Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. In the heart of Tuscany, this city hides charming corners, art, history, and exquisite gastronomy. In this guide, I’ll tell you what to see in Florence in two days so you don’t miss a thing.
- What to see in Florence in 2 days
- Day 1 in Florence: Accademia Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Catedral de Santa Maria del Fiore,Plaza de la República, Mercato Nuovo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Barrio Oltrarno
- Day 2 in Florence: Basilica of Santa Croce, Gallerie degli Uffizu, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo
- Other things to do in Florence
- Where to stay in Florence in 2 days
- Map of Florence in 2 days
- Where to eat in Florence
- Day trips from Florence
Without a doubt, Florence has become one of my favorite cities in Italy. After spending a week exploring the most beautiful villages of Tuscany, Florence was the perfect grand finale for this trip. Its picturesque streets, rich culture, and delicious cuisine completely captivated me. In this 2-day Florence itinerary, I include everything you can do in the city on a short getaway.
To better understand the city’s history and ensure you don’t miss any important spots, I recommend taking this free walking tour of Florence. It’s led by a english-speaking guide and will allow you to discover many interesting facts about the city.
What to see in Florencia in 2 days
>>Day 1 in Florence: Accademia Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore,Plaza dela Repubblica, Mercato Nuovo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Oltrarno District
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Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David
To start your tour of Florence, visit the Accademia Gallery, home to one of the most iconic works of the Renaissance: Michelangelo’s David. This sculpture, carved from a single block of Carrara marble, represents anatomical perfection and the spirit of Renaissance Florence. Besides the David, the gallery houses other artworks of great artistic value.
If you want to explore the museum’s masterpieces in depth, you can take a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery.
- Piazza del Duomo
The next stop is the impressive Piazza del Duomo, the most recognizable place in Florence. Here, you’ll find the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, and Giotto’s Campanile. The size of these monuments and the vibrant colors of the white, green, and pink marble will leave you speechless.
- Florence Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
You can’t miss the interior of this magnificent cathedral, featuring its stunning dome painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there is usually a long line, no matter what time you go.
However, if you want to climb the dome and enjoy an incredible view of Florence, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. It’s essential to book in advance, as tickets tend to sell out. There are different types of passes available:
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Brunelleschi Pass: Includes the Baptistery, Duomo Museum, Santa Reparata, Bell Tower, and Dome climb.
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Giotto Pass: Includes the Baptistery, Duomo Museum, Santa Reparata, and Bell Tower.
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Ghiberti Pass: Includes the Baptistery, Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata.
You can also take a guided tour of the Florence Cathedral, which includes access to the dome.
Important: Neither the dome nor the bell tower has an elevator, so be prepared to climb over 400 steps!
- Piazza della Repubblica
Continue your first-day in Florence at this lively square, surrounded by cafés and shops. In the center of the piazza, you’ll find an old-fashioned carousel that adds a magical touch to the atmosphere. It’s the largest square in Florence and was once the site of the Roman Forum.
- Mercato Nuovo
Just a few steps from Piazza della Repubblica is Mercato Nuovo, a covered market where you can buy souvenirs and local products. Don’t forget to rub the nose of “Il Porcellino”, the famous bronze boar statue—it’s said to bring good luck and ensure your return to Florence!
- Piazza della Signoria
This iconic square feels like an open-air museum. Here, you can admire the imposing Fountain of Neptune, the Loggia dei Lanzi with its Renaissance sculptures, and the majestic Palazzo Vecchio, which dominates the square. There is also a replica of Michelangelo’s David (the original is in the Accademia Gallery).
For a meal, I recommend trying the sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio, located near this square. There’s usually a line, but I assure you it’s worth the wait—the sandwiches are delicious and very filling. For dessert, you can try the incredible affogato at Vivoli.
- Palazzo Vecchio
In the same square, Palazzo Vecchio invites you to explore the city’s history and marvel at its ornate halls. Don’t miss the Hall of the Five Hundred, a monumental room filled with frescoes and political symbolism. You can visit the palace on a guided tour or explore it on your own with an audio guide.
- Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most iconic bridges in Florence and all of Italy. Its history dates back to the Roman era, although the current bridge was rebuilt in the 14th century after a flood. What makes it unique is the row of small shops lining both sides, traditionally occupied by goldsmiths and jewelers. During World War II, it was the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed by the Nazis. As you walk across it, you’ll not only enjoy stunning views of the Arno River but also the charm of its shop windows.
For the best photos with Ponte Vecchio in the background, you can walk to the Ponte Santa Trinita.
- Oltrarno District & wine windows
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Cross the Arno River to the bohemian Oltrarno district, famous for its artisan workshops, antique shops, and traditional trattorias. Don’t forget to look for one of the “buchette del vino,” small windows on the facades of some buildings where wine was served directly to the street during the plague times.
>>Day 2 in Florence: Basilica of Santa Croce, Gallerie degli Uffizu, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo
- Basilica of Santa Croce
Start the day by visiting this impressive Gothic church, known for being the final resting place of great figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. In addition to the notable tombs, its interior houses frescoes by Giotto and beautiful chapels.
- Gallerie degli Uffizi
Spend a few hours exploring one of the most important art galleries in the world. The place is truly massive, so consider dedicating at least 2 hours. Some of the most famous artworks displayed in the museum include: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Spring by Botticelli, Medusa’s Head by Caravaggio, and The Annunciation by Leonardo Da Vinci.
If you want to learn every detail about the artworks, I recommend booking a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery.
- Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
Cross the Arno River to visit the imposing Pitti Palace, the former residence of the powerful Medici family. Inside, it houses several art galleries and exhibitions, including the Museum of Fashion and Costume. At the back, the lush Boboli Gardens extend, and you could spend hours exploring these gardens.
On this this free Medici tour of Florence, you’ll learn more about the history of the most influential family in the city.
- Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
There’s no better way to end your trip to Florence than by enjoying a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the entire city, with the cathedral and Ponte Vecchio in the background. An unforgettable postcard scene. However, be prepared for the crowd because everyone has the same idea to watch the sunset in Florence, so if you want a good spot, make sure to arrive early.
Other things to see in Florence
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella: Located near the train station, this church stands out for its impressive Renaissance façade and for housing frescoes by artists such as Masaccio and Ghirlandaio.
- Gucci Museum: Ideal for fashion lovers, this museum explores the history of the iconic Italian brand through exhibitions of designs, sketches, and exclusive pieces.
- Medici Chapel: An impressive place where the members of the powerful Medici family rest. The chapels are decorated with precious marbles and house some of Michelangelo’s most notable sculptures.
Where to stay in Florence in 2 days
During my two nights in Florence, I stayed at Residenza d’epoca Poliziano. It’s an old building that has been remodeled, with very spacious, clean, and modern rooms. It’s located about a 20-minute walk from the most central and touristy area of the city and about 10 minutes from the Academy Gallery. I really liked it and would stay there again.
Just keep in mind that it’s a self-check-in place, with no staff or reception, everything is automated. Also, the building doesn’t have an elevator, so it’s not recommended if you’re traveling with large suitcases.
If you’re looking for a hotel closer to the Duomo, I recommend Relais Piazza Signoria or Antico Centro Suite.
Map of Florence in 2 days itinerary
In this map, you can see the itinerary for 2 days in Florence. I’ve also marked several places to eat, gelato shops, and cafés. You can download it and use it during your visit.
Where to eat in Florence
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- All’Antico Vinaio: The famous sandwiches of Florence, made fresh to order with abundant ingredients. There are other places like this, such as Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri.
- Trattoria Dall’Oste: A recommended restaurant for dinner, where you can try typical regional dishes like pici with ragù or bistecca alla fiorentina.
- Vivoli: If you love coffee, you can’t miss this place and try the best affogato of your life. It’s expensive and often has a line, but it’s exquisite!
Day trips from Florence
If you have one or two more days, I recommend staying to take an excursion near Florence, such as these:
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