5 Days in Florence: Coplete guide for a fully immersive visit.

5 Days in Florence: A Complete Guide to Discovering the Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence, the city of art par excellence, deserves at least five days to be explored at a leisurely pace. Here's a detailed itinerary that will allow you to discover not only the most iconic places but also the most authentic corners of the city.

Day 1: The Historic Heart

Morning: The Duomo Complex

Begin your Florentine adventure at its most representative symbol: The magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Arrive early (ideally before 8:30) to avoid queues if you only want to see the Cathedral since admission is free. If you want to visit the entire complex, you'll need to purchase the cumulative ticket.

The cumulative ticket gives you access to:

- Brunelleschi's Dome (reservation required)

- Giotto's Bell Tower

- Baptistery of San Giovanni

- Opera del Duomo Museum

Expert tip: Climb both the dome and the bell tower. They offer completely different perspectives of the city.

The dome is the world's first example of Renaissance architecture, and admiring its details from the inside is a unique experience. Don't make the mistake of climbing it just for the view because, although beautiful, seeing Florence without the dome in view loses much of its charm. The bell tower is the true panoramic viewpoint of the city center.

Afternoon: Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

After lunch, head to Florence's center of political power. In Piazza della Signoria, admire the Loggia dei Lanzi with its open-air statues and visit Palazzo Vecchio. Don't miss the Hall of Five Hundred and the Medici apartments.

Evening: Aperitivo in Piazza della Repubblica

End your day with a historic aperitivo at Caffè Gilli, Florence's oldest café founded in 1733, or at Le Giubbe Rosse, the recently reopened café where the city's modern identity was born.

Day 2: The Art of the Uffizi and Beyond

Morning: Uffizi Gallery

Dedicate the entire morning to the Uffizi. Book your ticket in advance and arrive at opening time. Focus on must-see works:

- Botticelli's Spring and Birth of Venus

- Leonardo's Annunciation

- Michelangelo's Tondo Doni

- Caravaggio's works

Afternoon/Evening: Ponte Vecchio and Vasari Corridor

Explore the famous bridge and its goldsmith shops. Photograph the Vasari Corridor from the outside, while waiting for it to reopen one day, and take a walk along the Arno.

Evening: Dinner in the Santa Croce Quarter

Discover the traditional restaurants in the area and taste typical Florentine cuisine.

Day 3: The Oltrarno and Its Treasures

Morning: Palazzo Pitti

Start your day with a visit to Palazzo Pitti. Don't miss:

- Palatine Gallery

- Royal Apartments

- Costume Gallery

- Modern Art Gallery

- Boboli Gardens

The Palazzo Pitti complex could take up your entire day and still not be enough to see everything. My advice is to choose two of the four museums and don't miss Boboli Gardens for anything in the world.

Afternoon: Santo Spirito and Artisans

Explore the Oltrarno district:

- Santo Spirito Basilica

- Artisan workshops on Via Maggio

- Brancacci Chapel in Santa Maria del Carmine

Evening: Dinner in San Frediano

Dine in one of the trendy venues in Florence's coolest neighborhood.

Day 4: Art and Spirituality

Morning: San Lorenzo and Medici Chapels

Visit:

- San Lorenzo Basilica

- Medici Laurentian Library

- Medici Chapels with Michelangelo's tombs

Afternoon: Santa Maria Novella

- Santa Maria Novella Complex

- The Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, the oldest operating pharmacy in the world

Evening: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset and dinner with a view.

Day 5: Hidden Treasures and Relaxation

Morning: Santa Croce

- Santa Croce Basilica

- Monumental tombs

- Pazzi Chapel

- Leather School

Afternoon: Gardens and Minor Museums

Choose between:

- Bardini Gardens

- Bardini Museum

The best way to enjoy Florence in peace and away from tourist crowds is a unique and less-visited place. The Bardini Garden is perfect for this. Besides the wonderful panorama, you can enjoy an excellent Negroni in the bar that now occupies the old gardener's house.

Evening: The Last Florentine Dinner

Conclude your stay with a special dinner at a historic restaurant like Cibrèo (try their omonimous soup) or L'ora d'aria.

Practical Tips

Where to Stay

- Historic center to be in the heart of the action

- Oltrarno for a more authentic atmosphere

- Santa Croce for nightlife and restaurants

How to Get Around

- The historic center is best visited on foot

- Use buses to reach Piazzale Michelangelo

- Avoid renting a car, the ZTL (limited traffic zone) is very strict

Tickets and Reservations

- Get the Firenze Card if you plan to visit many museums

- Always book the Uffizi and the Duomo dome in advance

- Book popular restaurants in advance

When to Visit

- Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons

- Avoid August (hot and crowded)

- December offers Christmas atmosphere and fewer tourists

Florence is a city that should be savored slowly, mixing art, culture, and dolce vita. These five days will allow you to discover its most authentic essence, from grand works of art to small artisan workshops, from majestic palaces to quiet neighborhood squares. Remember that every corner hides a story, every stone tells centuries of human creativity. Let yourself be conquered by its timeless charm.