Planning a trip to Florence? This guide covers the best route through the city, and how to add Tuscan day trips depending on how much time you have.

Quick Picks:
✔ Best 3-day plan: Uffizi + David + the Duomo, at a proper pace
✔ Best for first-timers: 4-day route adding Oltrarno and Boboli Gardens
✔ Best experience: 5 days to add a Tuscan day trip

Day 1: The Duomo & Historic Centre

Start at Florence Cathedral — climb the dome if you booked ahead, then explore the surrounding Piazza del Duomo. Walk to Ponte Vecchio in the afternoon, ideally early to beat the crowds, then wander into the evening around the historic centre.

Day 2: The Uffizi & David

Dedicate the morning to the Uffizi Gallery — genuinely deserves 3-4 hours for a proper visit, not a rushed hour. In the afternoon, visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, Florence's single most in-demand ticket.

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Day 3: Oltrarno & Boboli Gardens

Cross the Arno into Oltrarno, Florence's more local, artisan-workshop-filled neighbourhood, and spend time in the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace. End the day at Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset — the single best panoramic view of the city.

📊 How much time do you need? 3 days covers the Uffizi, David and Duomo properly. 4 days adds Oltrarno and the Boboli Gardens. 5+ days lets you add a Tuscan day trip without rushing.

Day 4 (Optional): Mercato Centrale & Slower Exploration

Spend a fourth day at a more relaxed pace — Mercato Centrale for lunch, the Bargello Museum for a quieter sculpture collection, and genuine time to wander without a fixed itinerary.

Day 5 (Optional): Siena or Pisa Day Trip

Siena offers a genuinely different medieval atmosphere and Palio history, roughly 1.5 hours from Florence. Pisa, with its Leaning Tower, is a shorter trip and a more iconic, if less substantial, day out.

❓ Florence Itinerary FAQs

Is 3 days enough for Florence?

Yes — three days covers the Uffizi, David and Duomo comfortably, though a fourth day lets you slow down properly.

Should I do a Tuscan day trip from Florence?

If you have a 5th day, yes — Siena and Pisa are both genuinely worthwhile and easy additions.

Do I need a car in Florence?

No — the historic centre is entirely walkable, and a car is only useful for independent countryside day trips.