Florence, Italy 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Florence

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi or similar centrally located hotels for easy access to main attractions.

Breakfast:

  • Grab a quick bite at Gilbert’s Bakery (Via del Campanile, 39R) or Caffè Giubbe Rosse (Via della Osteria dell’Orsanmichele, 5) for traditional Italian pastries and coffee.

Morning:

  1. Start your day at Piazza del Duomo. Visit the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery, admiring their stunning architectural details.
  2. Head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s famous statue, David.
  3. Take a stroll through Piazza della Signoria and appreciate the Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo Vecchio.

Lunch:

  • Enjoy Tuscan cuisine at Trattoria Sabatino (Borgo San Jacopo, 11r) or Il Santo Bevitore (Via di Santo Spirito, 8R).

Afternoon:

  1. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and visit Uffizi Gallery to admire Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and other Renaissance masterpieces. Remember to book tickets in advance!
  2. Take a leisurely walk along the Arno River or relax at Piazzale Michelangelo, offering breathtaking views of Florence.

Dinner:

  • Savor delicious Florentine steak at Trattoria Dito (Via dei Macci, 12r) or try local Tuscan specialties at Trattoria La Casalinga (Via de’ Ginori, 8R).

Evening:

  • Enjoy a gelato from Gelateria Vivoli (Via della Vigna Vecchia, 5) or Perche’ No! (Multiple locations) before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Artisans, Markets, and Beyond

Breakfast:

  • Repeat breakfast at your chosen café from Day 1.

Morning:

  1. Visit the San Marco Museum (Monastery of San Marco) to see exquisite frescoes by Fra Angelico.
  2. Wander through the Santa Croce Church and pay tribute to famous Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Dante Alighieri.
  3. Explore the vibrant San Lorenzo Market, where you can find leather goods, souvenirs, and local produce.
  4. Visit the Medici Chapels (Capelle Medicee) nearby for more stunning art and architecture.

Lunch:

  • Tuck into some traditional street food at All’Antico Vinaio (Via De’ Neri, 65R) or Mercato Centrale Food Hall (Piazza del Mercato Centrale).

Afternoon:

  1. Take a short trip to Fiesole for panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. You can reach Fiesole by bus (line D from Piazza San Marco or Autobus SITA from Piazza Santa Croce).
  2. Return to Florence and visit the Palazzo Strozzi, currently hosting contemporary art exhibitions.

Dinner:

  • Indulge in fine dining at Enoteca Pinchiorri (Via Ghibellina, 8r), one of Italy’s top restaurants.

Evening:

  • Take a nightcap at the rooftop bar of the Hotel Brunelleschi or Terrazza Torre de’ Giudici for panoramic views of Florence under the stars.