Florence in 3 Days: A Local's Perfect Itinerary

Florence (Firenze) is one of the most beautiful cities in the world — and at just 382,000 people, it is compact enough to see properly in 3 days. The Renaissance started here, the food is incredible, and the views from Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset will stay with you forever.

Here is the 3-day itinerary a Florentine local would design for a first-time visitor.

Day 1: The Historic Center

Morning (8-12pm): Start at the Duomo — Florence's iconic cathedral with Brunelleschi's dome. Book a timed entry to climb the dome (463 steps, €30) for panoramic views. Go early to beat the crowds.

Walk to Piazza della Signoria — the outdoor sculpture gallery. David replica, Fountain of Neptune, the Loggia dei Lanzi. Free and spectacular.

Lunch: Cross the Ponte Vecchio (take photos but do not buy jewelry — tourist prices) and eat in Oltrarno. Trattoria Sabatino serves a full three-course lunch for €12. It has been open since 1956 and looks like it has not changed since.

Afternoon (2-6pm): The Uffizi Gallery — one of the greatest art museums in the world. Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Caravaggio, Leonardo, Raphael. Book tickets well in advance (€25 with reservation). Allow 2-3 hours.

Evening: Aperitivo at a bar in Oltrarno or Santo Spirito. Golden Rooftop Bar at Hotel Kraft has a view of the Duomo. Or keep it casual at Volume in Piazza Santo Spirito.

Day 2: Food, Markets, and Hidden Gems

Morning: Mercato Centrale (Central Market) — The ground floor is a traditional food market where Florentines have shopped since 1874. Buy fresh produce, cheeses, salumi. The upstairs food hall has excellent prepared food (lampredotto sandwich is a must — Florence's signature street food, tripe in a bun).

Walk through the San Lorenzo leather market (haggle — start at 40% of asking price) to the Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels, Michelangelo sculptures, €9).

Lunch: Trattoria Mario (near the market) — No reservations, shared tables, €12-15 for a full meal. One of Florence's most beloved restaurants. Cash only. Arrive at 12pm sharp.

Afternoon: Cross to Oltrarno and explore the artisan workshops on Via Maggio and Via Santo Spirito. Leather workers, frame makers, and bookbinders still practice traditional crafts. Visit the Brancacci Chapel (Masaccio frescoes, considered the birthplace of Renaissance painting, €8).

Evening: Dinner in Oltrarno. Il Latini for traditional bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak, 40+ oz, meant for sharing, €50-60 for the steak). Or Buca Mario for a more intimate experience.

Day 3: Views, Wine, and Day Trip

Morning: Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo — the viewpoint that shows all of Florence in one frame. Go at 8am to avoid crowds and get soft morning light. Continue up to San Miniato al Monte (11th-century church with even better views and Gregorian chanting monks).

Midday option A: Fiesole Take bus 7 from the city center (30 minutes) to this hilltop Etruscan town above Florence. Roman amphitheater, panoramic terrace, and restaurants serving lunch with a view of the entire Arno valley.

Midday option B: Chianti wine country Rent a car or join a small group tour ($60-80) to visit 2-3 wineries in the Chianti region. Rolling hills, cypress trees, wine tasting, and olive oil. This is the Tuscan experience.

Afternoon: Return to Florence for gelato at Vivoli (Italy's oldest gelateria, since 1929) or Gelateria dei Neri (the one with the constant line of locals).

Evening: Final dinner at Buca Lapi — a restaurant in a Renaissance-era basement that has been serving Florentine cuisine since 1880. Splurge-worthy.

Budget

3 days in Florence: $350-600 per person (budget to mid-range, excluding flights and accommodation).

A Local Friend in Florence shows you the artisan workshop that does not have a sign, the viewpoint that Piazzale Michelangelo tourists miss, and the trattoria where the ribollita soup has been simmering since morning.

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