Experience Florence's most iconic landmarks and world-class museums on this essential itinerary. From the stunning Duomo to the incomparable Uffizi Gallery, discover the heart of the Renaissance in 5 unforgettable days.
This plan is built around the city’s best-known sights, in a sensible order to keep travel time low. Opening days and times change, so check the official website of each place before you go. Not sure 5 days is right? Read how many days you need in Florence.
Know before you go
Best Time to Visit
April–June is ideal — mild temperatures (18–26°C), the Iris Garden in bloom on the hillside and fewer visitors than July. The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival brings world-class opera in May.
July–August is Florence at its most intense: 35°C heat and enormous crowds at the Uffizi and the Accademia. Start sightseeing at 8am, shelter at midday and visit churches (always cool and often free) in the afternoon.
September–October is arguably the finest time: grape harvest in the surrounding Chianti hills, cooler temperatures (20–26°C) and noticeably fewer tourists. The golden October light on the Duomo is extraordinary.
Getting Around Florence
Walking is the definitive Florence experience — the historic centre is a UNESCO-listed pedestrian zone and almost every major sight is within 1.5km of the Duomo. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone streets.
Bicycle is a wonderful alternative — the flat city centre is easy to cycle and the Arno riverside path is a pleasure. Several rental companies operate near Santa Maria Novella station.
From Santa Maria Novella station, high-speed trains connect Florence to Rome in 1.5h, Venice in 2h and Milan in 1.75h. Florence is the perfect base for day trips across Tuscany.
More on neighbourhoods, food and practical tips in our Florence city guide.
Florence's Sacred Heart
Iconic cathedral, historic square, and Renaissance palaces
- Morning
Florence Duomo
Climb to the top of Brunelleschi's iconic dome for breathtaking views of Florence. This masterpiece of Renaissance architecture is the city's most recognizable landmark.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Late Morning
Piazza della Signoria Walk
Explore Florence's historic main square featuring the Palazzo Vecchio, Neptune Fountain, and open-air sculpture gallery. This is the political and cultural heart of the city.
- Afternoon
Lunch in the city center
Enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine at a local trattoria near Piazza della Signoria.
- Afternoon
Palazzo Vecchio
Tour the grand residence of the Medici family with its stunning frescoes, sculptures, and panoramic tower views over Florence.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Art & Masterpieces
World-class museums showcasing Renaissance treasures
- Morning
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's greatest art museums. See Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo's Annunciation, and masterpieces by Giotto, Raphael, and Michelangelo.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch by the Arno
Relax with a meal at a riverside restaurant overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
- Afternoon
Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo's iconic David sculpture. Also features an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings and drawings.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Ponte Vecchio sunset walk
Stroll across Florence's famous medieval bridge lined with jewelers' shops, enjoying sunset views over the Arno River.
Medici Legacy & Renaissance Splendor
Palaces, chapels, and gardens of Florence's ruling dynasty
- Morning
Medici Chapels
Explore the magnificent burial chapels of the Medici family, featuring elaborate marble decoration and Michelangelo sculptures.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Late Morning
Museo di San Marco
A former Dominican convent with stunning frescoes by Fra Angelico and a serene Renaissance atmosphere.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch in the Oltrarno district
Dine at a local eatery in the artisan quarter south of the Arno River.
- Afternoon
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Tour the grand Pitti Palace and stroll through the expansive, beautifully landscaped Boboli Gardens with Renaissance sculptures and panoramic views.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Hidden Gems & Masterworks
Lesser-known museums and historic churches with world-class art
- Morning
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
One of Italy's finest sculpture museums, featuring works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Cellini in a medieval fortress setting.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Late Morning
Santa Maria Novella
A stunning Gothic church featuring Masaccio's Trinity fresco and beautiful Renaissance cloisters with frescoes by Paolo Uccello.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch near the station
Enjoy a meal in the neighborhood around Santa Maria Novella.
- Afternoon
Palazzo Strozzi
A Renaissance palace hosting world-class contemporary and classical art exhibitions in one of Florence's most elegant buildings.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Tuscany Day Escape
Medieval towns and countryside beyond Florence
- Early Morning
Tuscany Day Trip
Escape to the rolling hills and medieval villages of Tuscany. Visit charming towns, vineyards, and experience the region's timeless beauty.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Tuscan lunch
Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine, wine, and local specialties at a countryside restaurant or winery.
- Evening
Return to Florence
Return to the city center and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll through Florence's historic streets.
Tickets for this itinerary
Popular sights sell out or have long ticket lines in high season. Booking ahead fixes your time slot; prices are shown live on the booking page.
- Day 1Florence DuomoBook →
- Day 1Palazzo VecchioBook →
- Day 2Uffizi GalleryBook →
- Day 2Accademia GalleryBook →
- Day 3Medici ChapelsBook →
- Day 3Museo di San MarcoBook →
- Day 3Palazzo Pitti & Boboli GardensBook →
- Day 4Museo Nazionale del BargelloBook →
- Day 4Santa Maria NovellaBook →
- Day 4Palazzo StrozziBook →
- Day 5Tuscany Day TripBook →