Three days in Florence : The perfect Itinerary

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to Three days in Florence : The perfect Itinerary.

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is a city bursting with history, art, and culture. With its stunning Renaissance architecture, world-class museums, and charming streets, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone.

One of the great things about Florence is that you can walk everywhere. The city’s compact layout means that all major attractions are within a half-mile radius, making it so easy to explore on foot. In fact Florence tops the list of the thirty most walkable cities in the World.

Why Florence should be on your bucket list

Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class art. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers an unparalleled cultural experience, where every corner of the city is steeped in history and beauty. Here are some compelling reasons why Florence should be at the top of your travel list:

1. Art and Culture : Florence is home to some of the world’s most famous masterpieces. The city boasts an incredible array of museums and galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery, which houses iconic works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. The Accademia Gallery is another must-visit, where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s original David, a symbol of the city’s artistic heritage.

2. Stunning Architecture : The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), with its striking red dome designed by Brunelleschi, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewellery shops, and the grand Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s town hall, are just a few more examples of the architectural wonders that make Florence so special.

3. Rich History and Culture : Walking through Florence is like stepping back in time. The city’s streets are filled with historical sites, from the Basilica of Santa Croce, where famous Italians like Michelangelo and Galileo are buried, to the ancient Piazza della Signoria, a political hub during the Renaissance. Florence is also home to numerous festivals, traditional events, and a vibrant local culture that gives you a glimpse into the city’s past and present.

4. Culinary Delights : Italy is renowned for its food, and Florence is no exception. The city offers everything from rustic trattorias to modern restaurants offering innovative takes on Italian cuisine. Florence is also a great place to indulge in fresh pasta, artisanal gelato, and, of course, Tuscan wine.

5. Gateway to Tuscany with numerous day trip possibilities : Florence is not just a destination in itself, but also the perfect gateway to the rest of Tuscany. From Florence, you can easily take day trips to the rolling hills of Chianti, the medieval towns of Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano, or the vineyards and olive groves that make Tuscany so famous.

And finally, the historic centre of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a deep historical and cultural significance.

Is three days enough to visit Florence?

Three days in Florence is enough time to experience the highlights of the city and get a good sense of its rich history, art, and culture. With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit Florence’s top attractions, explore its charming neighborhoods, and even enjoy some leisurely moments in just three days, although you are sure to want to visit again and again!

In three days, we visited all the key sites like the Duomo, the Campanile, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. We also explored the picturesque Boboli Gardens, took a boat ride on the Arno River, visited the leather school and Italy’s oldest pharmacy, wandered through the artisan district of Oltrarno, and explored most of the historic centre.

However, this three day itinerary requires advance planning and pre-booking the major activities. Also, we didn’t manage to squeeze in a day trip and we didn’t fully explore all the art galleries and museums.

Make sure to book a hotel that is centrally located. My recommendation is the Santa Novella Area (more about accommodation later).

Final Thoughts: Three days is a great amount of time for a first visit to Florence, allowing you to see the highlights and soak in the city’s Renaissance charm. However, if you’re particularly passionate about art or history and/or want to enjoy one or more day trips then consider extending your stay to four or five days.

Three days in Florence : The perfect Itinerary

With its rich history, stunning art, culinary delights and magnificent architecture, Florence offers a getaway that will leave you captivated. Join us as we explore the best activities and sights to make the most of your time in this beautiful Italian city.

I have written the itinerary in the order we followed, grouping the activities by area, but you can do the days in any order you like. If you have more time or plan to come back, then you can explore the same attractions we’ve mentioned below, but at a more leisurely pace so you can spend more time at the attractions that interest you the most.

Three days in Florence : The perfect Itinerary : Day One : Oltrarno and the Boboli Gardens

Most itineraries start with the Duomo, and while I can see the logic in this, we started with a stroll through the historic centre, over the Ponte Vecchio to the Boboli Gardens in Oltrarno. This enabled us to get our bearings, see the exterior of many of the historic sites and start our visit to Florence by strolling around in the sunshine. (If it’s raining you might want to therefore start with day 2 of our itinerary).

Stroll up to the Piazza del Duomo and take a look at Florence’s most iconic landmark, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and the Campanile, although you might want to save visiting the interiors for another day.

Just a short walk away, you will come to the Piazza della Signoria, home to the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall, and several important statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery. It is a MUST to book “skip the line tickets” for this, unless you want to spend hours of your precious time in Florence queuing!

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your level of interest in art and how thoroughly you want to explore the museum.

If you’re short on time and/or just want to get a quick glimpse of the highlights, you can do a brief 1 to 2-hour visit. This will allow you to see the most famous pieces, but you might have to skip over some sections. We had already visited the Uffizi Gallery on a previous trip to Florence so were able to limit our time here.

This should allow you to see the major masterpieces, such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

If you want expert insights into the art and history of the gallery, helping you to focus on the most important works without getting overwhelmed, then a guided tour, lasting 2-3 hours would be a good option for you.

Tips for an Efficient Visit:

• Book Tickets in Advance and Book a timed entrance slot : The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues. Also, make sure to book with a SPECIFIC entrance time.
• Plan Your Route: If you haven’t booked a guided tour, consider identifying the key artworks you want to see before your visit and plan your route accordingly to avoid “wasting time”.
• Use a Map or Guidebook: The gallery is large and can be overwhelming, so using a map or guidebook can help you navigate more efficiently.

Then wander down to the River and take a leisurely stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most picturesque bridge, lined with jewelry shops.

Fun Fact : During the medieval period, Ponte Vecchio was a bustling hub of commerce. Initially, the bridge was lined with shops belonging mostly to butchers, as well as some fishmongers, and tanners. These tradespeople chose the bridge for its proximity to the river, where they could easily dispose of waste—a practice that led to unpleasant conditions and smells on and around the bridge. This all changed in 1593, when Duke Ferdinand I de’ Medici ordered the butchers and tanners to vacate the bridge due to the stench and waste they produced, and he replaced them with goldsmiths and jewellers, (a more agreeable commerce for the Medicis) and the shops that line the bridge today still sell jewellry, as well as art, and souvenirs. You will also see the Vasari Corridor, an elevated walkway that connects the Palazzo Vecchio (in Piazza della Signorina) with the Palazzo Pitti (the Medici family residence) and the Boboli Gardens on the opposite side of the river. The corridor runs along the top of the Ponte Vecchio, and allowed the Medici family to move freely between their residence and the government center without mingling with the public.

Once across the Ponte Vecchio walk down to the Oltarno neighbourhood. Oltrarno is a charming neighborhood located on the south bank of the Arno River in Florence, famous for its rich history, artisan workshops, and authentic local experience. 

The Oltarno District is a bohemian, quirky neighborhood full of winding alleyways, quaint coffee shops, little boutiques, and a great area to have lunch and/or “gelato” on your first day in Florence.

It is home to the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, but also several other beautiful monuments and landmarks, including The Basilica di Santo Spirito, a beautiful church designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, and is renowned for its elegant Renaissance architecture, as well as many “Buchette del Vino” (wine windows).

Insider Tip : The Santo Spirito area is packed with wine windows. Buchette del vino, or wine windows, are a peculiar feature of Florence. They are little windows in the wall, which have been used for hundreds of years to sell wine in a fiasco (glass bottle) without having to open a shop and avoid paying taxes. Most wine windows about 12 inches high and 8 inches wide and there are more than 180 wine windows in Florence.

Nestled in the heart of Oltrarno is Piazza Santo Spirito which is one of the most famous sites in the neighborhood. It stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of Florence’s artistic district. 

Dating back to the Middle Ages, this enchanting square has been a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and its historical importance is deeply rooted in the Basilica di Santo Spirito, a Renaissance-style church that dominates the square with its majestic presence. 

Make sure to visit the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. The palace itself is a treasure trove of art, while the gardens offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can buy tickets at the ticket office, but if you want to be sure of skipping the line you can book ahead. We went on a Monday just to visit the gardens and didn’t book ahead.

Insider Tip : The Palazzo Pitti is closed on Mondays, so if you want to visit the Palace itself, it’s best to avoid this day.
However, the Boboli Gardens are open and if you want to take advantage of a calm moment to visit the gardens then this would be a good time!

With its origins dating back to 1418, when Luca Pitti acquired the land, these gardens have evolved over the centuries, shaped by the hands of the Medici family and subsequent modifications by the Savoys. They opened to the public in 1766 and have enchanted visitors ever since.

In the evening head to the Piazzale Michelangelo, for one of the best views over Florence. The walk up is quite steep so may be a challenge if your legs are tired after a day of exploring the city’s sights.

Day Two : Art, History and Culture

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Duomo and if you’re feeling energetic, climb the Duomo’s Dome (Brunelleschi’s Dome) for panoramic views of the city. Then head to Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower), adjacent to the Duomo, for another opportunity for stunning city views.

Next, visit the Battistero di San Giovanni (baptistery), known for its bronze doors and stunning interior mosaics.

Insider Tip : The Duomo is free, but the queues can be quite long. For this reason I recommend booking an early morning ticket for the Campanile and the Baptistery and plan to visit the Duomo first thing on your way to the Bell Tower. You will get a ticket that includes the Bell Tower and the Baptistery and you must visit the Bell Tower first.

The Campanile di Giotto (or Giotto’s Campanile) is a 14th century bell tower that offers stunning views of the city. You should be aware that you need to climb 414 steps to the top, and they’re quite steep! However, unlike the climb to the top of the Duomo, which is more enclosed, the ascent up the campanile is through a series of staircases with stops on the way up that offer views over the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

When you come down, head to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, also known as the Florence Baptistery, one of the oldest and most revered buildings in Florence. For centuries, the Baptistery was the only place in Florence where baptisms were performed, and it played a central role in the religious life of the city. The building also held great civic importance, hosting ceremonies and events that marked Florence’s status as a powerful city-state. It’s especially famous for its bronze doors, known as the “Gates of Paradise.”

You can buy tickets here.

In the afternoon, head up to Piazza San Marco, where you can visit San Marco Church and Convent. We walked up to the Piazza San Marco, but at the time of our visit there were construction works in the Piazza and so we didn’t visit the church or convent. Also, make sure to check the opening times if you do decide to visit!

Insider Tip : A great place for lunch in this area is the Via de’ Ginori, where I can recommend both SimBIOsi Organic Cafe (for delicious fresh pasta and pizza) and La Ménagère (a delightful café and gift shop).

From Piazza San Marco, it’s just a short walk to Via Ricasoli, where the entrance to the Accademia Gallery is located. As for the Uffizi, it is best to book “skip the line tickets” with a designated time slot. This is what we did and it took us less than 5 minutes from our arrival opposite the gallery (the pick-up point) to arriving in front of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.

It’s then just a short walk to the Medici Palace (Palazzo Medici Riccardi), which is about 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the Accademia.

You can explore the historic rooms, including the Chapel of the Magi, the courtyard, and the galleries. The palace also hosts temporary art exhibitions, adding to its cultural significance.

The building’s central location in Florence makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Renaissance and the legacy of the Medici family. Whether you’re fascinated by its architecture, the art it houses, or its role in shaping the history of Florence, the Medici Palace offers a unique glimpse into one of the most influential families of the Renaissance.

We didn’t book tickets as we weren’t sure of our timing at the Accademia we didn’t want to commit to a specific time slot, but we didn’t have any problem gaining access and there were no queues.

After the Medici Palace, head south towards Piazza San Lorenzo, and continue straight until you reach the San Lorenzo Market area, which is located around Piazza San Lorenzo and extends into the surrounding streets.

The San Lorenzo Market consists of two sections: the indoor market (Mercato Centrale), which focuses on food and groceries, and the outdoor market, where you can find leather goods, clothing, and other souvenirs.

Depending on your timings, you may want to visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels as they are located very close to the San Lorenzo Market.

Insider Tip: The Medici Chapels are part of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, though are visited by a separate entrance to the right side of the church.

I recommend visiting both the Basilica and the Medici Chapels. Whilst it is possible to book online, it is not necessary.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture, deeply intertwined with the history of Florence and the Medici family. You can explore the Old Sacristy designed by Brunelleschi with decorations by Donatello, featuring intricate reliefs. The basilica also houses Donatello’s bronze pulpits, which depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. Additionally, you can visit the Cloister of San Lorenzo, also known as the Cloister of the Canons, a peaceful and elegant space located adjacent to the basilica.

As part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapels are perhaps the most famous section of the church. These chapels were designed as the burial place for the Medici family and are richly decorated with marble, semi-precious stones, and Michelangelo’s sculptures, reflecting the Medici family’s status as Florence’s ruling dynasty.

After your visit to the Basilica di San Lorenzo, stroll through the San Lorenzo outdoor market, where you will find a variety of leather goods. However, not all is real Italian leather, so take time to inspect the quality. Real leather has a distinct smell, feels supple, and should have a consistent texture. Be cautious of items that are overly shiny or priced too low—they might be synthetic. If in doubt, ask the vendor about the product’s origin.

Insider Tip: Haggling is common at the San Lorenzo Leather Market, so don’t be shy about negotiating prices. Vendors often expect it, and you can sometimes get a better deal if you show interest but are willing to walk away. Start by offering a price lower than what you’re willing to pay and negotiate from there. Also, I would recommend visiting later in the afternoon when the market is quieter and vendors may be more open to negotiating when they’re looking to close up.

If in doubt, delay your purchases until after you have visited the leather school at Santa Croce. However, the Leather School’s products come with a higher price tag than those in the markets, so if you’re looking for a bargain then the market is your best bet.

Wander back to the historic centre and the Piazza della Repubblica: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this historic square, filled with cafes and street performers, then end the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, and savour some traditional Tuscan cuisine, and Italian wines.

Day Three : Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce (and a little shopping)

Note : The Day Three itinerary is not as fully charged as the first two days, leaving you some time to return to places you want to see again and for some souvenir shopping.

As our hotel was located in the same street as the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the oldest pharmacy and perfumery in Italy and one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, we started our day here. Not only is this one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, in my opinion it is also one of the most beautiful, and if you think the interior ressembles a church then you would be correct!

It all began in 1221, over 800 years ago, when the Dominican friars were granted the use of “Santa Maria Inter Vineas” (“Holy Mary Among the Vines”), a small church just outside the city walls, where they cultivated a botanical garden of herbs and plants to craft medicines, ointments and balms. In 1334, when the Dominican friars healed the rich merchant Dardano Acciaioli he donated them the magnificent San Niccolò-devoted chapel that still today sits at the very heart of the boutique-museum in Via della Scala 16 in Florence.

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella offers a unique experience that combines history, art, and luxury. You can explore the elegant salesrooms, learn about the history of the pharmacy in the museum, and shop for exquisite products that carry on centuries-old traditions.

Insider Tip : Entrance to the pharmacy is free so there is no need to book a visit unless you want a guided tour. However, the queues get longer and longer as the day progresses so I really recommend being there for the opening at 9h30 am so you can get in before the crowds.

Carry on down Via della Scala to Plaza Santa Maria Novella and visit Santa Maria Novella Church: famous for its façade and stunning frescoes.

Then head to the Santa Croce area for lunch, and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. This beautiful church is known for its frescoes and the tombs of famous Italians like Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. The church itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and its cloisters and museum are also worth exploring.

The Florence Leather School (Scuola del Cuoio) is located within the Santa Croce complex, and even if you’re not planning to buy anything, the school is worth visiting for its historical and cultural context and is a must-visit for anyone interested in high-quality leather craftsmanship. Founded after World War II to help war orphans learn a trade, the leather school is still a family-run business today and remains dedicated to preserving traditional Florentine leatherworking techniques.

At the Leather School, you can witness skilled artisans at work, crafting bags, wallets, belts, and other leather goods. Watching the artisans handcraft each piece gives you an appreciation for the time, skill, and tradition that goes into every item. Unfortunately, we visited on a public holiday so didn’t get to see any artisans at work.

The Leather School offers a range of beautiful leather products that are a step above what you might find in the markets. The quality and craftsmanship are exceptional, and while the prices are higher than at street markets, you’re paying for authentic, handmade items that will last for years.

Insider Tip : One of the unique services the Leather School offers is the ability to personalize your purchase. For an added fee, you can have your initials monogrammed onto your chosen leather item. This makes for a truly special and one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift. The artisans will do this on-site, often right in front of you.

In the afternoon (depending on the weather), I recommend a River Trip on the Arno River for a different perspective on Florence’s stunning architecture and history.

A boat trip on the Arno provides unparalleled views of Florence’s iconic landmarks, such as the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and the Palazzo Vecchio, from the water. Seeing these historic structures from the river gives you a new appreciation for their architecture and the city’s layout.

It also offers a peaceful escape from the crowded streets with the gentle flow of the river and the serene surroundings allowing you to take in the city at a slower pace.

Many river trips are guided by knowledgeable locals who share fascinating stories and historical details about the city and I learned a lot about the history of the Medici Family on our tour.

I would time the cruise for the last afternoon cruise (but not necessarily the sunset cruise which costs extra) so you are back in time for sunset views over The Ponte Vecchio.

End your trip with a memorable dinner at one of Florence’s renowned restaurants. For a special experience, consider drinks and /or dining at a rooftop restaurant with views of the Duomo or the Arno River.

Map View of 3 days in Florence : The perfect Itinerary

Day One (Blue)

1. Piazza della Signoria
2. Uffizi Galleries
3. Ponte Vecchio
4. Basilica di Santo Spirito
5. Palazzo Pitti
6. Boboli Gardens
7. Piazzale Michelangelo

Day Two (Red)

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
2. Brunelleschi’s dome
3. Campanile di Giotto
4. Baptistery of St. John (hidden behind 3)
5. Piazza San Marco
6. Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
7. Via de’ Ginori
8. Riccardi Medici Palace
9. Piazza di San Lorenzo
10. Basilica di San Lorenzo
11. Medici Chapel
12. San Lorenzo Markets
13. Piazza della Repubblica

Day Three (Green)

1. Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
2. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
3. Basilica de Santa Croce
4. Arno Boat (for river tour)
5. Hotel Rivoli Boutique

Where to Stay

I recommend staying in the central area of Florence as you can easily walk to all the main sites from here. Santa Maria Novella is a great area to stay as you are close to all the major attractions.

We stayed at The Rivoli Boutique Hotel, which was fabulous! If you are interested in staying at this hotel, I will shortly be writing a feature about our stay and you can book through me to receive the following perks.

• 11% discount from BAR (best available rate)
• Complimentary Daily Breakfast
• Complimentary spa entrance
• 30 EUR Voucher for Restaurant / Bar

Otherwise, have a look at the map below for other hotels in this area.

Tips for Visiting Florence

• Book Tickets in Advance: Many attractions have long lines, so book tickets online where possible.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Florence is best explored on foot, so bring comfortable walking shoes.
• Try the Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on local specialties like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and cantucci with vin santo.

Final thoughts about Three days in Florence : The perfect Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary covers the best of Florence’s art, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re admiring Renaissance masterpieces, exploring charming neighborhoods, or simply indulging in the local cuisine, Florence is a city that will captivate you at every turn. Don’t forget to take your time, enjoy the small moments, and immerse yourself in the beauty that is Florence.

Add this extraordinary destination to your bucket list, and let the magic of Florence unfold before your eyes.

I hope you enjoyed this post on Three days in Florence, the perfect itinerary and have a look here for more of our travel guides.

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Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂

With love,

Note : Make sure to check opening hours and prices before planning your trip. If you would like help with planning your trip or you would just like to book hotels at a great price, then please send me an e-mail to find out how I can help you, (and remember there is no fee for hotel booking). 😊✨