2 days in Florence, Italy – the perfect itinerary for your first visit

view of Florence from the top of Arnolfo tower, must visit during 2 days in Florence

Last Updated on April 11, 2024

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Florence in Italy, known as the birth place of Renaissance, is one of the most visited European cities and for a good reason. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful, full of history, amazing art, architecture and great food. It’s compact enough, that it doesn’t feel overwhelming, yet there is plenty to do and see. 2 days in Florence is the absolute minimum to see all the main attractions, but you could easily stay longer and be busy. If you’d like to visit some nearby towns in Tuscany, Florence also makes for a great base to do that.

Because Florence is such a popular Italian destination, it’s important to come prepared, so you can get the most out of your trip and not leave disappointed. This is not a city, where you can’t just show up and wing it, especially if you plan on visiting in high season. Unless you want to miss out on some of the best experiences Florence has to offer and spend a good part of your days waiting in lines.

In this 2 day Florence itinerary, I included all the main attractions, that are a great introduction to the city and in my opinion, a must for every first time visitor. To avoid a museum or church overload, I spread visits to the most important ones over 2 days. And as much as there are so many things to do in Florence, I made sure, that this guide also includes plenty of down time. After all, Florence is a perfect city to sit, have a drink, people watch and soak in the atmosphere.

Doumo Cathedral in Florence at sunrise

How to get to Florence, Italy

Florence, or Firenze as it’s called in Italian, is located in the heart of the Tuscan region in Central Italy. The city is well connected with the rest of Europe and Italy and easily reachable by plane and train.

Getting to Florence by plane

If you are flying to Florence, the Peretola Airport ( formally Amerigo Vespucci Airport ) is located just 8 km outside of city center. To get from the airport to the city center, you have a couple of options:

  • T 2 tram – it’s very easy and cheap to get to the center of the city by tram. T2 connects Peterola airport with the train station Santa Maria Novella, finishing at Unitร  stop ( which is one more stop after the train station, a minute away). It runs every 5 minutes, there are 12 stops total and the entire journey takes about 20 minutes. The ticket costs โ‚ฌ1.50 for 90 minutes and you can get it from the automated ticket machine ( cash or credit card ). It’s very important to validate your ticket once you get on the tram ( it’s a โ‚ฌ40 fine, if you don’t and there is a controller on the tram, which happens very frequent ).
  • Taxi – taxis are located all the way to the right as you exit the airport and the prices are fixed. From the airport to downtown it will cost you โ‚ฌ22 during the day, โ‚ฌ25.30 at night and โ‚ฌ24 during holidays. Add โ‚ฌ1 extra for luggage and โ‚ฌ2.70 supplement for trips leaving the airport. It’s about a 20 minute ride to the center of the city.

Getting to Florence by train

If you are coming to Florence with major Italian cities like Rome, Venice or Milan, the most convenient and easiest way is to get there by train. You’ll arrive at Santa Maria Novella train station, which is basically in the center, just minutes from all the main Florence attractions.

T2 tram is the easiest way to get from Florence airport to city center
T2 tram – cheapest way to get from the airport to city center

Best things to do in Florence, Italy in 2 days

For a rather small city, there are a ton of things to do in Florence. Between world class museums, many churches and amazing restaurants, you will not have a problem filling your days with activities.

This 2 day Florence itinerary includes all the city’s main attractions, that are a must for a first time visitor. But also leaves enough time to just wander aimlessly with no particular destination, stopping for coffee or a glass of wine, soaking in the city atmosphere.

Below are just some of the things you can do during your 48 hours in Florence, Italy:

  • Visit Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, known as Duomo and climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome
  • Marvel at the beauty of Michelangelo’s David at The Galleria dellโ€™Accademia
  • Visit one of most important art museum Uffizi Gallery
  • Walk across the oldest bridge in Florence Ponte Vecchio
  • Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
  • Have a drink at the rooftop bar with views of the Duomo
  • Eat at lot of gelato
Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy
Ponte Vecchio – a must visit during your 2 days in Florence

2 days in Florence – Day 1

Visit Galleria dellโ€™Accademia 

Kick off your 2 days in Florence bright and early with a visit to one of the most visited museums in the city. This is where you will find the amazing sculpture of David by Michelangelo. The 17 foot tall masterpiece was first unveiled in 1504 and after spending almost 400 years in front of Palazzo Vecchio, David was moved indoors to The Galleria dellโ€™Accademia, which made it one of the most visited museums in Florence.

The sculpture of David is most people’s reason for visiting, but there are also other unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo, as well as paintings and a musical instruments display. The museum is on the smaller side, and you don’t need more than one hour to see it all.

The Galleria dellโ€™Accademia is one of the top attractions in Florence and reserving your tickets in advance is a must. Once you have dates for your 2 days in Florence in order, book your tickets online, preferably for the first thing in the morning, when the museum opens at 8:15 am. When you see the line form in front of it as people try to buy tickets, you’ll be glad you got yours in advance.

Tickets booked online are vouchers ( either printed or on your phone ), that need to be exchanged for a real admission ticket at the window right after you enter and go through security scan ( no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled time ). You can also rent an audio guide for 6 Euro, but they ask you leave your ID or passport, so be sure to bring it with you.

You can book your Accademia Gallery timed entrance tickets here, or if you’d like to visit with a guide, this highly rated tour is a great choice.

sculpture of David in the Academia Gallery in Florence
the back of sculpture of David at Academia Gallery in Florene
sculpture of David in Florence seen from the end of the hallway

Visit Mercado Centrale

After you are done admiring David, head over to Mercado Centrale, which is just a couple of streets away. It’s a two story market, located in a huge building, and it’s a must visit whether you want to buy something or just experience the bustling Italian market. Although it’s nearly impossible to leave empty handed.

The ground floor is filled with vendors selling anything from fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish to olive oil and wine. The upper floor is a giant food court with a huge sitting area, so if you are ready for a snack, this is a great place to grab a bite. You can find anything from home made pasta, sandwiches to pizza, gelato and wine.

The vibrant Mercado is a great place to visit anytime, but especially on a rainy day in Florence. The ground floor is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, while the upper floor is open daily from 8 am to midnight.

Mercado Centrale is actually a part of a large San Lorenzo Market, an outdoor market, where you can find all kinds of leather goods, clothes and souvenirs.

fruit stand in mercado centrale in Florence, Italy
olives at mercado centrale in Florence, Italy

Duomo visit

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or as most people call it, the Duomo, is the most recognizable landmark in Florence. It dominates the city’s skyline and its massive size and stunning exterior will surely take your breath away.

Duomo is actually a huge complex, that consists of the Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Campanile ( Bell Tower ), the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera Museum and the Crypt of Santa Reparata. The Cathedral itself is free to visit, but you need a ticket to see the rest.

There are three types of tickets to choose from, depending on how much of the complex you want to see. If you’d like to see it all, Brunelleschi’s Pass is what you want to buy. This grants you access to the entire complex and it’s valid for 3 days, so if you’d like, you can spread your visit over your 2 days in Florence. When booking your Brunelleschi’s Pass, you’ll be asked to choose the date and time for your Dome climb, which is the only part that requires a timed ticket. The rest you can visit anytime.

Be sure to book your Dome climb tickets way in advance, especially if you are traveling in peak season. These always sell out, so if you wait too long, you might miss your chance.

The other two options are Giotto Pass, which includes everything except for the Dome, and the Ghiberti Pass, which will get you access to 3 monuments ( Museum, Baptistery, Santa Reparata ). All the Monuments have different opening hours, so be sure to check the official site before your visit.

Another way of visiting the Duomo is booking this small group tour. You get to visit the entire complex with a guide and get to skip-the-line to everything. But the real treat is access to the Cathedralโ€™s terraces, which are not open to the general public. From there you’ll get an amazing view of the Dome.

You can book your Florence Cathedral: Tour with Cathedral Terraces and Brunelleschi’s Dome here.

Doumo Cathedral in Florence at sunrise
Cathedral at sunrise
Doumo Cathedral in Florence at night
Cathedral at night

Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome

Climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome is one of the best things to do in Florence. It’s absolutely worth the 463 steps it takes to get to the top. You will be rewarded with some of the best views of Florence.

As you are making your way to the top, you’ll also get the opportunity to get a closer look at the frescos on the Cathedral’s ceilings. Those were painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari and depict The Last Judgement. Definitely the most impressive part of the rather plain Cathedral’s interior.

Obviously, this climb is not recommended for anyone with mobility or health issues. Also, the way up does get narrow at times, so keep that in mind as well.

NOTE: There is a separate entrance for the Dome climb, which is different from the main Cathedral entrance. You want to head to the door located on the North side of the building.

view from the top of the Doumo in Florence, Italy
even on a rainy day, views from the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome are amazing
view from top of Doumo, a must thing to do during 2 days in Florence

Visit the Cathedral

The Cathedral itself is free to visit, but there is usually a long line to get in. To be honest, the interior is really plain looking, especially compared to its spectacular exterior. If you don’t want to waste your time standing in line, you kind of get a glimpse of what the Cathedral looks like during your climb to the top of the Dome. It’s also when you get a closer look at the frescoes, which in my opinion are the best part of the church.

If you do want to step inside, showing up first thing in the morning is recommended and remember about the dress code.

NOTE: The Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays

frescos on the ceiling of the Doumo Cathedral in Florence, Italy
fresos

Climb Giotto’s tower

If you climbed to the top of Cupola, you might be tempted to skip the tower, but don’t! Views from the top of the Dome are amazing, but they are lacking the Dome itself ( since you’re standing on top if it). So to get both great views of Florence and Brunelleschi’s dome, you need to climb the 414 steps to the top of Giotto Campanile Tower.

One of the things to be aware of, is that there is a protective fencing all around the viewing platform at the top of the Giotto’s Tower. So you won’t get the same unobstructed view like you do from the top of the Dome. However, it is possible to get nice photos through the openings, and it’s still worth climbing to the top to see the Dome up close. So if you have time and energy, definitely include it in your Florence itinerary.

If climbing both on the same day sounds like a bit much, you can always do it the next day, since your Pass is valid for 3 days.

view from the Giotto's Tower in Florence, Italy
stairs leading up to the top of Giotto's Tower in Florence, Italy
bell at Giotto's Tower in Florence, Italy

Baptistery of San Giovanni

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is the building right opposite the Cathedral. The most striking part of it are the three bronze doors. But be sure to step inside to see the gorgeous ceiling as well. You only need a few minutes inside, as there isn’t much more to see.

Gelato

No visit to Florence is complete without indulging in some gelato. After all, the modern version of it originated in Florence. You can find gelaterias on pretty much every corner, but not every one of them serves the good stuff.

So how to spot the good quality gelato? Generally if it’s too bright, that means it’s artificially colored. Look for muted colors instead. If it’s stacked too high, it’s packed with preservatives. The best quality gelato is also served in small metal containers with lids.

If you are looking for specific suggestions, Gelateria dei Neri, Vivoli and Perchรฉ no!… are consistently among the top gelato places in Florence, and not too far from the Duomo.

Gelateria in Florence, Italy

Visit Basilica Santa Croce

Located in Santa Croce, a lively square, is the biggest Franciscan church in the world, Basilica Santa Croce. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Florence, with a huge collection of art dating back to 13th century. One of the absolute highlights of the church are beautiful frescos by Giotto.

The Basilica is also a final resting place of some of the greatest Renaissance artists. Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Dante, Machiavelli Lorenzo Ghiberti are just some of many famous Italians buried there. Just seeing their tombs is well worth a visit and the admission price ( โ‚ฌ8.00 ).

Basilica Santa Croce is open Monday – Saturday 9.30 am – 5.30 pm and Sunday 12.30 pm – 5.45 pm. Do check the official website before your visit for up to date info on closures etc.

Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

What better way to end your first day in Florence than watch the sunset with one of the best views of the city. Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot to be, even though you’ll be one of many people there. In recent years, this once hidden gem, became insanely popular, so don’t go expecting you’ll be the only one there.

For someone, who usually steers clear of crowds, it didn’t really bother me. There’s this festive atmosphere about it, that I really enjoyed. There’s often a live performer, you can grab a snack and a drink there, or bring your own bottle of wine and enjoy it.

To get to Piazzale Michelangelo from the center, it’s about a 20 minute walk up the hill, but it’s not too bad. However, if you have mobility issues, or your legs are shut after walking around Florence all day, Bus 12 or 13 can get you there in minutes.

If you find the crowds at Piazzale Michelangelo a bit much and you prefer a more quiet spot, walk a bit further up to San Miniato Al Monte. This small church sits above Piazzale Michelangelo, and it’s just as great for sunset and panoramic views of Florence and much less crowded.

sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the top things to do during 2 days in Florence
view of Florence from Piazzale Micheangelo
replica of Micheangelo's David seen at sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy
replica of David at Piazzale Michelangelo
Aga at sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy

2 days in Florence – Day 2

Walk Ponte Vecchio

The beautiful and unique Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in the city and a must visit during your 2 days in Florence. For a while, it was the only bridge across Arno River and it’s also the only one, that was spared by Hilter during World War II.

Back in the day, the Old Bridge used to be covered with butchers, but the Medici family was not too fond of the the smells that came with it, so they changed it to jewelry shops, and they’re still jewelry shops today.

Walking across Ponte Vecchio is one of the top things to do in Florence, so you can imagine how crowded it gets during the day. Seeing it early in the morning, when the shops are still closed or just beginning to open, is a great idea. If you are there around 7-8 am, you can enjoy it without hoards of people.

Be sure, not to just walk across it, but also walk along Arno River for some great views of the bridge. One of the best views of Ponte Vecchio is from Ponte Santa Trinita, which is just to the west.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence
walk across Ponte Vecchio, one of the must things to do in Florence, Italy

Visit Uffizi Gallery

After you are done admiring the beautiful Ponte Vecchio, you are just steps away from you next stop of the day, Uffizi Gallery. This, just like Galleria dellโ€™Accademia, is a museum, that should be on your Florence itinerary, even if you are not too crazy about art and here’s why.

The wealthy Medici family, that ruled Florence for century, had this building built as an office complex. Today Uffizi Gallery is where you will find some of the greatest collections of Renaissance artwork by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Giotto and Michelangelo, just to name a few. “Birth of Venus” and “Primavera” by Botticelli are some of the most recognizable paintings you find there.

The museum is huge and the extensive art work is spread over two floors. It took me over an hour to visit, but if you are really into art, plan at least 2 hours. There really is a lot to see.

There is a cafe with a beautiful outdoor terrace and nice views, which is a nice spot to stop for a coffee in between floors or after you finish your visit.

Visiting Uffizi Gallery is one of the top things to do in Florence, so unless you want to spend a good chunk of your day in line, pre-booking your tickets is a must. Try to get the early time slot tickets, right after it opens at 8:15 am, this way you’ll beat the biggest crowds. You’ll still have to go to the ticket office and exchange your voucher for a real ticket, which you can do no earlier than 15 minutes prior your reserved time.

MONEY SAVING TIP: During the high season, tickets are a bit more expensive, but you get a discount if you enter the museum between 8:15am-8:55 am. So called “early bird ticket.”

You can book your Uffizi Gallery tickets here and get an audio guide to lead you through the museum once you get there for โ‚ฌ7. If you prefer a guided tour, there are some great ones to choose from, and they also come with skip the line tickets. This Uffizi Gallery Tour is highly rated and recommended by many. There are several guided tours, that combine Uffizi Gallery with Galleria dellโ€™Accademia, but I think, that’s a bit of a museum overload in one day ( which is the reason my suggested Florence itinerary has them spread over 2 days ).

NOTE: Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays!

Uffizi Gallery, one of the top places to visit during 2 days in Florence, Italy
Birth of Venus by Botticelli at Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy
Birth of Venus

Check out Piazza della Signoria

Located right next to Uffizi Gallery is Piazza della Signoria, which is like an open air museum itself. It’s one of the most important historic squares in the city, with Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s city hall in the heart of it ( more on that in the next paragraph ).

Be sure to take a walk through Piazza della Signoria and check out all the amazing art work there. You can see the Fountain of Neptune, replica of Micheangelo’s David, as well as Loggia dei Lanzi, a beautiful arched gallery with some amazing sculptures like Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine or Cellini’s Perseus with the head of Medusa.

I definitely recommend spending some time wandering around the Piazza and checking out all these sculptures. And it’s also one of the absolutely free things to do in Florence!

Visit Palazzo Vecchio and Climb the Arnolfo Tower

In the heart of Piazza della Signoria stands Palazzo Vecchio, 13th century palace, that has always been the seat of the government. Today it serves as Florence’s city hall and is also home to a museum you can visit. The palace has many beautiful rooms, but the one that stands out the most is Hall of the Five Hundred with stunning frescos done by no one other than Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

But my favorite part about Palazzo Vecchio is Torre di Arnolfo, which after you climb 414 steps, offers fantastic views of the city. This tower gets significantly less visitors than other high points in Florence, which I find surprising, given the spectacular views you get from the top. It actually might have been my favorite view of Florence the entire trip. If you want a great view of the city with Duomo in it, add Arnolfo Tower to your 2 day Florence itinerary.

NOTE: Arnolfo Tower is closed when it rains.

You can pre-book your tickets online, to both the museum and the tower. I was able to just walk up and get my tower tickets for the next available slot, but I did visit Florence outside of the busiest summer season. They do limit the number of people allowed to climb the tower, so if you don’t want to miss out, do book it in advance.

Palazzo Vecchio in Florence seen at sunrise
replica of David in front of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy
view of Florence from Arnolfo Tower
one of the best views of Florence seen from the top of Arnolfo tower

Grab a sandwich at Allโ€™Antico Vinaio

There are many excellent restaurants in Florence, but one of the top places to eat is actually a sandwich shop. Allโ€™Antico Vinaio makes the best sandwiches in the city, made with a local bread schiacciata. You can choose one from the menu, then add extras like tomatoes, various cheeses and truffle cream or create your own.

Allโ€™Antico Vinaio is located on Via dei Neri, just steps away from Piazza della Signoria. You’ll know you’re there by the long line, but don’t be discouraged, as it moves fast. There are actually 3 Allโ€™Antico Vinaio locations on the same street.

line outside of All Antico Vinao, one of the best places to eat in Florence, Italy
sandwich from All Antico Vinao in Florence, Italy

Have a drink at Tosca & Nino roof top bar

One of my greatest finds in Florence was this roof top bar. It’s located on the top of the Rinascente department store right in the Piazza della Republica. So if you are ready to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a drink with fantastic views, this is a great place to stop.

To get there, take the elevator to the 4th floor and go to the Tosca & Nino Restaurant. There, you will see a staircase going up, which leads to a roof top terrace. They have several tables, from which you get spectacular views of Doumo while enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Aga with a glass of wine at the roof top bar with a view of Doumo in Florence Italy

Make a stop at Fontana del Porcellino

Heading away from Piazza della Republica towards Ponte Vecchio, make a quick stop at Fontana del Porecllino. This bronze wild boar statue, a popular tourist attraction, comes with a couple of legends. The first legends says to put a coin in the boar’s mouth and it it ends up in the grate underneath the statue, you will have good luck. According to the other legend, if you rub the boar’s nose, you are very likely to return to Florence.

Fontana del Porcellino sits right next to Mercato Nuovo, a small market selling all kinds of leather goods. It’s like a smaller version of San Lorenzo market.

bronze boar statue in Florence, Italy

Explore Oltrarno

After a little break, it’s time to cross Ponte Vecchio and explore the other side of the city. Oltrarno, which means “the other side of Arno”, is a lovely part of Florence, that many people miss. It’s a shame, because that part of the city is much more quiet and feels more local. You won’t find any large group tours or massive crowds there. What you will find are charming streets, plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and artisan shops.

The best way to experience Oltrarno is just by walking around and discovering the charming streets. But this neighborhood is also home to a couple of top Florence attractions.

  • Pitti Palace – this large palace was built for the Pitti family and later became the residence for the Medici family. Today it serves as a museum,
  • Boboli Gardens – adjacent to the Pitti Palace are Boboli Garden, which cover over 11 acres. It’s the largest green space in Florence, that is especially lovely to visit in the summer.
  • Basilica di Santo Spirito – designed by Brunelleschi, this is one of the most important churches in Florence. It’s located in the Piazza Santo Spirito, a lovely square with several restaurants, where you can enjoy a drink away from the crowds.
Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy
Pitti Palace
cafe in Oltrarno neighborhood of Florence, Italy

Have Pizza at Gustapizza

Florence is not known for their pizza, but if you have a craving, Gustapizza is the place to go. This casual spot, not far from Pitti Palace, serves great Neapolitan pizza at good prices. The menu is not huge, but they have several choices from a classic Margarita,

The place is always packed, so you might have to wait for the table, but it moves pretty fast. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but if you don’t want to wait, you can also grab a pizza to go.

Gustapizza is open from 12-3 pm and 7-11 pm. Be there right around the opening hour to avoid waiting in line. They are closed on Mondays.

Enjoy a glass of wine from a Wine window

Buchetta del Vino are small openings in the wall, just big enough to fit a glass of wine. They date back to Renaissance time, when they were used during the Bubonic plague as a way to sell wine, with minimal contact. Fast forward 500 years, and history repeated itself during 2020 pandemic.

There are about 150 wine windows in Florence, although just a handful remain open. You can make a fun activity out of it, trying to find as many as possible. Or head straight to Babae restaurant in Santo Spirito neighborhood, where you will find one in the wall right next to it ( click on this link for the exact location ). If you end up going to Gustapizza, it’s just a short, 5 min walk from there.

So how does it work? It’s simple, go up to the window, ring the bell, order what you want and enjoy your glass of vino. This particular Buchetta del Vino also serves Aperol Spritzes and coffee, if that’s your preference.

NOTE: Babae restaurant and the wine window are both closed on Mondays.

wine window in Florence, Italy

Gelato stop at Gelateria La Carraia

Another day, another gelato stop. Gelateria La Carraia is one of the best places for gelato in Florence. It’s located on the Oltrarno side of Florence, right by Ponte Alla Carraia, which is a couple of bridges away from Ponte Vecchio.

gelato from La Carraia, one of the best gelato places in Florence

Stroll Ponte Vecchio after dark

Ponte Vecchio is one of the most beautiful and unique bridges and it really deserves more than one visit. If you follow this 2 day Florence itinerary, you’ll see it first thing in the morning when it’s relatively empty, then real busy mid day while crossing over to Oltrarno, so it’s only fitting you see it at night, after dark as well.

By then all the shops are closed, but often there are live musicians and street performers on the bridge.

Arno River in Florence, Italy at night
statue on one of the bridges in Florence, Italy at night
Ponte Vecchio in Florence at night

Essential tips for visiting Florence in 2 days

Pre-book main attractions – I can’t stress this enough! Book your tickets to all the main Florence attractions ahead of time. Especially if you visit in high season. It’s easy to do and will save you a ton of time. I’m sure you can find something more fun to do with your time in Florence than wait in line for tickets.

Visit main attractions early in the morning – this is one of my universal travel tips for any popular tourist destination, and it applies to Florence as well. As one of the most visited cities in Europe, Florence gets really crowded, so try to visit the most popular spots early in the morning. Especially Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Get out early and thank me later!

Stroll through Piazza del Duomo at sunrise – if you are an early riser, head out right before sunrise and take a walk through Piazza del Duomo. Not only you will see it with a just handful of people there, but you might be treated to a stunning spectacle, as the sun rises from behind the building.

Some museums are closed on Mondays – when planning your 2 days in Florence, keep in mind, that some places are closed on Mondays. Two of the biggest Florence attractions: Uffizi Gallery and Galleria Dell’Accademia are among them. So plan your visit accordingly.

Bring your ID to Museums – if you’d like to rent an audio guide at museums, they will ask you leave either your ID or passport, so be sure to bring one!

Free Museum Sundays – between October and March, you can visit museums in Italy for free on the first Sunday of the month. Although you can probably imagine the lines to get in.

Spread your Duomo visit over 2 days – if visiting the entire Duomo complex at once is too much, especially climbing both the Dome and the tower, you can spread your visit over your 2 days in Florence. Your Pass is valid for 3 calendar days.

Stay in the historic center – Florence is best explored on foot, and if you book one of the hotels in the historic center, you will be able to walk to all the attractions. The city is not that big and very compact.

Make dinner reservations – if you have your heart set on eating at some of the highly recommended restaurants, make sure to make a reservation. Especially if you are traveling in high season.

Piaaza del Doumo in Florence at sunrise
sunrise at Piazza del Duomo
Aga enjoying Aperol Spritz in Florence, Italy
crowds in Piazza del Doumo in Florence, Italy
Piazza del Duomo gets crowded by 9 am

Where to stay in Florence, Italy

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so it’s not surprising, that it has a ton of accommodation choices. Your first decision will be which area to choose. Luckily, Florence is small enough, that everything you want to see, will never be too far away.

For a first visit to Florence, especially as short as 2 days, I recommend staying in the historic district. This is where you will find the majority of the attractions, so choosing a hotel in this area will allow you to be within a short walking distance. Keep in mind though, that this is where the hotels are most expensive and it does get crowded in peak season.

If you prefer a quieter neighborhood, head across the river to Oltrarno. It’s a lovely part of Florence, with plenty of charming streets, piazzas, many restaurants and cafes. You will be far away from the crowds, but still a walk away from all the main sights. Hotels in Oltrarno are also less expensive than those in the historic district. Below are some of the best hotels in Florence in both areas.

Hotels in the Historic District

Hotel Spadai – beautiful boutique hotel, a block away from the Cathedral. Despite being located in an old building, the rooms are modern. The buffet breakfast is plentiful and complimentary. There is also an observation deck at the top of the building overlooking the Cathedral with great, panoramic views of the city.

Hotel Duomo Firenze – you can’t get any closer to Duomo, than from this hotel. It’s located right in Piazza del Duomo and has several rooms with balconies with spectacular views of it. You will feel like you can almost touch it. You can also step out of the hotel early early in the morning and experience it relatively empty. The downside is, that with plenty of cafes and restaurants in the square and constant crowds, it might get noisy.

Hotel Brunelleschi – this beautiful boutique hotel offers a bit of luxury in the heart of Florence. It’s located in a historic building and has 96 rooms, of which several have great views of the Cathedral. The location is fantastic and all the main attractions are within a short walk. If you don’t feel like heading out to dinner, you can choose from one of the two restaurants at the hotel, one being 2 Michelin Star Restaurant Santa Elisabetta. Hotel Brunelleschi is particularly praised for its excellent service.

Hotels in Oltrarno

B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace at Ponte Vecchio – located right next to Ponte Vecchio is this 4 star hotel, that offers modern rooms and spectacular views of the bridge and Arno River. One of the best features of the hotel is the roof terrace with beautiful city views.

Hotel Lungarno Firenze – this 5 star hotel is part of Lungarno collection and sits right on the Arno River. It has 65 luxury rooms and suites, many of which have beautiful views of the river and Ponte Vecchio.


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