Florence in 3 days: an itinerary for first-time visitors

Three days in Florence is the right amount of time to see the city’s masterpieces without rushing from one queue to the next. This itinerary groups the sights by area, so you spend your time looking at art and architecture rather than crossing the city. It works in any season and leaves room for long lunches, which are part of the experience too.

Before you go: tickets and timing

• Book the big museums in advance. The Uffizi, the Galleria dell’Accademia and the climb up Brunelleschi’s dome all use timed entry. Booking ahead saves hours in line, especially from spring to autumn.
• Check closing days. The Uffizi and the Accademia are closed on Mondays, so plan this itinerary around them.
• Start early. The first hour after opening is the calmest time at almost every major sight.
• Consider a museum pass. If you plan to visit many state and civic museums, compare the cost of individual tickets with a pass such as the Firenze Card.
• Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll walk a lot, often on stone paving, and the dome and bell tower climbs are entirely on foot.

Day 1: the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi

Morning: the Duomo complex

Begin at the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome for a close look at Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgement and a 360-degree view over the rooftops. If you prefer a view of the dome, climb Giotto’s bell tower next door instead. Then visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, where the original bronze doors known as the Gates of Paradise are kept.

Afternoon: Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi

Walk down Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart for centuries. Look at the sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi, then spend the afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery, home of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, as well as works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio. Allow at least three hours.

Evening: Ponte Vecchio

Cross the Ponte Vecchio as the goldsmiths’ shops close for the day and the light turns golden on the Arno. Have dinner on the other side of the river, in the Oltrarno.

Day 2: David, the Medici and a sunset view

Morning: the Galleria dell’Accademia

Book the first entry of the day to see Michelangelo’s David before the crowds arrive. The gallery also holds his unfinished Prisoners, which show how he released his figures from the marble.

Midday: San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale

Walk to the San Lorenzo area for the Medici Chapels, including Michelangelo’s New Sacristy. For lunch, head upstairs at the Mercato Centrale, or try a lampredotto sandwich, a Florentine street-food classic.

Afternoon: Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, and frescoes by Giotto. If you have energy left, the Bargello museum nearby has one of the finest collections of Renaissance sculpture in the world.

Sunset: Piazzale Michelangelo

Cross the river and walk up through San Niccolò to Piazzale Michelangelo, the classic panoramic terrace over Florence. For a quieter view, continue a few minutes uphill to the Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte.

Day 3: the Oltrarno, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

Morning: Palazzo Pitti

Spend the morning at Palazzo Pitti, the grand residence of the Medici and later of Italy’s royal family. Its Palatine Gallery is full of paintings by Raphael and Titian hung in richly decorated rooms.

Midday: the Boboli Gardens

Behind the palace, the Boboli Gardens climb the hillside with fountains, grottoes and statues. It’s one of the best examples of an Italian Renaissance garden, and a welcome green break after two days of museums.

Afternoon and evening: Santo Spirito and San Frediano

Wander the streets of the Oltrarno, where many artisans still work in small workshops. Visit Brunelleschi’s Basilica of Santo Spirito, then stay in the square for an aperitivo with the locals before dinner in a neighbourhood trattoria.

Want a fourth day? Take the bus up to Fiesole for Etruscan and Roman ruins and a wide view over Florence, or ask us to arrange a guided day trip to Chianti, Siena or San Gimignano.

If you have extra time

• Palazzo Vecchio: the town hall’s Salone dei Cinquecento and the tower climb.
• Santa Maria Novella: the basilica’s frescoes and its historic pharmacy nearby.
• The Cascine park: a long walk or bike ride along the Arno.
• A cooking class: learn to make fresh pasta or a classic Tuscan dish.

Not sure where to base yourself for these three days? Our guide on where to stay in Florence compares the main neighbourhoods.

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough for Florence?

Yes. Three days lets you see the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Oltrarno and Piazzale Michelangelo at a comfortable pace. Add a fourth day for Fiesole or a trip into the Tuscan countryside.

Do I need to book the Uffizi and the Accademia in advance?

It’s strongly recommended. Both use timed entry, and booking ahead is the best way to avoid long queues, especially between spring and autumn.

Which museums are closed on Mondays in Florence?

The Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia are closed on Mondays. Opening days can change, so check the official websites before your visit.

Can you climb the Duomo without a reservation?

The dome climb requires a ticket with a reserved time slot, so book in advance, particularly in high season.