Welcome to our blog post, “2-Day Florence Itinerary: Exploring Florence’s Best Kept Secrets”! If you’re seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the enchanting city of Florence, this itinerary is tailor-made for you. Prepare to discover why Florence is truly exceptional.
Join us as we embark on a 2-day Florence itinerary filled with local culture, culinary delights, and surprising encounters. Get ready to immerse yourself in the true essence of Florence, experiencing the city like a true insider. Let’s dive into this exciting adventure and unlock the best-kept secrets of Florence in just two days!
Where to Stay
Hotel NH Collection Firenze Palazzo Gaddi is a 5-star hotel that offers a luxurious and unforgettable stay in the heart of Florence. The hotel is located within a palazzo and is walking distance to all of the attractions in Florence! Plus, they even have a rooftop bar with amazing views of Florence. The staff was incredible and even had a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolates waiting for us in our room. This hotel really is the perfect base for exploring the city during your 2-day Florence itinerary!
Day 1: Explore the City
Stroll Along the Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a historic square located in the heart of Florence. It has served as the political and cultural center of the city for centuries. The square is home to notable landmarks such as the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and the Fountain of Neptune. With its rich history and stunning architecture, Piazza della Signoria is a must-visit destination for those exploring Florence. It also has multiple restaurants and cafes, so we decided to grab brunch here!
Visit the Oldest Pharmacy in the World
Start your day with a visit to the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This historic pharmacy was established in 1612. It’s a hidden gem where you can explore exquisite perfumes, herbal remedies, and traditional Florentine products. Even if you’re not in the market for perfume, this is a must-see. The interior is absolutely stunning. I mean, just look at those photos! The history in this pharmacy is incredible and it’s fun (and free!) to just look around.
Walk Over the Ponte Vecchio
Take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River and cross the Ponte Vecchio. Ponte Vecchio is not just a bridge; it’s a symbol of Florence. Spanning the Arno River, this iconic bridge is lined with charming jewelry shops (famous for its gold jewelry!), art galleries, and boutiques. We loved it so much we actually walked over the bridge again at sunset. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and romantic atmosphere make Ponte Vecchio a must-visit destination on your 2-day Florence itinerary!
Visit the Iconic Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is an architectural masterpiece. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence. Its magnificent dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is the largest masonry dome in the world. Visitors can admire the intricate marble facade, climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city, and explore the stunning interior.
Discover the Boboli Gardens
Discover the Boboli Gardens, located behind Palazzo Pitti. This tranquil oasis is a hidden gem, featuring beautiful landscaped gardens, impressive sculptures, and breathtaking views of Florence.
Dinner at Osteria del Corso
Indulging in a dinner at Osteria del Corso is a culinary delight that shouldn’t be missed during a visit to Florence. Located in the heart of the city, this charming osteria offers an authentic Tuscan dining experience with a menu showcasing the finest local ingredients and traditional flavors. We enjoyed a yummy seafood risotto and the classic Florentine steak with truffle (a must try while in Florence!) The restaurant’s cozy ambiance and warm hospitality make it a perfect spot to savor the essence of Tuscan cuisine.
Experience Local Nightlife
When the sun sets in Florence, the Piazza della Republica comes alive with vibrant nightlife. This historic square is located in the heart of Florence and transforms into a bustling hub of entertainment, with lively bars, cafes, restaurants, and even a carousel that spill out onto the piazza. We spent most of our nights sitting on the patio of Caffe Concerto Paszkowski. They had a HUGE cocktail menu, desserts, and a nightly pianist or band!
Day 2: Embrace the Tuscan Countryside
Day 2 of the Florence itinerary is going to be full of adventures! We’ll start the day with a beautiful hike, and this will be followed by a a journey through the Tuscan countryside.
Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo
Embark on a short hike to Piazzale Michelangelo. This vantage point provides panoramic views of Florence, allowing you to admire the city’s skyline, iconic landmarks, and the picturesque Arno River!
To hike to Piazzale Michelangelo, start from the city center near Ponte alle Grazie and locate the staircase called “Rampe del Poggi” or “Costa San Giorgio.” Follow the well-marked winding paths through greenery, enjoy scenic viewpoints along the way, and arrive at the spacious terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Florence.
Explore Tuscany by Vespa
One of our favorite and most memorable experiences on our entire Italian vacation was a guided tour by Vespa through the picturesque Tuscan countryside. We booked a tour called FLORENCETOWN Small Group Tuscany by Vespa Tour in TripAdvisor and we HIGHLY recommend it!
The tour started off by meeting at the FLORENCETOWN headquarters in central Florence. We started the tour with a safety briefing and instructions on how to ride a Vespa. A majority of the group had never driven a Vespa scooter (including us). The instructors were very patient with teaching us. We booked the double passenger Vespa, so we practiced driving the Vespa in the parking lot and were ready to set off toward the Tuscan countryside!
It was so amazing to feel the wind in our hair as we navigated winding country roads, passing vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills painted with vibrant colors. Along the way, we stopped at a local village where we had some time to enjoy a Tuscan lunch and walk around town. Following the completion of the Vespa driving, they took us by bus to a Chianti winery to taste Tuscan wine and tour the cellars. Then, we had a delicious, traditional Tuscan dinner at the winery before soaking up more panoramic views on the way back to the original departure point in Florence.
Florence truly reveals its hidden treasures to those who venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. By embracing the spirit of a local explorer, you can uncover the city’s best-kept secrets and create unforgettable memories during this 2-day Florence itinerary. So, pack your curiosity, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on a journey that will leave you with a profound appreciation for Florence. Explore like a local, and let the enchanting city of Florence captivate you in ways that will last a lifetime.
