Ultimate 2 Days In Florence Itinerary

Florence is simply iconic. It’s a city that has served as both the star and backdrop to some of the greatest moments in history and Renaissance art.

Whether you’re a lover of museums, a foodie, a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys wandering through the winding streets of an ancient city, Florence will enchant you.

To help you have the best experience, I’ve put together a step-by-step 2 days in Florence itinerary.

Two days isn’t that much time. But, with some advance planning and ambition, you can have a fantastic visit.

Snapshot Of 2 Days In Florence Itinerary

Here’s a quick glance of what you’ll see on this Florence itinerary:

To see some of the city’s major sites, you may want to save money by booking one of the Florence City Cards. You can download the app on your phone. 

You can choose between the Florence Pass or the Super Combi Pass. The Florence Pass is by far the most comprehensive. You have skip the line access to the entire Duomo complex (including the dome climb), the Uffizi, and the Accademia.

2 Days In Florence Itinerary

1. Accademia Gallery

Start your first day in Florence bright and early at the Accademia Gallery. The museum opens at 8:15 am. I recommend getting an early time slot reservation so you have plenty of time left in your day.

The Accademia is home to the world’s most famous sculpture, Michelangelo’s David. It’s a stunning 17 feet tall statue taken from the Bible story of David and Goliath.

Michelangelo’s David depicts the underdog hero in the moment before his triumphant battle, slingshot in hand. David’s victory over Goliath made him a fitting symbol for the city of Florence, which viewed itself as an underdog city-state.

Originally, David was commissioned to be placed in a niche on the facade of Florence Cathedral. However, the city deemed it too beautiful for such a location.

Instead, it was placed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s seat of government. David remained there for three centuries before being moved to the museum in 1873.

While David steals the show, there are other breathtaking works of art to be found in the Accademia as well.

The Hall of Prisoners, for example, is home to four of Michelangelo’s Slaves. These unfinished sculptures were originally intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II, a project that was ultimately never completed.

Looking at the Slaves, you can see Michelangelo’s creation process. They seem to be struggling to emerge from the marvel.

The Hall of the Colossus houses the plaster cast of Giambologna’s famous Rape of the Sabine Women. The marble version is on display in the Piazza della Signoria.

This hall is also home to some of the museum’s finest paintings. There are works by Sandro Botticelli, Paulo Uccello, Filippino Lippi, and Domenico Ghirlandaio, Michelangelo’s teacher for one year. 

You should definitely pre-book a skip the line ticket for this extremely popular Florence attraction. You can also opt for a 1.5 hour guided tour with fast track ticket.

2. Medici Chapels

When you’re done admiring David, it’s time to see more Michelangelo sculptures. Walk about 10 minutes over to the Medici Chapels.

They are part of the vast Basilica of San Lorenzo complex. But there’s a separate ticket and entrance for this beautiful small museum.

The Medici Chapels are the shrine and mausoleum for the Medici family, a powerhouse dynasty that ruled Florence for centuries. You can visit the crypt, the Chapel of the Princes, and the New Sacristy.

READ: History of the Medici

The crypt houses the remains and tombs of the grand dukes. As you make your way through the area, you’ll come across glass display cases showcasing part of the Treasure of San Lorenzo, which includes precious reliquaries.

Next up is the Chapel of the Princes, a magnificent room featuring the tombs of the Medici grand dukes. The chapel walls are adorned with polychrome marble and semi-precious stones, making for an awe-inspiring sight.

But the highlight of the Medici Chapel is the New Sacristy, completely designed and decorated by Michelangelo.

It boasts the highest concentration of Michelangelo sculptures in Florence, including his most famous work, Night. With seven of his masterpieces on display, the New Sacristy is a must see.

The allegorical sculptures are sublime, a stunning combination of artistic virtuosity and symbolism set amid theatrical architecture. This fact alone makes the Medici Chapels well worth a visit.

Like the Accademia Gallery, this is a popular attraction. You’ll need to pre-book a ticket with a time slot reservation. These fill up fast, so don’t delay. 

You can also book a guided tour of the chapels. This isn’t a bad idea because there’s not much explanatory signage.

3. Basilica of San Lorenzo

Right around the corner is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. This was the parish church of the Medici family.

On the outside, it has a rusticated sandstone exterior. But on the inside, it’s a haven of Renaissance art and architecture.

The Old Sacristy was designed by the famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi in 1419 and completed in 1429. It’s one of the world’s most famous sacristies and considered the first truly Renaissance building in history. 

You’ll also find two pulpits designed by early Renaissance sculptor Donatello, the Passion Pulpit and the Resurrection Pulpit.

You should also check out the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence by late Renaissance artist Bronzino. Bronzino’s painting tells a gory tale of San Lorenzo’s patron saint, Saint Lawrence.

4. Palazzo Medici-Ricardi

Depending on how quickly you covered the first three sites, you may have time to pop into the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi before lunch. It’s right next to the basilica.

The palace was designed by Michelozzo in 1444 and is considered the first Renaissance style family palace.

Two of the greatest historical figures of the Renaissance lived in the palace — Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent. Michelangelo even worked in the palace gardens.

The palace has a beautiful courtyard and Hall of Mirrors. But the thing you’ll really need to see is the Chapel of the Magi. It’s one of the most beautiful chapels in Italy.

It’s decorated with gorgeous frescos by Benozzo Gozzoli.

The frescos depict scenes from the life of the Medici and are meant to glorify the family. They’ve been restored and the colors are brilliant.

You could just spend just a half hour here and then move on.

After seeing these wonderful sites, it’s time for lunch. Your next stop is the Duomo complex.

A great place to eat nearby is La Grotto Guelfa. When I ate there, the service was amazing and the pasta dishes delicious.

1. Overview of Duomo Complex

After lunch, it’s time to tackle the Florence Cathedral complex. This consists of 5 separate sites: Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistery, the Duomo Museum, and the Giotto Bell Tower.

To see them all, you can book the Brunelleschi ticket for 30 € on the Duomo website.

There’s a lot to absorb at these wonderful attractions. You may want to book a guided tour to get the full scoop.

To climb the dome, you also have to make a time slot reservation. This attraction is always sold out, so I advise booking your ticket well in advance.

People will start to line up for the climb 15-20 minutes in advance. Be sure to get in the right line on the north side of the Duomo at the Porta della Mandorla.

2. Duomo Museum

It makes the most sense to start your visit to the Duomo complex in the beautifully renovated Duomo Museum, which gives you the history of the Duomo.

This is a stunning small museum, a fabulous treasure box of Medieval and Renaissance sculpture. Honestly, it was one of my favorite museums in Florence.

When you walk in, you’re greeted by the almost overwhelming Hall of Paradise. It’s a reconstruction of a Medieval facade that was torn down to make way for a Renaissance facade.

On the ground floor, there are sculptures by artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Arnolfo di Cambio, and Nanni di Banco.

On the first floor, you’ll find a stunning gallery lined with 16 statues that were formerly on the Giotto bell tower facade, including five by Donatello. The most famous ones are Donatello’s Jeremiah and Habakkuk.

On the second floor, you’ll find a film on how Brunelleschi built his famous dome. There are also models he used to build it.

You can also step out on the Brunelleschi Terrace for panoramic views of Florence.

3. Florence Cathedral

When you’re done in the museum, head to the Florence Cathedral, once the world’s largest cathedral.

Nicknamed the Duomo, Florence Cathedral is the most prominent, and popular, landmark in Florence.

The Duomo was built over 172 years, beginning in 1296. The cathedral facades are beautifully faced with pink marble (from Tuscany), green marble (from Prato), and white (from Carrera) marble.

You can just marvel at the facade. Or, you can use your skip the line ticket to go inside. But you’ll have to go through a security line, which be long.

You may want to book a guided tour of the Duomo itself. You can also book a guided tour of the Duomo that includes access to the dome and secret terraces that you wouldn’t see on a regular visit. I did the second one on my last visit and I enjoyed the views.

4. Brunelleschi’s Dome

Now, it’s time to climb Brunelleschi’s dome. Filippo Brunelleschi’s magnificent terra cotta colored dome was built from 1420-36. It’s a true Renaissance masterpiece. 

You won’t be able to visit without booking a timed entry skip the line ticket.

It’s 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome. Be forewarned, it’s not the easiest climb and there’s no elevator. The spiral stairway is very tight.

It can be hot, stuffy, and potentially claustrophobic. In the summer, it’s a body- melting inferno. There are places where there are no handrails and you have to watch your head.

About 2/3 of the way up is a viewing ledge at the base of the dome’s drum. From here, you have a splendid view of Giorgio Vasari’s fresco of The Last Judgment.

They were painted from 1572-79 and restored in 1996. Covering some 3,6000 square meters, it’s the world’s largest fresco.

When you reach the top, there’s a steep ladder and you’re finally atop the dome. You’ll have a close up view of the lantern.

The views are stunning. You can check out my video:

4. Baptistery

After your dome climb, pop into the Florence Baptistery. Dating from 1059, the Baptistery is over a thousand years old.

As its name implies, the Baptistery is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence and the inventor of the act of baptism. 

The baptistery is famous for its three sets of bronze doors and spectacularly decorated Byzantine-style mosaic ceiling. It depicts The Last Judgment.

Unfortunately, the Baptistery is under renovation right now. It’s the first one in over a century.

Half of the mosaics are covered. But a scaffolding has been set up for art restorers to work. Beginning on February 24, 2023, tourists can book a ticket to climb the scaffolding and see the mosaics up close.

5. Piazza Della Signoria

Then, take a stroll in the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s central square. It’s the jackpot of outdoor street art.

The piazza is filled with sculptures by the greatest artists of the Renaissance. At the center is a massive fountain with the god Neptune gleaming in white marble.

When you’re done admiring the sculptures, pick a spot for dinner. Stay away from restaurants with a plastic menu touristico. Try to follow the Italians!

Look for a family run trattoria serving up homemade pasta or Florence’s signature dish bistecca all fiorentina, a huge T-bone steak that’s just delicious and priced by weight.

You can sample this dish (and others!) at Regina Bistecca or Osteria Vino E Vecchi Sapori.

If you want a fine dining experience, Florence has six Michelin starred restaurants. I recommend Buca Mario and Santa Elisabetta.

Another great option in Florence is to go on an authentic food tour in the evening.

This 3.5 hour guided food tour includes wine tasting and bistecca. With this 3 hour guided tour, you’ll sample everything from gelato to cheese to Tuscan soup.

6. Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is the one attraction in Florence that’s open late. So you could make a pre or post dinner visit. From April to September, it’s open until 11:00 pm.

The Palazzo Vecchio is a doughty medieval fortress on the outside. Inside, it’s a resplendent Renaissance palace filled with artistic treasures.

The Palazzo Vecchio was Florence’s seat of power, the home of the City Council that governed the Republic of Florence.

Inside, you can explore the grand Hall of the Five Hundred, admire Michelangelo and Donatello sculptures, and gaze admiringly at beautiful Renaissance frescos at every turn.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket with a time slot reservation.

You can also book a guided tour of the palace. There’s a guided secret passages tour with lunch.

This guided 2 hour tour covers the palace and the Piazza della Signoria.

1. Basilica of Santa Croce

On day 2 in Florence, you’ll start your day at the the 13th century Basilica of Santa Croce. You may have already seen a glimpse of it if you’ve climbed Brunelleschi’s dome.

Santa Croce is truly a place of superlatives. The basilica has one of the greatest assemblages of paintings, sculptures, and funereal monuments in existence.

It’s home to celebrity tombs, magnificent frescos by the greatest early Renaissance artists, and Donatello sculptures. This is where you can pay homage to Michelangelo, who is buried there in a tomb designed by Vasari.

The basilica opens at 9:30. You should arrive then with a pre-purchased skip the line ticket.

Be sure your knees and shoulders are covered or you will be turned away. The basilica doesn’t give out disposable cloths to cover yourself.

2. Uffizi Gallery

After Santa Croce, head to the Uffizi Gallery. The gallery is Florence’s premiere museums and one of the best museums in the world. This is where you come to admire Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

The museum is huge and just stuffed with masterpieces. You could spend hours there. The most popular rooms are the two Botticelli Rooms and the Raphael and Michelangelo Room.

Start on the second floor to see these rooms and other magnificent Early and High Renaissance paintings.

On the first floor below, you’ll find paintings from the Mannerist (late Renaissance) and Baroque periods, including several by Caravaggio, Vasari, and Artemisia Gentileschi.

You won’t be able to visit the Uffizi, almost in any season, without pre-booking a skip the line timed entry ticket. Once inside, keep the ticket with you because they ask for it at several checkpoints.

You may want to book a guided tour of the museum. The last time I was there, I booked a 2+ hour private guided tour. The guide was excellent and made the museum come to life for my husband, who’s not really an art lover like me.

3. Galileo Museum

If you’re not a fan of fine art, you could substitute the Galileo Museum for the Uffizi. The museum is housed in a medieval palace, the Palazzo Castellani, and is perfect for science buffs.

Over two floors, you’ll find an impressive collection of scientific instruments from the Renaissance, including telescopes, clocks, anatomical models, and astrological models. They reflect Italy’s claim as the center of the first scientific revolution.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket for the Galileo Museum

4. Piazza della Repubblica

After your museum visit decompress with a stroll around the Piazza della Repubblica.

This is the Roman heart of Florence and one of the main squares in the city. The Column of Abundance, dating from 1431, marks the point where once the Roman forum stood. 

Today, you’ll find historic cafes, street artists, and a carousel for kids.

5. Ponte Vecchio

Take a leisurely stroll across the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, a true gem in Florence’s crown. The bridge, which spans the Arno River, gives the impression of cobbled-together houses suspended above the water.

The three arches are topped with an assortment of 48 small shops, all specializing in high-end gold and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Above the shops, the Vasari Corridor connects Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace. While it’s scheduled to open to the public in 2023, my guide expressed skepticism about this timeline.

As the most crowded spot in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio comes alive at night with musicians playing and locals and tourists mingling.

If you’d prefer to admire the bridge from a distance, head a few blocks down to the Santa Trinita Bridge for stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio.

6. Lunch

A good authentic place to grab lunch near the Ponte Vecchio is Amici di Ponte Vecchio. I had a delicious porchetta sandwich there one day.

Another good place to eat well and relax in this area is Il Magazzino. If you are craving something lighter with more veggies, try 5 E Cinque.

I also had a good pizza at Pizzeria Lo Sprone. Though it’s a casual spot, you’ll need a reservation to sit outside.

7. Pitti Palace

The magnificent Palazzo Pitti was the regal home of the Medici family. The palace is the largest palace in Florence and one of Florence’s most stunning architecture gems.

Inside, you’ll find over 500 Renaissance paintings, chock-a-block on top of each other amid lavish stucco and silk furnishings. You’ll find works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens, and Giorgione.

In the five Planet Rooms, there are beautiful ceiling frescos by Pietro da Cortona.

You should definitely pre-book a skip the line ticket to the palace.

There’s no signage in the museum, so you may want to book a guided tour to know what you’re looking at.

Most people visit the Boboli Gardens, which are the backyard of the Pitti Palace. I was just there and was underwhelmed.

The gardens apparently weren’t well maintained during the pandemic. It’s really more of a park than a beautiful palace garden.

After your palace visit, it’s time for some gelato. I sampled a lot of gelato while in Florence. Hands down, the best gelato was La Strega Nocciola in the Oltrarno. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the Pitti Palace.

8. Florence Viewpoints

Piazzale Michelangelo

Fueled up with gelato, it’s time to climb to one of Florence’s viewpoints. The most popular one is Piazzale Michelangelo in the Oltrarno.

You get there via a serpentine path from Piazza Poggi. You can also take bus #12 from the Boboli Gardens. The hop on hop off bus also stops in the square.

Like Piazza della Signoria, the square has a monumental copy of Michelangelo’s David, which was delivered by nine pairs of oxen in 1873.

San Miniato al Monte

If you walk 5-10 more minutes further uphill, you can visit a spectacular and well preserved medieval jewel, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. At 1,000 years old, It’s one of the oldest structures in Florence.

It’s worth the steep climb, I promise. San Miniato is an oasis of calm away from the hurly burly of Florence.

San Miniato has Florence’s emblematic geometric white and green marble facade. The Gothic interior is spectacular. Every inch is covered with inlaid marble, mosaics, gold leaf, and depictions of mythical creatures. 

From the church, you’ll have unsurpassed views of Florence. The perspective over the city is absolutely extraordinary.

I arrived at 5:30 pm, just in time to hear the monks chanting vespers.

9. Drinks and Dinner in the Oltrarno

End your 2 days in Florence with a glass of wine and dinner in the Oltrarno neighborhood. This is Florence’s trendy neighborhood, across the Arno River.

For a cocktail, head to the Piazza Santo Spirito. It’s lined with cafes with locals.

For dinner in the Oltrarno, you have some good options. For something casual, try Babae or Beccafito. Beccafito is a fairly new restaurant and has everything — steaks, homemade pasta, charcuterie boards, and vegetarian options.

If you’re craving a traditional Florentine trattoria, I loved Cammillo Trattoria. It’s a Florentine institution and you’ll need to make a reservation to eat here. There’s a noisy room and a quieter room under brick vaults.

Another place I enjoyed was Osteria dell’Enoteca. The restaurant is very elegant and set under vaulted ceilings. The sommelier brings you back to the wine cellar to personally help you select your wine.

Must Know Tips For 2 Days In Florence

I’ve written an article with must know tips for Florence, that you can check out for details. 

The two most important rules are: (1) always buy tickets well in advance; and (2) try to avoid high season (May through September). Millions of tourists swarm the city annually at that time.

1. How To Get To Florence

The easiest way to get to Florence is to fly to Florence Airport. From there, it’s just a short cab ride to the historic center. You can also book a private transfer to your hotel.

You can also reach Florence via the airports in Rome or Milan, proceeding on to Florence via high speed train.

2. How To Get Around Florence

Florence isn’t a big city. You can traverse the entire city in 30 minutes.

So plan to spend your time walking for the most part. It’s partly pedestrianized, so there’s not a huge amount of traffic.

But there are lots of other fun ways to get around Florence. You can:

• rent a vespa
• take the hop on hop off bus
• take a daytime Segway tour
• take a nighttime Segway tour
• take a electric bike tour
• take a nighttime walking tour with an art historian

3. What Days To Visit Florence

If you only have 2 days in Florence, which days should you visit?

I would get the latest opening hours from the tourist information office. There’s one in the Piazza del Duomo.

Check your guidebook (or go online) to see which sights are open on which days. Some sites, like the Medici Chapels, close early.

In general, Sundays and Mondays are not ideal days for sightseeing in Florence. Many museums are either closed or have shorter hours.

Sights may also have shorter hours off-season. Even restaurants may be closed on Sunday night.

4. Where To Stay In Florence

There are plenty of amazing hotels for a 2 day stay in Florence. You’re really spoiled or choice. 

If you want something central, book at Il Touranbouni, Hotel Brunelleschi or Portrait Firenze. Portrait Firenze is one of the most sought after hotels in Italy and is just steps away from the Ponte Vecchio.

I just stayed at Il Tournabuoni on my most recent visit and it had an ideal location — near the Ponte Santa Trinita and perfectly located between the historic center and the Oltrarno neighborhood.

The Palazzo Vecchietti is housed in a beautiful 16th century townhouse. The St. Regis is a beauty too, right near Santa Maria Novella. Il Salviatino has a patrician feel and offers Duomo views. 

In the Oltrarno, I also really like Villa Cora with its stunning views and Renaissance style suites. It may not be the best place to stay with only 2 days in Florence. But if you have planned a longer stay or are a repeat visitor, it’s a great place to stay in Florence.

I hope you enjoyed my 2 day itinerary for Florence. You may like these other Florence travel guides:

• 1 Day In Florence Itinerary
• 3 Days In Florence Itinerary
• Hidden Gems in Florence
• Best Museums in Florence
• Florence Art Bucket List
• Best Day Trips From Florence
• Free Things To Do In Florence
• Guide to the Medici Palaces
• Who Were the Medici?
• 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
• 10 Day Itinerary: Italy’s Classic Cities

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