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2 Days in Florence Itinerary + Tips On How To Skip The Lines

By: Tanya Lesiuk of DoTravel Magazine 

Only 2 days in Florence?? Can you really see all the top Florence attractions with such a short Florence itinerary (especially if you’re planning a half day trip from Florence to Pisa too)?

I know what you’re thinking.

That’s IMPOSSIBLE! That’s not even enough time to sample all the best gelaterias in Florence.

Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret.

With a great Florence travel guide and some expert Florence travel tips, 2 days in Florence is more than enough to experience many of the top things to do in Florence, Italy and maybe even do a romantic road trip in Italy.

So:

Take a read through this 2 days in Florence Itinerary guide and find out how you can create the perfect weekend in Florence itinerary. 

***Psst, if you have time, check out these awesome day trips from Florence.***

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

📜 Looking for an amazing experience in Florence? Book your ticket to the Uffizi Gallery online. You can spend as much time as you want at the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto.🏛️

During your 2 days in Florence, make sure to enjoy the magical skyline.
During your 2 days in Florence, make sure to enjoy the magical skyline.

Two Days in Florence: How to Create the Perfect 2-day Florence Itinerary

So, you only have two days in this magical city and aren’t sure where to start?

Have no fear!

Florence is a VERY walkable city,  even if you have an insanely delicious gelato in hand or and an expertly brewed espresso in the other.

Because yes:

Eating and drinking your way through the city is by far the best way to start your two-day Florence adventure. Especially if you only have enough time to see Florence in one day. 

But what about some of the other amazing things to do in Florence?

Well, exploring the second you arrive!

Now, I’m not a psychic so I can’t predict, with 100% accuracy, how or where you’ll arrive in Florence, but I can make a good guess.

More than linkely:

Anyone traveling to Florence from another Italian city, like Rome or Milan, will arrive via train at Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Also nearby, is the central bus station which is just around the corner.

International train arrivals and some national arrivals will arrive at Firenze Campo di Marte, a station near the ring road, just slightly outside the historical center.

***Looking for a place to stay while you’re in Florence? Then check out some of the best hotels in Florence, which include Portrait Firenze, Palazzo Vecchietti, My Friends Guesthouse, Hostel Gall d’Oro. or any of the best hostels in Florence! You could also try staying at this incredible, luxury, Airbnb Firenze***

During your Florence itinerary, spend some time enjoying the natural beauty fo the Arno River.
During your Florence itinerary, spend some time enjoying the natural beauty of the Arno River.

Day 1 (Enjoy this Florence itinerary on its own or combine it with the day 2 Florence itinerary for the best Florence Visit)

If you want to get an early start:

I’d suggest eating breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for the day.

For anyone accustomed to a traditional Italian breakfast:

ust grab a quick shot of espresso because that’s all you’ll need to kick-start your adventure. 

One more essential Florence travel tip:

You MUST wear some comfy shoes and clothes that you can actually move in; yeah, you’ll thank me later when you reach the Uffizi Gallery.

Now that you’re fully caffeinated:

Let’s start our 2 days in Florence with a visit to the Duomo, the most famous landmark in all of Florence, in the historic center of the city.

Tour the interior and explore the incredible architecture all around you.

Marvel at the marble floor and venture into the crypt for a more in-depth look inside the Duomo.

Wait, we’re starting the day off in a crypt? That sounds a bit ominous.

Don’t worry, we’ll be going back upstairs to see light the of day.

Next:

Grab a ticket and climb up the narrow staircase, to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome.

The awe-inspiring architectural beauty of the Duomo in Florence.
The awe-inspiring architectural beauty of the Duomo in Florence.

Breathe in this magical moment and take in the spectacular views of Florence  all around you.

After you’ve savored the astonishing views:

Walk across the street to the impressive Baptistery, the octagonal building that sits right in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Fiore.

One of the most ancient churches in Florence:

The Baptistery is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is home to exquisite Florentine Romanesque architecture, stunning 13th-century mosaics, and the magnificent tomb of Baldassare Cossa.  

The beautiful, mosaic ceiling of the Baptistery in Florence.
The beautiful, mosaic ceiling of the Baptistery in Florence.

Next up?

A trip to the Uffizi gallery!

Just make your way there by foot and be sure to pass Palazzo Vecchio along the way.

Ticket in hand:

Walk into the Uffizi Gallery, and explore this virtual paradise for art lovers.

Home to some of the most famous works of art in the entire world, this gallery has 101 rooms and showcases such iconic masterpieces as Elector Palantine’s Cabinet, Woman with a Veil, Birth of Venus, Medici Venus,a nd so much more. 

The beauty of Leonardo Da Vinci's The Annunciation in Uffizi Gallery.
The beauty of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Annunciation in Uffizi Gallery.

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (9253 Reviews) Price: $21.52 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Door 3 of the Uffizi Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Getting Hungry?

If you’ve had your fill of art for the morning and need a short break before continuing, feel free to enjoy your first gelato of the day.

Yes, calories don’t count while you’re on vacation.

And there will be time later on in the day to grab a second or third gelato for all you dessert lovers.

Remember:

This is Italy and lunch is typically served later in the day.

Therefore:

A delicious gelato is a way to quell your hunger before lunch. And Gelateria dei Neri is a fantastic little gelato shop that offers patrons a uniquely delicious selection of gelato flavors. 

Prefer to save your gelato for after lunch?

Fantastic because the Vivoli – Via Isole delle Stinche, is within walking distance of our next Florence point of interest. the Basilica di Santa Croce.

The largest Franciscan church in the world, this basilica is home to over 300 tombs, the most famous of which are those of Michelangelo and Galileo!.

It’s been a jam-packed morning.

So let’s take a break and enjoy a relaxing lunch, at Finisterrae or la Giostra, around the Piazza Santa Croce.

Get lost amidst the labyrinth of charming side streets and be sure to steer clear of the multitude of tourist traps in the area. 

Now that your stomach is satisfied, let’s take a relaxing stroll across the Ponte Alle Grazie, over the Arno river, and to our final destination the Boboli Gardens.

At last, paradise found.

Here you’ll find an immense green space where you can escape the crowds to breathe in tue fresh air.

Be sure not to miss the Buontalenti Grotto, the garden’s centerpiece.

The gardens make a great place to rest and digest the remainder of your lunch. Peacefully pass the afternoon, quietly enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature. 

Following your visit to the gardens,

Walk past Palazzo Pitti before heading across the Ponte Vecchio, the most iconic bridge in Florence.

Enjoy the rest of your evening wandering through the small streets of the historic center and relaxing around the local bodegas; you deserve it.

Day 2 – Continuing Your 2 Days in Florence 

Yes, I’ll admit it:

Day 1 was pretty jam-packed with Florence things to do but it was all for a reason.

Now that you’re better acquainted with the city and know how to get around, you can take it easy today.

Let’s start the day by visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia, where you catch a glimpse of the Statue of David.

There’s always a queue because well duh, it’s the Statue of David.

But:

If you purchase your skip-the-line ticket, you’re guaranteed to get inside sooner.

The iconic Statue of David in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
The iconic Statue of David in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (6683 Reviews) Price: $25.61 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Florence Specialists office. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

But in addition to the Statue of David:

There’s plenty to see here, so don’t rush. Just take the morning to explore the museum with ease and visit other iconic masterpieces like Madonna of the Sea and St. Mathew by Michelangelo. 

Once Finished:

Enjoy the neighborhood surrounding Piazza San Marco, and stop for lunch at nearby L’Osteria de L’Ortolano for a hearty meat stew, a delicious charcuterie board, or a nice minestrone.

After you’ve eaten:

Explore the next attraction on this Florence itinerary, the Palacio Medici Riccardi.

Once the personal residence of the Medici Family, you can now explore this Renaissance palace as a museum.

While here:

Be sure to visit some of the museum highlights, which include the frescos of Luca Giordano in the large hall, the entrance staircase designed by Foggini, and the chapel, decorated with frescos, done by Benozzo Gozzoli in 1459, that depict the Procession of the Magi.

If you’re hungry after your museum visit (and it’s still lunch time):

You can stop by Trattoria Sergio Gozzi for some delicious, Tuscan style dishes that include simple pastas, as well as Panzanella salads, meat ragu, potato topini, and more. 

2 days in Florence Itinerary FAQ

Is 2 Days Enough In Florence?

2 days is just perfect to wander around Florence and take in the sights at this gorgeous city.

Not only will you be able to head to the main attractions in the city, you will also get a chance to kick back and relax or enjoy one of the best wine tours in Florence or one of the best Tuscany wine tours from Florence.

My recommendation is to head to one of the cozy cafes or restaurants and enjoy a meal or just head out for one of the delicious gelatos. If it’s nice and warm you can enjoy it while gazing at the river of Arno.

What Is Florence Famous For?

Florence is one of the prettiest cities in Italy. The city is famous for its iconic architecture. It also houses some of the world’s most famous art pieces in museums and galleries across the city.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the famous attractions and one that I feel you should not miss on your trip here. It’s almost famous for its location near Tuscany. So, rent a car in Tuscany and explore the region.

Is Florence Italy Expensive?

Florence is super expensive. Yes! It’s expensive even compared to usual western standards. This is why people try to keep their stay in the city as short as possible while trying to take in all the sights. I honestly feel that 2 days in Florence strikes the perfect balance. You get to live life without burning a hole right through your pocket and you don’t miss out on any of the sights. 

What Is The Best Month To Visit Florence, Italy?

The best travel months to Florence Italy are between April to October. This is largely because the weather is so great during this time of the year. If I was you, I would avoid the months of June and July because this is peak tourist season. This means that you are elbow to elbow with tourists and things get extremely costly. If you do want to head here during this time, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

📜 Looking for an amazing experience in Florence? Book your ticket to the Uffizi Gallery online. You can spend as much time as you want at the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto.🏛️

2 Days In Florence Itinerary Map

Click here to see the full map.

TADA! You’ve survived an insane 2 days in Florence! How do you feel after completing this Florence itinerary and visiting most of the must-see attractions in Florence?

I bet you’re exhausted! That’s why you should take the afternoon off and savor the beauty of this enchanting city.

So whether you’decide to enjoy a nice apertivo or grab another divine gelato, as you overlook the river of Arno, I’m sure you’ll make the most of your time and enjoy your last evening in Florence.

And if this 2 day Florence itinerary inspires you to plan a trip of your own, then pin this now and read it again later!

 
 

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Saturday 11th of January 2020

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girlwiththepassport

Monday 13th of January 2020

Thanks so much for reading!

Navya Upadhyay

Tuesday 31st of December 2019

Nice blog, and especially I loved it because Florence is one of my favorite places where I mostly visit. Thanks for this Blog.

girlwiththepassport

Tuesday 31st of December 2019

Thanks for reading! So glad you enjoyed my article!

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