Florence, Italy travel guide

The Renaissance city, walkable in a day, unforgettable in a week.

Best time to visit: April-May and September-October
Average daily budget: $130 to $220 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days

Florence is small enough that you can walk from the Duomo to Pitti Palace in 15 minutes - and dense enough that you'll pass three world-class museums on the way. Joy Plus handles the timed entries (Uffizi, Accademia, Brunelleschi's Dome) so you actually see the art instead of queuing.

Florence itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Uffizi at 8:15am opening (Tuesday). Reserve the timed slot. Botticelli's Venus to yourself for 5 minutes.

Afternoon: Explore Centro Storico, The historic core. Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, the postcard Florence.

Evening: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. 30-min walk up. The whole city in golden light. Bring a bottle of Chianti.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Climb Brunelleschi's Dome. 463 steps, no elevator. Book the dome ticket separately.

Afternoon: Explore Oltrarno, Across the river. Artisan workshops, Pitti Palace, the locals' Florence.

Evening: Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. Climb (or bus 12/13) up to the terrace above the Arno for the classic dome-and-rooftops panorama. Bring a bottle of wine, arrive an hour before sunset for a spot on the wall.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Day trip to Siena and Val d'Orcia. Hire a driver. Lunch at a winery, back by 7pm.

Afternoon: Explore Santo Spirito, The student-and-aperitivo square. Best gelato, best vibe at sunset.

Evening: Climb the Duomo cupola. Brunelleschi's dome from the inside, 463 steps past the Last Judgement frescoes to the lantern and the best view in Tuscany. Book a timed slot online days ahead, it sells out.

Best neighbourhoods

Centro Storico: The historic core. Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, the postcard Florence.
Oltrarno: Across the river. Artisan workshops, Pitti Palace, the locals' Florence.
Santo Spirito: The student-and-aperitivo square. Best gelato, best vibe at sunset.
San Lorenzo: Markets, leather shops, Mercato Centrale upstairs food hall.
San Niccolò: Behind the Boboli, residential, the path up to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Must-do experiences

Uffizi at 8:15am opening (Tuesday): Reserve the timed slot. Botticelli's Venus to yourself for 5 minutes.
Climb Brunelleschi's Dome: 463 steps, no elevator. Book the dome ticket separately.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo: 30-min walk up. The whole city in golden light. Bring a bottle of Chianti.
Day trip to Siena and Val d'Orcia: Hire a driver. Lunch at a winery, back by 7pm.
Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo: Climb (or bus 12/13) up to the terrace above the Arno for the classic dome-and-rooftops panorama. Bring a bottle of wine, arrive an hour before sunset for a spot on the wall.
Climb the Duomo cupola: Brunelleschi's dome from the inside, 463 steps past the Last Judgement frescoes to the lantern and the best view in Tuscany. Book a timed slot online days ahead, it sells out.

Hidden gems

Brancacci Chapel - early Renaissance frescoes, 30 visitors at a time, never queues.
Bardini Garden for Duomo views without the Boboli crowds.
All'Antico Vinaio sandwich at 10am to skip the line.
San Miniato al Monte for Gregorian chants at 5:30pm.

Daily budget

$130 to $220 USD per day.

What to eat

Bistecca alla Fiorentina at Trattoria Mario (lunch only, no booking)
Lampredotto sandwich at Da Nerbone (Mercato Centrale)
Gelato at Vivoli or Gelateria della Passera
Aperitivo at Le Volpi e l'Uva

Getting around

Walk - the centre is 1.5km across. The bus is needed only for Piazzale Michelangelo (or walk it). No Uber, official taxis only. Day trips: rent a car or hire a driver, the train works for Siena and Pisa.

Safety

Very safe. Pickpockets work the area around the Duomo and the train station. Solo travellers are extremely comfortable, including women solo at night in the centre.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Florence?

Three full days for the city's masterpieces. Five if you want a Tuscany day trip and time to wander Oltrarno properly. Two days is enough for the Uffizi, Duomo and Ponte Vecchio if you're rushing.

Florence or Rome?

Both, ideally. Florence for art and Tuscan food, Rome for ancient history and chaos. Florence is smaller, calmer, and easier as a first Italy trip.

Do I need to book the Uffizi in advance?

Yes - always. Walk-up tickets routinely sell out by 11am in season. Book the timed entry online at least a week ahead, more in summer.

Do I need to book the Uffizi and Accademia in advance?

Yes, always. Both sell timed-entry tickets online and the walk-up lines waste hours. Book the Accademia for Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi early or late to dodge the midday crush.

How many days do you need in Florence?

Two to three days covers the Duomo, the Uffizi and Accademia, the Oltrarno and Piazzale Michelangelo. Add a day for a Tuscany or Chianti wine trip, the easiest reason to linger.

Is Florence walkable?

Completely. The historic centre is compact and flat, and you'll cover everything on foot, no need for transit or taxis. Wear real shoes for the cobbles and the Duomo climb.

When is the best time to visit Florence?

April-May and September-October is the sweet spot for weather and crowds. Shoulder season brings lower prices and easier bookings, while peak months mean higher accommodation costs and longer queues at the best known sights, so book early if you travel then.

How much does a solo trip to Florence cost?

Budget on roughly $130-$220 USD per day in Florence as a solo traveller. That covers a hostel bed or simple room, local food, getting around and a couple of paid sights. Mid-range comfort with private rooms, sit-down dinners and the odd tour runs closer to double, while shoestring travellers who cook and stick to street food can come in under it.

Is Florence safe for solo female travellers?

Florence is generally a comfortable place to travel solo, including for women, as long as you use normal city sense. Very safe. Pickpockets work the area around the Duomo and the train station. Solo travellers are extremely comfortable, including women solo at night in the centre.

How do you get around Florence?

Tours and activities in Florence | Florence in 3 days | Florence in 5 days | Florence in 7 days