Florence is compact, walkable and packed with art. Plan two to three days in the city and add one or two for Tuscany: Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano and the Chianti wine country are all within reach.
- Best time
- April–June and September–October
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 days, plus 1–2 for Tuscany
- Getting there
- Florence Airport (FLR) is small; many fly into Pisa (PSA) or take the train to Santa Maria Novella. Rome is about 1.5 hours away by fast train
- Getting around
- Compact and walkable
Top things to do in Florence
Duomo and Brunelleschi’s dome
Climb the dome for panoramic views. Reserve your slot ahead.
Uffizi Gallery
Botticelli, Leonardo and Michelangelo. Pre-booked tickets save time.
Accademia and Michelangelo’s David
Allow an hour. Combine it with the nearby San Marco convent.
Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno
Cross the old bridge to artisan workshops and local trattorias.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The classic sunset view over the city.
Boboli Gardens
Terraced Renaissance gardens behind Palazzo Pitti.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1: Duomo complex, Uffizi Gallery and an evening on the Ponte Vecchio.
- Day 2: Accademia, San Lorenzo market, Palazzo Vecchio and the Oltrarno for dinner.
- Day 3: Day trip to Siena and San Gimignano, or Pisa and the Leaning Tower.
Where to stay
Duomo / Centro
Walk to the main sights.
Santa Croce
Lively, with good food.
Oltrarno
Local, creative and quieter.
Near Santa Maria Novella station
Handy for trains and day trips.
What to eat
Bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, lampredotto sandwiches, crostini toscani and Chianti wine.
Practical tips
- Reserve the Uffizi, Accademia and the Duomo dome in advance.
- If driving, avoid the restricted traffic zone (ZTL) and park outside the centre.
- Visit markets in the morning for the best food.
- August can be very hot; plan indoor sights for midday.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Florence?
Two full days for the city. Add one or two more for Tuscan day trips.
Is Pisa an easy day trip from Florence?
Yes. Trains run regularly and the journey takes about an hour.
Should I choose Florence or Venice?
Florence suits art and Tuscan day trips; Venice suits atmosphere and canals. With a week or more, do both.
Plan your Florence trip
Build a day-by-day Italy route, then see it on the interactive map.
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