Are you dreaming of a weekend exploring charming cobblestone streets, admiring Renaissance masterpieces, and the scent of fresh espresso in the air? If the answer to this question is yes, then a weekend in Florence might just be the perfect getaway for you. This Italian gem may be small in size, but it’s overflowing with art, culture, and charm at every corner. From watching sunset over the Arno River to sipping an Aperol in a tucked-away piazza, Florence offers a rich and romantic experience that can easilty be savored in just a couple of days.
In this blog, I’ll take you through a relaxed yet rewarding weekend itinerary. Think iconic landmarks, local favorites, and just enough stops to enjoy a sweet treat or two. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a quick getaway, this guide is all about soaking up the best of Florence without feeling rushed. Let’s dive into the heart of Tuscany together!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FLORENCE
Welcome to Florence (Firenze in Italian), the most famous city in Tuscany with its awe-inspiring of cathedral. Who hasn’t seen photos of this city on different social networks?
But Florence has much more to offer than beautiful photo spots. Here is a list of interesting facts about Florence to spark your curiosity before your trip.
- It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence was home to legendary artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
- The Duomo took over 140 years to complete and its iconic Brunelleschi Dome its an architectural marvel of its time.
- Florence was once the capital of Italy but it was only for a brief period between 1865 and 1871.
- It is said the gelato was invented in Florence by Bernardo Buontalenti although historians can’t really confirm this.
- There is a “secret corridor” that runs above the Ponte Vecchio. This passage is the Vasari Corridor and it connects the Uffizi Gallery with the Palazzo Pitti. It was built for the Medici rulers to move around unseen. Today, this corridor can be visited with a ticket to the Uffizi Gallery.
GETTING TO FLORENCE
If you’re visiting Florence for a weekend, most probably you will be getting to the city by plane. Florence airport (FLR) is a small airport located just 8 km away from the city, that handles both domestic and international flights.
Search your flights with Kiwi.com.
GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO FLORENCE CITY CENTER
There are two possibilities to reach the city center from Florence Airport.
- Taxi. Even though Florence is quite close to the airport, taxis are quite expensive. A trip from the airport to Florence will cost between 28 € and 32 € depending on when you get it.
- Tram. If you want to save some money, then the tram is the way to go. Just outside the airport terminal you can hop on tram T2 until the last station Valfonda – Stazione Santa Maria Novella. The journey is 12 stops and takes approximately 21 minutes. Tram tickets cost 1,70 € for a single ride (prizes in 2025) and there is tram every 5 to 10 minutes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT FLORENCE
It is always a good time to visit Florence! This beautiful city in Italy will surprise you no matter which month you visit.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds, I would try to visit during the off season. I visited Florence in January and was very positively surprised. The city was not too crowded (although you should not expect miracles) and the weather was not as cold as you might think.
A WEEKEND IN FLORENCE - THE BEST ITINERARY
Before I share my itinerary for a weekend in Florence, I would like to clarify that there is plenty to do and see in the city. If you’re only visiting for a weekend, you will have to make a choice on what to visit or not. But don’t let this prevent you from coming to Florence, you can still cover a lot of places in just one weekend!
This itinerary
FRIDAY - FLY TO FLORENCE
The first day of your trip is all about getting to Florence, especially if like me, you are flying after a day of work.
STOP 1: LAND IN FLORENCE AND GET TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION
As soon as you land in Florence, the first thing you’ll have to do is get to your accommodation from the airport. In my case, I landed around 8 pm, so I went directly to my accommodation to drop my backpack.
Getting to Florence with public transport was quite easy. As soon as you exit the airport terminal, you will see on the left the tram station. All you have to do is hop on the first tram that arrives (the airport is the last station of this line so it doesn’t matter on which platform you board).
Important: Before boarding the tram, make sure to buy a ticket in the machine available on the platform. Once you get on the Tram, remember to validate your ticket.
STOP 2: DINNER & NIGHT STROLL NEAR THE DUOMO
After checking in at the hotel it was time to go get some food and explore a little bit the city. It was already a bit late so decided to go to All’Antico Vinaio for one of their famous focaccias. It was delicious!
With our dinner to go, we walked a bit around the city and ended at the Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral at night. There’s no words to describe this place. It is just stunning!
SATURDAY - EXPLORE FLORENCE
Rise and shine! Saturday is packed with activities to be able to do the most of our time in Florence!
STOP 1: SANTA MARIA NOVELLA CHURCH
Our first stop of the day was Santa Maria Novella Church, one of the most important churches in Florence (after the cathedral, of course). The first thing you will see is its breathtaking marble façade that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. But this church has much more to offer than just a pretty façade. Inside you will find the jaw-dropping Turnabuoni Chapel which was painted by Ghirlandaio.
Once you have admire the church, wander through its cloisters. You will be surprised who peaceful and tranquil they are compared to other busy areas in the city.
Practical Information
- Price. Tickets to visit Santa Maria Novella cost 7,5 € per person (price in 2025). The ticket grants you access to the church, the museum and the cloisters.
- Opening Hours. The church is open daily between 9:00 and 17:00 except on Friday’s when the church opens at 11:00.
- Wear appropriate clothes. To enter the church you will have to cover your shoulders and knees. I visited during the winter so this was not an issue for me but if you’re visiting during the summer, you should take this into consideration.
STOP 2: PONTE VECCHIO
Our second stop of the day will be to visit Florence’s most iconic bridge, Ponte Vecchio. This bridge crossing the Arno River is not just a regular bridge. It dates from the 1300s and it is famous for the many little shops that line it. In the past, these were butchers and tanners shops but these days, they host high-end jewelers, art dealers, and antique shops!
At this moment, we will not cross the bridge, we will just admire it from the side. Next to the Uffizi Gallery there is a good viewpoint from where you can see it. Notice all the small windows on the top part of the bridge? That is Vasari Corridor, a private passage built for the Medici rulers to cross the Arno River unseen.
When I visited Florence, it was under renovation and it was not possible to visit it. The renovation works ended end of 2024 and access to it is included with the ticket to visit the Uffizi Galleries.
STOP 3: UFFIZI GALLERIES
It’s time to visit the Uffizi Galleries, one of the most famous art museums in the world. Get ready to soak in all the Reinassance art that you can imagine! But just before you enter the museum, make sure to admire the beautiful building in which it is located. Uffizi translates into English as “offices“, and the building was called like that because it was originally built as the offices from which Cosimo I de Medici would consolidate his control over the various assets in Florence.
Inside the galleries you will find masterpieces of Boticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. The most famous piece in the museum is probably The Birth of Venus by Sandro Boticelli but there are endless works of art in there. I really liked as well Medusa by Caravaggio and a sculpture of Hermaphrodite.
The museum is huge, so just pace yourself and focus on the parts you like the most. While you’re inside, don’t forget to admire the building which is also quite beautiful. And of course, look out through the windows to get beautiful views of Florence.
On the second floor of the museum, there is a small cafe where you can rest and enjoy a capuccino with views over the Brunelleschi Dome.
Practical Information
- Price. Tickets to visit the Uffizi Galleries cost 35 € per person.
- Opening Hours. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. On Tuesday’s, the museum is open between 8:15 and 22:00. The rest of the days, it is open between 8:15 and 18:00.
- Book your tickets online. To avoid big waiting lines, I recommend you book your tickets in advance. You can buy them here.
STOP 4: BISTECca alla fiorentina
After spending the rest of the morning at the Uffizi Galleries, you’re probably hungry so it’s time to find a nice restaurant where you can eat lunch. And of course, you can’t leave Florence without trying their famous Bistecca Alla Fiorentina. It is a loin steak on the bone cooked on a grill until rare (50ºC).
There are many restaurants in Florence where you can eat so just choose the one attracks your interest. We had lunch at Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo and the food was really tasty.
STOP 5: PALAZZO VECCHIO AND PIAZZA DE LA SIGNORIA
Once your stomach is full with delicious food, it is time to continue exploring the city. Our next stop will be Palazzo Vecchio nad Piazza de la Signoria.
Palazzo Vecchio was initially built in 1299 as a building that would host the government organizations of the Republic. Later, during the 16th century, Cosimo I of Medici made it his residence. During this time, the palace was know as the Palazzo Ducale and when he moved his residence to the Pitti Palace, it became again Palazzo Vecchio. These days, the palace hosts the Town Hall offices as well as the Museo dei Ragazzi (Museum for Kids).
We only saw Palazzo Vecchio from the outside but if you want, it is possible to visit it. If you do, you will get to see the Cinquecento Hall (Salone dei Cinquecento in Italian), the most impressive and largest room in Florence. You will also get to go up to Arnolfo Tower.
Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza de la Signoria, one of Florence’s most important squares and that is basically an open-air museum. At the entrance of the palace you will find sculptures of Adam and Eve and a copy of Michelangelo’s David. In this square, you will also find Loggia dei Lanzi, with sculptures of the Kidnapping of the Sabines and Perseus with the head of Medusa.
Practical information
- Price: Tickets to visit the Palazzo Vecchio cost 12,50 € per person.
- Opening Hours. The Palazzo is open everyday between 9:00 and 19:00 except on Thursdays when it is only open until 14:00. The tower is only accessible until 17:00.
- It is not possible to book your tickets online.
STOP 6: BASILICA DI SANTA CROCE
Our next stop was Basilica di Santa Croce (Holy Cross Basilica), the largest Franciscan church in the world as well as the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo or Machiavelli.
It is a vast complex that includes the Basilica, the sacristy with the Medici chapel, the Pazzi chapel, the cloisters, the Opera Museum, the Crypt and the Memorial chapel. Visiting it will definitely take some time but it is an absolute must!
Practical information:
- Price: Tickets to visit the Basilica cost 10 € per person.
- Opening Hours. The Basilica is open from Monday to Saturday between 9:30 and 17:30. On Sunday and other Religious festivities, it is only open betwee 12:30 until 17:45.
- Book your tickets online. You can book your tickets in advance here.
STOP 7: PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO & SAN MINEATO AL MONTE ABBEY
Continuing our tour of Florence, it is time to cross the Arno River and head up to Piazzale Michelangelo, the best place to watch sunset in Florence! Everyday, this square gets full of people in order to see the sun set and see the golden hour illuminate the most famous sites in the city.
The views from here are just stunning! I can easily understand why this places is so popular. The only downside to Piazzale Michelangelo is that it does get quite busy, especially on clear days. If you want to enjoy the sunset with fewer people around you, I recommend that you keep walking uphill until you reach San Mineato Al Monte Abbey. The views from here are also stunning and while Piazzale Michelangelo was full of people we were less that 10 people at the Abbey.
While you’re up here, head inside the Abbey, it is quite beautiful and free to visit.
STOP 8: CROSS PONTE VECCHIO
After enjoying the views and sunset, it is time to head back down to the Arno River and cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Take some time to window shop all the small jewelry shops or if you want to you can get yourself a timeless souvenir of your trip to Florence.
STOP 9: FONTANA DEL PORCELLINO AND LEATHER MARKET
To finish the day, it’s time to visit the Fontana del Porcellino (the Boar Fountain), which was casted in bronze master Pietro Tacca. The fountain was originally intended for the Boboli Gardens but was in the end, placed in the Mercato Nuovo Square.
It is said that visitors who rub the boar’s snout will return to Florence. Make sure to rub it if you want to return to this beautiful city!
Right next to the fountain, you will find a small market with stalls selling leather purses and bags. This is another excellent and practical souvenir you can get in Florence!
SUNDAY - THE DUOMO AND THE ACCADEMIA GALLERY
It’s our last day in Florence, but we still need to visit the most iconic sites in Florence! However, before we jump into the itinerary of our last day in Firenze, I will explain what you have to do to visit the Duomo, Santa Maria di Fiore.
HOW TO VISIT SANTA MARIA DI FIORE, THE ICONIC CATHEDRAL OF fLORENCE.
Santa Maria di Fiore is, without a doubt, the most famous place to visit in Florence. The exterior of the cathedral is just stunning! But if you’ve made it here, you can’t just admire from the outside. So how do you visit this monument?
Well, the good news is that visiting the cathedral is completely free. All you have to do is wait in line (yes, there will be a line…) until it’s your time to enter.
However, if you want to visit any of the other monuments in the Piazza del Duomo you will have to purchase one the 3 existent passes. The one you purchase will depend on what you want to visit.
Brunelleschi Pass
The Brunelleschi Pass is the one to get if you want to visit all the monuments located in Piazza del Duomo. It grants you access to all of them: the Brunelleschi Dome, the Giotto Bell Tower, the Baptistery, the Opera di Duomo Museum and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata.
Practical information
- Price. The Brunelleschi Pass costs 30 € per person.
- Duration. The Pass is valid for 3 consecutive days. When you buy your pass, you will have to choose the date and time that you want to go up to the Dome. This is the moment when the validity of your pass will start.
- Book online. It is recommended to buy your pass online in advance. You do so here.
Giotto Pass
The Giotto Pass is the one to get if you don’t want to go up to the Dome but still want to visit the other four monuments. It grants you access to the Giotto Bell Tower, the Baptistery, the Opera di Duomo Museum, and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata.
Practical information
- Price. The Brunelleschi Pass costs 20 € per person.
- Duration. The Pass is valid for 3 consecutive days. When you buy your pass, you will have to choose the date and time that you want to go up to the Bell Tower. This is the moment when the validity of your pass will start.
- Book online. It is recommended to buy your pass online in advance. You can do so here.
Ghibertti Pass
The Ghibertti Pass will only grant you access to the Baptistery, the Opera di Duomo Museum, and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata.
Practical information
- Price. The Brunelleschi Pass costs 15 € per person.
- Duration. The Pass is valid for 3 consecutive days. When you buy your pass, you will have to choose the date and time that you want to go up to enter Santa Reparata. This is the moment when the validity of your pass will start.
- Book online. It is recommended to buy your pass online in advance. You can do so here.
STOP 1: BRUNELLESCHI'S DOME
The day begins by go up to the Cathedral’s dome which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. This dome is an architectural masterpiece due to its dimensions. It is made of stone and bricks, with an external diameter of 55 meters and interior diameter of 45,5 meters. In fact, it is actually two domes and the stairs to go up to it are placed in the cavity between the two of them.
If you want to go up to the Dome you will have to climb 463 steps but it is totally worth it! Just take it slow and enjoy the views through the small windows you will find.
Not only will you be able to get beautiful views of Florence and the Giotto Bell Tower but you will also get a closer look to the fresco’s painted on the inside.
Halfway up, you will make a stop at an internall platform that will allow you to get a closer look to the fresco’s painted on the dome. It was very impressive to get to see them up close.
The cherry on top of the cake comes when you reach the viewing terrace on top of the dome. You will get impressive views of Florence and the Giotto Bell Tower.
Tip: I recommend booking your visit to the Dome in the first available slot of the day. Yes, it is really early but you will be able to visit the dome with fewer people around you, and if you visit in winter like I did, you will get the beautiful sunrise light.
STOP 2: SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE CATHEDRAL
Once you’re done with the dome, it’s time to visit the cathedral. The name of the cathedral translate into English as ” Lady of Flowers, in allusion to the name of the city “Florentia” or “city of flowers”. The façade of the cathedral is covered white, red and green marble that makes geometrical figures and stylised flowers.
By the time I was back down, there was already quite a big waiting line, but fortunately it went by quite fast. Inside the catedral, it was nice to get a view from below of the interior of the dome.
STOP 3: SANTA REPARATA BASILICA
Inside the cathedral, you will find the access to the site of the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata. This site was found during an archeological campaign in the 1960s. The site contains the existing remains of the former christian basilica that was standing here before the construction of the cathedral started.
STOP 4: GIOTTO's BELL TOWER
After the Basilica, it was time to go up to the top of the cathedral’s bell tower (also known as “Giotto’s Bell Tower“). The tower is built in Gothic style with a square base of 15 meters and 84.7 meters high.
To reach the balconies on top of the tower, you will have to climb a stairway with 414 steps. I’m not going to lie, climbing to the dome was ok, but this second climb was hard. Thankfully, the staircase is divided into three different segments with arched terraces in between that offer panoramic views over the city.
Once you reach the top of the tower, you will get the most breathtaking views of Florence and, of course, the Brunelleschi Dome. Just relax and enjoy the views before you go back down.
Tip: If you pay attention to the close up photo of the dome you wills see that by this time, it was so full of people. It is really worth it making the effort of waking up early to climb to the dome as soon as it opens.
STOP 5: COFFEE BREAK AT OBLATE CAFETERIA
By the time you’re done visiting the bell tower, you’ll probably feel like resting and having a coffee break. If this is the case, then I suggest you go to Oblate Cafeteria. This is a “hidden gem” in Florence. It’s the cafeteria of a public library located on its last floor. This cafeteria, has breathtaking views over the Brunelleschi Dome! And, to make it even better since its a cafeteria for students, prices are quite affordable!
All you have to do is, enter the public library, take the elevator (yes, no stairs this time…) and go to the last floor. Then go out to the terrace and follow the signs to the cafeteria.
STOP 6: THE BAPTISTERY
Once you’ve regained your energy, it’s time to continue visiting Florence. Next, we will head to the Baptistery of St. John, standing right next to the cathedral. It’s an octagonal building with an extension and it is a masterpiece of the Italian Romanesque architecture.
I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed by the Baptistery. Not because it wasn’t stunning (which it is) but because they were doing some restoration works while we visited so a big part of it was not accessible.
STOP 7: OPERA DEL DUOMO MUSEUM
The Opera del Duomo Museum was a very pleasant surprise. I have to admit that after visiting the cathedral, the dome and the bell tower I didn’t think the museum could offer much more. But I was so wrong! The museum was very interesting, offering plenty of information about the construction of the cathedral and its iconic dome, and plenty of masterpieces that were originally at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore but are now in the museum to help them preserve them.
I particularly liked the area where they explain to you how the dome was buit, and of course the Gate of Paradise from Lorenzo Ghibertti.
STOP 8: LUNCH BREAK AT TRATTORIA PIZZERIA SAN GALLO
You can’t visit Italy and not have some delicious pasta for lunch. After the museum, we headed for lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria San Gallo. We choose the restaurant based on the reviews and I have to say the food was delicious!
STOP 9: GALLERIA DELL' ACCADEMIA MUSEUM
After lunch it was time to visit our last spot in Florence, the Galleria dell’Accademia Museum. This museum, might not be the biggest but it is certainly the most famous. This is thanks to one very special resident Michelangelo’s David. Seeing this masterpiece is honestly breathtaking. Photos just don’t do it justice to the sheer size, detail, and emotion that is carved into the marble.
While David is definitely the star of the show, the museum has so much more to offer so make sure to take your time and enjoy it. The Galleria dell’ Accademia also houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures.
Practical information
- Price: Tickets to visit the museum cost 16 € per person.
- Opening Hours. The museum is open daily between 8:15 and 18:20.
- Book your tickets online. It is recommended to book your tickets online to avoid long waiting times. You can do so here.
STOP 10: FLY BACK HOME
The end of the city trip has arrived. It is time to go back to your hotel, collect your bags and head to the airport to fly back home.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN FLORENCE
.If you have some extra time in Florence, here are some other places that you should consider adding to your itinerary.
- Palazzo Pitti. The residence of Cosimo I de Medici.
- Boboli Gardens. The gardens of the Pitti Palace.
- Go for a boat ride along the Arno River or even better, go kayaking!
- Palazzo Strozzi.
WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE
Accommodation in Florence is on the expensive side. However, if you look around you can still find some affordable and decent places. Here are two options I have stayed at during my trip to Florence.
Coderooms
This guesthouse is very well equiped and its the perfect place to stay at for a weekend in Florence. Every room is decorated with a different theme. Check-in is done online and you receive the access code to the guesthouse and your room the of your arrival. However, if you do need some assistance the staff is very reactive via whatsapp.
I had a wonderful time at Coderooms and was very happy with this accommodation. I can’t recommend it enough.
Hotel Tourist House
Located in front of Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most important churches, this hotel offers spacious rooms in a historic building. The rooms are decorated in traditional style but are very comfortable. In addition, breakfast is very decent.
B&B Cerretani Palace
If you want to splurge a little bit and want to get a room with views to the Duomo, then you have to book the Junior Suite with balcony at B&B Cerretani. It is certainly not cheap but the view is just worth it!
Photos from Booking.com
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
To help you plan your trip to Florence, I have pinned all locations I mention throughout this blog on the following map. Every day is listed in a different color.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
And that’s it for this week’s blog. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy travels!
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