How to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, is likely one of the most luxurious, inspiring, art-filled cities you’ll ever go to. That is the sort of metropolis that you consider on a regular basis for the remainder of your life.

There’s SO a lot to see in Florence, and it may be overwhelming — so I’ve put collectively a 3 days in Florence itinerary for you that features visits to all the greatest locations within the metropolis.

Florence is a metropolis that I do know very effectively. I lived right here 20 years in the past and proceed to go to as a journey author, educating different individuals on how you can journey higher in Italy.

Florence has a lot to do, it might really feel a bit paralyzing — and for that motive, I like to recommend vacationers spend three days in Florence on the naked minimal. With its complete metropolis middle a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and a lot artwork that appears to spring up from the pavement, any lower than three days can be spreading your self skinny!

Between 10 million and 16 million vacationers go to Florence yearly, and truthfully, there’s not likely a off-season anymore, besides possibly January. I most lately visited in March and there have been enormous crowds in every single place.

Regardless of the throngs of individuals, although, Firenze is magical. The town charms me as a lot right now because it did 20 years in the past.

So here’s a three-day Florence itinerary that I believe will work very effectively for you. I hope you get pleasure from it!

Earlier than Your Journey

• Ebook every little thing prematurely. Florence is busy year-round and tickets promote out days (if not weeks) prematurely. Official web sites normally cost a number of euros as a reserving price, which is value it for the time spent in traces. In any other case, skip-the-line tickets are priceless. 

• Test the present sundown time so you realize what time to get to Piazzale Michelangelo throughout your three-day Florence itinerary. The most recent sundown is round 9:00 PM in June and the earliest is 4:30 PM in December. 

• Public transport isn’t mandatory. If you happen to’re a cell individual, this Florence itinerary retains strolling distances to a minimal and you may name Ubers when you have a very lengthy distance between websites.

• Preserve a watch out for the replicas of Michelangelo’s David. The actual one is within the Accademia Gallery — the others are across the metropolis!

Day 1: Better of Florence

Accademia Gallery and Statue of David

You’ll begin your three days in Florence testing the world’s most well-known statue, Michelangelo’s David. 

This marble represents the Florentine Renaissance — and a flip from custom. Whereas most sculptors depicted a triumphant David, Michelangelo exhibits us the younger shepherd earlier than his battle with Goliath. 

The Renaissance interval was all about idealism — depicting individuals as stunning as they may very well be. Therefore why Michelangelo’s David remains to be remembered for a way beautiful he’s!

Don’t make the error of considering David is the one statue value seeing on the Accademia Gallery. I significantly love Michelangelo’s Slaves, which appear to be individuals attempting to free themselves from blocks of marble, and the carvings by Lorenzo Bartolini are great as effectively. One gallery is devoted to historic musical devices.

Advance reservations are important year-round, and I strongly suggest skip-the-line tickets! Admission is 15 EUR ($16), or 10 EUR ($11) earlier than 9:15 AM. 

This Accademia Gallery skip-the-line tour has the bonus of an professional artwork information. 

Need to mix David and the Duomo? This VIP David and Duomo tour offers you unique entry very first thing within the morning at each hotspots.

Medici Chapels

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is the sort of constructing you’ll overlook if you happen to don’t know what’s inside it. Only a 10-minute stroll from the Accademia, this plain stone church is hiding a wild inside, which occurs to be one in every of my favourite locations in Florence.

Contained in the basilica are the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee), with partitions constructed from superbly sculpted stones in shades of inexperienced, burgundy, and gold.

You may also see a number of sculptures of Michelangelo right here — and truthfully, they all the time crack me up, as a result of they’re speculated to be ladies, however they’re completely male our bodies with breasts awkwardly caught on. There’s little question Michelangelo by no means noticed a unadorned girl in his life!

On the bequest of the Medici household, two chapels have been added to the church to function mausoleums. Michelangelo designed the Sagrestia Nuova whereas the Cappella dei Princi was a joint effort between the Medicis and native architects. 

Admission prices 9 EUR ($10) plus reserving charges or it can save you time with a skip-the-line ticket. The Medici Chapels are closed on Tuesdays. 

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Proper across the nook from the Medici Chapels is Mercato Centrale, an ideal place to cease for lunch. Like different huge meals markets in different European cities, the market has gone from being primarily for locals to being primarily for vacationers, with rising costs to match.

Even so, it’s nonetheless an icon and you’ll find some good meals among the many stalls. Lampredotto panino (tripe sandwich) is the specialty right here — although if you happen to’re not courageous sufficient to strive it (I do know I’m not!), you’ll additionally discover different Florentine dishes alongside pasta and pizza.

Think about time to walk across the produce and memento stalls. I don’t suggest shopping for leather-based from the stalls right here — they promote low-quality imported leather-based. Actual Florentine leather-based could be present in actual shops.

I like to recommend attending to Mercato Centrale by midday to beat the push. And it’s good to get a post-lunch espresso on the cute little espresso bar.

Duomo and Campanile (Giotto’s Bell Tower)

I hope you went straightforward available on the market as the following one’s a biggie: it’s time to climb one in every of Florence’s most iconic buildings! We’re heading straight to Piazza del Duomo, the middle of the town.

I’m going to offer you two choices right here: you possibly can both climb the Duomo, also called Brunelleschi’s Dome, or you possibly can climb the Campanile, also called Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Each are nice experiences, and the variety of steps are comparable (463 steps to the highest of the dome vs. 414 steps to the highest of the bell tower).

Climbing the dome: The Duomo is the centerpiece of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and grants an unbelievable view of Florence. Climbing the dome is ticketed and requires advance reserving with a chosen time slot.

Shopping for the Brunelleschi Move (30 EUR/$33.50) will let you climb the dome and provide you with entry to all areas, together with the baptistery. There aren’t any boundaries on the prime, so maintain on to your youngsters if you happen to carry them!

(You’ll additionally need to go to the church itself: that is free, however there are normally lengthy traces.)

Be aware that if you happen to’d somewhat do that later within the day, there’s a VIP after-hours tour of the Duomo that’s sensational. You get unique entry and may go to the terrace!

Would you somewhat go earlier and mix the Duomo and visiting David? This VIP David and Duomo tour offers you unique entry to each, very first thing within the morning.

Climbing the bell tower: This climb offers you the perfect view of the Duomo, and it’s simpler as there are three giant platforms in the course of the climb that provide you with time to catch your breath and take images.

Nevertheless, it’s best to know that the viewing platforms are wired in, which makes it arduous to get good images with a DSLR digital camera. It’s fantastic if you happen to’re taking images together with your cellphone. I additionally assume climbing the bell tower is a greater choice when you have youngsters, as a result of it’s inconceivable for them to fall out.

If you happen to’d wish to climb the bell tower however not the Duomo, you should purchase the Giotto Move for 20 EUR ($22).

So, which one do I believe is healthier? Neither is a nasty alternative, it’s nearly private desire.

Personally, I really want climbing the bell tower since you get a superb view of the Duomo, however whenever you climb the Duomo, you possibly can’t see the Duomo since you’re in it! It’s additionally much less of a herding expertise than the Duomo, as a result of you possibly can go at your individual tempo and relaxation on the completely different platforms within the bell tower.

Don’t need to climb both of them? That’s completely fantastic! Climbing’s not for everybody. The Florence Duomo Categorical Tour is nice if you wish to go to the bottom ground of the Duomo, however skip the road and get a pleasant overview of the historical past.

Piazza della Repubblica

After leaving the Duomo and testing the Baptistery of St. John (San Giovanni), I like to recommend strolling right down to Piazza della Repubblica, which is a couple of five-minute stroll. 

That is the epitome of a European plaza with elegant buildings and monuments. It’s a pleasant place for a number of pictures. There’s a carousel the place adults are equally welcome alongside youngsters!

However what I particularly suggest is strolling throughout the road to Rinascente Firenze, a division retailer, then take the escalators or elevators to the highest, adopted by one last staircase.

Up here’s a rooftop cafe referred to as La Terrazza, dwelling to one in every of my favourite views of Florence! It is a great spot to seize a espresso or a spritz.

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

As you say arrivederci to the north financial institution of the Arno, you’ll cross the river and make your means into the hills. Basilica di San Miniato al Monte stands at one of many highest factors in Florence.

It is a huge stroll — it’s a couple of 40-minute stroll from Piazza della Repubblica — and far of it’s uphill by the tip. You’ll be able to both stroll it or take an Uber. That stated, it’s a scenic and fulfilling stroll.

If you happen to stroll, it’s going to take you previous the Ponte Vecchio and the Rose Backyard earlier than main you previous Piazzale Michelangelo and up the ultimate staircase to San Miniato al Monte. If you happen to take an Uber, it’s going to drop you off on the last staircase.

San Miniato al Monte feels so completely different from the opposite church buildings in Florence, partially as a result of it predates the Renaissance period. The frescoes are much less refined, however it offers you such a powerful feeling of historical past. (I all the time really feel prefer it’s a bit haunted.)

Moreover the unbelievable views, this Romanesque church with geometric marbling is a surprise of Tuscany. Head inside to view the mosaic of Jesus, the Virgin, and St. Miniato earlier than taking a stroll by way of the cemetery. The view from right here is one in every of my favourite views in Florence.

Notable graves embody Carlo Collodi (creator of The Adventures of Pinocchio) and the soprano Marietta Piccolomini, identified for her starring function in La Traviata. 

The church is free to go to. It’s open every day, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM and three:30–7:00 PM. 

Piazzale Michelangelo

Regulate your watch as you discover San Miniato — you’ll need to stroll the seven-minute downhill stroll from right here to Piazzale Michelangelo in time for sundown! Say hey to the David statue and discover a great place!

Know that you simply gained’t be alone — simply you and some hundred of your fellow vacationers. It’s no secret that this piazza is the perfect place to see the good colours of sundown. Crowds apart, the environment is beautiful. Some individuals play stay music, and everyone seems to be in a very good temper.

Very near Piazzale Michelangelo is the Rose Backyard of Florence. That is one other stunning spot, particularly if you happen to’re visiting at a time of yr when roses are in bloom.

One factor I discover is that folks typically depart sundown spots as quickly because the solar drops beneath the horizon. (Usually after a spherical of applause. Heh.)

As a photographer, I urge you to stay round a bit. A few of the prettiest colours within the sky occur after the solar units. That’s whenever you get these streaks of pink within the deep blue sky as the town of Firenze lights up in gold beneath you.

Dinner at Il Latini

Many eating places in Florence have change into fairly touristy through the years, and sure, my beloved Il Latini is one in every of them. However I promise you this place is value it, for introducing you to the perfect of Tuscan delicacies in your first evening in Florence.

Il Latini is a couple of 30-minute stroll from Piazzale Michelangelo — be happy to take an Uber if you happen to’re not up for a stroll that lengthy.

Right here you’ll discover loads of Tuscan requirements, from the vegetable-bean-bread stew of ribbolita to the tomato soup of pappa al pomodoro, to the yellow cantuccini cookies served with vin santo — topped off with the bistecca alla fiorentina, the big, uncommon Florentine steak.

Il Latini began in 1911 as a humble fiaschetteria (wine retailer) earlier than opening the kitchen. You’ll be able to both order à la carte right here (higher for vegetarians, or if you happen to don’t like uncommon steak), or order the Menu Degustazione, which serves a number of programs and I believe is superb worth for cash.

If Il Latini isn’t for you, go searching you — that is one in every of my favourite neighborhoods for eating in Florence, the place the meals is scrumptious and it’s not as tourist-trappy as others. Ristorante Gilo’ Firenze is extra upscale with a various menu and stay music.

I like to recommend taking a fast have a look at critiques on Google Maps earlier than committing to a spot and going for a score of at the very least 4.2 (I discover Italians are harsh of their restaurant scores!). Simply take into account that it’s good to guide prematurely, as many Florence eating places guide out far forward of time.

Day 2: Artwork and Oltrarno

Uffizi Gallery (2 hours)

End your morning cappuccino vibrant and early and purpose to be one of many first individuals by way of the door on the Uffizi Gallery. Artwork historical past buffs can spend the entire day at this enormous museum, whereas informal artwork followers ought to plan for round two hours. 

Galleria degli Uffizi is a who’s who of Renaissance artists. Masterpieces right here embody Botticelli’s The Delivery of Venus (most likely essentially the most well-known work within the museum) and La Primavera, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Raphael’s Self-Portrait, Caravaggio’s Bacchus, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and SO many extra.

I’m an enormous fan of artist Artemisia Gentileschi — the primary feminine painter to earn admission to the Academy of the Arts of Drawing in Florence! Her Judith and Holofernes is on show right here.

Advance reserving is important on the Uffizi; guide skip-the-line tickets for 25 EUR ($27) or be part of a tour. This small group tour of the Uffizi is value each cent for the intel shared by passionate guides. 

Because the Accademia and Uffizi galleries are two of the preferred websites in Florence, my suggestion is to start out two of your three days in Florence at each.

I don’t suggest visiting each museums in the identical day, if you happen to may help it — artwork fatigue is an actual factor (as is museum fatigue), and also you’ll get pleasure from them extra if you happen to unfold them out a bit.

The Galleria degli Uffizi is closed on Mondays. 

Piazza della Signoria

One other stunning sq., Piazza della Signoria is a spot you’ll cross a number of occasions all through your three-day Florence itinerary. It’s a couple of minutes’ stroll from the Uffizi exit and residential to the Palazzo Vecchio, a faux statue of David, and the Neptune fountain that’s often vandalized by locals.

The sq. is gorgeous to see, and don’t miss the Loggia dei Lanzi — a bit of the sq. that includes a number of sculptures. Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa is among the many most well-known works right here.

If in case you have time for a libation, I extremely suggest Rivoire, a restaurant proper on the sq.. Their ciccolato caldo con crema (scorching chocolate with cream) is so wealthy and opulent — I find time for it on most of my Florence journeys!

You’ll be able to both sit on the out of doors seating on the sq. and people-watch, or sit inside and benefit from the over-the-top maximalist decor of the cafe. Each are nice choices.

Gucci Backyard Museum

Simply throughout Piazza della Signora is Gucci Backyard, a comparatively new addition to Florence and a super-fun place to pop in. If you happen to’re enthusiastic about trend, design, celeb tradition, or interactive gentle exhibits, you’ll love this place! If not, be happy to skip it.

The Gucci model originated in Florence, and Gucci Backyard is a store that includes some distinctive gadgets you possibly can’t discover on the market anyplace else on this planet.

However connected is a very cool museum referred to as Gucci Visions, with classic equipment and attire on show and themed rooms. I completely adored the infinite glass cupboards stuffed with colourful Gucci luggage! There are additionally cool gentle shows you can participate in — excellent for Instagram!

Gucci Visions has additionally outfits on show worn by Ryan Gosling, Lupita Nyong’o, and different A-listers.

It’s a fairly small museum and I believe it makes an attention-grabbing deviation from Florence’s extra severe sights. Gucci Backyard is open 10:00 AM-8:00 PM every day and admission prices a number of euros.

Ponte Vecchio

Good luck discovering a extra romantic sight in Florence than Ponte Vecchio! Again within the day, this bridge was stuffed with butchers’ outlets — however in time the native authorities demanded they change to jewellery outlets, enhancing the odor of the entire space.

You’ll need to cross the bridge to expertise all of the completely different angles. If time permits, take into account revisiting Ponte Vecchio at completely different elements of the day. It’s beautiful early within the morning and round nightfall and even the noon bustle creates a enjoyable environment.

I additionally love photographing the bridge from close to the Uffizi exit on the Lungarno. That’s the place the above photograph was taken.

The bridge is full of outlets promoting gold jewellery. The standard is superb — you possibly can anticipate 18k for the gold, as Florentines consider it’s solely gold if it’s 18k (although all the time double-check simply to make sure). Simply know that you simply’ll pay inflated costs right here in comparison with jewellery outlets in different elements of the town.

Lunch in Santo Spirito

When you attain the Oltrarno — the opposite aspect of the Arno — seize a fast chunk within the Santo Spirito neighborhood. You attain this neighborhood after crossing the Ponte Vecchio and taking a proper — although Piazza Santo Spirito is an effective central landmark if you happen to want one.

That is one in every of only a few neighborhoods in Florence’s centro (historic middle) the place the locals outnumber vacationers. Consequently, this can be a good place to wander and see if you happen to just like the look of any of the eating places.

Trattoria La Casalinga is the favourite restaurant of a Florentine I do know, and is nice for pasta and steak. In any other case, decide up pastries and occasional from a restaurant like Ditta Artigianal.

Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, together with the Bardini Gardens subsequent door, are essentially the most outstanding sights within the Oltrarno. These are the locations to hit up when visiting this aspect of the river, and you should purchase tickets to go to all the sights collectively or individually.

Though it carries the identify of its authentic landlord, the primary property was the house of the Medici household and later the Home of Habsburg-Lorraine. Contained in the palace, you’ll see the Royal Flats, the Palatine Chapel, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, and the Museum of Costume. 

It prices 16 EUR ($18) to go contained in the palace or 22 EUR ($25) for a ticket that features entry to the gardens. 

See what sort of temper you’re in and the way you’re for time, however buy advance tickets if it’s necessary to you to see the Pitti Palace. I completely like to Boboli Gardens, pictured above, and so they’re probably the greatest nature spots in Florence, a metropolis that’s typically a bit nature-deprived.

The Bardini Gardens are a five-minute stroll from the exit by Fort Belvedere within the Boboli Gardens, and there are indicators exhibiting you the way in which. You should utilize the identical ticket or go to solely the Bardini Gardens for 10 EUR ($11). 

So if you happen to’re visiting each gardens, which one is healthier? Effectively, first, take a look at my greatest views in Florence submit for footage from them each! Truthfully, I believe the view is healthier from Bardini, however you possibly can’t beat the landscaping and fantastic thing about Boboli.

Palazzo Pitti is closed on Mondays. Giardino di Boboli and Giardino Bardini are open every day. 

Oltrarno at Sundown Meals Tour

The Oltrarno is Florence’s reply to Rome’s Trastevere — a foodie neighborhood the place you possibly can get pleasure from loads of meals, nightlife, and native tradition. If you happen to’re going to go on a meals tour in Florence, that is the place to do it.

I went on the Oltrarno at Sundown Meals Tour throughout my final journey to Florence and cherished it! It’s a enjoyable cultural exercise with an emphasis on the tales behind Florentine meals and the way it all items collectively. (I hope you get Lorenzo as your information, he’s the perfect!)

You’ll swing by 5 informal eateries to strive crostini, salume, bistecca alla fiorentina, some actually good gelato, and loads of wine. Every thing comes from small, great native eateries. However for me, the large spotlight was getting a glass of wine by way of a wine window!

The tour begins at 4:45 PM and lasts about 3.5 hours, so that you’ll have many of the night free. I ought to level out that you simply’ll have sufficient meals for a meal, however you gained’t be stuffed past recognition like some meals excursions.

Cocktails in Florence

After the tour, I’m sending you out for a well-deserved drink at one in every of Florence’s cocktail bars. If you wish to keep in your present neighborhood, Bulli e Balene serves up spritzes and cicchetti, little items of bread with toppings which might be initially from Venice, in a comfortable environment.

In any other case, you possibly can cross the Ponte Santo Spirito again to the opposite aspect of the river and hit up the opposite bars, all of that are a brief strolling distance from this bridge.

Procacci may be my favourite, with its old-world decor and boutique wine menu. To prime all of it off, they serve scrumptious little truffle sandwiches, in case the tour didn’t fill you up! It is a small place, however there’s room to face if you want to.

Two minutes down the road, Manifattura is one other enjoyable spot. This cocktail bar offers solely with Italian spirits and is nice for attempting a cocktail you’ve by no means heard of earlier than. 

Giacosa 1815 is a ceremony of passage for negroni followers. The enduring cocktail was created right here in 1919, though there are many choices for many who like their drinks a bit sweeter. It is a good spot for a morning cappuccino, too. 

‌Day 3: Deeper Florentine Cuts — or Tuscany Day Journey!

In your third day in Florence, I’m going to offer you two choices. You’ll be able to both keep in Florence and discover extra of the town, or go on a day journey outdoors the town to discover extra of Tuscany.

If you happen to select to do a tour, I strongly suggest specializing in Tuscany somewhat than heading someplace additional afield.

My prime suggestion is the Florence Day Journey to Siena, Chianti, and San Gimignano. I did today journey on my most up-to-date go to to Florence, and it was SO good — an ideal mix of visiting one other metropolis, a wonderful small city, and a very nice lunch with numerous wine.

If that’s not your factor, listed below are a number of different day journeys I like to recommend from Florence:

If not day-tripping, let’s check out what you are able to do on day three in Florence!

Bargello Museum

Haven’t had sufficient artwork but? Need even MORE? If that’s the case, I like to recommend you make your option to the great and underrated Museo Nazionale del Bargello. I really didn’t go to right here till lately, and I don’t know what took me so lengthy!!

Donatello and Michelangelo’s sculptures are the headliners at this prison-turned-art gallery. (Truthfully, by this level you’ll have seen works by Raphael and Leonardo as effectively, so your ninja turtle search will likely be full.) It’s additionally an excellent place to find out about Giotto di Bondone, one of many earliest Renaissance artists, and see his fresco of Dante the poet. 

If you happen to’re into weaponry, that is the museum for you. They’ve some actually cool weapons on show, and I cherished the frescoes on among the ceilings that evoked a starry evening.

Bargello admission prices 10 EUR ($11) and it’s one of many few locations the place you don’t want to purchase skip-the-line tickets prematurely.

The museum is open 8:15 AM-1:50 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays and till 6:50 PM on Mondays and Saturdays. It’s closed on Tuesdays. 

Basilica di Santa Croce

The world’s largest Franciscan church, Basilica di Santa Croce, dates to the late thirteenth century. It incorporates the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo, together with many different outstanding Florentines, and it has a beautiful cloistered courtyard. And it occurs to be only a four-minute stroll from the Bargello.

Arnolfo di Cambio is credited with many of the design, whereas Giotto painted frescoes within the Giugni, Tosinghi Spinelli, Bardi, and Peruzzi chapels. The graves listed below are ornate and delightful.

The Basilica di Santa Croce is open 9:30 AM-5.30 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 12:30 PM-5:45 PM on Sundays. Admission prices 8 EUR ($9) plus 4 EUR ($4.50) to obtain an audio information in your cellphone.  

Casa Buonarroti

Subsequent up is one other less-visited attraction within the neighborhood, only a three-minute stroll from Santa Croce. Michelangelo’s final identify was Buonarroti, and this was his household dwelling. He lived at Casa Buonarroti earlier than the townhouse handed to his nephew. 

As plans to overtake the advanced by no means materialized, the home because it stands right now was accomplished lengthy after the sculptor’s dying by his nice nephew, often called the “Youthful Michelangelo.”

Casa Buonarroti is now a monumental museum to Michelangelo and artists that adopted in his footsteps. Two of Michelangelo’s earliest reliefs are on show in addition to drawings and biographical displays. You may also spot a small David statue right here.

Casa Buonarroti is open Wednesday by way of Monday, 10:00 AM-4:40 PM. Tickets value 8 EUR ($9). 

Lunch at Sapori Toscani Avenue Meals

Make a pitstop for schiacciata (sha-CHA-ta) at Sapori Toscani Avenue Meals, a six-minute stroll from Casa Buonarroti. This hole-in-the-wall serves conventional Tuscan flatbread sandwiches.

It is a common spot, and there’s no seating (aside from two tiny chairs in entrance which might be normally taken). The factor to do is wait in line, check out the menu, select your quantity, and order. They’ll name you when it’s prepared, and you may eat it whereas standing there or discover a bench a number of blocks away.

The schiacciate are available numerous differing types — although primarily completely different sorts of pork (porchetta, prosciutto, and sausage). Suppose ham, parmigiano, and truffle sauce, or pork loin, scamorza, and eggplant sauce. They do have an enormous vegetarian menu as effectively, so don’t overlook it!

Gelato Break

Now that you simply’ve had lunch, how about some gelato? Gelateria dei Neri is my absolute favourite — I’ve been consuming there for 20 years! They’ve implausible gelato and so many attention-grabbing flavors together with the same old favorites. Know that they’re closed on Tuesdays. They’re an eight-minute stroll from Sapori Toscani.

An excellent nearer gelato choice is Vivoli, a three-minute stroll away. That is one other long-standing gelato joint. I personally don’t assume they’re pretty much as good as Gelateria dei Neri, however they DO make the perfect affogato on the town! An affogato is espresso poured over a scoop of gelato, and Vivoli ups the ante with superbly sculpted gelato. They’re closed on Mondays.

Seeing as you’re spending three days in Florence, it’s best to squeeze in a visit to each gelaterie. I additionally hope you’ve been consuming numerous gelato all this time!

Now that that is your third and last afternoon in Firenze, I like to recommend you’re taking a while to discover at your individual tempo — or don’t. Simply sitting in a restaurant and people-watching is simply as legitimate as hitting up one more museum. By now it’s best to know what makes you tick.

Listed below are a number of extra choices, if you happen to’re searching for them.

Palazzo Vecchio

If you happen to love views and don’t thoughts climbing, one in every of my absolute favourite views is from the Arnolfo Tower on the Palazzo Vecchio on Piazza della Signoria. It is a view that doesn’t appear to get a lot consideration in comparison with the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and even Rinascente or the Boboli Gardens.

It’s so unknown, in actual fact, that folks typically ask me if the photograph above is a drone shot! It’s not! It was taken with my toes planted firmly on the Arnolfo Tower!

So what’s the Palazzo Vecchio about? This “Outdated Palace” had a stint as a Medici residence earlier than switching again to a authorities workplace as soon as they settled into Pitti Palace. Lately, it’s the city corridor of Florence, and the courtyard is free to go to. 

Excursions of the Palazzo Vecchio flats full your training in Renaissance artwork and political goings on. They’re a bit heavier and I might suggest them primarily for hardcore historical past buffs. 

Now — right here’s the necessary half. It’s essential to purchase museum and tower admission individually. You should buy them right here. Every ticket prices 12.50 EUR ($14). Just be sure you choose “ARNOLFO TOWER” when buying your ticket! It’s straightforward to overlook, and I made the error of shopping for the mistaken sort of ticket as soon as.

In any other case, you should purchase a mixed ticket which ensures admission to each points of interest. 

Fast journey to Fiesole

Alternatively, you possibly can deepen your Tuscan expertise with a simple aspect journey to Fiesole. By this level of the day, going all the way in which to a different metropolis in Tuscany will eat up a lot of your day, however Fiesole is only a fast 25-minute bus journey away.

Fiesole (fee-YAY-zo-lay) is a metropolis even older than Florence! This metropolis was based by the Etruscans and went on to garner the love of the Medici household. 

You’ll be able to spend a day taking within the historic sights and plush gardens of Fiesole. Don’t miss the Roman theater and bathhouse constructed on prime of Etruscan foundations.

The monastery of San Francesco is a brief however steep stroll from the primary sq.. It’s free to roam the compound and the views are second to none. I like that this provides you a view from the opposite path, as many of the well-known views of the Duomo come from the south.

To get to Fiesole, you possibly can take the quantity 7 bus, which leaves from outdoors Santa Maria Novella practice station and takes 25 minutes. 

Dinner at L’Ortone

Everybody deserves one upscale, unforgettable dinner in Florence, and L’Ortone within the Santa Croce neighborhood will get my vote. This place may be very common, and justifiably so, so I like to recommend making a reservation prematurely.

L’Ortone is situated east of Santa Croce and JUST far sufficient that it retains away quite a lot of the vacationers. Nevertheless it’s simply an eight-minute stroll from Santa Croce or a fifteen-minute stroll from the Duomo.

Whereas a lot of Tuscan delicacies is hyper-local, L’Ortone places a artistic twist on their dishes.

On my most up-to-date go to, I had cubes of fried beef tongue with caramelized onion and lime scented yogurt; adopted by agnolotti full of pigeon, its gravy, and thyme butter; completed with a berry cheesecake.

And also you don’t should go bizarre like me — they’ve spaghetti with burrata, eggplant parmesan, and naturally a bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Costs are a bit larger, however the high quality displays that.

And out of your desk, I hope you elevate your glass of wine and toast to the great 3 days in Florence you’ve simply skilled. I hope you always remember it!

The place To Keep in Florence, Italy

Florence’s metropolis middle is on the smaller aspect, so most accommodations are inside strolling distance of primary points of interest, first rate eating places, and the practice station.

Right here’s the place to remain in Florence metropolis middle. 

High-rated Luxurious Lodge in Florence: If you happen to’re searching for an extremely luxe expertise, The St. Regis Florence occupies a Brunelleschi-designed constructing on the riverside simply west of the town middle. Rooms are palatial and the views are excellent.

High-rated Mid-range Lodge in Florence: Near the Piazza della Repubblica and with terrace views of the Duomo, Boutique Lodge del Corso is a good alternative to your first time in Florence. Rooms characteristic trendy bogs and traditional Italian decor. 

High-rated Finances Lodge in Florence: Know that it’s powerful to search out inexpensive lodging on this stunning metropolis however B&B Emozioni Fiorentine has rooms across the $250 mark — a deal by Florentine requirements. It’s clear, cozy, and near sights. 

High-rated Hostel in Florence: Plus Florence options each personal ensuite rooms in addition to dorms. The 2 swimming pools and solar deck make it an superior decide throughout summer time! Breakfast is accessible, and you need to use the kitchen to organize gentle meals.

Discover offers on locations to remain in Florence right here.

Extra on Florence and Tuscany:

Planning a Journey to Italy:

Cool Locations in Northern Italy:

• Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
• 30+ Epic Issues to Do in Rome, Italy
• Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
• Parma, Italy: A Colourful, Artsy, Scrumptious City
• The place to Keep in Rome: Finest Neighborhoods and Lodging
• Three Days within the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Finest Meals Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• 23 Finest Issues to Do in Bologna, Italy
• 30+ Finest Issues to Do in Venice, Italy
• 16 Cool Day Journeys from Venice, Italy
• The way to Spend 1 Day in Venice, Italy
• Information to Murano Island in Venice
• Information to Burano Island in Venice

Cool Locations in Southern Italy:

• 28 Fabulous Issues to Do in Naples, Italy
• 16 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sorrento, Italy
• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Located Seashore City
• The Joys and Challenges of Touring in Sicily
• 22 Stunning Locations to Go to in Sicily
• The place to Go in Japanese Sicily
• 23 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Full Information to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Again Coastal City in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily within the Winter: Value it or not?
• 17 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Bari, Italy
• 17 Cool Issues to Do in Matera, Italy
• The Beautiful Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 16 Fab Issues to Do in Lecce, Italy
• Experiencing the Carpino People Pageant in Puglia, Italy

How would you spend 3 days in Florence? Share away!