The birthplace of the Renaissance and a moment to the artistic awakenings of the 15th century, Florence is a beautiful city filled with great art, architecture and delicious food. Culture buffs will have a feast on the galleries and stack of museums here. Others will be amazed by the extravagance everywhere that the wealthy families (mostly the Medici’s) at the time commissioned to convert the Tuscan capital into one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Much more chilled and relaxed than other popular Italian cities, despite being quite compact travellers often enjoy lingering here to just relax or use it as a base for exploring the surrounding regions of Tuscany. But how many days should you leave to see the inner city itself?
Globetrotters
DAY 1
| Morning | Piazza del Duomo |
| Afternoon | Art & Ponte Vecchio |
| Evening | Piazzale Michelangelo / Santa Croce |
Ponte Vecchio
Like many charming European cities, Florence is best explored on foot and what makes this even more pleasant is a lot of the city centre is pedestrianized. Start at the Piazza del Duomo early to check out the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Bapistery (with it’s amazing broze doors) and Giotto’s Campanile. A climb to the top of the cupola shouldn’t be missed to get a closer look at the fresco on the dome. You’ll be glad you persisted walking up the 463 stairs as you’re appreciating the fantastic view over the city. At this time of day the line to the cupola hopefully won’t be too long, but alternatively you could climb up the 414 stairs to the top of the Campanile for equally impressive views and the best postcard pics of the Duomo itself.
Another essential Florentine experience is buying something leather. Head a little bit north to the San Lorenzo leather market. After lightening your wallet a bit, walk through Piazza della Repubblica on your way to Piazza della Signoria. This is Florence’s most famous piazza and the social heart of the city. Here is where Michelangelo’s statue of David once stood but has now been moved to the Accamedmia Gallery. Surrounding the piazza is also some other significant sights such as the Loggia della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio (city hall and museum which you could consider going inside). After taking in this popular piazza wander a few blocks to the Mercato Nuovo, also known as the ‘Mercato del Porcellino’ from the famous Fontana del Porcellino (Pig fountain). For good luck drop a coin from the piglets mouth and if it drops through the gate the legend is that Florence will bring you good fortune.
You’ll probably only have time for one of Florence’s main museums this afternoon so pick from either the Uffizi or Accademia, however you’ll need to plan this in advance and book your tickets online. The Uffizi is the oldest art gallery in the world and houses some of Italy’s most important renaissance art such as Botticelli’s infamous ‘The Birth of Venus‘. Accademia is most well known for housing Michelangelo’s work, most notably the original marble statue of David that once stood in Piazza della Signoria.
In the late afternoon, just behind the Uffizi is the picturesque Ponte Vecchio (old bridge). Built in 1345, it’s the only bridge which survived the bombings of WWII. Both sides of the bridge are filled with jewelery stores and is usually brimming with tourists and activity. Around the time of sunset, plan to get over to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view overlooking Florence. After dark, walk downhill and check out the nighlife in the Santa Croce district.
Vacationers
Follow the Globetrotters itinerary for Day 1.
DAY 2
| Morning | Accademia |
| Afternoon | Across the Arno river |
| Evening | Piazza Santo Spirito |
Piazzale Michelangelo
Start the day at the Accademia Gallery (or Uffizi if you visited Accademia on Day 1). Again make sure you purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid standing in line.
If you missed Piazza San Lorenzo and the leather market on Day 1, wander by there whilst on your way to Piazza Santa Maria Novella to check out the Santa Maria Novella church which has some colourful frescoes and a chapel worth checking out.
Head through the city center stopping via Piazza della Repubblica for a lunch break and some people watching before wandering over to Piazza di Santa Croce. The Santa Croce church is the resting place of Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo. In the afternoon cross the Arno river to the Pitti Palace complex and Boboli Gardens. Three ruling families of Tuscany once lived here and it now houses their collections in several museums: the Palatine Gallery, Modern Art Gallery, Porcelain Museum, Silver Museum, Carriages Museum & Costume gallery. The Royal Apartments can also be visited. Take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens to the Belvedere Fort where there’s another great vista over the city. Interestingly, the Belvedere was recently the venue for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s wedding. From here head back north to the Church of Santo Spirito. The piazza next to which has many great cafes and restaurants to send you into the evening.
Culture Buffs
Follow the Vacationers itinerary for Days 1-2.
DAY 3
| Morning | Bargello / Museo Galileo |
| Afternoon | Smaller galleries |
Il Duomo
If you’re feeling inspired by the statues you’ve already seen throughout the city, art buffs should head to the Bargello National Museum for more sculptures. There’s a few smaller galleries and art treasures throughout the city to also take in afterwards such as the San Marco Museum and Biagiotti Progetto Arte. A history buff should check out the Museo Galileo which contains scientific instruments and artefacts from the Medici family collections that were once part of the Uffizi Gallery. For lunch check out the Mercato Centrale which is a food market close to the Medici-Riccardi Palace. Both history and art buffs should spend some time checking out the Medici-Riccardi Palace and/or Palazzo Davanzati.
Got more time? Consider these day trips
After seeing all the sights around town, if you have more time up your sleeve why not venture into the gorgeous Tuscan landscapes and check out some of these fascinating destinations within close proximity to Florence:
- San Gimignano. UNESCO World Heritage medieval town with many unique and unusual towers.
- Pisa. Everyone has heard of Pisa. Everyone will take THAT picture next to the Tower of Pisa. This needs no introduction. The city itself is worth a quick visit but is a little gritty, travelers don’t tend to linger too long.
- Fiesole. In the hills above Florence with great views, visit a Roman amphitheater and ruins.
- Lucca. A quiet & small walled town. Walk along the walls and visit the towns many churches and gardens.
- Siena. Another UNESCO listed city with a picturesque main piazza and many other 13th century sights.
- Chianti region. Take a guided tour to the Tuscan countryside and visit numerous wineries.
- Cinque Terre. Unlikely that you’ll be able to fit in all 5 towns in one day or do any of the hike itself, however the fact that trains stop in each of the towns means you can do a quick visit with a ferry ride too perhaps. If you only visit 1-2 towns make sure you include Vernazza and forget Corniglia (the train station is beneath the city under an enormous staircase).
Days mapped out
Have your say
Loading ...
0 Responses to “How many days in Florence”