Florence 3 Day Itinerary: The Perfect First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Planning a trip to Florence? Awesome! You’re in for a treat!

Florence packs centuries of art, culture, and history into streets that are super easy to wander on foot.

The stunning Florence Cathedral at Piazza del Duomo — **Florence Cathedral in the back and the Baptistery in the front right (the white and green marble), located at the Piazza del Duomo**

One of the sights on a Florence 3 day itinerary is The Fountain of Neptune at Piazza della Signoria — The Fountain of Neptune at **Piazza della Signoria**

This Florence 3 day itinerary is built for first-time visitors who want the big sights, plus time to eat well, shop a little, and wander without a schedule.

You will see the Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, Oltrarno, and still have space to breathe.

Most of the route is walkable for anyone with average fitness. Buses and trams help with hills and the airport. Each day has simple morning, afternoon, and evening ideas, plus ticket tips so you can skip long lines and stress.

Related Posts:

Florence Trip Basics: When To Go, How Long, What To Expect

Florence is compact, busy, and full of history. You can walk across the historic center in about 20 minutes, but there is a lot packed into those streets.

Is 3 Days in Florence Enough?

Three days is a sweet spot for many travelers. With a smart plan you can:

Visit the Duomo complex and a dome or tower climb
See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
Walk across Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno
Explore Oltrarno, a market or two, and at least one big viewpoint

No 3 day florence itinerary is complete without Ufizzi Gallery. Nusi standing in the hallway at the amazing Uffizi Gallery in Florence. — **The amazing Ufizzi Gallery**

You will not see every church or museum, and that is fine. This 3 day itinerary focuses on the highlights without a rush.

If you have more time, you could visit the Basilica of Santa Croce. It is often called “the Temple of the Italian Glories” because so many cultural icons are buried or honored here. You’ll find:

Michelangelo’s tomb – Designed by Vasari, beautifully decorated with sculptures.
Galileo Galilei’s tomb – The famous astronomer, honored after his controversial life.
Niccolò Machiavelli – Political philosopher and author of The Prince.
Gioachino Rossini – Composer of The Barber of Seville.
Dante Alighieri memorial – Dante isn’t buried here (he’s in Ravenna), but Florence built him a grand cenotaph out of remorse.

These tombs line the side aisles and are a highlight for many visitors.

The tomb of Michelangelo at Santa Croce — **Tomb of Michelangelo**

Tomb of Niccolò Machiavelli in Florence — Tomb of **Niccolò Machiavelli**

Add a 4th day if you:

Travel with young kids or older relatives
Want long, slow museum visits
Plan more than one day trip into Tuscany

Best Time Of Year To Follow This 3 Day Itinerary

Spring (April to early June) and fall (September to October) bring mild weather, longer days, and busy but not crazy crowds.

Summer is hot and packed. Expect high temperatures, long lines, and higher hotel prices. Book tickets and rooms early if you visit in July or August.

Winter is quieter and cheaper. You will get shorter days and a higher chance of rain, but also fewer crowds.

Simple packing tips:

Wear layers in spring and fall
Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and light clothing in summer
Pack a warm coat, scarf, and small umbrella in winter
Use good walking shoes all year

Advance booking matters more in peak months and on weekends.

Cash, Cards, Reservations, And Safety Basics

Cards are widely accepted, but carry some euros for markets, small cafes, and gelato
Book dinner reservations for popular spots, especially on Friday and Saturday
Keep an eye on your bag in crowds, on buses, and in lines
Tap water is safe to drink, so refill a bottle instead of buying new plastic ones

Florence feels safe for most visitors. Normal city awareness is enough.

Day 1 Florence Itinerary: Duomo, David, And A Classic Sunset View

Day 1 centers around Florence’s historic heart so you feel grounded right away.

Morning: Duomo Complex And Florence’s First Big Wow

Start your morning at the Duomo Complex. It includes:

The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Brunelleschi’s Dome
The Baptistery
Giotto’s Bell Tower
The Opera del Duomo Museum

The iconic Statue of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia — **Michelangelo’s Statue of David is magical**

Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence showcases the Florentine Gothic architecture — **Giotto’s Bell Tower showcases the Florentine Gothic architecture**

You can buy single tickets or passes, such as the Brunelleschi Pass, which cover several parts of the complex over 3 days. The official Florence Duomo tickets site explains current options and prices.

Key tips:

Make reservations in advance for the dome climb to skip the line, especially in spring and summer
Aim for an early morning slot to avoid heat and crowds
Expect lots of steps, narrow stairways, and no elevator, so it may not suit everyone
The cathedral has a dress code: shoulders and knees covered

If you are not up for a climb, consider the museum and Baptistery instead. The museum has many original statues and doors that once stood outside.

Lunch And A First Taste Of Florentine Food

For lunch, stay close to the Duomo and San Lorenzo area. You have a few easy choices:

A simple trattoria for a sit-down plate of pasta or soup
A quick panino from a sandwich shop
Casual stalls in Mercato Centrale upstairs or the outdoor San Lorenzo Market area

Classic dishes to try on day 1:

Ribollita, a thick bread and vegetable soup
Pappa al pomodoro, tomato and bread soup with olive oil
Schiacciata, flat bread often used for sandwiches

Keep lunch light if you plan a dome or tower climb later in the day.

Afternoon: Galleria dell’Accademia And Michelangelo’s David

After lunch, walk to the Galleria dell’Accademia to meet Michelangelo’s David.

You need a timed entry ticket in busy seasons. Prebook a slot online and try to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early. A typical visit takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Focus on:

The David statue at the end of the main hall
The “Prisoners” or “Slaves,” unfinished works that show the figures “struggling” to leave the stone
A few rooms of paintings if you still have energy

If you do not enjoy long museum visits, this is a good one. It is small, easy to handle, and very clear in its highlights. You can also join a short guided tour if you like more context.

Late Afternoon Stroll: San Lorenzo, Shopping, And Gelato

From the Galleria dell’Accademia, wander back toward San Lorenzo and the center.

You can:

Walk through the leather stalls near San Lorenzo Market
Visit the Medici Chapels of the Medici family if time allows
Pick up early souvenirs like belts, wallets, or small art prints

Be careful with very cheap leather. Good pieces usually cost more and feel softer and thicker.

Now is a perfect time for your first gelato. As a rule, avoid huge, neon-colored mountains in open tubs. Look for natural colors and gelato stored in metal bins with lids.

Evening: Rose Garden Walk And Sunset At Piazzale Michelangelo

For your first sunset, head to Piazzale Michelangelo for the postcard view over Florence.

Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views of Florence — **Head to** **Piazzale Michelangelo** **for stunning views of Florence**

You can:

Walk up from the river through the San Niccolò area and the Rose Garden
Or take bus 12 or 13 up the hill, then walk down later

Try to arrive 40 minutes before sunset so you can find a spot and enjoy the change in light.

The square is busy, but the view of the dome and the river is incredible. The Rose Garden offers a quieter pause if you want a break from the crowd.

After sunset, stay on the Oltrarno side for dinner or walk back into the center. Both sides have plenty of trattorias and wine bars.

Day 2 Florence Itinerary: Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, And Hidden Corners

Day 2 brings the big art, river views, and some of Florence’s most famous streets.

The iconic painting - Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli — **The iconic painting – Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery**

Morning: Historic Squares, Palazzo Vecchio, And Outdoor Art

Start near the Duomo and walk down to Piazza della Signoria, one of the key squares in Florence.

Don't miss the Uffizi Gallery in your 3 Days in Florence — **The famous** **Uffizi Gallery Museum** **in Florence**. **One can spend all day here; it’s so huge**. **But 2 or 3 hours will tire you out.**

Florence Gijji in front of Fountain of Neptune — **Gijji in front of the Fountain of Neptune**

In the square you will see:

A copy of Michelangelo’s David
The Neptune fountain
The open-air statues of Loggia dei Lanzi

loggia dei lanzi the open air statues - easy to add to your Florence 3 day itinerary — **Loggia dei lanzi** **– the open-air statues**

Palazzo Vecchio sits on one side of the square. You can:

Visit the courtyard for free
Buy a ticket for the museum
Add a tower climb for more views

Book ahead in peak months if you want the museum and tower, since spots can sell out. If you feel museum fatigue, enjoy the square as an “open-air gallery” and save your energy for the Uffizi.

Afternoon: How To Visit The Uffizi Gallery Without Burning Out

From Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery is only a few minutes away.

You need timed tickets here too, which let you skip the line during busy times. Late morning or early afternoon slots work well. For help with reservations and how far in advance to book, take a look at this guide to making museum reservations in Florence.

Inside the Uffizi Gallery, first-timers usually focus on:

Renaissance art like Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and “Primavera”
Works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo
Rooms with Caravaggio and other later artists

Aim for 2 to 3 hours, but leave earlier if you feel done. You can:

Rent an audio guide
Follow a “highlights” map
Join a small group tour if you want a clear route

The top-floor cafe has windows with river views, which makes a nice break.

Late Afternoon: Stroll Across Ponte Vecchio And Along The Arno

After the Uffizi, walk down to the river and cross the Ponte Vecchio.

The bridge itself has small jewelry shops and feels crowded, but the views up and down the Arno are lovely. You will often see street musicians here too.

For calmer photos, walk a little way along the river on both sides. Just beyond Ponte Vecchio in either direction it gets quieter and more relaxed.

Evening: Dinner, Wine, And Night Views In The Historic Center

For your evening, pick a simple plan:

Aperitivo (a drink with snacks) near the river or in a smaller piazza
Dinner in the center or near Santa Croce

Classic Tuscan dishes to try:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina, thick T-bone steak, often shared
Pappardelle al cinghiale, pasta with wild boar sauce
Crostini, small toasted bread with toppings like chicken liver

Locals eat later than in some countries. A 7:30 or 8:00 pm dinner is normal.

End the night with a slow walk through the lit streets and across a bridge. Many day-trippers have gone, and the city feels softer and calmer.

Day 3 Florence Itinerary: Oltrarno, Gardens, Markets, And Day Trip Options

Day 3 lets you slow down, explore Florence’s local areas, and add a bit of Tuscany if you want.

Morning: Artisan Oltrarno, Santo Spirito, And Local Coffee Spots

Cross the river into the Oltrarno neighborhood and start around Piazza Santo Spirito.

Grab coffee and a pastry at a neighborhood bar. Standing at the counter is cheaper than sitting.

Then wander the side streets. This area has:

Artisan workshops and small studios
Tiny galleries
Quieter streets with more local life

The vibe feels less polished and more lived-in than the area around the Duomo, which balances your trip nicely.

Late Morning To Early Afternoon: Pitti Palace And Boboli Gardens

From Santo Spirito, it is a short walk to Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Pitti Palace holds:

Former royal apartments
Painting galleries
Rotating collections like costumes or silver

Behind the palace, Boboli Gardens offer:

Wide paths and shaded walks
Fountains and sculptures
Great city views from higher points

You can buy combined tickets that cover palace and gardens. Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for the palace and at least 1 hour for the gardens.

If the Uffizi felt too crowded, Boboli is a nice change, with space and fresh air.

Lunch And Food Markets: Eat Like A Local On Day 3

For lunch, stay in the Oltrarno neighborhood or head to a market.

Options include:

Pizza or simple trattorias in side streets
Street food like lampredotto, a traditional tripe sandwich
Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio Market for casual stalls and local dishes

Look for local favorites:

Schiacciata sandwiches
Coccoli, fried dough balls often served with ham and cheese
Plates of local cheeses and cured meats

Market tips:

Go a bit early or later than 1 pm to dodge the biggest rush
Carry some cash, as not all stalls take cards
Keep your bag zipped and in front of you in tight crowds

Afternoon Choice: More Florence Or A Taste Of Tuscany

For your last afternoon, pick one of these options so you stay relaxed.

More art and churches

Go back to a museum or church you rushed earlier. Maybe you return to the Duomo Museum, climb a tower you skipped, or visit Santa Croce or Santa Maria Novella.
Shopping and souvenirs

Spend time in leather shops, paper stores with handmade notebooks, ceramics studios, or food shops. Look for good-quality leather and avoid items that feel stiff or have strong chemical smells.
Day trip
- Take the bus to Fiesole for hill views, Etruscan history, and a quiet feel
- Take the train to Pisa for the Leaning Tower and the Field of Miracles, Siena for its medieval streets, or San Gimignano for its iconic towers
- Book a small group tour in the Chianti wine region for vineyards, tastings, and the Tuscan countryside

Try not to squeeze in more than one of these, or the afternoon will feel rushed.

Last Night In Florence: Sunset, Views, And A Farewell Dinner

On your final night, keep things simple.

You might:

Return to your favorite viewpoint, like Piazzale Michelangelo or Ponte Vecchio
Try a new neighborhood for dinner, such as Santa Croce
Pick up last snacks, such as biscotti, chocolate, or olive oil, to take home

Take a slow walk after dinner and pay attention to the sounds and light. That quiet time will stay in your memory longer than one more rushed museum.

Tickets And Reservations in Advance: How To Avoid Lines And Stress

A bit of planning makes a big difference in Florence, especially in busy months.

Must Book In Advance: Duomo Dome, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, And Popular Tours

Book ahead for:

Duomo dome climb
Uffizi Gallery timed entry
Galleria dell’Accademia timed entry
Some Pitti Palace time slots
Popular guided tours, considering a cooking class

In peak summer, aim to book a few weeks in advance. In spring and fall, a few days ahead is often fine, especially midweek.

Use official websites when you can, or trusted ticket partners linked from them. Kids, students, and some visitors may get discounts, so bring a photo ID.

For another sample trip plan and booking tips, you can also look at this 3 Days in Florence.

Flexible Tickets And City Passes: Are They Worth It For 3 Days in Florence?

City and combo passes might include:

Duomo complex tickets in different bundles
Combined museum entries over several days

They can save money if:

You plan to visit many paid sights in a short time
You like long museum sessions

If you only want the key highlights and short visits, single tickets may work better and feel simpler.

Tips For Lines, Security Checks, And Peak Hours

Reach timed entries 15 to 30 minutes early
Expect bag checks at big museums and the Duomo
Avoid the hottest hours in summer for climbs and long queues
Use early mornings or later afternoons for the busiest sights

Churches may have shorter hours on Sundays and religious holidays, so check times before you go.

Where to Stay in Florence for a 3 Day Trip

Your base can shape how tired or relaxed you feel.

Centro Storico: Best Area For First Time Visitors

The Historic center is ideal for a classic 3 day itinerary.

Pros:

Walk to almost every major sight
Big choice of restaurants, shops, and gelato
Little need for transport

Cons:

Tourist crowds and higher prices
More noise at night, especially on main streets

Great for first-timers, short trips, and anyone who wants to avoid buses.

Santa Croce: Local Feel And Great Food Close To The Action

Santa Croce sits just east of the center.

Easy walk to the Duomo and Uffizi
Plenty of trattorias, bars, and small shops
Mix of locals and visitors

Some streets get noisy at night, so look for rooms on smaller side streets if that bothers you. This area suits social travelers who like evening life.

Oltrarno: Artisan Streets, Views, And A More Relaxed Vibe

Across the river in the Oltrarno neighborhood (including Santo Spirito and San Frediano) feels a bit more low-key.

Close to Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and the walk to Piazzale Michelangelo
Strong food scene with many local spots
Good for couples and repeat visitors

You will walk more to reach the Duomo and Uffizi, or use short bus or taxi rides.

San Lorenzo And Santa Maria Novella: Handy For Trains And Markets

These areas sit near the markets and main station.

San Lorenzo:

Close to Mercato Centrale and the leather market
Easy walk to the Duomo
Mix of budget and mid-range hotels

Santa Maria Novella:

Very close to trains and the airport tram
Wide range of hotels and guesthouses
Handy if you have early or late trains

Both work well for budget travelers and anyone planning day trips by train.

Getting Around Florence: Walk, Tram, Bus, Taxi, Or Tour?

Most of this Florence itinerary is on foot, with a few helpful rides.

Walking: The Easiest Way To Follow This Itinerary

The historic center is compact.

Rough walking times:

Duomo to Uffizi: about 8 to 10 minutes
Uffizi to Ponte Vecchio: about 5 minutes
Duomo to Accademia: about 10 minutes

Wear good shoes and watch for uneven stone streets. If you travel with kids or older relatives, add extra time and more breaks.

Using Trams And Buses In Florence

You probably only need a few lines:

T2 tram, from the airport to Santa Maria Novella station
Buses 12 and 13, for Piazzale Michelangelo
Bus 7, to reach Fiesole

Bus and tram tickets are shared. You can buy them at tabacchi shops, some newsstands, machines, and sometimes by app. Tickets usually last a set time, like 90 minutes.

Always validate your ticket when you get on. Inspectors do check, and fines are high.

Taxis, Rides, And Car Rentals In The City

Cars are not helpful in central Florence, because of the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and narrow streets. Driving into the wrong area can lead to fines.

Use taxis for:

Very early or late rides
Heavy luggage
Trips that do not work well by bus or tram

You do not need a car for this Florence 3-day itinerary. If you rent one for the countryside, pick it up after your city stay or from a location outside the center.

Food, Coffee, Gelato, And Shopping Tips For Your 3 Days In Florence

Think of this as advice from a friend who has already made a few mistakes for you.

How To Eat Well Without Blowing Your Budget

Simple ways to save money and still eat well:

Mix sit-down meals with market lunches and street food
Look for places with local customers, not just tourists
Be careful with restaurants that have pushy staff right on the busiest squares
Check prices before you sit down

Daily rhythm:

Light breakfast at a bar, usually coffee and a pastry
Bigger lunch and dinner
Gelato or snacks in the afternoon or evening

House wine in carafes is often good and cheaper than bottles.

Must Try Florentine Foods And Drinks on Your 3 Day Itinerary in Florence

Bistecca alla Fiorentina - it's a huge steak often shared. — **Bistecca alla Fiorentina** **T-Bone steak**. **It’s huge.** **There’s no way I could finish the whole thing. So we shared**

Here are some things to look for on menus:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: large T-bone steak, cooked rare, often shared
Ribollita: thick bread and vegetable soup
Pappa al pomodoro: tomato and bread soup with olive oil
Lampredotto: slow-cooked tripe sandwich, sold at street stalls
Pappardelle al cinghiale: wide pasta with wild boar sauce
Coccoli: small fried dough balls, often with prosciutto and cheese
Schiacciata: flat bread, great in sandwiches
Cantucci with Vin Santo: almond cookies dipped in sweet dessert wine

Chianti wine comes from the nearby hills, and many places serve local options by the glass.

For more ideas on how to mix food, wine, and sightseeing, check out this full 3 days food-focused guide.

Finding Good Gelato And Coffee

Good gelato should:

Have natural colors, not bright neon shades
Sit at or below the tub edge, not in huge piles
Often be stored in metal bins with lids

For coffee in a bar:

Order espresso, macchiato, or cappuccino in the morning
Pay at the till first, then give the receipt to the barista if asked
Stand at the counter if you want the cheaper “al banco” price

Cappuccino after late morning is not common for locals, but nobody will yell at you if you really want one.

Best Things To Buy: Leather, Crafts, And Edible Souvenirs

Great buys in Florence include:

Leather bags, belts, and jackets
Handmade notebooks and marbled paper
Jewelry, especially around Ponte Vecchio
Painted ceramics and small art prints
Scarves and wool items
Food gifts like olive oil, truffle salt, dried pasta, and sweets

Beware of very cheap “leather” on tourist stalls. Real leather usually smells natural and feels soft, not plasticky.

Check your airline rules for liquids and food in luggage before you stock up.

Conclusion: Make This Florence 3 Day Itinerary Your Own

You now have a clear 3 Days in Florence that covers big sights, great views, and plenty of good food. Day 1 is for the icons, like Brunelleschi’s Dome and David. Day 2 blends world-class art like the Uffizi Gallery with river walks and night views. Day 3 slows down for Oltrarno, gardens, markets, and maybe a taste of Tuscany.

Use this plan as a backbone, not a strict rulebook. Swap sights around, add extra coffee breaks, and leave space for random side streets and quiet piazzas. Florence rewards slow moments as much as famous museums, so let yourself wander and enjoy the city at your own pace.