FLORENCE IN 2 DAYS: What to see in Florence and how to enjoy it (+ map and useful tips)

Planning to visit Florence in 2 days? Check out our guide to the most beautiful places to see in Florence and how to enjoy the capital of Tuscany.

Florence is a city where you can admire the works of Michelangelo, walk across ancient stone bridges and enjoy culinary delights in traditional Tuscan osterias. If you are planning to visit Florence, we have prepared an itinerary to discover the best the city has to offer in 2 days.

Is it possible to visit Florence in 2 days?

Yes, two days are perfect for exploring Florence. You can wander through the historic centre, visit the art museum and enjoy the view from Piazzale Michelangelo or the Bardini Gardens.

The historic centre of Florence is not large and can be walked around in one day. But in such a short time you wouldn’t have time to visit the most beautiful sights for which Florence is famous – explore the ornate palaces and the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral complex, enjoy the atmosphere and views from the gardens, or admire the art at the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery with its famous Michelangelo statue of David.

Florence in two days – route map

On the map you will find the marked route for visiting Florence for two days. The route is largely on foot, or. you can use the local buses.

We start our first day at the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. We’ll explore the historic centre and head across the river for iconic views of Florence.

The next morning, we’ll head to one of the galleries or palaces that house rich art collections. We’ll walk through the lively Santo Spirito district and head into the gardens to escape the crowds and enjoy more views of the city.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with an itinerary of what to see in Florence in two days. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places mentioned in the itinerary for two days in Florence, Italy. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN FLORENCE IN TWO DAYS

FLORENCE IN 2 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 1ST DAY

8:00 Start the day at Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

Our day in Florence starts early. The reason is simple – already around 10:00 the crowds will flock here, which can make the tour of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore much longer by waiting in line.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, often known as the Duomo di Firenze, is one of the most important and spectacular architectural works of the Renaissance. This majestic cathedral is the heart of Florence’s historic centre and is famous for its imposing dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Santa Maria del Fiore is the third largest cathedral in Europe and its exterior is covered with marble slabs in shades of white, green and pink, typical of Florentine architecture of the period. The interior is relatively austere, at least compared to other churches such as St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

Entrance and opening hours of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

The cathedral itself is free to enter – the entrance is directly from the facade. It is open daily except Sunday from 10:15-15:45. Lines are forming inside, but they’re passing quickly.

However, the other monuments of the cathedral complex open earlier and now we will tell you more about them.

8:15 Duomo Dome

Brunelleschi’s dome is a technical marvel of its time, as it was built without scaffolding. The dome is decorated with a huge fresco of the Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari and his student Federico Zuccari.

Note: Climbing the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the best things to see in Florence. For this reason, it is often sold out weeks in advance. I’m sure it’s good
to make a reservation as soon as possible
– choose a time slot in which to enter the dome. You will climb up 463 steps (there is no elevator).

Entrance and opening hours of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

Admission to the dome is part of the Brunelleschi Pass, where you get access to the dome, the bell tower, the crypt, the baptistery and the museum all in one ticket. The price for the whole package is 30 €, reduced price 12 € for children 7-14 years, free entry for children under 7 years and persons with Disabled Persons Card + accompanying person.

It is open daily at the following times:

• Monday to Friday 8:15-18:45
• Saturday 8:15-16:30
• Sundays and holidays 12:45-16:30

You must be present at the selected time to enter the dome – you can visit the other sites at any time. The entrance to the dome is on the left side of the cathedral. You have 3 days from the start of the ticket validity to visit the bell tower. For this reason, I recommend coming back here in the evening or the next day.

Alternative: Giotto’s bell tower

To the right of the cathedral façade you will see Giotto’s detached bell tower. If you want Florence in the palm of your hand, head here. In addition, the bell tower offers a fantastic view of the Duomo dome.

Giotto’s bell tower is also a great alternative for those who do not plan to visit the dome.

The entrance is on the other side of the bell tower. At the bottom, you scan your ticket and start climbing the narrow stairs to the top. There are a lot of stairs to climb, but you can rest on one of the 3 floors along the way. The best views are upstairs from the outdoor terrace. Due to the narrow staircase, it is better to arrive first thing in the morning so that you don’t have to dodge descending visitors.

Admission and opening hours of the Giotto Bell Tower

The bell tower is open daily from 8:15-18:45.

Admission to the bell tower is included in these packages:

• Brunelleschi Pass (includes the dome, bell tower, crypt, baptistery, museum) – full admission is 30 €, reduced admission 12 € for children 7-14 years, free admission for disabled with an escort
• Giotto Pass (includes the bell tower, crypt, baptistery, museum) – full admission is 20 €, reduced admission 7 € children 7-14 years, free admission for disabled with an escort

It is not possible to buy a separate ticket to the bell tower. Remark: If you purchase a Giotto Pass, you choose the time you need to arrive at the bell tower. This does not apply to the Brunelleschi Pass, which gives you guaranteed entry to the Bell Tower for 3 days after you purchase your ticket (you do not need to book a specific time slot).

Tickets can be purchased directly across the street from the Baptistery or online. If you’re planning to visit the dome too, be sure to buy your tickets online (they tend to sell out).

9:15 Baptistery

After a visit to Giotto’s bell tower, we move on to the baptistery.

The Baptistery of John the Baptist (Battisterio di San Giovanni) is one of the oldest monuments in Florence. The octagonal building with a marble facade is inspired by ancient Roman mausoleums. From the outside, don’t miss the golden door by Lorenzo Ghiberthi, which Michelangelo called “The Gates of Paradise”.

As soon as you walk in, you will be struck by the beautiful gold mosaic of the Last Judgement on the ceiling of the baptistery, with an opening through which daylight streams in. It took over 100 years to complete.

Admission and opening hours of the baptistery

Admission to the Baptistery is included in these packages (you cannot purchase tickets separately):

• Brunelleschi Pass (includes the dome, bell tower, crypt, baptistery, museum) – full admission is 30 €, reduced admission 12 € for children 7-14 years, free admission for disabled with an escort
• Giotto Pass (includes the bell tower, crypt, baptistery, museum) – full admission is 20 €, reduced admission 7 € children 7-14 years, free admission for disabled with an escort
• Ghiberti Pass (crypt, baptistery, museum) – full admission is 15 €, reduced admission 5 € for children 7-14 years old and students (students have a discount only on the Ghiberti Pass), free admission for disabled with an escort

It is open daily from 8:30 to 19:30. The Baptistery closes at 3:30 on the first Sunday of each month.

Please note: You must enter the cathedral and baptistery dressed appropriately, i.e. you need to keep your shoulders and knees covered. You won’t be allowed into the complex with luggage or a larger backpack – you can leave it in the storage room located at the back of the cathedral, to the left of the museum.

Accommodation Florence 😴

hu Firenze Camping in Town

Bungalows with private bathroom and parking

Art Hotel Museo

Modern 4* hotel with swimming pool near Florence

10:00 Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

Behind the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which is included in all packages (Brunelleschi Pass, Giotto Pass and Ghiberti Pass). An interesting, smaller museum that houses a collection of art created for the cathedral.

See Donatello’s Mary Magdalene, the unfinished medieval facade of the cathedral and other important works by artists such as Ghiberti and Michelangelo.

12:00 Lunch

The visit to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral complex took several hours and now it is lunchtime. There are several great restaurants and eateries in the centre where you can enjoy local cuisine. Here are some of our tips on where to eat in Florence city centre:

• Vini e Vecchi Sapori – smaller, cosy osteria with Tuscan cuisine
• Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827 – excellent, historic restaurant with frescoes on the walls
• For something smaller, pop into I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti or Retrobottega.

All tips are also marked on the map at the beginning of the article.

13:30 Historical Centre

Rested, invigorated… it’s the best time to explore the picturesque squares and hidden alleys of Florence’s historic centre. Our first stop is Piazza della Repubblica, an elegant square with a colourful carousel that’s alive until the evening.

Not far from here is the Fontana del Porcellino, a bronze statue of a boar with a legendary name. If you stroke a wild boar’s snout, they say you will return to Florence one day. Or put a coin in his mouth and make a wish – if the coin falls on the grid at the bottom of the fountain, your wish will come true.

14:00 Piazza della Signoria

The most beautiful square in Florence? Definitely Piazza della Signoria, the imaginary heart of the city with the imposing Vecchio Palace and Neptune’s Fountain.

A good chunk of Florentine history took place in the Vecchio Palace. Interestingly, the medieval fortress was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the same architect as Santa Maria Cathedral.

The palace now serves as a museum, with a richly decorated interior and coffered ceilings. You can climb the 400 steps up to the Arnolfo Tower and enjoy another view of the city. There are never enough views of Florence. Here you will find for more information on admission and opening times.

☞ Read: The most beautiful places in Florence.

15:00 Uffizi Gallery

On the right side of the Vecchio Palace is the Uffizi Gallery, a famous art museum that is 4st the most visited museum in Italy. And what awaits you here? The Uffizi Gallery includes the world’s finest collection of Italian Renaissance art, set in magnificent spaces.

Later in the afternoon the biggest crowds have left and the tour will be a bit quieter than in the morning and early afternoon. The Galleria degli Uffizi is one of the places in Florence where you should definitely
book a ticket in advance.

See Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation or Doni Tondo, Michelangelo’s only painting on canvas.

Admission and opening hours of the Uffizi Gallery

Admission to the Uffizi Gallery is €25 (+ €4 booking fee in advance), a reduced admission of €2 for young people aged 18-25 (no student required) and free admission for children under 18 and people with a Disabled Persons Card.

It is open daily except Monday at the following times: Tuesday to Sunday 8:15-18:30, Tuesday until 17th December until 22:00.

☞ Book your tickets for the Uffizi Gallery.

Afternoon: the Ponte Vecchio

Before heading to the most famous bridge in Florence, grab a delicious sandwich at All’Antico Vinaio. This is an incredibly popular snack that even became the highest rated snack in the world one year. They have a few windows, but there are still queues, which fortunately pass quickly. It’s a 2-minute walk down the alley between the Vecchio Palace and the Uffizi Gallery.

Reinforced, we head to the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge of the 14th century. century, under which the river Arno flows. It’s evening, the locals are sitting on the walls along the river drinking. Cross the bridge, which is made up of lots of jewellery shops (and lots of street vendors selling trinkets) and continue left along the river.

Sunset on Piazzale Michelangelo

The last place on our itinerary for our first day in Florence is Piazzale Michelangelo, the iconic square overlooking Florence. A leisurely 20-minute walk around the river and then up the hill takes us to Piazzale Michelangelo (you can also take the C4 bus and then just walk up the hill).

If you have enough time, head up through the rose garden that stretches up the slopes. I marked the exact location on the map at the beginning of the article. Sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the city. Or stop by on your way down like we did (they close at 20:00).

Piazzale Michelangelo is just 5 minutes above the garden. It is open and accessible day and night. The square itself is not that worth seeing, although there is a copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David in the middle. But the view is definitely worth the climb.

The locals sit on the steps, all enjoying the setting sun over Florence. There’s also a small cafe and lots of stalls with trinkets.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN FLORENCE IN TWO DAYS

FLORENCE IN 2 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 2ND DAY

8:00 Art Gallery

Florence is synonymous with art. Visiting at least one art gallery is almost a must. If you missed one the day before, now is the perfect time in the morning as the biggest crowds have not yet gathered.

Here are some tips on the best art galleries in Florence:

• Uffizi Gallery (if you missed it the day before) – includes the world’s finest collection of Italian Renaissance art, set in magnificent spaces. The gallery is one of the places in Florence where you should definitely
  book a ticket in advance.
  

• The Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David, considered the epitome of the male ideal of beauty. Due to the long queues, it’s definitely better to make a reservation in advance so that tickets don’t sell out.

• Palazzo Medici Riccardi, an art museum in a palace that has been in use since the 15th century to the Medici family.

• The Bargello Museum should not be missed by any art lover. Inside you will see the largest collection of Gothic and Renaissance sculptures by Italian masters (Michelangelo, Donatello, Verrochia and others).

A tour of each of the galleries will take 2-3 hours, the Uffizi Gallery can take even longer.

11:00 Basilica of Santa Croce

Wander the streets of Santa Croce and stop at Pino’s Sandwiches. This place is about a quarter of an hour’s walk from the Accademia Gallery and is definitely worth a visit if you want to have the best panini or focaccia in Florence. There’s a few seats and the prices are folksy.

The Basilica of Santa Croce is not just any basilica. It is the largest Franciscan church in the world and the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and other famous personalities.

There is an entrance fee, but the complex is huge – for one price you get access to the basilica, the sacristy with the Medicean chapel, Brunelleschi’s Pazzi chapel, the amphitheatres, the opera museum, the crypt and the memorial chapel.

Entrance and opening hours of the Basilica of Santa Croce

Full admission costs 8 € and reduced admission costs 6 € (children 12-17 years and students). Free admission for children under 18 accompanied by a paying parent and for persons with a Disabled Persons Card including an accompanying person.

The complex is open Monday to Saturday 9:30-17:30 and on Sundays and public holidays 12:30-17:45.

13:00 Santo Spirito

From the Basilica of Santa Croce, we head across the river to the Santo Spirito district. It is known for its bohemian and artistic atmosphere, with well-preserved historic buildings and picturesque streets.

It has retained its traditional character and is less touristy than other parts of Florence. The heart of the district is Piazza Santo Spirito, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shops.

It’s lunchtime and there are plenty of places to eat in Santo Spirito. From traditional Tuscan restaurants to modern bistros, the local gastronomic scene is rich and varied. Here are some of our tips on where to eat in Santo Spirito, Florence:

• Gustapizza – excellent pizza for cheap, there tend to be queues at lunch and dinner times but if you take your pizza to go they progress quickly.
• Trattoria 4 Leoni – a popular Tuscan trattoria. For a quieter atmosphere, head next door to Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino.
• Osteria Santo Spirito
• Trattoria Giovanni
• I’Brindellone (reservation required)
• Gelateria La Carraia as a sweet ending.

You can also find all the tips in the map at the beginning of the article.

Read: Guide and useful tips for visiting Florence.

15:00 Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

The Renaissance Pitti Palace is the largest palace in Florence, situated at the foot of the Boboli Hill in the Santo Spirito district. The interiors of the palace are richly decorated and thematically divided into several galleries and museums. If you love art, the Pitti Palace should definitely be on your list for 2 days in Florence.

Behind the palace are the vast Boboli Gardens, where you pay a separate entrance fee. Long-term reconstruction is currently underway, so some places are taped off and inaccessible (2024). However, these are still beautiful gardens that provide a peaceful setting for walks, with spectacular views of the city.

Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens can be visited independently. You can spend the whole day here and still have something to discover. The gardens are really large and you have to walk for a relatively long time before you come across some interesting things.

Admission and opening hours of the Pizzi Palace and Boboli Gardens

Part of Tickets to Palazzo Pitti is the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Grand Ducal Treasury. In high season and on weekends and holidays, it may sell out in advance.

The palace is open daily except Mondays from 8:15-18:30 (last entry at 17:30).

The Boboli Gardens also include the Bardini Gardens, which are nearby. We’ll talk more about them in a little while. Visit the Boboli Gardens and the Bardini Gardens.

Accommodation Florence 😴

Plus Florence

Clean accommodation with swimming pool and complete facilities

c-hotels Diplomat

Stylish 4* hotel a few minutes from the train station and the centre

The opening hours of Boboli Gardens are as follows:

• January, February, November, December 8:15-16:30
• March, October 8:15-17:30
• April, May, September, October 8:15-18:30
• June to August 8:15-19:10

18:00 Bardini Gardens

Near the Pitti Palace are the Bardini Gardens – about a quarter of an hour uphill. The Bardini Gardens are smaller than the Boboli Gardens, but they are beautiful and provide views of the city, including the Duomo.

The best time to visit is April, when the pergola is literally covered with purple wisteria flowers.

Sit in the café and enjoy the view of the city. A perfect end to a two-day stay in Florence.

Admission and opening hours of the Bardini Gardens

The ticket for the Bardini Gardens also includes the Boboli Gardens (see previous point). Combined admission is €10, reduced admission is €2 for young EHS under 25. Children up to 18 years of age and persons with a Disabled Persons Card are admitted free of charge. On the first Sunday of every month, everyone, regardless of age, is admitted free of charge.

☞ Visit the Bardini Gardens and the Boboli Gardens.

The gardens are open daily except Mondays from 10:00-19:30.

Where to stay when visiting Florence for 2 days?

• hu Firenze Camping in Town: Accommodation in bungalows with bathroom and free parking, great price and access to the centre
• Art Hotel Museo: Modern 4* hotel with swimming pool on the outskirts of Florence
• c-hotels Diplomat: Stylish hotel with excellent accessibility minutes from the train station and the city centre
• Plus Florence: Comfortable accommodation in private or shared rooms, swimming pool, fitness, roof terrace

Accommodation Florence 😴

hu Firenze Camping in Town

Bungalows with private bathroom and parking

Art Hotel Museo

Modern 4* hotel with swimming pool near Florence

How to enjoy Florence in 2 days?

• Wear comfortable shoes – the cobbled streets are packed with crowds of people. Plus, the neighborhoods south of the river are pretty hilly.
• Grab a delicious sandwich at All’Antico Vinaio just outside Piazza della Signoria. Or order a traditional pizza at Gustapizza. They taste great and cost a few crowns. It’s just a good idea to avoid around lunch and dinner time, as the queues here are very long.
• Summer or winter, Italian gelato is a must-try, even if it’s slightly above freezing. The best gelato is at Gelateria La Carraia, Gelateria Della Passera, Gelateria Edoardo in Piazza Duomo or Vivoli. Even the best gelato in Florence has queues.
• Ascend to Piazzale Michelangelo, the Bardini Gardens or the Basilica of San Miniato and enjoy the unmistakable panorama of Florence.
• Explore Florence in the evening, when the Piazza della Repubblica is alive and the centre is beautifully lit.
• See if the Firenzecard tourist card can save you money.

The best booking resources for visiting Florence

Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.

Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.

If you are planning to rent a car in Tuscany, the best experience we have with Rentalcars.com where they have the widest range of cars at good prices. Insurance and free cancellation is included.

These were our tips on what to see in Florence in two days. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

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