Florence in two days are enough to capture the city’s essence — its Renaissance masterpieces, timeless streets, and vibrant life south of the Arno.
Starting from San Frediano, one of Florence’s most authentic and character-filled districts, this itinerary will take you through art, architecture, and hidden beauty, all within walking distance.
Day 1 — The Classics of Florence
Morning — From San Frediano to the Heart of the City
Begin your day in San Frediano with an Italian coffee at a local café before crossing Ponte Vespucci or Ponte alla Carraia.
In just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, where the white and green marble facade of the basilica welcomes you into the Renaissance spirit.
Continue toward Piazza del Duomo, the beating heart of Florence.
Here you’ll admire Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni — a trio that defines the city’s skyline.
If time allows, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view.
(Tip: Book entry tickets online in advance to skip the line.)
Midday — The Elegant Side of Florence
Walk along Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’s most elegant street, lined with designer boutiques, historic palaces, and refined cafés.
Don’t miss Palazzo Strozzi, one of the city’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture, which today hosts world-class contemporary art exhibitions.
The surrounding area — with its stylish atmosphere and blend of history and fashion — is perfect for a short break before continuing your walk toward Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria.
Afternoon — Art and the Arno
From Piazza della Signoria, home to Palazzo Vecchio and the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi, head to the nearby Uffizi Gallery — a must for art lovers. (Book uffizi here)
Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
After your visit, stroll down to the Arno River and cross the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s most iconic bridge with its golden glow and historic jewelry shops.
From here, the view of the river at sunset is unforgettable.
Evening — Return to San Frediano
As daylight fades, cross back into the Oltrarno.
San Frediano awaits with its quiet streets, artisan workshops, and relaxed evening rhythm — the perfect way to end your first day in Florence.
Day 2 — Discovering the Oltrarno & Panoramic Florence
Morning — The Authentic Florence
Begin your second day close to home, exploring the Oltrarno district.
Before heading further, take a moment to admire Porta San Frediano, the ancient city gate that once marked the western entrance to medieval Florence.
Its massive stone structure still carries centuries of history, and today it stands as a quiet symbol of the neighborhood’s identity.
If you wish, it’s possible to visit (From june) the interior of Porta San Frediano (reservation required, tel. +39 0550541450) — a unique experience that lets you step inside the city’s original walls.
From the top of its tower, you’ll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Florence, stretching from the rooftops of the Oltrarno to the distant Duomo.
Continue your visit with Piazza Santo Spirito, one of Florence’s most charming squares, surrounded by cafés, markets, and the magnificent Basilica of Santo Spirito, designed by Brunelleschi.
Wander through the artisan streets — Via Maggio, Borgo San Jacopo, and Via Romana — where local workshops craft furniture, leather goods, and jewelry much like centuries ago.
This is where the true Florentine spirit still lives.
Afternoon — Palaces and Gardens
Spend the afternoon visiting Palazzo Pitti, the grand former residence of the Medici family.
Inside, the Palatine Gallery holds a superb collection of Renaissance paintings.
Step outside into the Boboli Gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design offering sculptures, fountains, and peaceful paths that climb gently toward panoramic terraces.
If you have time, stop by the nearby Bardini Gardens — smaller and quieter, but with one of the best views of Florence framed by wisteria in spring.
Evening — Sunset Over the City
End your stay with one last walk or taxi ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo, the city’s famous panoramic terrace.
As the sun sets over the domes and towers of Florence, you’ll understand why so many travelers return again and again.
Take a final look across the Arno toward San Frediano — your starting point and your home — and feel how the city’s energy shifts from the grandeur of its monuments to the warmth of its neighbourhoods.
Day 1 — Quick View Itinerary
San Frediano → Ponte Vespuci / alla Carraia → Santa Maria Novella → Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral, Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower) → Via Tornabuoni → Palazzo Strozzi → Piazza della Repubblica → Piazza della Signoria → Uffizi Gallery → Ponte Vecchio → Return to San Frediano
Day 2 — Quick View Itinerary
Porta San Frediano → Piazza Santo Spirito → Basilica di Santo Spirito → Via Maggio → Borgo San Jacopo → Via Romana → Palazzo Pitti → Boboli Gardens → Bardini Gardens → Piazzale Michelangelo → Return to San Frediano
Conclusion
Florence in two Days is a perfect balance of art and life — the masterpieces that made it eternal, and the quiet authenticity that still defines its heart.
From the Uffizi and Palazzo Strozzi to the artisan lanes of San Frediano, this Florence in 2 Days itinerary reveals not only what to see, but how to truly feel the city.
