How to Spend 3 Days in Florence

Home to some of the world’s greatest civilizations, Florence displays a variety of truly beautiful and genius examples of what man can produce. The depth and wealth of architecture, fine art, and fashion found here is unfathomable. And with so much to do and see, getting to it all can be overwhelming – even if you have weeks.

However, if you only have a short time in this remarkable city, our experts can help you make the most of your visit. Below, they divulge 3 can’t-miss places in Florence, as well as a few spots to unwind after days spent exploring.

Day 1:

Walk up to the 1,000-year-old church on the other side of the river called San Miniato al Monte. A favorite spot of the people who live in Florence, this monastery offers the best view of the city below. While many travelers opt to glimpse Florence from nearby Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte – just 5 minutes further up the road – has by far the superior view…and you don’t have to compete with 200 other people to see it. Even better? The walk up to the church is lovely – take your time and enjoy shops and cafes along the way.

For dinner, try Ristorante Accademia in Piazza San Marco. Here, you’ll find a mixed Tuscan antipasto plate, which is popular among tourists and locals alike, and has a great selection of cheeses and salami. Beyond that, everything on the menu comes highly recommended, especially meat and fish dishes.

Day 2:

Seriously underrated and often overlooked by tourists is the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence. Over 800 years old, it’s where the Republic of Florence was started and, in the 16th century, it became the palace of the Duke of Medici, making it the largest stateroom in Europe at that time. The walls are full of fabulous Medici propaganda and frescos, and there’s also a 800-year-old tower you can climb – all without waiting in line.

For a small lunch or just a glass of wine, try the elegant and stylish Gucci café. Then, perhaps for dinner, try Ristorante Frescobaldi next door. Frescobaldi is a notable Florentine family, with a history dating back to 1208. Today, they’re one of the largest producers of wine in Tuscany.

Day 3:

Head to the Santa Maria Novella Church, home to some truly impressive and historically significant frescos, including Masaccio’s Trinity, credited as the first painting to use perfect linear mathematical perspective.

Surprisingly, the church is also home to the Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Dominican monks began creating herbal remedies here some 700 years ago, and you can still buy them, as well as contemporary skin care products, which make great gifts.

Getting hungry? Don’t miss La Casalinga. A typical Florentine restaurant, the menu at La Casalinga offers traditional plates, including bollito (a dish of 5 different boiled meats served with salsa verde) that’s hailed as the best in town. Other notable menu items include guinea fowl and, on Fridays, don’t miss the baccalà alla bolognese.

Ready to experience Florence? Explore these luxury residences, recommended by our experts:

Giorgina – A modern penthouse apartment positioned in the historical center of Florence, Giorgina is ideally located for those seeking to be in the middle of the city.

Scudo – Transformed into a calming and serene urban oasis in the heart of Florence, Scudo combines modern luxury with traditional architecture dating back to 1600.

Ippolita – At Ippolita, modern amenities combine with traditional details – delightful frescoed ceilings, elegant décor, and elaborate moldings – in an outstanding location inside the historical city center.