View of the Florence skyline from a high vantage point, showing the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo, with people walking on a terrace in the foreground.

3 Days in Florence: The Perfect First-Timer Itinerary

ByJen Posted on

Planning 3 days in Florence gives you enough time to see the city’s biggest sights, eat VERY well, wander a few of its best neighborhoods, and still leave room for the kind of spontaneous, beautiful moments that make Florence so easy to love.

I’ve been living in Florence for almost a year now, and in that time I’ve visited places like the Statue of David and Piazzale Michelangelo multiple times, taken tours, wandered around on my own, and shown friends around when they come to visit.

I’m definitely not claiming to know the city like someone who was born here, but after nearly a year of exploring, I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for what’s worth prioritizing when your time is limited on vacation.

This 3-day Florence itinerary is intended to be structured, but also flexible.

You’ll see the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and Oltrarno, but you’ll also have time for long lunches, gelato, neighborhood wandering, and maybe even a day trip into Tuscany.

And that flexibility matters, because Florence is not a city I recommend treating like a checklist.

Some days you’ll want to stay in a museum longer than expected, some lunches will turn into a two-hour situation, and sometimes you’ll walk past a side street and decide to follow it simply because it looks interesting.

That’s kind of the point, and that’s also kinda why I love travel so much. You just gotta follow your heart and see where it leads you.

So without further ado, let’s dive in!

⚜️ Florence Quick Tips

Is 3 Days in Florence Enough?

Michelangelo’s marble statue of David on a museum pedestal, surrounded by a crowd of visitors during a 3 days in Florence itinerary.
Giotto’s Campanile in Florence bathed in the warm glow of sunset, a highlight for any 3 days in Florence.

Yes, 3 days in Florence is enough for a first visit, especially if you plan your days by area and book the major sights in advance.

Florence is a small city. That makes it very walkable, if you are a mobile person. You can walk between many of the main attractions, so you’ll spend less time getting from place to place and more time actually seeing the city.

With three days, you can comfortably fit in the Statue of David, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Oltrarno, and a few relaxed, delicious Tuscan meals along the way.

You could also spend your third day exploring more of Florence or take a day trip somewhere in Tuscany.

If you love museums, churches, and slower sightseeing, I’d keep all three days in Florence.

If you’re more interested in food, countryside, and seeing more of Tuscany, Day 3 is a great time to get out of the city.

The biggest thing is not trying to do everything all in one day. In fact, if you have time, I would say try to make your visit longer and go slower.

Florence is much better when you leave a little breathing room between activities instead of turning your vacation into a non-stop marathon.

Day 1: David, Historic Florence, and the Duomo

Your first day covers some of Florence’s biggest sights, but most of them are close enough together that you can still take your time. The main thing I’d plan around is your reservation to see Michelangelo’s David.

See The Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery

Michelangelo’s statue of David stands in a gallery under a domed ceiling, a must-see highlight for any 3 days in Florence itinerary as visitors gather to admire the masterpiece.
A side view of Michelangelo’s marble statue of David, a highlight for any 3 days in Florence.

If you can get an 8:15 a.m. reservation, take it. I’ve visited David multiple times, and it’s much nicer earlier in the morning when there are fewer people around.

There’s something much more serene about standing in front of David when the gallery isn’t completely packed. You can actually stop, look at the sculpture from different angles, and appreciate just how enormous it is without constantly trying to peek around someone’s shoulder.

You don’t need to spend half the day at the Accademia either. Give yourself enough time to see David and explore the galleries that interest you, then head back out into the city.

The Accademia isn’t big; most people come to see the David and then leave. Your whole visit here might take an hour max.

💡 Have extra time? You could stop at the Medici Chapels while you’re in this part of Florence. I wouldn’t squeeze them in if you already feel rushed, but they’re an easy addition if your morning is moving faster than expected.

I’ve seen David multiple times, and visiting early makes such a difference. Get your Accademia Gallery ticket in advance so you can spend more time appreciating the sculpture and less time dealing with crowds. ✨

Walk to Piazza della Repubblica

An ornate, illuminated carousel decorated with garlands and a Christmas tree in a city square, with a man standing nearby with a stroller during 3 days in Florence.
A heart-shaped pastry tart on a plate next to coffee and water, perfect for your 3 days in Florence.
Caffe Gili

From the Accademia, start making your way toward Piazza della Repubblica. This is a good stretch of the day to wander a little instead of marching directly from point A to point B.

Piazza della Repubblica is one of those places you’ll probably pass more than once during three days in Florence. Stop for a few minutes, watch the carousel, and take in the ridiculously pretty buildings surrounding the square.

If you’re hungry and in need of a caffeine buzz, check out Caffé Gili. It’s the city’s oldest historic café, featuring a cool Art Nouveau design and Murano chandeliers. Yes, it’s a bit overpriced, but it’s still fun, and the coffee and desserts are really good.

If you go here, be sure to try the schiacciata alla Fiorentina, a fluffy, sweet cake typically served around carnivale in the spring.

You’ll also likely pass by the leather market while walking this part of Florence. The city is known for its leather, and it’s one souvenir I recommend bringing home.

💡But heads up: I don’t recommend buying leather from the outdoor market stalls.

Instead, I prefer going inside established shops, where I’ve generally found to be much better quality. Here are a few reputable favorites that either me and/or friends have shopped at:

Have Lunch Before the Rush

A pepperoni pizza and a sausage and mushroom pizza on a table with drinks and a table number sign, perfect for a 3 days in Florence itinerary.
The delicious pizza I ate at L’Antica Pizzeria (il diavalo)
Pepperoni pizza with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce, perfect for a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

Around 1 p.m. is a popular time for lunch in Italy, so I like going a little earlier when possible. It’s an easy way to beat some of the crowds, especially when you’re eating somewhere popular.

If you want something quick and flexible, head to Mercato Centrale. There are plenty of options, which is especially useful if you’re traveling with someone who wants something completely different from you at every meal.

If you’d rather sit down and slow things down, try L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Firenze for Neapolitan pizza. The original location in Naples became especially famous after appearing in Eat Pray Love, and this is an easy way to work a proper pizza lunch into your Florence itinerary.

I ate here recently and can attest to how good the pizza is. But watch out, they come out BIG! In Italy, I usually order one pizza per person. But actually, here, the pizza is so big that you could potentially split it among two people.

And yes, taking your time over lunch is allowed. You’re in Italy — go slow and enjoy it. Nobody gets a medal for being the first person back inside a museum!

See Piazza della Signoria and the Loggia dei Lanzi

People sit on the steps of the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, a highlight for any 3 days in Florence, beneath large stone arches and classical marble statues.
A young woman posing with one leg raised in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, a must-see stop on any 3 days in Florence itinerary.

After lunch, head toward Piazza della Signoria, one of my favorite places to bring visitors because there’s so much to look at without even stepping inside a museum.

You’ll see Palazzo Vecchio, the replica of Michelangelo’s David, and the Loggia dei Lanzi, which is essentially an open-air sculpture gallery.

Give yourself some time here. There’s even a wine window attached to one of the restaurants next to the Loggia if you fancy a glass of vino while you admire the outdoor sculpture.

You’re really walking among the art here, and that’s why it’s still one of my favorite piazzas in the city.

Visit the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower

A smiling woman stands in front of the ornate facade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a highlight for any 3 days in Florence.
The Florence Cathedral with its dome and a campanile encased in scaffolding, a must-see during your 3 days in Florence.

From Piazza della Signoria, continue to Piazza del Duomo to see the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

You don’t need to climb everything. In fact, unless climbing hundreds of stairs is your preferred vacation activity, I’d choose the experience that interests you most and leave yourself some energy for the rest of Florence.

If you want a classic view from above, Giotto’s Bell Tower is one option. You’ll get incredible views over Florence – including a view of the dome itself.

Even if you don’t climb anything, spend some time walking around the cathedral complex. The scale and details are hard to appreciate until you’re standing right underneath it.

🔑 Want to see Florence’s Duomo without the usual crowds? Book this VIP after-hours tour to climb the dome, enjoy exclusive terrace access, and experience the cathedral once the daytime visitors have left.

Alternatively, Watch Sunset From Piazzale Michelangelo

Aerial view of the Florence Cathedral with its large red-tiled dome rising above the city skyline, a highlight of any 3 days in Florence itinerary.
The view from Piazzale Michelangelo

If you don’t do the after-hours Duomo tour, head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.

I’ve been up here multiple times, and I still think it’s one of the best views in Florence. You can see the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Arno, and much of the historic center spread out in front of you.

It gets crowded around sunset, but I don’t think that means you should skip it. Just give yourself enough time to get there before the sun starts going down instead of arriving at the exact moment everyone else has had the same idea.

And if Day 1 gets away from you? Don’t worry. You’ll have another chance to visit Piazzale Michelangelo on Day 2. This itinerary is meant to bend a little.

Day 2: Santa Croce, the Uffizi, and Oltrarno

Day 2 is a little more relaxed and gives you more time to actually experience the neighborhoods around the sights. You’ll still hit some major landmarks, but the pace should feel less like you’re checking boxes.

Start at Santa Croce

A young woman poses in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, surrounded by market stalls during a 3 days in florence itinerary.

Begin the morning in Piazza Santa Croce. Even if you don’t go inside the basilica, the piazza itself is worth seeing, and there are often art and craft markets here on the weekends.

If you’re interested in art, history, or churches, you can absolutely add a visit inside the Basilica of Santa Croce. Just keep an eye on the time so your morning doesn’t get too crowded.

For breakfast, stop at Finisterrae nearby. It’s a nice place to get a coffee and a cornetto before heading toward the Uffizi.

And at some point while you’re in this area, get some gelato at La Carraia in Santa Croce.

Yes, even if it’s early. I’m not here to enforce dessert rules! 😋

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

The Tribuna room at the Uffizi Gallery, a highlight for any 3 days in Florence, features Renaissance paintings on red walls, classical statues, and a central octagonal table under a domed ceiling.
A crowded corridor in the Uffizi Gallery, a highlight of any 3 days in Florence, with vaulted ceilings decorated with frescoes and rows of classical marble statues along the walls.

Next, head to the Uffizi Gallery.

This is one of the places I’d absolutely book in advance. The collection is huge, and you could easily spend half a day here if you tried to see every room.

You don’t need to do that.

Focus on the works and artists you’re most interested in, then move on before museum fatigue turns every Renaissance painting into “another guy holding a baby.”

If you’d rather not wander around the Uffizi wondering which paintings you’re supposed to be looking at, a guided tour is a great option. This 1.5-hour small-group tour covers the highlights and gives you the stories behind the artwork without spending your entire afternoon in a museum. 🎨

Walk Across Ponte Vecchio

The multi-story buildings of the Ponte Vecchio bridge spanning the Arno River, a highlight to see during 3 days in Florence.

After the Uffizi, walk toward Ponte Vecchio.

The bridge is famous for its jewelry shops, but I think part of the fun is just crossing the Arno and watching the city change as you head into Oltrarno.

Also, if you want a photo of Ponte Vecchio itself, take it from one of the nearby bridges. The view is much better when you’re not standing directly on top of the thing you’re trying to photograph.

Have Lunch in Santo Spirito

A plate of pappardelle with meat sauce garnished with rosemary, served with wine, bread, and silverware on a wooden table, perfect for your 3 days in Florence.
Pasta made by hand at Tamerò

Then, once you’re in Oltrarno, head toward Santo Spirito for lunch.

You have a few good options depending on what you’re in the mood for.

  • Gusta Panino for a quick and casual sandwich
  • Gusta Pizza for pizza
  • Tamerò if you want a sit-down meal for homemade pasta (and delicious tiramisu)

After lunch, wander through Piazza Santo Spirito and the surrounding streets. This is one of those parts of Florence where I’d suggest giving yourself extra time rather than rushing through things.

Visit Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

A cluster of yellow lemons growing on a tree branch with green leaves, reminiscent of the vibrant scenery found during 3 days in Florence.
Lily pads floating on a pond surface with algae, a peaceful sight to include in a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

From Santo Spirito, head to Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.

You can do both, but you don’t have to. If you’re already feeling tired, choose the one that interests you more and save the rest for another trip.

Pitti Palace is the better option if you want interiors, art, and history. Boboli Gardens is better if the weather is nice and you love nature, flowers, and great views.

The gardens are beautiful, but there are quite a lot of steep hills, so wear good shoes and plan accordingly.

Take an Oltrarno Food Tour

One of my favorite ways to spend the evening is with an Oltrarno and Food & Wine Tour.

This is especially fun if you want more context around what you’ve been eating instead of just collecting restaurant names. A good food tour gives you a better understanding of Tuscan ingredients, local specialties and the stories behind the food.

I loved the food tour I took with Devour because we actually went to places that are off the typical tourist trail. Authentic, local spots where you know that actual Italians go to because the drinks and food are so good.

It also works really well after a sightseeing-heavy day because you’re still exploring, just with more snacks involved.

If you’d rather spend your evening eating your way through Florence than researching where to have dinner, this Oltrarno sunset food tour is a great option. You’ll discover local specialties and get to explore one of Florence’s most charming neighborhoods along the way. 🍝

If You Missed Piazzale Michelangelo on Day One

A bronze sculpture of David seen from behind atop a stone pedestal, a highlight to include in a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

If you didn’t make it to Piazzale Michelangelo yesterday, tonight is your second chance.

You can head up around sunset and take in the view over Florence. If you’re doing the food tour, this may depend on timing and the season, so don’t force it if the schedule feels too tight.

Again, this itinerary is meant to be flexible. You don’t need to do everything and go everywhere to have a beautiful visit to Florence.

I actually missed the statue of David on my first visit because we didn’t reserve tickets in advance! Woops.

Day 3: Stay in Florence or Explore Tuscany

A hilly, forested landscape in autumn under a blue sky, perfect for a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

By Day 3, you’ve seen the top attractions in Florence. So for today, you have some flexibility.

You can stay in the city and explore at a slower pace, or use the day to get out into Tuscany. I don’t think there’s one “right” choice here — it really depends on whether you want more museums and neighborhoods, or a completely different experience outside Florence.

If you’re leaning toward exploring Tuscany, renting a car gives you the freedom to visit charming hilltop towns and stop whenever somewhere catches your eye. Compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars to find an option that suits your plans and budget. 🚗

Option 1: Spend Another Day Exploring Florence

Interior of a large Gothic church with rows of wooden pews, high arched ceilings, and a central crucifix, often visited during 3 days in Florence.
A religious fresco in a wall niche above two parked bicycles on a Via dei Preti street corner, seen during a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

If you’re not ready to leave Florence yet, I get it.

There’s plenty more to see, and having an extra day means you can slow down a bit instead of squeezing everything into the first two days.

You could visit Museo Galileo if you’re interested in science and history, or spend more time going inside churches you may have only passed earlier in the trip.

Santa Maria Novella is especially beautiful and worth going inside if you have the time.

You could also wander through San Niccolò, which has a different feel from the busiest parts of the historic center. This is a good option if you’re more interested in wandering, cafés, and neighborhood atmosphere than another museum day.

Another easy idea is a half-day trip to Fiesole. It’s close enough to Florence that you don’t need to commit to a full day away, and it offers a change of scenery and great views back toward the city.

This option works especially well if the first two days felt busy and you’re ready to slow down.

Option 2: Take a Day Trip to Siena, Chianti, and San Gimignano

Clusters of dark purple grapes hanging from a grapevine with green leaves, evocative of a 3 days in Florence itinerary.
A hand holding a glass of red wine at an outdoor table with food, captured during a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

If this is your first time in Tuscany and you want to see some of the places you’ve probably pictured before you even booked the trip, consider a day trip to Siena, Chianti, and San Gimignano.

Each stop gives you something a little different.

Siena has one of Tuscany’s most famous historic centers, Chianti gives you the countryside and wine experience, and San Gimignano is known for its medieval towers and hilltop setting.

Trying to see all three independently in one day is a bit complicated if you’re renting a car and driving it on your own. You could do that, but an organized tour can make navigating between cities much easier.

Just know that it’ll be a full day. If your dream Tuscany experience involves sitting somewhere with a glass of wine and ignoring the clock, a slower day trip may suit you better.

If you want to see Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti countryside without figuring out how to get between them, this small-group Tuscany day trip is a great option. Transportation, a farmhouse lunch, and a Chianti wine tasting are all taken care of, so you can just enjoy the day. 🍷

Option 3: Take a Day Trip to Pisa

A woman smiling with her arms raised in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa during a 3 days in Florence itinerary.
A person holds a sandwich in the foreground with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the background, a highlight during 3 days in Florence.

And then there’s Pisa!

If seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa has always been on your Italy list, Day 3 is a good opportunity to do it.

You’ll want to head straight to Piazza dei Miracoli, where you’ll find the Leaning Tower, cathedral, and baptistery.

If you want to climb the tower, I suggest reserving a timed ticket in advance. Don’t leave it to chance by showing up and trying to go when you get there.

A visit to Pisa doesn’t take up the whole day, which makes this a good option if you want to see the tower but also still see some more of Florence.

I’d recommend Pisa if the Leaning Tower is genuinely something you’re excited to see and get photos with. It’s honestly pretty much a photo opp.

I was excited the first time and even the second time I went, but then that excitement started to fade a bit on repeat visits.

If you’re mostly considering it because you feel like you’re supposed to go, I’d probably spend the day in Florence or choose a Tuscany experience that interests you more.

Where to Stay in Florence for 3 Days

A hostel dorm room for your 3 days in Florence, featuring wooden bunk beds, a central window with bar seating, and privacy curtains.

Florence has accommodations at pretty much every price point, so where you stay mostly comes down to how much you want to spend and what kind of experience you want.

For a three-day trip, I’d prioritize a place that makes it relatively easy to get into the historic center. You’re already going to be doing plenty of walking – there’s no need to add an extra 10,000 steps to the Duomo every morning!

Luxury: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection

If you want to make the hotel part of the trip, my luxury pick is Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection.

It sits above central Florence with views toward the city and the surrounding Tuscan hills, so it feels more like a retreat than a typical city hotel. The property also has gardens, restaurants and a spa, making this a good choice if you want somewhere you’ll actually enjoy coming back to after a full day of sightseeing.

The trade-off is that you’re not stepping directly out of the hotel and into Piazza del Duomo. I’d choose this one if luxury, views, and having some breathing room away from the busiest streets matter more to you than being right in the middle of everything.

Check Prices and Availability →

Mid-Range – The Hoxton, Florence

For a stylish mid-range option, I like The Hoxton, Florence.

It’s a good fit if you like design-forward hotels and want somewhere that feels fun to come back to at the end of the day. It’s outside the most crowded part of Florence, but the historic center is still accessible on foot or by public transportation.

I’d especially consider The Hoxton if you want a hotel that feels like more than just a place to sleep without jumping all the way into luxury-hotel pricing.

Check Prices and Availability →

Budget Stays – Ostello Tasso or aparto Florence Manifattura

Wooden bunk beds with blue railings, blue curtains, and white bedding labeled A and C, ideal for a 3 days in Florence itinerary.
aparto Florence Manifattura

If you’re trying to keep accommodation costs down, I’d look at either Ostello Tasso or aparto Florence Manifattura.

Ostello Tasso is the one I’d choose if you want a more local, quiet feel that’s still walkable to the center. I know this neighborhood well, and I love that it feels more residential and removed from the busiest tourist streets.

aparto Florence Manifattura is a better fit if you want something newer and more modern. I actually stayed here for a night before I found my apartment, back when I was still deciding whether I wanted to live in Florence or Bologna.

It had just opened at the time, and somehow nobody else had booked my hostel room, so I had the entire room to myself. Very much not the typical hostel experience, but I was not complaining.

aparto is located in the newer Manifattura Tabacchi development, a bit farther out toward the edge of the city. You’re not right in the historic center, but you can take the tram in, so it still works well if you don’t mind using public transportation.

If you want local and walkable, I’d lean toward Ostello Tasso. If you want modern and affordable, aparto is a solid option.

Book Ostello Tasso →
Book aparto Florence Manifattura →

How to Get Around Florence

A woman stands on a gravel path lined with cypress trees leading to a building, a serene scene captured during a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

Florence is a beautiful city for walking. Most of the time, I spend my days walking instead of taking public transit, unless the weather is sweltering. Most things I’ve included in this itinerary are close enough together so that you get from one stop to the next without needing to take transit.

That said, you’ll still want comfortable shoes. The historic center is full of cobblestone streets, and it can be a bit tough on your joints.

You can use the bus and the tram, especially if you’re staying a little farther from the center or heading somewhere like Fiesole. Download the official app for Autolinee Toscane.

Taxis are also useful when you’re tired, carrying luggage, or simply done with walking for the day. But taxis are pretty expensive in Florence. Use the app Taxi Move.

For Piazzale Michelangelo, you can walk up from San Niccolo if you’re feeling energetic, but there’s no shame in taking the bus up, either.

The nice thing about Florence is that you really don’t need a car for this itinerary.

In fact, for a short stay, a car is most likely going to be extremely inconveient, trust me! I did it once, and drove into the ZTL zone one too many times. We ended up with two tickets over 90 euro each

What You Need to Book in Advance

Florence is much easier when you lock in the big-ticket sights ahead of time. You don’t need every hour planned, but a few reservations can save you from wasting time in lines or finding out the thing you wanted to do is sold out (like I did with the Statue of David)!

Here’s what I’d book in advance:

If you’re visiting in spring, fall, or around an American holiday weekend (Memorial Day/Labor Day), I’d book the major museums and tours as early as you can. Florence gets busy, and the most popular time slots tend to disappear first.

The good news is that this itinerary is flexible. If the only David ticket you can get is later in the day, or your food tour only has availability on a different evening, just rearrange the order.

I’d rather move things around than skip something you were really excited about because the “perfect” time wasn’t available.

Tips for Spending 3 Days in Florence

Bar area of a restaurant seen during a 3 days in Florence itinerary, featuring a chalkboard menu, a glass drink cooler, and rows of wine bottles on shelves and the counter.

A little planning goes a long way in Florence, but I wouldn’t schedule every minute of your trip.

  • Start earlier than you think you need to. Popular sights get busy fast, and the city feels completely different first thing in the morning.
  • Don’t overbook museums. The Accademia and Uffizi are both worth seeing, but stacking too many museums back to back is a quick way to burn out.
  • Always make dinner reservations in advance. Florence, and Italy in general, is a place where it’s common to book reservations ahead of time, instead of walking up.
  • Eat lunch a little early when you can. Around 1 p.m. is a common lunch time, so going before then can help you beat some of the crowds.
  • Group things by area. Florence is very walkable, and this itinerary is designed to keep you from zigzagging across the city all day.
  • Leave time to wander. Some of my favorite moments here have come from walking without much of a plan and finding a street, shop, or piazza I hadn’t noticed before.
  • Don’t feel like you need to climb both the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Pick the experience that sounds better to you and save your legs!
  • Be selective about leather shopping. I’d skip the outdoor stalls and shop inside established stores instead.
  • Make room for gelato. This one is obviously very important! 😋
  • Let the itinerary bend. If lunch runs long, the weather changes or you decide you’d rather sit in a piazza than see one more church, that’s fine.

Florence is better when you give yourself a little breathing room. You’re here to experience the city, not run through it!

FAQs

How many days do you really need in Florence?

For a first trip, I think three days is a great amount of time. It gives you enough room to see the major sights, explore a few neighborhoods, and still have time for long meals and wandering. Two days can work if you move quickly, but four or five days is better if you want more museums, churches, food experiences or day trips without feeling rushed.

Is Florence walkable?

Very! Most of the main sights in this itinerary are within walking distance of each other, which is one of the reasons Florence works so well for a short trip. You’ll still want comfortable shoes, though. The city is compact, but the stone streets and long sightseeing days add up.

Is Florence safe for solo female travelers?

Florence generally feels very manageable for solo travelers, and I’ve spent plenty of time walking around the city on my own because I live here. Like anywhere, I’d still pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and around major transportation hubs. Keep an eye on your belongings, trust your instincts, and avoid making yourself an easy target for pickpocketers.

What’s the best time of year to visit Florence?

Spring and fall are great if you want milder weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Summer is beautiful, but it is often VERY hot and humid. Winter is quieter and can be a great time to visit if museums, food and city exploring matter more to you than perfect weather.

Let Florence Surprise You

A woman in a dark dress holds a wine glass in a crowded cobblestone street outside a bar at night, a quintessential stop on a 3 days in Florence itinerary.

After living in Florence for almost a year, I’ve learned that the city is at its best when you don’t try to squeeze every last thing into one trip.

This itinerary gives you a strong mix of the major sights, good food, neighborhood time, and room to slow down. You can see the David, the Duomo, the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio without making the entire trip feel like a checklist.

And if your plans shift, that’s fine. Maybe lunch runs long, maybe you fall in love with Oltrarno, or maybe you decide you’d rather spend your last day truffle hunting than brwosing another museum.

That’s exactly why I built this as a flexible itinerary.

Use it as a framework, move things around when you need to and leave a little space for the parts of Florence you didn’t plan for. Those are usually the moments you remember most 💛

Read More About Planning a Trip to Italy

Planning a trip right now? Here are a few top resources I use on every trip:

🏨 Booking.com for great deals on hotels.

🎟️ GetYourGuide for incredible tours around the world.

🌍 Faye for travel insurance with great customer support.

📞 eSIM for staying connected in the air, on a cruise ship, or exploring on foot.

🗣️ Babbel for brushing up on my language skills.

Jen is a travel creator, writer, and freelance business owner living in Florence, Italy. After more than a decade of working remotely, she now shares how to build flexible income, travel more intentionally, and create a life with more freedom.

She’s hiked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, moved from the U.S. to Italy, and built a life around slower, more meaningful travel, language learning, and cultural immersion. Through Jen on the Run, she shares honest stories, practical travel advice, everyday life in Italy and inspiration for women who want to see more of the world... without waiting for the “perfect” time to do it.