Florence, Italy, the word itself conjures up images of vineyards, fantastic renaissance art and delicious food. While you may think that things have stayed the same since the Renaissance, you will find that the city has changed with time and has become modern.

To get to Florence, Italy you can fly into 2 different airports. The best airport to get to Florence is the Peretola Airport, also officially known as the Amerigo Vespucci Airport. There is also the Galileo Galilei Airport that is not as central but there are still transfer options to get you to Florence, Italy.

From the airport you will have to get to the city itself. This can be done several different ways such as an Uber or Lyft, private transfer (taxi) or an express coach. The taxis and car option tend to be on the pricier side and start in the 35 euro zone and last about an hour. The express coach is 6 euros one way and 10 euros for a round trip and the trip is around 85 minutes.

After you have arrived in Florence it is time to discover the city and everything it has to offer. Take your time and remember you don’t have to do everything on this list, it is your vacation so make it what you want.

Below is our 3 day itinerary for Florence, Italy:

Day One of 3 Days in Florence, Italy Itinerary

Take a Walk Around the City

You may not believe what everyone says but the city is truly beautiful, especially in the morning. If you are up around 6 am the city will be fairly empty which gives you the opportunity to take photos without a bunch of people being in the way. Walking and wandering around is the best way to get to know a city.

• How to get there: Walk out of where you are staying and start walking wherever your heart desires.
• How Much Time: As long or short as you want. A couple hours is plenty long but it can also be as little as a half hour before museums start to open.
• Cost: Free! Unless you decide to stop and get breakfast or some food.
• Tips: Plan your walk in a way that it leads to your next destination such as a place to eat or a museum. This way you are already there and beat having to stand in long lines.

Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia

Yes, if you are going to Florence you need to start off with one of the major destinations that this city has to offer. Luckily none of Florence’s major destinations are overrated so we think you will enjoy this as the first museum you visit.

• How to Get There:
• The best option is to walk. If you are far away or are tired from walking you can always take a bus or car. If you end up taking a bus you will have to switch lines anywhere from 2 to 4 different times.
• How Much Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Cost: 12 euros
• Tips: book in advance. It has been known to wait in line for hours. Skip-the-line options are also available but you can easily reserve your tickets from their website at no extra cost.

Visit a Food Market

Florence has several great food markets located within walking distance from each other. We recommend the Mercato Centrale Firenze since it is so close to the Galleria dell’Accademia.

• How to Get There: 9 minute walk from the Galleria dell’Accademia
• How Much Time: 1.5 hours max
• Cost: 5 to 40 euros
• Tips: You can also take a guided tour where someone guides you and lets you try a bunch of different food. This can be helpful if you are intimidated by locals or don’t speak Italian.

Take a Tour of the Duomo

This is also officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Known for its breathtaking orange dome, there are also a lot of other things to do such as the Duomo museum.

• How to Get There: Coming from the Mercato Centrale Firenze it is about a 6 minute walk.
• How Much Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Cost: 22 – 93 euros
• Tips: Once again book your tickets in advance. There are some ticket options where you can get a guide and combine the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Duomo together. This might be easier for your schedule.

Get Some Dinner

There are a lot of great food places near the Duomo so you have a large variety of options. Stay away from touristy restaurants, we recommend the Osteria Il Buongustai. They only take cash so stop by an ATM before heading there.

• How to Get There: From the Duomo it is about a 6 minute walk to the Osteria Il Buongustai.
• How Much Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Cost: 15 to 20 euros
• Tips: Italians eat late. Restaurants will open at weird hours and stay open well into the night. Book ahead and make a reservation to ensure a spot.

Relax

You are probably exhausted and a little jetlagged. Go home and take a rest. Maybe grab some gelato before you head home but rub your sore feet and get some rest.

• How to Get There: Go to the place where you are staying.
• How Much Time: As long as you want.
• Cost: Free.
• Tips: Massaging your feet does wonders for sore, tired feet. Stretching or even doing some yoga will help your body unwind. Take a shower so you are clean and ready for tomorrow.

Day Two of 3 Days in Florence, Italy Itinerary

Visit a Piazza

Florence and Italy in general hava a lot of piazzas. A piazza is basically an outside square that has a fountain or some sort of statue. We recommend going to a lesser known piazza called Piazza SS Annunziata.

• How to Get There: The Piazza SS Annunziata is about an 8 minute walk from the Duomo.
• How Much Time: As long as you want. 15 to 45 minutes should do.
• Cost: Free.
• Tips: Take pictures if you go early in the morning. This way you avoid a lot of people and you can get better quality pictures.

Visit a Museum

Florence has a lot of different options for museums. We recommend the Uffizi Gallery but you are free to choose another museum.

• How to Get There: Bus, Walking and Bike
• How Much Time: 1 to 3 hours
• Cost: free to 75 euros (Uffizi starts at 30 euros)
• Tips: Weekends and Tuesdays seem to be the most crowded, so try to avoid those days if you can.

Graffiti a Tunnel Legally

If you have ever wanted to graffiti something this is your chance! You will find graffiti all over the city but we recommend going to the tunnel on Via dell Rondinella. A hardware store is across the street and sells spray paint.

• How to Get There: Walk, bike or bus
• How Much Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Cost: It’s free to graffiti but the paint can cost anywhere from 10 to 30 euros
• Tips: Wear clothes that can get dirty and have some fun!

Take a Cooking Class

You are in a great place for all things pasta. Take a class on how to cook Italian pasta or a wine tasting class. There are a lot of different options, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian.

• How to Get There: Follow the directions on your ticket or booking confirmation.
• How Much Time: anywhere from 3 to 5 hours
• Cost: 30 – 150 euros
• Tips: You can do a simple internet search and find a lot of different cooking classes that are available. We suggest choosing one that interests you. They have everything from pasta classes to vegan cooking classes.

Day Three of 3 Days in Florence, Italy Itinerary

Go to a Church Service

The Duomo has an early church service that starts at 7:30 am. You don’t have to be religious to join.

• How to Get There: Same way you got there on day 1.
• How Much Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• Cost: Free.
• Tips: You will want to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. You won’t be allowed in and may have to wear a funny cover they provide.

Do Something Active

Biking as a big deal in Europe and there are a lot of different tours that offer biking trips through Tuscany and vineyards. You can also take a fitness class if you are feeling a little stiff from traveling.

• How to Get There: Your confirmation email should have clear directions on where to go.
• How Much Time: 1 to 8 hours
• Cost: 30 to 150 euros
• Tips: Bring water with you so you can stay hydrated and wear proper sports gear.

Take a Guided Tour

Taking a tour with a guide is a great way to meet new travellers and explore something with someone who speaks your own language. This can be a tour of food, a museum or even a building, the choice is yours.

• How to Get There: Most guided tours have directions on where to meet and when to arrive.
• How Much Time: 1 – 5 hours
• Cost: 30 to 90 euro
• Tips: Although it’s not mandatory it is a nice gesture to tip your guide.

Go Shopping

Florence has a lot of things to buy and take back with you from this trip. It can be anything from food to books and clothes. For unique souvenirs we recommend the street Via del Parione.

• How to Get There: Bus, Bike or Walking
• How Much Time: 30 minutes to several hours
• Cost: 5 to 100 euros (whatever your budget and suitcase can handle)
• Tips: Be sure to stop at a leather store. We recommend the Massimo Leather shop.

Get Ready for Your Trip Back Home

You have seen a lot of different places and had a lot of food and culture. It is important to take some time to make sure you have everything packed and ready for your trip home.

• How to Get There: Go to the place where you are staying
• How Much Time: 1 hour
• Cost: Free
• Tips: Make sure your passport and tickets are easily accessible but also safe so they don’t get stolen.

Some Tips and Tricks

Watch Out for Cats

Florence and Italy in general has a good population of feral cats. They shouldn’t bother you too much, especially if you are in museums and buildings for most of the day. But if you do see one do not pet or feed it, you do not know what diseases they could be carrying.

Gelato

You have probably tried really hard to blend in with locals for this trip. The last thing you want to do is go to a gelato shop and find that it was a complete tourist trap. Do some research but also check the color of the pistachio gelato. If it’s a mint green it means it is just flavored so go to a gelato shop where the pistachio is a weird green for an authentic gelato experience.

Where to Stay in Florence, Italy

• For the Cheap Traveler: Hostels and Airbnb’s are great ways to save money. Check out the Hostel Santa Monaca, it costs 19 euros a night.
• For Those Who Want Some Luxury: If you want some Florentine luxury be sure to get a reservation with the Helvetia & Bristol hotel. It fills up fast so make a reservation months in advance to secure your spot.
• For Couples: If you are looking for something romantic and a little different, try a cruise. You can research european cruises and choose a cruise that hits all of your dream locations while sailing the sea.
• For Families: You can always look at houses sitting or staying in a modest hotel. Airbnb is another great option if you need a home but aren’t going to be travelling for months at a time.

Have you ever been to Florence, Italy? Is it on your travel bucket list? There really is no better time to start planning, even if you don’t have plane tickets. The more research you do the more you will appreciate your trip. Be sure to share this with a friend who is going to Florence, Italy.

 

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.