2 Days in Florence Itinerary

Florence holds a special place in my heart. The city, with fantastic architecture, iconic history, and, top of all, the birthplace of the Renaissance era, gave me some memorable events for life. 

It is a city of unrivaled beauty and artistic diversity, the ideal prologue to Tuscany’s picturesque surroundings. 

It isn’t easy to explore all of its attractions in two days. Still, I’ve compiled a walking itinerary highlighting the must-see locations. 

Take in their beauty from the outside, even if you cannot examine them all inside. These architectural marvels are a visual and emotional feast. 

A 48-hour visit to Florence reveals the soul of this fascinating city. My encounter with Florence was brief but profound. If you have ever been to Florence, you can relate to my experiences in this Itinerary. 

Overview of 2 Days Florence Itinerary

Day 1 of Florence Itinerary: Boboli Gardens, Galleria dell’Accademia, Piazza della Repubblica, Florence Cathedral, Mercato Centrale.

Day 2 of Florence Itinerary: Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Florence Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo.

Before visiting any place, you should have a fair idea about your accommodation. I have mentioned some of the best hotels to stay in Florence, such as Hotel della Signoria, Palazzo Panzani, or Hotel Galileo.

My Florence Itinerary-Day 1

Boboli Gardens

I started my day with a fresh and breezing visit to the Boboli Gardens. Located across the Pitti Palace are the vast Boboli Gardens. If you like peace and calm, the famous Boboli Gardens are for you to relieve yourself from the busy streets of Florence. 

The Giardino di Boboli is a garden designed in English by the renowned Medici Family, meticulously designed on a hillside across the Amo River. 

These gardens, which date back to 1418, have been altered by Medici and Savoy families over the years, enhancing their Renaissance setting with well-kept lawns, ornate fountains, and shady walkways. 

Its size resembles the Versailles gardens, but its modest appearance conceals its magnificence—a secret treasure awaiting exploration amid the charm of Florence’s well-known sites.

If you want to skip the line for a ticket, I would suggest taking a guided tour to Boboli Gardens.

Galleria dell’Accademia 

Pay a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia after a fresh start at Boboli Gardens.  The Accademia Gallery is Florence’s second-most visited museum. 

Michelangelo’s masterwork David (17 feet) captivates visitors with its overwhelming grandeur. Doors open at 8:15 a.m., so arrive early to avoid the crowds. 

Founded as a fine arts school in the sixteenth century, the Accademia was the European benchmark for teaching sculpture, painting, and drawing. 

David, formerly outside State offices, is now the center of attraction indoors, drawing people from all over the globe. 

The gallery has more of Michelangelo’s incomplete paintings, sculptures, and even a display of musical instruments, but David always takes center stage. 

You should order tickets or get a private tour to secure your place at this Academia Gallery.

Piazza della Repubblica

After exploring Galleria dell’Accademia, I headed towards the Piazza della Repubblica, located in the center of Florence. It is a lively hub of contemporary life and rich in historical history. 

This bustling plaza, formerly home to the Roman Forum, is now a bustling marketplace and a gathering spot for intellectuals and artists. With various stores, restaurants, and a quaint carousel, it is bustling with activity these days. 

Even if the restaurants serve visitors, I wanted a more genuine experience, like visiting local shops or stalls. You should include a visit there in your two days in Florence as it provides an insight into the city’s lively culture and rich history. 

Florence Cathedral

My next stop was the Florence Cathedral, also known as Duomo. It has been a prominent feature of Florence’s skyline for over eight centuries. 

Once considered unattainable, this architectural wonder now serves as a tribute to human creativity. This imposing building evolved over almost 140 years to become one of the biggest cathedrals in the world. 

Though its facade, a fantastic combination of pink, green, and white marble, is visually captivating, Brunelleschi’s massive brick dome is the main attraction.

Admire the frescoed ceiling while taking in the expansive panorama of Florence from the top. A guided tour will give you a fantastic experience and a unique look at its history and beautiful frescoes. 

Mercato Centrale 

After a day of exploring places and capturing memories, I could not have chosen a better place for dinner than Mercato Centrale.

Packed with history dating back to Florence’s reign as Italy’s capital in the 19th century, this vibrant market continues to attract residents looking for fresh food.

The food court on the upper floor serves a wide variety of international and Tuscan dishes made using fresh ingredients. 

Though meat and cheese are the staples, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are available, such as vegan burgers and wood-fired pizzas. Enjoy a few cannolos with your dinner and some fine coffee, beers, or wines from the area. 

Every day from 10 a.m. to midnight, Mercato Centrale in Florence provides a warm haven from the winter’s cold or wet days.  

My Florence Itinerary-Day 2

Uffizi Gallery

I started my 2nd day on a high note. Being an art lover, I was excited to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Being one of the most famous museums in Italy, it’s best to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line, especially during the busiest travel seasons. 

Explore the vast collection of Italian masterpieces, which includes the ethereal beauty of Botticelli’s “Primavera” and the mysterious works of Leonardo da Vinci. 

If you want a better grasp of the exhibits’ creative significance and historical background, think about spending money on a small guided tour to Uffizi Gallery. 

Remember to enjoy the vast panorama of Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River from the gallery’s second-floor windows, which offer a charming setting for your exploration. 

Ponte Vecchio 

Just a few miles away from the Uffizi Gallery lies the Ponte Vecchio. It connects the lively energy of the Uffizi Gallery to the regal splendor of Palazzo Pitti. With a history dating back to the 12th century, this magnificent bridge gracefully and tenaciously spans the Arno River. 

I saw a different form of hustling near Ponte Vecchio, where vendors sell tourists pricey jewelry, original artwork, and souvenirs. Its miraculous escape from the devastation of World War II is evidence of its timeless beauty and importance. 

Marvel at the wonders of this historic landmark, a timeless gem waiting to be discovered on your Florence itinerary, as you take in the views and the ambiance. 

Florence Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

I had already witnessed the Duomo’s exterior during my walk on day one. So, I decided to have a close look at this majestic place. 

It never gets old to admire the cathedral’s exterior, embellished with eye-catching marble and terracotta features, including the distinctive dome. 

The simplicity of the cathedral contrasts with its elaborate façade. A €15 ticket purchased at the Baptistry entrance office allowed entry to the Duomo, Baptistry, Campanile, and Museum. It also lets one bypass lines and climb the dome. 

Representing Florence’s iconic focal point for more than eight centuries, the Duomo’s elaborate marble façade radiates grandeur with colors drawn from Carrara, Prato, and Siena. 

Brunelleschi’s clever terracotta dome is an engineering marvel to this day, a monument to architectural genius. Better get an express tour to Florence Cathedral to skip the line for a ticket.

Piazzale Michelangelo 

My trip would only be complete if I could witness the beautiful sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. It was, without any doubt, my favorite part of this Itinerary. 

To cap off your last 48 hours, I recommend visiting Piazzale Michelangelo, a charming piazza perched atop the Oltrarno hill. Enjoy a stunning sunset over the city while commemorating every site you have visited over the previous 48 hours. 

Climb from Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the Santo Spirito neighborhood’s aperitif customs. Relish in a pre-dinner snack and cocktail while enjoying the area’s ambiance. 

Alternatively, go to the Basilica of San Miniato for a more peaceful experience. This architectural wonder offers unrivaled views of Florence. 

Recall that Piazzale Michelangelo is a center of cultural significance and a place to enjoy sunsets. The square is home to a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s well-known David statue, attracting history scholars and art fans. 

Wrapping Up

Summing up all the experiences, memories, and recommendations in an itinerary is impossible. Florence has made an eternal impression on me with its beauty, from the magnificent Duomo to the ageless treasures kept in the Uffizi Gallery. 

Each excursion, from ascending the famous Florence Cathedral dome to taking in the expansive vistas from Piazzale Michelangelo, has testified to the city’s timeless allure and cultural importance. 

I leave Florence with fond memories and a fresh understanding of the culture, heritage, and art that make this Renaissance gem unique.