Florence in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Florence has many palaces to see, museums to visit, churches to enter and places to discover. If you go for two days it will be an express and very tight trip, but you will be able to get in the essential and visit the most beautiful corners of the city. Here is a suggested itinerary for each of the days. Will you join me?

And if you want to complement these plans with other suggestions, read the post What to see and do in Florence.

On the first day of your trip I recommend that you see the area around Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's Dome, the Baptistery... Continue through the area of San Lorenzo and Santissima Annunziata. And, of course, enter the Galleria dell'Accademia and Santa Croce. Also, take advantage of the lunch hour to enjoy a pizza taglio and the afternoon snack to try a delicious gelato.

Start your morning at Piazza del Duomo

If you're staying in Florence for two days, I recommend you start your tour first thing in the morning in Piazza del Duomo. It is an essential visit and, at the same time, it is the area where most tourists are concentrated. For this reason, it is advisable to make it the first stop on your itinerary. Qualified as an open-air museum, in Piazza del Duomo you can visit the Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Campanile, the Battistero di San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the Loggia del Bigallo. So, be prepared to spend a large part of the morning because there is a wide range of things to do in Piazza del Duomo.

Pay a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

After spending a few minutes enjoying the beauty of the Piazza del Duomo, don't hesitate to enter the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Designed by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio in the early 15th century, its white and green marble façade is truly dazzling. As soon as you enter you will see the tomb of Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of the dome.

The Duomo holds the title of being the third largest cathedral in Europe after St. Peter's (Rome) and St. Paul's (London). Don't hesitate to buy your tickets to Florence's Duomo in advance to avoid wasting unnecessary time queuing. I remind you that you have a lot to see in the Florence Cathedral and every minute is gold.

Be dazzled by the Brunelleschi Dome

Another must on your visit to the Duomo is to climb Brunelleschi's Dome, one of the most impressive works of the Italian Renaissance. Measuring 46 metres in diameter and 114 metres high, the dome of the Duomo was an engineering challenge. Its interior decoration is the work of Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari and depicts a series of scenes from the Last Judgement. On the way up, don't hesitate to take a look at the church's pavement, it will surprise you. The 463 steps have a slightly narrow last stretch, because the climb takes place between the two domes, the inner and the outer one, but it is worth it, as it is one of the best viewpoints in Florence.

Contemplate the doors of the Baptistery.

The Battistero di San Giovanni is the oldest building in Piazza del Duomo. Designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, it is characterised by its octagonal plan. It is located in front of the Duomo of Florence and is the place where baptisms were traditionally celebrated. Like Santa Maria del Fiore, its façade is decorated with white and green marble.

Its three doors stand out:

• The south door: by Andrea Pisano, it depicts various scenes from the life of Saint John the Baptist, the four theological virtues and the four cardinal virtues.
• The north door: By Lorenzo Ghiberti, it is decorated with scenes from the life of Jesus and the four evangelists.
• The Gate of Paradise: This is the most popular of all and has 10 bronze panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament. I recommend that you go through each of the scenes and have your picture taken in front of it. It is a true marvel.

The entrance fee is €5 for adults and €3 for children aged 7-14.

Take a selfie by Giotto's Campanile

In the Duomo, in addition to climbing Brunelleschi's Dome, you have the possibility to climb Giotto's Campanile. This work dates back to 1359 and was begun by Giotto and finished by Andrea Pisano.

In principle, I do not recommend climbing the Campanile, especially if you are only in Florence for two days, as you will have to climb more than 400 steps and you will have a similar view to the dome.

Stroll around Piazza della Repubblica

On your trip to Florence you can't miss Piazza della Repubblica, which is imposing for its size. It has been a focal point of the city since Roman times. Nowadays, it is a very top area with elegant cafés and shops selling top brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.

Immerse yourself in the surroundings of Santa Maria Novella

A must on your trip to Florence is to visit the area around the Piazza Santa Maria Nouvella, where the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, with its Gothic and Renaissance features, is located. Also, don't miss the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, on Via della Scala, which sells remedies and perfumes made with traditional formulas. A journey back in time.

Visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo

And after seeing the Duomo, don't hesitate to head to what was the first cathedral of the city of Florence for three centuries, the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The current temple was built on top of the original in the mid-15th century and was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Its large stone façade stands out, as well as the Medici Chapel, where the remains of some of the prominent members of the family lie. Visiting hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is around €7.

Shop at the San Lorenzo Market

The San Lorenzo Market is one of the most popular markets in the city of Florence. In addition to the indoor food stalls, hundreds of outdoor stalls line the surrounding streets selling everything from clothes, leather goods, handicrafts... It's a busy area and it's a wonderful place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere and bustle of this place where tourists and locals mingle.

Visit the area around Santissima Annunziata

Piazza Santissima Annunziata is a beautiful arcaded square where, in addition to the church of the same name, you will also find the National Archaeological Museum and the Hospital of the Innocents. There is a statue of Ferdinand I in the centre of the square.

On your two-day visit, do not hesitate to enter the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata. It is free of charge and is one of the most beautiful in the city of Florence. Its interior, in baroque style, stands out for its golden tones and the mark of artists such as Andrea del Sarto, Michelozzo, Andrea del Castagno and Leon Battista Alberti. Opening hours are from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.

And after the visit to Santissima Annunziata, and before starting your next plan for the day, the visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia, I recommend a quick stop for lunch. You can opt for a pizza taglio at one of the various pizzerias in the centre.

Contemplate Michelangelo's David in the Galleria dell'Accademia

Along with the Uffizi, the Galleria dell'Accademia is the Florentine museum that attracts most tourists. It houses Michelangelo's quintessential work, the 'David', as well as other sculptures by the artist such as 'San Matteo' and the 'Paletina'. The Academy also houses works by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Andrea Orcagna and Fra Filippo Lippi, as well as an exhibition of musical instruments from different periods. Admission to the Accademia Gallery costs from €12 for adults and €2 for young people aged 18 to 25. Regarding opening hours, the Accademia Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6:45 pm.

Let yourself be dazzled by the largest Franciscan church in the world, Santa Croce.

And after the Accademia Gallery, don't hesitate to end your first day's itinerary with a visit to the Church of Santa Croce. A temple that stands out for its size, being the largest in Florence after the Cathedral, with a length of 115 metres and a width of 38 metres. Its paintings, sculptures and frescoes of great artistic value stand out, including works by Brunelleschi, Donatello and Giotto. The pantheon is very popular, with almost 300 tombs of personalities such as Machiavelli, Galileo Galiei, Michelangelo and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

The opening hours of Santa Croce are Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 5.30pm and Sundays and public holidays from 1pm to 5.30pm. The entrance fee is approximately €8.

Taste a delicious ice cream at La Carraia

At the end of your visit to Santa Croce, head to the Gelateria La Carraia, which is located very close to the church, on Via dei Benci, just over five minutes' walk away. Here you can enjoy some of the best gelato in Florence. They have a wide variety of flavours to choose from and the prices are very cheap.

La Carraia is open every day of the week from 11am to midnight and they have another establishment next to the Carraia Bridge, in Piazza Nazario Sauro. My recommendation: go every day you are in Florence.

On the second day you must visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Vecchio Bridge, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. Also, be sure to explore the Boboli Gardens, enjoy the views from Piazzale Michelangelo and discover San Miniato al Monte.

Traveller's tip

If you go to Florence for two days, you'll have to prepare yourself for two intense days. However, they will be unforgettable and you will have the opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Start the morning in the Piazza della Signoria

The second day's itinerary through the city of Florence begins in Piazza della Signoria, which is located between the Arno River and Piazza del Duomo. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the city and I recommend that, as soon as you arrive, you sit next to the Loggia della Signoria, a porticoed gallery, and let your gaze wander over each and every one of the beautiful corners of the square, as well as its sculptures. One of the most characteristic elements of the square is the 16th century Neptune Fountain.

A historical detail: The Plaza de la Señoría was the seat of civil power and the place where public executions took place. In fact, right in front of the Fountain of Neptune there is a plaque commemorating the condemnation of Girolamo Savonarola, who was hanged and burned for heresy.

Pay a visit to the Palazzo Vecchio

The most important building in Piazza della Signoria is the Palazzo Vecchio, designed by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio in the early 14th century. Inside you can find works by various artists such as Domenico Ghirlandaio, Bronzino and Giorgio Vasari. The most popular room in the palace is the Sala dei Cinquecento.

It is open every day of the week from 9 am to 7 pm, except on Thursdays when opening hours are reduced from 9 am to 2 pm.

Tour the Uffizi Gallery

After visiting the Palazzo Vecchio, it's time to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the most visited museum in Florence next to the Galleria dell'Accademia, and a must-see on your trip to Florence. The visit lasts an estimated three to four hours. If you want to speed up the tour, don't hesitate to check out the best works in the Uffizi Gallery before your visit. Botticelli's 'Primavera' and 'The Birth of Venus', Raphael's 'Madonna of the Goldfinch', Michelangelo's 'Tondo Doni', Filippo Lippi's 'Madonna and Child with two Angels', Giotto's 'La Maestà di Ognissanti'... are some of the most renowned paintings in the gallery.

Tickets to the Uffizi Gallery start at €12 and can be purchased in advance. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 6.30pm.

Take a lunch break next to the Mercato Nuovo

Once you have finished your visit to the Uffizi Gallery, don't hesitate to go and touch the nose of the porcellino in the Mercato Nuovo. This way, you will be sure to return to the city of Florence and you will have good luck. And after seeing this symbol of the city, don't hesitate to stroll around the different stalls of the New Market, buy a few snacks and, of course, take a break for lunch in the surrounding area. But make sure you do it quickly, because time is running out and there is still a long way to go.

Stroll over the Ponte Vecchio

The next stop on the tour is the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most beautiful sights in Florence. This stone suspension bridge dates back to the mid-14th century and is the oldest in Europe. It is notable for its houses and hanging shops which are currently occupied by jewellers and goldsmiths, but where butchers used to be concentrated. A curiosity: it survived World War II and it is said that it was because Hitler expressly asked for it to be respected.

Explore the Pitti Palace

Just across the Ponte Vecchio, south of the Arno River, you'll come across the Pitti Palace, which is remarkable for its size and Renaissance style. It houses a series of museums: the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Silver Museum, the Costume Museum and the Porcelain Museum and, throughout history, has been the residence of families such as the Pitti and Medici families who had great influence in the city.

Tickets start at €10 and opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 6.30pm.

Discover the Boboli Gardens

Inside the Pitti Palace you can escape the hustle and bustle of Florence in the Boboli Gardens, a haven of peace where you can lose yourself and discover the various statues, fountains, grottoes and even stop for a snack.

They cover an area of 4.5 square kilometres and are open every day of the week from 8.15 am. Closing times are between 4.30pm and 7pm depending on the time of year you visit and admission costs from €6 for adults.

Enjoy the best views of the city from the Piazzale Michelangelo

Once you've explored the Boboli Gardens, head up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views of Florence south of the River Arno. To get there you can take the bus. The bus lines that go up to the viewpoint are 12 and 13.

Be dazzled by San Miniato al Monte

If you are in Piazzale Michelangelo, don't miss the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, one of my favourite places in Florence. This Romanesque-style church is a true marvel. Besides, if you are lucky enough to visit it during an organ concert, you will live a moment to remember.

If you are only going to spend two days in the city of Florence you will have to stick to a very tight itinerary. The city has a lot to offer.

• It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as you will spend many hours on foot and the days will be intensive.
• It is essential that you take your camera with you to capture the beauty of the city.
• Enjoy a gelato whenever you can and make a ranking of flavours.
• Two days are not enough time to see Florence, so both days will be very intensive. For this reason, I recommend that you don't sit down to eat in a restaurant at lunchtime. Have a quick lunch to avoid wasting time and enjoy a more relaxed dinner.