The Perfect 3 Day Florence Itinerary (From an Italy Travel Expert)

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Florence is easily one of my favorite cities in Italy. The art and architecture, food and vibe is incredible. Florence is small compared to Rome and easily doable with a 3 day itinerary. If you are looking for the perfect 3 day Florence itinerary, I got you covered. This itinerary covers the best of Florence without rushing.

I have been to Italy more than five times and Florence is my favorite city. I have visited multiple times and spent over a week exploring Tuscany. As a Certified Sommelier, the wine country outside Florence is also one of the reasons I keep coming back.

This is the exact itinerary I used for my first Florence trip and the one I would suggest for anyone visiting the city. You will see the amazing artworks at the Uffizzi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David, climb the Duomo, walk across Ponte Vecchio, watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo and have a chance to taste your way through Chianti. Let’s get into it!

Florence Planning Cheat Sheet

Day 1: Heart of Florence (Duomo, David and Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo)

Day 1 is all about the most iconic sights in Florence. See Michelangelo’s David, climb to the top of the Duomo and end the day with sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.

Morning: The Duomo and Baptistery

Start your first day at Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and known locally as the Duomo di Firenze, is the heart of Florence and one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The pink, green and white marble facade is stunning and the entire historic center around it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk around the Florence Cathedral and the Baptistery first. Take photos and soak it all in. Then climb either Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower for sweeping views over the red rooftops of Florence. Giotto’s Bell Tower gives you a direct view of the Duomo.

I climbed the Dome on my first trip and the views of Florence are unreal. The climb is steep with 463 steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Book your skip-the-line ticket in advance because tickets sell out days ahead.

If you want to go deeper, the Opera del Duomo Museum sits right by the cathedral and holds the original sculptures and Ghiberti’s famous bronze doors. After the climb, stop at a nearby cafe for a coffee or a quick gelato break. The cafes around Piazza della Repubblica are a few minutes away and are perfect for taking a breather.

Afternoon: Lunch and the Accademia Gallery

If you are short on time, grab a sandwich from one of Florence’s famous panini shops. All’Antico Vinaio sandwich shop is the most well-known and but be prepared to wait in line. Pino’s Sandwiches near the Duomo and Semel near Mercato Sant’Ambrogio are also great hole-in-the-wall picks.

For a fuller spread, the Mercato Centrale in the San Lorenzo Market area is a covered central market packed with food stalls.

If you have more time, sit down for a longer lunch at a trattoria and enjoy an Aperol Spritz with your pasta. Florence has a slow lunch culture and it is worth leaning into. For me, visiting Italy is all about slowing down and really enjoying the lunch and dinner.

After lunch, walk to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Spend time admiring the sculpting detail. The way Michelangelo carved the veins, the muscles and the expression is mesmerizing in person. We spent hours admiring the intricate details of David!

The other artworks in the gallery are also worth your time, including Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners statues and the Renaissance paintings in the side rooms. If you have a little extra time nearby, the Medici Chapels at San Lorenzo are worth a look for their Michelangelo sculptures and the grand Medici tombs.

Plan for about an hour and a half here. Book skip-the-line tickets because the lines without one are long.

Evening: Piazzale Michelangelo for Sunset and Dinner

End your first day with the most beautiful sunset over Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo. This is the most iconic view in Florence and you will see why the moment you get there. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the red rooftops all glow as the sun sets over the city.

However, be prepared for an uphill hike and A LOT of crowds. The walk up takes 20 to 30 minutes from the Arno and parts of it are steep, passing the peaceful Rose Garden on the way.

If you have the energy, climb a little higher to San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful old church just above the square with an even quieter view. If you want an easier option, take an Uber or a taxi to the top. The crowds are real but the view is worth every bit of it. Go early to find the best spot to view the sunset.

We did this on our first trip and even with hundreds of people around us, the moment the sun set and lit up the Duomo was unforgettable. Bring a glass of wine from one of the nearby kiosks and find a spot on the steps.

After sunset, walk back into the city for dinner. Stay in the historic center and pick a trattoria. Tuscan classics like bistecca alla Fiorentina, pici pasta and ribollita soup are all on the menu in this neighborhood.

After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the lit-up streets. Florence at night is magical. You might even spot people dancing in piazzas and participate like we did. It is so fun!

Day 2: Uffizi, Pitti Palace and Sunset along the Arno

Day 2 is your big art and palace day. Spend morning at the Uffizi Gallery, climb the Arnolfo Tower for the best skyline view of Florence and end the day with sunset along the Arno River. This is a longer, slower day so pace yourself.

Morning: Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio

Start early at the Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most important art museums in the world and it is packed with Renaissance masterpieces. Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, Caravaggio’s Bacchus and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo are all here.

Plan for at least three hours and book skip-the-line tickets well in advance. The lines without one are brutal. I highly recommend taking a small group tour to really understand the history behind the artworks and the gallery itself.

The sheer number of artworks at the Uffizi can be overwhelming. At one point during my Uffizi visit I had to step outside for a break. The art is so detailed and there is so much to take in that I felt overwhelmed. Pace yourself, take breaks and do not try to see every room.

After the Uffizi, walk a few minutes to Piazza della Signoria. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Florence and it is right next to Palazzo Vecchio. The square is lined with sculptures, including the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi, and you will see a replica of David here.

If you have time on the way, the church of Santa Maria Novella near the train station is one of the most beautiful in the city and often missed by visitors.

Head into Palazzo Vecchio and climb the Arnolfo Tower. The view from the top is one of the best in Florence and you get a close-up of the Duomo from a different angle. It is much less crowded than the Duomo climb and the photos and views are stunning.

Afternoon: Lunch, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

Have lunch near Piazza della Signoria. Rivoire is a classic cafe right on the square and a great spot for a sit-down meal with people-watching. The trattorias on the side streets are all good options if you want something more local.

After lunch, walk across Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno neighborhood. Pitti Palace is a short walk from the bridge. This was the home of the Medici family and the inside is grand and full of art. It is one of the most stunning palaces that many people miss!

Behind the palace are the Boboli Gardens. The gardens are huge, beautifully landscaped and one of the few green spaces in Florence. Wander the paths, find the fountains and enjoy the views over the city. If you have extra time, the Bardini Gardens next door are even quieter and have an incredible view.

Buy a combined ticket for the palace and the gardens to save time and €€.

Evening: Ponte Vecchio Shopping, Sunset and Dinner

Cross back over Ponte Vecchio in the evening to catch the sunset along the Arno River. The bridge and the river glow in the golden light and it is one of the prettiest moments of the day.

The shops on Ponte Vecchio are very touristy and prices are inflated. If you want to actually buy something nice, head to the Leather School at Santa Croce for beautiful engraved leather purses, wallets and belts. For fine Italian jewelry, The Gold Market in the city is where you will find the real deal.

This is exactly what we did on our trip. The sales associate at The Gold Market was even jealous as my husband splurged on a necklace set and bracelet for me 😛. They are such great quality and I still wear them after all these years.

We also bought engraved leather purses and belts at Florence Leather School and they are still some of my favorite pieces. The quality is incredible and you cannot find anything like it back home.

For dinner, head to the Santa Croce neighborhood, or cross back into the Oltrarno and find a table around the lively Santo Spirito square. Both have a great evening scene, wonderful restaurants and a different vibe from the historic center.

Day 3: Pick Your Adventure (Local Cooking Class or Tuscany Wine Country)

Day 3 is your choice. You can either stay in Florence or head out for a full day in Tuscany wine country. Both are great. I have done both on different trips but my preference is a trip to the wine country. It is one of the best things about Tuscany.

Option A: Bargello, Santa Croce and a Pasta Making Class

This is the perfect Day 3 if you want to slow down and experience the local side of Florence.

Morning: Bargello Museum

Start at the Bargello Museum. It is one of the most underrated museums in Florence and is home to incredible sculptures by Donatello, Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters. The crowds here are much smaller than the Accademia or Uffizi and you can take your time.

After the Bargello, walk a few minutes to the Basilica di Santa Croce. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Florence and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are all here. The frescoes by Giotto inside are stunning.

I loved Santa Croce. It is quieter than the Duomo and the history hits differently when you are standing next to the tombs of people you grew up reading about. I can’t believe people miss this place. It is also very peaceful if you want to escape the crowds.

Afternoon: Pasta Making Class

In the afternoon, take a pasta making class in the city. A cooking class is something you have to do in Italy and there is no better place than Florence. It was one of the unforgettable moments of our Italy trip and it was so much fun. You learn a real skill and you walk away with a great memory.

Most classes are about 3 hours and include a market visit, hands-on pasta making and a long lunch or dinner with what you made and plenty of wine. It is the perfect way to close out your trip.

Option B: Full Day Tuscany Wine Country Tour

For the second option, spend your final day in the Tuscan countryside tasting delicious wine and getting to know the most beautiful hilltowns of Tuscany. As a Certified Sommelier, I can tell you Tuscany is the best wine region in Italy and Chianti is right outside Florence.

The Tuscan countryside is a place I keep dreaming of going back to. Whether it is Val d’Orcia or Montalcino, San Gimignano or Siena, I keep going back again and again.

We spent over a week in Tuscany and couldn’t get enough of it! There is a reason for its hype. The rolling hills, the vineyards, the cypress trees lining the roads and the food make it one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

There are so many tour options to choose from. A typical full day tour includes Siena, San Gimignano, a Chianti winery visit with tastings and a Tuscan farmhouse lunch. You can also find smaller tours that focus only on Chianti, or specialty wine tours that head deeper into Brunello or Val d’Orcia.

We actually spent a week exploring the best wineries of Tuscany and it was the highlight of our entire Italy itinerary. Sitting outside at a Tuscan winery with a glass of Brunello and a plate of pecorino is hard to beat.

Where to Stay in Florence

Florence has great hotels for every budget. Stay in the historic center to be close to the Duomo, Uffizi and most major sights.

For a quieter, more local feel, look at the Oltrarno or Santa Croce neighborhoods. My favorite is the Belmond Savoy Hotel.

Best Tours and Day Trips from Florence

Some of the best memories from my Florence trips came from the day trips I took from Florence. Florence is a perfect base to explore lot of amazing Tuscan towns and even other places like Ligurian Coast of Cinque Terre or Portofino.

In Florence

One thing I love about Italy and Europe in general are the tours that they offer. The locals are so passionate about the history and you get a different perspective than books or self tours. These are some of the best tours to take IN Florence.

Day Trips from Florence

As I mentioned above, some of the best things to do in Florence is taking day trips. You could easily spend a week in Florence taking day trips to multiple other places in Tuscany!

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to visit Florence, three days is the perfect amount of time. You get to see the iconic sights, taste the best of Tuscan food and wine and get a real feel for the city without rushing. By the end of Day 3, you will understand why Florence is one of the most loved cities in Italy.

Florence is my favorite city in Italy and there’s a reason I keep going back. Whether it is the Renaissance art, the Tuscan wine country or just the slow pace of an Italian afternoon with a glass of wine, there is always a reason to return. I hope this itinerary helps you fall in love with it the same way I did.

If you have more time in Italy, check out my Florence or Venice comparison to decide where to head next. My 10 days in Italy itinerary is a great guide if you want to combine Florence with Rome and Venice. For wine country planning, take a look at my best wineries in Tuscany, a comparison of Siena vs San Gimignano and best towns in Tuscany.

Wherever your trip takes you next, you are going to love Italy.

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