Florence in 3 days travel itinerary
What to see, opening hours, prices, map
Discovering Florence in three days means immersing yourself in its history, art, and culture. This itinerary will guide you through the most iconic and captivating places that make Florence unique.
- Route Description
- Google Maps Map๐
- Step Details
- Itinerary Table ๐
- FAQ
See also:
- Florence in 1 day
- Florence Travel Guide
- Itineraries: 1d, 3d, CT1 + CT2
- Experiences, Getting Around
- Eating: Where & What
- Where to Sleep
Route Description
This 3-day itinerary will take you to discover the main wonders of Florence, following a walking route of approximately 5.8 km through the heart of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main stops are spread over three days of sightseeing, allowing you to calmly explore museums, historic palaces, and some of the most representative sites of the Renaissance.
Along the route, you will admire some of the cityโs most famous symbols, such as the monumental complex of the Florence Cathedral, the magnificent Ponte Vecchio, the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, the majestic Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens, and the renowned Accademia Gallery where Michelangelo’s David is housed.
Walking through historic squares, museums, and unique artistic masterpieces, this itinerary will allow you to experience a complete journey through one of the most extraordinary cities in Europe.
FLORENCE IN 3 DAYS
- Open Route Map๐
- Distance: 5,8* km on foot
- Time: 1,19* min. on foot
- Estimated Duration: 30 hours
- Stops: 10 main (X โI)* + 29 secondary
- Duomo di Firenze (X) โ Palazzo Vecchio (A) โ Ponte Vecchio (B) โ Galleria degli Uffizi (C) โ Palazzo Pitti (D) โ Giardino di Boboli (E) โ Basilica di Santa Maria Novella (F) โ Basilica di San Lorenzo (G) โ Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (H) โ Mercato Centrale Firenze (I)
- For days, times, prices and other info see Itinerary Table ๐
* These values may differ from those shown on Google Maps, as they are continuously recalculated in real time. See also Itinerary Info and Navigator + See here for Shared Stop ๐งฉ
Day 1 – Morning
โฌ๏ธ starting point
X. Duomo di Firenze
Begin your adventure at Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city and a symbol of the Renaissance. Admire the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore ๐ (National Monument), with the famous Cupola del Brunelleschi ๐, an engineering and artistic masterpiece. Climbing the Dome or the Campanile di Giotto ๐ offers spectacular views over the city.
Don’t forget to visit the Battistero di San Giovanni with its beautiful mosaics and the evocative Cripta di Santa Reparata. The Museo della Misericordia and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo preserve artworks and historical pieces that allow you to delve deeper into the cathedral’s history.
๐ Visiting the Cupola del Brunelleschi requires prior booking. Find the phone number in the clickable Google Maps link in the table.
๐ During peak tourist periods, it is advisable to book in advance or join guided tours to avoid queues and ensure entry. See more details๐.
Day 1 – Afternoon
โฌ๏ธ
A. Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria
After lunch, reach Piazza della Signoria, home to the Palazzo Vecchio, an icon of Medici power. Visit the Museum of Palazzo Vecchio ๐, rich in frescoes and historical furnishings, and discover the Studiolo di Francesco I, a Mannerist masterpiece. Walk under the Loggia dei Lanzi to admire important sculptures such as Celliniโs Perseus and Giambolognaโs Rape of the Sabine Women. Complete your visit with a stop at the Fontana del Nettuno.
Day 2 – Morning
โฌ๏ธ
B. Ponte Vecchio and Corridoio Vasariano
The second day begins at the famous Ponte Vecchio, known for its jewelry shops and as the first permanent bridge over the Arno. This site is one of Florenceโs symbols and a must-see. Nearby passes the Corridoio Vasariano, a secret passage connecting Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti, used by the Medici to move safely between residences and offices.
โฌ๏ธ
C. Galleria degli Uffizi
After crossing the Ponte Vecchio, head to the Galleria degli Uffizi ๐, one of the most important museums in the world. Here you will find masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. Take the time to admire the Collezione Contini Bonacossi and the Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe, which house precious drawings and prints by the great masters.
๐ The Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe is visitable on request. Find the phone number in the clickable Google Maps link in the table.
Day 2 – Afternoon
โฌ๏ธ
D. Palazzo Pitti and its Museums
In the afternoon, explore the sumptuous Palazzo Pitti ๐, former Medici residence, now hosting several museums, including the Galleria Palatina with masterpieces by Titian, Raphael, and Rubens, and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Firenze. Donโt miss the Tesoro dei Granduchi, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, and the Museum of Carriages, offering a fascinating glimpse into court life.
๐ The Museum of Carriages is visitable on request. Find the phone number in the clickable Google Maps link in the table.
โฌ๏ธ
E. Giardino di Boboli and Grotta del Buontalenti
The second day ends with a visit to the Giardino di Boboli ๐ (UNESCO World Heritage), the quintessential Renaissance garden. Admire the meticulously landscaped avenues, fountains, and the evocative Grotta del Buontalenti, an artificial grotto decorated with sculptures and water features.
Day 3 – Morning
โฌ๏ธ
F. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Monumental Complex
Continue to the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella (National Monument), one of Florence’s most important Gothic buildings. The church houses extraordinary artworks, including frescoes by Masaccio, Giotto, and Ghirlandaio. Visit the Cappella Rucellai and the Cappella Tornabuoni, and take a moment to appreciate the historic Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
Day 3 – Afternoon
โฌ๏ธ
G. Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels
In the afternoon, visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo, historically linked to the Medici family and home to extraordinary treasures. Inside, donโt miss the Cappelle Medicee ๐, including the Sagrestia Vecchia and the Sagrestia Nuova, designed by Michelangelo and housing the tombs of important Medici members. Also admire the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, an architectural masterpiece by Michelangelo.
โฌ๏ธ
H. Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Continue your tour to the Galleria dell’Accademia ๐, one of Florenceโs most famous museums. Here you can admire the legendary David di Michelangelo ๐, a universal symbol of anatomical perfection and Renaissance mastery. Besides David, the gallery hosts a vast collection of other works by Michelangelo and Florentine artists, including historical musical instruments and unfinished statues that reveal creative genius and artistic techniques of the era. A must-see for anyone wishing to fully understand Florenceโs art and history.
โฌ๏ธ
I. Mercato Centrale di Firenze
End your tour in the heart of local life at the Mercato Centrale ๐, where you can taste Tuscan specialties, shop for typical products, and conclude your journey with a final immersion into Florentine cuisine.
Eating
If you prefer not to stop at the Mercato Centrale, you can end the day with dinner at one of the typical Florentine restaurants, where you can taste some of the most beloved local dishes, such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and the famous bistecca alla fiorentina. Pair your meal with a good glass of Chianti or Vernaccia for an authentic Tuscan culinary experience (see also What to Eat in Florence).
Florence offers a variety of venues, from traditional historic taverns to contemporary restaurants, where you can try both classic Tuscan recipes and modern reinterpretations of Florentine cuisine (check our guide on Where to Eat in Florence for more recommendations).
Sleeping
To comfortably visit all the stops of the itinerary in a single day, the best choice is to stay in the historic center of Florence, close to Piazza Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Here you will find boutique hotels, apartments, and guesthouses just steps from the main attractions, ideal to start the day on foot without losing time on transfers.
Alternatively, the Oltrarno offers quieter accommodations but still within walking distance from the main museums and squares, perfect if you are looking for a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere (see also Where to sleep in Florence: Info and Tips).
๐ Itinerary Table
In the table below you will find all the attractions included in the itinerary, to make the most of your three-day visit to Florence:
- Scroll the table down and to the right ๐ฑ๐ Rotate your phone horizontally to get an overview of opening days, hours, prices of attractions, and for further details on Wikipedia ๐ and Google Maps โก๏ธ.
- โ ๏ธ Always check the opening days and hours of attractions through the Google Maps entries linked in the table. See also Itinerary Info and/or Navigator Info.
- To see the explanation of each data column, click its title (e.g. Attractions Index, Ratings, Org, etc.) at the top of the table.
โณ Caricamento tabella in corso…
๐ This table is updated every 6โ12 months.
๐ก๏ธ The tables on Tourplan360.com are original content protected by copyright ยฉ and monitored through anti-plagiarism tracking systems.
FAQ
You can open the Route Map๐ from here as well. Or check the dedicated paragraph with all the details divided by Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.
๐ Check the Route Description
How long does it take to visit Florence in 3 days?
The full 3-day itinerary covers approximately 30 hours in total, divided into days of about 10 hours each, including museum visits, walks among squares and monuments, breaks, and walking transfers between stops.
Can this itinerary be done on foot?
Yes. The total route is about 5.8 km on foot and is designed to cross the pedestrian historic center at a relaxed pace, visiting all the main attractions.
Should I book the main attractions in advance?
During periods of high tourist traffic, it is recommended to book in advance or join guided tours to avoid lines and ensure entry. Some key attractions to book or visit with a guide: Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Cupola del Brunelleschi, Campanile di Giotto, Palazzo Vecchio, Galleria degli Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, Galleria dell’Accademia.
Can this itinerary be done in fewer days?
Yes, it can be adapted to 1 or 2 days, but some main attractions will need to be selected. A one-day visit covers the main iconic sites, while 2 days allow you to explore museums and historic palaces in more depth.
Where can I find days, opening times, and ticket prices for attractions?
All updated information is available in the Itinerary Table ๐, with direct links to Google Maps and Wikipedia for each attraction.
See also
- Florence in 1 day
- Florence Travel Guide
- Itineraries: 1d, 3d, CT1 + CT2
- Experiences, Getting Around
- Eating: Where & What
- Where to Sleep