When I finally visited Florence, I couldn’t believe it had taken me three trips to Italy to get here! I instantly fell in love with this city too!
The Piazza della Signoria, the historic charm, and the iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio were even more breathtaking in person.
Florence is compact, and everything feels close enough to walk, yet it’s absolutely packed with incredible sights, from the Accademia Gallery to the Uffizi Gallery.
If you’re short on time, don’t worry. Florence is the perfect city to explore in just two days.
Here’s my carefully planned 2-day Florence itinerary, based on my own trip, that covers all the essentials with a little time to relax and enjoy the Italian lifestyle.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Hotels with a Florence Cathedral View
Residenza Il Villino B&B
La Residenza del ProconsoloTivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel
👉 Book your airport transfer in Florence here
👉 Must do activities
Tuscan Vespa Wine Tour (🔥 My pick)
Cinque Terre & Pisa
Chianti Wineries Tour
How to Get to Florence
Florence is super easy to reach no matter where you’re coming from. We drove in as part of a road trip and stayed at Hotel Silla because we needed parking. But honestly, once we parked the car, we didn’t need it at all.
If you’re arriving by train, the Santa Maria Novella Train Station is centrally located and connects Florence to major cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan.
By Train: Florence’s high-speed trains like Trenitalia and Italo are fast and convenient. Rome is just 1.5 hours away, and Venice is 2 hours.
By Car: If you’re on a road trip, park outside the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Driving in the historic centre is not allowed unless you have special permission.
By Flight: Florence Airport (FLR) is just 15 minutes from the city centre, or fly into Pisa and take a quick train to Florence.
Florence is a walking city through and through. We found exploring the narrow streets and crossing the Ponte Vecchio on foot to be one of the highlights of our trip. But if walking isn’t your thing, here are some options.
Walking: The historic centre is compact and best enjoyed on foot.
Public Transportation: The trams and buses are run by Autolinee Toscane, with tickets costing €1.50 (valid for 90 minutes).
Bikes & Vespas: Renting a Vespa or e-bike is a fun way to explore Florence and even head into the Tuscan hills.
👉 This was the Vespa tour I did in Florence
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Great for seeing a lot in a short time, especially if you want to visit the Bardini Gardens or Piazzale Michelangelo.
👉 Hotels with a Florence Cathedral View
Residenza Il Villino B&B
La Residenza del Proconsolo
Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel
Day 1: Explore Florence’s Icons
Begin your day at Florence’s most famous landmark, the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). Climb the Bell Tower or the Brunelleschi Dome for stunning panoramic views of the city. Don’t skip the Duomo Museum in Florence, which houses original sculptures and artifacts from the cathedral.
👉 Pre-book your tickets here to skip the lines and save time.
Head to the Uffizi Gallery next, a must for art lovers, featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. From there, walk over to the Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political heart. Admire the Palazzo Vecchio and the replicas of iconic sculptures like Michelangelo’s David.
👉 Pre-book your tickets here for the Uffizi Gallery to skip the queues.
Wrap up your day with a hands-on pasta cooking class. It’s such a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in Italian culture, plus the unlimited wine doesn’t hurt!
Day 2: Art, Views, and Local Neighborhoods
Start your day at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s original David. It’s smaller than the Uffizi, but no less impressive. Afterward, wander through the San Lorenzo Market, perfect for grabbing a snack or shopping for local leather goods.
👉 Pre-book your tickets here for the Accademia to skip the queues.
Cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence’s most photographed spots. Then, head to the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti in the Oltrarno district. These serene gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle and stunning views of Florence.
End your trip with a delicious meal at Trattoria Zà Zà. Known for its Florentine steak and rustic ambience, it’s a must-visit spot. Be sure to book in advance, as it’s incredibly popular.
👉 Looking for more things to do at night in Florence? Read this next Florence at Night Things to Do (Before and After Dinner)
Have an Extra Day? Day Trip Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to have a third day, Florence is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany and beyond. These are some of my top recommendations.
Cruise through the Tuscan countryside on a Vespa, stopping at vineyards for wine tastings. This was one of the highlights of our trip and a fantastic way to experience the rolling hills of Tuscany.
👉 If you’ve thought about renting a Vespa in Florence, here’s what my experience was like.
See the colourful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa in one unforgettable day.
Spend a day sipping wine and learning about Tuscany’s winemaking traditions in the scenic Chianti region.
FAQ for Florence 2 Day Itinerary
Florence is safe, but pickpocketing happens in crowded spots like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. It’s worth investing in an anti-theft bag, money belt, or crossbody strap for valuables.
Stay near the city centre for convenience or in the Oltrarno for a quieter vibe.
👉 Hotels with a Florence Cathedral View
– Residenza Il Villino B&B
– La Residenza del Proconsolo
– Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze Hotel
Where I stayed in Florence
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Silla in Florence.
Two days is perfect for covering the highlights, but you’ll want to come back for more.
Three days is ideal. Two for Florence and one for a day trip.
The Vespa Wine Tour or a visit to Cinque Terre and Pisa are fantastic options.
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