Florence in 3 days: Must-see itinerary and practical tips

Introduction: What to do in Florence in 3 days

Florence, the famous capital of Tuscany, is best known for its abundance of art and history-oriented places. From my point of view, spending 3 days in Florence is enough to explore the most beautiful parts of the city. I'll go through everything you need to know in this blog post so you have the most exciting trip to this beautiful city. I hope you're ready, because here we go!

Why should you visit Florence in 3 days?

Florence is rightly called an open air museum. Every street in the city has splendid architecture, from churches to palaces to art galleries. I assure you that all the highlights will be covered during those three days, with even more opportunities to discover off-the-beaten-path places.

Overview of the itinerary for 3 days in Florence

Here is an outline of what I suggest for these unforgettable three days:

• Day 1: Start with the stunning Duomo together with its associated buildings. Next, take a walk through the medieval part of Florence and visit Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. Finally you can walk on the Ponte Vecchio and end the day.
• Day 2: Kick off with a visit to the vibrant and colourful Sant'Ambrogio Market after which you could took a stroll to the relaxing and artistically inclined Santo Spirito district. There are many beautiful churches and working creative craftspeople in this area.
• Day 3: I suggest you appreciate the beauty of Palazzo Pitti and the calm of the Boboli Gardens. Afterwards, stroll around the picturesque Oltrarno District to unlock its secrets.

One of the best view of Florence.

Practical tips for a pleasant stay

As the city of Florence has much to offer, here are some practical tips for your effective stay:

Transportation:

• Train: Florence is well-served by train via Trenitalia. From Turin, it takes approximately 3 hours.
• Bus: There are companies like Flixbus and Blablabus that provide trips on Florence (its approximately 15 hours from Paris).

Getting around: I advice you to walk, as the city is best explored on foot. Public transport like trams or buses can also be taken.

Prior reservations: It is wise to remind to you that you should book your tickets in advance to the main attractions like the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio, to avoid long queues.

Accommodation: Ideally, it would be nice to have a place near the Duomo to be in the heart of the action. Feel free to use Navsteria to find your ideal accommodation in Florence.

With these tips that I've provided to you and this well-planned itinerary, you will not only enjoy the stay in Florence, but have quite some pleasant memories. Try to experience the majestic charm of this remarkable city and fall in love with it, as I did!

Day 1

Discover the Duomo and Associated Buildings

I propose to start your Florentine journey with the most recognizable building in Florence – the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore. The crown of this Gothic beauty is the magnificent dome engineered by the genius Brunelleschi (he's a well-known architect, for your information). Be sure to climb the 463 steps (yes, you read that right) leading to the top of the dome if you wish to obtain an interesting view over the city.

Be sure not to skip the trip to the adjacent Baptistery of St. John, which is in front of the main cathedral. Its green and white marble facade and its golden bronze doors, especially Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, are absolute wonders that you shouldn't miss.

The Duomo, a must-see during your trip to Florence in 3 days.

Visit the City’s Medieval Center

Once you are done with the Duomo, make your way to Piazza della Signoria which is the historical centre of Florence. It has a number of sculptures, some of which are done by Michelangelo, such as the replica of David and the Fountain of Neptune.

There's also the Palazzo Vecchio which stands tall in the surroundings of Piazza Della Signoria and is worth visiting as well. This fortified palace, which currently is the town hall, is one of the finest place that I've seen on the history and the arts of Florentine civilisation. Make sure you see some of its brilliantly decorated interior areas and ascend the tower for a great view of the square.

The stunning Palazzo Vecchio.

Enjoy the Architectural Elegance of Ponte Vecchio and the Banks of the Arno

To complete your day one, you could take a walk on the beautiful paths along the banks of the Arno River. Go over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge which houses many stands that sell jewelries. This ancient bridge is a romantic landmark in Florence and captivates every visitor in a different way (and I'm sure it will captivate you too).

The landscaped banks are beautifully made and make you want to take a walk so as to see the shadows of the ancient buildings on the still waters of the Arno. When you finish your walk around this area, spare some time to go walk in some of the nearby alleys and see little nice cafes and craft shops.

Ponte Vecchio.

There are not enough words to describe the places that you will see on your first day. But this isn't over yet. Let's go for day 2!

Day 2

Immerse Yourself in Florentine Culture: Sant'Ambrogio Market

For the second day in Florence, you could orient yourself in the local way of life in the centre of the day at the Sant’Ambrogio Market. Settled in the busy Santa Croce district, this market is a real gem for any foodie or fresh produce enthusiasts.

• Opening Hours: The market opens every day from 07:00, Monday to Saturday.
• Not to be missed: The colourful stalls are filled with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. You can also taste local specialties like lampredotto (a panini made with offal). And inside the covered market, discover traditional butchers and artisanal cheese shops.

Make sure you spend some time in this place. A few minutes’ walk away is Piazza di Santa Croce, with its eponymous basilica and restaurants that's well worth a visit.

Away from the Crowd: Explore the Bohemian Santo Spirito Neighborhood

And to the other side of the Arno, is the Santo Spirito neighborhood which offers a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, far from the tourist crowds. Among the point of interests that I think you should see:

• Santo Spirito Basilica: A church built in the 15th century and is one of the best works of architect Brunelleschi (I talked about him earlier, remember?).
• Piazza Santo Spirito: Nice place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and an ice cream while watching the people.
• Artisan workshops: Take a walk around the neighboring streets which are home to shops of skilled artisans working with leather, marbled paper and much more.

Don't miss Borgo San Jacopo, an iconic street in the neighborhood where you'll find the excellent gelateria La Sorbettiera. I think it's a perfect stop for a sweet treat!

As an added plus, the Santo Spirito area is full of bars and restaurants serving tasty and traditional Tuscan cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. My top recommended places would be these:

• Osteria Santo Spirito: Known for its generous portions and authentic recipes.
• I'Raddi di Santo Spirito: This is a nice cozy place which serves most of the local delicacies at a very good price.

Day 3

Historical Tour of Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens

Kicking off your third day in Florence, you should begin by visiting the Palazzo Pitti. This huge palace is one of my favourite architectural heritage from this city and it was formerly a home to the powerful Medici family. You will find several interesting museums such as the Palatine Gallery, royal apartments, and porcelain museum.

Practical tip: If you are planning to go to both the museums of Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, buy a combined ticket. In this way, time is used efficiently and entry costs are reduced.

After going round the palace and admiring the different works of art in the palace, it is time to head to the Boboli Gardens. These lush gardens are a peaceful escape from the city centre thanks to their large lawns, fountains, and graceful statues. The paths will take you through groves as well as the viewpoints that provide incredible sights of the city of Florence.

Palazzo Pitti, an essential attraction for your trip to Florence in 3 days.

Exploring the Oltrarno District

When looking for newer city attractions, head directly to the picturesque Oltrarno district. This traditional quarter has many beautiful alleys and in them are hidden professional workshops, interesting boutiques, and welcoming cafes. Some highlights that I highly recommend:

• Piazza Santo Spirito: One of the most active squares filled with locals and foreign visitors who come to seat and sip a cup of coffee or try typical dishes of Tuscany.
• Basilica di Santo Spirito: An impressive church with a simple facade with a lot more to offer on the inside.
• Borgo San Jacopo: A historic street lined with artisan shops and small stalls where you can find unique souvenirs.

Local tip: If you would like a refreshment break, it is advisable to visit one of the renowned gelaterias in the neighborhood, such as Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera.

A day like this would normally end in walking calmly within all these art workshops in search of the remarkable and well preserved particulars that enrich Oltrarno.

Magnificent Viewpoints

Hoping to satisfy your appetite for the perfect view of Florence? Then, I assure you that you need to go to Piazzale Michelangelo. This well-known outstanding place provides a panoramic view of the whole city together with its monuments and structures. If you are a tourist who wishes to tour Florence in 3 days, then I can guarantee you that this is one activity worth attending.

Why Piazzale Michelangelo?

• Panoramic view: One can enjoy the absolute gorgeousness of the overhanging Florence, including the grand Duomo and the beautiful banks of the Arno. This site looks beautiful mostly at the sunset.
• Accessible: A short walk from the city center or a quick bus ride will take you there. This place is frequented by tourists as well as locals.
• Iconic location: Constructed in 1869 in the honor of Michelangelo, this piazzale was designed by Giuseppe Poggi and has numerous bronze reproductions of the works of the great artist, including, of course, the David.

An Unforgettable Moment

Take the time to bring a snack or a bottle of local wine to enjoy the panorama. You will often find local musicians who add a special touch to the atmosphere.

I would define the view from Piazzale Michelangelo as something that is not possible to erase from one’s memory. There is no way a trip to Florence in 3 days can be completed without this experience.

For those seeking an equally stunning but less crowded spot, you could go to the adjacent gardens such as the Giardino delle Rose or the Giardino dell'Iris.

Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence at sunset.

Florence boasts many stunning panoramic views. However, I think that a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is a must for anyone wishing to take a picture of this remarkable city from one of the best angles. So you know what you have to do!

The Gastronomic Heritage of Florence

Florence is much more than art and history. It is also a culinary experience that you will never forget. Almost every taste, from traditional to modern dishes, will satisfy you in Florence.

Traditional dishes not to be missed

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick steak, usually made from Chianina meat, cooked to perfection on the grill (Am I the only one with my mouth watering?)
• Lampredotto: For the adventurers, this sandwich is a typical delight of the Florentine streets.
• Ribollita: A bread and vegetable soup with beans, perfect for a comforting lunch.

Gastronomy is the art of using food to create happiness. - Théodore Zeldin

Modern and innovative creations

For those who love contemporary flavours, do not worry as there are also innovative restaurants in Florence where talented chefs reinvent classics. My personal two favourite:

• La Ménagère: Known for its chic atmosphere and creative dishes.
• Ora d'Aria: Where tradition meets innovation under the guidance of Chef Marco Stabile.

Must-visit addresses for every budget

You will still find options for every wallet without any compromise on the quality:

• Trattoria da Benvenuto: A friendly trattoria where you can enjoy traditional dishes at a reasonable price.
• Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò: Located in the Oltrarno district, it's perfect for an authentic meal.
• Berberé Pizzeria: If you're in the mood for artisanal pizza with local ingredients.

Sweet treats

Don't miss out on Florentine sweet treats like gelato:

• Gelateria dei Neri: Renowned for its unique flavours and creamy texture.
• La Sorbettiera: A small gelato shop located in the Santo Spirito area which is worth looking for.

And if you want to discover even more places to indulge in Florence in 3 days, I can only recommend this website highly enough.

Florence in 3 days also means yielding to its culinary temptations. Each time dinner awaits on the table is a new adventure in the culture’s appreciation. Happy eating!

Combining Tourism and Sustainability

Who said that you cannot combined tourism with sustainability? Sustainable tourism in Florence in 3 days may appear to be quite difficult. But there are ways to minimise your impact on the environment while in Florence:

• Use public transportation: Florence benefits from a broad range of transport systems including trams and buses. Using such transportation reduces carbon emission footprints but also enables people to live like the locals.
• Walk or rent a bike: Most of the sights are not more than an hour away on foot. Using walking or biking as a way of transport helps in protecting the environment and is one of the best ways of touring the city.
• Choose eco-friendly accommodations: A number of hotels and hostels in Florence are environmentally friendly and employ eco-friendly systems. These hostels are also available on internet booking systems.
• Consume local: Purchase from local restaurants or small businesses that utilise organic foods. The Sant’Ambrogio market is one of the best ways to see a variety of fresh and most local products.
• Avoid single-use plastics: Bring a reusable water bottle with you and refuse plastic bags when shopping.

With these little changes, a visit to this city can go hand in hand with helping avoid ruining the pleasantness of Florence.

Conclusion

The magic of Florence’s indescribable beauty is so great that a visit of three days could feel like this is not enough. In order to really touch the heart of the city, feel free to go a little off the main grid and into the less explored areas. These include real Florentine life and interaction with the cities inhabitants.

An Extra Day in Florence?

If you have the chance to extend your stay, here are some of my suggestions for an unforgettable fourth day:

• Santa Maria Novella Basilica: Less visited than others and just as beautiful, this basilica is an amazing place.
• The Bardini Gardens: These gardens are situated uptown just next to the Boboli Gardens and provides great scenery of the city.
• The Central Market of Florence: A variety of local culture with many food shops that sell different handmade goods.

As for those who would like to dig deeper, one of the options to consider is taking a day trip to Pisa. Don't forget to book your skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits, especially for popular museums and galleries.

Florence has so much to offer, and every visitor can find their own treasure here. Regardless of what passions you indulge yourself in – art, history or the desire to gaze at impressive buildings – sooner or later, I guarantee that this city will win your heart. So, be prepared to do something that you will remember all your life, and tenor yourself to fall in love with Florence.

As your visit to Italy comes to its logical conclusion, it is time to mention also other attractive places. If you are a travel enthusiast who appreciates the beauty of Italy, it would be useful to read these blog posts:

• Discover the Enchanting Charm of Cefalù in Sicily: a guide to this Sicilian gem.
• Northern Sardinia: your next dream destination, be inspired by the landscapes and heavenly beaches.

These articles will provide you with additional ideas to enrich your Italian experience. Happy reading and have a great trip!