The Finest Approach To Spend 48 Hours!

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We love the town of Florence. It’s one of the vital 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 tips on how to maximize their time in Florence, particularly as they solely have 2 days to spare.

I get it, with so many superb cities and locations in Italy to go to, typically our itineraries solely enable a few days and it may be a tough process understanding tips on how to match all the highest points of interest and highlights in.

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

In case you’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 may see the very best of this superb metropolis.

Is 2 days sufficient for Florence?

Earlier than I get into this 2 day itinerary, you is likely to 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 could be higher.

The rationale for that is that there are lots of museums and artwork galleries in Florence which can be price seeing, and lots of of them take a number of hours to get round.

The Uffizi Gallery, for instance, is full of a few of the most famous items of Renaissance work on the planet. It’s a gallery you may spend a full day in, and never see all of it.

In two days, you may nonetheless go to these museums and galleries, however your go to shall be lower brief. You could possibly maximize your time by getting a guided tour or audio information, however you continue to may 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 recommend seeing, and in an order that lets you profit from your time.

In case you 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 few of the most vibrant neighborhoods to get a really feel for native life in Florence.

When you’ve got extra time or plan to return again, then you may discover the identical points of interest we’ve talked about under, however take your tempo extra leisurely so you may spend extra time there!

The Finest Florence Itinerary For two Days

The next itinerary is how I might recommend spending two days in Florence. It’s not set in stone, and you may take out locations that don’t curiosity you or swap points of interest round based mostly on the place you resolve to remain.

Use it as a information and alter it to fit your wants, time-frame, 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 lots of Florence’s most iconic points of interest, similar to The Basilica di Santo Spirito and the Palazzo Pitti.

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

The second day options the largest points of interest in Florence similar to The Duomo and Uffizi Gallery on the opposite aspect of the river, which is probably the most touristic space.

You may 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 aspect 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 a little bit extra crowded and bustling than what you’re used to, then you definately may 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 start out 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 timber.

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 may catch superb views of the town with a scorching 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 also be the Wisteria tunnel, which is gorgeous to stroll by. It’s tremendous in style 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 incredible panoramic view over the town.

Your ticket to the Boboli Gardens additionally offers 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 boring. So there should have been one thing about it that impressed her.

On the within, it’s house to 5 totally different museums, together with the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Residences, and the Palatine Chapel on the bottom flooring.

Get your tickets upfront 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 outdated 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 have been historically used as outlets, similar to butchers and different tradesmen, nonetheless at present you 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 Battle 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, for those who can’t make it as much as the very best sundown spot (see under)

Cease 5: Tuscan Meals & Wine Tour

Most of the websites talked about on this itinerary thus far you’ll go by on a Tuscan Meals and Wine Tour in Oltrarno, however this tour just isn’t all concerning the websites – it’s concerning the meals!

You is likely to be considering that meals in Florence is your typical Italian delicacies of pizzas, pasta, and gelato, and whereas you’ll find this, there are some dishes which can be distinctive to this area.

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

One other in style 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 find out about many different essential cuisines in Florence.

Cease 6: Sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo

After your strolling meals tour, you’ll seemingly need to discover a good place to sit down 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, nevertheless it’s steep and could also be a problem for many who are unfit.

Those that take the time 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.

In case you don’t need to stroll up the hill, one other nice sundown spot is the Ponte Vecchio, which lights up in gentle hues of gold and orange throughout golden hour.

Day 2

Cease 1: Guided Strolling Tour

If you wish to study extra concerning 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 let you skip the road to see a few of the most well-known points of interest.

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

In case you skip the strolling tour talked about earlier, then it is best to at the least be sure you go and see the enduring Statue of David at Accademia Gallery – it’s presumably 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 may be nothing fairly like seeing the statue up shut. Its measurement, for one factor, is spectacular. I didn’t understand it was 17 toes tall (5.17 meters)!

Up shut, you may see each muscle, each vein, each curve of the physique – the eye to element is nothing in need of breathtaking. It’s simple to see why it’s one of many world’s most well-known artistic endeavors.

Get your timed ticket for this attraction right here. Although we have been on a guided tour with skip the road privileges, we needed to wait in line for about half-hour. And not using 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 exhausting to overlook for those who adopted the itinerary from yesterday and visited the Piazza Michaelangelo.

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

It’s most well-known for its dome, often called Brunelleschi’s Dome, which has been adorned with fresco work and gilded particulars on the within. In case you choose to climb to the highest of the Duomo you go a balcony that offers you a more in-depth take a look at the dome.

One of many fundamental causes to go to The Duomo is to climb the steps to the highest of the dome to see superb metropolis views. Truthful warning although, for those who’re afraid of heights, you’re not going to love this!

The viewing deck is sort of skinny, and regardless that crowds are managed, it does really feel moderately crowded up there. If climbing the dome is for you, then guide your tickets upfront.

Alternatively, you may 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 when you’ve got a worry of heights I discovered this viewpoint to be much less scary to stroll up.

Nevertheless, for those who 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 possibly can go to the Duomo free of charge, however strains will be lengthy. If you wish to skip these, then buy a skip the road go. Or arrive early as an alternative and beat the strains that method!

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

Cease 4: Lunch at Central Markets

The Central Markets, also called The Mercato Centrale, are the proper place to cease for lunch. This historic market corridor was constructed in the course of 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 present who come right here to buy contemporary produce of fish, meat, and greens.

On the highest flooring, there’s a meals court docket the place you’ll find Tuscan and worldwide dishes. The meals court docket is made up of small, independently-owned eating places, wine bars, and taprooms utilizing contemporary produce from the market to make glorious and reasonably priced meals.

It’s an ideal place to seize a freshly made pizza or hearty sandwich. The meals court docket is open from 10:00 am to midnight, so you may come again within the night for dinner for those who’re struggling to resolve which restaurant to eat at.

We loved our lunch right here on the markets, however there wasn’t lots of choices for those who’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

In case you’re coming to Florence to expertise its historic artwork scene, you can’t skip the Uffizi Gallery. It’s probably the most famend gallery within the metropolis and the place you may see authentic items from the 14th-century Renaissance interval’s biggest 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 Beginning 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 crucial 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 need to guide your entrance go upfront to keep away from the queues and be sure you can achieve entry while you need to, as tickets are sometimes offered out on the day.

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

I’ll admit, I’m actually solely fascinated about 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 joyful to report, it was so price it. For us a fast tour by (about an hour) was a lot.

Cease 6: Piazza della Signoria

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

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

Piazza della Signoria was as soon as the political middle 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 can assist you navigate this 2 day Florence itinerary, here’s a map of the points of interest 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 about! It can save you a replica of the map after which edit as you see match to your Florence go to.

Getting Round Florence

Getting round Florence is very easy as the whole lot is inside strolling distance. Merely placed on a cushty pair of sneakers and stroll all over the 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 middle to the suburban neighborhoods.

The place To Keep In Florence

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

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

Mates have stayed on the Resort David in Oltrarno and stated it was a fully pretty resort in a great location – near the middle however far sufficient so that you simply 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 are feeling like they care for his or her friends and need to make you are feeling at house.

Finest Time To Go to Florence

Florence is a metropolis you may go to any time of the yr since a lot of the points of interest are indoors, nonetheless, if we needed to decide a season, spring could be our favourite time to go to Florence. It is because the parks and gardens are awash in shade because the flowers bloom and the grass shines within the gentle due.

The summer time is the height season to go to Florence and is often very 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 only a few suggestions for visiting Florence that can assist you maximize your 2-day journey:

• Put on cozy sneakers. Strolling is the optimum strategy to get round Florence so be sure you have a great pair of strolling sneakers.
• Go rogue from this itinerary! Top-of-the-line methods to see a metropolis is to easily stroll round down random streets and expertise the less-traveled paths.
• E-book your museum tickets upfront. The queues for tickets will be lengthy! Save your self a while and guide upfront.
• Attempt the wine! Don’t neglect to cease into one (or a number of) of the numerous wine outlets (enoteca) to seek out out what Tuscany is legendary for!
• Don’t go too wild on Espresso. The espresso in Italy is loads stronger than what you is likely to be used to again house, so for those who’re not large on caffeine then don’t go too wild on this.
• Obtain maps. It’s all the time a good suggestion to obtain an offline map, similar to Google Maps or MapsMe in case your information is unreliable. You possibly can obtain our map of this itinerary above.
• E-book small group strolling excursions instantly by our most well-liked tour corporations: LivTours, Walks of Italy, and Devour Meals Excursions. All have been examined and accepted by yTravel!