Travel Guides
Florence is one of Italy’s most visited cities, where Renaissance art, historic piazzas, and Tuscan flavors all meet within a walkable center. Whether you have just 1 day, a long weekend, or a full week, this guide gives you tailored itineraries to make the most of your time in the cradle of the Renaissance.
Italy welcomed 65 million international visitors in 2024, so planning time in hotspots like Florence matters. If you’re deciding how many days to spend in Florence, this guide gives simple 1-, 3-, and 7-day options to match what you want to see and do.
Florence, one of the most visited cities in Italy, is renowned for its historic center — the oldest part of the city within its former medieval walls — which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called the cradle of the Renaissance.
Here, centuries of artistic achievement are visible in landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), the Uffizi Galleries (home to works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo), and the Pitti Palace with its grand rooms and the Boboli Gardens.
Florence’s iconic Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, standing tall over the city’s terracotta rooftops.
The Accademia Gallery, a separate museum from the Pitti Palace, houses Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture and other Renaissance treasures.
In 2023, the Uffizi complex welcomed around five million visitors, while the Accademia Gallery set a record with over two million visitors—figures that reflect Florence’s status as one of the world’s top art capitals.
Compact and walkable, the city makes it easy to combine museum visits with riverside strolls, lively piazzas, and Tuscan dining in just minutes on foot.
Compact and walkable, the city makes it easy to combine museum visits with riverside strolls, lively piazzas, and Tuscan dining, all within minutes on foot.
Florence is also considered one of the top cities in Italy for digital nomads, offering a rich cultural environment, reliable amenities, and plenty of coworking spaces.
Rome is another excellent choice for digital nomads, with its blend of history, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong connectivity.
If you only have one day in Florence, you can still see many of its most famous sights, as most attractions are close together in the historic center.
This walking-friendly route is ideal for cruise passengers, day trippers from nearby cities, or travelers with tight schedules.
With three days in Florence, you can combine the city’s most iconic sights with time for local food, neighborhood exploration, and a slower pace.
This itinerary balances art, history, and authentic experiences.
With a full week, you can see Florence’s major sights at a comfortable pace, discover local neighborhoods, and take day trips into Tuscany. This itinerary blends must-see attractions with authentic experiences that give you a deeper feel for the city.
Florence is a year-round destination, but spring and fall offer the best combination of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and seasonal charm.
Summer and winter can still be enjoyable, but each comes with trade-offs in temperature, crowd levels, and activity options.
Florence is ideal for travelers interested in Renaissance art, architecture, and Tuscan food, while Venice offers unique canals, Gothic palaces, and a maritime history. The “better” choice depends on whether you prefer an art-focused city or one centered on waterways and romantic scenery.
Top choices include the Uffizi Galleries, known for Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, and the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. Other notable museums are the Bargello, Museo del Novecento, and Palazzo Pitti with its Palatine Gallery.
The Florence Cathedral (Duomo) is open Monday to Saturday, generally from 10:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with Sunday openings limited due to services. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid peak crowds.
Two to three days is enough to see the main attractions at a relaxed pace, including the Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia, and Ponte Vecchio. A week allows for slower exploration, neighborhood wandering, and day trips into Tuscany.
The fastest way is by high-speed train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, which takes about 1.5 hours. Driving takes around three hours but is less convenient for first-time visitors due to parking and ZTL (restricted traffic) zones.
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