City Trips, Europe, Florence, Guide, Italy, Sights and Tours, Travel

The Best Way to See Florence! What I’d Do Again (And What I’d Skip)

March 13, 2024

Florence Overwhelmed Me the First Time - Here’s What I Did Differently on Trip #2

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Florence is one of those cities I didn’t just visit once.

I went back and the second time completely changed how I see it.

The first time I arrived and stepped out at Santa Maria Novella, within ten minutes I was staring up at the Duomo thinking, “Okay… this is Italy.” It felt grand, dramatic, Renaissance-heavy.

I rushed between museums, queued for David, ate truffle pasta near Mercato Centrale, and tried to see everything in two and a half days.

The second trip was different.

We drove in through Tuscany, checked into Hotel Torre Guelfa, and instead of rushing to see all the iconic sights straight away, I just enjoyed the city. I focused on food.

I went back to Vivoli for that affogato I couldn’t stop thinking about. I finally tried the viral All’Antico Vinaio sandwich. I hunted down wine windows. I walked without looking at Google Maps.

Florence is a city that rewards you when you slow down.

So if you’re planning your first trip or you’re going back this is how I’d approach Florence now.

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⏰ Short on time?

👉 Book your Duomo climb here – this sells out days in advance

👉 Skip-the-line ticket to see David here – queues get crazy

👉 Tuscany day trip here – easiest way to see more in one day

👉 Hotels with a Florence Cathedral View

($) Hotel Davanzati
($$) Hotel L’Orologio
($$$) Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel

🔎 Explore all hotels in Florence

Why Florence Is Worth Visiting (Even If You’re Not an “Art Person”)

Yes, Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance.

Yes, it’s full of churches and museums.

But what makes Florence special isn’t just what’s inside the buildings it’s the atmosphere between them.

The city is compact. You can walk everywhere. The streets feel intimate but important. The architecture is dramatic without being overwhelming. And the food scene is genuinely excellent.

It’s one of the easiest Italian cities to fall into a routine:

Morning espresso.

Museum or church.

Long lunch.

Sunset viewpoint.

Late dinner.

Florence works especially well for first-time visitors to Italy because it’s manageable. You don’t need public transport. You don’t need complicated logistics. Everything is within reach.

If you’re fitting Florence into a bigger trip, I map it out inside my 2 Weeks Italy Itinerary. But if you’re focusing on Florence alone, here’s how I’d plan it.

How to Get to Florence

Florence is incredibly easy to reach.

One of the most popular ways is by train. High-speed trains from Rome take about 1.5 hours, and from Milan or Venice around 2 hours. The train pulls into Firenze Santa Maria Novella, which is right near the historic centre. Within ten minutes of walking, you’re staring at the Duomo.

It’s one of the easiest city arrivals in Italy.

My personal favourite way is by car but only if you’re exploring Tuscany before or after. We drove from Rome through the Tuscan countryside before reaching Florence, and it made the arrival feel cinematic.

Just be careful with ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas). Florence enforces them, and fines are very real.

There’s also Florence Airport, about 20 minutes from the centre, but if you’re already travelling within Italy, the train is by far the easiest option.

How Many Days Do You Actually Need in Florence?

You can see the highlights in two days.

But that’s not the same as enjoying Florence.

Two days works if you’re focused on:

The Duomo complex
Accademia (David)
Uffizi
Ponte Vecchio

Three days feels far better.

It gives you time to:

Climb the dome without rushing
Wander Oltrarno
Do a Vespa tour
Book a proper Tuscan dinner
Sit in Piazza Santo Spirito without checking your watch

Florence isn’t about speed. It’s about pacing.

The Duomo Complex: What’s Worth It & What to Book

You cannot visit Florence and ignore the Duomo.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates the skyline, and Brunelleschi’s dome is visible from almost everywhere in the city.

Climbing the dome is absolutely worth it. It’s 463 steps, narrow in sections, and you walk right along the interior frescoes before reaching the top. The views are unmatched.

👉 This is one attraction I’d definitely pre-book here – dome climb tickets SELL OUT regularly, especially April to October.

The Duomo complex also includes:

Giotto’s Bell Tower (similar views, slightly less claustrophobic climb)
The Baptistery
The Opera del Duomo Museum

If you only choose one climb, I’d still pick the dome.

🔥 Book your Duomo climb here – I didn’t prebook once and completely missed out, it sells out fast

Seeing Michelangelo’s David (Yes, It’s Worth the Hype)

I nearly missed out on my first trip because I underestimated how quickly tickets sell out.

The Accademia Gallery isn’t huge and people go primarily for David. But when you walk down that corridor and see it standing at the end, it’s genuinely powerful.

👉 I would absolutely reserve Accademia tickets in advance here – especially in peak season.

Even if you’re not an art person, this is one of those “I’m glad I saw that in real life” moments.

🔥 Skip-the-line ticket here – queues get crazy after 9am and it’s 100% worth booking ahead

Uffizi Gallery Without Overwhelming Yourself

The Uffizi can feel intense if you try to see everything.

My advice? Go in with intention.

👉 Timed entry tickets are essential. I’d book Uffizi tickets here before you go.

Focus on:

Botticelli’s Birth of Venus
Leonardo da Vinci
Michelangelo
Caravaggio

Give yourself 2–3 hours max. After that, Renaissance fatigue is real.

🔥 This is the best timed-entry ticket to avoid waiting hours – I’d definitely book this in advance

Read Next: Florence Must See Museums!

Wine Windows: One of Florence’s Most Underrated Experiences

Florence has these tiny openings in Renaissance buildings called “buchette del vino.”

Historically, they were used to sell wine during plague outbreaks to avoid contact.

Today, you knock.
A little wooden door opens.
A glass of Chianti appears.

It’s simple, slightly theatrical, and very Florence.

They’re scattered across the historic centre and Oltrarno. If you spot one, stop.

My Favourite Experience in Florence: The Vespa Tour

I don’t say this lightly, the Vespa tour through the Tuscan hills was one of my favourite activities in Italy.

You leave the city behind and suddenly you’re riding past olive groves and rolling hills with Florence in the distance.

It gave context to the city. Florence isn’t just art, it’s Tuscany.

👉 If you’re comfortable riding, I’d book a Vespa tour like this here – it completely changes how you experience Florence.

What I Ate (And Would Eat Again)

Florence is not subtle about food.

Some of my favourites:

Trattoria Zà Zà – I went back for the truffle gnocchi.

All’Antico Vinaio – Yes, it’s viral. Yes, it’s worth it. Go early.

Vivoli – I specifically returned for the affogato. No regrets.

La Prosciutteria – Massive charcuterie boards.

Also try:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Lampredotto (if you’re feeling brave)
Pappa al pomodoro

Where to Stay in Florence

Historic Center (Centro Storico): This is Florence’s historic center where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio right at your doorstep.
Oltrarno: Cross the Arno River to discover the charm of the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops, quaint cafes, and authentic trattorias.
Santa Croce: You’ll get a local vibe of Florence if you stay in the Santa Croce neighborhood. Here you’ll find the Basilica di Santa Croce and the lively Sant’Ambrogio market.