix and the cloisters.
- Loggia Roof Bar: Located at the top of Palazzo Guadagni, one of the best boutique hotels in Florence, this is a fabulous rooftop bar with a great selection of cocktails and juices.
- Fotoautomatica: These analog photo booths have been all the buzz in Florence lately. Head to Via Santa Monaca to take a set of your own photos as a souvenir.
- Brancacci Chapel: Located with the Basilica del Carmine, this chapel is renowned for its fresco cycle painted by Masaccio, Masolino, and later Filippino Lippi.
Dinner
There are a couple of restaurants in the area I can recommend for dinner. The first is a no-reservation spot called Trattoria Sabatino. To get a seat, you’ll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening and wait in line.
The dining set up is cafeteria-style, and you’ll likely share a table with other diners, making it a fun way to meet new people.The best part? It’s incredibly affordable. A plate of pasta costs just €5, and a meat dish is around €7 – unheard of prices in Florence! And I’m not recommending this just because it was cheap, I really enjoyed my experience and the food here.
Another great choice, recommended by a local, is Alla Vecchia Bettola. A family-style Tuscan restaurant with traditional dishes.
Day 2: Florence Itinerary
Uffizi Gallery
Even if you’re not an art history buff, you’ve probably heard of the Uffizi Gallery. It’s one of the most renowned museums in the world, known for its amazing collection of Renaissance art.
Some of the Uffizi’s most famous masterpieces include The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, and The Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto.
A word of caution: the Uffizi is always busy, and you’ll likely find yourself vying for a front-row view alongside dozens of other tourists. With so many artworks to see and such large crowds, it can feel a bit overwhelming and exhausting.
To make your visit more enjoyable, I recommend booking an early morning tour to get ahead of the crowds. Alternatively, joining a guided tour—like this one—can make the experience far more engaging and worthwhile.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM. Tuesday from 8:15 AM to 10:00 PM. Closed Monday.
Tickets: Full-price tickets to the museum are €25 and should be purchased online at least a month or two in advance. All visitors under 18 get into the galleries for free. Check the official Uffizi website for updated hours and ticket prices.
Bargello Museum
Housed in the oldest public building in Florence, the Bargello Museum has one of the most impressive collections of Italian Renaissance sculptures. The building itself dates back to the 13th century, originally used as administrative offices, but later served as a prison before being transformed into a museum.
The museum features masterpieces by artists such as Giambologna and Cellini, alongside dedicated rooms for Michelangelo and Donatello. You’ll also find an array of ivory carvings, jewelry, weapons, textiles, and more.
You do have to be careful when planning your visit here as the museum is only open in the mornings until 1:50 PM daily (closed on Tuesdays).
Opening Hours: The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 8:15 AM – 1:50 PM. Closed Tuesdays.
Tickets: €10 full price. You can purchase tickets in person. There is also free entry for everyone visiting on the first Sunday of each month. Check the museum’s official website for more info.
Included in the Firenze Card? Yes, no advance booking is required.
Lunch
Many will tell you that you can’t leave Florence without trying a panini from All’Antico Vinaio. While the sandwich scene in Florence is undeniably good, I find All’Antico Vinaio overrated and not worth the hype.
Instead, try Pino’s, where you’ll often find Pino himself making your panini, or stop by Lo Schiacciavino, another fantastic and small sandwich shop. For those of you who want the real Florentine experience, stop by Sergio Pollini Lampredetto to try one of their famous lampredetto sandwiches made from slow-cooked cow stomach.
Another favorite of mine is Cibrèo Trattoria, located in Sant’Ambrogio. They have an great selection of pasta and meat dishes, perfect for a cozy Tuscan lunch.
Santa Croce Basilica
Santa Croce Basilica is a magnificent church, not only for its incredible artworks but also for its historic significance. Inside, you’ll find Giotto’s frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, Donatello’s Annunciation, and Cimabue’s Crucifix.
I found Cimabue’s Crucifix particularly moving – it had been damaged in the devastating 1966 floods and took 10 years to restore, a powerful symbol of Florence’s resilience over the years.
The basilica is also the final resting place of notable figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. You can see the tombs during your visit.
I spent a couple of hours here, much longer than expected, completely captivated by the art and history of the church. To learn more, book this 1-hour guided tour of the basilica.
Tickets: Full price tickets cost €8 and can be purchased at the ticket office or online.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Sunday from 12:30 PM to 5:45 PM.
Boboli Gardens
From Santa Croce Basilica, cross the Ponte alle Grazie to the other side of the river. On your way, you’ll pass the entrance to the Bardini Gardens, one of my favorite hidden gems in Florence. If time allows, I highly recommend stopping here – they’re just a short walk from the Boboli Gardens, making it easy to visit both.
If you’re short on time, head directly to the Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace. I suggest exploring the gardens first before it gets dark, but if you’re visiting in the summer when they stay open later, you could tour the Pitti Palace first. Either option works!
The gardens are a beautiful green escape, filled with fountains, statues, a rose garden, and picturesque cypress-lined pathways. From the Fountain of Neptune, directly up the stairs behind the palace, you’ll get a great view of Florence.
Use this map of the gardens to help plan your visit and explore the various walking routes.
Tickets: You can either purchase a single ticket (€6) or a combined ticket with the Pitti Palace (€14). Purchase ticket online in advance here or in person. Boboli Gardens are included in the Firenze Card.
Opening Hours: The Boboli Gardens are open daily, except the first and last Monday of each month. Open from 8:15 AM with different closing times depending on the year. Double check hours here.
Pitti Palace
This splendid Renaissance palace was the main residence of the powerful Medici family. Today, the Pitti Palace is home to five separate museums that display some of the Medici family’s extraordinary private collections.
The museums include the Palatine Gallery, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Museum of Costume and Fashion, Museum of Russian Icons, and the Gallery of Modern Art.
You can also explore the Palatine Chapel and the Imperial and Royal Apartments, which were later renovated by the Habsburg family during their time in Florence.
Tickets: A single ticket to all of the Pitti Palace museums is €10, or €14 if you want to include the Boboli Gardens. You can also get a five-day ticket which combines the Uffizi and Pitti Palace for €18. Buy your tickets online in advance here. This is included in the Firenze Card.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6.30 PM. Closed Mondays. As of November 2024, the Imperial Apartments are closed for renovations. Make sure to check the official website for any closures during your visit and updates on the renovations.
Get Gelato & Wander the Neighborhood
One of my favorite gelato shops is just down the street from the Pitti Palace – Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera in Santo Spirito. Since you’re so close, it’s definitely worth stopping by for a scoop (or two).
While you’re in the area, there are also some lovely shops worth checking out: La Casa Della Stampa di Sarubbi Lorenzo, Il Papiro, and La Bottega del Mosaico.
Piazzale Michelangelo for Sunset
For one of the best views overlooking Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo before sunset. To give you an idea – it’s about a 25-minute walk from the Pitti Palace to the viewpoint.
I’ve found that arriving at least an hour before sunset still offers great lighting and a chance to enjoy the view before the crowds fully gather.
Alternatively, you can walk a bit further up the hill to San Miniato al Monte, where you can enjoy an equally amazing view with less people.
Dinner
For dinner, you have a couple of options.
If you’d prefer to stay on this side of the river, I recommend Dalla Lola, a fantastic restaurant known for its modern take on Italian cuisine. Think miso gnocchi and a vegetable curry – both delicious.
Another option is Gusta Pizza, a popular spot with really good pizzas. The only downside is that the wait can be long and they don’t take reservations.
If you’d rather cross back to the other side of the river, Regina Bistecca is a highly recommended spot for Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), or Buca Lapi, a more traditional Tuscan-style restaurant.
2-Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1
- Accademia Gallery
- San Marco Museum
- Gelato at La Gelatiera
- Lunch
- Florence Duomo
- Piazza della Signoria
- Ponte Vecchio
- Oltrarno Neighborhood
- Dinner
Day 2
- Uffizi Gallery
- Bargello Museum
- Lunch
- Santa Croce Basilica
- Boboli Gardens
- Pitti Palace
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Dinner
Florence Tour Options
With only two days in Florence, your schedule will be quite full, leaving little extra time for food or walking tours. However, I’ve included some great options below for guided museum tours and evening cooking classes.
Museum Tours
- Accademia Gallery Tour
- Early Morning Uffizi Gallery Tour
- Uffizi and Accademia 4-hour Small Group Tour
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Tour with Guide & Brunelleschi Dome
Evening Cooking Classes
Best Time to Visit Florence
Having visited Florence in every season, I’ve found that the best months to go are April, May, October, and November. During these times, the weather is mild, and the city is far less crowded than during the peak summer months.
For a full seasonal breakdown, check out my guide to the best time to go to Florence, which includes weather info and more.
How to Get Around Florence
Florence is a compact city, and you can easily walk to most of the main sights. While there is a tram system, it primarily serves the suburbs. If you’re arriving by plane, you can take the tram from the airport directly to the Santa Maria Novella train station.
Beyond walking, the best way to get around is by public bus. You can purchase bus tickets at a Tabacchi shop – look for a storefront with a large “T” on the outside, or search for one on Google Maps. Make sure to validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus; I’ve heard horror stories of tourists getting hit with hefty fines for forgetting to do this.
Finally, if you need a taxi, you can use the city’s taxi app to call one. I’ve used it a few times, and it works well and is straightforward to navigate.
How to Get to Florence
By Train
If you’re already in Italy, the easiest and most convenient way to get to Florence is by train. The main station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), is centrally located and within walking distance of the city center.
- Book your tickets on Trenitalia.com, the official train site.
- High-speed trains (like Frecciarossa or Italo) should be booked at least three weeks in advance for the best prices.
- Local trains are more flexible and can typically be purchased on the day of travel for the same price.
Popular Routes:
- Venice to Florence: ~2 hours on a high-speed train.
- Milan to Florence: ~1 hour and 45 minutes on a high-speed train.
- Bologna to Florence: ~35 minutes on a high-speed train.
- Rome to Florence: ~1 hour and 30 minutes on a high-speed train.
By Plane
If you’re flying from elsewhere in Europe, Florence has a small airport (FLR), which is about 20 minutes from the city center by tram.
However, if flights aren’t available or are too expensive, look at flying into Pisa (PSA) or Bologna (BLQ) airports. Both are larger and within 1-1.5 hours of Florence by train.
By Car
I don’t recommend driving in Florence—the roads are narrow, and I’ve seen far too many cars with scrapes along the sides. If you must drive, ask your hotel or accommodation for recommendations on where to park, as parking can be challenging in the city center. This article also has some helpful parking tips.
Where to Stay in Florence
Over the years, I’ve stayed all over Florence. I love the Oltrarno neighborhood – the restaurant scene and vibe here is fantastic, and it’s much quieter than across the Arno. That said, staying near the Duomo can be a great choice too. While it’s touristy, I love the convenience of being so close to most of the main sights.
On my last visit, I stayed a few nights at Il Salviatino, a stunning 5-star hotel located in the Fiesole hills with gorgeous views of Florence in the distance. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, I highly recommend it.
- 5-Star Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
- Luxury Hotel: Il Salviatino
- Boutique Hotel: Casa G Firenze
- Mid-Range: Oro Nero Florence
- Budget Hotel: Residenza Mondragone
- B&B: Secret Garden Firenze B&B
More information for your trip to Florence
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.