There is so much going on in Florence, Italy. You could spend months exploring the city (as I did, when I lived there for a year). But, if we’re being realistic, most people don’t have the opportunity to move to Italy for a year to work and explore. So, if you can only carve out a weekend, I have a substantial list of things that you could do in 72 hours in Florence.
That list could be ridiculously long and I’ve written posts about where to get the best food and my favorite things to do in the city, I’ve even written a love letter to Florence. But, I hadn’t written anything about what to do during a short visit. So continue reading for a guide of some top restaurants, gelato shops, museums, tours, and more. Hopefully this guide will help you plan your 72 hours in Florence with ease!
72 Hours In Florence
*When I say 72 hours in Florence, I just mean that you have a full three days in the city. I suggest flying in the day before and flying out the day after.*
Getting To Florence
So, before you start deciding what to do while you’re visiting Florence, you may be wondering how to get there. And there are actually several options. Flying into Pisa and then taking the bus from there (it’s about an hour) is probably the cheapest way. If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, you can fly directly into the Florence Airport. Another option is to take the train from Rome. Each one is good for different budgets, so make sure to do some research and see what makes the most sense for you.
DAY 1
On your first full day in Florence, you’re actually going to be exploring the Tuscan countryside. And a great way to do that is by taking the 500 Vintage Tours and Chianti Roads tour that is offered by My Tours. It’s a great way to see Tuscany and taste delicious wine. You’ll hop on a mini bus from Florence and head towards Siena where you’ll meet your car. You can choose from a vintage Fiat 500 or a Vespa for the day. We went with the Fiat 500 and had a blast driving around the winding roads of Chianti.
The tour lasts most of the day and includes lunch at a winery. During the day you’ll stop in several Tuscan villages along the way. The price starts from 85 pounds per person and drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid drivers license.
When you return back to Florence, it’s going to be time for dinner! Head to La Spada for a traditional Florentine meal. You can order a delicious Bisteca Fiorentina, which is a typical dish in the region. It’s a massive steak usually served with roast potatoes. Share it between two people and make sure to wash it down with some Chianti.
Day 2
On Day 2 you’re going to wake up early again and take a tour with The Roman Guy. We took the Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David and Duomo and it was so worth it. Even as someone who lived in Florence for nearly a year, I felt that I learned so much on this tour. Plus, the great thing about it is that it’s usually a small group (ours was just us and another couple) and you can really ask the questions you want throughout it. The tour costs 59.95 pounds each and includes entry into the Academy. Without this walking tour, you may have to wait for a few hours just to enter the Academy to see the David!
After your walking tour concludes, it’s time to grab some lunch! A delicious panini spot is Pane Toscana. My favorite one to order is the Pisano which is made up of pecorino cheese, wild boar salami, and blueberry jam on the freshest bread.
When you’re done with your lunch, take a stroll around the city center. One of the best things to do in Florence is to get lost, and I think that you should use your afternoon to do just that. Stop for a gelato at Geletaria de Neri before heading to the shop to pick up a bottle of wine.
Grab that bottle of wine and head up to Piazzale Michaelangelo to watch the sunset. Arrive early for the best seat in the house and watch as the sunsets behind Florence and the city lights up.
Afterwards, head back into town and grab dinner at La Giostra. Pro tip: make sure you request to sit in the main dining room when making your reservation. It’s a lot nicer and the ambiance is more romantic in there. Start with the burrata along with the complimentary appetizer and prosecco. Order a bottle of Chianti or Brunello, depending on your budget. I suggest splitting two entrees between two people – one of the steaks and the pear ravioli. Finish it off with dessert!
Day 3
On Day 3 you’ll be visiting the Duomo. Buy your tickets online to save time (I also suggest purchasing this ticket on your first day as it’s valid for 72 hours and if you have time you can explore the baptistery or the Duomo) and then head to the bell tower for the best view of the city. I enjoy this one more than the Duomo because you can actually see the Duomo in it!
After your climb you’ll probably have worked up an appetite. So that means it’s time to head over to Gusta Pizza. It’s on the other side of the Arno and it is some of the best pizza you’ll ever have! They only take cash so remember to grab some from the ATM ahead of time.
When you’re dong with lunch, wander over to the Pitti Palace. Here you can either purchase a ticket to go inside the palace, the Boboli Gardens, or both. I always choose the gardens, especially on a nice day. Wander around the grounds and even find yourself a spot of grass to soak up the sun from!
On your walk back to the other side of the Arno, wander over the Ponte Vecchio with a gelato in hand!
Later on, when it’s time for dinner, head to Coquinarius. The food was delicious there. I really enjoyed the mix of appetizers and then the pistachio ravioli.
Important Note!
I don’t really pack the days because everyone has different preferences on how much or little they want to do. I’m personally a fan of wandering through streets, so I like to fill most of my days doing that and stumbling upon hidden gems! There is always more time to fit other touristy things in like the Uffizi or a visit to Santa Croce.
Pin It For Later:
