How many days do you need in Florence?

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city full of history, art, and architecture, and it’s easy to explore on foot. But how much time do you really need here? That depends on what you want to see. This guide breaks it down how many days you need in Florence—from the big sights like Michelangelo’s David to looking to explore local markets and quieter neighborhoods. With the right pace, you can make the most of your trip without tiring yourself out. 

How many days do you need to see Florence?

Florence’s historic center is compact—you can walk across it in about 30 minutes—but it’s packed with history, art, and daily life. There are more than 70 museums, plus architectural landmarks, markets, and distinct neighborhoods worth exploring.

Two days are enough to see the major sights, like the Uffizi and the Duomo, but don’t leave much time for soaking in the atmosphere. Three days give you space for relaxed meals, evening strolls, and smaller museums. Four days let you dig deeper into Florence’s history, check out local spots, and maybe take a short trip into the surrounding hills.

A great way to decide how many days you'll need is to take a look at sample itineraries. We've outlined a few below, or if you're planning on exploring beyond the city, see our Southern Italy itineraries.

2 days in Florence

Though two days isn't a lot for Florence, there is still a lot you can see. This itinerary keeps things focused, and minimizes travel time.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

You'll want to start early at the Duomo, before the crowds arrive. Brunelleschi’s dome, still the largest masonry dome ever built, was constructed without scaffolding using an ingenious double-shell design. Climbing 463 steps to the top rewards you with a stunning city view—Florence’s red rooftops stretching all the way to the Tuscan hills. 

Afterward, head to Mercato Centrale, Florence’s bustling food market where locals have been shopping since 1874. For a truly Florentine bite, grab a lampredotto sandwich from Nerbone—this tripe-based street food is a nod to Florence’s no-waste culinary tradition.

In the afternoon, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia. Most people come for Michelangelo’s David, but don’t rush past his unfinished Slaves—half-formed figures emerging from raw marble, a glimpse into his artistic process. Before sunset, stop at San Marco Monastery, where each monk’s cell is decorated with frescoes by Fra Angelico, easily one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Day 2

Start the morning of your second day at the Uffizi, originally built in 1560 as government offices (hence the name, which means “offices” in Italian). While Botticelli’s Birth of Venus draws the biggest crowds, make time for Room 90, where Rembrandt’s self-portraits offer a raw, intimate look at an artist aging across the years.

Cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops. Above it runs the Vasari Corridor, an elevated passageway built so the Medici family could move between palaces without mingling with commoners.

At Pitti Palace, get a glimpse into Medici life—look for the hidden “dinner drawer”, an early dumbwaiter that transported meals directly into private apartments. Before leaving, wander through the Boboli Gardens, where tucked inside a grotto, Michelangelo’s Prisoners were once displayed.

End your trip with a meal at Trattoria Cammillo, a family-run spot known for ribollita, a hearty Tuscan bread soup that’s been warming Florentines for centuries. 

3 days in Florence

With three days in Florence, you have time to slow down and explore beyond the big landmarks—venturing into local markets, hidden gardens, and artisan workshops.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

Start the morning at Santa Croce, the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The basilica is sometimes called “the Temple of the Italian Glories” because of the famous names buried here.  

Just outside the church, stop by the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School), founded after WWII to teach orphans a valuable trade. Today, you can still watch artisans handcraft leather goods using traditional techniques—a great place to pick up a Florence-made souvenir.

For a taste of local life, head to Sant’Ambrogio Market, a true Florentine market where vendors have been selling produce, cheeses, and meats for generations. This is where locals shop—less touristy than Mercato Centrale but just as full of character. If you’re hungry, grab a porchetta sandwich from a market stall or stop by Trattoria da Rocco, a no-frills spot inside the market serving affordable Tuscan classics.

For a quieter escape, visit Bardini Gardens. Less crowded than Boboli, these gardens offer some of the best panoramic views of Florence, especially from the wisteria-covered pergola in spring.

As evening approaches, cross the Arno to Santo Spirito, a neighborhood where Florentines gather for aperitivo. This area has a laid-back, local vibe, with small wine bars and lively piazzas. Grab a drink at AdF Wine Bar, set inside a former medieval pharmacy.

4 days in Florence

With four days in Florence, you can step outside the city and explore its older, quieter neighbor—Fiesole—before diving into hidden corners of Florence that most visitors miss.

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start the morning with a short bus ride to Fiesole, a hilltop town that predates Florence by centuries. The Romans left their mark here, and you can still see their influence in the well-preserved amphitheater, which is still used for summer concerts. The Franciscan monastery offers another piece of history, with a terrace view over Florence—legend has it that this is where Leonardo da Vinci tested his early flying machines. 

Back in Florence, spend some time wandering through San Niccolò, a historic neighborhood that still holds traces of its artisanal past. This was once home to textile dyers, who used the Arno’s waters to create the vibrant colors Florence became famous for. If you look closely, you’ll notice old workshop buildings with wide doors, designed for moving fabrics and dyeing vats in and out. 

For an off-the-beaten-path museum, visit the Bardini Museum, an eclectic collection housed inside a 17th-century palazzo. Unlike Florence’s more famous museums, Bardini feels personal—inside, you’ll find Renaissance paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, and an impressive armory. 

Wrap up your trip at Enoteca Fuori Porta, a well-loved wine bar just outside the medieval Porta San Miniato. Ask to see the ancient cellar tunnels, once used by monks for wine storage.If you want to discover more of Italy's wine scene, be sure to check out our Italy wine tour created by local travel experts.

Best areas to stay in Florence

Each neighborhood has its own character, whether you want to be in the middle of the action or somewhere quieter with a more local feel. 

Historic Center (Centro Storico): Best for first-time visitors

Staying in the Historic Center means you’ll be within walking distance of major sights like the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. The medieval streets are packed with historic cafés, artisan shops, and trattorias. This area is lively and convenient, though it can get crowded and is more expensive than other parts of the city.

Santa Croce: Best for families

Santa Croce has a good balance of central location and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for families. The Santa Croce Basilica and its large piazza regularly host markets and events. 

The neighborhood has wider streets, small parks, and larger apartments than the historic center. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and gelato shops, and it’s easy to return to your accommodation for a midday break.

Oltrarno: Best for experiencing local life

Across the river, Oltrarno has a more laid-back, everyday Florence feel. Traditionally a working-class area, it’s now home to artisan workshops, antique stores, and lively piazzas. Santo Spirito is the neighborhood’s heart, with its daily market and local cafés. Nearby, Piazzale Michelangelo has incredible city views. 

Accommodations tend to be more affordable here, and the area is full of traditional trattorias and wine bars. It’s still within walking distance of major sights, but the pace is slower, and it feels more like a lived-in part of the city.

Things to know before going to Florence

Florence’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city runs on a relaxed Mediterranean schedule, meaning many shops and smaller restaurants close for riposo (afternoon break) between 1–4 PM. While this might feel like an inconvenience at first, it’s just part of the rhythm of life here—perfect for a long lunch or a quiet stroll along the Arno.

The best time to visit is between October and April, when the crowds are smaller and the summer heat isn’t overwhelming. That said, Florence gets surprisingly cold at night in winter, so bring layers. If you visit in spring or summer, be prepared for high temperatures, especially in July and August when the stone streets seem to trap the heat. 

Florence is best enjoyed at a slower pace. It’s a place for long walks, long meals, and even longer conversations over a glass of Chianti. For more tips, see our guide to planning a trip to Italy.

Daily budget

Here's what you might expect to spend:

• Budget (€60-€100 / $65-$110 per day): Staying in a hostel dorm or a budget B&B outside the center, eating at local trattorias or grabbing pizza by the slice, and getting around on foot or by bus. Save money by booking museum tickets online in advance and using the Firenze Card if you plan on visiting multiple sites.
• Mid-range (€150-€250 / $165-$275 per day): Expect boutique hotels or apartments in quieter residential neighborhoods, sit-down meals at traditional restaurants, guided tours, and museum entry fees. This is the range most visitors fall into for a comfortable trip.
• Luxury (€350+ / $385+ per day): If you want to splurge, this covers stays in historic hotels with views of the Arno, Michelin-starred meals, private art tours, and day trips to Tuscan vineyards. Expect top-tier service and exclusive cultural experiences.

How to get around

Florence is best explored on foot—most major sights are within a 20-minute walk of the Duomo. For longer distances, ATAF buses connect outlying areas and spots like Fiesole. A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes—buy them at tabacchi shops or newsstands beforehand, as they cost more onboard. Taxis need to be called or picked up at official stands, and ride-sharing services are limited. Biking is common, and rentals are available, but narrow, cobblestone streets can make cycling tricky. 

For trips outside the city, regional trains from Santa Maria Novella station make it easy to visit nearby Tuscan towns.  

How to get to Florence

Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) mainly handles European flights, so most international travelers arrive via Pisa International Airport (PSA) or Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO). From Pisa, the Pisamover shuttle connects to Pisa Centrale, where direct trains take about an hour to reach Florence. From Rome, high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains make the trip in 90 minutes. If flying into FLR, the Volainbus shuttle runs to the city center every 30 minutes. Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella, is right on the edge of the historic center, making arrivals by rail especially convenient. Private transfers are an option but cost significantly more than public transport.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

Not sure where to begin? Our Italy itineraries make planning simple while leaving room for flexibility. They provide a solid foundation, so you can start exploring right away without feeling restricted. The best trips strike a balance between structure and spontaneity.

• Italy itinerary 5 days – A quick trip covering must-see spots, typically focused on one or two iconic cities. Great for a first taste of Italy’s art, history, and cuisine.
• Italy itinerary 7 days – A week gives you time to experience city life and a bit of the countryside. You’ll see major sights while soaking up local culture.
• Italy itinerary 10 days – A mix of city highlights and scenic regions at a comfortable pace, blending Italy’s vibrant urban centers with its quieter landscapes.
• Italy itinerary 14 days – Two weeks let you explore more of Italy’s diverse regions, from historic towns to vineyard-covered hills and stunning coastlines.