The Perfect 3 Days in Florence Itinerary

Looking for ideas on how to spend a few days in Florence? Look no further than this comprehensive 3-day itinerary for exploring the city’s breathtaking beauty.

Known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence boasts some of the best Medieval and Renaissance art in all of Europe, making it a true paradise for art lovers.

This itinerary covers all of Florence’s top must visit attractions, including iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the best viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll discover the top things to see, do, and eat in Florence and immerse yourself in the city’s sensual and romantic atmosphere.

the beautiful Ponte Vecchio in Florence
the beautiful Ponte Vecchio in Florence

With Botticelli’s seductive paintings and Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring sculptures, a visit to Florence is like taking a trip through time.

It’s no surprise that Florence’s entire historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be greeted with stunning art and architecture, making Florence an open-air museum in its own right.

You might think that three days in Florence would be enough time to fully explore this small city. However, with so many amazing things to do and see in Florence, you could easily spend weeks there and never run out of things to discover.

Pinterest pin for 3 days in Florence itinerary
Pinterest pin for 3 days in Florence itinerary

Overview of 3 Days In Florence Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with three days in Florence.

  • Day 1: Duomo complex, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery
  • Day 2: Accademia Gallery, San Marco Monastery, Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo Basilica and the Medici Chapel, Palazzo Vecchio
  • Day 3: Bargello Museum, Oltrarno, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Brancacci Chapel, Viewpoints
Florence's Duomo and Brunelleschi's iconic dome
Florence’s Duomo and Brunelleschi’s iconic dome

3 Days In Florence Itinerary

Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending 3 days in Florence that will help you have an efficient visit in a city where there’s so much to do.

This step-by-step itinerary can be adjusted to fit your pace of travel. You can add or remove attractions as needed.

Day 1 Morning: Duomo Complex

Start day 1 of 3 days in Florence at Florence Cathedral. The cathedral is official named Santa Maria del Fiore. It’s nicknamed the Duomo.

The Duomo complex includes the Duomo, the Duomo Museum, the Giotto bell tower, and the Baptistery.

the Duomo in Florence

You have to be organized to visit the Duomo and climb the dome. It’s an exceedingly popular activity. 

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.

It’s absolutely essential to pre-book a ticket to climb Brunelleschi’s dome.

You can also book a combination guided tour for the Baptistery, Duomo Museum and a dome climb. This 3 hour combination guided tour covers the four attractions I’ve just mentioned, plus Giotto’s bell tower.

Hall of Paradise inside the Duomo Museum
Hall of Paradise inside the Duomo Museum

1. Duomo Museum

You should start with the stunning Duomo Museum, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, to get the historical backdrop for all these structures. The museum is housed in the Piazza del Duomo at the back of Giotto’s Bell Tower, behind the Duomo apse.

The museum space is a fabulous treasure box of sculpture. Its rooftop terrace also offers a mesmerizing view of Brunelleschi’s dome.

The first thing you see is the museum’s well lit showstopper — the Hall of Paradise.

sculptures in the Gallery of Giotto's Bell Tower
sculptures in the Gallery of Giotto’s Bell Tower

The hall contains a magnificent reconstruction of a Duomo facade designed by the first Duomo architect Arnolfo di Cambio. In 1587, it was torn down to make room for a Renaissance facade (that was never completed).

The museum also has an unparalleled collection of Medieval and early Renaissance Florentine pieces that once decorated the Duomo complex structures.

You will find pieces by artists such as Ghiberti, Donatello, Michelangelo, Arnolfo di Cambio, and Nanni di Banco. Here’s my complete guide to visiting the magnificent Duomo Museum.

panoramic view of Florence from cupola of Duomo
panoramic view of Florence from cupola of Duomo

2. Duomo

Then, head to Florence Cathedral — the most prominent, and popular, landmark in Florence. It was built over 172 years, beginning in 1296.

The Commune of Florence hired architect Arnolfo di Cambio, a man responsible for building much of 13th and 14th century Florence.

Florence Cathedral is Gothic in style, but not in the light and elegant way you think of Paris’ Notre Dame. It’s made of brown sandstone and beautifully faced with pink, green, and white marble.

Filippo Brunelleschi’s magnificent terra cotta colored dome, built from 1420-36, is the highlight. The burnt orange Duomo cupola is the very symbol of Florence.

It’s decorated with frescos by Giorgio Vasari, a Florentine artist and the world’s first art historian.

READ: Guide To the Art Works of Giorgio Vasari

Giorgio Vasari frescos in the cupola of Brunelleschi's dome
Giorgio Vasari frescos in the cupola of Brunelleschi’s dome

For panoramic views, climb up Brunelleschi’s dome. You can admire the Vasari frescos up close and have stunning views over Florence.

Remember to book a a skip-the-line ticket to climb the dome. Alternatively, you can take in views from Giotto’s Bell Tower.

READ: Guide To the Best Views in Florence

3. Baptistery

Next, stroll to the Baptistery, in front of the main facade of the Duomo. Dating from 1059, it’s over a thousand years old.

the Florence Baptistery next to the Duomo
the Florence Baptistery next to the Duomo

The Baptistery sports three magnificent sets of bronze doors.

On the eastern side are the famous golden “Gates of Paradise” designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti and nicknamed by Michelangelo. (The originals are now fully restored and housed in the Duomo Museum.)

The Baptistry is lined with ancient Roman columns of gray granite. It was likely repurposed from the ancient Roman Forum down the street.

The highlight is a stunning golden Byzantine style ceiling mosaic telling the story of The Last Judgement. You can plop down on the pews and admire it.

Click here for a combined ticket for the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Duomo Museum. Please note the Baptistery is currently being renovated, so parts are concealed.

the ancient Ponte Vecchio, a must see attraction on your 3 days in Florence itinerary
the ancient Ponte Vecchio

Day 1 Afternoon: Ponte Vecchio | Uffizi Gallery

Break for lunch and a wander, enjoying the joys of a traffic free Florence. Try Casa del Vino, where you can get sandwiches, crostini, or charcuterie plates with a delicious glass of wine.

All’Antico Vinaio is also a must-try, just minutes away from Piazza della Signoria. Sandwiches are made with a local bread called schiacciata.

1. Ponte Vecchio

Then take a stroll across Florence’s storybook bridge, the Ponte Vecchio. It looks like cobbled together houses suspended over the Arno River.

the Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio

The bridge has three arches topped with a jumble of charming shops. In an urban setting, space was at a premium, so the bridge became a sort of mall.

Originally, the Ponte Vecchio housed unglamorous butcher shops. But the Medici didn’t like escorting their aristocratic guests and diplomats over the bridge with the wafting stench.

So they swamped the butchers for goldsmiths. Now, you can buy expensive jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio.

It’s a gathering place in the evening, with tourists and locals mingling alike. Sometimes you’ll hear musicians.

the Uffizi Gallery on the banks of the Arno River
the Uffizi Gallery on the banks of the Arno River

2. Uffizi Gallery

For the next step in your Florence adventure, make your way to the impressive Uffizi Gallery, which is Florence’s number one attraction.

The Uffizi is Italy’s top gallery, and it is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Italian medieval and Renaissance art.

As the third most visited site in Italy, the Uffizi is a crowd-pleaser and certainly deserves all the praise it gets. The museum is a treasure trove of seminal works from the 13th to 18th centuries.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, one of the world’s most iconic paintings, located within the museum’s walls.

READ: Guide To the Botticelli Trail in Florence

Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venice
Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venice, 1486

If your time is limited, you should focus your efforts.

The must see halls include the Hall 2 (Giotto), Hall 8 (Lippi), Halls 10-14 (Botticelli), Hall 15 (Leonardo), Hall 41 (Raphael and Michelangelo), Hall 83 (Titian), and Hall 90 (Caravaggio).

Here’s my complete guide to the Uffizi Gallery, with important tips for visiting. You’ll need to book in advance to avoid the museum’s notoriously long queues. Click here to pre-book a timed entry skip the line ticket.

The Uffizi is also a popular place to take a guided tour, because of its history and the sheer number of masterpieces.

You have several options:

I recently took the 2 hour private tour with Martina Arezzini of City of Florence Tours and it was excellent.

arches of the Vasari Corridor
arches of the Vasari Corridor

3. Vasari Corridor

The Vasari Corridor is an extraordinary site in Florence. It’s a 2/3 of a mile long elevated private passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace.

It was built by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I and the Medici dukes in 1655. It’s often called the “passage of Princes.”

It allowed the Medici family to walk above the heads of the riff riff and move privately between their office and home.

The corridor is decorated with the Medici’s private portrait collection. It’s currently under renovation. It’s supposed to open in November 2022, but my guides said that deadline will likely be missed.

interior of the Vasari Corridor over the Ponte Vecchio
interior of the Vasari Corridor over the Ponte Vecchio

Day 1 Evening:

For dinner, dine at Trattoria da Tito, not far from the Accademia, or Bobo’s Trattoria.

Alternatively, you could take a guided food tour for the total Florence food experience or a 3 hour 10 tastings food tour.

If you need more art, the Palazzo Strozzi is often open at night with beautiful temporary exhibitions. Right now, there’s a groundbreaking exhibition on the early Renaissance sculptor Donatello.

Otherwise, you can just take a moonlit stroll through the beautiful historic center.

Michelangelo's David in the Galleria dell'Accademia
Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia

Day 2 Morning:

Start you morning bright and early at the Accademia Gallery, which is Florence’s second most visited museum. The main attraction here is the world-renowned sculpture by Michelangelo, the magnificent statue of David.

Standing at an impressive 17 feet tall, the statue is considered the epitome of male beauty, a symbol of physical perfection that could rival even the likes of a Calvin Klein model.

Originally, David was commissioned for the Florence Cathedral and was intended to be placed high up in a niche. However, once the statue was completed, the city officials felt that David was simply too stunning to be placed in such a lofty position.

detail of Michelangelo's David in the Accademia

It’s essential to have a reservation for the Accademia. Here’s my guide to David and how to skip the line to see it.

But there’s more to the Accademia than just David. Michelangelo’s Prisoners grace the Hall of the Prisoners. They are four unfinished male nudes that were originally intended for the Tomb of Pope Julius II.

You can see Michelangelo’s approach to carving; the figures appear to be emerging from the marble. Another must see sculpture is Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women.

You should definitely pre-book a skip the line ticket for this popular Florence attractions. Make sure to get in the correct line when you arrive. You can also opt for a 1.5 hour guided tour with fast track ticket.

the facade of San Marco Monastery
the facade of San Marco Monastery

2. San Marco Monastery

When you’re done at the Accademia, head a few blocks to another amazing Florence art spot, the Museum of San Marco Monastery.

The monastery is a serene and irresistible hidden gem in Florence Italy.

Even though it’s well known by art aficionados, it doesn’t always get the love it deserves. Don’t skip it!

San Marco is an extraordinary decorative complex, one of the most unusual things to do in Florence. It’s a rare opportunity to see Early Renaissance masterpieces in situ.

You can admire art in its original location and understand how contemporary audiences experienced it. This simply isn’t the case at the Uffizi or almost any other museum in Europe.

At this Renaissance convent-museum, you travel back in time to a nearly perfectly preserved 600 year old Dominican monastery.

It was paid for by Medici family money, designed by the stellar architect Michelozzo, and decorated with delicate frescos by one of the most sublime painters of the Renaissance — Fra Angelico. The fiery preacher Giralamo Savonarola even lived there, in the monks dormitory cells.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting San Marco Monastery. Click here for a skip the line ticket. Click here for a fascinating tour that gives you insight into Fra Angelico, Savonarola, and the Medici.

the outdoor part of San Lorenzo Market
the outdoor part of San Lorenzo Market

Day 2 Afternoon:

1. San Lorenzo Market

You’re likely ready for lunch. This is a good time to explore the San Lorenzo markets.

There are two of them, an outside street market and an indoor food court known as the Central Market.

I can recommend a rustic gem, Trattoria la Burrasca, on the market’s north corner. Click here for a tour of the market and a cooking class.

Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica

After lunch, wander 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.

2. Santa Maria Novella

Next up is the beautiful Santa Maria Novella.

It was founded in 1279 by a Dominican order. The basilica has a similar design to the Duomo, with polychrome and white marble create a striking front facade.

the marble facade of Santa Maria Novella
the marble facade of Santa Maria Novella

The interior is a true marvel. It holds one of the most famous paintings in Italy, the Holy Trinity by Masaccio. You’ll want to inspect three important highlights — the Strozzi Chapel, the Filippo Chapel, and the Spanish Chapter House.

Close to the church is Florence’s (and the world’s) oldest pharmacy. It’s housed in a chapel right next door, decorated with vaulted ceilings, frescos, and ornate gilding and stucco.

Founded in 1221, its official name is the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.

Today, the pharmacy is a luxury store discreetly hawking beauty products with a cult following. Its products are handmade using Old World techniques. There’s also a small museum where you can view antique pharmaceutical instruments and pottery.

Click here for a tour of Santa Maria Novella and its ancient pharmacy.

the rustic brown facade of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici church
the rustic brown facade of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici church

2. Basilica of San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels

Next, head to the monumental complex of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The complex is a veritable haven of Renaissance art and architecture, a must see for history buffs.

The complex is vast. It includes the basilica itself, Brunelleschi’s Old Sacristy, the Medici Chapels, the Medici Crypt, and the Laurentian Library.

Most importantly? It has the largest number of Michelangelo sculptures in Florence, quite a selling point.

And a Michelangelo-designed library. If you’re on the Michelangelo trail, the the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library are must see sites in Florence.

interior of the Brunelleschi-designed Basilica of San Lorenzo
interior of the Brunelleschi-designed Basilica of San Lorenzo

The Basilica of San Lorenzo was the official parish church of the Medici family. San Lorenzo’s facade was (and is) raw brownstone.

It was meant to be “frosted” with marble facing like Florence’s other churches. But it never happened. Don’t like the rustic brick facade fool you. The real treasures lie within.

My favorite spot is the New Sacristy in the Medici Chapels. It’s an incredibly unique monument. It’s an architectural space that was both designed and decorated by a single artist, Michelangelo.

He may have intended to paint the frescos as well, but he was called off to Rome. There are six tomb sculptures in the Medici Chapels carved by Michelangelo, including one of his best works, Night.

Michelangelo's sculpture of Night in the New Sacristy
Michelangelo’s sculpture of Night in the New Sacristy
Chapel of the Princes in the Medici Chapels
Chapel of the Princes in the Medici Chapels

The Chapel of the Princes is is the main mausoleum for the Medici Family. It’s an unabashedly opulent and grandiose space, a bit outsize compared to the basilica itself. 

Cosimo I ruled with absolute power. He wanted his chapel to reflect the authority, wealth, and glory of the Medici dynasty.

The chapel walls are clad with polychrome marble and semi-precious stones. They are to be simultaneously valuable and eternal, demonstrating the immortality of the Medici dynasty. No space is left undecorated.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Medici Chapels. They absolutely require pre-booking.

Click here to purchase a ticket. Click here to book a guided tour.

the Palazzo Vecchio and the Tower of Arnolfo
the Palazzo Vecchio and the Tower of Arnolfo

Day 2 Evening: Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is one of the few sites in Florence open at night. And it’s the best time to visit.

The Palazzo Vecchio was the seat of government and one of the three palace-residences of the Medici dynasty. It sits in the Piazza della Signoria, which is essentially a free open air sculpture gallery. Here’s my guide to the sculptures of the Piazza della Signoria.

It’s definitely worth going inside the Palazzo Vecchio, though so many tourists don’t. The Palazzo Vecchio is a doughty medieval fortress on the outside and a resplendant Renaissance palace on the inside.

It’s one of Florence’s most historic and important buildings. In some ways, Palazzo Vecchio explains the entire history of Florence.

ornate courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio
ornate courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio

The Tower of Arnolfo can be climbed and provides fantastic views over Florence and the Duomo. And the lines aren’t nearly as long as for Brunelleschi’s dome or Giotto’s bell tower.

Inside, you can admire the stunning Michelozzo-designed courtyard, explore the grand Hall of the Five Hundred, admire Michelangelo and Donatello sculptures, and gaze admiringly at beautiful Giorgio Vasari frescos at every turn.

It’s rumored that the Vasari frescos in the Hall of Five Hundred may hide a “lost” Leonardo da Vinci battle painting.

READ: All the Paintings of Leonardo da Vinci

Hall of the Five Hundred in the Palazzo Vecchio, with Giorgio Vasari frescos
Hall of the Five Hundred in the Palazzo Vecchio, with Giorgio Vasari frescos

On the second floor are the sumptuously decorated private rooms of the Medici, with recently restored frescos in the beautiful Apartment of the Elements. You’ll also find Donatello’s groundbreaking Judith and Holofernes sculpture in the Hall of Lilies.

Here’s my complete guide to the Palazzo Vecchio. Click here to pre-book a ticket to Palazzo Vecchio. Click here to book a 1.5 hour guided tour with fast track ticket.

Another popular 2 hour guided tour includes the palace and a climb of the Tower of Arnolfo. You can also book a private guided tour.

After admiring the palazzo, have dinner in the historic center. Click here for an excellent guide to the best restaurants in Florence to choose from.

courtyard of the Bargello Museum
courtyard of the Bargello Museum

Day 3 Morning:

1. Bargello Museum

Start your day at the Bargello Museum, Florence’s underrated sculpture museum.

If you need a hearty breakfast before you visit, head to The Dinner for all manner of eggs and pancakes. It’s right by the Bargello.

The Bargello houses an amazing collection of Renaissance sculptures. The most important works are in the Michelangelo and Donatello rooms.

Those include Michelangelo’s first major sculpture, Bacchus, and his Pitti Tondo, Donatello’s acclaimed Bronze David and St. George, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Bust of Costanza.

READ: Guide To the Masterpieces of Donatello

Bernini, Busts of Costanza, 1636-37
Bernini, Bust of Costanza, 1636-37

Commissioned by Cosimo de Medici the Elder, Donatello’s Bronze David is the most famous piece in the museum.

It’s a daring depiction of a biblical theme. It’s the first freestanding nude sculpture since Greco-Roman times. But it’s not a heroic rendering.

A nubile David is peculiarly depicted wearing no clothes except for a hat and boots, perhaps to suggest his underdog status. The statue is affectionately nicknamed “Puss ‘N Boots.”

The Bargello also houses the famous Competition Panels. In 1401, Florence held a competition for the first set of bronze doors to be made for the Baptistry.

Artists submitted bronze samples. Ghiberti and Brunelleschi were the finalists, with Ghiberti winning the competition. 25 years later, he would create the “Gates of Paradise.”

Here’s my complete guide to the masterpieces of the Bargello. Click here to pre-book a Bargello ticket. Click here to book a ticket + tour.

2. Basilica of Santa Croce

After exhausting the Bargello, head out to visit the amazing Basilica of Santa Croce. In a city studded with magnificent churches, Santa Croce takes top prize.

Santa Croce has one of the greatest assemblages of paintings, sculptures, and funereal tombs in existence.

Santa Croce is a place of superlatives. It’s the largest world’s Franciscan church

Piazza Sante Croce
Piazza Sante Croce

Santa Croce is a fine example of Italian Gothic style, and home to many celebrity tombs (including Michelangelo), magnificent frescos, and Donatello sculptures. It’s a place of one stop shopping for Italian culture.

In particular, the frescoed chapels are impressive. The bests ones are the Bardi Chapel, the Peruzzi Chapel, the Pazzi Chapel, the Baroncelli Chapel, and the Maggiore Chapel.

You’ll find frescos by Giotto, the greatest artist of the 14th century, and other Renaissance luminaries.

If you have time, take in the basilica’s museum, housed in the former refectory. There, you’ll find Tadeo Gaddi’s beautiful The Last Supper and Tree of Life. His Last Supper is the oldest Last Supper painting in Florence, a city with a cottage industry in this theme.

Tomb of Michelangelo in the Basilica of Santa Croce
Tomb of Michelangelo in the Basilica of Santa Croce

 Click here if you want to pre-purchase a skip the line ticket.

In the Santa Croce neighborhood, in the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, you’ll find the famous bronze Porcellino, or little pig, sculpture.

The sculpture is a Roman copy of a Greek sculpture. For good luck, it’s a tradition to rub the boar’s well worn bronze nose.

If you want to lunch in the Santa Croce area, try the tiny but mighty Le Vespe Cafe. There will be lines, but it’s well worth the wait.

Porcellino
Porcellino, waiting to give you good luck

Day 3 Afternoon:

1. Oltrarno

In the afternoon on day 3 in Florence, cross the Arno and head to Florence’s Oltrano neighborhood. This may be Florence’s most trendy neighborhood.

There are three must see sites in the Oltrarno neighborhood: the Pitti Palace, the Church of Santo Spirito and the Brancacci Chapel in Church of Santa Maria del Carmine.

If you didn’t break for lunch in the Santa Croce area, there are plenty of places near the Pitti Palace in the Piazza della Passera. Other good restaurants near the Ponte Vecchio include Il Magazzino, 5 e Cinque, and Trattori 4 Leoni. Once fueled up, head to the Pitti Palace.

Here’s my complete guide to the Oltrarno neighborhood. Click here for a walking tour of the Oltrarno and its artisan shops.

view of the Pitti Palace from the Boboli Gardens
view of the Pitti Palace from the Boboli Gardens

2. Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace is a must visit attractions with 3 days in Florence. To visit the Pitti Palace is to immerse yourself in beauty and history. The palace is an incredibly unique combination of splendor, in situ art collections, and beautiful gardens.

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. Built in 1457, it was built for Florentine banker Luca Pitti, a Medici rival.

The Palazzo Pitti houses the following collections and permanent exhibitions:

  • Galleria Palatina: the Medici’s painting collection with works by Titian, Giorgione, Raffael, and Rubens
  • Galleria d’Arte Moderna: with works from Classicism to Italian Futurism
  • Costume Gallery: the costume and fashion gallery
  • Museo delle Porcellane: the porcelain museum
  • Museo degli Argenti: the treasury of the grand dukes
  • Appartamenti Reali: the royal apartments
  • Museo delle Carrozze: the carriage museum

The one you can’t miss is the Palatine Museum. It occupies the left wing of the first floor.

The gallery houses an impressive collection of over 500 in situ paintings, chock a block on top of each other amid lavish stucco and silk furnishings. In the five Planet Rooms, there are beautiful ceiling frescos by Pietro da Cortona.

The collections include works by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Caravaggio, and other European and Italian painters. Be sure to check out Botticelli’s and Lippi’s Madonna and Child in the Prometheus Room.

Two versions of Andrea del Sarto’s massive Assumption of the Virgin are in the Iliad Room. And one of my favorite artists, Artemisia Gentileschi, has another version of Judith and Holofernes in the Saturn Room.

Click here to pre-book a ticket to the Pitti Palace. The palace has very little signage. Unless you are an art expert, you may want to book a guided tour of the magnificent museum.

Anthony Canova's Venus Italica in the Palatine Gallery
Anthony Canova’s Venus Italica in the Palatine Gallery

3. Boboli Gardens

After gazing at these master works, head to the backyard playground of the Pitti Palace, the lovely Boboli Gardens. The gardens are the largest green space in Florence, sprawling over 11 acres.

The gardens are effectively an open air museum, with hundreds of nooks to explore. They opened to the public in 1776.

The gardens are laid out in the Italian style, with beautifully worn Renaissance statues and fountains. The Rococo Kaffeehaus is on the eastern edge of the gardens, and its terrace is the perfect viewing point.

The famous Fountain dell’Oceano and the Bathing Venus were sculpted by the underrated artist Giambologna, whose statues grace the Bargello Museum and the Piazza della Signoria.

Neptune Fountain in the Boboli Gardens
Neptune Fountain in the Boboli Gardens

The Grotto Grande, also known as the Buontalenti Grotto’s, is a fascinating place. In 16th century Tuscany, it was the fashion to build decorative grottos reconstructing natural caves.

The grotto once had a fresco by Michelangelo (now in the Accademia) and has copies of his four slaves.

Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket to the Boboli Gardens.

4. Santo Spirito

Then venture on to the Basilica of Santo Spirito. This is Brunelleschi’s second church in Florence, after the Basilica of San Lorenzo. It’s a hidden gem, sitting in a shabby chic piazza in the Oltrarno district.

The Santo Spirito area has plenty of eating options. If you want a quick lunch, stop in at Gustapanino for a panini or at Mama’s Bakery for a quiche or pastry. For coffee or espresso head to the hipster haven Ditta Artigianale.

Piazza di Santo Spirito, with the Church in the center
Piazza di Santo Spirito, with the Church in the center

Santo Spirito, built in 1440, is a pivotal work of the early Renaissance. This church is an important example of how Brunelleschi broke away from outdated medieval church styles by using perspective and geometry.

For Brunelleschi, beauty was found in harmony and mathematical perfection. He was inspired by the classicism of Ancient Rome.

Despite its unassuming exterior, this beautiful Florence church boasts a rather severe interior. Once inside, you’ll discover a fragment of one of Florence’s oldest Last Supper paintings, as well as a large crucifix attributed to Michelangelo.

READ: All The Last Supper Paintings From Renaissance Italy

Masaccio frescos in the Brancacci Chapel, a must visit attractions with 3 days in Florence
Masaccio frescos in the Brancacci Chapel

5. Brancacci Chapel

If you have time left, head to the Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria delle Carmine. It’s just 5 minutes or so from Santo Spirito.

The chapel is a supreme example of Early Renaissance painting. The chapel is completely filled with frescos by Masaccio and his workshop.

The Brancacci Chapel is considered one of the three important chapels of the Renaissance, along with the Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel in Padua and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Rome.

READ: Guide To The Most Beautiful Chapels in Italy

The top Masaccio masterpieces are the The Tribute Money and the Expulsion of Adam and Eve From Eden. By introducing naturalism and emotion into his paintings, Masaccio would influence later High Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

copy of Michelangelo's David sculpture in the Piazzale Michelangelo
copy of Michelangelo’s David sculpture in the Piazzale Michelangelo

Day 3 Evening: Oltrarno Viewpoints

Cap off your 3 days in Florence with some amazing views over the city from the Oltrarno. The best viewpoints are at Piazzale Michelangelo and the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.

When people visiting Florence want a panoramic view, they usually head to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s famous lookout square.

To be sure, Piazzale Michelangelo is nice, with a replica of Michelangelo’s David sculpture. But it’s also filled with bus loads of tourists and vendors hawking trinkets.

For a far superior experience, don’t stop walking. Head 5-10 minutes further uphill to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. It’s worth the arduous climb, I promise.

Florence's crowning glory, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
Florence’s crowning glory, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato is an oasis of calm away from the hurly burly of Florence with amazing Gothic art and unsurpassed views. The perspective over the city is absolutely extraordinary.

If you get there before closing, head inside. The ancient Romanesque church is a unique and harmonious blend of medieval architectural styles, pre-dating Florence’s Renaissance treasures.

San Miniato is a hidden gem in Florence, perfect for history buffs, and one of the best free things to do in the city. Here’s my complete guide to visiting San Miniato.

Right behind the basilica is the Porte Sante Cemetery, which also boasts great views. Built in the 19th century, the cemetery was designed by Niccolo Matas.

the Porte Sante Cemetery behind San Miniato
the Porte Sante Cemetery behind San Miniato

He was also the architect for the facade of the Santa Croce. The graveyard is an open air museum, stuffed with beautiful funeral art, mausoleums, and memorials of illustrious Florentine Catholics.

The private temples and tombs are in varying architectural styles, from Renaissance to Art Deco. Many of them are inspired by Florence’s churches.

Some are decorated with symbols, allegorical figures, and sentimental portraits. The most famous effigy (shown above) depicts the Mazzone siblings dancing together, fully united in the after life.

For dinner, your best options in this area are Hosteria del Bricco and Il Bastioni di San Niccolo.

Or you can head back to the center of the Oltrarno and have dinner at Trattoria Cammillo. Nearby, you’ll also find Florence’s best gelato at La Strega Nocciola.

street in the historic center of Florence

Must Know Tips For Spending 3 Days In Florence

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

1. How To Get To Florence

By plane: 

Florence has a small airport called Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), which is located just 2.5 from the city center. From there, it’s just a short cab ride to the historic center. You can also book a private transfer.

By train: 

Florence is well connected to other major cities in Italy and Europe by train. The main train station in Florence is Santa Maria Novella, which is located in the city center. You can reach Florence by high speed trains from Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and other major cities in Italy

By car:

Florence is also well connected by highways to other cities in Italy. However, driving in the city center can be difficult due to traffic restrictions and limited parking options.

Dolce & Gabbana boutique on Via Tornabuoni, Florence's main shopping street
Dolce & Gabbana boutique on Via Tornabuoni

By guided tour:

If you only have one day in Florence, you can also book a guided day tour from Milan. Or, you can visit both Pisa and Florence on a guided day tour from Rome.

2. How To Get Around Florence

Florence is not a large city, which means you can easily cover its entire area in just 30 minutes. Therefore, I recommended spending most of your time walking around to explore the city.

In addition, most of Florence’s city center is pedestrianized, so you won’t encounter a lot of traffic.

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

the Bardini Gardens in Florence, a good place to visit if you have more than 3 days in Florence
the Bardini Gardens in Florence

3. Florence Card & Tickets

If you’re going in high season, be sure to book tickets for the must visit attractions in advance.

But it’s really better to visit in shoulder season in the spring or fall to avoid hordes of tourists.

If you plan on visiting most of the sites I’ve mentioned above, you should probably invest in the Florence City Pass. It’s Florence’s 72 hour museum pass, which gives you entry to 72 museums and sites in Florence.

If you’re going to 7+ sites over your 3 days in Florence, it’s worth investing in. The card usually gives you skip the line access, but notably not to the popular Uffizi Gallery.

Porta di San Giorgio in the Oltrarno district
Porta di San Giorgio in the Oltrarno district

If you want a walking tour that combines museums, click here to book an excellent one.

4. Where To Stay In Florence

There are plenty of amazing hotels in Florence. You’re really spoiled or choice.

If you want something central, book at the 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. Of course, the Four Seasons is always beautiful and in a quiet location.

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 really like Villa Cora with its stunning views and Renaissance style suites.

pretty street in the historic center of Florence

5. What Days To Visit Florence

Looking to make the most of your 3 days in Florence? Here are some tips on which days to visit the city.

First, stop by the tourist information office in Piazza del Duomo to get the latest opening hours for attractions.

Next, consult your guidebook or search online to see which sites are open on which days. Keep in mind that some sites, such as the Medici Chapels, may have early closing times.

It’s worth noting that Sundays and Mondays aren’t always the best days for sightseeing in Florence, as many museums may be closed or have limited hours.

Additionally, some attractions may have shorter hours during the off-season. Even restaurants may be closed on Sunday nights, so plan accordingly.

landscape in the Val d'Orcia region of Tuscany
landscape in the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany

6. More Than 3 Days In Florence?

If you have more than 3 days in Florence, the city makes a great base for day tripping in Tuscany or Umbria.

Here’s my guide to the 21 best day trips from Florence. If you what to book a guided tour, check out these options on Get Your Guide.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 days in Florence itinerary. You may also like these other Florence travel guides:

If you’d like to spend 3 perfect days in Florence, pin it for later.

Pinterest pin for 3 days in Florence itinerary
Pinterest pin for 3 days in Florence itinerary

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