Last Updated on October 18, 2022 by gregor
If you only have 3 days in Florence, Italy, then this is the perfect itinerary for you! Spend your days exploring the best of what this city has to offer, from the Duomo and the Accademia Gallery to the Boboli Gardens and the Ponte Vecchio. You’ll also have time to enjoy a delicious gelato, go on a wine-tasting tour, and watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. With this 3-day Florence itinerary, you’ll make the most of your time in this beautiful city!
Overview of 3 Days in Florence Itinerary
Assuming you have three full days in Florence, this is a suggested itinerary for how to make the most of your time. Day one could be spent exploring the iconic Ponte Vecchio, as well as the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia. In the evening, stroll through the Santa Maria Novella district and grab dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants. Day two could be spent visiting the San Lorenzo Basilica and Palazzo Vecchio, followed by a leisurely lunch in Oltrarno. In the afternoon, explore some of Florence’s many museums, such as the Museo dell Opera del Duomo or the Bargello Museum. Finally, on day three, venture outside the city center to visit one of Florence’s beautiful hill towns, such as Fiesole or Settignano.
Must-Know Tips For Visiting Florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world, and a visit here is a must for any traveler. The city is home to some of the most famous museums and art galleries in the world, as well as countless historic buildings and monuments. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Florence.
1. Plan your visit in advance. If possible, try to arrive in Florence a few days before you plan to start exploring the city. This will give you time to adjust to the time difference and get over any jet lag.
2. Start your sightseeing early. Many of Florence’s most popular attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio, tend to get very crowded later in the day. So, it’s best to start your sightseeing early in the morning.
3. Visit during shoulder season. If you can, try to visit Florence during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). This is when the weather is usually milder and there are fewer crowds than in summer.
4. Take advantage of free museums. Many of Florence’s museums offer free admission on certain days or at certain times.
3 Days Florence Itinerary
If you only have three days in Florence, you’ll want to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. The best way to see Florence is by foot, so you can really take in all the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Here is the perfect three-day itinerary for exploring Florence.
Day One – of 3 Days Florence Itinerary
On day 1, once you reach your hotel from the Florence airport, have your breakfast and start your day by exploring the Duomo, the iconic cathedral of Florence. Climb to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city. Then, wander through the nearby Baptistery and take in its magnificent interior.
Next, head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s world-famous statue of David. Afterward, explore the medieval streets of the Oltrarno district. Finish your day with a sunset stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.
Day Two – 3 Days Florence Itinerary
On your second day, visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s finest art museums. Here you can see masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Afterward, stroll through the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful green space behind the Pitti Palace. In the afternoon, take a break from sightseeing and relax in one of Florence’s many cafes.
Day Three – 3 Days Florence Itinerary
On your final day, visit the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library, two of Florence’s most important historical sites. Then, head to the Santa Maria Novella district to see the city’s iconic railway station.
Finally, stroll through the picturesque San Lorenzo market. Here you can find everything from fresh produce to leather goods.
With this three-day itinerary, you’ll be able to see all the best that Florence has to offer.
Are 3 Days in Florence Enough?
Assuming you’re asking if 3 days is enough time to see the sights in Florence, then the answer is no. You would need at least a week to do justice to the city’s museums and art galleries. Even then, you would only be scratching the surface. If your time is limited, prioritize the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (to see Michelangelo’s David), and Duomo (Florence Cathedral).
Is Visiting Florence Worth it?
If you’re considering visiting Florence, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. After all, there are so many beautiful places to see in Italy. But we can tell you from experience that Florence is definitely worth a visit!
There’s something special about the city – maybe it’s the Tuscan sun that seems to make the colors more vibrant or the fact that so much of the city’s history is still visible in its architecture. Whatever the reason, Florence has a charm that is hard to resist.
Of course, no visit to Florence would be complete without seeing some of its famous artworks. The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most celebrated paintings in the world, and a visit here is sure to be unforgettable.
So if you’re looking for a city that has it all – history, culture, art, and beauty – then Florence is a perfect choice.
How Many Days in Florence?
If you’re planning a trip to Florence, you might be wondering how many days you should spend in the city. While it’s possible to see some of the major sights in just a day or two, we recommend spending at least three days in Florence. This will give you enough time to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Basilica di Santa Croce, and other top attractions. Plus, with three days in Florence, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch or stroll through one of the city’s many parks.
Wander Around the Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is one of the most famous sights in Florence. It is a large plaza in front of the cathedral. The cathedral is an amazing sight, and the bell tower offers amazing views of the city. The Accademia is also nearby, and it is one of the most famous museums in Florence. There are many things to do in Florence, and visiting the Piazza del Duomo is a must-do.
The Uffizi Gallery, Markets, and a Rooftop Bar
The Uffizi Gallery is a world-renowned museum that houses some of the most important Renaissance art in the world. A visit to the Uffizi is a must for any art lover, and it’s easily spending a day in Florence. The gallery is located on the second floor of the Palazzo degli Uffizi and has a stunning view of the city. On Day 3 of your 3-day itinerary, make sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery.
Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens and Piazza Michelangelo
Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in Florence. It spans the Arno River and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The Boboli Gardens are located behind the Pitti Palace and offer the best view of the city of Florence. A day in Florence would not be complete without a visit to the Ponte Vecchio and the Boboli Gardens. A 3-day Florence itinerary should definitely include a stop at the Ponte Vecchio, as it is one of the most famous bridges in the world.
The Best Time to Visit Florence
The best time to visit Florence is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. If you’re looking to avoid the heat, stick to the shoulder seasons of May and September. The Tuscan city is beautiful year-round, but you’ll be able to enjoy it more when there aren’t as many tourists.
Where to Go After Florence & Tuscany
If you’re looking for more amazing places to visit after exploring Florence and Tuscany, you won’t be disappointed. From the picturesque hill towns of the Cinque Terre to the charming medieval city of Siena, there’s plenty to see and do in this region of Italy. And of course, no visit to Tuscany would be complete without sampling some of the region’s world-famous wines.
Book your Ticket here: From Florence: Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral, is a sight to behold. This massive cathedral is the largest church in Italy and took over a century to build. Construction began in 1296 and was finally completed in 1436. The exterior of the cathedral is adorned with intricate sculptures and detailed mosaics. The interior is just as impressive with its high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. A visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a must-do when visiting Florence.
Opera Museum (Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore)
The Opera Museum, located inside the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most important museums in Florence. It houses a rich collection of artworks and artifacts related to the history of the Florentine Opera, from its beginnings in the 13th century to the present day. The museum is also home to a library and archive, which contain a wealth of information about the city’s musical heritage.
Vecchio Bridge (Ponte Vecchio)
The Vecchio Bridge, or Ponte Vecchio in Italian, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence. The bridge spans the Arno River and connects the two sides of the city. The original bridge was built by Cosimo I de Medici in 1564, and was later rebuilt after being destroyed by a flood in 1345. The bridge is home to a number of shops and businesses and is a popular tourist destination. The Pitti Palace and Piazza della Signoria are both located nearby, making the Vecchio Bridge a convenient starting point for exploring Florence.
Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio (Arnolfo Torre di Palazzo Vecchio)
The Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio is a tower in Florence, Italy. It is named after Arnolfo di Cambio, who designed it in the 13th century. The tower is 84 meters (276 feet) tall and has 414 steps. It is one of the most famous towers in Florence and is visible from many parts of the city. The tower was originally built as a watchtower to guard the Palazzo Vecchio, which was the seat of government in Florence at the time. The tower was also used as a prison for some time. Giotto, a famous Italian artist, began working on the bell tower in 1334 but died before he could finish it. Another artist completed the tower in 1359.
Palazzo Vecchio Museum (Museo di Palazzo Vecchio)
Palazzo Vecchio is a museum in Florence, Italy. It is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the city. The palazzo was the seat of government in Florence for centuries. It now houses a collection of Renaissance art.
Santa Croce Church (Basilica di Santa Croce)
The Basilica of Santa Croce is the church of the Franciscan order in Florence, Italy. It is one of the world’s largest Franciscan churches and a minor basilica. The basilica is located on the Piazza di Santa Croce, about 800 meters southeast of the Duomo. The front of the basilica is a Gothic design by Arnolfo di Cambio, completed in 1294. The basilica is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and it is a church of the Way of St. James. The basilica is also a national church in Italy and it is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. The basilica was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugenius IV. The interior of the basilica is decorated with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and other artists. The basilica contains the tombs of many notable Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, and Dante.
Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. It is located in the city of Florence, in the region of Tuscany, in central Italy. The gallery is housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, a large palace that was built in the 16th century.
The Uffizi Gallery contains a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the Renaissance period. Some of the most famous artists represented in the collection include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The gallery is also home to a number of important ancient sculptures, including the Venus de Milo and the Laocoon.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is visited by millions of people every year.
Book your Skip the Line Ticket for the Uffizi Gallery here: Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket
Lunch: Boboli Gardens (Museo Giardino di Boboli)
Though the Boboli Gardens are best known for their sculptures and fountains, the vast green spaces are also a perfect place to enjoy a quiet lunch. Visitors can purchase picnic items from one of the many vendors around the perimeter of the park and find a spot to spread out a blanket. The Museo Giardino di Boboli, located in the center of the gardens, has its own café with outdoor seating that overlooks the beautiful sculptures and manicured hedges. Whether you bring your own lunch or grab something from the café, the Boboli Gardens are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal in the Tuscan sun.
Galileo Museum (Museo Galileo)
The Galileo Museum is a museum in Florence, Italy. It is dedicated to the life and work of Italian physicist and mathematician Galileo Galilei. The museum is housed in a former convent of the Order of Saint Clare, which was founded in 1252. The museum contains a collection of scientific instruments from the Renaissance, as well as a library with over 5000 volumes.
Practical Tips To Plan Your 3 Days In Florence
When planning a trip to Florence, Italy, consider these practical tips to make the most of your three days in the city.
Start by booking a hotel in the central part of the city. This will put you close to all the major attractions, and make it easy to get around on foot.
WHERE TO STAY: Check Hotel Deals in Florence
Next, make a list of the sights you want to see. The top attractions in Florence include the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Try to plan your sightseeing so that you can hit all the major sights in one day.
If you have time, take a day trip to one of the nearby towns, such as Siena or Pisa. Or, simply enjoy strolling the streets of Florence, popping into cafés and shops along the way.
Finally, be sure to try some of the local food. Florence is known for its Tuscan cuisine, so be sure to order a steak Florentine or some fresh pasta.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your three days in Florence and create lasting memories of this beautiful city.
How to Get Around Florence in 3 Days
Assuming you’re starting from the airport, you can easily get around Florence in 3 days using public transportation. The ATAF bus network covers the entire city and tickets can be purchased at any newsstand or tobacco shop. If you’re staying in the city center, you can walk to most of the major attractions. Otherwise, the buses are very reliable and will get you where you need to go.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Florence is the perfect destination. These practical tips will help you make the most of your three days in the heart of Florence, whether you’re interested in art, or history, or simply want to enjoy the city’s delicious food and wine.
