The Perfect 2 Days in Florence Itinerary: See the Best of Florence in 2 Days!

Are you planning to spend 2 days in Florence? Keep on reading for the perfect 2 day Florence itinerary, which includes the top sights, where to eat, where to stay, and tons more helpful tips!

Oh, Florence. What a beautiful, charming city. 

From the moment I stepped off the train and started walking on those charming cobblestone streets, I immediately fell in love. Walking through the streets and being surrounded by so much art and beauty, you could almost imagine what life was like during the Renaissance.

Florence is the capital of Tuscany, and is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It is a relatively small city (population 365,000), but Florence is home to over a million pieces of Renaissance art, is the birthplace of several iconic Italian fashion brands (like Gucci and Pucci), and is known for delicious Florentine steak and Chianti wines. 

You’ll be able to experience some of the best of what the city has to offer in 48 hours in Florence  – from the breathtaking Duomo, seeing the David at Galleria dell’Accademia, touring the Uffizi Gallery (one of the best art museums in the world), crossing the Ponte Vecchio, catching the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, and more.

It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is a city rich in history and culture – did you know that the entire city center was declared a UNESCO world heritage site? SO COOL.

You won’t be able to see it all when trying to see Florence in 2 days, but you’ll be able to experience the best of what the city has to offer. But it’s enough time to help you fall head-over-heels in love and planning your return visit ASAP (at least that’s what happened for me)!

Keep on reading for the perfect 2 days in Florence itinerary – what to do, what to eat, where to stay, and more!

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Quick Tips for Your 48 Hours in Florence

• Florence is a city best explored on foot: Florence’s historic center is relatively compact, and its main sights are located fairly close to one another. It’s also just a beautiful city to walk through, and you can really feel the spirit of the Renaissance as you walk through the streets. You’ll likely do a lot of walking, so wear your comfiest shoes – and leave your heels at home, since you’ll be walking on cobblestone. My favorite go-to travel shoes are from Allbirds and Rothy’s.

• Buy attraction tickets in advance: It is HIGHLY recommended that you book tickets to the most popular attractions well in advance of your visit! This is especially true if you plan to visit during busy months, but even in February, I found that lines were pretty long (and still recommend reserving in advance). This is especially true for the Duomo complex, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria Accademia, and the Boboli Gardens. Also pre-purchase time entry for the Leaning Tower of Pisa if you plan to visit Pisa, as I suggest. You don’t want to get to Florence only to find out that things are sold out!

• Pay attention to when attractions are closed: Do note that many attractions are closed on certain days of the week, so pay attention to the schedule before you visit. You may have to rearrange your 2 day Florence itinerary based on when things are closed. Most notably, the Florence Cathedral is closed on Sundays, and you cannot access the Cupola until 12:45 and the Santa Reparata crypt until 1:30. The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery are closed on Mondays. The Opera del Duomo Museum is closed on the first Tuesday of each month. Also note that the Palazzo Vecchio closes at 2pm on Thursdays.

• Watch out for fast-driving cars: One thing to note about Florence: the streets are narrow AF, and Italians drive FAST. It’s the land of Ferrari, after all. This means that while you’re walking through the narrow streets, a car can just suddenly zoom past you going 100 mph – it scared the shi*t out of me at least a few times! So always pay attention and be on alert so you don’t get run over. (Also, if you take a taxi, the drivers tend to go FAST too, so buckle up.)
  
• Electricity: Italy uses Type L (three-prong plug) and Type F (two-prong plug) plugs. It is also said that sometimes the plugs are narrower than in other parts of Europe. If you are coming from the United States, you will need a power adapter

The Perfect 2 Days in Florence Itinerary

Day 1 Florence Itinerary

The Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)

The Duomo is the most iconic landmark in the city – it also defines the skyline. This is hands-down the number one thing you should see/do in Florence (seriously though, if you don’t go see the Duomo, you didn’t go to Florence, just sayin’). 

This grand Brunelleschi-designed building, with its terra-cotta dome and pastel marble-tiled facade will leave you in awe. I passed by this at least 5 times during my two days in Florence, and each time, I had to stop and admire it.

I recommend coming first thing in the morning, a little bit before the attractions open, so you can appreciate the beauty and grandess of it all without the crowds (and all the annoying street vendors hounding you to buy a selfie stick). I got here before 8am and it was amazing to be able to take it all in virtually by myself. Take a look at the massive structure, listen to the church bells go off, and just marvel at the grandeur of it all! It is a truly impressive structure that will leave you breathless. 

The church began construction in 1296 and took almost 200 years to complete. It also has the largest brick dome ever constructed to this day. You will stand there in awe and wonder how in the world they built this without any modern machinery – at least I did. 

The cathedral itself is free to enter, but you will need a ticket to visit the rest of the attractions in the complex. I suggest purchasing the Brunelleschi Pass for €30, which includes admission into all the sights at the Duomo – the Cupola, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata crypt. 

Keep in mind that advanced reservations are required to go up the Cupola. It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets and make reservations well in advance of your visit. This is especially important if you plan on visiting during the busier months, as tickets often sell out weeks in advance! Here is the link to buy your tickets. 

If you’ve missed the mark and find that tickets to the Cupola have sold out for your visit, you have a few options. One option is to take this highly-rated small group tour, which will also give you a lot more context into the history and the stories behind the Duomo. Here is another highly-rated option that includes an audio guide.

Expect to spend the entire morning at the Duomo complex. The order in which you visit the monuments of the Duomo will largely depend on what time your visit to the Cupola is. You can then plan the rest of your visit around it. Keep in mind that you must get to the Cupola within 5 minutes of your reservation, so be sure to be on time! 

Here are the attractions to visit in the Florence Duomo complex:

Cupola (Brunelleschi’s Dome): If you only pay for one experience in Florence, make it this one. Going up to the top of the Cupola is a unique, although sometimes unnerving experience. You will climb up 463 steps to get to the top.

Some are super sketchy, narrow, and steep – it will be one-way only through some of the passageways, which creates some awkward moments when you encounter people who are trying to get back down (and vice versa). However, the climb is worth it – the views of the city from the top are pretty phenomenal and it’s just one of those iconic experiences that you have to experience on any Florence 2 day itinerary.

Bell Tower (Giotto’s Campanile): So, confession time: I didn’t actually go up the bell tower. I was short on time, was exhausted from climbing the steps of the Cupola, blah blah. And guess what? I am absolutely kicking myself, because the view there gives you a unique vantage point, being right next to the Cupola.

Apparently though, a lot of people make the same mistake I do, so don’t be us. Many people say that if you only choose to go up to one viewpoint, then the Bell Tower is the one. It’s like when you go to NYC and go up the Empire State Building – you can’t actually *see* the Empire State Building. You can’t actually see the dome when you go up the Cupola, so you gotta go up the Bell Tower too.

Baptistery and the Gates of Paradise: The Baptistery, the octagonal shaped building right in front of the Duomo, is said to date back to 897 and is the oldest religious monument in the city. There isn’t a whole lot to see here, but the Baptistery has some stunning gold mosaic ceilings depicting various Biblical scenes. It’s also known for the Gates to Paradise, a bronze set of doors that Michelangelo himself said were “so beautiful that they could be the gates to paradise.” Unfortunately, it turns out that the real Gates of Paradise aren’t even on display here, womp womp.

Opera del Duomo Museum: So where is the real Gates of Paradise? They are located here at the Opera del Duomo Museum. In addition, you’ll find some of the original Renaissance masterpieces that once adorned the Bell Tower, Baptistery, and cathedral. There’s also an interesting exhibit on the construction of the Duomo, and a replica of the facade.

Cathedral + Santa Reparata crypt: As mentioned earlier, you do not need a ticket to enter the cathedral itself. Simply get in line and go through security to enter. There’s usually a line, but it moves fast. I found the inside of the cathedral to be rather plain compared to the grandness of the outside, but it’s still beautiful.

From inside the cathedral, you’ll find a set of stairs that descend from the main floor to the Santa Reparata crypt. Here, you’ll find the remains of a 5th century church that was excavated between 1965 and 1974. When the Duomo was built, it was built directly on top of the church.

Grab a sandwich at I Fratellini

As it is a busy first day of your 48 hours in Florence itinerary, you won’t have much time for lunch – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t eat something yummy!

I Fratellini is a tiny, literal hole-in-the-wall that has been in operation since 1875. It is a walk-up counter, with delicious panini and amazing wines by the glass. It’s an awesome spot for a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch plus a glass of wine (the sandwiches are ~€5 and the wine is €3 – such a steal). Be sure to bring cash!

You’ll find almost 30 different kinds of panini here, with some of the more traditional fillings (salami, prosciutto, pecorino), to some of the more unusual (goat cheese with Calabrian spiced salami, for example). 

There’s some sidewalk space for you to stand around and eat your sandwich, or I would just take it with you and eat it at Piazza della Signoria, the next stop on this Florence 2 day itinerary.

Piazza della Signoria 

The lively Piazza della Signoria has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century. The unique L-shaped square sits in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and is also the gateway to the Uffizi Gallery, which will be the next stop on your 2 day Florence itinerary.

The bustling piazza is an excellent place to do some people watching (and take a gelato break – Gelateria dei Neri is nearby and delicious), but it’s also got some notable sights to see as well.

Piazza della Signoria was the original home of Michelangelo’s iconic David sculpture, which stood in front of the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio from 1504-1873. While the original has since been moved to the Accademia Gallery, a replica David statue stands here in its place.

Across the piazza, you’ll find the Loggia dei Lanzi, a sort of open-air sculpture museum. The structure was built in the 14th century to host public ceremonies during the Florentine Republic, but eventually became a symbol of power for the ruling Medici family. In fact, the sculptures that they chose to display there were not only chosen for their aesthetics, but also to symbolize political meaning.

The piazza is also home to a number of fountains, including the beautiful Fountain of Neptune.

After wandering through Piazza della Signoria, make your way to the Uffizi Gallery.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is the second largest museum in Italy, and is famous for its extensive collection of Renaissance art. The museum is housed in a 16th century building that used to house government offices (the name “uffizi” translates into “offices”), and the collection was a gift from the prominent Medici family on the condition that it never left Florence.

As it is one of the city’s top tourist attractions, it is HIGHLY recommended that you pre-purchase your tickets and make advance reservations. You’ll pay an extra €4 on top of the €12 admission fee, but it is 100000000% worth it as you’ll be able to skip the line and enter at your reserved time. This is *especially* important if you’re visiting Florence during the peak months, but even though I visited in February, I was super glad that I had a reservation, as the line was LONG. There’s a chance that tickets can also sell out, so trust me, it is absolutely worth it to reserve.

The museum’s galleries are arranged in chronological order, and feature everything from ancient Greek sculpture to 18th century Venetian paintings. Of course, the highlight here is the Renaissance art. You’ll find masterpieces on display from virtually every notable Renaissance artist, including Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, and Carvaggio. 

If you want to make sure that you don’t miss all the most prominent works in the museum, it is recommended that you take this highly rated Uffizi Gallery tour. Taking a tour will also make the art come alive, as you’ll get to hear the stories behind the works and the artists.

Some of the most famous works here are Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, and Fra Filippo Lippi’s Madonna. There is also a rooftop garden and cafe, if you need a breath of fresh air (and to take in some gorgeous views of the city). Also be sure to peek outside the windows, because one of the best views of Ponte Vecchio is from the second floor of the Uffizi!

You can easily spend the entire day at the Uffizi, and still not see it all. As you are trying to see Florence in 2 days, you’ll only get to spend a couple of hours here. Even the Uffizi’s website recommends keeping visits no longer than 3-4 hours. I thought 2 hours was a good amount to see the most prominent works but to not get overwhelmed or tired (here’s the itinerary that the museum recommends). 

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall, a symbol of civil power for the city. Construction of began in 1299, and the building was originally used to house the leaders of the medieval city. Eventually, the Medici family decided to turn it into an actual palace and turn it into a family residence, 

Palazzo Vecchio still houses many government institutions, including the mayor’s office, and municipal council. There’s also a museum here, featured prominently in Dan Brown’s Inferno. The museum isn’t particularly large (it pales in comparison to the Uffizi), but a Michelangelo masterpiece graces the Salone dei Cinquecento, a gorgeous painted hall that was created for the ruling council in the 15th century.

The fortress palace has a 94 meter tall tower, which boasts one of the best views of the city. You’ll be able to enjoy a unique horizontal view of the Duomo, allowing you to appreciate the size and scale of it in relation to the rest of the buildings in Florence. This is the best reason for visiting Palazzo Vecchio, and the perfect way to end the first day of your 2 day itinerary for Florence. 

Dinner at Trattoria Za Za

I’m sure all that exploring probably made you work up an appetite, so what better way to end your day than with some traditional Florentine food?

Trattoria Za Za is a popular restaurant specializing in Florentine classics, but it has an extensive menu with lots of other Italian specialties (pasta, pizza, meat dishes, and more – something for everyone!). We came here after the concierge at our hotel said this was his wife’s favorite restaurant, and it did not disappoint!

I had the walnut pasta here – it is a Tuscan specialty, very creamy and delicious.

Day 2 Florence Itinerary

Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)

I almost didn’t make it to the Accademia Gallery during my 48 hours in Florence. I kept thinking that it wouldn’t be worth it just to see one piece – the David. Besides, I was already planning to go to the Uffizi Gallery, wasn’t that enough art for one trip?

Well, I’m glad I changed my mind and managed to squeeze it onto my itinerary. Because holy moly, you may only be coming to see one piece, but it’s a phenomenal work of art!

Michelangelo’s David is one of the most famous works of art in the world. If you’re thinking, “it’s just a statue” – well, sure, but it’s also an absolute friggin’ masterpiece. I never expected to be so blown away by David, but I absolutely was and I was so glad that I managed to make time to go see it.

Once I arrived at the Accademia, I made a beeline for David and really enjoyed walking around the perimeter of the sculpture. This will allow you to admire how the light hits it from different angles and take in the subtle details of the piece. Seeing it like this is what truly made me appreciate the masterpiece that David is – it was such a special experience. It is one of the coolest works of art that I’ve ever seen!

The rest of the galleries here are small but worth a quick walk through – there are works by Lippi and Botticelli on display here, as well as a collection of Italian art from the 13th to 18th centuries. You won’t need more than 30-45 minutes to see David and take a quick look through the rest of the museum.

The Academia opens at 8:15am – go right at opening to avoid the crowds. I highly recommend making a reservation to avoid any lines. It was such an awesome experience to admire David without a crowd swarming around it. By the time we left at 9am, there was already a giant crowd. 

Take a half day trip to Pisa

Look, I know this is an itinerary for Florence, but Pisa is just *right* there and so easy to get to that I had to add it on here…because when else are you going to go see that famous leaning tower? 

Pisa is a hop and a skip away via high-speed train, and it is well worth spending an afternoon to check out this charming little town. The train ride there takes less than an hour, is pretty cheap (€10 each way), and Trenitalia runs almost 50 trains a day.

Tip: The Trenitalia site and ticket machines can be a bit finicky, especially when it comes to foreign credit cards, so I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance on Omio. You can easily make bookings on their site or app without any language barrier or payment issues, and have the tickets conveniently stored in one place. You’ll pay a nominal fee for the convenience, but I thought it was very much worth it to avoid any headaches!  

There is little more to do in Pisa than what can be done in an afternoon, but it is worth stopping in for a quick visit to have some lunch, stroll through the charming streets and along the river, and well, you’re basically going there to check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa (and to take cheesy touristy photos with the tower because, well why not?!).

The Tower is about a 20 minute walk (about 1 mile) from the Pisa Centrale train station. Just walk up Via Santa Maria, which is full of restaurants and cafes that are perfect for a nice lunch. We stopped at Il Peperoncino for lunch, and had a delicious carbonara. The pasta was cooked to perfection!

The complex consists of the tower, cathedral, and baptistery It costs €20 for a ticket to access the tower and cathedral. I highly recommend that you purchase a skip-the-line ticket and reserve a time in advance, because lines can get super long, especially during busy times. There’s also an option that also includes admission into the baptistery for €27, which gets you a unique view right up against the tower.

I found the climb up the tower to be a unique experience. The ascent up the steps is a bit weird because, well the tower is leaning after all. You can actually feel the tower leaning, based on how you’re angled as you go up the steps – such a weird feeling! 

From the top, the view of the rolling Tuscan hills, the Arno river, and the red-roofed houses is pretty beautiful. 

The cathedral is worth a quick visit. Really though, I enjoyed walking through the grounds and seeing how the perspective of the tower changed based on my position – super cool. Expect to spend about two hours at the complex.

After your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, walk along the river to admire the views, and check out the mini church. Then stroll along the Walking Street (Corso Italia) and wander through the lively piazzas as you make your way back to the train station to hop on a train back to Florence.

Alternate Option: Visit the gardens of Florence

If you want to stay in Florence instead of making the trek out to Pisa, I suggest that you explore the gardens of the city. Florence is home to a number of gardens boasting pretty plants, Renaissance sculptures, and stunning city views.

Given that I visited in February and thought that there wouldn’t be much to see given that it was the dead of winter, I decided to head over to Pisa instead. But I do wish that I had the chance to see some of the gardens because they do look beautiful in winter, and there’s still plenty to see.

The most famous of the gardens in Florence is the Boboli Gardens, which is hidden behind the Pitti Palace. The 16th century garden doubles as sort of an open-air art museum, with numerous Renaissance statues and fountains on the grounds. It’s also known to have one of the most beautiful views of the city!

Boboli Gardens gets pretty busy, especially during the warmer months, so I recommend purchasing a reserved entry ticket to save time.

Another option is the Bardini Gardens, the Renaissance garden of Villa Bardini. Bardini Gardens sits on the same hill as Boboli Gardens, but is smaller and less crowded. However, it is in a prime location, which makes it boast a better view of the city.

Ponte Vecchio

After returning to Florence, make your way to Ponte Vecchio, AKA the bridge with the houses. If you decide to visit the gardens instead of Pisa, I suggest visiting Ponte Vecchio first as the rest of this 2 day itinerary for Florence is on the other side of the river.

Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s oldest bridge – it was the only bridge in the city until 1218, but the current version was built after a flood in 1345. It is also the only bridge that the Germans did not destroy in the city during World War II. 

So why are there houses on the bridge? Building shops on bridges was common back in the day, and Ponte Vecchio has housed businesses on it since the 1300s. Today, the bridge is still full of jewelry shops, but it is said that some people still live in the apartment above the shops.

Yeah, it’s kinda touristy, but it’s definitely a unique experience walking across the bridge. You get some beautiful views of the Arno river and the city’s other bridges from here as well. 

If you want to photograph the bridge, you won’t get the best shots from right next to the bridge, s this is at an off angle and gives it a weird perspective. As I mentioned earlier, the best view of Ponte Vecchio is from the second floor of the Uffizi Gallery, but you can also photograph it from one of the other nearby bridges as well. 

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo has arguably the best view of the city, especially at sunset, which makes it the perfect spot to end your 48 hours in Florence.

This is the best place to take in a classic view of the iconic Florence skyline. For years, city regulations did not allow buildings to be higher than the base of the dome of the Duomo. Because of this, Florence has a pretty uniform and beautiful skyline, with the Duomo standing out and looking majestic right in front of it. You can admire it in all its glory from Piazzale Michelangelo! 

Piazzale Michelangelo is about a 30 minute walk from the historic center, and you will huff and puff up your way up some gnarly hills (or, if you’re feeling lazy, you can take the line 13 bus). Sure, I grumbled the entire way up, but once I got here, I absolutely thought it was worth the effort because the view is pretty incredible. If anything, it’s a good way to work off all that pasta!

The view from Piazzale Michelangelo is beautiful at any time of the day, but It is especially spectacular at sunset. Do note that it is also the city’s most popular sunset spot, so expect it to be crowded AF. 

Come well before the sun actually sets to stake out a spot. You definitely won’t have the view to yourself, but it’s still worth it as you can see the *entire* city. It was an amazing sight to see the sun set over the rolling Tuscan hills, and to see those iconic red-roofed buildings, and the grand dome of the Duomo be cast with a golden glow. It’s also one of the best and most budget-friendly things to do in Italy. It definitely left me speechless, and was a highlight of my weekend in Florence. 

Dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito

Osteria Santo Spirito is a popular dinner spot, with delicious yet affordable dishes and wine list. You’ll find a menu full of authentic Tuscan dishes, made with quality ingredients. This was my favorite restaurant during my two days in Florence!

They do half portions of many of their dishes, which are pretty sizeable and almost felt like a full portion! I love when restaurants do this, as it’s a great way to try more dishes. It would be ideal for a solo traveler as well!

I had a simple tomato & basil pasta, which I still think about to this day. The pasta was the perfect texture, and the sauce was made with the freshest, juiciest tomatoes that burst with so much flavor. It was so simple, yet so delicious!

Osteria Santo Spirito is very popular with both locals and tourists, so making a reservation is highly recommended! We were turned away the first night that we tried to come here, but were able to make a reservation for the next evening while we were there. 

Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Florence

You will find everything from luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, and hostels in Florence. You’ll want to stay in the historic center of the city for maximum convenience, because this will put you in walking distance of all the main sights. Find a place that’s no more than a 15 minute walk from the city’s top attractions.

Luckily, there’s plenty of options in the historic center so you’ll have no shortage of options!

Here are some recommended places to stay in Florence:

• Grand Hotel Minerva:  This is where I stayed, and I highly recommend it! This boutique hotel is located just around the corner from the train station, right next to the Santa Maria Novella church. It was very centrally located and within walking distance to all the places on my list. The property is modern and beautiful, with stylishly decorated, comfortable rooms. There is also a rooftop bar – it wasn’t open while I was there, but I did go up and check out the view and it was pretty amazing. The staff was also very helpful with directions and with arranging dinner and museum reservations.
  
• Hotel Lugarno: Hotel Lugarno is one of Florence’s most famous hotels, as well as one of its most luxurious. It boasts one of the best views of Ponte Vecchio, as well as the city itself from its rooftop deck. It’s conveniently located to many of the city’s most popular attractions. The property has stylishly decorated rooms in shades of blue, as well as displays of modern art, including paintings from Picasso and Cocteau. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant on site!
  
• B&B Le Stanze del Duomo: This B&B is an affordable option located just a 1 minute walk from the Duomo. You really can’t beat the location here! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a mix of contemporary and classic design. You also get vouchers for free breakfast at a nearby restaurant.

Some FAQs for Traveling to Florence

How many days in Florence – is 2 days enough?

I thought two full days in Florence was the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions, like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery. It was an ideal amount of time to experience the best of what it offers, and see its top historical sights. 

If you’re limited on time, you can condense this itinerary for Florence in one day (minus the half day in Pisa). However, I recommend having two full days so that you’re not in a rush and racing from one attraction to another. It will give you enough time to experience and take everything in fully.

What is the best time to visit Florence?

The most popular times to visit Florence are in June and July –  this is also when both crowds and hotel prices are at their highest. It is also super hot and humid in Italy during the summer months, so it may be a bit uncomfortable.

Also note that many Italians also take a month in August, and family-run businesses are closed. The city empties out and can seem like a ghost town, however, many hotels have lower room prices during this time. 

Instead, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April, May, September, and October), which are considered by many to be the best time to go. This is when the weather is still pleasant, and the rich, rustic colors of Tuscany are at their best. It is far less crowded during the summer months as well.

Winter can be a bit chilly in Florence, but it is not necessarily a bad time to visit. I went to Florence in early February, and it was a balmy 65 degrees during my entire stay. It was comfortable, hotel prices were on the lower side, and it was lively but not super crowded.

How to get to Florence?

Arriving by Air: Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport (FLR) offers flights to destinations within Italy and Europe. It is located about 5 kilometers northwest of the city, and it will cost you about €25 to get into the city center via taxi. 

An easy yet affordable way to reach the city center is to hop on the T2 tram line, which will get you from the airport to the Santa Maria Novella train station in about 20 minutes. The fare is €1.50 each way, but do note that you will also have to pay for any large luggage you may have.

Another option is to fly into Pisa and take a train. I found this to be cheaper,since Pisa is served by many of the European low-cost carriers (i.e. Ryanair). A train ride from Pisa takes less than an hour, only costs €10, and runs frequently.  There is also shuttle service from the Pisa airport.

Arriving by Train: Florence is easily accessible via high-speed train from many other Italian cities. Trains arrive in the Santa Maria Novella station, which is a 10 minute walk to the historic center. Service via Trenitalia is fast, easy, and comfortable – you can’t go wrong sitting back and relaxing while you roll past all the gorgeous views of the Italian countryside.

Tip: If you plan on traveling via train in Italy, I highly recommend booking your tickets on Omio. This is because the Trenitalia site and ticket machines can be a bit finicky, especially when it comes to foreign credit cards. You can easily make bookings on their site or app without any language barrier or payment issues, and have the tickets conveniently stored in one place. You’ll pay a nominal fee for the convenience, but I thought it was very much worth it to avoid any headaches!  

How to get around in Florence

Florence’s historic center, where many of the main tourist attractions are located, is small and easily walkable. This is how I got around in my 2 days in Florence.

There is also an efficient bus network in Florence, and the city center is mostly served by 4 lines of small electric buses that are sized to navigate the narrow streets. There is also a bus (line 13) that goes to Piazza Michelangelo. 

The fare is €1.50 and can be purchased from the train station, and from tobacco and news agents. Be sure to validate your ticket from the yellow machines once on board.

Otherwise, there are taxis available – hailing one in the street is not allowed, but there are designated taxi stands throughout the city, or you can call for one through a hotel or restaurant.

Currency

Italy uses the Euro, like many other European countries. It is best to get cash out of an ATM rather than exchange for Euros at a currency exchange booth. Credit cards are widely accepted, and I mostly used them during my stay, but it is best to have a little bit of cash on hand for small purchases at hole-in-the-wall type places (you might even score some deals on some Italian souvenirs that way!).

Is English spoken in Florence?

Italian is spoken here, and while English is spoken at many hotels and restaurants that are frequented by tourists, some basic Italian phrases are useful (and appreciated)when visiting smaller establishments.

Is Florence safe?

Florence has a reputation for being a relatively safe city, with brightly lit streets and piazzas, and an overall low crime rate. It is a city that I would feel comfortable visiting as a solo female traveler. However, do note that petty crimes do happen.

Pickpocketing does commonly occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. These include the areas around the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo. ALWAYS keep a close eye on your belongings, leave your valuables behind in your hotel safe, and never, ever leave anything out unattended!

While violent crime is rare, always exercise common sense and do not make yourself a target. You should always exercise common sense and take basic precautions: don’t walk around alone late at night (especially outside of the main streets), don’t go anywhere with strangers, don’t get too intoxicated, and always watch your surroundings! 

Have you been to Florence? What would you include on your 2 days in Florence itinerary?

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