This 2 days in Florence and Tuscany itinerary is your gateway to discovering one of Italy’s most sought-after regions.
Two days is a very narrow time to visit Tuscany, so I will help you plan your trip in detail.
As you know I am Italian and live quite close to Florence. I have visited the city and Tuscany many times.
In this article, I’ll share with you a Florence itinerary that will allow you to see all the major attractions in the historic center in the most efficient way
I will also suggest what to see around Florence to enjoy the postcard views of the Tuscan countryside and to taste its typical products.
Since there are many interesting cities and villages to see in Tuscany and two days go by immediately, I suggest you spend one day in Florence and on the second day take a guided tour of Tuscany.
The best tour available is this one, which lets you experience the quintessence of Tuscany in just one day. It departs from Florence and takes you to: Pisa Siena San Gimignano Chianti farmhouse for wine tasting and learning how wine is made. On this tour, you'll discover so many artistic and gastronomic treasures of Tuscany. Furthermore, the tour has excellent reviews. You can check the latest rates of the tour here.
The best 2 days in Florence and Tuscany itinerary
The history that characterizes the city of Florence is to be found in ancient times, and it will be easy to understand this once you take a trip there.
Seeing Florence will leave you speechless, both for the variety of works of art that enrich its every corner and for the magic that flows through the alleys where time seems to have stopped.
In this post, I’ll share with you the perfect Florence itinerary through the famous piazzas and gardens and the hidden gems of the precious Tuscan city. I’ll also reveal some interesting facts about Florence that you won’t find in guidebooks.
If you would like to add a little more Tuscany to your trip, I will suggest some small towns to visit near Florence and other beautiful cities that are within easy reach.
Day 1 – morning
Ponte Vecchio
Begin your self-guided walking tour from one of the most important landmarks in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
If you arrive here early in the morning, you will find it free of crowds that might otherwise spoil this bridge’s delicate beauty and photos.
It was the only bridge to cross the River Arno until 1218. Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in 1345 – and remains so to this day- because of a violent flood.
Today on either side of it, the bridge houses Italy’s most important goldsmith shops. This is because of the powerful Medici family, that in the late 1500s had the butcher houses moved to other parts of the city.
On that occasion also the Vasari Corridor was built by architect Giorgio Vasari in 1565. The 1km-long corridor allowed the safe passage of nobles from the Pitti Palace, their residence, to the Uffizi Gallery, where they had their offices, across the Ponte Vecchio.
Uffizi Gallery
A few meters from the historic bridge is the Uffizi Gallery, which houses the works of some of the world’s most important artists.
With a visit of about 3 1/2 hours you will be able to see the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and many others (I strongly recommend booking tickets with due advance, you can do that here).
Piazza della Signoria
A few minutes away on foot is one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy: Piazza della Signoria.
The Loggia, which occupies one side of the square, is an open-air museum with rigorous and imposing 3-meter-high statues. The Loggia is also known as the “Loggia dei Lanzi,” probably because under its arches camped in the early 1500s the Lansquenets of Charles 5th, heading for Rome.
Shopping in Florence?
From Piazza della Signoria starts Via dei Calzaiuoli, one of Florence’s shopping streets with handicraft workshops. Here you will realize how important the art of leather goods is to Florentines!
After such a culturally enriching visit, it is imperative to indulge in a tasty little treat!
Where to eat in Florence
Just a 4-minute walk away, one of Florence’s most unique eateries will open its doors to you for a quick but really delicious lunch: Maestri di Fabbrica.
This restaurant offers a very rich buffet, with local delicacies that are always fresh and a first choice. Spending little you can enjoy delicious local wines and cheeses and much more.
It is also a place where a wide variety of artists and artisans put their works on display and for sale, so after an excellent fresh pasta you can choose a leather goods item or a unique piece to take home.
Address | Borgo degli Albizi 68/R
Day 1 – Afternoon
Michelangelo’s David
Your afternoon in Florence begins with a visit to a work of art that has become a symbol of the city-Michelangelo’s David.
It dates back to the 16th century and is the first nude statue of the Renaissance period. David’s nudity emphasizes his moral integrity: the hero has nothing to hide. It is also a device to highlight the tension of the body during the fight against Goliath.
David’s original location was the apse of Florence Cathedral, but the Medici moved it to Piazza della Signoria (where there is now a copy of the statue).
Today you can find it at the Accademia Gallery, which you can visit in less than an hour, but remember to reserve your ticket!
Florence Cathedral
From the Gallery, walk for about 5 minutes to the Piazza del Duomo, which is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.
The Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dates back to the 13th century and dominates the square. The red dome, designed by Brunelleschi, is from the 15th century. Complementing so much beauty is the elegant 85-meter-high bell tower by master Giotto, which is only for the strong-hearted: it features 398 rather steep steps, but from the top, the view is truly priceless.
To visit the entire structure, including the Opera del Duomo museum, I strongly advise you to get tickets online to avoid very long lines, you can do so here.
TIP:
Since it is a complex and rich architecture, it would be ideal to visit it with a local guide experienced in art history.
The best tour of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence is this one here because it will let you discover, in addition to the cathedral’s interior:
- its complex exterior decorations,
- The cathedral’s museums
- The baptistry
On a small-group tour!
You can check all the details of the tour here
Dinner
The Mercato Centrale is a contemporary industrial-style structure that will prove to be a true paradise for street food in Florence.
Inside are dozens of stands with food from all over Italy. Fill your tray with delicacies and take a seat at one of the long tables located in the middle of the main hall.
You will find hamburgers with Chianina meat but also vegan ones. You can stuff “schiacciata,” a typical Tuscan flatbread, with your favorite cold cuts and cheeses but also order restaurant-style starters or main courses. There really is an abundance of choices.
Visiting the Mercato Centrale is also one of the best things to do with kids in Florence, so everyone can enjoy choosing what to eat from the many options available.
Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento
Looking for a typical trattoria in Florence?
Cross the river via the Ponte della Carraia bridge and in a 15-minute walk you are at one of the historic osteria: Da Ginone.
Since 1949 it has been offering its customers the best traditional dishes: pici pasta, pappa al pomodoro, wild boar pappardelle, and, of course, the Florentine steak!
Address: Via dei Serragli 35/R.
Florence by night
As you approach the end of the first day in Florence, head into one of the Florentines’ most beloved neighborhoods for nightlife: San Frediano.
This area is home to a wealth of architectural treasures, such as the Basilica of Santo Spirito frescoed by Brunelleschi or that of Santa Maria del Carmine, but there is more.
Here you will find artisan workshops, non-touristy traditional restaurants, and trendy clubs.
The neighborhood is perfect for spending an evening between wine and taglieri with typical cold cuts and cheeses.
Day 2 – morning
If on the second day you want to see more of this incredible region that is Tuscany, I recommend a day trip to the countryside around Florence that starts in Florence and takes you to:
- Pisa
- Siena
- San Gimignano
- Chianti countryside with wine tasting and lunch at a local wine winery
You can check all the details of this day trip here.
Instead, if Florence has charmed you (easily) and you want to explore it some more, but you also want to see the Tuscan countryside, arrange it this way:
Plan a half-day trip to Chianti to have a few hours to relax surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and lovely scenery.
I chose this tour because it will have you exploring 2 different wineries and tasting 7 types of wine along with local delicacies (and hundreds of travelers have enjoyed it!).
Have a look at the half-day Chianti wine-tasting tour from Florence.
The remaining time devote it to getting lost again (to find yourself) in Renaissance Florence.
Another recommended stop on your first trip to Florence is the Boboli Gardens, which embrace the majesty of the Pitti Palace. It is no coincidence that it took about four centuries to complete such an elegant and historically rich park.
The interior of the Pitti Palace is also a custodian of art and culture, starting with the Palatine Gallery and ending with the Museum of Modern Art, passing through the Museum of Fashion and Costume.
If you are not in the mood for shopping or window shopping, continue to the eastern part of the historic center. Arrive, in about a 5-minute walk, at the Bargello National Museum.
This gem definitely deserves a visit that takes up an entire afternoon. In the mid-1800s it was decreed as the first Italian museum of the arts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Inside are treasures from the last four centuries, and it is impossible not to be fascinated by the temporary exhibitions.
At this point, you will be tired but happy. It will feel like time has flown through your hands after seeing so much beauty.
Accommodation | Where to stay in Florence
Staying in Florence can turn out to be a truly charming experience if you choose the right place. Let’s start with one of the most magical locations, the Antica Torre in Via Tornabuoni.
In this medieval tower dating back to the 12th century, you will enjoy rooms full of details and also a superb view from the terrace of the superfine restaurant.
If you are on a tight budget and do not mind being surrounded by young people and travelers from all walks of life, then the hostel “I 7 Santi” is the place for you.
The hostel is housed in a former 19th-century convent. You can either stay in a dorm or book a room with a private bathroom.
The real treat of the place is the breakfast with an abundant and varied sweet and savory buffet, where you can even find freshly picked honey!
Getting around Florence
So our 2 days in Florence and Tuscany itinerary has come to an end, and I would like to give some information about the traffic situation in Florence, which unfortunately is always very busy.
The best way to visit the city is obviously on foot, also because the main landmarks are very close to each other.
If you prefer to avoid walking, I recommend sustainable travel, such as using local buses (Autolinee Toscane ex-Ataf).
The quality of public transportation in Florence is excellent.
You must purchase tickets before taking the vehicle and validate them in the onboard machine once you get on the bus. You can buy tickets at the train station or at one of the many outlets (tobacco shops and newspaper stands sell them).
Or you can download the free MooneyGo app and purchase (and validate) them online. On the app, you will also find all the route info and real-time rides.
If you take a night bus, you can also purchase a ticket on the coach.
Driving in Florence
Absolutely not recommended.
The city is full of limited traffic zones, just to prevent too much traffic and avoid spoiling the magical atmosphere of this ancient place.
Florence by bike
The perfect compromise between walking and driving a car is getting around Florence by bike.
The bikes from the bike-sharing services you find on the city streets are often damaged and expensive to rent. You are better off renting the bike of the model you prefer from a store.
I recommend the shop “Florence by bike”
Address | Via Zenobi, 54
How to get to Florence
By plane, fly to either Florence or nearby Pisa (better served).
You can reach the historic center of Florence conveniently by train.
The Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station is located close to the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Novella, and from there all the attractions can be reached within a half-hour walk or by bus.
Best time to visit Florence
You surely think that a city so rich in museums and interesting architecture can be appreciated at any time of the year.
Green light to the winter, spring, and fall seasons.
The only red flag for Florence is the summer months. From June to about mid-September, this city is prey to the scorching heat.
By visiting Florence in the summer, you risk enjoying the trip very little.
There is air conditioning in the museums, but as soon as you step out you feel like you are entering an oven.
You would spend more time looking for shade than admiring the art treasures.
Best view in Florence
Florence is also beautiful when viewed from above. If you can get up early in the morning or extend your afternoon exploration a bit, add the Piazzale Michelangelo to your itinerary.
From here the panoramic view is sweet, with the cathedral towering harmoniously over the rooftops, the Arno River flowing around the perimeter of the historic center, and the Ponte Vecchio topping off the picture.
Also on this panoramic square are a reproduction of the David, restaurants, and a kiosk where you can buy a lampredotto sandwich (typical street food made with beef tripe).
You can reach Piazzale Michelangelo by taking a hike from the Ponte a San Niccolò and following the Via di San Miniato.
Or, from Lungarno Soderini (right in front of the excellent Gelateria La Carraia), take bus 12.
Day trips from Florence to Tuscany
From Florence, it is easy to reach other interesting destinations in Tuscany.
Outside the city, you can get around by car without risking too much of a ticket. Or you can continue to use public transportation (then some trips may take longer).
Wine tasting near Florence
To taste one of Tuscany’s most famous products, wine, you can travel to the Chianti region, a few miles south of Florence.
To make the commute easier, take part in a guided tour with wine tasting at a winery.
Or organize a day trip on your own to the Villa Machiavelli, which is one of the most unique places to visit in Tuscany.
Just 11 km south of Florence, at the village that gave birth to the author of The Prince, you can enjoy wines, cheeses, cured meats, as well as typical Tuscan dishes.
The new owners of Niccolò Machiavelli’s vineyards, cellars, and restaurants have maintained high standards of production and hospitality. Machiavelli’s mansion (16th century) is now a museum that you can visit.
Address: Via degli Scopeti 64. San Casciano Val di Pesa
Ballon ride over the Tuscan countryside
In Chianti, the biggest attraction besides Tuscan wine and food is the landscape.
Imagine being able to dominate the whole region with your gaze, not only the countryside but also the Apennines, the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sienna e San Gimignano.
At Ballon in Tuscany, in the Barberino Tavarnelle area, you can experience hot air ballooning and upon returning from this unforgettable journey try your hand at tasting local wines and products.
Address: Strada del Cerro 3, Barberino Tavarnelle
San Gimignano
With a day trip, you will manage to visit at least one of the charming towns in the Tuscan countryside.
San Gimignano is located 60 km south of Florence and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The medieval architecture of the town has been perfectly preserved, as shown by the many towers and a defensive wall from over a breathtaking view.
Pisa
By train, you can easily reach all the main cities in Tuscany.
With just over an hour’s journey you will reach Pisa, the city famous for its leaning tower. The historic center of Pisa can be visited in a few hours, so this trip is perfect if you are short on time but want to see a world-renowned landmark.
Siena
One of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities can be reached within an hour by train from Florence.
Here, too, the medieval architecture is well preserved.
The typical color of the city is brownish-red known as “terra di Siena,” which makes the layout of the historic center quite homogeneous.
The heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, with its nine-slice shell shape, which every summer hosts the Horse Palio, the most important day for Siena.
Conclusion
Florence is an extraordinary city that rivals Rome and Venice for the greatness of its art and architecture.
Unlike other Italian cities, it offers first-class hospitality and is easy to get around on foot or by public transportation.
I recommend adding it to your itinerary in Italy and spending at least two days in Florence and Tuscany.
