The Finest Manner To Spend 48 Hours!

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We love the town of Florence. It’s one of the crucial enchanting, stunning, and artfully wealthy cities in Italy and the proper place to spend a few days earlier than heading to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

We get lots of people asking us about how you can maximize their time in Florence, particularly as they solely have 2 days to spare.

I get it, with so many wonderful cities and locations in Italy to go to, generally our itineraries solely permit a few days and it may be a tough activity understanding how you can match all the highest sights and highlights in.

Don’t fear, you’ll be able to see quite a lot of Florence on a 2 day journey, together with a number of the most iconic websites; The Statue of David, The Pitti Palace, and the Uffizi Gallery, to call just a few.

For those who’re undecided the place to go and what to see in Florence over 48 hours, then don’t fear, as we’ve put collectively our greatest 2 day Florence itinerary so you’ll be able to see the very best of this wonderful metropolis.

Is 2 days sufficient for Florence?

Earlier than I get into this 2 day itinerary, you could be questioning if two days are lengthy sufficient to see Florence. Two days is the minimal period of time you want in Florence to see the highlights, however ideally, the three days can be higher.

The rationale for that is that there are quite a lot of museums and artwork galleries in Florence which might be price seeing, and plenty of of them take just a few hours to get round.

The Uffizi Gallery, for instance, is full of a number of the most famed items of Renaissance work on the earth. It’s a gallery you would spend a full day in, and never see all of it.

In two days, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to these museums and galleries, however your go to shall be minimize quick. You might maximize your time by getting a guided tour or audio information, however you continue to would possibly really feel that your go to is a bit rushed.

To be sure you profit from a two-day journey to Florence, this information will take you to the locations in Florence I might counsel seeing, and in an order that permits you to profit from your time.

For those who comply with this 2 day itinerary of Florence, you’ll get to see the principle websites of Florence, such because the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Gallerie Acadamia to see the Statue of David, in addition to see a number of the most vibrant neighborhoods to get a really feel for native life in Florence.

When you’ve got extra time or plan to come back again, then you’ll be able to discover the identical sights we’ve talked about beneath, however take your tempo extra leisurely so you’ll be able to spend extra time there!

The Finest Florence Itinerary For two Days

The next itinerary is how I might counsel spending two days in Florence. It’s not set in stone, and you’ll take out locations that don’t curiosity you or swap sights round primarily based on the place you resolve to remain.

Use it as a information and alter it to fit your wants, timeframe, and price range.

The primary day explores the Oltrarno Neighborhood. It is a bohemian, quirky neighborhood filled with winding alleyways, quaint little espresso outlets, boutique shops, and bars.

It’s the place you’ll discover a lot of Florence’s most iconic sights, corresponding to The Basilica di Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti.

The Oltrarno neighborhood has tradition, stress-free nature, and spectacular historic monuments. You may learn extra about how you can spend a day within the Oltrarno Neighborhood in our full information to the district.

The second day options the largest sights in Florence corresponding to The Duomo and Uffizi Gallery on the opposite facet of the river, which is probably the most touristic space.

You would possibly need to swap the times round, relying on what you’re most excited to see. I actually loved visiting Oltrarno on our first day and seeing Florence from that perspective. I feel if I did the opposite facet first I might have been over and underwhelmed!

Day 1

Cease 1: Boboli Gardens

In case your first impression of Florence is that it’s slightly extra crowded and bustling than what you’re used to, you then would possibly need to ease your self into the Florentine lifestyle by visiting the stress-free and historic Boboli Gardens.

Positioned throughout the Arno River, the Giardino di Boboli is a gorgeous, English-style backyard on a hillside that was constructed by the Medici Household (you’ll hear loads about them in Florence).

The gardens date again to 1418 however have advanced over the centuries by generations of the Medici household and the Savoy household, who purchased it from the Medicis. The park is the best instance of Renaissance landscaping and options manicured lawns, ornately designed fountains, and tree-lined paths.

The stress-free ambiance and stillness are the proper vibe to begin your journey to Florence. We entered from the Piazzale di Porta Romana, the southernmost gate, so we might witness the Viottolone, a well-known sloping pathway framed by cypress bushes.

Much more stunning was arriving on the prime for views over Pitti Palace and Florence.

Cease 2: Villa Bardini Gardens

Simply throughout from the Boboli Gardens are the Villa Bardini Gardens, that are a lot smaller however no much less stunning.

It’s a gorgeous park to go to within the Spring and is filled with colourful flowers and Renaissance structure.

There’s an exquisite terrace bar on the prime the place you’ll be able to catch wonderful views of the town with a sizzling espresso, or an aperol spritz within the afternoon like we did, They even serve meals right here. It was one among my favourite views in Florence.

Proper close to right here can be the Wisteria tunnel, which is gorgeous to stroll by. It’s tremendous widespread on the finish of April when the wisteria is in full bloom. Think about strolling down this stunning floral tunnel of violets and pinks with a implausible panoramic view over the town.

Your ticket to the Boboli Gardens additionally provides you entry to Villa Bardini Gardens.

Cease 3: Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti in Italian, is Florence’s largest palace that was as soon as owned by the Medici household.

From the surface, it doesn’t seem like a lot – the structure doesn’t wow you as a lot as the opposite buildings within the metropolis, however don’t let the facade idiot you!

On our better of Florence strolling tour and discovered that Eleonora di Toledo, the Spanish spouse of Cosimo I de Medici, purchased the Pitti Palace as a result of she discovered Palazzo Vecchio fairly uninteresting. So there will need to have been one thing about it that impressed her.

On the within, it’s dwelling to 5 completely different museums, together with the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Flats, and the Palatine Chapel on the bottom ground.

Get your tickets prematurely for Pitti Palace right here.

Cease 4: Ponte Vecchio

Nothing says “I’ve been to Florence” greater than an image from the Ponte Vecchio, an iconic previous bridge crossing the Arno River that was constructed throughout Roman occasions.

The Ponte Vecchio is exclusive in that it’s made up of three segmental arches and lined with overhanging buildings.

The buildings had been historically used as outlets, corresponding to butchers and different tradesmen, nonetheless at this time one can find retailers promoting jewelers, art work, and naturally, souvenirs.

It was additionally one of many few bridges in Florence to outlive the destruction attributable to World Warfare II as a result of the retreating German military spared it due to its magnificence.

Ponte Vecchio is a well-liked spot for a Florence sundown, in the event you can’t make it as much as the very best sundown spot (see beneath)

Cease 5: Tuscan Meals & Wine Tour

Lots of the websites talked about on this itinerary up to now you’ll cross by on a Tuscan Meals and Wine Tour in Oltrarno, however this tour shouldn’t be all in regards to the websites – it’s in regards to the meals!

You could be pondering that meals in Florence is your typical Italian delicacies of pizzas, pasta, and gelato, and whereas you will discover this, there are some dishes which might be distinctive to this area.

For instance, Florence, and Tuscany generally for that matter, is well-known for its wine and cheeses. Pecorino cheese is a well-known cheese from this area that’s fabricated from ewes milk and is creamy and scrumptious.

One other widespread dish it is best to attempt is Florentine Steak, which is a staple dish in Florence. On a meals and wine tour, you get to go to the very best locations within the metropolis to do this dish, in addition to study many different essential cuisines in Florence.

Cease 6: Sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo

After your strolling meals tour, you’ll probably need to discover a good place to take a seat and admire the views. There’s no higher view of Florence than from Piazzale Michelangelo.

The Piazzale Michelangelo is a sq. that sits atop of a hill overlooking the Oltrarno district.

The stroll up isn’t lengthy, however it’s steep and could also be a problem for many who are unfit.

Those that make an effort although shall be rewarded with probably the most well-known sweeping views of the entire metropolis which has been replicated a number of occasions in postcards.

For those who don’t need to stroll up the hill, one other nice sundown spot is the Ponte Vecchio, which lights up in comfortable hues of gold and orange throughout golden hour.

Day 2

Cease 1: Guided Strolling Tour

If you wish to study extra in regards to the historical past, lifestyle for the locals, and tradition of Florence, then the easiest way to do this is on a Florence Guided Strolling Tour.

Strolling excursions take you to see the highlights of the town in a “whistle-stop” vogue, however in addition they can help you skip the road to see a number of the most well-known sights.

They are perfect for these visiting for a short while and don’t have time to spare queuing. You get skip-the-line entry to see The Statue of David at Accademia Gallery, and it features a climb to the highest of the Duomo.

Cease 2: Accademia Gallery

For those who skip the strolling tour talked about earlier, then it is best to no less than be sure you go and see the enduring Statue of David at Accademia Gallery – it’s probably the world’s most well-known statue and a must-see for anybody visiting Florence, whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not.

There’s nothing fairly like seeing the statue up shut. Its measurement, for one factor, is spectacular. I didn’t notice it was 17 toes tall (5.17 meters)!

Up shut, you’ll be able to see each muscle, each vein, each curve of the physique – the eye to element is nothing in need of breathtaking. It’s straightforward to see why it’s one of many world’s most well-known artworks.

Get your timed ticket for this attraction right here. Although we had been on a guided tour with skip the road privileges, we needed to wait in line for about half-hour. With out a timed ticket, you’ll be ready for much longer.

Cease 3: The Duomo, Baptistry & Bell Tower

Probably the most well-known attraction in Florence is the Cathedral de Santa Maria del Fiore, extra affectionately often called “The Duomo.”

This imposing construction dominates the skyline and would have been arduous to overlook in the event you adopted the itinerary from yesterday and visited the Piazza Michaelangelo.

It was constructed in 1296 in a Gothic fashion however was solely consecrated in 1436.

It’s most well-known for its dome, often called Brunelleschi’s Dome, which has been embellished with fresco work and gilded particulars on the within. For those who choose to climb to the highest of the Duomo you cross a balcony that offers you a better take a look at the dome.

One of many principal causes to go to The Duomo is to climb the steps to the highest of the dome to see wonderful metropolis views. Truthful warning although, in the event you’re afraid of heights, you’re not going to love this!

The viewing deck is kind of skinny, and although crowds are managed, it does really feel fairly crowded up there. If climbing the dome is for you, then e book your tickets prematurely.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to climb The Campanile, in any other case often called Giotto’s bell tower, simply throughout the Piazza del Duomo. This requires you to hike up 414 stairs to get an unbelievable view, however in case you have a concern of heights I discovered this viewpoint to be much less scary to stroll up.

Nonetheless, in the event you solely have time to climb one set of stairs, the view from the dome is a lot better.

Your entrance ticket to The Duomo additionally grants you entry to The Baptistery, which dates again to the eleventh century, making it one of many oldest buildings in Florence. It’s well-known for its bronze doorways, designed by Ghiberti’, and are affectionately referred to as the “Gates of Paradise” (they’re reproductions, the originals are within the Duomo Museum).

You may go to the Duomo without spending a dime, however traces will be lengthy. If you wish to skip these, then buy a skip the road cross. Or arrive early as an alternative and beat the traces that approach!

Don’t neglect to cowl your shoulders and knees. For those who neglect, there’s a hawker close by able to promote you a shawl!

Cease 4: Lunch at Central Markets

The Central Markets, also referred to as The Mercato Centrale, are the proper place to cease for lunch. This historic market corridor was constructed throughout the time of the Risanamento, the interval when Florence was the capital of Italy within the late nineteenth century.

They’re nonetheless utilized by the locals at this time who come right here to buy recent produce of fish, meat, and greens.

On the highest ground, there’s a meals courtroom the place you will discover Tuscan and worldwide dishes. The meals courtroom is made up of small, independently-owned eating places, wine bars, and taprooms utilizing recent produce from the market to make glorious and inexpensive meals.

It’s an ideal place to seize a freshly made pizza or hearty sandwich. The meals courtroom is open from 10:00 am to midnight, so you’ll be able to come again within the night for dinner in the event you’re struggling to resolve which restaurant to eat at.

We loved our lunch right here on the markets, however there wasn’t quite a lot of choices in the event you’re gluten free. I used to be jealous I couldn’t eat the cannolis and pastries tempting me from a number of shops. Savannah says, “deliziosa!”

Cease 5: Uffizi Gallery

For those who’re coming to Florence to expertise its historic artwork scene, you can not skip the Uffizi Gallery. It’s probably the most famend gallery within the metropolis and the place you’ll be able to see authentic items from the 14th-century Renaissance interval’s best artists, together with Raphael, Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and extra.

A number of the most notable items within the gallery are ‘The Delivery of Venus’ and ‘Primavera’ by Sandro Botticelli, ‘The Venus of Urbino’ by Titian, ‘Medusa’ by Caravaggio, and a self-portrait of Raphael.

I might say that it’s an important place in Italy for artwork, carefully adopted by possibly the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican or The Galleria Borghese in Rome.

As that is probably the most well-known artwork gallery within the metropolis, you have to e book your entrance cross prematurely to keep away from the queues and be sure you can achieve entry whenever you need to, as tickets are sometimes bought out on the day.

The cross permits you to skip the road, however you continue to want to select up your ticket from the counter.

I’ll admit, I’m actually solely fascinated with trendy artwork galleries, and even then I don’t do a lot of them, however I actually loved Uffizi. I wasn’t anticipating to and solely squeezed it into our itinerary as I knew how large and essential it was. I’m pleased to report, it was so price it. For us a fast tour by (about an hour) was lots.

Cease 6: Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is simply exterior the Uffizi Gallery and is a bustling sq. recognized for its stunning statues and fountains.

Probably the most well-known of which is the Fountain of Neptune and a duplicate of the Statue of David.

Piazza della Signoria was as soon as the political heart of the town and was the place the well-known Bonfire of the Vanities was held.

It’s an ideal sq. to seize an espresso from one of many surrounding cafes and watch the vacationers click on away at their cameras.

Map of This 2 Day Itinerary for Florence

That will help you navigate this 2 day Florence itinerary, here’s a map of the sights talked about on this information. I’ve additionally included different locations to eat and drink that I found in Florence throughout my analysis that I used to be fascinated with! It can save you a replica of the map after which edit as you see match on your Florence go to.

Getting Round Florence

Getting round Florence is very easy as every little thing is inside strolling distance. Merely placed on a snug pair of sneakers and stroll in every single place!

The roads are sometimes cobbled and uneven although, so be sure you have flat sneakers.

In any other case, there’s a bus system that connects the principle metropolis heart to the suburban neighborhoods.

The place To Keep In Florence

We actually loved our keep at Resort Palazzo dal Borgo on the principle vacationer facet of Florence which we booked utilizing factors. It had an ideal location, a separate room for the women, a canopied mattress, and included breakfast of their stunning courtyard backyard. See charges and availability. And you’ll see our Reel of it right here.

Though, we didn’t keep there, I’d suggest individuals keep within the Oltrarno neighborhood when visiting Florence as a result of it’s ideally positioned close to the principle sights however with out the noise and chaos of the principle metropolis heart. We beloved it there similar to we did, Trastevere in Rome for related causes.

Pals have stayed on the Resort David in Oltrarno and stated it was a fully beautiful resort in a superb location – near the middle however far sufficient so that you just don’t get all of the night-time noise.

The rooms are spacious and comfy and include WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant that has a gluten-free menu. It’s family-owned and operated, so you’re feeling like they care for his or her friends and need to make you’re feeling at dwelling.

Finest Time To Go to Florence

Florence is a metropolis you’ll be able to go to any time of the 12 months since a lot of the sights are indoors, nonetheless, if we needed to choose a season, spring can be our favourite time to go to Florence. It is because the parks and gardens are awash in coloration because the flowers bloom and the grass shines within the comfortable due.

The summer time is the height season to go to Florence and is normally extremely popular and crowded.

The winter is a bit chilly, however quiet, with fewer vacationers visiting the town. The one draw back to winter is that always it snows, which does add a sure magnificence to the town, however makes flying out and in of the town a ache as flights are sometimes canceled as a result of snow.

Earlier than You Go: Final Minute Suggestions For Visiting Florence

Lastly, earlier than you go, I’ve just some ideas for visiting Florence that can assist you maximize your 2-day journey:

• Put on comfortable sneakers. Strolling is the optimum method to get round Florence so be sure you have a superb pair of strolling sneakers.
• Go rogue from this itinerary! The most effective methods to see a metropolis is to easily stroll round down random streets and expertise the less-traveled paths.
• E-book your museum tickets prematurely. The queues for tickets will be lengthy! Save your self a while and e book prematurely.
• Strive the wine! Don’t neglect to cease into one (or just a few) of the numerous wine outlets (enoteca) to search out out what Tuscany is legendary for!
• Don’t go too wild on Espresso. The espresso in Italy is loads stronger than what you could be used to again dwelling, so in the event you’re not large on caffeine then don’t go too wild on this.
• Obtain maps. It’s at all times a good suggestion to obtain an offline map, corresponding to Google Maps or MapsMe in case your knowledge is unreliable. You may obtain our map of this itinerary above.
• E-book small group strolling excursions immediately by our most popular tour corporations: LivTours, Walks of Italy, and Devour Meals Excursions. All have been examined and permitted by yTravel!