Day 1: Iconic Sights
Morning: Start your day at Piazza del Duomo, home to Florence’s most famous landmarks. Marvel at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), with its iconic red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi. If you’re up for a challenge, climb to the top for breathtaking city views.
Next, step inside the Baptistery of St. John, famous for its intricate golden Gates of Paradise, and visit Giotto’s Bell Tower, another great viewpoint.Wander to Piazza della Repubblica, a lively square with historic cafés and a beautiful carousel. Then, stroll towards Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart, where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio and outdoor sculptures like a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
Afternoon: Art lovers can’t miss the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses Renaissance masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.
Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Arno River to the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most charming bridge, lined with goldsmith shops.
Evening: End your first day with a sunset view at Piazzale Michelangelo, the best panoramic viewpoint in Florence. The warm glow over the city’s terracotta rooftops is unforgettable.
Save Tip: Grab a fresh sandwich from a local bakery and enjoy a picnic by the Arno River instead of dining at a pricey tourist café.
Splurge Tip: Avoid the crowds and get intimate with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus or Michelangelo’s David with a private guide. Some tours even offer early access before the museum opens.
Day 2: HIdden Gems and Murano
Morning: Start your day at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, the world’s most famous sculpture. Seeing this masterpiece up close is truly awe-inspiring.Afterward, visit San Lorenzo Market, a lively spot where you can shop for leather goods, souvenirs, and fresh Tuscan produce. Don’t miss the Mercato Centrale, a fantastic indoor food market with local specialties.
Afternoon: Cross the Ponte Vecchio to explore Oltrarno, Florence’s bohemian district. Wander through the Santo Spirito neighborhood, where you’ll find traditional workshops making leather goods, jewelry, and marbled paper.Visit the Pitti Palace, the former home of the Medici family, which houses multiple museums and the stunning Boboli Gardens, a perfect place to relax.
Evening: Before dinner, take a short uphill walk to San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful Romanesque church offering another breathtaking view of Florence—without the crowds.
Save Tip: Buy the Firenze Card if you are staying at least 2 full days. This city pass gives you access to 45+ museums (Uffizi, Accademia, etc.) and lets you skip lines. It pays off quickly if you’re doing the main sights. Alternatively, if you’re only seeing a few spots, look into combo tickets (like Uffizi + Pitti Palace).
Splurge Tip: Reserve a table at Enoteca Pinchiorri or Il Palagio. Indulge in Tuscan cuisine turned gourmet art, complete with wine pairings and impeccable atmosphere.
Day 3: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences
Morning: Begin your day in the Dante District, where Florence’s most famous poet once lived. Wander the medieval streets, stopping at Dante’s House Museum. Next, visit Basilica di Santa Croce, the resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The church itself is a masterpiece, with stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Afternoon: Venture beyond the tourist routes and explore Florence’s lesser-known streets, stopping at charming piazzas and boutique artisan shops. If you’re looking for a special souvenir, Florence is famous for its leather goods. Visit a local artisan workshop to see how high-quality bags, belts, and jackets are handcrafted.
al a less touristy side of Venice.
Evening: Spend your final evening at a traditional Florentine bàcaro (wine bar), sampling local wines and cicchetti (small plates).
Save Tip: Have your coffee al banco (standing at the bar) instead of sitting down, which saves money and lets you drink like a local.
Splurge Tip: Invest in a unique artisan leather piece, such as a custom-made handbag or jacket, as a stylish and long-lasting Florence souvenir.
If you want to go wine tasting, I would recommend just booking a tour. It will save you the hassle of planning and worrying if you can manage to go back on your own in case you had a little bit too much ‘fun’ on the tastings.