Florence Travel Itinerary

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Read more on this destination in the AA Essential Guide to Florence & Tuscany.

Suggested Florence itinerary

Day 1

Morning - A great way to get your bearings around the city and deciding which of the sights you want to explore further is by climbing aboard one of the city’s hop on hop off tour buses. Spend the rest of the morning taking a look around the Museo Nazionale del Bargello or the church of Santa Croce with its famous tombs.

Lunch - Try lunch at Osteria del Caffe Italiano on Via Ghibellina 87 set in the 14th century Palazzo Salviati, a great place to enjoy a light lunch or snack with a refreshing glass of wine. There are 3 eating areas all with a medieval Florentine décor.

Afternoon - After a tasty lunch head to the area of the city where you can find and enjoy the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the San Lorenzo church and the San Marco convent.

Dinner - A deliciously traditional meal can be enjoyed at the Coco Lezzone restaurant, on Via Parioncino 26r, one of the last of Florence’s trattorias.

Evening - Florence has a wonderful range of nightlife with something to suit everyone from Latino or Jazz bars, busy nightclubs and quiet cafes open late into the night. Go to the entertainment section to find out more details.

Day 2

Morning - Begin at Piazza del Duomo, Florence’s religious heart and one of the city’s three main squares, where you can visit the Duomo and the ancient Battistero. The views from the top of Giotto’s campanile are stunning. In the top right-hand corner is the 14th century Loggia del Bigallo. Spend the rest of the morning looking around the Uffizi art gallery.

Lunch - Onto Piazza della Signoria, one of two large piazza’s in the city, for a spot of lunch. try Caffe Rivoire at 5r on the Piazza, which has a beautiful terrace or perhaps you fancy trying the Cantinetta dei Verazzano on Via dei Tavolini, just off Via Calzaiuoli, serving coffee and cakes along with excellent wines and snacks.

Afternoon - Move on to Mercato Nuovo, that is also known as the Straw Market or Il Porcellino. There has been a market here since the early 11th century and the loggia built in 1547 has been restored to provide shelter for the stands selling souvenirs and leather goods. Then perhaps visit another of Florence’s main sights, perhaps the Accademia or Palazzo Pitti.

Dinner - Visit one of the best restaurants in the city, Enoteca Pinchiorri at Via Ghibellina 87, where you can enjoy some of the best food and wine available anywhere.

Evening - Take a gentle evening stroll around the Piazza della Signoria and over the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge that spans the River Arno.