We found ourselves in Florence in December 2022. We flew from Athens to Milan for 50 euros per person and after spending 2 nights in Milan, we rented a car and we headed to beautiful Florence. Of course, you also have the option of taking a train from Milan to Florence. It is a faster option since you will be in Florence in about 2 hours. The positive thing was that due to the season, everything was decorated and beautiful. The negative thing we faced was that we spent Christmas holidays in Florence, so we didn’t manage to find a single museum or palace open. So, we left things as they are for next time. You, on the other hand, will probably be luckier.
Book you flight to Milan, here.
Book you train tickets for Florence, here.
In four days, Florence, the capital of Tuscany, gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Renaissance, admire masterpieces of art and architecture, and experience the unique charm of this historic city. From majestic domes and palaces to quiet garden paths and lively squares, Florence offers you something unique in every corner.
Follow the plan below to make the most of your trip!
Day 1: Explore the historic center
- Start your day in Piazza del Duomo. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb Brunelleschi’s famous dome for a breathtaking view of the city. Then, enter the Baptistery of St. John and see the famous Golden Tower. Entrance to the temple is free, however, to visit other attractions it is better to buy a combination ticket that is valid for 3 days. Find out about your options and all the details, here.
- Stop at a traditional trattoria in the area and try the Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina) with a glass of local wine. A favorite option that we highly recommend is to sample local flavors at Mercato Centrale, Florence’s central covered market. The dining area includes a selection of Italian and international cuisine. You’ll find it open every day from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Day 2: Museums and hidden corners
- Start with Piazza de la Signoria, one of the most emblematic squares in Florence, where you will admire and have a tour at the old palace. Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, which is essentially an open-air museum. Then, visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo from up close. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important collections of Renaissance art.
- Continue with a visit to Academia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David. Then, stroll through the San Lorenzo open-air market to discover local products and gifts.
- End your day with a stroll along Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most famous and picturesque bridge with its jewelry shops. Try gelato at one of the area’s ice cream parlors.
- Enjoy a traditional dish, such as pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar), in a traditional restaurant.
Day 3: Explore the other side of Florence
- Rent an electric bike via app (because you’ll be going uphill) and cross to the other side of the Arno River. If it’s a rainy day, opt for buses 12 and 13.
- Discover the Boboli Gardens, an oasis of calm filled with statues and hidden paths. Complete your tour with a visit to Pitti Palace, the former residence of the Medici.
Note: If you want to visit these 3 top attractions in Florence – the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens – then it’s worth buying the combined ticket, which is valid for 5 days.
- Head to the square, Piazzale Michelangelo, to enjoy the magnificent sunset with a view of the dome of the Duomo and the entire city in general.
- Enjoy a drink with a dose of mystery at the speakeasy bar Rasputin. Jazz music, candles and waiters wearing their aprons, will make you feel like you are in another era. But don’t forget to reserve your place at the bar. They don’t accept people without a reservation. Once you reach the entrance, ring the intercom and wait for them to open it for you.
Day 4: A taste of local life
- Start your day with coffee and an Italian cornetto in a small café. Then, explore the Santa Croce area and visit the church of the same name, where the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo are located.
- Eat at a traditional trattoria away from the tourist areas and try local specialties, such as ribollita or pappa al pomodoro. A very good option is to visit the Mercato di Sant Ambrogio, an indoor market with vendors selling traditional products and trattorias at very good prices. Be careful, this indoor market closes every day at 2:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Arno River and enjoy the city’s architecture. If you have time, visit the Bargello National Museum or shop at the local boutiques.
- For your last dinner, choose a very special restaurant, Locale Firenze. Locale Firenze is housed in Palazzo Concini, a historic building with roots dating back to the 13th century. Originally owned by the Bastari Rittaffè family, it is located in the historic aristocratic district of Florence. In the 16th century, the palace was expanded and became the residence of Bartolomeo Concini (1507-1578), legal advisor and minister to Cosimo I de’ Medici. Concini played a decisive role in obtaining the title of Grand Duke for Cosimo I in 1569 and in the founding of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen in 1561. The building retains elements from the 13th and 16th centuries, with medieval basements and Renaissance architecture. The recent restoration highlighted its historical significance, offering visitors a unique experience that combines rich history with modern gastronomy and cocktails. Seek out for the manager and ask for a brief tour to the residence’s cellar.
Where to stay in Florence?
If you are looking for a budget-friendly area to stay in Florence, Novoli is a great choice. It is a 30-45 minute walk from the center, with public transportation available to quickly take you to the main attractions. The area is quiet and offers more affordable accommodation prices.
Additionally, the Oltrarno area, and specifically Santo Spirito, offers budget accommodation options. Although it is located on the other side of the Arno River, it is close to the center via the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The area has a lively nightlife, with many bars and restaurants, an ideal choice for those of you who want to explore the local culture. Our favorite speakeasy bar Rasputin, which we mentioned already, is also located in the same area.
How to get around Florence?
Getting around Florence is easy and enjoyable, as the city is small and designed for pedestrians. The historic center is relatively small and most attractions, such as the Cathedral (Duomo), the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio, are within walking distance.
The best way to get around is on foot or by bike via an app, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city. If you need to go further, you can use the city buses, which cover all areas. If you want to visit the Tuscan villages or see the landscapes outside the city, you can take the train or rent a car. Remember, however, that access to the historic center by car is limited due to the restricted traffic zones (ZTL). We received two traffic tickets when we returned to Greece for parking in a prohibited area. Don’t make the same mistake!
Florence is not only a journey through time, but also a culinary adventure. Beyond the impressive sights, your experience will be enriched by blending in with local life: The smell of freshly baked bread in small ovens, the view of the colorful ice cream shops and the warmth of the locals. From traditional trattorie to sophisticated restaurants, you will taste the authentic Tuscan cuisine that combines simplicity and unique taste.
These four days are just the beginning, as Florence always has something new to reveal. It is the city that never ends and will definitely make you want to come back again and again.
