Travel guide
Florence in 3 days
Pair landmark art with river walks, lively squares, and easy afternoons in the hills.
Florence by numbers
1
Walkable historic center
70+
Museums and galleries
2
Banks of the Arno River
600+
Years of Renaissance heritage
The plan for these 3 days in Florence
| Day | Focus | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duomo and central Florence | Duomo complex and Piazza del Duomo | Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio exterior | Ponte Vecchio stroll at sunset |
| 2 | Art and the Arno | Uffizi Gallery highlights | Oltrarno workshops and Santo Spirito | Arno riverside walk |
| 3 | Gardens and viewpoints | Boboli Gardens | Pitti Palace exterior and nearby cafes | Piazzale Michelangelo sunset |
Is this travel guide for you?
Great fit if you want
- Art highlights with breaks in between
- Compact neighborhoods and easy walks
- Golden-hour viewpoints
- Cafe culture and markets
- A relaxed pace with time to linger
Not ideal if you want
- A packed schedule of day trips
- Late-night nightlife focus
- Long hikes outside the city
- A museum-only marathon
- Fast-paced sightseeing
Day-by-day breakdown
Day 1
Duomo and central Florence
Cathedral sights with historic squares.
Morning
Duomo complex and Piazza del Duomo
Afternoon
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio exterior
Evening
Ponte Vecchio stroll at sunset
How to enjoy Florence in 3 days
Florence is best enjoyed at a calm pace. Anchor each day with one headline sight, then leave room for long meals, small stops, and slow walks between neighborhoods.
Group your time by nearby districts to keep transit light. Pair adjacent areas so the flow feels smooth, then save one stretch for a focused museum or landmark day.
Build at least one open-ended afternoon into your 3-day plan for markets, cafes, or a sunset stroll that keeps the trip feeling relaxed.
Logistics & practical tips for Florence
| Best time | April to June or September to October |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer | Tram from Florence Airport to the center |
| Transit tips | Most sights are walkable in the historic core |
| Ticketing | Book Uffizi and Accademia timed entry |
| Neighborhood stay | Duomo area or Oltrarno |
Good to know before you go
| Crowd timing | Start by 8:30–9:00 for headline sights |
|---|---|
| Seasonal notes | Plan shade or indoor stops on hot afternoons |
| Museum booking advice | Reserve timed slots 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season |
| Common mistakes | Overbooking too many sights in one day |
| Dress code | Bring a light layer for church and basilica entry |
Checklist before you go to Florence
Tap items as you prepare. No sign-in needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Florence walkable?
Yes. The historic center is compact, so most days work on foot with short, scenic routes. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need to pre-book art museums?
Yes for the Uffizi and Accademia. Timed entry keeps the day calm and avoids long queues. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Should I visit the hills above the city?
A short climb to Piazzale Michelangelo is worth it for sunset views and a quieter break. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is two museums in one day too much?
It can be. Pair one major museum with an outdoor afternoon to keep your pace relaxed. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is 3 days enough for Florence?
Yes for the core highlights. Expect one major sight per day, short walks between neighborhoods, and enough breathing room for cafes, viewpoints, and unplanned local stops. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Should I buy skip-the-line tickets?
Yes. Pre-book top attractions for timed entry, shorter waits, and a schedule that stays on track during busy travel periods. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need a transit pass?
Not necessarily. Most itineraries stay walkable, but a 24- or 48-hour pass helps on museum days, longer hops, or evening returns. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
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