Florence, Italy 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Florence

Morning

  • Accommodation: Stay at a centrally located hotel like Hotel Duomo or Hotel Brunelleschi
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at Caffè Rivoire ( Via della Vigna Nuova, 72/r) or Bar Pasticceria Siena (Via dei Calzaioli, 114)
  • Transportation: Walk or take a short taxi ride to the city center

Must-see Attractions

  • Duomo Complex (Piazza del Duomo): Visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery of St. John, and Giotto’s Campanile
  • Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi, Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6): Home to an impressive collection of Renaissance art

Lunchtime

  • Eat: Try traditional Tuscan cuisine at Trattoria al Moro (Via della Vigna Nuova, 63/r) or Ristorante La Galette (Piazza della Signoria, 5)
  • Wine: Visit the famous wine bar, Enotecca Pitti Gola e Cantina (Piazza dei Pitti, 16)

Afternoon

  • Pont Vecchio (Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Repubblica): Admire the medieval stone bridge lined with shops
  • Oltrarno neighborhood: Explore this charming area, known for its local artisans, boutique shops, and picturesque streets

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Ristorante La Cantina del Gelso (Via Santo Spirito, 6) or try traditional Florentine steak at Ristorante Cammillo (Borgo San Jacopo, 57/r)
  • Gelato: Savor the best gelato in town at Gelateria della Passera (Via della Passera, 15)

Things to Know

  • Florence is a walking city; wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for cobblestone streets
  • The Uffizi Gallery can get crowded; book tickets in advance or consider a guided tour
  • Be respectful of the city’s artistic heritage; do not touch or damage monuments and artworks

Day 2: Discovering Florence’s Hidden Gems

Morning

  • Accommodation: Same as Day 1
  • Breakfast: Visit Bar Della Signoria (Piazza della Signoria, 4) for a quick coffee and pastry
  • Transportation: Take bus number 12 or 13 from the city center to the surrounding hills

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

  • Fiesole (Via Gramsci, 42): Explore this charming hilltop town with stunning views of Florence
  • San Miniato al Monte (Via delle Porte Sante, 34): Visit this beautiful church and enjoy panoramic views of the city

Lunchtime

  • Eat: Try rustic Tuscan cuisine at Ristorante La Terrazza (Piazza della Signoria, 5) or Osteria delle Tre Panche (Via Proconsolo, 58/r)
  • Wine: Visit the local market, Mercato Centrale (Piazza del Mercato Centrale), for wine and food tastings

Afternoon

  • Santa Croce neighborhood: Discover this charming area, known for its local artisans, boutique shops, and historic buildings
  • Museo Galileo (Museo Galileo - Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Piazza dei Giudici, 1): Explore the museum dedicated to the life and work of Galileo Galilei

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Ristorante Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti, 6/r) or try traditional Florentine cuisine at Trattoria Sostanza (Via del Porcellana, 25)
  • Nightlife: End your evening with a scenic stroll along the Arno River or enjoy a cocktail at Bar Longini (Piazza della Repubblica, 2)

Transportation Tips

  • Buy a Firenze Card for unlimited public transportation and museum entries
  • Consider purchasing a guided tour that includes transportation to outlying areas
  • Be aware of peak tourist season (June to August) and plan accordingly

Final Tips

  • Learn some basic Italian phrases to show respect for the local culture
  • Don’t forget to validate your train ticket before boarding
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep valuables secure