
Discover the art, history, and flavors of Florence, Italy in just three unforgettable days
Florence is a city brimming with rich history, culture, and is the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s a destination with endless activities, adventures, beautiful views, and makes for the perfect homebase for daytrips around Italy. However, if you only have 72 hours in this captivating city, this is how you make the most of your time.
Florence Day 1:
Start your Florentine adventure at a traditional bar, or coffee shop, for an Italian breakfast, an espresso and a croissant. Then head to Piazza Signoria, surrounded by historic buildings and sculptures. Enjoy the beautiful courtyard and historical rooms of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall, before you consider climbing the Arnolfo Tower for panoramic city views. But don’t forget to visit La Loggia dei Lanzi outside. This open-air gallery houses impressive statues, including the famous Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini. Best of all, it’s free!
Next head to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's premier art museums, to admire works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. To enhance your experience, book a Florence Essential Private Tour, which includes skip-the-line tickets and a knowledgeable guide.
You’ll probably have worked up an appetite by now, so head to lunch at a traditional trattoria, or enjoy a luxurious view from above a rooftop.
Next, head to Basilica Santa Croce, where you’ll find the tombs of illustrious figures like Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli. Then head next door to the Scuola del Cuoio, or leather school for the best quality leather and to see the artisan leather makers in action.
By late afternoon, cross the Ponte Vecchio, the iconic medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops, and enjoy the sunset, across the river, at Piazzale Michelangelo to take in the best panorama of Florence. Dine in the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and vibrant nightlife.
Florence Day 2: Start your second day in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, with a visit to the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti, where you can enjoy tranquil walks among fountains, sculptures, and beautiful Italian landscaping.
Indulge in some Florentine street food for lunch or explore Mercato Centrale, a vibrant food market where you can sample traditional Tuscan cuisine. After filling your body with fuel, explore the majestic Duomo, and Baptistry, renowned for its stunning bronze doors. Take your pick from climbing the Cupola, or dome, of Florence’s Cathedral, or the Campanile, Giotto’s Bell Tower, for incredible views overlooking the city.
A gelato pitstop will be needed after all the museum visits. Stroll around the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring many artisan shops and boutiques. Take a taxi up to the hilltop town of Fiesole, for a breathtaking sunset view, overlooking the town of Florence, and enjoy a lovely dinner at one of their restaurants with a terrace.
Florence Day 3:
If you want to be wowed, marvel at one of Florence’s lesser-known gems, the Medici Chapels, which offer an extraordinary glimpse into the powerful Medici family history.
Then, make your final day count with a visit to the Tuscan countryside for a wine tasting. Make your vacation in Florence a once in a lifetime experience with a helicopter ride, landing in a picturesque vineyard for a private tour and wine tasting.
After all the excitement, enjoy one last dinner in Florence, savoring traditional foods, such as the bistecca alla fiorentina, pappardelle alla cinghiale, (wild boar ragu) or pappa al pomodoro.
With these highlights, your 72 hours in Florence will be an unforgettable journey through history, art, and culture.
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