4 Days In Florence: Perfect Itinerary & Local Tips (2024)
What’s the best way to spend 4 days in Florence?
If you are planning a trip to Italy, you will want to stop by Florence! Or, how Italians say it: Firenze. During my trip last year, I visited a few places around Italy. But Florence was by far my favorite and most recommended place to go.
Italy has so many amazing places you can visit, don’t get me wrong. But there is something special about Florence. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an unforgettable cultural experience, you will definitely have a great time.
With so much to see in Florence, it can be hard to decide on an awesome itinerary! This guide includes a list of all the places I visited and highly recommend for you to experience over your 4 days in Florence.
Planning your trip? Use my go-to resources:
- Accommodations: booking.com
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
- Tours & Excursions: Viator
- Flights: Skyscanner
- City Pass: Go City
4 Days In Florence: Quick View
Spending 4 days in Florence gives you the chance to explore this charming city comfortably and with some depth. At a high level, here’s the recommended focus of each day:
Day 1: Visit the Uffizi Gallery
Day 2: Explore the Duomo
Day 3: See Michelangelo’s Statue of David
Day 4: Take a Tuscan Day Trip
4 Days In Florence: Full Itinerary
While there is a lot to see in Florence, it is a small city. I went for 2 days and although it felt a bit short, I was able to see everything I wanted. If you have flexibility on your stay duration, 4 days is the perfect amount of time to explore, eat and learn about the city’s amazing history.
Day 1: Uffizi Gallery, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Ponte Vecchio, Food Tour
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
To avoid crowds, it’s always best to do your typical touristy sightseeing in the morning. Start your day (after breakfast) in this gallery.
The Uffizi Gallery has one of the most iconic art collections. It has many famous paintings like the Birth of Venus, Medusa and more. The Gallery itself is huge! There are so many works to see and you will easily spend a good chunk of time here.
If you are an art enthusiast it might take you 4 hours. If you are a quick browser, 2 hours should be enough. There are also a lot of cool stores around the gallery in case you are looking for a few souvenirs.
Explore the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo
If you appreciate the world of fashion, you will enjoy visiting Museo Salvatore Ferragamo. This museum is all about the historic shoe designer, featuring some pivotal pieces from throughout the ages. If you are visiting Florence for 4 days, you will have plenty of time to stop here for a fun and unique experience.
Experience the Ponte Vecchio
Next, make your way to the charming Ponte Vecchio. Only a 5-minute walk from the Ferragamo museum, this bridge is one of the oldest bridges in all of Italy. As you make your way over, you will pass many different restaurants, souvenir shops and picturesque photo opportunities.
The bridge itself is lined with shops, and it’s worth a walk across to experience the bustling energy along this popular Florence landmark.
Join a Food Tour
Especially if you’re a foodie, this Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings should be at the top of your list for how to spend your first day in Florence. This tour in particular is highly rated, and reviewers love it because it helps you avoid tourist traps and get off the beaten path to find true foodie delights.
Booking this tour for the start of your visit is key, because you’ll be able to use what you learn about Florentine cuisine and revisit your favorite stops for the rest of your trip.
🍴 Click here to book your Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings
Day 2: Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Local Markets
Walk Around Duomo Square
One of the best ways to experience the charm Florence has to offer is simply walking around and seeing all the amazing parts of the city. A key area to stroll through is the plaza where you see the Duomo.
Chances are, you’ll run into it at some point. Even if you’re charting your way specifically to the Duomo, when you finally do stumble upon it it’s sure to take your breath away.
Around the plaza, you’ll find some great restaurants. During my visit, I went to All Antico Vinaio (be prepared for the long line!) and then enjoyed a nice picnic in the Plaza.
Enter the Cathedral and Climb to the Top
Duomo di Firenze is also, more formally, known as the Santa Maria Cathedral. It features spectacular Gothic architecture. The line to buy tickets at the door to enter the cathedral can get quite long, so it is better to purchase tickets online in advance.
You’ll also have the option of climbing all the way up to the top of the dome. If you’re physically able, then don’t miss this opportunity. While it can be an exhausting journey, the views from the top make it worthwhile.
To climb the Dome, you will go through the church and you will need a separate entrance ticket. However, you can book a combined ticket in advance to visit both the cathedral and climb the dome.
Alternatively, you can book a combined ticket that includes a guided tour led by a professional. This guided tour of the cathedral and dome will give you a deeper understanding of the history behind the impressive building.
Relax in Piazza della Signoria
This is Florence’s main square and certainly worth a walkthrough. Here, you’ll find statues representing different moments through the city’s history. Surrounding the plaza are many different restaurants and cafes where you can sit to relax while taking in the views around you.
Stroll Through Piazza della Repubblica
As the sun sets, make your way to Piazza della Repubblica. This is a charming plaza with a famous carousel and some restaurants nearby. I recommend stopping by in the evening or at night for dinner, as the lights begin to turn on in the plaza.
Take in the music from the various guitarists or musicians in the plaza. Sit there for a few minutes and enjoy some gelato while you’re serenaded with Italian music.
Shop at Local Markets
Florence has several markets great for souvenir-shoppers. Mercato Porcellino is a centrally located, open-air market known for leather items and scarves.
The San Lorenzo Outdoor Market sprawls across the streets of the neighborhood and you can stroll through freely (although, avoid eye contact if you don’t want to be stopped and engaged in a round of haggling).
The Central Market is an indoor food and grocery hall. There are plenty of different markets to explore while you’re in Florence, whether you’re interested in shopping or simply browsing.
Day 3: Accademia Gallery, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo
Tour the Accademia Gallery
I am sure you have heard of the famous statue of David, by Michelangelo. To see this iconic sculpture firsthand, visit the Accademia Gallery. There are a few interesting pieces to see, but the main attraction is definitely David. Once again, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance.
Visit Palazzo Pitti
This largely Renaissance castle in Florence takes several hours to explore. It houses a collection of galleries, museums and beautiful gardens. You can decide which of the palace’s museums you’d like to visit, and purchase tickets accordingly.
In addition to the castle tour, I recommend visiting the Boboli Gardens.
Wander Through Boboli Gardens
While you’re at Pitti Palace, don’t miss the Boboli Gardens. The layout for this garden was curated by the Medici family and the space is a great example of an Italian garden.
Explore the maze like gardens, geometrically arranged, and take in the stunning fountains in what is essentially an open-air museum. To make the most of your visit to Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, book this guided tour.
Once you have finished touring the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants. Personally, I like to walk back toward Ponte Vecchio to find a restaurant where I can enjoy a Florentine steak while overlooking the water!
See Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
One experience you absolutely cannot miss while in Florence is taking in a sunset over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s approximately a half hour walk from the center of Florence, and a good chunk of it is uphill. The huffing and puffing will be worth it because the views from the top are unbeatable.
It’s common for folks to gather here to watch the sun set so you won’t be alone. Snap some photos and then settle down on the steps to enjoy some live music as you watch the sunset. You can also purchase some wine from the cart vendors at the top for your beautiful Italian evening.
Day 4: Tuscan Day Trip
Take a Day Trip
On your 4th day, I recommend planning a day trip to explore a different part of the region. Florence is only one of the provinces of Tuscany, and the others are only 50 minutes away. This makes it easy to hop on a train to explore and come back to Florence in the same day.
Best Day Trips From Florence
One of my favorite parts about Europe is being able to hop on a train and be in a new incredible city within a few hours or even minutes. Here are some suggested day trips to take from Florence:
Wine Tasting in the Tuscan Countryside
This 5-hour day trip is the perfect opportunity to admire the Tuscan countryside. Your knowledgeable guides will take you to two different Chianti wineries. In addition to sampling wine you’ll also taste olive oils and Tuscan specialities including cheese, salami and bruschetta.
👉 Click here to book this Small Group Wine Tasting Experience
Cinque Terre
Head out of the city and explore the Italian Riviera on this full day (12 hours) day trip! You’ll visit four different seaside towns taking various forms of transport throughout the day — coach bus, train, boat. You can opt in for a traditional Italian lunch, and take some time to swim in the gorgeous waters.
👉 Click here to book this Cinque Terre Day Trip
Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano
To explore some of the Medieval cities near Florence, join this full day (12 hours) tour with lunch included. You’ll visit Siena and be led by a professional guide through the city and its cathedral.
You’ll also visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano, stopping first at a family-owned winery for lunch and a wine tasting along Chianti Road.
This day trip ends with a visit to popular Pisa. If you want to cover a lot of ground in one day yet at an enjoyable pace then take this tour.
👉 Click here to book this Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Trip
Where to Stay in Florence
When visiting Florence I use the Duomo as my central point. If a hotel is nearby, it is a great location.
📍Budget: Hotel Perseo
This is a great budget-friendly hotel. It is about 2 minutes from the Duomo and 6 minutes from the train station. I got a little lost on my way to the hotel since the sign is not as obvious and the lobby is on the second floor. But aside from that, I would 100% stay here again. If you’re traveling on a budget, Here are some additional tips for Florence.
🏨 Click here to book your stay at Hotel Perseo
📍Mid-Range: Hotel Duomo Firenze
This hotel has one of the nicest views of anywhere I’ve ever stayed. It is literally in front of the Duomo! Amazing place to stay and you will have a few cafes or restaurants right next door.
🏨 Click here to book your stay at Hotel Perseo
📍Luxury: Palazzo Vecchieti
If you are looking for a 5-star hotel, this is my recommendation. For a luxury experience, book your stay in Florence at the Palazzo Vecchieti.
🏨 Click here to book your stay at Hotel Perseo
FAQ: Visiting Florence
As you plan your trip, here are answers to some FAQ you might be pondering:
How to get to Florence
Traveling to Florence is quite easy. As Rome, it will take you about 3 hours via train or you can fly in within an hour.
Click here to check train schedules and rates before you book. Or, click here for flights instead.
How many days do you need to enjoy Florence?
If you are planning to visit Florence, try to go for at least 3 days. While it is possible to see a lot of Florence in only a couple days, it feels much more rushed and exhausting. For a calmer, more leisurely experience aim to spend 4 days in Florence.
Are 4 days enough for Florence?
Yes! 4 days in Florence is the perfect amount of time to see the city and even visit a few nearby towns. Florence is a small city, and you will be able to see plenty in 4 days.
Are 5 nights in Florence too much?
5 nights in Florence is perfect if you are also planning on taking a few day trips to nearby towns. I would definitely recommend staying for 5 days if you have flexibility in your schedule! You can even plan to do a few fun activities like Vespa rides or a cooking class in Florence.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
My favorite times of year to visit Florence would be between April-May or September-October. I always avoid the peak summer season. Florence can also get quite crowded during the summer, and incredibly hot! I’d rather take my chances in winter, which tends to be fairly mild.
How do you get around Florence?
Walking! This is one of my favorite parts about visiting Florence — getting around by foot is so simple.
Conclusion: 4 Days In Florence
If you are planning a trip to Italy, make sure to stop in Florence.
From incredible architecture, art, culture and food Florence has a lot to offer. Florence is one of the most popular solo travel destinations in Italy, and is also fun to visit with friends or other loved ones. If you are planning to visit, make sure to follow this 4 days in Florence itinerary to ensure you hit all the highlights.
Author bio: This post was a contribution from Paola of Corporate Millennial, a passionate travel and lifestyle blogger who loves to share her experiences and knowledge about navigating life. Whether it be through travel, budgeting, balancing a corporate job, and much more.
