What to see in Florence in 5 days? Here's our itinerary through art, history and Tuscan flavours.
In the enchanting heart of Tuscany, where Renaissance art, millenary history and cuisine will delight your senses, lies the cradle of the Renaissance: Florence, a unique destination offering a journey through centuries of history, immersed in a setting of unparalleled beauty. The following is a 5-day itinerary that will take you through the city's most iconic places.
We structured this itinerary with a short-but-not-too-short getaway in mind, allowing you to visit the artistic and historical side of Florence, not to mention the thousands of experiences (gastronomic and otherwise) it can offer you. To plan the trip, we got help from an excellent partner: InStazione, the Italian conciergerie service that helps you organize and manage every aspect of your trip. Booking an experience, arranging a transfer, solving the unexpected: the professionals at InStazione are the guardian angels of your trip to Italy. You can find support both online, but also at two physical locations in the stations of Rome and Naples, from where your journey to Florence might start.
So, get ready to plunge into the pages of an open history book: discover this wonderful itinerary on what to see in Florence in 5 days that goes beyond the view, bringing with it the warmth and magic of this fascinating Tuscan city.
Plan your 5 days in Florence with InStazione❯
What to see in 5 days in Florence: a unique itinerary
Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, the cradle of art and culture, unfolds like an open book of ancient stories and endless wonders. This 5-day itinerary about what to see in Florence, invites you to immerse yourself in a temporal dimension where the Renaissance comes to life through the eyes of masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Each day, you will stroll through cobbled streets that guard the secrets of bygone eras, among palaces that tell the story of the Medici family and alleyways that tell of artisans and merchants of bygone days. Florence is not just a tourist destination; it is an emotional journey, a plunge into the past that reveals the layers of its rich cultural heritage.
Explore the historic centre of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, a testimony to six centuries of artistic genius. From Renaissance symbols such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Uffizi Gallery, a concentration of world masterpieces. Medieval streets and architectural works tell the story of a dominant Florence in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Every moment is a living painting, every square a stage of history. Be prepared to experience the timeless charm of this extraordinary city on an itinerary that will take you to the soul of Florence, revealing its hidden secrets and the beauty that continues to inspire generations. A journey through the centuries that will leave you with an unforgettable memory of what to see in Florence in 5 days that is beyond imagination.
Find out how to visit Florence❯
Day 1: The artistic heart of Florence - The Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and more
Your trip to Florence begins with an unparalleled immersion in art at the Uffizi Gallery, a treasure trove of masterpieces spanning centuries of artistic genius. Admire the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael, an unparalleled experience for art lovers. After this extraordinary visit, you can take a walk through the city's fascinating alleys to discover the hidden side of Florence.
This itinerary will take you to the Ponte Vecchio, the iconic medieval bridge spanning the Arno River. Explore the goldsmiths' workshops that adorn the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. For an authentic experience, head to the Santo Spirito district, less frequented by tourists, and discover Florentine daily life. Enjoy a break in one of the local cafés and be won over by the authentic charm of this neighbourhood. What to see in Florence in 5 days starts by discovering places off the beaten track, adding a touch of authenticity to your trip without losing sight of the art and culture that make Florence so unique.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery❯Day 2: Old Florence - Exploration of Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria
The second day of the 'what to see in Florence in 5 days' itinerary will take you to the heart of old Florence starting with Palazzo Vecchio, the sumptuous residence of the Medici family. You'll explore the majestic Sala dei Cinquecento, admire Giorgio Vasari's frescoes, and climb to the Torre di Arnolfo for a panoramic view that will leave you breathless.
Continue your immersion with a stroll through Piazza della Signoria, an open-air museum surrounded by majestic sculptures and historic palaces. A visit to the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air art treasure, is a must. But your journey into the past doesn't stop here. Head to the San Salvi Museum, a lesser-known gem that houses precious works of art and artefacts.
Your day continues with a visit to the San Lorenzo complex, a basilica with a long history dating back to Roman times, exploring the nearby Chiostro dello Scalzo, a small treasure that often eludes visitors. End the day with dinner at one of the traditional restaurants around Piazza Santa Croce, where you can sample authentic Tuscan delicacies. This is your opportunity to fully experience the essence of old Florence, mixing iconic sights with hidden discoveries for a complete experience.
Discover the historical centre of Florence❯
Day 3: Sacred Florence - A Mystical Journey between the Duomo and the Baptistery
The third day of your unforgettable itinerary about what to see in Florence in 5 Days begins with an immersion into spirituality and sacred architecture. Start your day with a visit to the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, an architectural icon that dominates the Florentine skyline. Explore the interior, admiring the frescoes and the magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. To further enrich your experience, head to the Opera del Duomo Museum, where you can marvel at sculptures and sacred artworks from the cathedral. After visiting the Duomo, you can proceed to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, located in front of the cathedral. You'll be captivated by the beauty of Ghiberti's bronze doors and admire the frescoes decorating the interior. Continuing towards Piazza San Firenze, you can visit the Church of San Filippo Neri, an authentic gem often overlooked by tourists.
The day is not over yet. Cross the Santa Trinità Bridge to reach the Oltrarno district. Here, you can explore the Church of Santo Spirito, with its stone facade and interior rich in works of art. Take a stroll through the artisan workshops and enjoy the authenticity of this less-visited neighbourhood. By the end of the evening, you can dine in one of the typical restaurants in the area, savoring authentic Tuscan delicacies. This way, your third day in Florence transforms into a sacred and authentic experience, enriched by the discovery of lesser-known places that make your journey even more special.
Discover the Duomo of Florence❯
Day 4: Green Florence - Boboli Gardens and Piazzale Michelangelo
The fourth day of your unforgettable stay in Florence is dedicated to exploring the green beauty of the city. The itinerary begins in the sumptuous setting of the Boboli Gardens, an oasis of tranquillity and art that extends behind the Pitti Palace. Amidst pathways lined with statues, fountains and spectacular landscape perspectives, you will immerse yourself in a dimension of peace and serenity. The garden is a perfect fusion of architecture, art and nature, making it an essential of the tour on what to see in Florence in 5 days. The tour continues with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, a panoramic terrace offering a breathtaking view of the city. Admire the surrounding landscape, from the majestic dome of the Duomo to the sinuous curve of the Arno.
Located not far from Piazzale Michelangelo, you will find the Church of San Miniato al Monte a romantic gem. Its striking architecture and the panoramic view from the hill complete your unforgettable experience. Visit the Oltrarno by crossing the Ponte alle Grazie. This district, less touristy but steeped in authenticity, will surprise you with artisan shops, art galleries and picturesque corners. Here you can visit the renowned Santo Spirito Basilica.
Explore the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens❯Day 5: Taste and Shopping - Exploring the gastronomic and artisan heart of Florence
Your trip to Florence concludes by sampling the flavours and immersing yourself in the craftsmanship of the San Lorenzo Market, one of the must-visit stops about what to see 5-day Florence itinerary. Try and be carried away by the enveloping aromas of local cheeses, delicious cured meats and Tuscan olive oil that make this city a feast for the senses, but there are plenty of traditional restaurants and clubs scattered throughout the city to try.
If, on the other hand, you are in the mood for a more interactive dining experience, our advice is to participate in a Cooking Class. You can rely on InStazione to organize it. You can book the experience on the website or ask for information directly at the desk.
You will prepare homemade ice cream and pasta while touching typical products and in the company of experienced chefs. An experience not to be missed if your passion for Italian cuisine gets to the point where you want to get your hands dirty.
As well as satisfying the palate, explore the local artisans offering unique jewellery and objets d'art, taking home authentic Florentine creations. Head to the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School), an ancient workshop where you can watch artisans create Florentine leather masterpieces. Here you can buy a unique piece as a souvenir of your trip or take a short course to experience the art of leather-working.
Explore all the experience in Florence with InStazione❯
What does an itinerary leave you with on what to see in Florence in 5 days?
Seeing Florence in 5 Days transcends mere sightseeing, becoming a total immersion in the soul of this extraordinary city. Through centuries of Tuscan art, history and flavours, the carefully designed itinerary offers a complete and unforgettable experience. Strolling among the works of the Renaissance masters, getting lost in the medieval streets full of secrets, and tasting the authentic flavours of this unique land are just some of the experiences proposed.
Each day becomes a stage in a journey that goes beyond conventional tourism, touching the soul of Florence with extraordinary authenticity. An itinerary of what to see in Florence in 5 days is, without a doubt, an experience that is deeply imprinted in the heart, a temporal and cultural journey that leaves an indelible imprint in the memory of anyone who has had the privilege of experiencing it. And what are you waiting for? Run to Florence and live this unique immersive experience!
