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Ultimate Florence Itinerary: Detailed 3, 5, and 7-Day Guides

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Hello, fellow travelers! On my recent trip to Florence, I was captivated by the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you have three, five, or seven days to spend in this beautiful Italian city, I’ve curated the perfect Florence itinerary to help you make the most of your visit. Follow along as I share my experiences and tips for exploring Florence.

Introduction

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city brimming with art, history, and culture. From the iconic Duomo to the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, Florence offers a wealth of attractions that can be explored over three, five, or seven days. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide will help you plan the perfect Florence itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the city’s must-see sights and hidden gems.

3-Day Florence Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Florence

Morning:

  • Piazza del Duomo: Start your day at Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), climb the Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views of the city (Tickets: €18, includes access to the cathedral, dome, baptistery, and bell tower. Duomo Florence Official Website).
  • Giotto’s Campanile: After the Duomo, head to Giotto’s Bell Tower. Climb to the top for another stunning view of Florence.

Afternoon:

  • Piazza della Signoria: Walk to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. Admire the outdoor sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
  • Palazzo Vecchio: Visit the historic town hall of Florence. Explore the museum and climb the tower for another viewpoint (Tickets: €10 for museum, €14 for tower. Palazzo Vecchio Official Website).

Evening:

Florence itinerary

Day 2: Art and Architecture

Morning:

  • Accademia Gallery: Start your day by visiting the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David (Tickets: €12. Accademia Gallery Official Website).
  • San Lorenzo Market: Afterward, head to the nearby San Lorenzo Market for a taste of local life. Explore the food market and grab a snack.

Afternoon:

Evening:

  • Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge. Enjoy the views of the Arno River and browse the jewelry shops.

Day 3: Gardens and Panoramic Views

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Pitti Palace: Explore the Pitti Palace, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments (Tickets: €16. Pitti Palace Official Website).

Evening:

  • Piazzale Michelangelo: End your trip with a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy breathtaking views of Florence and take memorable photos.
Florence itinerary

5-Day Florence Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Florence

Morning:

  • Piazza del Duomo: Start your day at Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), climb the Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views of the city (Tickets: €18, includes access to the cathedral, dome, baptistery, and bell tower. Duomo Florence Official Website).
  • Giotto’s Campanile: After the Duomo, head to Giotto’s Bell Tower. Climb to the top for another stunning view of Florence.

Afternoon:

  • Piazza della Signoria: Walk to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. Admire the outdoor sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
  • Palazzo Vecchio: Visit the historic town hall of Florence. Explore the museum and climb the tower for another viewpoint (Tickets: €10 for museum, €14 for tower. Palazzo Vecchio Official Website).

Evening:

Day 2: Art and Architecture

Morning:

  • Accademia Gallery: Start your day by visiting the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David (Tickets: €12. Accademia Gallery Official Website).
  • San Lorenzo Market: Afterward, head to the nearby San Lorenzo Market for a taste of local life. Explore the food market and grab a snack.

Afternoon:

Evening:

  • Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge. Enjoy the views of the Arno River and browse the jewelry shops.

Day 3: Gardens and Panoramic Views

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Pitti Palace: Explore the Pitti Palace, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments (Tickets: €16. Pitti Palace Official Website).

Evening:

  • Piazzale Michelangelo: End your trip with a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy breathtaking views of Florence and take memorable photos.

Day 4: Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Lucca: Continue to Lucca by train (30 minutes, Tickets: €3.60 one way). Walk or bike along the city walls, visit the Lucca Cathedral, and explore the charming old town.

Evening:

  • Return to Florence in the evening.

Day 5: Exploring Oltrarno

Morning:

  • Brancacci Chapel: Visit the Brancacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine to see the famous frescoes by Masaccio (Tickets: €6. Brancacci Chapel Official Website).

Afternoon:

  • Santo Spirito: Explore the Santo Spirito neighborhood, known for its artisan shops and local vibe. Visit the Basilica di Santo Spirito and relax in the square.

Evening:

  • Gelato Tour: End your day with a gelato tour. Try popular spots like Gelateria La Carraia, Gelateria dei Neri, and Vivoli Gelateria.
Florence itinerary

7-Day Florence Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Florence

Morning:

  • Piazza del Duomo: Start your day at Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), climb the Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views of the city (Tickets: €18, includes access to the cathedral, dome, baptistery, and bell tower. Duomo Florence Official Website).
  • Giotto’s Campanile: After the Duomo, head to Giotto’s Bell Tower. Climb to the top for another stunning view of Florence.

Afternoon:

  • Piazza della Signoria: Walk to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. Admire the outdoor sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
  • Palazzo Vecchio: Visit the historic town hall of Florence. Explore the museum and climb the tower for another viewpoint (Tickets: €10 for museum, €14 for tower. Palazzo Vecchio Official Website).

Evening:

Day 2: Art and Architecture

Morning:

  • Accademia Gallery: Start your day by visiting the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David (Tickets: €12. Accademia Gallery Official Website).
  • San Lorenzo Market: Afterward, head to the nearby San Lorenzo Market for a taste of local life. Explore the food market and grab a snack.

Afternoon:

Evening:

  • Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most iconic bridge. Enjoy the views of the Arno River and browse the jewelry shops.

Day 3: Gardens and Panoramic Views

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Pitti Palace: Explore the Pitti Palace, including the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments (Tickets: €16. Pitti Palace Official Website).

Evening:

  • Piazzale Michelangelo: End your trip with a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy breathtaking views of Florence and take memorable photos.

Day 4: Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Lucca: Continue to Lucca by train (30 minutes, Tickets: €3.60 one way). Walk or bike along the city walls, visit the Lucca Cathedral, and explore the charming old town.

Evening:

  • Return to Florence in the evening.

Day 5: Exploring Oltrarno

Morning:

  • Brancacci Chapel: Visit the Brancacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine to see the famous frescoes by Masaccio (Tickets: €6. Brancacci Chapel Official Website).

Afternoon:

  • Santo Spirito: Explore the Santo Spirito neighborhood, known for its artisan shops and local vibe. Visit the Basilica di Santo Spirito and relax in the square.

Evening:

  • Gelato Tour: End your day with a gelato tour. Try popular spots like Gelateria La Carraia, Gelateria dei Neri, and Vivoli Gelateria.

Day 6: Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • San Gimignano: Take a bus from Siena to San Gimignano (1 hour). Explore the medieval town, visit the Collegiata di San Gimignano, and enjoy the famous towers (Tickets: €4. San Gimignano Tourism).

Evening:

  • Return to Florence in the evening.

Day 7: Off the Beaten Path in Florence

Morning:

  • Basilica di San Miniato al Monte: Visit this beautiful basilica for another panoramic view of Florence. It’s less crowded and offers a serene atmosphere (Free entry. San Miniato al Monte).

Afternoon:

  • Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: Discover more about the history and art of Florence’s Duomo at this fascinating museum (Tickets: €15. Opera del Duomo Museum).

Evening:

  • Evening Walk: Take a leisurely evening walk along the Arno River. Enjoy the views of the illuminated Ponte Vecchio and the reflections on the water.

Detailed Tips for Visiting Florence

Accommodation Recommendations

  • Budget: Hostel Archi Rossi (Website, from €30 per night).
  • Mid-range: Hotel Pendini (Website, from €150 per night).
  • Luxury: Hotel Lungarno (Website, from €450 per night).

For a more complete list of accommodations, check out Expedia.com.

Dining Suggestions

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at La Ménagère (Website).
  • Lunch: Try the famous panini at All’Antico Vinaio (Website).
  • Dinner: Savor a Florentine steak at Osteria della Enoteca (Website).

Transportation Tips

  • Walking: Florence is a walkable city. Most attractions are within walking distance.
  • Public Transport: Use ATAF buses for longer distances. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands or directly on the bus.
  • Biking: Rent a bike to explore Florence’s scenic routes. Try Florence by Bike (Website).

Additional Tips

  • Museum Pass: Consider purchasing the Firenze Card for €85. It offers access to over 70 museums and priority entry (Firenze Card).
  • Currency: Florence uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash on hand.
  • Language: Italian is the official language. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful.

Conclusion

Florence is a city that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. Whether you have three, five, or seven days, this complete Florence itinerary will guide you through the best that Florence has to offer. From historic landmarks and world-class art to charming neighborhoods and delicious cuisine, Florence promises an unforgettable travel experience.

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