Unravel Florence in 4 days

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We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

Florence lies in the heart of Tuscany and is known and celebrated for its history, medieval architecture, cultural prosperity and romantic atmosphere. Explore the influence of religion and the role of the Medici family’s patronage in the artworks and architecture of the Florentine Renaissance. Experience the rich culinary heritage of the Italians and Florentinians, from traditional Neapolitan pizzas and trending gelato flavours to some of the best wines in Tuscany. Lay your eyes upon some of the most celebrated artworks in the world at Uffizi, Bargello and Accademia.

Explore everything that is traditional, futuristic and romantic in the cradle of the Renaissance with the help of our 4-day Florence itinerary.

Florence 4-day itinerary at a glance

Day 1

Begin your tour of Florence at the symbolic Piazza del Duomo and explore the Florence Cathedral. Make your way to the Piazza della Repubblica, where you can grab your breakfast and ride the historic carousel. Grab some gelato while you walk the sunny streets of the bustling city and enter Bargello National Museum to admire exquisite sculptures of the Renaissance. Sit under the shade of Piazza della Signoria’s open-air museum as you admire the internationally renowned statues standing tall and proud. Spend your evening at the prominent Uffizi Gallery and watch the sunset over the waters of River Arno from Ponte Vecchio. 

• Piazza del Duomo
• Piazza della Repubblica
• Gelato
• Bargello National Museum
• Piazza della Signoria
• Uffizi Gallery
• Ponte Vecchio

Day 2

Start your day at the Museum of San Marco and discover the history of the former Dominican convent. The Accademia Gallery is the next destination of the day, famous for being home to Michelangelo’s David. Spend your afternoon learning about the impact of the Medici family on Florence at Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Make your way to the Mercato Centrale and spend your evening cruising the streets of San Frediano in Oltrarno.

• Museum of San Marco
• Accademia Gallery
• Palazzo Medici Riccardi 
• Basilica of San Lorenzo
• Mercato Centrale
• San Frediano District

Day 3

Your third day is a tour of Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano, either as part of an organized tour or in your rented car, which we highly recommend. Begin your day at Chianti, where you can enjoy a wine tasting session at one of the many fine wineries. From here, you can travel to Siena, to visit the Cathedral and other beautiful medieval Gothic monuments. On your way back to Florence, stop at San Gimignano, a commune that has been in existence for many centuries. Make sure to try their signature white wine.

• Chianti
• Siena 
• San Gimignano

Day 4

Start at the Brancacci Chapel in Oltrarno, to enjoy the architecture and paintings of the early Florentine Renaissance. The Palazzo Pitti and the adjoining Boboli Gardens is just a stone’s throw away, where you can admire beautiful artworks,  Romanesque architecture and scenic views. Make your way to Villa Bardini, after which you can proceed to San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church with a unique, geometrical facade. Watch the sunset at the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo for the perfect ending to your four day Florence trip.

• Cappella Brancacci
• Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
• Villa Bardini
• San Miniato al Monte
• Piazzale Michelangelo

Detailed 4 day Florence itinerary

Day 1

Explore the Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo or the Cathedral Square of Florence is undoubtedly where you should start your tour of the city. The towering Florence Cathedral with the magnificent Brunelleschi’s Dome and terraces, the Baptistry of San Giovanni and more are what make the Piazza, the religious centre of Florence. 

Things to do:

• Visit the impressive Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Duomo di Firenze), famous for its Dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and the frescoes and sculptures that decorate the cathedral’s interior.
• Spend your time admiring the Baptistry of San Giovanni, which is one of the oldest churches in Florence.
• Learn about the history of the Florence Cathedral at Opera Duomo Museum.
• Spot the ornate Giotto’s Bell Tower.
• Explore the Loggia del Bigallo which was built for Compagnia della Misericordia (Company of Mercy), a shelter for abandoned children in the 14th century.

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza del Duomo

• Timings: Always open.

• Cost: Free entry. 

• How to reach: Bus: Pucci Duomo (line 14, 23), Pecori Duomo (line C4).

Browse the Piazza della Repubblica 

The Piazza della Repubblica was once the ghetto of Florence, with a booming market that lined its streets along with tabernacles and churches. Today, you can observe the Column of Abundance in the centre of the square, enjoy a ride atop a popular family-owned carousel and grab refreshments at historic cafés in the square. 

Things to do:

• • Visit the Column of Abundance, or Colonna della Dovizia, which was built in the 15rh century and was the site of the ancient Roman forum. 
  • Ride the carousel of the Picci family, which dates back to the early 20th century and is now run by the fifth generation of the family.
  • Grab something to eat at the historic cafés of Piazza della Repubblica, such as Caffé Gilli, Caffé Paszkowski and Caffé Giubbe Rosse.

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza della Repubblica
• Timings: Always open.
• Cost: Free entry.
• How to reach: Bus: Vecchietti (line 6, 11), Pecori Duomo (line C4).

Grab some Gelato

Gelato is an ice-cream-esque frozen dessert that originated in Italy in the 17th century and has been a staple and emblem of the country ever since. Savour some of the best, most authentic Italian gelato in Florence at Grom, Festival del Gelato and Perché no!.

Visit the Bargello National Museum

Located in the Palazzo del Bargello, the Bargello National Museum is to sculpture what the Uffizi gallery is to paintings. Many important sculptures of the Italian renaissance are housed in Bargello, including those of Michelangelo, Cellini, Donatello and Verrocchio, along with collections of bronze, ivories, tapestries, furniture of private donors and those from the Medici collections.

Useful information:

• Location: Via del Proconsolo
• Timings: Tuesday- Saturday: 8:15 am- 1:50 pm.
• How to reach: Bus: Verdi (line 23).

Stroll around the Piazza della Signoria

Often referred to as the main square of Florence, the Piazza della Signoria took its current form during the 13th century. It is a cultural and political hub of Florence, where you can find structures of significance such as Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), Loggia dei Lanzi, Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I and the Fountain of Neptune.  

Things to do:

• Visit the town hall of Florence – the impressive Palazzo Vecchio, complete with its extraordinary crenellated tower. A copy of Michelangelo’s David greets visitors at the entrance of the Old Palace.  
• Sit beside centuries-old Giambologna and Cellini statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air museum that allows visitors to be seated under shelter while enjoying lazy afternoons at the square.
• Admire the Equestrian Monument of Cosima I, created by Giambologna as a tribute to Cosimo I de Medici in 1594. 
• Admire the Fountain of Neptune created by Bartolomeo Ammannati, which is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in Florence. 

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza della Signoria 
• Timings: Always open.
• Cost: Free entry.
• How to reach: Bus: Verdi (line 23).

Admire the Collections of Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is internationally recognized for its impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the 14th century and Renaissance periods as well as collections of the Medici family. Housed in a building built by Vasari in the 16th century, you can catch a glimpse of famous pieces such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo and Caravaggio’s Medusa. 

Unravelog Tip: If you have extra time in the evening, pay a visit to the nearby Museo Galileo, (the former Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza) situated in the historic Palazzo Castellani. 

Useful information:

• Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi
• Timings: Tuesday- Sunday, 8:15 am- 6:50 pm.
• Cost:
  • Single Ticket: Regular rate: €20. Free entry for children aged 0-17.
  • PassePartout 5 Days (provides access to Uffizi, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens): €38. 
• Website: https://www.uffizi.it/en
• How to reach: Bus: Benci (line 23).

Catch the Sunset at Ponte Vecchio

Situated over River Arno, the bustling Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) becomes a thing of beauty, lined with old-fashioned shops and a bust of Cellini. Watch the sunset on the glimmering waters from this historic bridge. 

Useful information:

• Location: Ponte Vecchio
• Timings: Always open.
• Cost: Free entry.
• How to reach: Bus: Borgo San Iacopo (line C4).

Day 2

Visit the Museum of San Marco

A former Dominican convent that was consecrated in 1443 for Cosimo the Elder de’ Medici, the Museum of San Marco displays the medieval convent and its cloisters in its glorious entirety. Adjoining the Basilica di San Marco, the museum showcases famously admired frescoes such as Crucifixion, Last Supper and Annunciation and panel paintings like the Last Judgement. 

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza San Marco
• Timings: 
  • Monday- Friday: 8:15 am- 1:50 pm; 
  • Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 8:15 am- 4:50 pm
• Cost: 
  • Regular rate: €4.
  • Free entry for children aged 0-5.
• How to reach: Bus: Museo Di San Marco (line 6, 14, 23, 31, 32), San Marco Rettorato (line 10), Piazza Di San Marco (line 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 25, 31, 32).

Explore the Renaissance at Accademia Gallery

Famous for playing host to the largest collection of Michelangelo’s works – including his magnum opus, David – the Galleria dell’Accademia allows visitors to savour the artwork of the Florentine Renaissance. Accademia Gallery also proudly presents paintings, sculptures, musical instruments and important works of writing from Gold Ground paintings  (13th – 15th century) to the 19th-century paintings of students and teachers of the Accademia di Belle Arti. 

Useful information:

• Location: Via Ricasoli
• Timings: Varies according to season. For more information, check out the official website.
• Cost: 
  • Regular rate: €12. 
  • Free entry for children of ages 0-17 and the disabled.
• Website: https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/# 
• How to reach: Bus: Piazza Di San Marco (line 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 25, 31, 32).

Browse the Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Built in 1444, the Medici Riccardi Palace was home to members of the Medici family, including Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent. In 1659, the Palace was sold to Marquis Gabriello Riccardi, who expanded and commissioned many modern additions to the historic palace. Today, the Palace is owned by the Province of Florence and can be toured by visitors to enjoy authentic elements of the Renaissance and 17th-century Baroque additions.

Things to do: Visit prominent areas of the palace which is now a museum, including the Magi Chapel, Gallery Luca Giordano, Madonna with Child, the Medici Garden and the Courtyard of Michelozzo. 

Useful information:

• Location: Via Camillo Cavour
• Timings: All days except Monday: 10:30 am- 6:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
• Cost:
  • Regular rate: €7 onwards.
  • Reduced rate (for students and those of ages 18-25): €4 onwards.
  • Free entry for children aged 0-17, the disabled and holders of Firenze Card.
• Website: http://www.palazzomediciriccardi.it/en/ 
• How to reach: Bus: Pucci Duomo (line 14, 23).

Pay your respects at the Basilica of San Lorenzo

Situated near the central market of Florence, the Basilica of San Lorenzo is a significant milestone in Renaissance architecture. Mentioned in great detail in Dan Brown’s Inferno, the church’s rise coincided with that of the Medici family and is where most members of the family were buried. 

Things to do: 

• Roam around the Basilica’s cloister, which was built by Brunelleschi’s disciple, Antonio Manetti Ciaccheri
• Visit the cellar, the resting place of artist Donatello and Cosimo di Medici
• If you’re lucky, you can soak in Michelangelo’s Mannerist architecture in the Medicea Laurenziana Library, only open to visitors when an exhibit is on display.
• Visit the body of the church designed by Brunelleschi and adorned by Donatello’s pulpits (his last work) which depicts scenes from the life of Christ including the Resurrection.
• Explore the Old Sacristy which showcases paintings by Donatello and a beautiful planetarium painted inside the dome.
• Don’t miss the Medici chapels, the burial ground of most of the Medici family.

Useful information:

• • Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo
  • Timings: 
    • Monday, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am- 5:30 pm.
    • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm.
    • Closed on Sundays.
  • Cost: 
    • Regular rate for the Basilica: €7.
    • Free entry for children aged 0-11 and the disabled. 

• Website: https://www.operamedicealaurenziana.org/en/ 

• How to reach: Bus: Pucci Duomo (line 14, 23).

Experience culinary heaven at Mercato Centrale

Situated on the first floor of the San Lorenzo market area, Mercato Centrale promises gastronomical expertise at your service. Try different foods and ingredients as you eat your way through the indoor market, which has a seating area too.

Unravelog Tip: We highly recommend that you try the authentic Neapolitan (Napoletana) pizzas at Mercato Centrale’s pizzeria. If you’re interested in exploring Italian cuisine and cooking, you can enroll in a cooking course with Lorenzo De’ Medici Cooking School for a day, also located in Mercato Centrale. 

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale
• Timings: Daily, 10:00 am- 12:00 am.
• Cost: Free entry. 
• Website: https://www.mercatocentrale.com/florence/ 
• How to reach: 
  • Bus: Stazione Nazionale (lines 1, 7).
  • Tram: Valfonda – Stazione Santa Maria Novella (line TI.3).

Go clubbing at San Frediano District

With clubs, bars and good food, San Frediano is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe. Visit trendy Oltrarno to enjoy an evening filled with memorable experiences in Florence.

Things to do:

• Enjoy live music and the quintessential clubbing experience at NoF 
• Try the world-famous lampredotto sandwich at ‘l Trippaio di San Frediano
• Stroll across the Carraia Bridge which, unlike Ponte Vecchio, isn’t lined with shops and allows for better views with lesser crowds.
• Spend the rest of your evening at Piazza Torquato Tasso and visit all the different restaurants, bars and gelaterias in the square.

Useful information:

• Location: San Frediano 
• Timings: Always open.
• Cost: Free entry. 
• How to reach: Bus: Piazza Tasso.

Day 3

Go wine tasting in Chianti

Start your day driving across the rolling hills of Chianti, famous for its namesake wine. You can visit the following wineries for an amazing wine tasting experience: Casa Chianti Classico, Ricasoli or Viticcio.

Useful information:

• How to Reach: There are no public transport options to Chianti. You can book a tour package (such as those offered by Viator, Get Your Guide, Italy XP or Introducing Florence) to ensure transportation, but we highly recommend that you rent a car for the day to explore the place (and discover off-beat paths) on your own time.

Explore the medieval town of Siena

Siena, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a medieval city where you can spend the afternoon strolling through its quaint little streets. With impressive Gothic architecture and inviting pastry shops, you can learn more about Roman history and Italian delicacies in Siena. 

Things to do:

• Visit the Seina’s Cathedral (Santa Maria Assunta), a stunning example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture and the religious centre of Siena.
• Visit the Piazza del Campo, where you can tour the Pubblico Palace, Torre del Mangia, Cappella di Piazza and other significant buildings in the area. 

Useful information:

• Location: Seina 
• How to reach: There are no public transport options to Siena. You can book a tour package (such as those offered by Viator, Get Your Guide, Italy XP or Introducing Florence) to ensure transportation, or rent a car for the day.

Experience the commune of San Gimignano

With a fascinating history, towers that touch the sky and booming agro-tourism, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose inhabitants have lived as a commune since 1199. Here, you can sign up for a guided tour or just explore the village on foot and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside.

Things to do:

• Explore the Duomo di San Gimignano – the Cathedral decorated with beautiful Florentine frescoes by Gozzoli and Ghirlandaio.
• Participate in a wine tasting tour at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience – La Rocca and taste the region’s popular Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a beautiful, highly prized white wine in Tuscany.
• Visit the Torre del Podestà, also known as the Torre Grossa, for a beautiful view of Tuscany’s rolling hills

Unravelog Tip: Download the San Gimignano Smartphone App (iOS/Android) to learn more about the area’s history, points of interest, services and local transport. 

Useful information:

• Location: San Gimignano
• Website: https://www.sangimignano.com/en/ 
• How to reach: There are no public transport options to San Gimignano. You can book a tour package (such as those offered by Viator, Get Your Guide, Italy XP or Introducing Florence) to ensure transportation or rent a car for the day to explore the place on your own time.

Admire the artworks of Cappella Brancacci

Often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance’, the Cappella dei Brancacci was constructed in 1422 and commissioned by Felice Brancacci. The Chapel is home to some of the most influential early Renaissance artwork in Italy such as The Temptation of Adam and Eve and Peter’s Calling by Masolino da Panicale and Masaccio’s Expulsion from the Garden of Eden and Peter’s Repentance. 

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza del Carmine
• Timings: Daily, except Tuesdays and Thursdays- 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
• Cost: 
  • Regular rate: €10.
  • Reduced rate (for those aged 18-25): €7.
  • Free entry for children aged 0-17 and the disabled. 
• Website: https://museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/en/brancacci/ 
• How to reach: Bus: Carmine (line C4). 

Stroll around Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Once the residence of the powerful Luca Pitti, Palazzo Pitti was bought by the Medici family and employed as the official residence of the ruling family of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Connected with Palazzo Pitti is the Boboli Gardens, one of the most beautiful and ancient royal gardens in Italy. 

Things to do:

• Visit the museums of the Palace – the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
• Stroll around or sit in the shade at the Boboli Gardens, located right behind Palazzo Pitti. 

Useful information:

• Location: Piazza de’ Pitti
• Timings: 
  • Palazzo Pitti: Tuesday to Sunday, 1:30 am to 6:50 pm.
  • Boboli Gardens: Varies depending on the season. For more information, visit the official website. 
• Cost:
  • Palazzo Pitti (includes tickets to Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Museum of Costume and Fashion):
    • Regular rate: €20.
    • Free entry for children aged 0-17.
  • Boboli Gardens (includes tickets to the Garden of Villa Bardini):
    • Regular rate: €10.
    • Free entry for children aged 0-17.
  • PassePartout 5 Days (provides access to Uffizi, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens): €38.
• Website: https://www.uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace 
• How to reach: Bus: Piazza San Felice (line 11).

Explore the gardens of Villa Bardini

Villa Bardini, formerly known as Villa Manadora, was built in the 17th century by Gherardo Silvani and is renowned for its breathtaking, panoramic views. With its beautiful gardens and the villa which hosts the Capucci Museum, Annigoni Museum and other temporary exhibitions and special events, Villa Bardini is undoubtedly an unmissable experience in Florence.

Useful information:

• Location: Villa Bardini
• Timings: Daily, 10:00 am- 7:00 pm.
• Cost: 
  • Included in the Ticket to Boboli Gardens.
  • Regular rate: €10.
  • Free entry for everyone on the first Sunday of every month.
• Website: https://www.villabardini.it/en/ 
• How to reach: Bus: Piazza San Felice (line 11).

Visit San Miniato al Monte

The San Miniato al Monte’s green and white marble facade stands out due to its unique geometric patterns and a golden mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the window. With a stunning Romanesque interior, the church is decorated with Michelozzo’s Cappella del Crocefisso and frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi.

Useful information:

• Location: Via delle Porte Sante
• Timings: 
  • Monday- Saturday: 9:30 am- 1:00 pm; 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm.
  • Sundays: 8:15 am- 1:00 pm; 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm.
• Cost: Free entry. 
• Website: https://www.sanminiatoalmonte.it/ 
• How to reach: Bus: San Miniato Al Monte (line 12).

Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Named after one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance, Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Piazzale Michelangelo is renowned for its beautiful views of Florence. Enjoy the sunset and the bronze copies of Michelangelo’s David and the four allegories of the Medici chapels here. 

Things to do: From Piazzale Michelangelo, take a walk to Piazza Poggi via the famous stairs of Rampe del Poggi.

Useful information:

• Location: Piazzale Michelangelo
• Timings: Always open.
• Cost: Free entry. 
• How to reach: Bus: Piazzale Michelangelo (line 12).

Few places are as magical a setting for a memorable date or proposal than this city, where the Renaissance and the love of all learning began. Here are our top picks for the best proposal spots in Florence.