How to Spend 3 Days in Florence

Guest post by Della Driscoll of The Violet Network

As the heart of the Tuscany region, Florence boasts a luxurious appeal, home to the Renaissance art and architecture scene. Whether you’re looking to sample some dreamy and authentic Italian food (and wine) or immerse yourself in the city’s historical significance, Florence leaves you wanting more.

Your time is valuable, and 3 days in Florence means delving into its wonders and falling in love with the city. We’ve put together a 3-day guide on how to spend your holiday in the city, allowing you to make the most of your Florence apartment.

Day 1

A city as beautiful as Florence means beginning your first day doing a spot of sightseeing. Italy is a country designed to fall in love with the power of wandering and admiring the views, and Florence does an amazing job with that. There are so many charming piazzas to sit and chat with your family or read a book with a cappuccino. The Italians embrace ‘Dolce far Niente’, a phrase meaning the sweetness of doing nothing.

The best piazzas include Piazza del Duomo in the heart of Florence’s historic centre, Piazza della Signoria, the political centre; and Piazza Della Republica, one of the oldest piazzas with plenty of chic cafés. Spend your breakfast hour in one of the piazzas’ charming cafes with a delicious pastry and a cup of coffee.

Next, visit Florence’s top attractions, including the Duomo. The most notorious sight in Florence, the Duomo or known as Santa Maria del Fiore deserves a visit. There are various parts of the Duomo complex to see, including the inside of the cathedral, walking up the dome for a view of Florence, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.

Sightseeing such beauty is bound to work up an appetite. Fill yourself up with a slice of pizza or an aromatic bowl of pasta and a scoop of gelato before finishing the day by heading over to Ponte Vecchio.

Ponte Vecchio isn’t only a bridge encapsulating traditional Italian architecture, it’s the only bridge that survived World War II. It’s also a shopping paradise with quaint shops dotted along the bridge with stunning river views. About a 15-minute stroll from the Duomo complex, the bridge is a lovely area to finish the day mooching around and enjoying a glass of wine on the riverfront or dinner with your children.

Day 2

Kickstart your morning with a traditional Italian breakfast in a quaint bakery such as Cucciolo Bar Pasticceria for pastries and coffee, then prepare for another day of wondrous sights.

With plenty of history under your belt, the second day is perfect for exploring Florence’s art side as a pivotal location to learn and witness phenomenal art. Strozzi Palace is a place to admire historic architecture and many art pieces inside. From the palace, head over to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous spots in the city. The gallery features multiple ancient paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Modern era, with masterpieces from history’s best artists. You’ll witness art from Michelangelo and Caravaggio to Piero della Francesca.

After a bite of a classic ragu pasta dish, roam over to the Basilica of Santa Croce, located in Piazza di Santa Croce. The square itself is a luxurious place to be, and the inside of the church matches the external beauty. This basilica has plenty to see, including its grounds, inside the church and its museum.

End your day at the Accademia Gallery before dinner at a traditional restaurant such as Gusto Leo Ristorante Pizzeria. The Gallery is renowned as the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture David and features many of his other sculptures. It’s also home to a vast range of paintings by local Florentine artists across the 1300-1600 period.

Day 3

The third day in Florence is bittersweet as you won’t want to leave. Although, that means it’s the perfect day to embrace the last admiration of Florence. The city is split in two via the Ponte Vecchio bridge, with a busier side featuring the Duomo, whilst the other side offers a quieter appeal.

Spend your morning wandering through the busier side of the city and grab breakfast before walking across the Ponte Vecchio and being welcomed by a humbler side of Florence. The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens is the best stop to start your ventures. Pitti Palace houses significant museums in Florence, including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes and the Gallery of Modern Art. Explore art and furnishings treasures from the 16th-20th century across the various museums. Then, embrace the sunny skies of Florence in the esteemed and bright green Boboli Gardens, an ideal spot to relax after exploring. With a grand feel, it’s a great picnic area.

Discover a place for lunch after a morning in the palace with a local slice of pizza and scoop of gelato from Gelateria Della Passera. This side of the city is gorgeous for a stroll, spending time walking around the cobbled streets.

The last stop on your Florence holiday has to be Piazzale Michelangelo, the best sunset viewpoint to see the iconic city turn from day to night. The view is the picture-perfect postcard of Florence and one you’ll never forget.

So, that’s our guide to 3 days in Florence – since your itinerary is ready, discover your dream place to stay with our Florence apartments collection. Check out the full portfolio of City Apartments on Oliver’s Travels and if you need a hand making your urban getaway that bit more special, contact our friendly Concierge team who will be happy to advise.

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