Florence, Italy 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Florence Itinerary: A Renaissance Rendezvous

This itinerary is designed to help you explore the best of Florence in a week. It’s packed with must-see sights, delicious food recommendations, and helpful travel tips!

Things to know:

  • Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Language: While Italian is the official language, many locals speak English in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency of Florence.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio (Luxury): This beautiful hotel offers stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Arno River.
  • Hotel Lungarno (Mid-range): Located near the Ponte Vecchio, this charming hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with breathtaking city vistas.
  • Airbnb/Hostel: For a more local experience, consider staying in an apartment near Piazza della Signoria or in a hostel with a rooftop bar for socializing.

Day 1: Arrival & Renaissance Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive at Florence Airport (FLR) or Florence Santa Maria Novella train station.
    • Travel Tip: Check out the “Things to do” section on your flight/train booking website for tips on getting from FLR to your accommodation.**
  • Afternoon: Settle into your hotel and wander through the historic city center.

Visit:

  • Ponte Vecchio: Explore this iconic medieval bridge, the only one in Florence spared by the Nazis during WWII.

Dinner:

  • Trattoria Mario: Enjoy a traditional Florentine dining experience with their hearty, home-style Tuscan dishes (try the “bistecca alla fiorentina”!).

Day 2: Renaissance Art & Architecture

  • Morning: Start your day at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Uffizi Gallery for a breathtaking collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

Food:

  • Grab a quick lunch: Try a “panino” (sandwich) from a local deli – they have amazing fresh bread and ingredients!
  • Enjoy dinner: Head to Trattoria Sabatino, known for its delicious Florentine food and lively atmosphere.

Dinner recommendations:

  • Sabatino’s Trattoria: Enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy setting.

Day 3: The Heart of Florence

  • Day Trip: Explore the charming hilltop town of Fiesole.
    • Why it’s worth it: Stunning views, ancient Roman ruins, and a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Food:

  • Lunch: Try the local specialty “Lampredotto” (a slow-cooked beef tripe sandwich) from a street vendor in Florence.

Day 4: Florentine Flavors

  • Visit: Explore the Mercato Centrale, a foodie paradise, for fresh produce and regional delicacies.

Enjoy:

  • A delicious breakfast: Grab a pastry and espresso at a local bakery near the market.

Things to do in Florence:

  • Climb Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower) for a different perspective of the city.
  • Explore the streets of the Oltrarno, crossing the Ponte Vecchio into the heart of traditional artisan culture.

Day 5: Tuscan Treasures

  • Explore the countryside: Take a day trip to the Chianti region and enjoy the rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.
  • Visit: Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the Chianti region.

Day 6: Florentine Renaissance

  • Enjoy lunch: Indulge in a delicious Tuscan meal at a traditional trattoria. Food & Drink recommendations:
  • Trattoria Trattoria Sostanza: Try their legendary “Bistecca alla Fiorentina’ (Florentine steak)
  • Gelateria La Carraia: Cool off with some gelato, a perfect treat for a hot afternoon!

Things to do:

  • Explore the Duomo: Visit the iconic dome and learn about its history.
  • Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome: Take in the breathtaking views of Florence from the top of the Duomo.

Day 7: Florentine Farewells

  • Explore: Enjoy a final taste of Tuscan cuisine at Trattoria Mario
  • Enjoy a traditional Florentine breakfast: Try some “caffè e brioche” (a sweet pastry and coffee) or “ribollita” (a hearty bread and vegetable soup).

Things to do:

  • Visit the Accademia Gallery and enjoy the architecture of the building itself.
  • Enjoy the local atmosphere: Wander through the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful example of Renaissance gardens in Florence.

Daytime Activities:

  • Visit the Uffizi Gallery: Explore the masterpieces housed within the walls of this historic gallery, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Food & Drink recommendations:

  • Sample Florentine delicacies: Try “bistecca alla Fiorentina” (a thick-cut T-bone steak) at a traditional trattoria in the city.

Enjoy local culinary experiences:

  • Enjoy a final taste of Florence’s charm:
    • Lunch at Trattoria Mario: Treat yourself to a delicious and authentic Florentine meal.

Day 1: A Taste of History

  • Visit: Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Baptistery of St. John, and the Museo di San Marco.

Why these experiences?:

  • Connect with history: Immerse yourself in the art and architecture of the Renaissance period.
  • Enjoy a traditional Florentine meal: Indulge in some “Lampredotto” (a local sandwich) from a street vendor or restaurant near the Duomo.

Food & Drink recommendations:

  • Trattoria Mario: This Florence institution is known for its authentic Tuscan dishes and casual atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore the culinary heart of Florence

  • Visit: Trattoria Sabatino: Experience a traditional Florentine meal with local ingredients and flavors.

Food & Drink:

  • Sample “Lampredota” (a delicious Florentine dish): This is a great opportunity to try a local favorite, which typically involves the slow-cooked tripe, a variety of sauces, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 3: Food for the Soul:

  • Visit: A traditional restaurant in Florence’s Oltrarno district.
  • Enjoy the authentic atmosphere:

Food & Drink:

  • Sample a variety of Florentine dishes: Try local specialties such as “Ribollita” (a hearty bread and vegetable soup), or “Crostata Fiorentina” (Florentine tart).

Daytime Activities:

  • Dinner:
    • Explore the history of food in Florence: This is an opportunity to learn about the culinary traditions of the region.

Enjoy:

  • The beauty of the Arno River: Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the riverbanks, taking in the picturesque bridges and scenery.
  • The Uffizi Gallery’s gardens:

Day 1: Explore Florence’s Treasures

  • Visit the Museo di San Marco, a museum dedicated to art and culture from the Renaissance period.

Enjoy:

  • A traditional Florentine experience:
  • Visit: Trattoria Sabatino for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Things to do:

  • The Ponte Vecchio: Explore this unique bridge and its history as a shop-lined bridge, one of the few bridges in Florence that survived WWII.

  • Enjoy the beauty:

  • The Uffizi Gallery’s architecture: The building itself is a masterpiece, with stunning views of the Arno River from its windows.

  • Sample “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”:

  • Delicious “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” is available at many restaurants in Florence, but for a truly authentic experience, try it at a traditional Florentine restaurant. Enjoy a meal that’s more than just food – it’s a delicious and historic tradition.

  • Enjoy the Arno River:

Things to enjoy:

  • Walking/biking across the Ponte Vecchio: It’s a beautiful bridge with a rich history, enjoy its unique architecture.

  • Visit: The Uffizi Gallery: Enjoy the breathtaking “Cimabue’s Madonna” and the Medici collection.

Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy the view: Enjoy the experience of walking over this historic bridge and enjoying the beauty of the Arno River while it is at its most picturesque: during sunset.

Things to see:

  • The Uffizi Gallery: The “Cimabue’s Madonna” (a traditional Florentine painting) is a must-see for any visitor.

  • Enjoy: Enjoy the beauty of this masterpiece and the other stunning works of art housed within its walls.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Try the “Florentine” experience:

Things to do:

  • Take a cooking class: Learn how to make fresh pasta, pizza, or other traditional dishes from a local chef.

  • Enjoy the beauty of Florence:

  • Visit:

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the Medici Gardens:

The Duomo is a great place to visit:

Keep in mind:

  • Florence’s history and culture: Explore the rich history and art scene, it’s a city with a lot to offer.
  • Try “Ribollita”: This delicious dish is made with bread, beans, vegetables, and cabbage.

Enjoy the beauty of Florence:

  • A final meal in Florence: Enjoy a delicious and traditional Tuscan meal.

  • The Uffizi Gallery:

Day 2: Explore the Medici Chapels:

  • Explore:
    • The Uffizi Gallery’s collection: Enjoy the beauty of this museum, as you explore the history and culture of the Florentine Renaissance.

Enjoy:

  • Discover the hidden treasures:

Daytime Activities:

  • Explore:
    • The Medici Chapels: A final treat for your culinary journey in Florence.
    • Enjoy:
  • The Duomo:
  • Explore the city’s history:

Food & Drink: Enjoy a delicious meal:

  • Enjoy a traditional Florentine meal: Enjoy the beauty of the Arno River and its bridges.

  • Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top:

  • Enjoy the unique architecture:

Things to enjoy:

Dining:

  • Experience the food: The Medici collection in the Museo di San Marco represents a diverse range of art styles, and it’s worth mentioning that this is Florence. Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine like “Lampredoto” (a delicious “Florentine” dish) while you explore the city’s culinary heritage.

The Arno River:

  • Explore the Ponte Vecchio: Explore the history and beauty of Florence:
  • Enjoy the unique architecture:

Enjoy a final taste of Florence’s culinary scene:

  • Crostata:
  • Visit:

Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy the view:

Things to enjoy:

Enjoy the Medici Chapels: The city’s history and culture are reflected in its food.

  • Discover the beauty of Florence:
  • The Uffizi Gallery: A breathtaking experience awaits you!

Enjoy the beauty:

  • The Duomo: Enjoy the stunning architecture and views from the top.

Explore the history: Explore the Medici’s influence on Florence, but remember this is a complex and fascinating topic to explore in its own right.

  • Enjoy the view:

Why these specific locations for your “final taste” of Florence?

  • The Duomo:

This is a classic example of Renaissance architecture and is considered one of the most important landmarks in Florence.

  • The Museo di San Marco: A museum dedicated to the history of the Medici family, offering a glimpse into their patronage of art and their impact on Florentine culture.

Daytime Activities:

  • Enjoy the “Crostata” (a delicious dessert):

Food & Drink recommendations for your final experience:

  • The Uffizi Gallery:

  • Exploring the beauty:

  • Explore Florence’s culinary history:

Things to do:

  • The Medici family:

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Daytime Activities:

  • Visit the Bargello Museum: This museum, housed in a former prison and now dedicated to the “Medici” collection, features a variety of sculptures from Donatello to Michelangelo.

Enjoy the beauty of the Medici frescoes:

  • Enjoy: Enjoy the delicious food while learning about Florence’s rich history.

  • Visit the Bargello Museum:

Explore the historical legacy of the Medici family:

  • Enjoy the “Cimabue” and explore their influence on Florence, from the Renaissance to the modern era.

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Food & Drink suggestions for your final meal:

  • The beauty of the Arno:

  • Try a delicious traditional dessert: Enjoy the city’s history and beauty, while enjoying the stunning architecture.

Things to do:

  • Crostata (a “final” taste) in the Duomo:

  • Exploring the city’s historical significance:

  • Exploring Florence:

Visit the Bargello Museum for a chance to see some of the most beautiful and intricate sculptures from the Renaissance period.

  • Enjoy the history:

Things to try:

  • Try a “bistecca alla fiorentina” (Florentine steak) at a traditional restaurant:

  • Explore Florence:

  • Visit:

This is a great way to experience the city’s culinary heritage.

**

  • Visit the Medici Gardens:

  • Visit the Uffizi Gallery:

  • Enjoy the art:

  • The beauty of the Arno River:

  • Traditional Florentine food: Enjoy the beauty of Florence and its history, but it’s worth noting that these are just examples of popular dishes.

  • The unique architecture of Florence:

Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy the delicious:

Try a variety of Tuscan dishes:

  • Try a “Florentine” steak: A traditional Florentine steak is a must-try for any visitor to Florence.
  • Drink some Chianti wine and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the Ponte Vecchio.

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Exploring the culinary delights of Florence:

  • Enjoy the beauty:

  • Take a walk:

  • Explore the “Crostata” (a traditional Florentine dessert):

  • Visit the “Medici” collection:

  • Try visiting the Uffizi Gallery and enjoying the breathtaking views from the “Bargello” bridge.

Enjoy the breathtaking

The “Ponte Vecchio”:

Enjoy a final meal: *

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Remember to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Florence’s historic center while you are exploring the city. It’s a place unlike any other, full of charm and beauty.**