Day 1: The Renaissance Heart

Start at the Duomo — arrive by 8am to beat the crowds. The climb up Brunelleschi's dome (€30) is worth every step for those 360° views of terracotta rooftops. Book online at least a week ahead.

Walk to the Uffizi Gallery (€25, book skip-the-line tickets). You could spend a full day here, but focus on Botticelli's Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation. Two hours is plenty for the highlights.

Lunch: Head to Trattoria Mario near San Lorenzo Market. Shared tables, no reservations, cash only — and the best ribollita (Tuscan bread soup, €8) you'll ever have. They close at 2:30pm, so don't dawdle.

Afternoon: Cross the Ponte Vecchio and wander through the Oltrarno neighbourhood. Browse artisan workshops on Via Maggio, then climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. Bring a bottle of wine (€5 from any alimentari) — this is Florence's best free view.

Dinner: Il Latini for a classic Florentine feast. The bistecca alla fiorentina (€45/kg, shared between two) is legendary. Book ahead.

Day 2: Art, Markets & Gelato

Morning at the Accademia Gallery (€16) to see Michelangelo's David. Again, book online. The real thing is genuinely breathtaking — much bigger than you'd expect.

Explore San Lorenzo Market — the ground floor is leather goods (negotiate!), the upstairs food hall is incredible. Grab a lampredotto sandwich (€5) from the stalls outside — it's tripe, and it's Florence's best street food. Trust me.

Gelato break: Vivoli on Via Isola delle Stinche — Florence's oldest gelateria. The crema (egg custard) flavour is perfection. A medium cup is €3.50.

Afternoon: Boboli Gardens (€10) behind Palazzo Pitti — gorgeous Renaissance gardens perfect for a quiet wander. Then head to Santo Spirito square for aperitivo at one of the laid-back bars. A spritz is about €6.

Dinner: Buca Mario in a medieval cellar — incredible Tuscan cuisine since 1886. Main courses from €18.

Day 3: Day Trip to Tuscany

Rent a car (from €30/day) or join a tour (from €65) to explore the Tuscan countryside. My favourite route:

  • San Gimignano (1hr drive) — medieval towers, the best Vernaccia wine, and gelato from Gelateria Dondoli (World Gelato Champion)
  • Siena (30min further) — the stunning Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, and lunch at a local osteria
  • Chianti wine country — stop at a vineyard for a tasting (€15-25 per person)

Back in Florence for a final dinner at Osteria dell'Enoteca in San Frediano — small, local, and genuinely excellent Tuscan cooking. Mains from €14.

Florence Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: €60-80/night for a decent B&B in Oltrarno
  • Food: €30-40/day eating well (mix of restaurants and markets)
  • Attractions: ~€80 total for Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia, Boboli
  • Day trip: €65-100 depending on transport
  • Total 3 days: £350-450 per person (excluding flights)

Getting there: Search flights to Florence or Pisa — Pisa airport is 1hr by train (€10) and often has cheaper flights.

Pro tip: Get the Firenze Card (€85 for 72 hours) if you want to hit multiple museums. It includes skip-the-line access and pays for itself after 3-4 attractions.