Florence 2-Day Itinerary: Art, Food, Vintage Shops & Rooftop Views

Planning 2 days in Florence, Italy? From Renaissance art and the Duomo to schiacciata, vintage shops and rooftop cocktails, here’s how I’d spend two days exploring the city. From someone who’s done it!

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Florence gave me many things on my last trip…Renaissance art, more gelato than necessary and a rather lovely new coat. In other words, not a bad city break.

One of the things I loved most was how much history you could discover here simply by having a wander.

You could be on your way to lunch and suddenly find yourself admiring the enormous Duomo, walking through Piazza della Signoria with its Renaissance sculptures, or crossing Ponte Vecchio, where the city’s jewellers have been trading for centuries, all before dipping into your fifth gelato (of which, there is no shame).

But as much as I loved exploring Florence’s history, I certainly didn’t want to spend my entire trip hopping from one museum to the next. There were Tuscan sandwiches to eat, vintage shops to nose around, rooftop bars to explore and, of course, plenty of excuses for yet another gelato stop.

On that note, here’s exactly how I’d spend two days in Florence. With a little Renaissance art, lots of walking, some fabulous food and enough time to enjoy the city without rushing through it all.

Shall we?

Quick Overview: My Florence 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1	The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, schiacciata, gelato and rooftop drinks.
Day 2	One major art museum, San Lorenzo if you choose the Accademia, then the Oltrarno, independent shops and Giardino delle Rose.
What I’d book	A timed Duomo climb if you want to go up, and a museum ticket for the Uffizi or the Accademia.
How to get around	Mostly on foot, just allow extra time for the uphill walk to the viewpoints.
Best for	A first Florence trip with history, Renaissance art, food, independent shops and evenings out.

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Day 1: The Duomo, Florence’s Historic Centre and a Jazzy Florence Evening Out

Morning: A Florence Café and the Duomo

For your morning coffee, I’d stop at Caffè Rivoire, right on Piazza della Signoria.

I popped in for an espresso and loved the old-fashioned interiors, from the marble tables to the enormous wooden bar and chandeliers. And there’s a bit of history here too…Rivoire dates back to 1872, when Enrico Rivoire, formerly a chocolatier to the royal family, opened his chocolate shop right here in Florence.

From there, wander towards Florence Cathedral (the Duomo). No photograph will quite prepare you for the size of it, so prepare to have a moment of gawk or two before appreciating the historic building that dates back all the way to 1296.

If you fancy climbing Brunelleschi’s dome, it’s 463 steps with no lift, and you’ll need to reserve a time. Be sure to get an official Duomo ticket before your trip or compare this Brunelleschi’s Dome climb experience.

And if 463 steps aren’t how you pictured your holiday…you can simply admire the cathedral from the square, have a look at Giotto’s Bell Tower and carry on exploring.

Late Morning: Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria

From here, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from Piazza della Signoria where you’ll see Palazzo Vecchio towering over the square, Neptune’s fountain, and a glorious collection of sculptures, including Cellini’s bronze Perseus.

You’ll also see Michelangelo’s David outside the palace here, but bear in mind it’s just a (stunning) copy. The original lives in the Accademia Gallery, which you could visit tomorrow.

You can also stop by the nearby Uffizi Gallery while you’re here, originally built under Cosimo I de’ Medici to house government offices and now, of course, home to some of the most famous paintings in the world.

Once you’ve taken a copious amount of Piazza photos, there’s another Florentine food stop near here worth knowing about: Da’ Vinattieri on Via Santa Margherita, by the Bargello.

Their specialities include lampredotto, slow-cooked cow’s stomach served in a sandwich, and trippa, which is very much part of the city’s food history, and good, I promise! Not everyone’s usual lunch order, granted, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try it instead of your schiacciata stop. Speaking of…

Lunch: A Schiacciata Sandwich Around Santa Croce

Onto lunch, which in Florence means schiacciata—a stuffed Tuscan flatbread, usually with some combination of cured meats, cheeses and all sorts of other good things.

I had one at Lo SchiacciaVino during my Florence trip, before continuing on to Piazza Santa Croce and the basilica.

P.S. – If you’d rather make a sandwich yourself, take this Florence schiacciata sandwich-making class with wine. 🍷

Michelangelo and Galileo are both buried inside the church, and it’s also home to an impressive collection of Renaissance art and frescoes.

Afternoon: Ponte Vecchio, the Arno and a Proper Gelato Stop

Before reaching the river, make a very worthwhile detour to Perché no!… on Via de’ Tavolini. It’s been making gelato since 1939, and given Florence’s city centre size, you may easily find yourself coming back more than once (I know I did).

From here it won’t be long until you reach Ponte Vecchio, with little gold and jewellery shops running endlessly along either side. The bridge itself dates to 1345, although its original traders were rather less glamorous. Butchers sold meat here until the sixteenth century, before goldsmiths took their place.

Look up and you’ll spot the Vasari Corridor, built in 1565 to let the Medici family pass between their residences and government buildings without using the streets.

And down by the Arno, you’ll love looking at the old houses along the river as much as the bridge itself.

Evening: Rooftop Drinks, Tuscan Dinner and the Duomo at Night

Florence looks glorious from a rooftop, and I wasn’t about to miss the chance for a drink with a view. View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar, above Hotel Medici, gets you close to the Duomo, but I also enjoyed Angel Roofbar & Dining on Via Calimala. Choose whichever suits your evening!

Dinner at Osteria del Porcellino is also a must. They’ve been serving Tuscan food in the centre since 1969, and the Nonna’s cake is a dream with a fork.

Then take one last walk to see the Duomo before bed and you’re golden.

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Day 2: Florence’s Art, Independent Shops and Splendid Views Across the City

Morning: Choose Your Florence Museum

The next day it’ll be time to dip into more of Florence’s art scene, but of course, you’re in Florence, which means there are simply too many world-class museums to choose from.

So, with only two days, I’d personally opt for one or two major galleries and plan to come back for more.

If Renaissance painting is your thing and you didn’t go yesterday, I’d start with the Uffizi Gallery. Botticelli, Leonardo and plenty of other names you’ve known since school are here. Give yourself a couple of hours at least!

More interested in sculpture? The Accademia Gallery is where you’ll find Michelangelo’s original David. Or take a look at the Bargello National Museum, housed in a medieval civic palace dating to 1255, with works by Donatello and other Renaissance sculptors.

I wouldn’t attempt all three in one weekend, but again, just all the more reason to come back!

Lunch: San Lorenzo and La Gratella

After the museum, you’ll find leather-market stalls and Mercato Centrale around San Lorenzo, both worth a wander.

Then, if you’re feeling hungry after the market (note: make sure you feel hungry after the market), have a sit-down lunch at La Gratella on Via Guelfa. It’s a family-run trattoria known for Tuscan cooking and a lovely place to settle in for a lazy ravioli-filled lunch. I’d reserve a table in advance!

Afternoon: Independent Shopping in Oltrarno & the City Centre

Shopping is certainly one of the best pleasures of wandering Florence, at least for me.

On the north bank, you’ll find Boutique Nadine on Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli with a lovely mix of vintage and newer pieces. Across the river, Oltrarno is an area I’d leave time for too, alongside Opera Art Jewels, a lovely local Florentine jeweller with beautiful miniature sculptures and handmade jewellery.

Personally the best Florence souvenir I found wasn’t a magnet or postcard, but a ladies’ coat I found at Affix, a little shop on Via Romana (110r). I still love that I came home with something I’ll actually wear. I may have enjoyed the shopping a little too much…

Late Afternoon: Views from Giardino delle Rose

For views, it’ll be time to head to Giardino delle Rose, tucked into the hillside below Piazzale Michelangelo.

From here, it’ll be easy to see the best of Florence beneath you—from terracotta rooftops to the great dome and Palazzo Vecchio, all in view.

Of course, Piazzale Michelangelo is the famous panoramic viewpoint, and you can carry on uphill if you fancy. But don’t overlook the rose garden on your way. It closes earlier in winter, often around 5pm, so have a look at the seasonal hours if you’re thinking of going for sunset.

And if you somehow have even more time you can visit the Boboli Gardens!

Evening: A Negroni or a Florence Jazz Club

After a hard day’s work of exploring the city, you deserve a negroni, which actually has its own Florence story, too…

According to legend, Count Camillo Negroni asked for gin to be added to his Americano at Caffè Casoni in 1919, and it’s stuck ever since. You can find the original at Giacosa 1815 before continuing on to the Jazz Club Firenze, an institution in the Florence nightlife scene, usually with a mix of locals, tourists and study abroaders alike. It’s a fun time!

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Looking for a Local Guide in Florence?

So many of my amazing memories in Florence were made with Lucy Lopardo, so I have to give her a shout-out.

Lucy is a wonderful local tour guide who showed me around part of Florence during my trip, introducing me to some of the places I’ve recommended in this itinerary. She was such lovely company, and I learned so much about the city from her. All her tours are extremely personal.

She also offers private tours in Pisa and Lucca, as well as other Tuscan experiences, so if you’re looking for someone to show you around Florence, I couldn’t recommend booking a tour with Lucy enough. She’s an absolute gem, and I’m so glad our paths crossed!

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Where I’d Stay for a Weekend in Florence

San Firenze Suites & Spa: For a Central Stay or Special Florence Occasion

Right on Piazza di San Firenze, San Firenze Suites & Spa puts you close to Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi, with Ponte Vecchio not far beyond. Very handy if you want to nip back to your room between sightseeing and dinner.

The Hoxton Florence: For Design and a Cool Florence Stay

The Hoxton, Florence is farther north, on Via delle Mantellate, and feels more suited to a design-minded city break. You’ll have a longer walk to the Duomo, but you’re still within reach of the centre. A lovely option if you’re looking for a cool Florence stay.

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Top Tips Before Visiting Florence For a Weekend

• Remember two days is only enough for a lovely introduction to the city. In other words, don’t expect to visit every museum.
• Watch for Mondays: The Uffizi and Accademia are closed!
• Avoid restaurant squares. I wouldn’t eat at the first place you see near a major monument. Wandering a few streets away and looking at the menu first (i.e. making sure it’s all in Italian, not English) can go a long way.

And if you ever see gelato that looks like this…run!

Enormous, brightly coloured mountains of gelato are almost always tourist traps. They use extra air and stabilisers to help them hold those impressive shapes, but that worsens the quality by a lot (although it does make you want to buy it).

Instead, look for gelato sitting low and flat in metal trays, or even better, stored in covered metal tubs called pozzetti. The colours should look natural too!

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Final Thoughts: Is Two Days in Florence Enough?

For a first visit? Absolutely! You can see the Duomo, cross Ponte Vecchio, spend a morning with Renaissance art and still have time for a very good lunch. I left knowing I’d happily come back for more.

The paintings and palaces in Florence certainly deserve another visit. But so do even more schiacciata stops, the city’s hordes of little independents and of course, more gelato stops too.

My only advice is to not spend your entire weekend in a museum queue. I’d have missed half the things I enjoyed about Florence if I’d only looked at Michelangelo (although let’s face it, he is quite fine…).

Have the most fabulous time in Florence!

Happy travels,

Candace x

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FAQ: Florence 2-Day Itinerary

Is two days in Florence enough?

I’d say so for the Duomo, major squares, Ponte Vecchio, a museum and plenty of time for eating and walking. I’d stay longer if you want to visit several big galleries or go out into Tuscany.

What should you see in Florence in two days?

Start with the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, then choose between the Uffizi and Accademia. You’ll still have time to work in Santa Croce, an Oltrarno wander and a viewpoint, but I wouldn’t try to see everything.

Do you need a car in Florence?

Not for this itinerary. Most of the historic centre is easy to explore on foot, although the viewpoint walk is uphill.

Should I book the Uffizi or the Accademia?

I’d book the Uffizi for Renaissance paintings and a longer museum visit or the Accademia if seeing the original Michelangelo David is your priority.

What if one of my Florence days is a Monday?

Both the Uffizi and Accademia are normally closed on Mondays, so use that day for the Duomo, squares, shopping and food instead, then put your museum visit on the Sunday or the Tuesday.

Should you add Pisa or Chianti to two days in Florence?

I wouldn’t. Two days in Florence already disappear remarkably quickly, so I’d leave Pisa or the Tuscan countryside for an extra day. If Rome is also on your Italy itinerary, I’ve written about my solo trip to Rome too.

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