Italy · 2026 itinerary
Florence 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Florence: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A former grain market turned church with stunning Gothic tabernacle. The exterior has 13 statues by Donatello, Ghiberti, and other masters - all replicas now, but still impressive.
🕐 Church: Daily 8am-6pm. Museum: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Free entry💡 Check the upstairs museum (€6) for the originals. The church itself is free and usually empty, so you can sit in peace - a rarity in central Florence.
Hotels near Orsanmichele Church →A two-floor food market. The ground floor is a traditional market with fresh produce, cheese, and meat. Upstairs is a modern food hall with affordable eats.
🕐 Ground floor: Mon-Sat 7am-2pm. Upper floor: Daily 10am-12am
Free entry💡 Skip the expensive upstairs pasta. Head to the ground floor's Nerbone for a €5 tripe sandwich or €4 bowl of lampredotto - a true Florentine lunch.
Hotels near Mercato Centrale →I Dolci di Patrizio Cosi · ££
Fiaschetteria Nuvoli · ££
Deeper Into Florence
A broad terrace with one of the best panoramic views of Florence, especially at sunset. It's a 20-minute uphill walk from the centre, or take bus 12.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Go just before sunset to see the city glow. Stay until the lights come on - it's far less crowded than during the day and the Duomo looks spectacular.
A Romanesque basilica perched above Piazzale Michelangelo with incredible mosaic work, marble floor, and a peaceful cloister. The 12th-century zodiac marble inlay floor is worth the climb.
🕐 Church: Daily 8am-7pm (winter until 6pm). Cloister: closed Mon
💡 Arrive at 5.15pm weekdays in summer to hear the monks sing Gregorian chant during vespers. It's a hauntingly beautiful experience, and free.
Il Cibreo
Cipiglio
Final Favourites & Departure
A small chapel in the Santa Maria del Carmine church containing Masaccio's frescoes that revolutionised Renaissance painting. Often compared to a Sistine Chapel
💡 Book ahead online (€6) - they limit visitors to 30 per 15-minute slot. If sold out, show up at opening and ask about returned tickets.
Laterna Blu
High Bar
Getting Around Florence
Newest eco-friendly tram system (opened 2019). Fast and cheap. Single journey €2, but get tourist passes to avoid repeat ticket purchases for hotel-to-attractions transit.
Buy a Carnet (10-journey ticket €14.50) or 48-hour tourist pass (€16.50) for all local buses. Airport coaches cheaper than taxi but slower with stops.
Book pre-arranged transfers through your hotel to avoid inflated rates from unofficial taxis at airport rank. Expect traffic congestion during peak hours (8-10am, 5-7pm).
Most convenient and reliable option. Connect to local trams/buses from Santa Maria Novella. Hotel David is walkable (10 mins) from station in city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Florence?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Orsanmichele Church and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Florence?
See our full best time to visit Florence guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Italiana Hotels Florence, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.