What to see and how many days to stay in the city
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city where every corner reveals a piece of history, art, and culture. But how much time is really needed to savor its essence? The answer depends on what you are looking for: a quick taste or a deep dive into its endless wonders. A city like Florence reveals itself little by little to the tourist, and every moment spent among its streets and palaces will bring you closer to its essence. Whether you are planning a short stay or a longer visit, every corner of this city offers something unique. And remember, Stella d’Italia Florence awaits you to offer a stay experience that perfectly intertwines with the magic of this eternal city
Visit the Iconic Places
If you only have a weekend, prepare for an intense tour. Two days in Florence can be enough to visit the iconic places: the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the enchanting Ponte Vecchio, and the historic Uffizi Gallery. A well-planned itinerary will allow you to grasp the essence of the city, yet leaving you with the desire to explore more.
Every day spent in this city will gift you unforgettable moments!
If you only have a weekend, it’s essential to plan your movements to maximize your experience. A top tip is to book tickets for famous museums, like the Uffizi Gallery, to avoid long lines. Also consider purchasing a Florence Card, which offers priority access to many sites.
Another tip concerns lunch. To taste Tuscan cuisine without spending too much time sitting in a restaurant, you can opt for quick but tasty lunches at markets like the Central Market, or choose a street-food lunch with a classic lampredotto sandwich or a typical schiacciata.
For dinner, let yourself be pampered by the local cuisine dining in a quality typical restaurant. Some restaurants have tables on terraces with breathtaking views of the city, a truly unique experience, especially at sunset. Others will welcome you in refined environments and historical buildings that will convey the true essence of Florence. Remember to book in advance, especially in the most popular restaurants.
Discover authentic places less trodden by tourists
A week in Florence? Perfect. You’ll have time to explore at your leisure. Beyond the famous museums and monuments, you can lose yourself in the medieval streets, discovering artisan shops and hidden restaurants. Beyond visits to the iconic places of the city and the most important museums, you definitely have time to spend a day exploring the Boboli Gardens, don’t miss the Kaffeehaus, with its splendid panoramic view, and the Amphitheater, where ancient shows and festivities took place.
During your holiday in Florence, a stroll in the charming Oltrarno district is a must, where the authentic Florentine life unfolds between a coffee and an artistic workshop.
Let’s look in detail at some further advice on places to visit and things to do.
As places to visit, we also recommend a trip to Palazzo Pitti, which was the main residence of the Medici family. Each room tells a different story, with frescoes, furnishings, and works of art that reflect the wealth and power of this influential family. Inside the palace, explore the various galleries, including the Palatina Gallery and the Museum of Silver, which house a vast collection of Renaissance art.
Having so many days at your disposal, we definitely recommend participating in a leatherworking or cooking workshop, an authentic experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural roots of Florence. Leatherworking is one of the most celebrated arts in Florence, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. These workshops not only offer a deeper understanding of local craftsmanship but also allow you to take home a tangible and personalized memory of your visit to Florence.
how much time is needed to visit Florence?
Florence, a jewel nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is a city that requires time to be truly appreciated. Here is a summary of how much time you might dedicate to this magnificent city, depending on your priorities:
At least 7 days: Ideal for those who desire a complete experience. You will have time to visit the main museums and churches, as well as enjoy long walks among the beauties of Florence. And don’t forget to savor the exquisite local cuisine in various high-quality restaurants.
At least 5 days: Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture by visiting selected museums and churches, exploring the medieval streets, and tasting Florentine delicacies.
At least 3 days: Suitable for those who want to capture the essence of Florence with a visit to its most famous museums, the Duomo, and to experience a few evenings in the magical city atmosphere.
Less than 3 days: In a weekend’s time, Florence can offer a taste of its beauty that will strike you and call for a return. To fully experience the city, one must dedicate time to it, exploring it slowly and lovingly, just like the slow flow of its river Arno, a witness to millennia of history.