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We love the town of Florence. It’s one of the crucial enchanting, stunning, and artfully wealthy cities in Italy and the proper place to spend a few days earlier than heading to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
We get lots of people asking us about methods to maximize their time in Florence, particularly as they solely have 2 days to spare.
I get it, with so many superb cities and locations in Italy to go to, typically our itineraries solely enable a few days and it may be a tough activity realizing methods to match all the highest sights and highlights in.
Don’t fear, you may see loads of Florence on a 2 day journey, together with among the most iconic websites; The Statue of David, The Pitti Palace, and the Uffizi Gallery, to call a number of.
If you happen to’re unsure the place to go and what to see in Florence over 48 hours, then don’t fear, as we’ve put collectively our greatest 2 day Florence itinerary so you may see the very best of this superb metropolis.
Is 2 days sufficient for Florence?
Earlier than I get into this 2 day itinerary, you is perhaps questioning if two days are lengthy sufficient to see Florence. Two days is the minimal period of time you want in Florence to see the highlights, however ideally, the three days could be higher.
The rationale for that is that there are loads of museums and artwork galleries in Florence which can be value seeing, and lots of of them take a number of hours to get round.
The Uffizi Gallery, for instance, is filled with among the most famous items of Renaissance work on the planet. It’s a gallery you can spend a full day in, and never see all of it.
In two days, you may nonetheless go to these museums and galleries, however your go to might be lower quick. You would maximize your time by getting a guided tour or audio information, however you continue to may really feel that your go to is a bit rushed.
To be sure to benefit from a two-day journey to Florence, this information will take you to the locations in Florence I’d recommend seeing, and in an order that means that you can benefit from your time.
If you happen to comply with this 2 day itinerary of Florence, you’ll get to see the primary websites of Florence, such because the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Gallerie Acadamia to see the Statue of David, in addition to see among the most vibrant neighborhoods to get a really feel for native life in Florence.
You probably have extra time or plan to return again, then you may discover the identical sights we’ve talked about under, however take your tempo extra leisurely so you may spend extra time there!
The Finest Florence Itinerary For two Days
The next itinerary is how I’d recommend spending two days in Florence. It’s not set in stone, and you may take out locations that don’t curiosity you or swap sights round primarily based on the place you determine to remain.
Use it as a information and alter it to fit your wants, timeframe, and price range.
The primary day explores the Oltrarno Neighborhood. It is a bohemian, quirky neighborhood stuffed with winding alleyways, quaint little espresso outlets, boutique shops, and bars.
It’s the place you’ll discover a lot of Florence’s most iconic sights, similar to The Basilica di Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti.
The Oltrarno neighborhood has tradition, stress-free nature, and spectacular historic monuments. You may learn extra about methods to spend a day within the Oltrarno Neighborhood in our full information to the district.
The second day options the largest sights in Florence similar to The Duomo and Uffizi Gallery on the opposite aspect of the river, which is essentially the most touristic space.
You may wish to swap the times round, relying on what you’re most excited to see. I actually loved visiting Oltrarno on our first day and seeing Florence from that perspective. I feel if I did the opposite aspect first I’d have been over and underwhelmed!
Day 1
Cease 1: Boboli Gardens
In case your first impression of Florence is that it’s slightly extra crowded and bustling than what you’re used to, then you definitely may wish to ease your self into the Florentine lifestyle by visiting the stress-free and historic Boboli Gardens.
Positioned throughout the Arno River, the Giardino di Boboli is a stupendous, English-style backyard on a hillside that was constructed by the Medici Household (you’ll hear so much about them in Florence).
The gardens date again to 1418 however have developed over the centuries by generations of the Medici household and the Savoy household, who purchased it from the Medicis. The park is the best instance of Renaissance landscaping and options manicured lawns, ornately designed fountains, and tree-lined paths.
The stress-free ambiance and stillness are the proper vibe to begin your journey to Florence. We entered from the Piazzale di Porta Romana, the southernmost gate, so we might witness the Viottolone, a well-known sloping pathway framed by cypress timber.
Much more stunning was arriving on the high for views over Pitti Palace and Florence.
Cease 2: Villa Bardini Gardens
Simply throughout from the Boboli Gardens are the Villa Bardini Gardens, that are a lot smaller however no much less stunning.
It’s a stupendous park to go to within the Spring and is stuffed with colourful flowers and Renaissance structure.
There’s a beautiful terrace bar on the high the place you may catch superb views of the town with a scorching espresso, or an aperol spritz within the afternoon like we did, They even serve meals right here. It was one in every of my favourite views in Florence.
Proper close to right here can be the Wisteria tunnel, which is gorgeous to stroll via. It’s tremendous in style on the finish of April when the wisteria is in full bloom. Think about strolling down this stunning floral tunnel of violets and pinks with a improbable panoramic view over the town.
Your ticket to the Boboli Gardens additionally offers you entry to Villa Bardini Gardens.
Cease 3: Pitti Palace
The Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti in Italian, is Florence’s largest palace that was as soon as owned by the Medici household.
From the skin, it doesn’t appear like a lot – the structure doesn’t wow you as a lot as the opposite buildings within the metropolis, however don’t let the facade idiot you!
On our greatest of Florence strolling tour and realized that Eleonora di Toledo, the Spanish spouse of Cosimo I de Medici, purchased the Pitti Palace as a result of she discovered Palazzo Vecchio fairly boring. So there should have been one thing about it that impressed her.
On the within, it’s house to 5 completely different museums, together with the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Flats, and the Palatine Chapel on the bottom ground.
Get your tickets prematurely for Pitti Palace right here.
Cease 4: Ponte Vecchio
Nothing says “I’ve been to Florence” greater than an image from the Ponte Vecchio, an iconic outdated bridge crossing the Arno River that was constructed throughout Roman instances.
The Ponte Vecchio is exclusive in that it’s made up of three segmental arches and lined with overhanging buildings.
The buildings have been historically used as outlets, similar to butchers and different tradesmen, nonetheless right this moment you can find retailers promoting jewelers, paintings, and naturally, souvenirs.
It was additionally one of many few bridges in Florence to outlive the destruction brought on by World Battle II as a result of the retreating German military spared it due to its magnificence.
Ponte Vecchio is a well-liked spot for a Florence sundown, for those who can’t make it as much as the very best sundown spot (see under)
Cease 5: Tuscan Meals & Wine Tour
Lots of the websites talked about on this itinerary thus far you’ll move by on a Tuscan Meals and Wine Tour in Oltrarno, however this tour shouldn’t be all concerning the websites – it’s concerning the meals!
You is perhaps pondering that meals in Florence is your typical Italian delicacies of pizzas, pasta, and gelato, and whereas you could find this, there are some dishes which can be distinctive to this area.
For instance, Florence, and Tuscany on the whole for that matter, is well-known for its wine and cheeses. Pecorino cheese is a well-known cheese from this area that’s made from ewes milk and is creamy and scrumptious.
One other in style dish it’s best to strive is Florentine Steak, which is a staple dish in Florence. On a meals and wine tour, you get to go to the very best locations within the metropolis to do this dish, in addition to study many different vital cuisines in Florence.
Cease 6: Sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo
After your strolling meals tour, you’ll doubtless wish to discover a good place to sit down and admire the views. There’s no higher view of Florence than from Piazzale Michelangelo.
The Piazzale Michelangelo is a sq. that sits atop of a hill overlooking the Oltrarno district.
The stroll up isn’t lengthy, nevertheless it’s steep and could also be a problem for individuals who are unfit.
Those that take the time although might be rewarded with essentially the most well-known sweeping views of the entire metropolis which has been replicated a number of instances in postcards.
If you happen to don’t wish to stroll up the hill, one other nice sundown spot is the Ponte Vecchio, which lights up in gentle hues of gold and orange throughout golden hour.
If you happen to’re trying so as to add in some tasty treats whereas exploring Oltrarno, make these pit stops:
- Espresso at Ditta Artigianale Riva d’Arno. It was our favourite in Florence (third wave type)
- Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia. Our favourite gelato in on our Italy journey. Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera can be good and has the unique taste. (Gelato originated in Florence)
- Wine from the Babae Wine Window. Very touristy however Florence distinctive and enjoyable.
Day 2
Cease 1: Guided Strolling Tour
If you wish to be taught extra concerning the historical past, lifestyle for the locals, and tradition of Florence, then one of the best ways to try this is on a Florence Guided Strolling Tour.
Strolling excursions take you to see the highlights of the town in a “whistle-stop” vogue, however additionally they permit you to skip the road to see among the most well-known sights.
They are perfect for these visiting for a short while and don’t have time to spare queuing. You get skip-the-line entry to see The Statue of David at Accademia Gallery, and it features a climb to the highest of the Duomo.
Cease 2: Accademia Gallery
If you happen to skip the strolling tour talked about earlier, then it’s best to at the least be sure to go and see the long-lasting Statue of David at Accademia Gallery – it’s probably the world’s most well-known statue and a must-see for anybody visiting Florence, whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not.
There may be nothing fairly like seeing the statue up shut. Its dimension, for one factor, is spectacular. I didn’t notice it was 17 toes tall (5.17 meters)!
Up shut, you may see each muscle, each vein, each curve of the physique – the eye to element is nothing in need of breathtaking. It’s straightforward to see why it’s one of many world’s most well-known artworks.
Get your timed ticket for this attraction right here. Despite the fact that we have been on a guided tour with skip the road privileges, we needed to wait in line for about half-hour. With out a timed ticket, you’ll be ready for much longer.
Cease 3: The Duomo, Baptistry & Bell Tower
Probably the most well-known attraction in Florence is the Cathedral de Santa Maria del Fiore, extra affectionately often known as “The Duomo.”
This imposing construction dominates the skyline and would have been laborious to overlook for those who adopted the itinerary from yesterday and visited the Piazza Michaelangelo.
It was constructed in 1296 in a Gothic type however was solely consecrated in 1436.
It’s most well-known for its dome, often known as Brunelleschi’s Dome, which has been embellished with fresco work and gilded particulars on the within. If you happen to decide to climb to the highest of the Duomo you move a balcony that offers you a more in-depth have a look at the dome.
One of many major causes to go to The Duomo is to climb the steps to the highest of the dome to see superb metropolis views. Honest warning although, for those who’re afraid of heights, you’re not going to love this!
The viewing deck is sort of skinny, and though crowds are managed, it does really feel reasonably crowded up there. If climbing the dome is for you, then e book your tickets prematurely.
Alternatively, you may climb The Campanile, in any other case often known as Giotto’s bell tower, simply throughout the Piazza del Duomo. This requires you to hike up 414 stairs to get an unimaginable view, however in case you have a concern of heights I discovered this viewpoint to be much less scary to stroll up.
Nevertheless, for those who solely have time to climb one set of stairs, the view from the dome is significantly better.
Your entrance ticket to The Duomo additionally grants you entry to The Baptistery, which dates again to the eleventh century, making it one of many oldest buildings in Florence. It’s well-known for its bronze doorways, designed by Ghiberti’, and are affectionately known as the “Gates of Paradise” (they’re reproductions, the originals are within the Duomo Museum).
You may go to the Duomo without cost, however traces might be lengthy. If you wish to skip these, then buy a skip the road move. Or arrive early as a substitute and beat the traces that approach!
Don’t neglect to cowl your shoulders and knees. If you happen to neglect, there’s a hawker close by able to promote you a shawl!
Cease 4: Lunch at Central Markets
The Central Markets, also referred to as The Mercato Centrale, are the proper place to cease for lunch. This historic market corridor was constructed in the course of the time of the Risanamento, the interval when Florence was the capital of Italy within the late nineteenth century.
They’re nonetheless utilized by the locals right this moment who come right here to buy contemporary produce of fish, meat, and greens.
On the highest ground, there’s a meals court docket the place you could find Tuscan and worldwide dishes. The meals court docket is made up of small, independently-owned eating places, wine bars, and taprooms utilizing contemporary produce from the market to make glorious and reasonably priced meals.
It’s an incredible place to seize a freshly made pizza or hearty sandwich. The meals court docket is open from 10:00 am to midnight, so you may come again within the night for dinner for those who’re struggling to determine which restaurant to eat at.
We loved our lunch right here on the markets, however there wasn’t loads of choices for those who’re gluten free. I used to be jealous I couldn’t eat the cannolis and pastries tempting me from a number of shops. Savannah says, “deliziosa!”
Cease 5: Uffizi Gallery
If you happen to’re coming to Florence to expertise its historic artwork scene, you can’t skip the Uffizi Gallery. It’s essentially the most famend gallery within the metropolis and the place you may see unique items from the 14th-century Renaissance interval’s biggest artists, together with Raphael, Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and extra.
A number of the most notable items within the gallery are ‘The Beginning of Venus’ and ‘Primavera’ by Sandro Botticelli, ‘The Venus of Urbino’ by Titian, ‘Medusa’ by Caravaggio, and a self-portrait of Raphael.
I’d say that it’s crucial place in Italy for artwork, intently adopted by possibly the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican or The Galleria Borghese in Rome.
As that is essentially the most well-known artwork gallery within the metropolis, you have to e book your entrance move prematurely to keep away from the queues and be sure to can achieve entry once you wish to, as tickets are sometimes bought out on the day.
The move means that you can skip the road, however you continue to want to select up your ticket from the counter.
I’ll admit, I’m actually solely all for fashionable artwork galleries, and even then I don’t do a lot of them, however I actually loved Uffizi. I wasn’t anticipating to and solely squeezed it into our itinerary as I knew how huge and vital it was. I’m completely happy to report, it was so value it. For us a fast tour via (about an hour) was loads.
Cease 6: Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is simply outdoors the Uffizi Gallery and is a bustling sq. identified for its stunning statues and fountains.
Probably the most well-known of which is the Fountain of Neptune and a duplicate of the Statue of David.
Piazza della Signoria was as soon as the political heart of the town and was the place the well-known Bonfire of the Vanities was held.
It’s an incredible sq. to seize an espresso from one of many surrounding cafes and watch the vacationers click on away at their cameras.
Some food and drinks solutions for this present day.
- We beloved the reasonably priced and scrumptious dinner we had at Ostaria dei Centopoveri (in style with locals and college students)
- Two rooftop bars with views you’ll wish to see: La Terrazza Rooftop Bar (small and busy so get right here early) and the View on Artwork Cocktail Bar (spectacular views of the Duomo. Nice at sundown. Once more -super busy and repair was very gradual (European type)
- Caffè Gilli oldest cafe in metropolis well-known for espressos
Map of This 2 Day Itinerary for Florence
That will help you navigate this 2 day Florence itinerary, here’s a map of the sights talked about on this information. I’ve additionally included different locations to eat and drink that I found in Florence throughout my analysis that I used to be all for! It can save you a replica of the map after which edit as you see match on your Florence go to.
Getting Round Florence
Getting round Florence is very easy as every little thing is inside strolling distance. Merely placed on a snug pair of sneakers and stroll all over the place!
The roads are sometimes cobbled and uneven although, so be sure to have flat sneakers.
In any other case, there’s a bus system that connects the primary metropolis heart to the suburban neighborhoods.
The place To Keep In Florence
We actually loved our keep at Lodge Palazzo dal Borgo on the primary vacationer aspect of Florence which we booked utilizing factors. It had an incredible location, a separate room for the women, a canopied mattress, and included breakfast of their stunning courtyard backyard. See charges and availability. And you may see our Reel of it right here.
Though, we didn’t keep there, I’d suggest folks keep within the Oltrarno neighborhood when visiting Florence as a result of it’s ideally situated close to the primary sights however with out the noise and chaos of the primary metropolis heart. We beloved it there similar to we did, Trastevere in Rome for comparable causes.
Associates have stayed on the Lodge David in Oltrarno and stated it was a completely beautiful resort in a very good location – near the middle however far sufficient so that you simply don’t get all of the night-time noise.
The rooms are spacious and comfy and include WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant that has a gluten-free menu. It’s family-owned and operated, so you’re feeling like they care for his or her friends and wish to make you’re feeling at house.
Finest Time To Go to Florence
Florence is a metropolis you may go to any time of the 12 months since many of the sights are indoors, nonetheless, if we needed to decide a season, spring could be our favourite time to go to Florence. It’s because the parks and gardens are awash in coloration because the flowers bloom and the grass shines within the gentle due.
The summer time is the height season to go to Florence and is normally highly regarded and crowded.
The winter is a bit chilly, however quiet, with fewer vacationers visiting the town. The one draw back to winter is that usually it snows, which does add a sure magnificence to the town, however makes flying out and in of the town a ache as flights are sometimes canceled as a result of snow.
Earlier than You Go: Final Minute Ideas For Visiting Florence
Lastly, earlier than you go, I’ve only a few ideas for visiting Florence that will help you maximize your 2-day journey:
- Put on comfortable sneakers. Strolling is the optimum strategy to get round Florence so be sure to have a very good pair of strolling sneakers.
- Go rogue from this itinerary! Among the best methods to see a metropolis is to easily stroll round down random streets and expertise the less-traveled paths.
- E book your museum tickets prematurely. The queues for tickets might be lengthy! Save your self a while and e book prematurely.
- Strive the wine! Don’t neglect to cease into one (or a number of) of the numerous wine outlets (enoteca) to search out out what Tuscany is legendary for!
- Don’t go too wild on Espresso. The espresso in Italy is so much stronger than what you is perhaps used to again house, so for those who’re not huge on caffeine then don’t go too wild on this.
- Obtain maps. It’s all the time a good suggestion to obtain an offline map, similar to Google Maps or MapsMe in case your knowledge is unreliable. You may obtain our map of this itinerary above.
- E book small group strolling excursions straight via our most popular tour firms: LivTours, Walks of Italy, and Devour Meals Excursions. All have been examined and authorized by yTravel!
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