Florence, or Firenze – the birthplace of the Renaissance, opens its door to the mighty history of art and revolution that once took place in this Tuscany region of Italy. Right here, Michelangelo’s Statue of David stands tall, drawing crowds to contemplate this timeless masterpiece of art.
Three days in Florence provide you with a decent amount of time to keep up with the main happenings. A short train ride directly from either Rome or Venice allows you to reach Florence in no time.
Despite the ups and downs of history, the ancient city founded in the year 59 BC by Emperor Julius Caesar is still going strong. No matter if you’re here for the art galleries, to be churched out, to munch on silky smooth gelato, or simply roam the broken winding streets from the Middle Ages, Florence will be your next favorite place in all of Italy.
Read on to explore how to plan your three days in Florence wisely, get around, and jot down the best food spots.
Getting To Florence By Train
If you’ve decided to go solo, the train is always the best option besides flights.
First, it’s fast. Second, it’s inexpensive. Third, it’s direct.
From Rome, the train ride is only 1.5 hours. Add one more hour if you depart from Venice.
The main train stations are centrally located in all three cities. From the train station, you can literally walk to the Old Quarter of Florence. Most of the attractions are close by.
Train tickets can be purchased individually online. The website has English available but make sure to enter the accurate Italian names for the train stations. For example, Roma Termini is the main train station in Rome and Firenze SM Novella is the one for Florence.
How To Travel From Amerigo Vespucci Airport To Florence?
The Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence is four kilometers away from the downtown core. Once landing, you can opt for a taxi directly to your hotel within 15 minutes. The metered taxi onboarding section is located outside the terminal.
Otherwise, catch the modern Tramvia T2 just outside of the airport terminal directly to the train station of Santa Maria Novella outside of the Old Quarter. The ride is fast within 20 minutes. The tram tickets are available at the automatic ticket machine. You can pay in cash, physical cards, and contactless cards.
Last but not least, the Volainbus shuttle connects Amerigo Vespucci Airport to Santa Maria Novella on a 20 to 30-minute bus ride. The bus runs every half an hour and you pay in cash directly to the driver once you get on the bus.
2 Best Ways To Get Around Florence
By Foot
Almost the entire Old Quarter of Florence is a network of pedestrian streets. Subways, trains, and cars are not allowed to enter except for residents’ cars. For that reason, walking is the best way to get around Florence. In case your fitness level doesn’t agree, opt for a Hop On Hop Off Bus.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
This tourist bus in Florence starts from Santa Maria Novella Railway Station. You have two lines, A and B, to choose from. Line A covers a duration of 60 minutes, departing from Santa Maria Novella Railway Station while Line B is a tad longer at 75 minutes leaving from Piazzale Galileo.
You can board the bus at any stop and the voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver.
Once you have obtained the bus tickets, download the “Sightseeing Experience” app to keep track of the latest updates on locations and timings.
How To Make The Most Of Your Three Days In Florence?
Map out everything based on how far you walk. Florence doesn’t have an expansive footprint. For that reason, most of these places are within walking distance which should give you plenty of time to explore and rest your tired legs. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, though not in Florence, is still doable if you feel like you can catch a quick train ride to Pisa. With that in mind, save the tower for the last day.
Space out your attractions and make sure you cover both galleries/museums with scenic spots with a view. That way, you can stay balanced and keep the energy going. Some of the viewpoints are even better at night, such as the Piazzale Michelangelo which can sit last on your bucket list of what to explore in a day so you can get there to rest up and watch the sunset at the same time.
Due to a huge reputation, lines don’t thin out fast at famous art galleries, museums, and churches. In this case, occupy the first half of your day with these attractions. Pay attention to the opening hours of museums as most of them are closed on Monday.
A Sample Three-Day Itinerary To Florence
Day 1: City Tour With Classic Landmarks
Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)
David of Michelangelo has been taking the world by storm for years, and it will be an absolute waste if you skip this symbolic statue of history when in Florence.
The mighty statue is kept intact in the very heart of Accademia Gallery. Right here, Michelangelo’s David stands tall, an embodiment of human perfection. The art here isn’t just displayed. It speaks, it breathes, it transports you to another realm.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
If there’s one significant church you don’t wanna miss out on when in Florence, that should be no other than the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Two hours here are enough, but spare a bit more if you wanna cover the upper dome for a closer look. However, the entrance to the dome can be flooded with people, which means you’d better obtain a fast-track admission ticket to cut down the wait time.
The holy shrine beholds the splendor of Florence’s skyline with the cathedral’s majestic dome. Climbing to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramas that stretch as far as your eyes can marvel. This cathedral is a living testament to the city’s artistic and architectural prowess.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, this tower presents an architectural marvel that combines elegance with engineering brilliance. The ascent might leave you a bit breathless, but the view from the top is worth every step, offering an intimate portrait of Florence’s beauty.
Loggia del Mercato Nuovo
Commonly known as Loggia del Porcellino, an open-air arcade just five minutes south of
Giotto’s Bell Tower. Right here, the sun-kissed marketplace is a treasure trove of unique local crafts and souvenirs. As traditions go, try rubbing the nose of the “Il Porcellino” bronze boar sculpture for good luck – a ritual that connects you with centuries of visitors.
Piazza della Signoria
The residents proudly call Piazza della Signoria one of the most beautiful squares in all of Florence. Piazza della Signoria is like a living history book. Surrounded by striking sculptures and the grand Palazzo Vecchio, it’s a place where the past whispers in the ears of the present. Take a seat, soak in the atmosphere, and watch the world go by.
Ponte Vecchio
A historic, magnificent bridge gaps the bank as it soars over the Arno River. Ponte Vecchio has been around since the Roman age, serving as a symphony of jewelry shops and glittering reflections on the water. As you stroll, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Piazza Michelangelo
Named after one of the most recognized artists of all time, Piazza Michelangelo is a famous square in Florence where the sweeping wraparound vista is made to spoil thirsty eyes.
The view it offers – the red-tiled roofs, the river snaking through, and the majestic Duomo – paints an indelible memory that you’ll carry with you.
Day 2: Arts And Market
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Hit the road after a hearty breakfast and let Piazza Santa Maria Novella enrich your beautiful morning with a stunning basilica and elegant architecture. Piazza Santa Maria Novella is a visual feast. It’s a charming spot to just sit and watch the world, as the intricate details of the surroundings transport you to another era.
Mercato Centrale – Florence Food Market
When the sun reaches its peak, shelter away in this bustling trading hub of Florence. The symphony of flavors, the aroma of fresh produce, and the laughter of locals create an atmosphere that’s as authentic as it gets. The food here isn’t just sustenance. Indeed, it’s a love letter to Tuscan cuisine at its finest.
Riccardi Medici Palace (Palazzo Medici Riccardi)
Have you ever wondered what it was like living in a true Renaissance mansion back in the day? If this question stirs your curiosity, check out the epic Medici legacy that comes alive within the washed-out walls! The opulent palace is a showcase of Renaissance architecture and art. The intricacies of the frescoes and the stories they tell offer a glimpse into a world of opulence and influence.
Basilica of Santa Croce
This is a holy shrine where Michelangelo and Galileo rest in peace in their tombs. The awe-inspiring architecture and the weight of history converge, making this basilica a spiritual and artistic sanctuary. While Italy is flooded with a tremendous number of well-noted cathedrals, this little piece of art is a display of immense artistic wealth itself, with beautiful frescoes by Giotto capturing hearts on a daily basis.
Uffizi Gallery
Call it a hub of Renaissance Art at its best. And once you’re here, you never wanna leave. Even the interior design is a masterpiece itself, preserving important collections of the Renaissance era.
Names like Tondo Doni by Michelangelo and Raphael’s portraits team up with other talented Flemish, German, and Dutch artists to tell you a story that spans centuries. Uffizi is large but the entire two stories are everything it has to offer.
Day 3: The Leaning Tower Of Pisa
Save the best for last – the Leaning Tower of Pisa makes a great day trip from Florence city center. Start early for an hour’s train ride from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale. From there, walk for 20 minutes and you should see this iconic landmark right in front of you.
The historical Leaning Tower is like a global celebrity – instantly recognizable and yet even more charming in person. Climb the tilted steps for a view that will remind you that sometimes, imperfection is what makes something truly beautiful.
Best Areas To Stay In Florence
Florence is a compact city. Most of the major landmarks and scenic spots are centered around the Old Quarter. For that reason, the best areas to stay in Florence should be close to one of the attractions you wanna tuck in your three-day trip.
Even better, your hotel should be within walking distance of the central station of Firenze Santa Maria Novella so you won’t be dragging your baggage from place to place.
Food Spots In Florence To Delight Your Taste Buds
Trattoria Zà Zà
As the locals attest, Trattoria Zà Zà is that one place where history, architecture, and the aroma of traditional Tuscan dishes all come together in a symphony of flavors. Their menu dances through the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine, from hearty pasta dishes to succulent meats. Don’t miss their signature Florentine steak, a masterpiece in itself.
Da Nerbone
Now, if you’re looking for a taste of history served on a plate, Da Nerbone is your destination. Imagine stepping into a world where time has stood still, and recipes have been perfected over generations.
Here at Da Nerbone, traditional Tuscan staples are dished up to perfection. The food stand is not even close to fancy, but it always draws crowds whenever you stop by this bustling part of Central Market waiting for your panini to get done right.
Osteria Vecchio Cancello
Let’s make it fancy! Spruce up your dinner time with a touch of decadent truffle at Osteria Vecchio Cancello, a hole in the wall away from tourists’ eyes. Right here, each strand of pasta is made with love. But make sure you don’t miss out on their Florentine steak and wild boar pasta if you truly wanna make your night special.
GROM Ice Cream
GROM is so iconic that I don’t need any more introduction. This is a symphony of frozen artistry where the purest, most vibrant flavors of fruit and cream bring you back to life when the sun is blaring down.
Each scoop is a masterpiece, a canvas painted with the essence of Italy. When in doubt, go for their classic pistachio and your day is complete!
April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit Florence. This is when the city is not flooded with the scorching heat. The weather remains pleasant and fewer crowds descend upon the city.