Florence was my second stop on a two week trip to Italy with my parents. It was a big shock going from the ancient ruins of Rome to the beautiful Renaissance buildings of Florence! Florence is the capital city and most populated city of Tuscany. The city is often called “the Athens of the Middle Ages” because it was the centre of medieval European trade and finance. Much of the city’s history revolves around the Medici family, who ruled Florence and Tuscany for over 300 years. There are so many things to do in Florence, so I wanted to share a 3 day itinerary to help you on your future trips to the city. Hope you enjoy the post!
DAY 1
Piazza della Signoria
Start your time in Florence at the Piazza della Signoria, a famous L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (“Old Palace”). This square is the historical and political hub of Florence. The Palazzo Vecchio serves as the town hall of Florence and it is also a museum. Additionally, the entrance to the renowned Uffizi Gallery is in the Piazza della Signoria.
Ponte Vecchio
Continue past the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery to reach the Arno River, which runs through Florence. If you turn right you will see the Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”). The Ponte Vecchio is a world-famous medieval semi-covered arch bridge. There are shops built along the bridge, as was once common in medieval times. Butchers initially occupied the shops, but they now belong to jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. This unique bridge is definitely a must-see when in Florence!
Pitti Palace
Cross the Ponte Vecchio to reach Pitti Palace. This beautiful Renaissance palace was built in 1458 and belonged to Luca Pitti, an ambitious banker. In 1549, Pitti Palace was bought by the Medici family and became the main residence for the ruling families of Tuscany. Pitti Palace is now the largest museum complex in Florence, housing 250,000 works of art! I highly recommend visiting this palace to admire the famous paintings, treasures, royal apartments, and more.
More info on visiting Pitti Palace: https://www.uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are directly behind Pitti Palace and they are definitely worth the trip across the river! The view of Florence from the Boboli Gardens is stunning. Originally designed for the Medici family, the Boboli Gardens is one of the first and most important examples of the “Italian Garden”, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The gardens have various statues, fountains, and even caves!
Bardini Gardens
Just up the road from the Boboli Gardens are the beautiful Bardini Gardens. These gardens back onto the Villa Bardini and they were only recently opened to the public. The Bardini Gardens are now well-known for the wisteria tunnel and panoramic view of Florence.
Ponte Santa Trinita
End your day on the Ponte Santa Trinita. This Renaissance bridge is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world! From here, you’ll have a great view of the Ponte Vecchio and it is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
DAY 2
Medici Palace
Start your second day at the Medici Palace. This Renaissance palace was built for Cosimo de’ Medici, the head of the Medici banking family. Enjoy the beautiful courtyards, royal apartments, stunning galleries, and works of art.
Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels
Across the road from the Medici Palace is the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the adjoining Medici Chapels. The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the largest churches in Florence and it claims to be the oldest. The Medici Chapels were built as extensions to the church, as a mausoleum for the Medici family. Famous architects, such as Brunelleschi and Michelangelo, worked on the Medici Chapels. I highly recommend visiting this religious complex to see the oldest church in Florence, the beautiful interiors, and the tombs of the Medici family.
Florence Cathedral and Brunelleschi’s Dome
Make your way to the world-famous Piazza del Duomo. This Piazza is one of the most visited places in Florence, Europe, and the world! The Piazza del Duomo contains the Florence Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Florence Baptistry.
The Florence Cathedral is known for its beautiful facade and dome. The dome was designed by Brunelleschi after he won the competition for its commission. I highly recommend visiting the interior of the church and climbing up the 463 steps to the top of the dome for amazing views of Florence.
More info on visiting the Florence Cathedral and Dome: https://www.museumflorence.com/
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Campanile is a free-standing bell tower adjacent to the Florence Cathedral and Baptistry. Make sure you take a peek inside the bell tower. You can also climb 414 steps to the top if you’re in the mood for more exercise!
Florence Baptistry
The Florence Baptistry (Baptistry of Saint John) is an octagonal basilica directly across from the Florence Cathedral and bell tower. The Baptistry is known for its three beautiful bronze doors and impressive mosaic ceiling. Don’t miss it!
Piazza della Repubblica
End your day at the Piazza della Repubblica. This square was originally used as the city’s marketplace, and then as an old ghetto. It’s now a great place to sit in the evening, and it even has a merry-go-round!
DAY 3
Uffizi Gallery
Start your last day at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited museums in the world. The Uffizi complex was built in 1560 for Cosimo I de’ Medici. After the Medici family died out, their art collection was gifted to the city of Florence, housed, and displayed at what would now be the Uffizi Gallery. Besides admiring beautiful artwork from the Italian Renaissance, you can find amazing views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo Vecchio.
More info on visiting the Uffizi Gallery: https://www.uffizi.it/en/the-uffizi
Basilica di Santa Croce
Head to the Basilica di Santa Croce. This Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world and it is known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories” because it is the burial place of several famous Italians. Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are all buried at the Basilica di Santa Croce. It’s a must-see!
Ponte alle Grazie
Take the Ponte alle Grazie across the Arno River. This bridge was reconstructed in 1945 but the original was actually older than the Ponte Vecchio!
Piazzale Michelangelo
Now onto my favourite part of Florence! Start your hike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. This square is famous for its panoramic view of Florence – it’s unforgettable.
Basilica San Miniato al Monte
If you’re feeling ambitious, I highly recommend continuing your hike up to the Basilica San Miniato al Monte. You will now reach one of the highest points in the city. If you think the views at the Piazzale Michelangelo were great, wait until you see the view up here! This Basilica is one of the most scenic churches in Italy and it is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Additional things to do in Florence:
- Piazza San Marco
- San Marco Museum
- Galleria dell’Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David)
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Strozzi Palace
- Museo Galileo
- Bargello National Museum
I hope you enjoyed this 3 day itinerary for Florence and that it helps you on your future trips to the city!
To read my blog post, “A Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano, Italy,” click here.
To read my blog post, “A Guide to Lake Como,” click here.
