Only 48 hours in Florence? Challenge accepted! And a hearty congrats to you – because if you’re reading this, you’ve already made the smart decision to visit Florence, arguably the most beautiful city in the world. So, grab a coffee, settle in – let’s figure out the best way to spend 48 hours in Florence and really experience the best of what this incredible city has to offer.
Day 1: Renaissance Masterpieces and Iconic Views for Your Perfect Florence Days
Morning (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM):
Start your day early to visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David and a collection of Florentine paintings, primarily from the period 1300–1600. Booking your tickets online in advance is essential to avoid long queues, a crucial step for making the most of your two perfect days.
Accademia Gallery: 6 Things to Know Before You Go:
- Time-Specific “Skip-the-Line” Tickets: Be punctual! Missing your entry time invalidates these tickets.
- Navigating Florence: The street numbering can be confusing, so map your route beforehand.
- Forbidden Items: Large bags, food, drinks, and umbrellas are generally not allowed.
- Voucher vs. Ticket: Your purchase confirmation (voucher) is not your entry ticket; you might need to exchange it.
- Find the Right Line: There are different queues for various ticket types; check signs or ask staff.
- Child Ticket Verification: Bring ID (passport, birth certificate) to prove a child’s age for discounted tickets.
Next, head to the Duomo complex. Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. This also requires a pre-booked ticket and can be physically demanding but rewarding. You can also visit Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower) for alternative views and explore the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors.
Florence Duomo: 5 Things to Know Before You Go:
- ID Required: Starting March 1, 2025, you’ll need to show ID matching the name on your ticket.
- Physical Challenge: It’s a strenuous climb; wear light, comfortable clothing and proper shoes.
- Claustrophobia Alert: The stairwell is narrow and enclosed, which can be difficult for those with claustrophobia.
- Entrance Location: The entrance is Porta della Mandorla on the north side, not the main cathedral doors.
- Baggage Deposit Mandatory: You must leave bags at the free Baggage Deposit before entering.
Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM):
Immerse yourself in a foodie paradise at the Mercato Centrale. The ground floor buzzes with vendors selling fresh produce and local specialties. Head upstairs to the vibrant food hall where you can sample a variety of Florentine delights, fresh pasta, schiacciata, bistecca alla fiorentina. Beyond the food stalls, you’ll also find opportunities to browse and purchase local souvenirs, such as wine, olive oil, honey, and other regional products, making it a perfect spot to taste and shop during your two-day trip to Florence.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
Immerse yourself in art at the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Renaissance artists such as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and Leonardo da Vinci’s works. While exploring the Uffizi, be sure not to miss the windows offering stunning views of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. Booking tickets well in advance is highly recommended.
Consider taking a moment to enjoy a coffee or a light refreshment at the café on the Uffizi’s terrace (Terrazza Uffizi). The views from here are exceptional and provide a unique perspective of the city.
Uffizi Gallery: 5 things to know before you go
- Pre-book Tickets Online: Don’t expect to walk up and buy a ticket quickly; the lines are often hours long.
- Arrive Early for Your Time Slot: Aim to be there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry to account for security and potential delays.
- Know the Baggage Rules: Oversized water bottles (over 500ml), glass bottles, other drinks, and all food (except baby food) are prohibited. Large bags and bulky cameras might require a cloakroom visit.
- Understand Voucher Exchange (if applicable): If you booked through a third party, your voucher is likely NOT your entry ticket. Check your booking confirmation for the designated place to exchange it before going to the Uffizi ticket office.
Plan Your Visit: The Uffizi is vast. Study a map beforehand to identify the must-see masterpieces like Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” to avoid wandering aimlessly and missing key works.
For the most up-to-date information on opening hours for the Uffizi Gallery and to plan your visit, please check https://www.uffizi.it/en/the-uffizi
Evening (6:00 PM onwards):
As the afternoon transitions into evening, immerse yourself in the Florentine tradition of Aperitivo. For a truly special experience with breathtaking views that won’t empty your wallet, make your way to the Loggia Roof Bar at Hotel Palazzo Guadagni (Piazza Santo Spirito, 9).
Here, you can sip on your drink of choice while enjoying a captivating panorama of Florence, particularly the charming Oltrarno district, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. This rooftop offers a fantastic atmosphere and stunning vistas at a more accessible price point compared to some of the city’s more exclusive sky-high spots.
For dinner, continue exploring the Oltrarno neighborhood, known for its authentic trattorias and artisan workshops, offering a genuine taste of Florentine life. Be sure to try local specialties like the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Day 2:
Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM):
Visit the Palazzo Pitti, one of Florence’s largest architectural monuments. Explore its five museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
Wander through the beautiful Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti, a stunning example of Italian garden design with fountains, sculptures, and hidden corners.
Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM):
Find a Trattoria in the Oltrarno district for a leisurely lunch, perhaps trying some regional pasta dishes or a lighter option after the morning’s exploration.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
After immersing yourself in the grandeur of Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, embark on a delightful stroll through the heart of Florence. Your afternoon can be a treasure hunt for the city’s unique “wine windows” (buchette del vino). These historical hatches, once used to sell wine directly to passersby, are scattered throughout Florence, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.
Some well-known and even active wine windows to look out for include:
- Babae: Via Santo Spirito, 21R (often serving wine and cocktails).
- Osteria Belle Donne: Via delle Belle Donne, 16R.
- Cantina de’ Pucci: Via de’ Pucci, 4A.
- Il Latini: Via dei Palchetti, 6R.
- Osteria San Fiorenzo: Borgo Santa Croce, 11R.
For a higher concentration of wine windows to discover, wander through the Santo Spirito neighborhood in Oltrarno, Borgo degli Albizi (look for numbers 11 and 27), and along Via delle Belle Donne. Keep an eye out for small, arched or rectangular openings at roughly waist height on the facades of older buildings.
As you make your way through the city center, head towards the Mercato Nuovo (Porcellino Market) once again. This is the perfect opportunity to taste the authentic Florentine street food, Lampredotto, from one of the vendors here. While you’re at the market, don’t forget to give the nose of the bronze boar (Porcellino) a rub for good luck! The market area also offers a chance for some souvenir shopping and browsing local goods.
Afterwards, cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s only bridge spared from destruction during World War II, famous for the shops built along it.
Continue exploring the San Lorenzo Market area, where you can find leather goods, souvenirs, and local crafts. Visit the Medici Chapels for a display of opulent mausoleums of the Medici family.
Alternatively, if you have a passion for a specific type of art or history, consider visiting the Bargello Museum (sculpture) or the Museo di San Marco (Fra Angelico frescoes).
Evening (6:00 PM onwards):
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for the most spectacular panoramic views of Florence, especially stunning at sunset. You can walk up or take a bus.
Enjoy dinner in the San Niccolò neighborhood below Piazzale Michelangelo, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse restaurants. For dessert, be sure to treat yourself to authentic Gelato at La Strega Nocciola. This is a local favorite known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious flavors, a true taste of real Italian gelato, unlike some of the more tourist-oriented “tower” displays.
Important Considerations and Tips for your 48 hours in Florence:
Consider the Firenze Card: If you plan on immersing yourself in Florence’s rich artistic heritage by visiting multiple museums, the Firenze Card can be a worthwhile investment, offering access to over 50 sites and often allowing you to skip the ticket lines. However, it’s vital to remember that even with the Firenze Card, reservations are mandatory for the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, and as of late 2024, also for the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio and the Cappella Brancacci. Be sure to book these in advance – ideally as soon as you obtain your card – by checking the official Firenze Card website for the most up-to-date list of museums requiring reservations and their specific booking procedures.
This itinerary provides a practical guide to the best way to spend 48 hours in Florence, ensuring you experience key highlights and local gems during your two perfect days in Florence.