Welcome to the amazing suggestions on things to do in Florence in 2 days. This city has been on our Italian bucket list for so long, and finally, we made it.
In our Florence itinerary 2 days, we discovered the wonderful city, well known for its art, architecture and history. Home of great artists and unique museums.
If it’s your first time in the city you will see that there are so many things to see in Florence in 2 days and this itinerary will help you to explore the city without missing anything.
After having been all around Europe for so long we decided to dedicate some time to our beautiful country, Italy. Before our conference in Trentino, we did a road trip around Italy starting from our home city Naples passing by Florence, Parma and ending in Trento.
Are you ready to spend 2 days in Florence? Andiamo (Let’s go)
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- Firenze Duomo | Brunelleschi Dome
- Battistero di San Giovanni | Baptistery of St. Giovanni
- Giotto Bell’s Tower
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazza Della Signoria
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Loggia dei Lanzi sculptures
- Basilica Santa Maria Novella
- Piazza Della Repubblica
- Porcellino Statue | Pig Statue
- Boboli Gardens
- Pitti Palace
- Uffizi Gallery
- Central Market
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence in 2 days itinerary
Planning the perfect itinerary is always hard, anywhere in the world. With the right directions, It is maybe possible, to allow you to enjoy the city without stressing yourself. In the beginning, we thought that we would spend only one day in Florence but then, we decided to extend our stay, enjoying the city a bit more. Let’s see what to do in Florence in 2 days.
Day 1
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- Firenze Duomo | Brunelleschi Dome
- Battistero di San Giovanni
- Giotto Tower
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazza Della Signoria
- Basilica Santa Maria Novella
- Porcellino Statue
Day 2
- Boboli Gardens
- Pitti Palace
- Uffizi Gallery
- Central Market
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
FLORENCE 2 DAYS MAP GUIDE
HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN FLORENCE
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
The famous Florence Cathedral is one of the most iconic monuments of the city of Dante. The magnificent building is located in Piazza Duomo, getting its name from the presence of the Cathedral, Duomo in Italian.
After St. Peter in Rome and St. Paul in London, this one is considered the third-largest church in the world. The beautiful architecture will make your 2 days in Florence unremarkable. It is absolutely a stunning monument to don’t miss in your visit, that’s why we have placed it at the very top of our tips.
It’s very easy to reach the Cathedral as it’s located in the heart of the city centre, where your tour around Florence will start. Yes, there are many free tours in Florence that will kickstart your visit and be confident with it. Check availability and reserve your free spot.
LOCATION | Piazza Duomo
TIPS | The cathedral is one of the best photo spots in Florence.
Firenze Duomo | Brunelleschi Dome
When we talk about Florence the first thing that it will come up to our mind is the beautiful Brunelleschi Dome. If you are looking for things to do in Florence in 2 days, the Dome is a must-see in the city.
It’s the symbol of Florence which covers Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Apart from being a beautiful and stunning architecture, you can even climb up to the Dome and enjoy the wonderful view over Florence.
It’s an incredible experience to do while in the city as it won’t happen every day. The Dome of Florence is a first sight you will spot while on Piazzale Michelangelo viewing the city panorama. But, about that, we will speak later.
You can book here your tickets so you can skip the queue!
LOCATION | Piazza del Duomo
TICKETS | Florence Cathedral Dome Guided Tour
Battistero di San Giovanni | Baptistery of St. Giovanni
This stunning marble building is located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It’s a church with the status of a Baptistery, dedicated to the patron of the city.
While the closest Cathedral was the symbol of Christianity in Florence, the Baptistery of St. Giovanni was used as a place of the investiture of knights and poets.
The octagonal structure is embellished by three big doors. The most famous one is the one facing today the Cathedral made by Ghiberti and called by Michelangelo “The Paradise Door”. If you don’t know Ghiberti, he was the mastermind behind the bronze school which shaped the genius of other artists like Donatello and Masolino.
Giotto Bell’s Tower
Located in Piazza del Duomo, this beautiful example of Florentine Gothic architecture is today considered one of the most magnificent examples in the city. You can visit Giotto’s Campanile (As Italian will call it) and climb up to enjoy the enchanting landscape of Florence surrounded by hills.
Remember that once you will be up you will have a unique view. In fact, you will have a clear view of the magnificent Cupola of Brunelleschi and the Cathedral.
Giotto Bell’s Tower Details
LOCATION | Piazza del Duomo
TICKETS | Pre-book in advance your tickets here!
TIPS | Climbing up to the top will be not easy as there are 414 steps without a lift.
READ ALSO | Most romantic cities in Italy
Ponte Vecchio
During your Florence itinerary 2 days, you can’t miss the lovely walk through Ponte Vecchio.
For us, there was nothing better than waking up for sunrise and enjoying Florence with no one around. It’s a really romantic spot perfect for taking some instagrammable pictures as well.
Do you want to know a bit of history about Ponte Vecchio?
When the Medici moved from Palazzo Vecchio to Pitti Palace, they decided that they needed a connection between Uffizi and Pitti Palace. So they requested a corridor, well known today as the Vasari corridor, by the name of the architect. You can recognize this story by the movie and book of Dan Brown, “Inferno”. The Vasari Corridor runs on top of the existing bridge, over the little goldsmiths’ shops on Ponte Vecchio.
While walking through Ponte Vecchio you will see that all the shops sell jewellery. Why? Because Ferdinand I imposed that only goldsmiths and jewellers would be entitled to have their shops on the bridge in order to improve the well-being of all. This is still in place today, becoming one of the most touristic spots in Florence.
LOCATIONS | Ponte Vecchio
TOUR | Dan Brown’s film locations “Inferno” in Florence by local guide – Dan Brown’s Inferno for small group
Piazza Della Signoria
If you are planning a Florence in 2 days itinerary, Piazza Della Signoria can’t be missed. Considered the symbol of the Florentine Republic, in this beautiful square, you will find Neptune Fountain, Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi sculptures.
Three of the best masterpieces in the city, all in one place. Once you reach this stunning square, it’s easy to realize that you can’t find a place on earth surrounded by a number of sculptures and architecture of this importance and priceless value.
You will be amazed by every corner of this wonderful city. The square is really in the historic heart of Florence and can’t be missed on your game plan, even if you have just 2 days in Florence Italy, you can’t miss Piazza Della Signoria.
We suggested this location also in our guide “one day in Florence” you can check here the tours available.
LOCATION | Piazza Della Signoria
TOURS AVAILABLE | Accademia Gallery Guided Tour
Palazzo Vecchio
We have given you just a little insight about Palazzo Vecchio, but it’s time to release more information on why it is important to visit this place in your 2 days in Florence. If you are short on time, you can even just pass by, but don’t skip it at all.
This place, translated as the Old Palace of Florence, is today the town hall. At the main entrance, you can see a copy of the David of Michelangelo, exposed in the Uffizi Gallery. Through the centuries this place has been named differently, as Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo dei Priori, and Palazzo Ducale, today is well known as Palazzo Vecchio.
The Palace entrance is made by 3 courtyards embellished with works by Florentine artists. The third one is the most important because it is the entrance to the paradise of the “Salone dei Cinquecento” of Vasari.
Loggia dei Lanzi sculptures
This is an arcade full of sculptures and masterpieces. The entrance is free but regulated by not so many tourists at one time. This is in order to give to the visitors a good feeling and enhance it. Always been recognized as an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance art. Inside there are many statues with references to Romanesque and Greek symbols.
The Loggia dei Lanzi is on the side of Piazza Della Signoria, once you step in you will see the marble lions.
One of the most remarkable pieces of art in Loggia dei Lanzi is the bronze statue of Perseus with the head of Medusa in the left hand of Benvenuto Cellini. You can also find the rape of Sabine Woman in white marble by Giambologna.
Basilica Santa Maria Novella
If you are arriving in Florence by train, the first monument you will reach is Basilica Santa Maria Novella. This square is located in front of the main train station in Florence, coming from Rome or Milan, or even by bus from the airport of Florence.
Your impact with Florence will start with the beautiful and stunning architecture of Santa Maria Novella. This church it’s a Basilica, important as the Duomo.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella has been the main “Chiesa Domenicana” in the city. A fine example of the Florentine Renaissance, the marmoreus facade was ended just in 1920 and started in early 1400. After many renovations and embellishments, through the centuries, this church is now presenting a style made by many artists and inspired by many other monuments in the city and surrounding area. You will be breathless looking at the colours and details, stunning even at night.
The intern of this Basilica is remarkable, with chapels of Strozzi as the first sight to note on your list. Lovely the masterpiece of Giuliano Bugiardini, made on the draws of Michelangelo, also the crucifix of Brunelleschi, the only wood piece made by the Italian artist.
The Basilica is lovely by day but at night it becomes incomparable. Make sure you don’t forget Santa Maria Novella in your itinerary of things to do in Florence in 2 days.
LOCATION | Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
Piazza Della Repubblica
While reaching the market where the Porcellino Statue is located, you can quickly visit the stunning Piazza Della Repubblica. Not many know that Firenze was once the Capital of Italy, and this square is a vivid memory of that time.
Piazza della Repubblica is the largest square in the old town of Florence. Crowded especially in winter, when there is one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe.
This place was the centre of the life of Florence since Romans times, it is still visible by the Roman Arch. You can enjoy a beautiful view of this huge square from Via degli Speziali, or if you fancy a drink, stay at one of the restaurants in the square. At sunset, even on normal days, you will find many street artists performing in the square, this is a lively place of Florence that can’t be missed.
Porcellino Statue | Pig Statue
In your Florence itinerary, you will realize that there are so many things to do and see. Of course, during your two days in Florence, you don’t want to miss the famous Porcellino Statue.
Known as Pig Statue is one of the stops that you can’t miss in Florence. We found this statue by mistake as we didn’t know where it was located. It’s placed close to the Central Market and it’s very easy to reach. Below we have placed the link to the location which is easy to reach through google map.
The Pig Statue is instead a boar, detailed very well. The original marble statue (in ancient Romanic style) is today in the Uffizi Gallery. Cosimo de’ Medici then ordered a bronze copy to Pietro Tacca, which was displayed to the public, before as a fountain in the merchant square of the city. It’s today another symbol of Florence. Despite that many other copies are around the world. One of the most famous copies of the Pig Statue is today in Sydney, others also are in Munich and overseas in Canada, outside the University of Waterloo (Ontario).
Do you want to know more about the tradition of the Porcellino Statue?
The tradition of Pig Statue
Like in Rome at the Trevi Fountain, also Florence has its own piece of tradition and popular beliefs. Put a coin into his mouth and make a wish. If the coin falls through the gate the wish will become true.
Not just moneywise. The most important tradition is about its nose. While making the wish you need to rub his nose and, if you do so you will return to Florence one day.
LOCATION | Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
TOURS | History and beliefs of Florence.
Things to do in Florence in 2 days
The guide to your Florence 2 days itinerary
As day one is ended, we are going through the second day in Florence. Usually, the second day in our guides is the most relaxing one. You will be roaming around, without running from one point to another, rushing.
Your Florence 2 days itinerary will end up with full insights into the city, and today the must-see is the visit of the Uffizi Gallery, ending with a delightful sunset on the top of the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo.
Boboli Gardens
Located behind Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens are one of the largest open-air museums in Florence.
The layout of this beautiful space was established by the Medici family as they wanted to create the Italian garden style that would become a model for European courts.
The gardens are adorned with many important fountains such as Neptune’s bronze and the Fountain of the Ocean. It’s one of those places worth visiting during your 2 days in Florence.
LOCATION | Piazza de Pitti
ENTRANCE AND TICKETS | We suggest you book the tickets in advance to skip the queue.
Pitti Palace
Considered one of the largest architectural monuments, Pitti Palace is a vast Renaissance palace located on the south side of the Arno river. This gorgeous palace was bought by the Medici family and has become the residence of the Grand Duchy family of Tuscany.
Today, Pitti Palace is one of the most important sights in the world, you can’t miss visiting it during your 2 days in Florence itinerary.
Make sure you book your tickets here and explore the wonderful inside of this palace.
On the first floor, you will find a collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and the famous Royal Apartments.
On the mezzanine and ground floor, there is the treasury of the Grand Dukes showing a vast collection of Medici treasures. On the top floor instead, you will see a collection of mainly Tuscan paintings from the 19th and 20th century.
LOCATION | Piazza de Pitti
TICKETS | Pitti Palace Guided Tour
Uffizi Gallery
One of the best places that you can’t miss in your Florence itinerary is the Uffizi Gallery. We agree that the Uffizi Gallery needs at least half-day of the visit itself, and many will argue for a full day. Skipping some masterpieces you can fit them into this itinerary.
Here you can admire some of the most renowned works of Giotto, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and many others. For many, this museum is one of the most priceless collections in the world.
Many tourists arriving in Florence want to just visit Uffizi Gallery. If you are among them, it is suggested to pre-book your ticket in advance, while we were visiting Florence the queue was so long. Also, the museum is open to a certain number of tickets every day.
When we woke up at sunrise to take pictures around the city, we found already people queuing and waiting for the gallery to open. This was before 7 AM so make sure you got your ticket in advance.
Remember to explore the outside of the Gallery as you will see the status of artists, writers and great figures who made great Florence.
LOCATION | Piazzale degli Uffizi
TICKETS AND TOURS SUGGESTED | Skip the line Uffizi Tour
Central Market
It’s maybe your last day in Florence, we promised you to get this day more relaxing. After a rushing morning and early afternoon, it’s time to relax a bit and enjoy the lovely Italian lifestyle. Why don’t get in the mood in a local market, acting like a local and sipping an aperitif?
If you follow our journeys around the world you might know that for us, one of the best places to eat in a city is in a local market. Mercato Centrale in Florence is the ideal one where to grab something to eat. This lovely market is composed of two separate markets, an indoor one which is Mercato Centrale where you will find all the local food. Then you will discover the outdoor market where you will find souvenirs and clothing stands, all around the market streets.
Have fun while walking around this gorgeous market and don’t forget that during your Florence itinerary 2 days, you have to try the typical food found in the market. You can also sit at one of the local bars and enjoy an aperitif.
LOCATION | Piazza del Mercato Centrale
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Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Do you want to know what is one of the best ways to end a city visit? Enjoy a lovely sunset that will be in your mind forever.
The best view of the city is from Piazzale Michelangelo. It was the best part of our Florence itinerary and during the sunset was even more magical and charming.
Piazzale Michelangelo is the highest point of Florence, from the top of the hill you can easily see the sights of the city from a different point of view. After discovering all the things to do in Florence in 2 days, you can easily point to the landmarks you had on your path.
The view from the top at sunset will be just an add-on to the already stunning scenario. After this magical moment, get down and eat at one of the best restaurants for a typical “Fiorentina”. This is a big steak, from 600 grams and over. Remember that you are in Italy, and Italians eat well! While going down the hill, check out the amazing gardens to enjoy little narrow landscapes.
LOCATION | Piazzale Michelangelo
BEST PLACES WHERE TO EAT IN FLORENCE IN 2 DAYS
In our itinerary on what to see in Florence in 2 days, we can’t miss to suggest you places where to eat. This is our personal list of places, we found good for the price and absolutely tasty.
LO SCHIACCIAVINO | This place was the best for us. It’s a really typical bar/restaurant where you can try the famous Schiaccia, a common dish eaten by locals. It’s super delicious even if simple as a panini, cheap and worth a try.
What is Schiaccia? It’s a kind of focaccia filled with different products. You can pick from tomato and mozzarella, ham and cheese and more types. You can customize it as you want, mix it up and try some local products. Sip a local Chianti wine for the best-ever food memories
MANGIAPEPE | If you want to try local food, this place is the right one. The proper Italian sandwich with delicious sides is a must-do in Florence.
BISTECCHERIA SANTA CROCE | Fancy a grilled steak? Bisteccheria Santa Crose is the perfect one. It’s one of the best places to eat in Florence and we highly recommend it. It’s in a famous location, but not overpriced as many others. Good balance between prices and taste.
DAY TRIPS FROM FLORENCE
NAPLES | From Florence you can easily reach Naples within 3 hours with high-speed trains. Naples is a beautiful city and if you have the chance to stay a bit longer in Italy we suggest you visit. You can check our itineraries of Naples, for a better understanding of the location suggested. Also, you will be interested in knowing why is worth visiting Naples.
ROME | The beautiful capital can’t be missed. Who doesn’t know the beautiful ancient ruins of Rome or just dreams of a visit to the Colosseum? The train will take you to Rome’s main station in only 1 hour and a half. This stunning capital is a must-see in Italy with its lovely history, art and architecture. See our guide about how to spend 2 days in Rome.
MILAN | In less than 2 hours you can reach the famous fashion capital. Milan is an iconic city in Italy and everyone loves it. If you are planning a short trip you can easily stay for one day in Milan.
BOLOGNA | This city in Emilia Romagna is becoming a must-see place for travellers. The stunning architecture is easy to reach from Santa Maria Novella Train Station of Florence in just half an hour, by high-speed trains, for just about 10 euros. Bologna is the perfect scene for food lovers and is in the middle way from Florence-Milan Track. It’s the ideal escape for a day or two from the chaos, as it is a small city with all the comfort of a big Metropolitan place.
Also Read: Reasons why visit Florence, Italy
HOW MANY DAYS IN FLORENCE?
A DAY IN FLORENCE | Even if you have only one day in Florence you will still be able to see the most important sights. We wrote a detailed guide of Florence itinerary for 1 day where you can explore the city without missing anything.
TWO DAYS IN FLORENCE ITALY | As you can see with our itinerary for Florence in two days, you will have a bit more time to spend and stroll around the city. If you plan in advance what to do in Florence in 2 days, you will enjoy the best of the city.
FLORENCE ITINERARY 3 DAYS | If you are thinking of adding an extra day to your Florence itinerary you will see how with one more day, you can discover the city without stressing yourself. Maybe adding a few more hours to an indeed visit to the Uffizi Gallery, or the surrounding area of Florence. Check our list of itineraries available for Florence
FLORENCE ITINERARY 4 DAYS | Why not plan 4 days in Florence? Exploring Florence in 4 days will give you the extra time to take short day trips from Florence. Discover the surrounding area of Florence and plan a lovely day trip to one of the cities around Tuscany and close by.
MORE ITINERARIES ABOUT FLORENCE
VISIT THE CHIANTI REGION | If you have only one day in Florence see all the things you can do in our latest itinerary.
BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN FLORENCE | This city is beautiful and here we help you to find the most instagrammable places in Florence.
FLORENCE COOKING CLASS | Learn the best tricks and tips for Italian cuisine.