Florence is likely one of the most safe cities you can visit as a solo traveler. After living here for about 4 months, I can say for certain I was never worried about safety here. Needless to say of course you should always be aware of what’s happening around you, but this is a great travel destination if you are looking for a solo adventure! This 3 days in Florence Itinerary will serve as your guide for your next solo adventure.
Florence is also such a fun city to visit in Italy! There is so much to see, but if you’re wondering if 3 days in Florence is enough, keep reading this post to discover what you may want to do! Whether you are traveling alone or with friends or family this post can serve as a guide for your 3 days in Florence!
3 Days in Florence
Day 1: Light Sightseeing & Walkthrough + Duomo Climb
On your first day, you’re likely exhausted or wanting to get familiar with Florence and where everything is! A great way to start your 3 days in Florence is by walking through the city and city center to get used to where things are, while also doing some light sightseeing along the way! For solo traveling this is always a great way to start your trip if you have the time, so you are familiar with where things are before doing your most important sights! With that being said, you’re definitely going to need a good breakfast to get the day going. There are SO many places to grab a cappuccino and pastry in Florence. I’ll recommend many throughout this post, so feel free to choose whichever you like! Coming soon, I’ll have an entire post on where to get coffee in Italy.
BREAKFAST
For your first day in Florence, you’re likely either just arriving or might even have options for breakfast available where you’re staying. However if you’re like me when I solo travel, you’ve booked an AirBnB so you can spend more money on the rest of your adventures! A cappuccino and pastry breakfast is a classic in Italy. In Florence, you’ll find a “bar” (coffee shop) that might also double as a “tabacchi” where people also purchase stamps, cigarettes, etc. and you can get your cappuccino and pastry here. There are several located in the surrounding area near the Duomo, you can’t go wrong with any of them!
On day 2 I’ll recommend the BEST and my personal favorite coffee shop in Florence. For day 1 I think it is more fun to experience a true local coffee shop experience! Your breakfast in total will only cost you 3-4 Euros.
1. See the Duomo & Baptistry of St. John
If you are staying in the city center of Florence, and are on your way after breakfast for sightseeing, you literally won’t miss this if you try. So uhm… yeah go see it. It’s insane. Looking at it, you will never notice all of the insane details in each little area of the Duomo. This we will absolutely go back and revisit later in the day for an even more insane experience from the top of the Duomo to look at Florence with an incredible view. But for now, stop, take your photos, ask that random person to take your photo (but please don’t ask just anyone as a solo traveler). The baptistry of St. John is just across from the Duomo as well to take a look at the incredible work of art on the baptistry doors.
*Solo travel photo tip: Ask someone, they are likely traveling too and would love to take a photo for you. But look for groups, look for some who are taking photos and offer to take their photo as a group. Then, politely ask if they will take your photo as well. Never ask anyone totally alone who looks unapproachable, you are giving them your phone and don’t want them running of with it!
2. Piazza della Repubblica
Closeby the Duomo and St. John’s Baptistry is the Piazza della Repubblica! Here you’ll see a carousel and shops with a large populated piazza, one of the most historic ones in Florence. This was the main city center of Florence dating back to Roman times. This centre used to be populated with churches, shops, tabernacles, and was the location of the Jewish Ghetto. Sooo very much history to see here!
3. Walk through Piazza della Signoria
Not far from the Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica is the Piazza della Signoria! Here you will walk through historical artwork and a historic political city center. Here is where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio, a copy of the David statue, as well as several sculptures making political statements in 14th century Italy. You can go inside of the Palazzo Vecchio center for free, and walk into it and see the unique interior of the palace.
4. Walk to Uffizi Gallery
From the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi is like a 2 minute walk. It it located just behind the collection of sculptures! This is a great time to get your photos of the outside of the Uffizi. On Day 2 or 3 you’ll have the chance to visit inside and see all of the incredible historic artwork, as well as capture some great views and photos of Florence from a new angle. From here, you can also walk to the pathway where you’ll see the Ponte Vecchio and have the chance to walk across it and explore the shops across the bridge.
5. Take a Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio
Walk across the Ponte Vecchio to explore the shops and see one of the most historic and unique bridges in Italy! The bridge is known for it’s jewelry shops and has some of the nicest gold jewelry. The view from the bridge is unique as well! Later on this 3 days in Florence itinerary will bring you to another bridge so that you can take photos of the Ponte Vecchio!
6. Palazzo Pitti
One of the spots you’ll visit in full on Day 2 is the Palazzo Pitti! The palace served as a power symbol for the Medicis until 1737. The palace is home to the Medicis personal family art collection, holding works of art from Raphael. Walking over here to see the outside will get you familiar with the area and lead you towards the delicious restaurant I am recommending for lunch!
LUNCH
Another unique place you must visit while spending 3 days in Florence is the Mercato Centrale! This is the central market in Florence, providing you with fresh local foods and ingredients, as well as many local wines and other fun! This is a great place to have lunch and sample a few different foods while you are there! This is, however, a bit of a walk from Pitti Palace. About a 20 minute walk though, not too terrible! If you wish to visit this on day 3 and have time in the afternoon, feel free to move this around!
8. Basilica di Santa Croce & Leather Shop
After lunch, you’re going to want to walk off all that food, trust me! Next sight to see on the list is the Basilica di Santa Croce. This site is full of unique history and is where the Christmas market in Florence is held. On your way to Santa Croce, to see the view of the Ponte Vecchio from another bridge, be sure to cross at Ponte Grazie to take your photos of the Ponte Vecchio from another bridge. This view is one you can’t miss! Click HERE for walking directions to Santa Croce.
Behind this church is a really unique leather school, selling truly authentic handcrafted Italian leather goods that you can customize in shop. The pieces are handmade by the students in the school, and you may even get to catch a glimpse of them working on these pieces while you shop. However, be sure not to disturb the students out of respect for their craft and workmanship!
This by far was one of the most unique experience I had in Florence. I went to shop on my 22nd birthday and bought gifts for my family here. Such a cool experience, you will not regret it! Click HERE for walking directions to the leather school from Santa Croce. It is a bit tricky, but just note that is is way directly behind the church, tucked away a bit. If you feel like you’re in a weird place, you’re probably in the right spot!
*Please note: the leather shop and school is open 10am – 6:30pm!
9. Duomo Interior & Duomo Climb
Last thing on the list for sightseeing on Day 1 is seeing the inside of the Duomo, and climbing to the top to see a unique view of Florence from up high! The ideal time to do this is about an hour before sunset. This way, you can see the inside of the Duomo and get to the top to capture your daytime and nighttime photos of the view of Florence from the top of the Duomo! A sunset view from up here is unforgettable! Click HERE to go to the site to purchase tickets to see the Duomo, Baptistry, and tower all at once or just to climb the Duomo. Be sure to note closing times before buying tickets! For walking directions to the Duomo, click HERE.
DINNER
For dinner on this first day, explore options around! You may be in the mood for a completely different food. This itinerary includes recommendations for pizza and paninis, as well as the Florentine steak. Tonight is your night to choose for pasta or seafood! Click HERE for great recommendations on dozens of restaurants in Florence!
Day 2: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens, Gelato, Steps di Michelangelo
BREAKFAST
Day 2 breakfast brings us to my FAVORITE coffee shop in Florence, the one I went to daily while studying abroad and living there. The place is called Ditta Artiginale, and gives you a nice feel of a coffee shop at home but in Italy! They have the most AMAZING pastries, and even better cappuccinos. They have regular size and GIANT cappuccinos (my favorite). They have 2 locations in Florence, one near the Palazzo Vecchio and city center, and one closer by Pitti Palace near the Ponte Vecchio, which is where I would go often to write blog posts and get classwork done. My recommendation if they still have it is to get the large cappuccino with a raspberry jam centered pastry. If you want to try a chocolate croissant, they have delicious ones as well.
*Random fun fact: most of the “chocolate” filled croissants in Italy are filled with a Nutella like chocolate cream! Nutella was invented in Italy, and therefore is one of the most common flavors in the pastries! So delicious.
1. Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
Day 2 after breakfast starts at one of the most historic and most unique places to visit in Florence, the Pitti Palace. Behind the palace are the wonderful Boboli Gardens. Here you’ll see some beautiful landscapes complete with a unique view of the city of Florence and the Duomo. You’ll want to start your day as early as possible, because there is a lot to see and you’ll get super hungry for lunch before you could ever see every square inch! For tickets online there are a few options available. This itinerary will take you to visit all 3 places that come in the 5 day bundle to visit the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and the Uffizi Gallery whenever you choose during the 5 days that the tickets are valid. This is a great option in case you choose to arrange your itinerary differently later on!
LUNCH
Close by the Palazzo Pitti is one of the BEST pizza places in Florence, Gusta Pizza! Guy Fiery has been here for his show Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, and has his photo up in the restaurant! True Italian brick oven fired pizza made just how you like. My recommendation is either a traditional margarita pizza, or my personal go to the “Calabrese”. This pizza is super affordable, costs about 9-11 Euro a pizza. You will not regret going here for lunch! It is SO amazing. I miss this pizza SO MUCH!
3. Gelato Stop & Free Afternoon
Traveling is EXHAUSTING at times, especially when you’re traveling solo and are trying to get yourself from place to place! Spend this afternoon exploring, resting, enjoying another espresso, or better yet, try the BEST gelato ever at Gelateria La Carraia! I highly highly recommend getting the chocolate gelato flavor, and then another of your choice. This chocolate gelato is the best thing you will ever taste and makes chocolate ice cream taste like a sad excuse for a cold sweet treat.
*PRO TIP: Get the cup. Just…. get the cup. Don’t get the cone unless it’s like 30 degrees out, it will melt everrryyyywhere!
3. Sunset: Piazzale Michelangelo
One of the best things to do in Florence is climb the steps to Piazzale Michelangelo to see a panoramic view of Florence and enjoy the sunset. This is one of the best experiences to have and trust me it is SO worth the climb. For walking directions, click HERE to get a link to maps walking directions from wherever you are currently! Let this post be a guide for navigation as well as ideas on where to go and what to see! Here is a photo of what the view looks like from the Piazzale Michelangelo when you get up to the top.
DINNER
After a long day of experiences exploring Florence, you deserve a nice dinner to treat yourself! One dinner you must try before leaving is the Florentine steak. I was fortunate enough to go to 2 dinners while in Florence to try this steak. I recommend a couple of restaurants, as both were so delicious! Firstly, I recommend one just a bit past Santa Maria Novella, if you are staying near the train station this is a convenient location for you! There is also Ristorante Il Piaolo, located more in the city center near the Duomo. The atmosphere of both restaurants were fantastic, and both served delicious steak dinner complete with potatoes and AMAZING Chianti wines! Ristorante Il Piaolo even gave a complimentary shot of Limoncello for our table to try, and had delicious Tiramisu dessert.
Day 3: Uffizi, David, Shops, Mercato Centrale
1. Uffizi Gallery
To start day 3, head over to the Uffizi Gallery to see some of the most notable artworks in Florence. Here, you’ll find the Birth of Venus painting. You also will have an incredible photo opportunity of the Ponte Vecchio from above! Reserving skip the line tickets for the Uffizi is highly recommended, booking your tickets in advance is so much better than trying to buy them at the museum! Also be sure to always have an ID on you just in case for checking into any ticket reservation excursions! HERE, you can buy a ticket valid for 5 days to see the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens. If you’d like, and wish to skip any of the excursions, there are individual options available as well. Booking tickets that are valid for days at a time helps you to have more flexibility in case you need to switch up plans for the day!
*Click HERE for walking directions to the Uffizi from your location!
2. David – Galleria Dell’Accademia
Of course, you can’t visit Italy, spend 3 days in Florence, and NOT see the statue of David by Michelangelo! The original is kept in the Galleria Accademia in Florence. I of course highly recommend buying tickets in advance. For tickets to see David, click HERE. For directions from the Uffizi Gallery, click HERE.
LUNCH
Finally, one last food you MUST try in Florence is a Panini! One of the best shops in Florence, Pino’s Sandwiches, will make you one just how you would like! They are so good and so worth the price, starting at only 6 Euros for a sandwich! AMAZING! It is located nearby the Church of Santa Croce, just a 12 minute walk from the Gallery Dell’Accademia.
AFTERNOON
Since this is the last day of this itinerary, I am leaving the afternoon free for you as you may have travel plans to get to your next solo travel adventure! If you wanted to wait on Mercato Centrale and have time to explore this afternoon, go for it now! I hope this post gives you a clearer picture of what your 3 days in Florence will look like. After living here for 4 months, I hope now that everyone has the chance to visit this amazing place on Earth!
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