2 Days in Florence: A First-Timer’s Itinerary
Renaissance art, Tuscan food, and sunset over the Arno — a tight but unhurried first trip to Florence.
- Trip length
- 2 days
- Best season
- May - October
- Budget
- Mid-range
Ahhhh, what can I say about Florence that a trillion people haven’t already said already? Florence is one of those gems of a city that makes your heart beat faster, and your skips a bit more skippy. The food is outrageously good. The people are outrageously Italian (whatever that means). The buildings are *chefs kiss*. Prepare for your palate to be wowed and your wallet to be cowed.
Before you go
Make sure you book all your museum and Duomo tickets in advance to secure preferred times
The route at a glance
- Day 1: Sandwiches, Sculptures, Structures, and Steak
- Day 2: It’s Duomo time, baby. Speaking of Duomo, you can "do mo" stuff on Airtinary. Get it?
Arrive in Florence and hit the ground running
There’s no time to waste. It’s dive right in time
- Morning/Afternoon
Arrive
I’d advise checking in to your stay and dropping off luggage if possible, as Florence is all about walking
FlorenceFree - Lunch
Sandwich time
Florence is famous for their sandwiches. Fresh ingredients on foccacia bread then lightly toasted. You can’t go wrong.
Panini Toscano~€9 - Afternoon
It’s David time
Head on over to the Accademia Gallery to see everyone’s favorite marble man. David is stunning and truly worth a visit. Note: tickets are highly encouraged
Accademia Gallery€24 - Sunset
Ponte Vecchio
Florence’s famous bridge, that somehow is full of sellers of luxury watches (huh?). It’s worth a visit anyways though and a great place to catch the sunset on the river’s waters
Ponte VecchioFree - Dinner
Steak, steak, steak
I didn’t actually get a chance to try Florentine steak, but apparently it’s quite famous. Tonight’s the night to recognize your beefiest dreams
Steakhouse of your choosing~€100
“A truly walkable city. Uber drivers exist, but cost an arm and a leg, and the city is walkable enough where no two points should be more than ~20 minutes apart by foot.”
— Eric Lin
Go to the Dome or else
If you don’t take a picture of Florence from above, did you even go?
- Morning
Central Market
An indoors market that’s popping with shops full of meat, produce, fruits, veggies, food stalls, and more. Definitely worth a visit for any foodie. Don’t forget to check out the second level for some truly amazing food options. Oh, also there are shops inside selling Lampredotto, which is a Florence special (it’s absolutely delicious - just make sure you do your research on what that is ;))
Piazza del Mercato Centrale~€20 - Midday
The Dome (the big one, the famous one)
The Cathedral is free (but closed on some days). The Dome requires a ticket and to line up at the start time (sharp). ID is supposedly required (although they didn’t ask for mine). It’s 400+ steps to the top, with a few areas for rest, so make sure you’re up for the task!
Piazza del Duomo€30 - Late afternoon
Gelato
Did you know? Gelato was first invented in Florence (according to my pizza class instructor). Another fun fact: sorbet is gelato but made with water instead of milk
Florence~€5
Getting around Florence
Step 1: Start walking. Step 2: Exactly.
What I’d change with more time
A day trip into the Tuscany countryside would have been fantastic and a definite must do if you can squeeze it in to your trip. Most famous towns (like Siena), are a quick 1 hour drive from Florence. Or maybe even a day trip to visit our favorite leaning tower up North, eh?
Written by
Eric LinThis is actually my exact Florence itinerary planned with airtinary. If you use it and love it, shoot me a follow. If you use it and hate it, I got it from someone else.
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