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We love town of Florence. It’s probably the most 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 easy methods to maximize their time in Florence, particularly as they solely have 2 days to spare.

I get it, with so many wonderful cities and locations in Italy to go to, generally our itineraries solely permit a few days and it may be a tough process figuring out easy methods to match all the highest sights and highlights in.

Don’t fear, you’ll be able to see lots of Florence on a 2 day journey, together with a few of the most iconic websites; The Statue of David, The Pitti Palace, and the Uffizi Gallery, to call a couple of.

In the event you’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’ll be able to see the most effective of this wonderful metropolis.

Is 2 days sufficient for Florence?

Earlier than I get into this 2 day itinerary, you may be 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 can be higher.

The explanation for that is that there are lots of museums and artwork galleries in Florence which are value seeing, and lots of of them take a couple of hours to get round.

The Uffizi Gallery, for instance, is filled with a few of the most famous items of Renaissance work on this planet. It’s a gallery you could possibly spend a full day in, and never see all of it.

In two days, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to these museums and galleries, however your go to will likely be lower quick. You might 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 take advantage of a two-day journey to Florence, this information will take you to the locations in Florence I’d counsel seeing, and in an order that permits you to take advantage of your time.

In the event you 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 a few of the most vibrant neighborhoods to get a really feel for native life in Florence.

If in case you have extra time or plan to come back again, then you’ll be able to discover the identical sights we’ve talked about beneath, however take your tempo extra leisurely so you’ll be able to spend extra time there!

The Greatest Florence Itinerary For two Days

The next itinerary is how I’d counsel 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 based mostly on the place you resolve to remain.

Use it as a information and alter it to fit your wants, timeframe, and finances.

The primary day explores the Oltrarno Neighborhood. This can be a bohemian, quirky neighborhood filled with winding alleyways, quaint little espresso retailers, boutique shops, and bars.

It’s the place you’ll discover lots of Florence’s most iconic sights, corresponding to The Basilica di Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti.

The Oltrarno neighborhood has tradition, enjoyable nature, and spectacular historic monuments. You may learn extra about easy methods to spend a day within the Oltrarno Neighborhood in our full information to the district.

The second day options the most important sights in Florence corresponding to The Duomo and Uffizi Gallery on the opposite aspect of the river, which is probably 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 somewhat extra crowded and bustling than what you’re used to, then you definately may wish to ease your self into the Florentine lifestyle by visiting the enjoyable and historic Boboli Gardens.

Positioned throughout the Arno River, the Giardino di Boboli is a phenomenal, English-style backyard on a hillside that was constructed by the Medici Household (you’ll hear loads 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 enjoyable ambiance and stillness are the proper vibe to start out 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 phenomenal park to go to within the Spring and is filled with colourful flowers and Renaissance structure.

There’s a beautiful terrace bar on the high the place you’ll be able to catch wonderful views of town with a sizzling espresso, or an aperol spritz within the afternoon like we did, They even serve meals right here. It was one among my favourite views in Florence.

Proper close to right here can be the Wisteria tunnel, which is gorgeous to stroll by way of. It’s tremendous well-liked 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 implausible panoramic view over 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 seem 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 better of Florence strolling tour and discovered 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 uninteresting. 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 flooring.

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 previous bridge crossing the Arno River that was constructed throughout Roman occasions.

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 retailers, corresponding to butchers and different tradesmen, nonetheless at the 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, in the event you can’t make it as much as the most effective sundown spot (see beneath)

Cease 5: Tuscan Meals & Wine Tour

Lots of the websites talked about on this itinerary to this point you’ll cross by on a Tuscan Meals and Wine Tour in Oltrarno, however this tour just isn’t all in regards to the websites – it’s in regards to the meals!

You may be pondering that meals in Florence is your typical Italian delicacies of pizzas, pasta, and gelato, and whereas you’ll find this, there are some dishes which are distinctive to this area.

For instance, Florence, and Tuscany basically for that matter, is well-known for its wine and cheeses. Pecorino cheese is a well-known cheese from this area that’s product of ewes milk and is creamy and scrumptious.

One other well-liked dish you must strive is Florentine Steak, which is a staple dish in Florence. On a meals and wine tour, you get to go to the most effective locations within the metropolis to do this dish, in addition to find out about many different essential cuisines in Florence.

Cease 6: Sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo

After your strolling meals tour, you’ll probably 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 many who are unfit.

Those that make an effort although will likely be rewarded with probably the most well-known sweeping views of the entire metropolis which has been replicated a number of occasions in postcards.

In the event you don’t wish to stroll up the hill, one other nice sundown spot is the Ponte Vecchio, which lights up in comfortable hues of gold and orange throughout golden hour.

Day 2

Cease 1: Guided Strolling Tour

If you wish to study extra in regards to 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 town in a “whistle-stop” vogue, however additionally they assist you to skip the road to see a few of 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

In the event you skip the strolling tour talked about earlier, then you must no less than 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’s 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’ll be able to see each muscle, each vein, each curve of the physique – the eye to element is nothing wanting breathtaking. It’s simple to see why it’s one of many world’s most well-known artistic endeavors.

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. And not using 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 generally known as “The Duomo.”

This imposing construction dominates the skyline and would have been arduous to overlook in the event you 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, generally known as Brunelleschi’s Dome, which has been embellished with fresco work and gilded particulars on the within. In the event you choose to climb to the highest of the Duomo you cross a balcony that provides you a more in-depth take a look at the dome.

One of many foremost causes to go to The Duomo is to climb the steps to the highest of the dome to see wonderful metropolis views. Honest warning although, in the event you’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 slightly crowded up there. If climbing the dome is for you, then e-book your tickets prematurely.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to climb The Campanile, in any other case generally known as Giotto’s bell tower, simply throughout the Piazza del Duomo. This requires you to hike up 414 stairs to get an unbelievable view, however you probably have a worry of heights I discovered this viewpoint to be much less scary to stroll up.

Nonetheless, in the event you solely have time to climb one set of stairs, the view from the dome is a lot 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 referred to as the “Gates of Paradise” (they’re reproductions, the originals are within the Duomo Museum).

You may go to the Duomo free of charge, however traces may be lengthy. If you wish to skip these, then buy a skip the road cross. Or arrive early as an alternative and beat the traces that means!

Don’t overlook to cowl your shoulders and knees. In the event you overlook, 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 at the moment who come right here to buy contemporary produce of fish, meat, and greens.

On the highest flooring, there’s a meals court docket the place you’ll 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 wonderful and inexpensive meals.

It’s a fantastic place to seize a freshly made pizza or hearty sandwich. The meals court docket is open from 10:00 am to midnight, so you’ll be able to come again within the night for dinner in the event you’re struggling to resolve which restaurant to eat at.

We loved our lunch right here on the markets, however there wasn’t lots of choices in the event you’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

In the event you’re coming to Florence to expertise its historic artwork scene, you can not skip the Uffizi Gallery. It’s probably the most famend gallery within the metropolis and the place you’ll be able to 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 a very powerful place in Italy for artwork, intently adopted by possibly the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican or The Galleria Borghese in Rome.

As that is probably the most well-known artwork gallery within the metropolis, you need to e-book your entrance cross prematurely to keep away from the queues and be sure to can acquire entry if you wish to, as tickets are sometimes bought out on the day.

The cross permits you to 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 trendy 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 massive and essential it was. I’m completely satisfied to report, it was so value it. For us a fast tour by way of (about an hour) was a lot.

Cease 6: Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is simply outdoors the Uffizi Gallery and is a bustling sq. recognized 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 town and was the place the well-known Bonfire of the Vanities was held.

It’s a fantastic sq. to seize an espresso from one of many surrounding cafes and watch the vacationers click on away at their cameras.

Map of This 2 Day Itinerary for Florence

That can assist 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 duplicate 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 all the pieces is inside strolling distance. Merely placed on a cushty pair of sneakers and stroll in all places!

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 Resort Palazzo dal Borgo on the primary vacationer aspect of Florence which we booked utilizing factors. It had a fantastic location, a separate room for the ladies, a canopied mattress, and included breakfast of their stunning courtyard backyard. See charges and availability. And you’ll see our Reel of it right here.

Though, we didn’t keep there, I’d advocate individuals keep within the Oltrarno neighborhood when visiting Florence as a result of it’s ideally positioned close to the primary sights however with out the noise and chaos of the primary metropolis heart. We beloved it there identical to we did, Trastevere in Rome for comparable causes.

Buddies have stayed on the Resort David in Oltrarno and mentioned it was a completely pretty lodge in a superb location – near the middle however far sufficient so that you just 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.

Greatest Time To Go to Florence

Florence is a metropolis you’ll be able to go to any time of the 12 months since a lot of the sights are indoors, nonetheless, if we needed to decide a season, spring can 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 comfortable due.

The summer season 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 town. The one draw back to winter is that usually it snows, which does add a sure magnificence to town, however makes flying out and in of 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 suggestions for visiting Florence that can assist you maximize your 2-day journey:

• Put on comfortable sneakers. Strolling is the optimum technique to get round Florence so be sure to have a superb 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 may be lengthy! Save your self a while and e-book prematurely.
• Strive the wine! Don’t overlook to cease into one (or a couple of) of the numerous wine retailers (enoteca) to search out out what Tuscany is known for!
• Don’t go too wild on Espresso. The espresso in Italy is loads stronger than what you may be used to again house, so in the event you’re not massive on caffeine then don’t go too wild on this.
• Obtain maps. It’s at all times a good suggestion to obtain an offline map, corresponding to Google Maps or MapsMe in case your information is unreliable. You may obtain our map of this itinerary above.
• E-book small group strolling excursions straight by way of our most popular tour corporations: LivTours, Walks of Italy, and Devour Meals Excursions. All have been examined and accepted by yTravel!