Florence in 3 Days: Renaissance Art & Architecture

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a living museum where every street reveals artistic masterpieces and architectural wonders. This 3-day itinerary ensures you experience the city’s greatest treasures.

Before You Go: Essential Tips

Booking in Advance (CRITICAL!)

• Uffizi Gallery: Book 2-3 weeks ahead
• Accademia (David): Book 1-2 weeks ahead
• Duomo Dome Climb: Book several days ahead
• Firenze Card (€85/72h): Consider if visiting 6+ museums

Getting Around

• Walk: Historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly
• Buses: ATAF network covers outer areas
• No Cars: ZTL restricted zones - don’t drive in center

Day 1: Renaissance Masterpieces

Morning: Uffizi Gallery (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

Why Start Here: Beat crowds at world’s greatest Renaissance art collection

Must-See Works:

• Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” - Room 10-14
• Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation” - Room 35
• Michelangelo’s “Doni Tondo” - Room 41
• Caravaggio’s “Medusa” - Room 90

Pro Tips:

• Enter via reserved entrance (shorter line)
• Allocate 3-4 hours minimum
• Skip the café - better options outside

Afternoon: Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)

After lunch at Mercato Centrale, explore:

1. Piazza della Signoria (Free)

   • Open-air sculpture gallery
   • Replica of David (original in Accademia)
   • Neptune Fountain by Ammannati

2. Palazzo Vecchio (€12.50)

   • Michelangelo’s “Victory” sculpture
   • Salone dei Cinquecento - massive hall
   • Secret passages tour (book ahead)

Evening: Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno (5:00 PM onwards)

• Ponte Vecchio: Cross Florence’s iconic medieval bridge
• Oltrarno Neighborhood: Artisan workshops and gelato
• Piazzale Michelangelo: Sunset panorama of Florence (30 min walk or bus 12/13)

Dinner: Try traditional Tuscan bistecca alla fiorentina

Day 2: Duomo Complex & Michelangelo

Morning: Duomo Complex (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

One ticket (€18) covers all 5 attractions - valid 72 hours

1. Duomo (Cathedral) (Free entry, timed)

   • Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome interior
   • Vasari’s “Last Judgment” frescoes
   • Third-largest church in Europe

2. Dome Climb (463 steps - BOOK AHEAD!)

   • Breathtaking views of Florence
   • Close-up of frescoes
   • Morning slot recommended - cooler

3. Giotto’s Bell Tower (414 steps)

   • Alternative viewpoint
   • Better photos of the Dome itself

4. Baptistery (Don’t miss!)

   • Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise”
   • Byzantine-style mosaics

5. Opera Museum (If time allows)

   • Original “Gates of Paradise”
   • Donatello’s sculptures

Afternoon: Accademia Gallery (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Michelangelo’s David: The world’s most famous sculpture

What Else to See:

• Hall of Prisoners - Michelangelo’s unfinished slaves
• Plaster casts collection
• Musical instrument museum

Duration: 1-1.5 hours sufficient

Late Afternoon: San Lorenzo Quarter (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM)

1. San Lorenzo Church (€9)

   • Brunelleschi architecture
   • Donatello pulpits

2. Medici Chapels (€9)

   • Michelangelo’s New Sacristy
   • Tombs of Lorenzo and Giuliano

3. Mercato Centrale

   • Ground floor: Food market
   • Upper floor: Restaurants (great for dinner)

Day 3: Palatial Florence & Hidden Gems

Morning: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Pitti Palace (€16 combined ticket):

• Palatine Gallery: Raphael and Titian masterpieces
• Royal Apartments: Medici living quarters
• Modern Art Gallery: 19th-20th century Italian art

Boboli Gardens (included):

• 16th-century landscaped gardens
• Grotto of Buontalenti
• Panoramic terraces
• Allow 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Santa Croce & Leather School (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM)

Basilica di Santa Croce (€8):

• Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini
• Giotto frescoes in Cappella Bardi
• Beautiful cloisters
• “Temple of Italian Glories”

Leather School (Free entry):

• Attached to church
• Watch artisans work
• Quality leather goods

Evening: Choose Your Adventure

Option A: Museum Lover

• Bargello Museum (€9) - Donatello’s David, Renaissance sculptures

Option B: Foodie Experience

• Cooking class in Tuscan cuisine
• Wine tasting in Enoteca

Option C: Sunset Stroll

• Walk along Arno River
• Browse artisan shops in Santo Spirito
• Aperitivo at local wine bar

Where to Eat

Breakfast

• All’Antico Vinaio: Legendary sandwiches
• Caffè Gilli (Piazza Repubblica): Historic café

Lunch

• Mercato Centrale: Food stalls, affordable
• Trattoria Mario: Traditional Tuscan, cash only
• I Fratellini: Tiny wine bar, great panini

Dinner

• Trattoria ZàZà: Tourist-friendly but authentic
• Osteria Santo Spirito: Local favorite
• La Giostra: Romantic, excellent pasta

Gelato (Essential!)

• Gelateria dei Neri: Near Santa Croce
• La Carraia: Multiple locations
• Vivoli: Florence’s oldest gelateria

Money-Saving Tips

1. Free Sundays: First Sunday of month - most state museums free (very crowded!)
2. Firenze Card: €85 for 72 hours, 60+ museums, skip lines - worth it if visiting 6+ sites
3. Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer €10-15 pranzo menus
4. Water Fountains: Refill bottles at public fountains (safe to drink)
5. Churches: Many magnificent churches free to enter (dress modestly)

What NOT to Do

❌ Skip Reservations: You’ll waste hours in lines ❌ Eat Near Duomo: Overpriced tourist traps ❌ Visit in August: Extremely hot, many locals away ❌ Ignore Dress Codes: Churches require covered shoulders/knees ❌ Drive in Center: ZTL fines are steep (€150+)

Bonus: Day Trip Options

If you have extra time:

Tuscany Countryside

• Siena (1 hour by bus): Medieval masterpiece
• San Gimignano (1.5 hours): Medieval towers
• Chianti Wine Region: Vineyards and tastings
• Pisa (1 hour): Leaning Tower (yes, it’s touristy but worth it)

Easier Half-Day Trips

• Fiesole: Hilltop town, 30 min by bus, Roman theatre
• Medici Villas: UNESCO sites in countryside

Packing Checklist

✅ Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones!) ✅ Shoulders/knees cover (scarf or light cardigan) ✅ Reusable water bottle ✅ Power bank (heavy photo day!) ✅ Small crossbody bag (pickpocket awareness)

Florence Fast Facts

• UNESCO Status: Historic Centre inscribed 1982
• Population: 380,000
• Founded: 59 BC by Romans
• Language: Italian (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Best Time: April-May or Sept-Oct (shoulder season)

Conclusion

Three days in Florence offers a perfect introduction to Renaissance art and architecture. While you’ll see the major masterpieces, know that Florence rewards multiple visits - there’s always more to discover!

Estimated Walking: 15,000-20,000 steps/day Budget: €200-300/person (mid-range, excluding accommodation) Best Photos: Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, Duomo from Giotto’s tower

Related Sites:

• Uffizi Gallery
• Florence Cathedral
• Renaissance Art & Architecture
• Tuscany Region
• Explore More Tuscan Heritage