Why it took us so long to venture to Florence I’m not too sure. The holiday ads always show Rome or costal retreats but scarcely Florence. My question is, why? Sure, Rome is a must see when in Italy, but Florence has so much to offer away from the ridiculously large crowds of selfie takers and scooter riders.
Allow me to introduce you to gorgeous Florence and Pisa and inspire you to take a trip with my must-not-miss list.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Historic Centre
Morning – Arriving in Florence, you’ll do well to not immediately grab hold of a gelato as you walk by seemingly every tourist with one in hand. After checking into our accommodation, we started our adventure with a walk to the Piazza del Duomo, home to the stunning Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore). The buildings here are gigantic and will make you feel small in an instant.
You can easily spend a whole morning here just eyeing up all the detail on the outside. If you are happy to climb stairs and don’t mind queuing, you can also visit the inside of the dome to see the beautiful views over Florence.
Afternoon – For lunch, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are loads of local restaurants to pick from. Of course, we chose pasta for our first meal, with more pasta planned for dinner. If you’re budget is tight, leave the main square and find a restaurant tucked away on a side street. It’s amazing how much cheaper restaurants not on the square are.
After lunch, continue your exploration of the area on foot. You’ll find there are too many boutiques and shops to choose from when selecting your souvenirs.
Evening – For your first evening, head over to Ponte Vecchio, the most famous bridge in Florence. Aim to arrive just before sunset to catch the moment the bridge lights up in a warm orange hue. Strolling over the Arno River, I admired the little jewelry shops lining the bridge. Although I didn’t need any jewelry, I certainly know where to go to buy some!
For dinner, feel no guilt in selecting the nearest restaurant that sells more pasta. Replenish your spent energy with a bowl full of deliciousness, and maybe even a dessert, before heading back to your accommodation for the night.
Day 2: A Renaissance Day
Florence is a city of masterpieces, and on my second day, I dove headfirst into its artistic treasures. First stop? The Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Home to works by artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, it’s hard not to feel humbled standing in front of the iconic pieces.
After a lunch break at a nearby café (because we were totally “art-ed” out), we then headed to the Piazza della Signoria to take in the beautiful buildings and people watch. Entry inside the buildings surrounding you is highly recommended. You’ll stare a while soaking in the beauty on the ceilings, the arches, and the brilliant statues.
The rest of the afternoon was spent soaking up the atmosphere in the Piazza della Signoria—looking at all the statues and the Fountain of Neptune. Of course, we also had to pay big Dave a visit!
Day 3: Day Trip to Pisa
Florence is perfectly positioned for day trips, and we couldn’t resist the allure of Pisa—famous for one thing, but with so much more to offer. It’s only about an hour’s train ride from Florence, and we arrived early to beat the crowds.
We walked from the station which in the heat felt like a long slog, but wventually we were greeted by nothing other than… a bunch of building s we didn’t know existed that were not the Leaning tower of Pisa. Surprisingly, it was really quiet as we approached a collection of pristine white buildings. Looking around in confusion we were quick to spot the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Naturally we attempted to capture the perfect shot “holding up” the tower (It’s cheesy but fun!) before returning to look at the other unexpected buildings.
The surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli, we later learned, is just as stunning, with the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistry all in one place. We spent some time wandering the square, going inside each building and marveling at the architecture before heading to the quieter parts of the city.
The Borgo Stretto—Pisa’s historic main street—was the next destination, filled with charming shops and cafes. We stopped for a coffee and enjoyed the peaceful vibe of this university town. While Pisa’s reputation mostly revolves around the Leaning Tower, it was nice to experience the other parts of the city at a more leisurely pace.
By late afternoon, we were back on the train to Florence, content with our mini adventure. A day well-spent!
Day 4: Basilicas and Gardens
If you don’t have to run to the airport early, check out the Basilica di San Lorenzo for a spot of people watching in the sun.
Spend your final evening in Florence at the Biboli Gardens treating yourself to a Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup, (or in my case, one last serving of pistachio ice cream).
Tips for Your Florence Adventure:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer great weather and fewer crowds, but Florence is beautiful year-round.
- Getting Around: Florence is very walkable, but if you’re taking day trips like to Pisa, the train is the easiest and most convenient option.
- Must-Try: Don’t leave without trying a pistachio gelato! You won’t regret it.
I hope this guide inspires you to plan your own getaway. Whether you’re marveling at Renaissance art or taking a day trip to Pisa, this city will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Happy travels, and until next time- arrivederci!
TravelJems 