What to See in Florence in 2 Days

Are you planning a weekend in Florence?  If you are looking for some tips to enjoy the Tuscan capital to the fullest, then you are in the right place. With this guide, you will be able to appreciate what to see in Florence in two days, which are the places to visit and the secret spots to enjoy intimate and exclusive moments.

Is it possible to explore Florence in two days?

Visiting Italy is in everyone’s plans, and if you are planning to visit the country, first you must head to the cities of art! How many days does one need to explore Florence? To say exactly how long it takes to enjoy the city of Dante, Michelangelo and Leonardo might be impossible. A month would not be enough to see all the museums and historical-artistic sites of interest. But perhaps there is a minimum threshold in this sense: to really enjoy the Florentine atmosphere it takes at least two days.

What to see in Florence in two days: the key is to get organized

Visiting Florence in 48 hours can be a unique and engaging experience if you organize your trip properly. Otherwise, it is easy to get lost among the many activities to do and the countless monuments to see, or run out of time in the endless lines in front of the entrances of the major museums. Our advice to familiarize yourself with the city is to initially dedicate yourself to a guided tour by e-bike or segway. Expert guides will lead you through the major points of interest and within a few hours you will be able to orient yourself in Florence without using Google Maps!

You have two days to spend in Florence but you don’t know where to start planning the stages of your journey?

Visiting Florence in two days is a bit like entering an amusement park. The difference lies in the fact that Florence is a real city with centuries of history behind it! Ancient walkways, newly designed markets (San Lorenzo), artisan shops, and exclusive boutiques dedicated to fashion.

What to see in Florence in two days: what you shouldn’t miss

Below we propose four Florentine itineraries. Consider spending about half a day on each itinerary.

1) Santa Maria del Fiore and the Duomo Complex

Let’s start with an essential step. The visit to Piazza del Duomo, this includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Here the Renaissance was born. Over the centuries kings and architects have flocked here to learn to recognize the beauty and draw inspiration. Admiring Florence’s Cathedral is free, but a guided tour of the entire Duomo Complex,  which also includes the museum, is highly recommended. For all those who are looking for something extra, our advice is to climb up to the roof of the Duomo, at the highest point of the dome. You will have to conquer the summit by climbing over 400 steps, you will pass through a secret passage and at the end, you will be able to enjoy a unique panorama, over 30 meters high, over the historic center of Florence. But be careful: you cannot climb up here independently. It is absolutely necessary to book a ticket ( Skip-the-line ticket ).

2) Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte

There are those who come to Florence just to climb up here and enjoy an unforgettable view of the historic city center. The best time to go here is the sunset, but if you are an early person, the early mornings are great too. Passing through the district of San Niccolò, near the tower, the short walk begins and in five minutes you will find yourself in Piazzale Michelangelo. The first stop is at the Rampe del Poggi, marvelous monumental fountains with caves, sculptures, lights, sounds and colors. Once at the Piazzale, all that remains is to enjoy the enchantment of the landscape, perhaps sipping a drink. Here the atmosphere is always unique and intriguing, with groups of young people singing, and people from all over the world taking pictures and photographing themselves. A few steps from the Piazzale, is one of the most beautiful churches in the Florentine area: San Miniato al Monte. Located in a privileged position, in pure Florentine Romanesque style, it preserves magnificent mosaics inside.

3) Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery

Nobody can escape the charm of Ponte Vecchio. Located at the end of the shopping streets, the Ponte Vecchio is pure poetry, with its pastel colors that are reflected in the waters of the Arno, and the tiny shops of the goldsmiths that make up its profile. Not far from Ponte Vecchio, connected by the Vasari corridor, is the Uffizi Gallery, the museum par excellence in Florence. Here you will find masterpieces by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio and many others.

4) Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens

Another stop for those who want to explore Florence in two days is Pitti Palace. Here you can get into the atmosphere of the city in the Renaissance. With a single ticket, you can access four museums: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery and the royal apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Not far from the palace is the entrance to the Boboli Gardens. Not just gardens, but a 45-hectare complex with monumental trees, sculptures, fountains, and other works of art.

What to see in Florence in two days: the museums

If you are looking for museums in Florence you are spoiled for choice. In addition to those we have already mentioned, for contemporary lovers, there is Strozzi Palace, where site-specific exhibitions of the most famous contemporary artists are set up on an international level. For those who don’t want to miss the most famous sculpture in the world, there is the Accademia Gallery, with Michelangelo’s David. For lovers of natural sciences, there is the Museum of Specola in via Romana. For fashion lovers there is the Ferragamo Museum or the Gucci Museum (Gucci Garden), to see live the story of two brands that have made Italy great in the world.

What to see near Florence

Finally, if you have time left over, a tour of the Florentine countryside is highly recommended. What to see near Florence? The Chianti Fiorentino area, located less than half an hour from the center, has a very special charm, not only for wine lovers. Places like Impruneta, Tavarnelle, and San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Greve in Chianti, are really worth a visit. Here you will discover the Tuscan countryside, made of sweet landscapes, simple people, and flavors that you will not easily forget.