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4 Days in Florence: The Perfect Itinerary for Art, History, and Local Favorites

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Planning to spend 4 days in Florence? That’s great to hear! While many travelers squeeze just two days into their whirlwind tour of Italy, I believe four days is the perfect amount of time to truly experience the Cradle of the Renaissance.

With four days, you’ll have the chance to see the must-visit sights like the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, while also enjoying quieter neighborhoods, discovering local shops and restaurants, and even taking a day trip to a nearby city. It’s the ideal balance – enough time to soak in the magic of Florence without just ticking off tourist spots or feeling rushed.

Having visited Florence many times, I’ve put together this guide with practical tips and insider advice to help you make the most of your trip. Read on to discover how to spend four unforgettable days in Florence!

This guide is the same as my 3 Days in Florence itinerary, with an extra day added on.

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.

Book Ahead: You must book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, and the Duomo in advance.

Get an early start: To make the most of your 4 days in Florence 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.

Hotel & Restaurant Reservations: Be sure to to call ahead (at least 1-2 weeks in advance) to make restaurant reservations. Try to book hotels a few months before your trip to get the hotel of your choice – the good ones fill up fast.

Day 1: Accademia Gallery & Florence Cathedral

Accademia Gallery

Start your day at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall David. A must-see on any Florence itinerary.

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 websiteThe 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.

Read more: 27 Best Things to do in Florence

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

Trattoria Sostanza

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 continues to amaze visitors 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’Artea 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.

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: 25 Hidden Gems in Florence

Dinner

Down the street from the Duomo is Regina Bistecca, a highly recommended spot for Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak). Buca Lapi is another great option – it’s a traditional Tuscan-style restaurant.

Trattoria Sostanza or Trattoria Marione, my lunch recommendations, are also good choices for dinner.

For more options, check out my Florence Restaurant Guide.

Day 2: Uffizi Gallery & Oltrarno

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.

Read more: 19 Best Museums in Florence

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.

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. Otherwise, Lo Schiacciavino, Ino, and I Fratellini are all fantastic sandwich shops as well.

Piazzale Michelangelo

For one of the best views overlooking Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. The walk from the Piazza della Signoria is 25 minutes, so be prepared for a bit of a climb.

This spot is especially popular at sunset, and for good reason – on a sunny day, the golden light beautifully illuminates the Duomo and historic center. While you can visit at sunset, I actually recommend going mid-day instead.

During the evening, the piazza gets extremely crowded. Unless you arrive at least an hour before sunset, it’s unlikely you’ll find a good spot to enjoy the view. Going mid-day is more relaxed and the view is still just as amazing no matter the time of day.

Bardini or Boboli Gardens

Bardini Gardens

You can easily visit both the Bardini and Boboli Gardens if you’d like. Personally, I’d recommend visiting both, especially if you’re a fan of gardens.

If you’re short on time or only want to visit one, my pick would be the Bardini Gardens. They’re one of my favorite hidden gems in Florence and are far less crowded than the Boboli Gardens. Plus, the views from the terrace at the top are absolutely breathtaking.

To see both, start with the Bardini Gardens and then take the short walk over to the Boboli Gardens.

Boboli Gardens

Use this map of the Boboli gardens to help plan your visit and explore the various walking routes.

Tickets: You can either purchase a single ticket (€10) or a combined ticket with the Pitti Palace (€22). 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 €16, or €22 if you want to include the Boboli Gardens. 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.

Wander around Oltrarno

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.

If time allows, here are a few more of my favorite spots in the neighborhood:

  • 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.

For your second option, I recommend Dalla Lola, a recent find known for its modern take on Italian cuisine. I ordered the gnocchi with a savory miso sauce and a vegetable curry – both delicious.

Day 3: Santa Croce

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.

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.

Explore the Neighborhood

Santa Croce is a beautiful, local neighborhood with many shops, cafes, and markets to explore. Here are a few highlights:

Lunch

I have two lunch recommendations for you – both very different, but conveniently located right next to each other.

The first is Cibrèo Trattoria, one of my top restaurants in Florence. Their menu is packed with delicious pasta and meat dishes, making it a perfect spot for a cozy, sit-down lunch.

For a more authentic Florentine experience, head to Sergio Pollini Lampredetto, a beloved sandwich stand known for their famous lampredetto sandwiches. Lampredetto is slow-cooked cow stomach – a local specialty and a favorite among Florentines.

San Lorenzo Basilica & Medici Chapels

Credit: isogood/Depositphotos.com

San Lorenzo Basilica is, according to its website, the oldest church in Florence and served as the official church of the Medici family. It’s home to the Laurentian Library and the Medici Chapels.

The basilica, designed by Brunelleschi, has a unique unfinished facade with exposed brick. Despite its plain exterior, it’s well worth visiting the sights inside of the church.

The basilica is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed Sundays. Tickets for the basilica cost €9 and do not include access to the Laurentian Library or Medici Chapels. More information on the official website.

Laurentian Library: This was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century to house the Medici family’s precious manuscript collection. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (last admission at 1:00 PM). Tickets cost €5. More information on the official website.

Medici Chapels: Also designed by Michelangelo, these serve as the burial site for members of the Medici family. Highlights include the Chapel of Princes and Michelangelo’s New Sacristy. Opening hours are Wednesday to Monday from 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Purchase tickets online or in person.

Check out another Small Museum

While Florence is known for its two main museums – the Uffizi and the Accademia – the city is also home to many smaller, equally wonderful museum. For the remainder of your afternoon, I suggest choosing another museum to explore.

Here are my top 3 recommendations:

  1. Opificio delle Pietre dure Museum: A fascinating museum dedicated entirely to mosaics and stone inlays.
  2. Galileo Museum: Featuring over a thousand scientific instruments, this museum is perfect for science enthusiasts. And yes, it’s home to Galileo’s actual middle finger—a quirky and fascinating highlight.
  3. Museo Marino Marini: A unique art museum dedicated to the works of Marino Marini, a celebrated 20th-century sculptor.

For more options, read 19 best museums in Florence.

Wander & Shop

Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering through Florence’s quieter streets. Take the time to pop into local shops or relax at a café. Here are some of my top recommendations:

  • Todo Modo: A local bookshop with a café tucked away in the back
  • Il Conventino: A quiet cafe set inside of a former convent.
  • S.forno: A cozy bakery and cafe selling fresh pastries, coffee, and local goods.
  • Giuseppe Fanara: Stop by this shop for beautiful handmade leather goods.
  • Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo Market: A vibrant food hall and outdoor market, where you’ll find ready-to-eat meals and leather goods that make great souvenirs.

Dinner

Trattoria Camillo

In addition to the restaurants I’ve already mentioned, here are a few more great options to consider for your final meal in Florence:

Day 4: Day Trip or Florence Hidden Gems

For your last day in Florence, you have a couple of options. You could take a day trip, there are plenty of great day trips from Florence. Or you could stay in the city, visit more of the museums, take a walking tour, book a cooking class, or slowly wander and see what you find.

#1: Take a Day Trip

I’ve outlined the 19 Best Day Trips from Florence in another article, so I suggest taking a look and deciding which one interests you the most. Florence is perfectly situated for exploring nearby cities and countryside villages. There are many options to choose from and most are accessible by train, which is a bonus.

Here are my top five day trip recommendations:

Bologna
View of the Piazza Maggiore in bologna

Often called “Italy’s Food Capital,” Bologna is one of my favorite cities in Italy. Spend the day eating your way through the city and visiting some of the historical sights. For a detailed itinerary, check out my Florence to Bologna day trip guide.

Bologna Tour Options

  • Bologna History Tour: On this 3-hour historical walking tour, your guide will take you to not only the main sights in Bologna but also some of the city’s hidden gems.
  • Bologna Walking Tour: This 2-hour walking tour takes you around the city center to Bologna’s top highlights. It’s also the most affordable tour option available!
  • Bologna Food Tour: In our opinion, the best way to experience Bologna is to eat your way through it. On this 4-hour food tour, you’ll taste your way through the city sampling some of the most well-known dishes from the region.
Siena

A stunning Medieval town in the heart of Tuscany. Follow my Florence to Siena day trip guide for a detailed itinerary.

Siena Tour Options

Pisa
is pisa worth visiting

Just an hour from Florence by train, Pisa makes for an excellent half-day trip. Snap a photo at the iconic Leaning Tower and explore the city’s other attractions. For more details, check out my Florence to Pisa day trip itinerary.

Pisa Tour Options

  • Florence to Pisa Day Tour: This 6-hour day trip includes a guide and tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral. If you don’t want to plan the day trip yourself, this is a good option.
  • Florence to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano Day Tour: This full-day guided tour takes you to Pisa, Siena, and the Tuscan town of San Gimignano from Florence. This is a good option if you are short on time and want to see multiple cities in a day.
  • Pisa Walking tour: This 1.5 – 2 hour guided tour takes you to the Pisa Cathedral, Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Piazza dei Miracoli.
Cinque Terre
View of Manarola from the viewpoint

This picturesque coastal destination is a very doable day trip from Florence. Leave early in the morning to have enough time to explore the five charming villages.. Follow my detailed Florence to Cinque Terre itinerary to help you easily plan your trip.

Cinque Terre Tour Option

  • Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional HikingThis 5-star rated, full-day guided tour takes you through all five villages with an option to hike one of the trails. It includes transportation by bus, a guide, entry tickets to Cinque Terre National Park, a boat ride (from end of March to end of October), optional lunch, and extra time to wander around on your own.
Lucca

A hidden gem in Tuscany, enjoy a relaxed day in Lucca – walk the medieval walls, grab a drink in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and wander the city’s antique shops. For a more detailed itinerary, read my Florence to Lucca day trip guide.

Lucca Tour Options

  • Bike and Food tour: Take a guided bike tour of Lucca’s old town and walls. You’ll stop for some snacks at a few local shops on the way.
  • Private Pisa & Lucca Full-Day Tour: Short on time? This highly-rated private day tour from Florence takes you to both Pisa and Lucca with an expert guide. You’ll visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and some of the highlights of Lucca.

#2: Explore more of Florence

If you’re planning to stay in Florence, spend the day visiting more of the city’s hidden gems. There are still many museums, shops, cafes, galleries, and streets to be explored.

A few places and activities that come to mind are the Brancacci Chapel, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito Basilica, climbing the Arnolfo Tower, and Palazzo Strozzi.

To help you plan your day, check out these articles:

I usually try to book a cooking class or food tour whenever I travel to a new city, and today is a great opportunity to do that! I’m sharing a few recommendations below.

Food tour recommendations:

Cooking class recommendations:

4-Day Florence Itinerary Overview

Day 1

  • Accademia Gallery
  • San Marco Museum
  • La Gelatiera Gelato
  • Lunch
  • Florence Duomo
  • Ponte Vecchio
  • Dinner

Day 2

  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Piazza della Signoria
  • Lunch
  • Piazzale Michelangelo
  • Bardini and/or Boboli Gardens
  • Pitti Palace
  • Oltrarno Neighborhood
  • Dinner

Day 3

  • Bargello Museum
  • Santa Croce Basilica
  • Explore Santa Croce
  • Lunch
  • San Lorenzo Basilica & Medici Chapels
  • Small Museum
  • Wander & Shop
  • Dinner

Day 4

  • Option #1: Take a day trip
  • Option #2: Explore more of Florence’s hidden gems

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

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

Il Salviatino

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.

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.

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