Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a must-visit city while exploring Italy. There is so much to see and do here, but you can see the best of the city if you know how to spend 2 days in Florence.
Filled with beautiful architecture, cafes and local restaurants on every street, stunning museums, parks and palaces, and luxury shopping areas, this Florence travel itinerary will help you explore this iconic Italian city.
With so many options of what to do in Florence, Italy, I’ve narrowed it down for you below. Plan your visit with this ultimate 2 day Florence itinerary!
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Is 2 days in Florence enough?
Two days is the minimum amount of time I suggest spending in Florence. While this is a must-visit city in Italy, there are so many historic sites to admire and famous museums to enjoy that only 2 days in Florence can make you feel rushed.
However, you can still see and do a lot of great things in two days if you use this Florence travel itinerary to help guide your travel plans. Check out some of the most iconic architecture and museums in Florence with this 2 day Florence itinerary!
The city is very walkable and many popular places are within walking distance of each other. If you stay near the city center, in either the Santa Croce or Santa Maria Novella neighborhoods, you’ll be close to many sights and activities mentioned in the below 2 day Florence itinerary.
The following is how I suggest spending your two days in Florence. I personally spent one week here, but 2 days will allow you to enjoy Florence’s charm, beauty, and best sights. And remember this is just a suggestion; always leave room for spontaneity when traveling!
Ultimate 2 Day Florence Itinerary
One Day in Florence
Breakfast at Melaleuca
Visit the Duomo and Bell Tower
Gelato break
Lunch at Il Granaio Ristorante
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Dinner at I’Pizzachhiere
Two Days in Florence
Breakfast at Madeleine
Boboli Gardens
Pitti Palace
Gelato and Lunch Break
Uffizi Gallery
Sunset at Ponte Vecchio
Dinner at Osteria del Pavone
Have more than 2 days in Florence? Think about adding a day trip to Pisa or Cinque Terre to your Florence travel itinerary.
DAY 1
Breakfast at Melaleuca
Start your Florence trip off right with a delicious breakfast from Melaleuca Bakery + Bistro. Here you will find a great variety of drinks, an array of fresh pastries, as well as a full breakfast and brunch menu.
We also saw a few people working on their laptops here, so if you need a spot to get some work done while in Florence, this is a great place to do it!
The Duomo
If you spend time and money on one “attraction” while in Florence, let it be Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or the “Duomo“. This cathedral is a must see while in Tuscany due to its fame, incredible architectural feat, and history.
While it is free to get into the main part of the cathedral, given you are wearing appropriate clothing (i.e. covering your shoulders and down to your knees), the tickets to get into the Duomo itself are so worth it. You can also climb the bell tower and visit the Baptistery of St. John if you purchase tickets!
Gelato Break
While you’re exploring the cathedral and the surrounding piazza (there’s lots to do in just this one area), take a yummy break and stop by Gelateria Edoardo. You simply cannot explore an Italian city without stopping for gelato at least once. Our go-to flavors are fior di latte and pistachio!
Lunch at Il Granaio Ristorante
After exploring the Cathedral and surrounding Piazza, stop at Il Granaio Ristorante for a delicious lunch and glass of wine. We recommend trying anything with truffle in it while you’re here in Florence. It is SO good, you won’t be disappointed. Some fan favorites here are the truffle pecorino pasta and truffle risotto!
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
One of the most iconic museums in Florence is the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. Here you can find the famous David statue among other fantastic works of art.
This art museum is only a few blocks away from the Duomo. After exploring the cathedral and enjoying an Italian lunch in this gorgeous city, continue on your Florence travel itinerary to Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze to admire famous Italian Renaissance art.
Dinner at I’Pizzachhiere
End your first day in Florence with the best pizza you’ll probably ever have. I’Pizzachhiere is a “street food” restaurant in the sense that it’s fast, affordable, and small. Because the restaurant itself is small, make sure you leave time to wait in case it’s really busy (it’s so good, so it is popular).
This is a fantastic place with incredible pizza run by a husband and wife duo who also sell their own wine in store! We loved this restaurant so much that we ate here multiple times while in Florence; we highly recommend it.
DAY 2
Madeleine
Enjoy some delicious pastries and coffee for breakfast at Madeleine to start your second day of exploring Florence. This patisserie offers an incredible selection of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches as well as delicious espresso, caffe lattes, cappuccinos, and more! Plus, it’s an adorable little cafe with a charming vibe.
Boboli Gardens
Next, walk on over to Boboli Gardens, a famous Italian park filled with lush flowers, lemon trees, ponds, and more. It was originally designed for the Medici family, and opened to the public in the late 1700s.
This garden is a beautiful display of Italian flora, and it provides a wonderful place to explore for part of your day. When the weather is nice and you want to stay active outdoors, Florence’s Boboli Gardens is just the place.
Pitti Palace
Attached to the Boboli Gardens is Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti. Immerse yourself in the art and history of Florence and admire the greatest collection of Rafael’s artwork in Palazzo Pitti.
You can buy tickets for both Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace online, or you can walk up to the ticket counter where they offer combined tickets and separate tickets for the gardens and the palace.
Gelato and Lunch Break
Stop for a pizza lunch from Gustapizza and a scoop or two of gelato from Cantina del Gelato Il Gelato Artigianale. These two stops are close to each other so its a great area to stop if your group wants different things, or if you’re solo traveling and you want something sweet and savory!
Uffizi Gallery
Once you’re recharged and ready for more exploring, head to the Uffizi Gallery to admire some incredible artwork and history. If you’re a lover of arts, then this is definitely a place for you to check out. This gallery is filled with ancient sculptures and paintings dating back to the Middle Ages.
Ponte Vecchio
You can’t visit Florence without seeing Ponte Vecchio, the famous medieval bridge. It’s fun to walk across and window shop, people watch, and admire the happenings of everyday life in Florence on the Ponte Vecchio. It also offers a great photo spot as well; use it as a backdrop from further up the street for an authentic Florence vibe.
Dinner at Osteria del Pavone
Make the most of your last evening in Florence, Italy, and splurge a little on a fantastic dinner at Osteria del Pavone. We picked this restaurant last minute for our last night in Florence and it did not disappoint one bit! The food here is delicious, and they offer some unique dishes as well as traditional ones.
They also have a great selection of wine, which you cannot miss while in Italy, and the service here is exceptional, which is not the norm in many European countries. I highly recommend this restaurant.
How to Get Around Florence
The best way to get around Florence is on foot. Most things are within walking distance of each other, so all you need is a good pair of shoes and you’ll be set.
There are also buses and trains you can utilize, especially if you plan on traveling outside of Florence to other beautiful places in Italy. I do not recommend renting a car here.
Where to Stay in Florence
There’s no shortage of great hotels and vacation rentals in Florence. You can find places with views of the Duomo or a classic piazza. But if you want to save money on your accommodations, the best places to stay are below.
Best Budget Accommodations in Florence:
House in the San Frediano District of Florence $ – charming local stay with AC
Soggiorno Venere $ – bed and breakfast, shared bathroom (2 rooms)
Hotel Dali $$ – comfortable, free parking, wifi, welcoming atmosphere
‘RE-Dama Hostel $$ – balcony, desk, private bathrooms, breakfast is included
Read more on where to stay in Florence.
Best Time to Visit Florence
The best time to visit Florence is spring or fall, the “off season” for tourism. April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit.
The weather is nice during these months, cooler than the summer heat and warmer than in winter. The crowds are generally smaller than in summer too, and often lodging prices are cheaper.
Other Tips For Visiting Florence
When it comes to visiting Florence, try to book tickets in advance for museums and other attractions. Always wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll likely walk further than you ever imagined. Keep you belongings close to you and stay aware of your surroundings.
Avoid falling for scams in Florence such as “artists” placing their paintings on the ground in the path you’re walking, vendors selling worthless trinkets in the piazzas, and folks giving you “gifts as a friend.”
While this 2 day Florence itinerary can help guide your trip, it’s merely my top recommendations. There are so many other things to do in Florence, so don’t be afraid to leave room for spontaneity.
To help you make the most of your trip, below are some Italy travel guides. From packing to transportation, I’ve got you covered when it comes to Italy travel. Enjoy your visit to Florence. It’s time to prepare for your trip!
2 Days in Florence
Florence, Italy is an incredible city, with bustling streets, high-end shops, delicious food all around, and sites to see for days. While there is so much more to see and do here, you’ll get to experience the best of this wonderful city with this 2 day Florence itinerary.
Enjoy some of the city’s most famous sights, dine at amazing restaurants, sip on cappuccinos, and savor an abundance of gelato. Now you know how to spend two days in Florence, it’s time to get al-packing those bags.
If you have any other questions regarding Italy travel planning, check out my other travel guides to help you make the most of your time in this amazing country. Some people overlook Florence when they’re planning an Italy vacation, but I promise you, you do not want to miss out on this city.
So head to the land of la dolce vita, soak in the views, learn about the history and culture, sip on wine all day, eat your body weight in pasta, and live life to its fullest in Florence, Italy.
