Florence 7 Day Itinerary
Florence 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival & Explore the City Center
- Arrival: Most flights land at Florence Airport (FLR), or you can reach Florence by train from major Italian cities.
- Accommodation: Stay in the city center for easy access to attractions, such as Hotel Brunelleschi or Hotel Spadai.
- Lunch: Taverna del Lebbio - Try traditional Tuscan dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Ribollita.
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic Duomo di Firenze, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Don’t forget to climb up Brunelleschi’s Dome for a stunning view of Florence!
- Evening: Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, home to replicas of famous sculptures like Michelangelo’s David, and the Loggia de’ Lanzi. Have dinner at Trattoria Sabatino or Il Santo Bevitore.
Day 2 - Art & History
- Morning: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Book your tickets in advance to skip the line.
- Lunch: Grab a quick bite at All’Antico Vinaio for delicious sandwiches.
- Afternoon: Explore Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and the Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria dell’Accademia) where you can see original works by Michelangelo’s David.
- Evening: Dine at Trattoria Za Za or Osteria della Casa Malatesta for authentic Tuscan cuisine. Take a sunset stroll along the Arno River.
Day 3 - Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca
- Morning: Take a train to Pisa (approximately 1 hour) and marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, and the Baptistery.
- Lunch: Sit down for a meal in Piazza dei Miracoli, such as Trattoria da Bruno or Osteria Marione.
- Afternoon: Head to nearby Lucca (approximately 30 minutes by train) and explore its well-preserved Renaissance walls, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and Guinigi Tower.
- Evening: Return to Florence for dinner and rest.
Day 4 - Medici Chapels & San Marco Museum
- Morning: Visit the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) and San Lorenzo Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, leather goods, and fresh produce.
- Lunch: Eat at Trattoria La Casalinga or I’nt Bistrò per traditional Tuscan dishes.
- Afternoon: Head to the San Marco Museum (Museo di San Marco) to see an impressive collection of Michelangelo’s works, including his Crucifix and the Medici Tombs by Vasari and Bandinelli.
- Evening: Dine at I 3 Mulini or La Giostra for some excellent seafood dishes.
Day 5 - Day Trip to Siena & Chianti Region
- Morning: Take a train to Siena (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes) and explore the city’s medieval architecture, Piazza del Campo, and the stunning Duomo di Siena.
- Lunch: Tuck into delicious Tuscan fare at Trattoria la Taverna or Osteria le Logge.
- Afternoon: Embark on a wine tasting tour in the Chianti region, sampling local wines and cheeses while enjoying picturesque vineyard views.
- Evening: Return to Florence for dinner and rest.
Day 6 - Leisure Day & Shopping
- Morning: Visit the Bargello Museum to see sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Cellini. Take a leisurely walk through the Oltrarno neighborhood for a taste of local life.
- Lunch: Sit down for a meal at Trattoria La Casa del Gallo or I’ Santo Bevitore.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping in Florence’s many boutiques and artisan workshops, or take a break at the Palazzo Vecchio.
- Evening: Dine at Trattoria Sabatino or Il Santo Bevitore for a final taste of Tuscan cuisine. Enjoy a nightcap at one of Florence’s historic bars, such as Caffè Gilli or Caffè delle Ninfe.
Day 7 - Departure
- Morning: Enjoy your last moments in Florence before checking out from your hotel and heading to the airport or train station for your departure.
Tips:
- Purchase a Firenze Card for free admission to most museums, as well as unlimited travel on city buses and the tram.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as Florence is a walking city with many cobblestone streets.
- Don’t forget to try some local Gelato at Vivoli or La Carraia!
- Make reservations for popular restaurants in advance to avoid long waits.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to help you navigate the city and interact with locals.
Florence 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center
- Stay at: Hotel Brunelleschi (centrally located, historic) or Palazzo Vecchietti (boutique hotel with rooftop terrace)
- Lunch: Trattoria Sabatino for traditional Tuscan cuisine
- Activities: Stroll around the city center, Piazza della Signoria, Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery (book tickets in advance)
- Dinner: Trattoria La Casalinga for home-made Tuscan dishes
Day 2: Art & History
- Breakfast: Gustapizza for pizza and coffee
- Activities: Accademia Gallery (to see Michelangelo’s David), San Miniato al Monte, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens
- Lunch: All’antico Vinaio for sandwiches and panini
- Dinner: Ristorante Enoteca Pinchiorri (3-star Michelin restaurant)
Day 3: Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano
- Breakfast at hotel
- Take a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano (book a guided tour or rent a car)
- Lunch in San Gimignano at Trattoria D’Incanto
- Return to Florence for dinner at leisure
Day 4: Shopping & Leather Workshops
- Breakfast: Caffe della Passera
- Activities: Visit the leather markets of Santa Croce and Santo Spirito, consider visiting a leather workshop like Scuola del Cuoio
- Lunch: I 4 Venti for Tuscan cuisine with a view
- Dinner at leisure, explore local trattorias like Trattoria Mario or La Casalinga di Traviesa
Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca
- Breakfast at hotel
- Take a day trip to Pisa and Lucca (book a guided tour or rent a car)
- Lunch in Lucca at Trattoria da Walter
- Return to Florence for dinner at leisure
Day 6: Exploring Off the Beaten Path
- Breakfast: Il Giardino di Bacco for a casual brunch
- Activities: Visit Sant’Ambrogio Market, Oltrarno neighborhood, Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens (if not visited on Day 2), Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
- Lunch at I’ntonde for Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses
- Dinner: Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco for creative Tuscan cuisine
Day 7: Last Minutes & Departure
- Breakfast at hotel
- Spend your last hours exploring any missed sites or shopping for souvenirs
- Lunch: La Prosciutteria for a delicious sandwich before departure
- Depart Florence (consider extending your stay if time allows!)
Transportation:
- Walking is the best way to explore Florence, but consider buying a FirenzeCard for unlimited public transportation and access to museums
- Taxis are available, but can be expensive. Consider using MyTaxi or Radio Taxi Firenze apps
- Renting a car is an option for day trips outside Florence
Tips & Other Information:
- Dress appropriately when visiting museums and churches (shoulders and knees covered)
- Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas, especially around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria
- Italian is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourism areas
- Tipping is not necessary in restaurants if a service charge is added to your bill (a few euros left on the table is appreciated)
- Enjoy your stay in Florence! Buon viaggio!