Florence in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary

Florence packs the Renaissance into a few streets: Brunelleschi's dome, the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David are minutes apart on foot. Three days cover the big sights, sunsets over the Arno and the quieter Oltrarno.

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Day 1. The Duomo and the Uffizi

  1. Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

    The cathedral and Brunelleschi's dome. Climbing the dome (463 steps) needs a timed booking; the nave itself is free.

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  2. Campanile di Giotto

    Giotto's bell tower gives a close-up view of the dome. It's included in the Duomo pass.

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  3. Piazza della Signoria

    Florence's political heart, with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi full of sculptures.

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  4. Galleria degli Uffizi

    Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio. Book a time slot and allow at least three hours. Closed on Mondays.

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  5. Ponte Vecchio

    The jewellers' bridge. Cross it at sunset, when the light colours the Arno.

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💡 Bistecca alla fiorentina is sold by weight and served rare; share one.

Day 2. David, the market and the best sunset

  1. Galleria dell'Accademia

    Michelangelo's David, more striking in person than in any photo. Book and go early; closed on Mondays.

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  2. Mercato Centrale

    A covered market with food stalls upstairs. Try lampredotto if you dare.

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  3. Basilica di Santa Croce

    The basilica where Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried.

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  4. Piazzale Michelangelo

    Walk up (about 20 minutes) for the sunset over the whole city.

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  5. San Miniato al Monte

    A little higher, one of Italy's loveliest Romanesque churches, with an even quieter view.

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Day 3. Pitti, Boboli and the Oltrarno

  1. Palazzo Pitti

    The Medici's great palace across the river, with painting galleries and royal apartments.

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  2. Giardino di Boboli

    The palace's Renaissance gardens, with fountains, grottoes and city views.

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  3. Piazza Santo Spirito

    The Oltrarno's square, with artisans, bars and a local feel. Perfect for a last dinner.

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Practical tips

  • Book the dome, the Uffizi and the Accademia ahead: they sell out in high season.
  • The centre is small and walkable; much of it is closed to traffic.
  • Many state museums close on Mondays: use that day for churches, markets or the Piazzale.
  • With an extra day, Siena, Pisa or the Chianti villages are about an hour away.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Florence?

Yes for the highlights: the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Accademia, Ponte Vecchio and the Oltrarno. With more time, add Siena, Pisa or Tuscany.

Do I need to book to climb the dome?

Yes. Climbing Brunelleschi's dome requires a booked time slot, which sells out days ahead.

Which day are the Uffizi and the Accademia closed?

Mondays. Plan other visits for that day.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.