Florence is one city that will have you saying ‘wow’ every 10 steps. We are both in agreement that Florence was our favorite city in Europe. It’s a UNESCO-listed city and attracts an impressive 11 million tourists every year! And once you visit you’ll understand why this gorgeous, historic city is so popular!
Now, I will say that I think this incredible city deserves more than 48 hours (4 days is ideal, in my opinion!) But, two days in Florence is just enough time to scratch the surface of our favorite European city!
I’ve included Florence’s must-see attractions on this two days in Florence itinerary, iconic attractions like the Statue of David and the Ponte Vecchio. But I’m the type of tourist who loves to go off the beaten path, and so I’ve included some lesser-known Florence gems, too.
Here’s how we would spend 48 hours in Florence. Yep, this is my spin on things to encourage you to see the authentic side of Florence without missing any of the must-see attractions.
Are two days enough in Florence?
Two days in Florence is just enough time to scratch the surface of this gorgeous city. With 48 hours in Florence, you’ll get to tick off the city’s must-see attractions – sights like Il Duomo, the Statue of David, and the Ponte Vecchio. But, if you follow my itinerary you’ll also get to explore the Uffizi Gallery and watch the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
If you can, consider spending 4 days in Florence and that way, you can go on a day trip to stunning Cinque Terre!
Please keep in mind, that many attractions in Florence are closed on Mondays (Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace). So, if you can, try to avoid visiting Florence on a Monday.
Our recommended things to do with two days in Florence:
- Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery of Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazza Della Repubblica (famous for its carousel)
- Il Duomo (aka Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Piazza della Signoria & Il Porcellino
- Piazzale Michelangelo
Day One – Statue of David, Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio
Morning – See the Statue of David
Florence is one of the great art cities in the world, and it’s a must-visit for art lovers. In the city, you’ll find such masterpieces as the Birth of Venus by Botticelli and the Statue of David by Michelangelo. The reason that art is so prominent in Florence is that throughout history, ruling families like the Medici family appreciated art and funded many of the great artworks in the city.
And Michelangelo’s David should be your first stop this morning (as it’s typically quietest in the morning) this is located at the Accademia Gallery of Florence (Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze). It typically opens at 8:15 am so aim to get here then, to beat the crowds. I recommend spending around an hour here. Please note, it’s closed on Mondays.
Entry to the Accademia costs €16. Or you could book a guided tour to get a fascinating insight into the history of the statue from a local guide. This ticket (which costs €48) also lets you skip the line so, you won’t have to queue to get in!
Top Tip: If you don’t want to do guided tours – buy the Firenze Card which costs €85 and gives you access to over 70 art galleries, museums, and churches. It is valid for 3 days.
What’s most interesting about this masterpiece is that Michelangelo carved it out of a piece of marble that was put to the side by other master sculptors because it was too hard to work with. But, Michelangelo said he always believed David was inside the marble and he didn’t need to carve David instead he freed him from the marble.
If you’re hungry why not head to one of our favorite casual lunch spots – Pugi in nearby Piazza San Marco? Famous for their schiacciata (flat bread) – the sandwiches here are incredible!
Afternoon – Uffizi Gallery
Around a 15-minute walk away is the Uffizi Gallery – your next stop this morning. This gallery is home to the super-famous Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Which is one of the most recognizable artworks in the world.
This museum was designed by the talented Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century, and as you stroll through its halls, you’ll encounter breathtaking masterpieces by other iconic artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. As I said, the highlight for many visitors is Botticelli’s enchanting The Birth of Venus.
But the Uffizi is more than just the art. The building itself is a marvel, and the views of the picturesque Arno River add to its magic.
Please note, that the Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays. And tickets cost €35.
Tour recommendation: If you love the ease that a guided tour offers, why not consider this small-group 4-hour tour while in Florence? It visits the Accademia Galleria and the Uffizi Gallery. And handily, it includes skip-the-line tickets to both – so, you won’t have to queue. It’s priced at €127 per person.
Late Afternoon – Pitti Palace
Originally built in the 15th century for wealthy banker Luca Pitti, it was later acquired by the Medici family, who expanded it into a magnificent royal residence. Today, the Pitti Palace is home to several important museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which showcases works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.
Visitors can also explore the lavish royal apartments, the stunning Boboli Gardens, and the Silver Museum, which displays exquisite pieces of jewelry and decorative arts.
We spent at least an hour wandering through the extensive Boboli Gardens – they are really beautiful and make for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A combo ticket for Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens costs €22.
Please note, Pitti Palace is closed on Mondays.
Evening – Ponte Vecchio
Just a 5-minute walk away from Pitti Palace is easily one of the most photogenic sights in the city – the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
What sets the Ponte Vecchio apart from other bridges is its unique collection of quaint jewelry shops, art dealers, and souvenir sellers, which create a lively marketplace above the Arno River. The bridge itself boasts remarkable architectural features, with its closed-spandrel segmental arches standing strong through countless floods and wars.
As you wander across the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city. It’s like taking a journey through Florence’s past and soaking in the charm that makes this city so special.
Late Evening – Piazza Della Repubblica
Later this evening why not stop by the iconic carousel in the Piazza Della Repubblica This merry-go-round has been in the city since 1871 and as you can imagine, it’s very popular with families. A ride costs between €2 – €3, from what I remember.
Afterwards, why not stop into La Petite – a cool, cocktail bar for a nightcap?
Here are my favorite tours in Florence:
Day Two – Il Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo
Morning – Il Duomo
Visiting Il Duomo in Florence, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is truly an unforgettable experience! This iconic landmark, topped by Filippo Brunelleschi’s brilliantly designed dome, showcases the incredible creativity and skill of the Renaissance period. The cathedral’s stunning façade, with its intricate marble designs, will literally take your breath away.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by magnificent frescoes painted by the talented Giorgio Vasari, adding to the cathedral’s grandeur. If you’re feeling adventurous, climbing to the top of the dome is a must! The view of Florence from up there is simply spectacular and gives you a whole new perspective of this beautiful city. However, it’s a steep and narrow climb up 463 steps to the top – so, we only recommend it for those with a reasonable fitness level.
I will add that the lines to go inside can be very long. Book in advance and aim for one of the first time slots of the day and you shouldn’t have a problem. FYI, it opens at 8:15 am but later on Sundays at 12:45 pm.
There are a couple of different ticket types for Il Duomo, and you view them all here! We went with the Brunelleschi Pass as it gave us access to everything (dome, baptistery, bell tower, museum).
One other thing you shouldn’t miss here is Giotto’s Bell Tower. This wow-worthy building is right next to the Duomo and is known as the most beautiful bell tower in Italy.
By now, if you’re anything like us – you’re probably craving a coffee! And luckily, one of our favorite Cafes in Florence is nearby – Ala Grande Caffè on Via S. Gallo.
Afternoon – Basilica of Santa Croce
Known affectionately as the Temple of the Italian Glories, this stunning church serves as the final resting place for some of Italy’s most celebrated figures, like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. And it’s around a 10-minute walk away from Il Duomo.
As you step inside, you’ll be awed by the basilica’s beautiful Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the breathtaking frescoes by Giotto and his students, which have enchanted art lovers for generations. The interior is not only a feast for the eyes, with its impressive artworks and intricate stained glass windows. But, it also creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and admiration.
Admission to Santa Croce costs from €8, slightly more if you want a guided tour.
Late Afternoon – Piazza della Signoria & Il Porcellino
This afternoon make a beeline for Piazza del Signoria (around a 5-minute walk from Santa Croce). This L-shaped square is often called the world’s most beautiful city squares. As it is surrounded by a few very important buildings, like the Palazzo degli Uffizi and the Palazzo Vecchio.
This gorgeous square is where we recommend having a late lunch this afternoon – La Tenda Rossa is one of the best restaurants in the city and it’s located here. This popular eatery specializes in Tuscan cuisine and uses the freshest, seasonal ingredients.
While in Pizza della Signoria, you must visit Il Porcellino. This iconic bronze statue of a wild boar, located here, is steeped in local myth and tradition. Crafted by Pietro Tacca in the 17th century, Il Porcellino is a symbol of good luck. Legend has it that rubbing the pig’s snout ensures a return trip to Florence while placing a coin in its mouth and letting it fall into the grate below is said to bring good fortune.
You’ll also see a replica of Michelangelo’s David in this piazza.
Evening – Piazzale Michelangelo
This evening we recommend heading to one of the best viewpoints in Florence – Piazzale Michelangelo.
Perched on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, this famous square provides stunning vistas of Florence’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the sprawling expanse of the city itself. And the best time to visit is at sunset.
When we visited, there was a beer cart where you could buy drinks.
Related Read: How to Spend 3 Days in Cinque Terre: The Perfect Cinque Terre Itinerary
Where to stay in Florence:
We got incredibly lucky when we spent 3 days in Florence recently as we were upgraded to a gigantic suite in our hotel – The NH Collection Porta Rossa. It was seriously ah-mazing.
In the past, we also stayed at ArtHotel on Campo di Marte and loved our stay. It’s a small, quirky, art-filled hotel and our room was really comfortable and spacious.
You can search for other highly-rated hotels in Florence here:
Getting to Florence:
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, flying into Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport is a handy option. It’s a cozy little airport, so there’s not a ton of international flights! But, you can fly to here from cities like Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, London Heathrow, etc.
From the airport, we booked a welcome pickup into the city instead of getting a cab. Why did we do that? The drivers from Welcome Pickups are English speaking and you’ll pay a flat rate. So, you know exactly how much you’re paying before hopping in.
Alternatively, you could fly into Pisa or Bologna airports, both of which have great train and bus connections to Florence.
If you’re already exploring Italy, hopping on a train will be the way to reach Florence. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa or Italo zip between Florence and major cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice. The train station in Florence is called Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, and it’s around a 10-minute walk from downtown.
You can also drive into Florence via the A1 motorway, but, you’ll need to keep in mind that Florence is a ZTL area (limited traffic allowed) and thus, you can only drive through the center if you have a permit or have booked a hotel in the ZTL.
My top tips for spending 48 hours in Florence:
- Aim to travel to Florence off-peak i.e. from October to April as you’ll save big on hotels and attractions like Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens.
- If you don’t want to do guided tours – buy the Firenze Card which costs €85 and gives you access to over 70 art galleries, museums, and churches. It is valid for 3 days.
- Eat at street food stalls instead of restaurants- we try to do this for lunch especially. And luckily the sandwich joints in Florence are out-of-this-world, our favorites include Pugi and Schiacciamatta.
- As many attractions are closed in Florence on Mondays, try to avoid visiting on a Monday.
Thanks for Reading!
We love everything about Florence, from its history as the center of art in Europe to the food to the shopping, which was spot-on. Michaelangelo’s statue of David is located here and is well worth a visit during your two days in Florence. I also highly recommend climbing to the top of the Duomo for an epic panorama across the city.
You can also read my other Italy blog posts, here –
Best Activities in Cinque Terre (5 Unique Things to Do)
Villages of the Cinque Terre: Which One Should I Stay in?
Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como (Perfect One Day Itinerary)
How Many Days Should I Stay in Lake Como? (3-Day Lake Como Itinerary)
Last Updated on March 21, 2025 by snaphappytravel