How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days In Florence | The Ultimate Itinerary

Planning to spend 2 days in Florence? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! 😍 

Also known as Firenze, Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to world-famous art, architecture, and incredible food, this is a city where art truly runs through everything – including the people.

I’ve visited Florence many times, and each trip has made me fall even more in love with this beautiful and enchanting city. From iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and the Uffizi Gallery to charming cobblestone streets and scenic views along the Arno River, Florence offers something special around every corner.

To help you make the most of 2 days in Florence, I’ve created a detailed, easy-to-follow, and fully walkable itinerary. This 2-day Florence itinerary is designed to help you experience the city’s highlights and must-do’s, some local favorites, and delicious food – without feeling rushed.

Whether it’s your first visit or not, this guide will show you exactly how to spend the perfect 48 hours in Florence. In here you will also find essential insider tips for a smooth trip and celiac-safe restaurants.  

Without further ado, here’s the best way to spend 2 days in Florence! 😍👇

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Get Ready to Spend the Best 48 Hours in Florence

🗓️ Tip: Avoid Mondays – Uffizi Gallery & Accademia Gallery are closed

Quick Itinerary Overview

Here are highlights of the itinerary and Florence must-do’s that await you.👇

Day 1:

• Accademia Gallery
• Florence Cathedral
• Uffizi Gallery
• Stroll around Historic Center
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazzale Michelangelo

Day 2: 

• Climb the Brunelleschi Dome
• Baptistery of St. John & Opera del Duomo Museum
• Walk around the Historic Center
• Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
• Visit artisan shops
• Stroll around Florence at night time

Day 1 of 2 days in Florence

8:15 AM: Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is home to the one and only Statue of David by Michelangelo, a stunning and colossal marble statue from the 16th century. 

You may be thinking, why such an early visit? David is a popular, 17-foot-tall Renaissance “man” with almost 2 million visitors each year. Due to this, the gallery tends to fill up fairly quickly with constant sold-out tickets. By visiting first thing in the morning, you will have a more relaxed and slightly smaller crowd.

The Accademia Gallery is a small art gallery, but one that is rich in masterpieces. This gallery has the largest collection in the world of Michelangelo’s artworks with a total number of seven. Alongside Michelangelo’s masterpieces, you will find artworks, ranging from paintings to sculptures, from other Florentine artists.

If you want to see David in person, you NEED to book your tickets well in advance. Book your tickets before they sell out! 👇

9 AM: Breakfast at Ala Grande

Just a 4-minute walk from the Accademia Gallery is Ala Grande, one of Florence’s best breakfast places. This popular spot offers everything from pancakes to pastries, omelets, and so much more – making it a perfect choice for someone who wants several options. Not only are the food and drinks delicious, but they are beautiful to look at!

9:45 AM: Florence Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the synonym for Florence; if you’ve heard of Florence, you’ve heard of its cathedral. This cathedral’s construction began in the 13th century (1296) and ended in the 15th century (1436) – the year the Brunelleschi Dome was completed. 

Due to this, the Cathedral has several styles of architecture, including Renaissance (the main star), Gothic, and Romanesque.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore often nicknamed the Duomo Complex, is composed of several different parts: Cathedral, Brunelleschi Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of St. John. On your first day in Florence, you will visit the Cathedral – which has free entry and shows you the Dome’s art. 

We’ll save the rest of the Duomo Complex for Day 2.

Grab my list of everything you need to know before visiting the Duomo Complex!

As mentioned, if you are planning to simply visit the Florence Cathedral, there are no entry tickets – it’s free access. However, if you want an audio guide, check out this #1 selling experience that includes access to all the parts of the Florence Duomo Complex! 👇

11 AM: Uffizi Gallery

Before we continue with this itinerary, please know that your eyes will be FEASTING on even more beautiful art! 👇

After a strong morning with the Accademia Gallery and Florence Cathedral, it’s time to keep the streak going with the Uffizi Gallery. 

Commissioned by the Medici Family, this is one of the world’s oldest and finest art galleries and is home to several world-renowned works of art. Some of the artworks include The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, and Medusa by Caravaggio.

This 16th-century art gallery is one worth getting lost in. Not lost in the sense of not knowing where you are, but in the sense of becoming entranced and entering a different world. 

This gallery has over 101 rooms filled with marvelous art and over 13,000 square meters of exhibition space. Due to this, it comes as no surprise that the recommended visit time is between 3 to 4 hours.

Two hours is enough time to see everything and appreciate the most famous works. Three to 4 hours is more for art lovers who want to dedicate more time to all the artworks.

In December 2024, after 8 years, they re-opened the Corridoio Vasariano, “Vasari Corridor”. This is a secret passage built for the Medici Family that starts from Palazzo Vecchio and goes through the Uffizi Gallery, above Ponte Vecchio, and ends at Pitti Palace. To visit this hidden Florence gem, you need to reserve your spot in advance!

This gallery is the perfect place to stroll around and get lost in the beauty and history surrounding you. Check out this best-rated guided Uffizi tour or you can book the entry ticket before they sell out! 👇

1 pm: Stroll around the Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi

One of the best ways to connect with your destination is to simply walk around aimlessly and take in your surroundings. Before making your way to lunch, stroll around the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s most important square. 

Here, you’ll find replicas of important statues, including David, and an open-air museum, Loggia dei Lanzi.

This is also where the Palazzo Vecchio is located – the second last residence of the Medici Family. The Palazzo Vecchio can be visited, and the first floor has free entrance. 

Should you be interested in a secret tour, and have exclusive access to masterpieces and secret rooms of the Medici Family, this is the perfect activity for you! 👇

1:30 PM: Lunch Time

Now that your eyes have feasted on endless art, it’s time for your belly to do the same with Florentine food! From a delicious Bistecca alla Fiorentina to Pappardelle al Cinghiale, and Coccoli, it’s safe to say that Florence food is an art in itself.

During your 48 hours in Florence, there is one thing you must experience for lunch – and that is ordering a Schiacciata to-go and savoring it while walking around Florence. Schiacciata is a sandwich from Florence, made with focaccia-like bread.

There are many great places to grab Schiacciata – with the most famous one being Antico Vinaio. If you’re celiac, or gluten free, the best gluten free Schiacciata is found at Sgrano (pictured) and I cannot recommend it enough! 😍

3 PM: Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Time for your eyes to get back to feasting, with none other than the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. This is one of Florence’s most beautiful hidden gems, and it’s so beautiful that Michelangelo named it his wife!

Originally a 13th-century convent, this basilica sits next to a large space that houses several large cloisters, and rooms. When visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, you will have access to everything from the basilica itself to the cloisters, the Spanish Chapel, and now-art rooms.

As a fun fact, the façade of the Santa Maria Novella Basilica is the only original façade standing in all of Florence! 

This basilica features both Renaissance and Gothic architecture and art. Inside the basilica, you will find several artworks from important artists such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Ghirlandaio (Michelangelo’s teacher).

When visiting, make sure to take a close look at all the beauty within this masterpiece of a basilica. From the frescoes to paintings to the architecture, there is endless beauty and history to digest.

Book your tickets today! 👇

4 PM: Gelateria La Carraia

What better “pick-me-up” than one of Florence’s most beloved gelaterias?

You may be thinking, “I’m in Italy… shouldn’t gelato be great everywhere”? The answer is, unfortunately, no! 

La Carraia’s magic card is the artisanship and dedication to a high-quality product and customer experience. At this gelato shop, the workers are continuously researching new flavors and creating new trends, without losing the traditional Florentine base. They also have fair prices and only use high-quality, natural, and fresh ingredients.

Something else that’s amazing about this gelato shop? It sits right by the Arno River and offers views of the Ponte Vecchio!

4:15 PM Ponte Vecchio

Post gelato, it’s time to see Florence’s most beloved and famous bridge, Ponte Vecchio! Nowadays, this bridge is famous for its particular look and bright colors – but there is so much more to it.

For starters, the “Old Bridge” dates back to the 10th century and was the first bridge in Florence to cross the Arno River. Throughout time, Ponte Vecchio went through several reconstructions. The bridge we see today was built in the mid-14th century after a brutal flood destroyed the ancient Roman bridge.

One very interesting fact about Ponte Vecchio is that Hitler spared it during World War II. Hitler visited Florence in 1938 and fell in love with the city. During World War II, Florence’s German Console, Gerhard Wolf, reached out to Hitler expressing his fear of Florence’s destruction. 

Hitler then gave his permission and assistance in making sure Florence wouldn’t be destroyed. The bridges were destroyed as the Nazis fled Florence, all except for Ponte Vecchio.

Insider Tip: The best way to experience Ponte Vecchio’s beauty is from the adjacent bridges, Ponte Santa Trinità or Ponte alla Grazia. While it’s a cool concept to walk across Florence’s oldest and most beloved bridge, it’s not a necessity. Why? Because the bridge is now home to only jewelry stores and tends to be quite crowded.

5 PM: Villa Bardini and Gardens

After the iconic Ponte Vecchio, it’s time to visit the Villa Bardini, a beautiful 17th-century villa, and stroll through its gardens. The Villa is home to the Pietro Annigoni Museum and occasional, temporary exhibitions. 

The gardens of this villa are famous for having some of the most beautiful views over Florence and for offering a serene oasis in the middle of Florence.

When walking through the gardens, you will find that there are three different styled gardens,  including an Italian garden with Baroque stairs, an English garden, and an agricultural park. One of the most beloved parts of the Bardini Gardens is the wisteria tunnel in the agricultural park.

Want to visit both and dive deeper into the Medici’s past? This combo ticket gives you access to both and the 7 museums of the Pitti Palace.

6 PM: Aperitivo

Now that you’ve done a fair amount of sightseeing, take a break with a traditional aperitivo and reflect on all the beauties you’ve seen til this moment. Originating from Northern Italy, an aperitivo is the time that people head out for drinks and small bites. In other words, aperitivo is the Italian’s happy hour – but better due to the free bites.

One of Florence’s best places for aperitivo is Bulli e Balene.

7 PM: Piazzale Michelangelo

What better way to wrap up your first day in Florence than catching an unforgettable sunset over the city? Exactly… no better way! Head to the Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset over all of Florence.

This square is dedicated to the one and only Michelangelo. To further honor and recognize the Florentine artist, there is a large statue replica of David in the center of the square.

Note: Depending on the month you visit Florence, the sun will set at a different time. I highly recommend adjusting the time you visit the square based on when sunset is.

8:30 PM: Dinner

After a long day of adventures and seeing endless works of art, it’s time to slow down and enjoy a delicious dinner. From a delicious Bistecca alla Fiorentina to Pappardelle al Cinghiale, and Coccoli, it’s safe to say that Florence food is an art in itself.

One of the best gluten free restaurants in Florence, for celiacs and “regular” people alike, is Ristorante Lorenzo de Medici. 

This restaurant has two kitchens, one for gluten and the other for gluten-free people – making it safe for celiacs. Here you will find all the best of traditional Florentine food, including the most delicious Bistecca alla Fiorentina, “Florentine Steak”.

I personally recommend ordering Coccoli as an appetizer, Bistecca alla Fiorentina with a side of roasted potatoes, and Tiramisu for dessert! 😍

Celiac, or gluten intolerant? Here are the best gluten free restaurants in Florence!

Day 2 of 2 Days in Florence

Welcome to your last 24 hours in Florence! Today you will be enjoying more works of art, but also slow down for the opportunity to take in the true magic of Florence’s historic center!

Without further ado, let’s get this magical day started! 😍

8:15 AM: Climb the Brunelleschi Dome

Rise and shine, it’s time to climb 463 steps of stairs! 😅🙌

The Brunelleschi Dome is the world’s largest masonry dome and nothing short of a mindblowing and breathtaking work of art. Furthermore, the Brunelleschi Dome is an architectural miracle with a spectacular, almost questionable, story.

💡 Not able to climb for health or other reasons? Swap this activity for a slower-paced morning – wander through Florence’s historic center, visit its beautiful piazzas, or enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Another great option is to visit the Uffizi Gallery instead, removing it from the first day itinerary for a more relaxed itinerary.

Nine years after the completion of the cathedral, the group in charge of the construction invited European architects and artists to compete for the opportunity to build the Dome. Filippo Brunelleschi, after studying Roman architecture in Rome and designing his Dome, traveled to Florence to compete.

Due to the fear of people copying his idea, he suggested the competition should be “who can make an egg stand”. Long story short, Brunelleschi had the opportunity to build the Dome because of his ability to make an egg stand on a table. Isn’t that just insane? 😆😅

Climbing the Brunelleschi Dome is not a walk in the park, but is certainly worth doing. By climbing the Brunelleschi Dome, you will have the amazing opportunity to see the art up close and get insane views over Florence.

Note: Due to the amount of stairs, please make sure to have breakfast or some sugar intake before your visit!

To climb the Brunelleschi Dome, you must buy the Brunelleschi Pass, which also gives you access to the whole complex. More importantly, make sure to buy this pass at least a month in advance!

10 AM: Baptistery of St. John & Opera del Duomo Museum

Once you’ve climbed the Brunelleschi Dome, head to the beautiful Baptistery of St. John and the Opera del Duomo Museum. To enter the Baptistery, similarly to the Cathedral, there is a dress code that MUST be followed: no short skirts, crop tops, shoulders showing, no sandals, and no hats.

The Baptistery of St. John is a beautiful, octagonal building adorned with intricate marble panels, gold, and a beautiful dome. This Baptistery dates back to the 8th century and its consecration was in the 12th century, making it the oldest religious site in Florence. 

Up until the 19th century, this was the only place Florentine Catholics were baptized – including Dante Alighieri, Medici Family members, and Amerigo Vespucci.

The Opera del Duomo Museum is one of the world’s most important museums as it houses various masterpieces from incredible artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. 

One of the most famous aspects of this museum is its avant-garde technology, architecture, and setup. In other words, there is nothing quite like this museum – which enhances each unique masterpiece.

This #1 selling Duomo experience gives you access to all the parts of the Florence Duomo Complex, including the Baptistery and the Opera del Duomo Museum, and an audio guide! 👇

11:30 pm: Stroll around the city + Fontana del Porcellino

As this is your last full day in Florence, take this time to aimlessly wander around the city and take in all its beauties. Something fun to do on this walk is to visit the Fontana del Porcellino, a boar fountain said to bring good luck.

Not a fan of walking aimlessly? Here are some fun and highly-rated guided tours and guided experiences to take during this time instead! 👇

1 PM: Lunch Time

Personally, unless you want to repeat a Schiacciata, for your second lunch in Florence there are two options: head to a restaurant for a delicious pizza or pasta, OR visit the famous Mercato Centrale and enjoy whatever food calls your name.

Mercato Centrale is a quick 7-minute walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral). Here you will find food artisans who specialize in different produce and cuisines, ranging from pasta toscana (tuscan pasta) to pizza al taglio, and chianina steak burgers.

If you’re celiac, Mercato Centrale doesn’t have safe options for us at the moment. Based on its central location, I would recommend going back to Ristorante Lorenzo Medici or try out Osteria dello Sgrano.

2:30 PM: Pitti Palace & Boboli Garden

The Pitti Palace, now a museum, was the last residence of the Medici family. To no surprise, this mid-15th-century palace is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Here, you can find rusticated stone façades, and mesmerizing interiors filled with art, chandeliers, and royal colors.

The Boboli Gardens, designed by the Medici, are beautifully landscaped and are home to several fountains, statues, and even grottos!

Note: The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, despite being in the same location, have two different entry tickets. Should you want to visit just one of the two attractions, you can buy a single ticket. If you want to see both, you can get a combined ticket or a tour. 👇

5 PM: Artisan Shopping

Art runs through everything in Florence, including the people. When in Florence, one of the best things to do is visit the various artisan shops and help keep the artisan culture alive. If you are looking for a souvenir, an artisan product is the best pick. 

7:30 PM: Dinner

Dinner time! This is the perfect opportunity to eat the Florentine foods you may not have tried yet. 😋

A great restaurant for your last night in Florence is Hostaria il Desco, which serves traditional cuisine and has two separate kitchens – making it safe for celiacs as well. What’s nice about Hostaria il Desco is that it beautifully combines the flavors of a traditional trattoria with the experience of a restaurant. 

In other words, get ready to enjoy Florence’s traditional flavors, including pappardelle al cinghiale, chianina steak, and beyond.

9 PM: Stroll around Florence at night time

Florence is a beautiful city no matter what time of the day, so don’t miss out on an evening stroll! If you are worried about night strolls in a foreign city, please know that Florence is a very safe and well-lit city at night time.

All You Need to Know for Your 2 Days in Florence

Where to stay in Florence for the first time

When visiting Florence for the first time, staying in the Historic Centre is simply a must! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the center is filled with Renaissance wonders, cobblestone streets, restaurants, and so much more.

Overall, the historic center of Florence is fairly small and completely walkable. Here you will be in the center of all the best things to do in Florence.

One hotel that cannot be beat is Hotel Calimala Florence, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the historic center. It sits in between Florence’s main attractions, making it only a 5-minute walk from both the Florence Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery.

It receives the highest-ratings I’ve personally seen, always praised for its phenomenal location, incredible guest experience, and amenities. Book this hotel in advance!

What is the best way to get to Florence?

The easiest way to get to Florence depends on where you’re coming from, but flying is typically the most convenient option for international travelers.

Florence has its own airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport), located about 20 minutes from the city center. However, flight options are limited, and prices can often be higher. Pisa International Airport is another popular alternative, about 1 hour away.

I personally recommend flying into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. As Italy’s largest international hub, it offers more flight options, better prices, and a smoother overall travel experience.

From Rome, you can easily reach Florence by high-speed train, such as the Frecciarossa, in about 1.5 hours. 

If you’re already in Italy, the best way to get to Florence is by high-speed train. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are well-connected, making train travel fast, efficient, and comfortable.

For budget travelers, coach buses are also a great option, offering lower prices and reliable service between major cities. 

A tool I personally use and recommend is OMIO, which allows you to compare trains, buses, and flights all in one place – making it easy to find the best option for your route and budget.

When’s the best time to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is in the spring and in the fall, as these are the best months for optimal weather and festivals. My personal favorite month to visit is October, when the weather is still warm and there are fewer crowds.

How many days are needed for Florence?

Florence is a city that should be visited for a minimum of 2 full days. Two full days is enough time to see all the main attractions, slow down, and take everything in. Three days in Florence is enough to see everything, and dive deeper into the city.

Is the Firenze Pass worth it for?

The Firenze Pass is a pass that gives you access to endless museums and attractions in Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Vasari Corridor, Pitti Palace, and Cappelle Medicee. 

While that sounds like a wonderful deal, based on this two day Florence itinerary, it is not worth it. The Firenze Pass is a better option for those spending a minimum of three days in Florence.

Don’t worry though, there is still a good deal you can enjoy! If you buy the Uffizi Pass, you can access the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens for a discounted, bundle rate.

In low season, the full price for all three museums is €28. With the PassePartout Uffizi Pass, you would pay only €18, saving 10. In high season, you save €13.

Is Florence Worth Visiting?

OH YES, IT IS! 😍 

Coming from someone who feared this would turn out to be a tourist trap of a city, I couldn’t have been proved more wrong. If you are someone who loves Renaissance architecture, art, and medieval vibes – Florence is perfect for you!

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