With incredible architecture, world-class museums, and a stunning countryside that’s the envy all others, spending 3 days in Florence is something most people would jump at the chance to do. Our Tuscany guide will show you the best spots to visit for history, art, and wine that you can easily visit during 3 days in Florence.
Day 1: Explore the City During the First of 3 Days in Florence
Morning: Galleria dell’Accademia, Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery
Start your morning with skip-the-line tickets to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s iconic David statue. This 17-foot-tall marble sculpture is one of the world’s most famous works of art and a must-see attraction in Florence. The museum also houses other impressive artworks, such as Michelangelo’s Prisoners and a collection of musical instruments.
Next, head to the Florence Duomo, the city’s best-known landmark. This stunning Gothic cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. You can climb up to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city or take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral’s history and art.
Afterward, explore the charming streets of the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the Piazza della Signoria and visit the nearby Uffizi Gallery, which is home to a vast collection of Renaissance art, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Afternoon: Mercato Centrale, Via Tornabuoni, Ponte Vecchio
For lunch, head to the Mercato Centrale, a bustling indoor market that offers a variety of food, wine, and artisanal goods. This is a great place to sample some of Tuscany’s best cuisine.
Later, get to know Florence’s famous shopping areas, such as the Via de Tornabuoni or the beautiful Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). These areas are known for their fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, and leather goods stores. You can also visit the San Lorenzo Market, a busy outdoor market offering a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.
Evening: Arno River, Sunset, Boat Tour
Finish your day with a leisurely stroll along the scenic Arno River, which runs through the heart of Florence. This is a great place to relax and watch the sunset over the Ponte Vecchio. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a sunset boat tour along the river and see the city from a different perspective
Day 2: Take a Wine Tour and Visit the Tuscan Countryside
Morning: Tuscan Countryside drive to Chianti
While it might be hard to leave Florence for the day, it’ll be worth it when you see the wondrous Tuscan countryside. Venture out of the city for a wine tour in the Chianti region. Famous for its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, Chianti offers some of the best wine-tasting experiences in the world.
You can book a tour with a local guide or rent a car and explore the region on your own. Either way, there’s many incredible wineries to visit like Castello di Verrazzano, Villa Antinori, or Castello Banfi. Here, you can sample some of the world-renowned Chianti Classico wines and learn about the winemaking process from Tuscan sommeliers. Along the way, take a scenic drive through the countryside and stop at some of the hilltop towns and medieval villages that dot the landscape such as Greve in Chianti, Panzano, and Radda in Chianti.
Afternoon: Lunch at a Trattoria
If you’re feeling hungry, you can stop at a traditional trattoria or osteria like La Posta, Osteria al Ponte, and Le Panzenelle to indulge in delicious Tuscan foods like peposo (Tuscan beef stew), ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), pappardelle al cinghiale (a pasta dish with wild boar ragu), or bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine-style steak).
Evening: Florence Nightlife
Catch the sunset over Tuscany on your way back to Florence. Take an evening stroll or relax at one of the city’s many wine bars or enotecas, such as Le Volpi e L’Uva, where you can try a glass of local wine and some delicious appetizers while soaking up the lively atmosphere of Florence at night.
Day 3: Do a Day Trip to Pisa, Siena, or Livorno
Even though you can easily spend all 3 days in Florence, we recommend a day trip to explore another Tuscan city because there’s just so much to see.
Pisa
One option is to visit Pisa, which is about an hour’s drive west of Florence. Here, you can see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. The tower is part of the Piazza dei Miracoli, which also includes the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Camposanto Monumentale.
Siena
Another option is to travel to Siena, which is about an hour’s drive south of Florence. This medieval city is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the Duomo di Siena and the Palazzo Pubblico. Be sure to explore the winding streets of the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square.
Livorno
If you prefer a coastal day trip, head to Livorno, which is about an hour’s drive west of Florence on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This vibrant port city offers a lively waterfront area, a charming historic district, and excellent seafood restaurants. You can stroll along the promenade, visit the historic Fortezza Nuova, or take a boat tour of the harbor.
Though we’ve packed a lot into this itinerary, your 3 days in Florence will be one to remember! Of course, if you have more time to spend in Tuscany, we recommend you spend an additional 2 days in Florence.
Related article: 5 Essential Trips for Rome Travel
Have you visited Florence before? If you had 3 days in Florence, what would you do differently?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small amount of income if you click the link and purchase something we have recommended. Clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, and all opinions remain our own.
