3 Days Florence, Italy Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary immerses you in the heart of Florence, exploring its artistic masterpieces, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. It balances iconic attractions with local experiences, all within a moderate budget.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$600-900
Best Time
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months
Activities
20
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Fast
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, offering a captivating blend of art, history, and culture. It's a walkable city packed with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and delicious Tuscan cuisine.
Your itinerary covers 11 of 14 must-have experiences
Cathedral
Day 1: Climb the Duomo (Florence Cathedral)
Art Museum
Day 2: Uffizi Gallery
Piazza
Day 1: Explore Piazza della Signoria
Gelato Shop
Day 3: Gelato at La Carraia
Pasta Experience
Day 1: Dinner at Trattoria Mario
Food Market
Day 3: Lunch at Mercato Centrale
Scenic Viewpoint
Day 2: Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Leather Goods
Day 3: Leather Market (San Lorenzo Market)
Bridge
Day 2: Cross the Ponte Vecchio
Garden
Day 2: Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Unique Artisan Workshop
Day 2: Explore the Oltrarno District
Aperitivo
Day 1: Aperitivo at La Terrazza Continentale
Basilica
Day 3: Visit the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
Local Street Food
Day 1: Lunch at All'Antico Vinaio
Florence is a culinary paradise, renowned for its simple yet flavorful Tuscan cuisine. Fresh, local ingredients are paramount, and traditional recipes passed down through generations create an unforgettable dining experience. Be prepared for hearty portions and a focus on meat, but don't worry, there are vegetarian options available.
Must-Try Dishes
A thick-cut, bone-in Florentine steak grilled rare. It's a must for meat lovers, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. Often served very rare, so be prepared!
📍 Trattorias and restaurants specializing in Tuscan cuisine, especially in the Oltrarno neighborhood
A Florentine street food delicacy made from the fourth stomach of a cow, cooked in broth and served in a bread roll. It's an acquired taste, but a truly authentic experience.
📍 Food stalls and tripe shops (trippaio) throughout the city, especially around Mercato Centrale
A hearty bread and vegetable soup, traditionally made with leftover bread, beans, and vegetables. It's a warming and comforting dish, perfect for cooler days.
📍 Trattorias and osterias serving traditional Tuscan fare
A thick tomato and bread soup, similar to Ribollita but with a stronger tomato flavor. It's another example of using simple ingredients to create a delicious dish.
📍 Trattorias and restaurants specializing in Tuscan cuisine
Food Neighborhoods
Artisan workshops and traditional trattorias
Mercato Centrale and street food
Trendy restaurants and aperitivo bars
Food hall with diverse options
Vegetarian options are available, especially pasta dishes and vegetable-based soups like Ribollita and Pappa al Pomodoro. Vegan options are less common, but some restaurants offer plant-based dishes or can adapt existing ones. Gluten-free pasta is becoming more widely available. If you have allergies, clearly communicate your needs to the restaurant staff. Halal food is not widely available, but you can find some options in specific neighborhoods.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (5-10%). Bread is often served without butter, and you may be charged a small 'coperto' (cover charge) per person. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Water is usually ordered bottled, either still (naturale) or sparkling (frizzante).
Venice Carnival
Carnevale di VeneziaHistoric carnival famous for elaborate masks and costumes in Venice.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in San Marco, it's a short walk to Piazza del Duomo.$22
9:00 AM - Climb the Duomo (Florence Cathedral)
Ascend Brunelleschi's Dome for panoramic views of Florence. Book your ticket online in advance to avoid long queues. Be prepared for a challenging climb!
Book on Klook - 🚶The Baptistery is located right next to the Duomo in Piazza San Giovanni.$6
11:00 AM - Visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni
Admire the stunning bronze doors, including the famous Gates of Paradise. The intricate details and historical significance are remarkable.
Book on Klook - 🚶From the Baptistery, walk along Via Roma and then Via dei Neri to reach All'Antico Vinaio.$7-10
12:30 PM - Lunch at All'Antico Vinaio
Grab a delicious and affordable schiacciata sandwich at this popular spot. Expect a queue, but it's worth the wait! Try the 'La Favolosa'.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Continue along Via dei Neri to Piazza della Signoria.FREE
2:00 PM - Explore Piazza della Signoria
Visit the Piazza della Signoria, Florence's political hub. Admire the Fountain of Neptune, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Loggia dei Lanzi's sculptures.
Book on Klook - 🚶Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria.$14
3:30 PM - Visit Palazzo Vecchio (optional)
Explore the impressive Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall, filled with Renaissance art and history. Consider a guided tour for a deeper understanding.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Piazza della Signoria, walk towards the Arno River and cross the Ponte Vecchio. La Terrazza Continentale is near the bridge.$15-20
6:00 PM - Aperitivo at La Terrazza Continentale
Enjoy aperitivo (drinks and snacks) with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio from this rooftop bar. Drinks are a bit pricey, but the view is worth it.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from La Terrazza Continentale towards Via Porta Rossa, then turn onto Via Rosina to find Trattoria Mario.$25-35
8:00 PM - Dinner at Trattoria Mario
Enjoy authentic Florentine cuisine at this traditional trattoria. Try the bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) or the ribollita (bread and vegetable soup).
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
San Marco
Centrally located, close to major attractions, and offers a variety of accommodation options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
The weather in Florence during the shoulder season is generally sunny and mild. Expect comfortable temperatures during the day and cooler evenings, perfect for exploring the city on foot.
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to visit.
Check for public holidays like Liberation Day (April 25th) or Labour Day (May 1st) as some businesses may be closed.
Getting Around
Trenitalia/Italo high-speed rail; metros in Rome, Milan, Naples
City-specific metro cards
Book Frecciarossa trains early for best prices. Validate bus/tram tickets before boarding!
Travel
$150-250 (depending on origin and booking time)Accommodation
$150-250 (for 3 nights in a budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb)Food
$150-200Activities
$150-200Eat like a local at 'trattorias' or 'osterias' away from major tourist squares. Opt for a quick and cheap 'panino' for lunch, or enjoy an 'aperitivo' for pre-dinner snacks.
Walk everywhere possible instead of taking taxis or buses. Florence's main attractions are centrally located and easily accessible on foot. Refill water bottles at public drinking fountains.
Invest in a high-quality, handcrafted leather item from a reputable artisan workshop in the Oltrarno district for an authentic Florentine souvenir.
Treat yourself to a cooking class focused on traditional Tuscan cuisine, or a wine tasting tour in the Chianti region, for a memorable cultural and culinary experience.
For authentic gelato, look for natural colors (e.g., pistachio won't be bright green) and avoid places with towering mounds of ice cream, which often use artificial ingredients. The best gelato is usually stored in metal containers with lids.
Enjoy your morning coffee standing at the bar (al banco) like a local. This is significantly cheaper than sitting at a table, especially in touristy areas.
- Book accommodations and popular attractions (Uffizi, Accademia, Duomo) online in advance to avoid long queues.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases. It will enhance your experience and is appreciated by locals.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to get an overview of the city.
- Use public transportation (buses) to save money on taxis.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Enjoy the local cuisine! Try traditional dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, and lampredotto.
- Purchase a Firenze Card if you plan to visit many museums. It can save you money.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Lightweight clothing (layers are recommended)
- 3Rain jacket or umbrella (especially during shoulder seasons)
- 4Sunscreen and hat
- 5Reusable water bottle
- 6Small backpack or crossbody bag
- 7Adapter (if needed)
- 8Phrasebook or translation app
- 9Camera or smartphone for photos
- 10Portable charger
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for best prices and availability, especially for peak seasons.
Uffizi Gallery tickets
Essential to book 1-2 months in advance (longer for peak season) for timed entry to avoid long queues.
Accademia Gallery (David) tickets
Book 1-2 months ahead for timed entry, as it's another very popular museum and tickets sell out quickly.
Duomo Climb (Brunelleschi's Dome) tickets
Tickets are highly sought after and often sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. Book immediately once your dates are firm.
Train tickets (inter-city travel)
Book high-speed train tickets between major cities (e.g., Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice) 1-2 months in advance for cheaper 'super economy' fares.
Popular food tours or cooking classes
Small group tours, especially those focusing on Tuscan cuisine or wine, can fill up 1-2 months in advance.
Travel Insurance
Purchase before your trip to cover unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 TIM stores throughout the city, including at the airport and train station
📍 Vodafone stores throughout the city
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pick-up at the airport
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Many public squares also offer free WiFi hotspots, but the connection may be unreliable. Look for signs indicating 'WiFi gratuito' or ask staff for the password.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for instant connectivity upon arrival. Check the coverage maps of different providers to ensure good service in the areas you plan to visit. Be aware of roaming charges if you choose to use your home country's SIM card. Download offline maps on Google Maps to avoid data usage when navigating without WiFi.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
Three round pins in a row
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Coperto (cover charge) is standard; rounding up is appreciated
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Coperto covers bread/service. Extra tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Florence is generally a safe city. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
118
115
112 for European emergency number. Carabinieri: 112
Payments
Cash useful at trattorias and small shops
Accepted at most restaurants and shops
Growing rapidly
Legally, all businesses must accept cards. Still carry some cash for gelaterias and market stalls.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: