The Best Way To Spend 48 Hours!

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We love town of Florence. It’s some of the enchanting, stunning, and artfully wealthy cities in Italy and the right place to spend a few days earlier than heading to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

We get lots of people asking us about easy methods to maximize their time in Florence, particularly as they solely have 2 days to spare.

I get it, with so many superb cities and locations in Italy to go to, typically our itineraries solely enable a few days and it may be a tough process figuring out easy methods to match all the highest points of interest and highlights in.

Don’t fear, you may see loads of Florence on a 2 day journey, together with a number of the most iconic websites; The Statue of David, The Pitti Palace, and the Uffizi Gallery, to call a couple of.

If you’re undecided the place to go and what to see in Florence over 48 hours, then don’t fear, as we’ve put collectively our greatest 2 day Florence itinerary so you may see the very best of this superb metropolis.

Is 2 days sufficient for Florence?

Before I get into this 2 day itinerary, you may be questioning if two days are lengthy sufficient to see Florence. Two days is the minimal period of time you want in Florence to see the highlights, however ideally, the three days could be higher.

The motive for that is that there are loads of museums and artwork galleries in Florence which are price seeing, and lots of of them take a couple of hours to get round.

The Uffizi Gallery, for instance, is full of a number of the most famous items of Renaissance work on the earth. It’s a gallery you could possibly spend a full day in, and never see all of it.

In two days, you may nonetheless go to these museums and galleries, however your go to can be reduce brief. You might maximize your time by getting a guided tour or audio information, however you continue to would possibly really feel that your go to is a bit rushed.

To be sure to benefit from a two-day journey to Florence, this information will take you to the locations in Florence I’d counsel seeing, and in an order that permits you to benefit from your time.

If you observe this 2 day itinerary of Florence, you’ll get to see the principle websites of Florence, such because the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Gallerie Acadamia to see the Statue of David, in addition to see a number of the most vibrant neighborhoods to get a really feel for native life in Florence.

If you could have extra time or plan to return again, then you may discover the identical points of interest we’ve talked about beneath, however take your tempo extra leisurely so you may spend extra time there!

The Best Florence Itinerary For 2 Days

The following itinerary is how I’d counsel spending two days in Florence. It’s not set in stone, and you’ll take out locations that don’t curiosity you or swap points of interest round primarily based on the place you resolve to remain.

Use it as a information and modify it to fit your wants, timeframe, and finances.

The first day explores the Oltrarno Neighborhood. This is a bohemian, quirky neighborhood filled with winding alleyways, quaint little espresso outlets, boutique shops, and bars.

It’s the place you’ll discover lots of Florence’s most iconic points of interest, resembling The Basilica di Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti.

The Oltrarno neighborhood has tradition, enjoyable nature, and spectacular historic monuments. You can learn extra about easy methods to spend a day within the Oltrarno Neighborhood in our full information to the district.

The second day options the most important points of interest in Florence resembling The Duomo and Uffizi Gallery on the opposite facet of the river, which is probably the most touristic space.

You would possibly need to swap the times round, relying on what you’re most excited to see. I actually loved visiting Oltrarno on our first day and seeing Florence from that perspective. I believe if I did the opposite facet first I’d have been over and underwhelmed!

Day 1

Stop 1: Boboli Gardens

If your first impression of Florence is that it’s just a little extra crowded and bustling than what you’re used to, then you definitely would possibly need to ease your self into the Florentine lifestyle by visiting the enjoyable and historic Boboli Gardens.

Located throughout the Arno River, the Giardino di Boboli is an attractive, English-style backyard on a hillside that was constructed by the Medici Family (you’ll hear rather a lot about them in Florence).

The gardens date again to 1418 however have advanced over the centuries by generations of the Medici household and the Savoy household, who purchased it from the Medicis. The park is the best instance of Renaissance landscaping and options manicured lawns, ornately designed fountains, and tree-lined paths.

The enjoyable ambiance and stillness are the right vibe to start out your journey to Florence. We entered from the Piazzale di Porta Romana, the southernmost gate, so we might witness the Viottolone, a well-known sloping pathway framed by cypress bushes.

Even extra stunning was arriving on the high for views over Pitti Palace and Florence.

Stop 2: Villa Bardini Gardens

Just throughout from the Boboli Gardens are the Villa Bardini Gardens, that are a lot smaller however no much less stunning.

It’s an attractive park to go to within the Spring and is filled with colourful flowers and Renaissance structure.

There’s a beautiful terrace bar on the high the place you may catch superb views of town with a scorching espresso, or an aperol spritz within the afternoon like we did, They even serve meals right here. It was considered one of my favourite views in Florence.

Right close to right here can be the Wisteria tunnel, which is gorgeous to stroll by way of. It’s tremendous fashionable on the finish of April when the wisteria is in full bloom. Imagine strolling down this stunning floral tunnel of violets and pinks with a unbelievable panoramic view over town.

Your ticket to the Boboli Gardens additionally offers you entry to Villa Bardini Gardens.

Stop 3: Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti in Italian, is Florence’s largest palace that was as soon as owned by the Medici household.

From the skin, it doesn’t appear like a lot – the structure doesn’t wow you as a lot as the opposite buildings within the metropolis, however don’t let the facade idiot you!

On our better of Florence strolling tour and discovered that Eleonora di Toledo, the Spanish spouse of Cosimo I de Medici, purchased the Pitti Palace as a result of she discovered Palazzo Vecchio fairly boring. So there should have been one thing about it that impressed her.

On the within, it’s house to 5 totally different museums, together with the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, and the Palatine Chapel on the bottom flooring.

Get your tickets prematurely for Pitti Palace right here.

Stop 4: Ponte Vecchio

Nothing says “I’ve been to Florence” greater than an image from the Ponte Vecchio, an iconic previous bridge crossing the Arno River that was constructed throughout Roman occasions.

The Ponte Vecchio is exclusive in that it’s made up of three segmental arches and lined with overhanging buildings.

The buildings have been historically used as outlets, resembling butchers and different tradesmen, nonetheless at the moment you will see retailers promoting jewelers, art work, and naturally, souvenirs.

It was additionally one of many few bridges in Florence to outlive the destruction attributable to World War II as a result of the retreating German military spared it due to its magnificence.

Ponte Vecchio is a well-liked spot for a Florence sundown, should you can’t make it as much as the very best sundown spot (see beneath)

Stop 5: Tuscan Food & Wine Tour

Many of the websites talked about on this itinerary thus far you’ll move by on a Tuscan Food and Wine Tour in Oltrarno, however this tour is just not all concerning the websites – it’s concerning the meals!

You may be considering that meals in Florence is your typical Italian delicacies of pizzas, pasta, and gelato, and whereas you will discover this, there are some dishes which are distinctive to this area.

For instance, Florence, and Tuscany basically for that matter, is well-known for its wine and cheeses. Pecorino cheese is a well-known cheese from this area that’s fabricated from ewes milk and is creamy and scrumptious.

Another fashionable dish it is best to strive is Florentine Steak, which is a staple dish in Florence. On a meals and wine tour, you get to go to the very best locations within the metropolis to do this dish, in addition to study many different vital cuisines in Florence.

Stop 6: Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

After your strolling meals tour, you’ll possible need to discover a good place to take a seat and admire the views. There’s no higher view of Florence than from Piazzale Michelangelo.

The Piazzale Michelangelo is a sq. that sits atop of a hill overlooking the Oltrarno district.

The stroll up isn’t lengthy, nevertheless it’s steep and could also be a problem for individuals who are unfit.

Those who take some time although can be rewarded with probably the most well-known sweeping views of the entire metropolis which has been replicated a number of occasions in postcards.

If you don’t need to stroll up the hill, one other nice sundown spot is the Ponte Vecchio, which lights up in comfortable hues of gold and orange throughout golden hour.

Day 2

Stop 1: Guided Walking Tour

If you need to study extra concerning the historical past, lifestyle for the locals, and tradition of Florence, then one of the best ways to do this is on a Florence Guided Walking Tour.

Walking excursions take you to see the highlights of town in a “whistle-stop” style, however in addition they mean you can skip the road to see a number of the most well-known points of interest.

They are perfect for these visiting for a short while and don’t have time to spare queuing. You get skip-the-line entry to see The Statue of David at Accademia Gallery, and it features a climb to the highest of the Duomo.

Stop 2: Accademia Gallery

If you skip the strolling tour talked about earlier, then it is best to no less than be sure to go and see the long-lasting Statue of David at Accademia Gallery – it’s presumably the world’s most well-known statue and a must-see for anybody visiting Florence, whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not.

There is nothing fairly like seeing the statue up shut. Its measurement, for one factor, is spectacular. I didn’t notice it was 17 toes tall (5.17 meters)!

Up shut, you may see each muscle, each vein, each curve of the physique – the eye to element is nothing in need of breathtaking. It’s straightforward to see why it’s one of many world’s most well-known artistic endeavors.

Get your timed ticket for this attraction right here. Even although we have been on a guided tour with skip the road privileges, we needed to wait in line for about half-hour. Without a timed ticket, you’ll be ready for much longer.

Stop 3: The Duomo, Baptistry & Bell Tower

The most well-known attraction in Florence is the Cathedral de Santa Maria del Fiore, extra affectionately often known as “The Duomo.”

This imposing construction dominates the skyline and would have been arduous to overlook should you adopted the itinerary from yesterday and visited the Piazza Michaelangelo.

It was constructed in 1296 in a Gothic fashion however was solely consecrated in 1436.

It’s most well-known for its dome, often known as Brunelleschi’s Dome, which has been adorned with fresco work and gilded particulars on the within. If you decide to climb to the highest of the Duomo you move a balcony that offers you a better take a look at the dome.

One of the principle causes to go to The Duomo is to climb the steps to the highest of the dome to see superb metropolis views. Fair warning although, should you’re afraid of heights, you’re not going to love this!

The viewing deck is sort of skinny, and despite the fact that crowds are managed, it does really feel quite crowded up there. If climbing the dome is for you, then e book your tickets prematurely.

Alternatively, you may climb The Campanile, in any other case often known as Giotto’s bell tower, simply throughout the Piazza del Duomo. This requires you to hike up 414 stairs to get an unbelievable view, however when you have a concern of heights I discovered this viewpoint to be much less scary to stroll up.

However, should you solely have time to climb one set of stairs, the view from the dome is significantly better.

Your entrance ticket to The Duomo additionally grants you entry to The Baptistery, which dates again to the eleventh century, making it one of many oldest buildings in Florence. It’s well-known for its bronze doorways, designed by Ghiberti’, and are affectionately referred to as the “Gates of Paradise” (they’re reproductions, the originals are within the Duomo Museum).

You can go to the Duomo at no cost, however strains will be lengthy. If you need to skip these, then buy a skip the road move. Or arrive early as a substitute and beat the strains that means!

Don’t overlook to cowl your shoulders and knees. If you overlook, there’s a hawker close by able to promote you a shawl!

Stop 4: Lunch at Central Markets

The Central Markets, also called The Mercato Centrale, are the right place to cease for lunch. This historic market corridor was constructed through the time of the Risanamento, the interval when Florence was the capital of Italy within the late nineteenth century.

They are nonetheless utilized by the locals at the moment who come right here to buy contemporary produce of fish, meat, and greens.

On the highest flooring, there’s a meals court docket the place you will discover Tuscan and worldwide dishes. The meals court docket is made up of small, independently-owned eating places, wine bars, and taprooms utilizing contemporary produce from the market to make glorious and inexpensive meals.

It’s an important place to seize a freshly made pizza or hearty sandwich. The meals court docket is open from 10:00 am to midnight, so you may come again within the night for dinner should you’re struggling to resolve which restaurant to eat at.

We loved our lunch right here on the markets, however there wasn’t loads of choices should you’re gluten free. I used to be jealous I couldn’t eat the cannolis and pastries tempting me from a number of shops. Savannah says, “deliziosa!”

Stop 5: Uffizi Gallery

If you’re coming to Florence to expertise its historic artwork scene, you can’t skip the Uffizi Gallery. It’s probably the most famend gallery within the metropolis and the place you may see authentic items from the 14th-century Renaissance interval’s best artists, together with Raphael, Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and extra.

Some of probably the most notable items within the gallery are ‘The Birth of Venus’ and ‘Primavera’ by Sandro Botticelli, ‘The Venus of Urbino’ by Titian, ‘Medusa’ by Caravaggio, and a self-portrait of Raphael.

I’d say that it’s an important place in Italy for artwork, carefully adopted by perhaps the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican or The Galleria Borghese in Rome.

As that is probably the most well-known artwork gallery within the metropolis, you could e book your entrance move prematurely to keep away from the queues and be sure to can acquire entry once you need to, as tickets are sometimes offered out on the day.

The move permits you to skip the road, however you continue to want to choose up your ticket from the counter.

I’ll admit, I’m actually solely interested by fashionable artwork galleries, and even then I don’t do a lot of them, however I actually loved Uffizi. I wasn’t anticipating to and solely squeezed it into our itinerary as I knew how massive and vital it was. I’m glad to report, it was so price it. For us a fast tour by way of (about an hour) was lots.

Stop 6: Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is simply outdoors the Uffizi Gallery and is a bustling sq. identified for its stunning statues and fountains.

The most well-known of which is the Fountain of Neptune and a reproduction of the Statue of David.

Piazza della Signoria was as soon as the political heart of town and was the place the well-known Bonfire of the Vanities was held.

It’s an important sq. to seize an espresso from one of many surrounding cafes and watch the vacationers click on away at their cameras.

Map of This 2 Day Itinerary for Florence

To show you how to navigate this 2 day Florence itinerary, here’s a map of the points of interest talked about on this information. I’ve additionally included different locations to eat and drink that I found in Florence throughout my analysis that I used to be interested by! You can save a replica of the map after which edit as you see match to your Florence go to.

Getting Around Florence

Getting round Florence is very easy as all the pieces is inside strolling distance. Simply placed on a snug pair of footwear and stroll in every single place!

The roads are sometimes cobbled and uneven although, so be sure to have flat footwear.

Otherwise, there’s a bus system that connects the principle metropolis heart to the suburban neighborhoods.

Where To Stay In Florence

We actually loved our keep at Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo on the principle vacationer facet of Florence which we booked utilizing factors. It had an important location, a separate room for the women, a canopied mattress, and included breakfast of their stunning courtyard backyard. See charges and availability. And you may see our Reel of it right here.

Although, we didn’t keep there, I’d advocate individuals keep within the Oltrarno neighborhood when visiting Florence as a result of it’s ideally positioned close to the principle points of interest however with out the noise and chaos of the principle metropolis heart. We cherished it there identical to we did, Trastevere in Rome for related causes.

Friends have stayed on the Hotel David in Oltrarno and mentioned it was a completely beautiful lodge in a very good location – near the middle however far sufficient so that you just don’t get all of the night-time noise.

The rooms are spacious and comfy and include WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant that has a gluten-free menu. It’s family-owned and operated, so you’re feeling like they care for his or her friends and need to make you’re feeling at house.

Best Time To Visit Florence

Florence is a metropolis you may go to any time of the 12 months since a lot of the points of interest are indoors, nonetheless, if we needed to decide a season, spring could be our favourite time to go to Florence. This is as a result of the parks and gardens are awash in coloration because the flowers bloom and the grass shines within the comfortable due.

The summer season is the height season to go to Florence and is normally highly regarded and crowded.

The winter is a bit chilly, however quiet, with fewer vacationers visiting town. The solely draw back to winter is that usually it snows, which does add a sure magnificence to town, however makes flying out and in of town a ache as flights are sometimes canceled as a result of snow.

Before You Go: Last Minute Tips For Visiting Florence

Lastly, earlier than you go, I’ve only a few suggestions for visiting Florence that will help you maximize your 2-day journey:

• Wear comfortable footwear. Walking is the optimum method to get round Florence so be sure to have a very good pair of strolling footwear.
• Go rogue from this itinerary! One of the very best methods to see a metropolis is to easily stroll round down random streets and expertise the less-traveled paths.
• Book your museum tickets prematurely. The queues for tickets will be lengthy! Save your self a while and e book prematurely.
• Try the wine! Don’t overlook to cease into one (or a couple of) of the numerous wine outlets (enoteca) to search out out what Tuscany is known for!
• Don’t go too wild on Espresso. The espresso in Italy is rather a lot stronger than what you may be used to again house, so should you’re not massive on caffeine then don’t go too wild on this.
• Download maps. It’s all the time a good suggestion to obtain an offline map, resembling Google Maps or MapsMe in case your knowledge is unreliable. You can obtain our map of this itinerary above.
• Book small group strolling excursions straight by way of our most popular tour firms: LivTours, Walks of Italy, and Devour Food Tours. All have been examined and authorized by yTravel!