With its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled artistic heritage, Florence is a city that looms large in the imagination of every would-be traveler to Italy. Who hasn't dreamed of visiting the cradle of the Renaissance? Alongside Rome and Venice, Florence is one of Italy's most beloved destinations. And for good reason! From the architectural splendor of the Duomo to the artistic treasures of the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo's David, there aren't many places in the world that can match Florence’s list of must-see landmarks!
Is it Possible to Visit Florence in 2 Days?
You could easily spend weeks exploring every corner of Florence, and ideally you would spend at least 4 days here. But what if your itinerary only allows for 48 hours in the Tuscan capital? For those planning a two-day trip to Florence, maximizing your time while ensuring you experience the city's highlights can feel like a daunting task, but fear not! The good news is that with careful planning you can experience the best of what Florence has to offer even on a tight two-day schedule.
Our two-day Florence itinerary is designed to guide you through the must-see sights over 48 hours. By following our recommendations, you’ll get to visit Florence’s most important attractions whilst also allowing crucial down-time to soak in the local ambience and food scene.
Of course, take our suggestions as a starting point for your own - depending on your interests, how much you want to pack in and your energy levels you might want to skip some of our recommendations this time, especially if you are planning a return visit!
DAY 1
MORNING
Breakfast on Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
With a packed shedule ahead of us, we’re going to need the right fuel to keep you going. And in Italy, that means starting your day with a cappuccino and pastry at the bar. No matter where you're staying (check out our guide on the best areas to stay in Florence here), you'll easily find a likely local bar or café to start your day right.
But as we’ll be making our way to the Accademia this morning, it’s a good idea to breakfast nearby. With its Brunelleschi-designed architecture, neautiful Piazza della Santissima Annunziata is one of Florence’s most beautiful squares, and it’s just steps from the Accademia. Un Caffè Bistrot and Brunellesco Caffè are excellent choices in this area; located on the top floor terrace of the Istituto degli Innocenti museum, meanwhile, Caffè del Verone offers up super views across Florence.
The Accademia Gallery
Two days isn’t a great amount of time to see all that Florence has to offer, so we’re going to hit the ground running straight off the bat. Our first stop after breakfast is a visit to the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s iconic David is the undisputed star of the show. Getting up close and personal with what is arguably the world’s most famous statue is a must when in Florence for art-lovers and novices alike. There’s plenty more to see in the Accademia, including further spectacular Michelangelo sculptures - find out what you really need to see here with our guide to the highlights.
San Lorenzo and Medici Tombs
Our Michelangelo-centric morning continues with our next stop. Make the short walk across to Piazza San Lorenzo, where the unfinished facade of the eponymous church dominates. San Lorenzo was the church where the powerful Medici worshipped, and it’s well worth stopping here to admire the stunning interior, which includes a Brunelleschi-designed sacristy and sculptures by Donatello.
The greatest treasures of the San Lorenzo complex, however, lie in the separate ‘New Sacristy.’ This grand, stand-alone temple was the private funeral chapel of the Medici, and was designed by Michelangelo in the 1520s. The great artist meticulously planned every detail from the architecture to the tombs themselves, which honor the Medici dukes in sculptures filled with complex symbolism. If you want more Michelangelo, we've got you covered with our self-guided itinerary to where to see the art of Michelangelo in Florence.
Lunch and Shopping at Mercato Centrale
Just steps from San Lorenzo, you’ll find Florence’s spectacular Mercato Centrale, the city’s main food market. Make your way through the leather stalls that throng the surrounding streets (perhaps picking up a bargain or two along the way) to the landmark 19th century iron and glass covered market and immerse yourself in the foodie delights on offer within.
Fresh local produce overflows from every nook and cranny on the ground floor, making for some great photo ops; when hunger hits, head to the first floor where a sprawling food court serves up everything from freshly prepared pasta to super sandwiches and an array of contemporary international cuisine. Our favorite place to get a bite in the Mercato Centrale is venerable Nerbone, where street-food classics like lampredotto and bollito rub shoulders with more substantial plates like ossobuco and stracotto.
MORE FOR YOU: A DAY IN FLORENCE
Join TE founder Rob as he discovers the best of Florence in a day!
AFTERNOON
Piazza del Duomo
All roads in Florence lead to our next stop, the magnificent Piazza del Duomo. Towering over the streets and squares of the city, the Duomo, or cathedral, is Florence’s most dazzling landmark. Its gorgeous pink, white and green marble facade epitomizes the values of Tuscan Gothic architecture; but it is Filippo Brunelleschi’s glittering orange-tiled dome, a miracle of Renaissance engineering, that will really take your breath away.
As we’re short on time, we don’t think it’s worth queueing to go inside (somewhat surprisingly, the Duomo’s interior is far from the most impressive in Florence). Devote your time instead to visiting the adjacent Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, too often skipped over by visitors with limited time in the city.
The collection features an array of must-see Renaissance gems, like Ghiberti’s original Gates of Paradise doors (the gilded panels now guarding the entrance to the Baptistery in the Piazza outside are replicas), and a series of seriously haunting expressionist sculptures by Donatello, including a particularly haggard-looking Mary Magdalene. The remarkable museum is also home to Michelangelo’s last great masterpiece, a powerful, unfinished Pieta, as well as the death mask of Brunelleschi himself.
The Bargello
Make your way south from the Duomo towards the river Arno and you’ll be wandering through the most atmospheric streets of Florence’s historic center. This area was the heart of the city in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and it was here that Florence’s most illustrious families and most famous writers and artists lived - including Dante and Michelangelo.
The spirit of medieval Florence is richly evoked in the Bargello museum, the next stop on our suggested itinerary: this heavily fortified edifice was where the city’s ruling council dispensed justice and governed in the 15th century. The interior has changed little in 500 years, but these days its the atmospheric backdrop to Florence’s best collection of Renaissance sculpture - including Donatello’s David, Michelangelo’s Bacchus and many more. It’s our favorite under-rated museum in the city, and well worth an hour or two of your time during your two days in Florence.
Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi
Just a few steps from the Bargello is the grand, sweeping open space of Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s most important square. A thrilling stage-set of tinkling fountains, spectacular sculptures and imposing buildings, Piazza della Signoria feels like it encompasses all of Florence in microcosm. Unmissable is the Loggia dei Lanzi, a free outdoor arcade and sculpture gallery that features Benvenuto Cellini’s iconic bronze Perseus and Medusa.
Dominating the square’s skyline is the starkly impressive Palazzo Vecchio, original home of the city’s magistrates. These days it’s yet another seriously impressive sculpture museum - if you skipped the Bargello, make sure to stop in here instead, where more Michelangelo sculptures await. If the weather is good, consider climbing the adjoining 94-meter tower for incredible views across Florence.
EVENING
Aperitivo Hour
With sightseeing done for the day, it’s time to focus on other, equally important aspects of Florence life: eating and drinking! You’re right in the center, so apertivo hour options are limitless. We’ll content ourselves with two recommendations:
1). You could make the short walk to lovely Piazza della Repubblica - known for its neoclassical triumphal arch and 19th-century carousel - for a well-earned drink at historic Caffè Gilli, which has been on the go since 1733. The Gilli bartenders make arguably the best Negroni in town.
2). Stroll across to Piazza Santa Croce, situated in the eastern part of Florence’s historic centre. The large square is dominated by the church of the same name, where many of Florence’s most famous citizens are buried. If you still have the energy, take a quick spin around the church to pay your respects at the tomb of Michelangelo and to admire the series of amazing frescoes Giotto painted in the church, before settling down at one of the many bars dotted around this lively neighborhood - Quelo and Dondino are two reliable addresses.
Dinner
You can expect to eat well in Florence. Very well indeed. Whilst every region in Italy boasts an exceptional local culinary tradition, Tuscan cuisine arguably sits right at the top of the pile. Running the gamut from traditional cucina povera dishes like the seemingly basic yet delicious ribollita to barnstorming showstoppers like the world-renowned bistecca alla fiorentina, the variety and quality of food on offer in Florence means that the city has few culinary rivals. Find out the classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine you need to try when in Florence with our guide here: What to Eat in Florence.
But where should you eat? If you’d like to stay in or near the historic centre for your evening meal, there are plenty of excellent options. Inevitably there are plenty of tourist traps, too, however, so it pays to do your research in advance. To help you get started, our team of expert local guides in Florence have shared with us some of their favorite places to eat in the city. Get their recommendations here: The Best Restaurants in Florence in 2024.
DAY 2
MORNING
The Uffizi Gallery
Our time in Florence is already half done, but we’ve still got plenty more to see! Day 2 sees us up bright and early for a morning appointment at the Uffizi Gallery, one of Florence’s absolute must-see attractions. Why is the Uffizi unmissable when in Florence? Simply put, it’s the world’s finest showcase of Renaissance art. Nowhere else are so many masterpieces of that golden age gathered together under one roof, from Giotto to Botticelli, Leonardo to Michelangelo and beyond.
As with the Accademia, you’ll need to have booked your tickets and specific entrance time in advance. That means you won’t waste time queueing on site and can get straight to the action. The Uffizi opens at 8.15 AM (except on Mondays, when it’s closed), so you can head there early to give yourself the time you’ll need to appreciate the collection. We’d recommend you allocate at least 2 hours, and more if you are an art enthusiast, to the Uffizi.
To get the most out of your visit, consider joining a tour of the Uffizi - that way you won’t have to worry about the organizing the practicalities, and you’ll also gain valuable insights about what you’re seeing thanks to an expert guide.
Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio
After your morning exploring the Uffizi, you’ve certainly earned an early lunch. Just a stone’s throw from the gallery, you’ll find one of the best sandwich shops in Florence. All’Antico Vinaio is a by-now iconic hole in the wall serving up a dizzying array of foccacce and schiacciate (a type of flatbread sandwich). Portions are huge, and whilst the queue is usually long, if you arrive early you’ll beat the crowds. I Fratellini is an equally good option if the line at All’Antico Vinaio is too long.
If you’d prefer a sit-down lunch, nearby Alimentari Uffizi offer superb platters of meats, cheeses, olives, vegetables, foccacce and more alongside excellent wines at very fair prices. There’s not much room at this charming family-run place, but as you’ll be arriving early you’ll have every chance of snagging one of the coveted outside tables.
Ponte Vecchio
Back on our feet after lunch, it’s time to head down to the river. Spanning the Arno River in the heart of Florence, the medieval Ponte Vecchio connected key sites of power and influence during the Renaissance, linking the Medici family’s main residence at the Palazzo Pitti and the government offices housed in the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio. In the late 16th century, the Medici Grand Duke Ferdinando I grew increasingly intolerant of the unpleasant odors emanating from the butcher shops and tanneries that lined the bridge, and had them replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers. Today the Ponte Vecchio remains much as it was after this makeover, with 48 jewelry shops still offering their exquisite wares to wealthy clients from around the world.
AFTERNOON
Oltrarno Stroll
It’s time to venture across the river Arno, and for the remainder of the day we’ll be exploring the sights and sounds of the beautiful Oltrarno neighbourhood. Oltrarno, meaning "Beyond the Arno," is the neighborhood to explore if you’re looking to immerse yourself in local Florentine life, brimming with artisan workshops, dazzling churches and buzzing bars.
The Brancacci Chapel
The first port of call on this side of the river is the marvellous Brancacci Chapel. Recently restored, this hidden gem in Oltrarno is arguably the most important and exciting example of Renaissance art in all of Florence. Commissioned by the wealthy merchant Felice Brancacci after a trip to Egypt in 1423, the chapel’s stunning decorations made an immediate star of its young painter, Masaccio.
Masaccio’s daring application of the new science of perspective rendered his frescoes depicting the life of St. Peter here startlingly 3-dimensional, and provide a fascinating contrast with the more decorative style of fellow painter Masolino, with whom he collaborated in the chapel.
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
It’s a lovely 10 minute stroll through the picturesque streets of Oltrarno to the Pitti Palace, one of the largest and best museums in Florence. This sprawling Renaissance residence was once home to the Medici, and can be visited on a joint ticket with the Uffizi. The must-visit part of the museum is the section that houses the Palatine galleries, where an array of dazzling Renaissance artworks are hung in opulent interiors. Highlights include a number of exceptional portraits by Raphael, Caravaggio’s Sleeping Cupid and Giorgione’s Three Ages of Man.
The museum is well worth visiting, but If you have had enough of art for one day then skip the Pitti’s collections and head straight into the palace’s historic gardens instead. The lovely Boboli gardens are a great place to get some fresh air in Florence’s dense urban fabric, and feature paths winding through landscaped gardens and thickets studded with Renaissance sculptures.
San Miniato al Monte
From the Boboli gardens it’s a 15 or so minute walk to the marvellous little hilltop church of San Miniato al Monte. This spectacular jewel-box basilica is dedicated to Florence's first martyr, and the thousand-year-old Romanesque church built to house his earthly remains is one of our favourite spots in the entire city. An eerie crypt, a beautiful graveyard and jaw-dropping architecture make San Miniato an excellent out-of-the-way stop in Florence - as an added bonus, it’s usually mercifully free of crowds.
Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
As the day winds down, you’re in the perfect spot to catch Florence’s best sunset. Adjacent to San Miniato is the large square known as Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a stunning view of the city’s Renaissance skyline illuminated by the warm hues of twilight. Marked by a replica of Michelangelo’s David, this iconic panorama is a must-see - try to pick out the landmarks across the river in the city’s historic center that you’ve visited during your two days in Florence!
Dinner in Oltrarno
We’ve done a lot of walking today, so save your legs and go for dinner in Oltrarno. This side of the river is home to many of our favourite restaurants in Florence. Some standout choices in the area are the traditional Trattoria Casalinga and the superb I’Brindellone. Offal lovers will appreciate the refined tripe-centric menu at Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino, while unpretentious Trattoria Sabatino (pictured) makes for an incredible affordable and authentic local experience.
And so we’ve reached the end of our time in the Tuscan capital already! Two unforgettable, adventure-filled days in Florence that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. While exploring Florence in just 48 hours is ambitious, it's definitely achievable with the right preparation and mindset. If you'd like to make the most of your limited time without the stress of organizing it all, consider booking our Day in Florence Tour!
MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:
- Everything You Need to Know to Visit Florence in 2024
- The Best Things to Do in Florence in 2024
- Where to Stay in Florence
- The Best Tours of Florence
- The Best Museums in Florence
- What to See in the Uffizi Gallery
- The Best Street Food in Florence
- Where to See Michelangelo in Florence
Through Eternity Tours offer a range of insider itineraries in the City of the Medici, so if you’re taking a trip to Florence this year check out our website or get in touch with our expert travel planners today!
