Planning a Florence, Italy itinerary feels different when you’ve already seen how layered Mediterranean cities can be.
Jump to:
- Day 1: Classic Day Trip in Florence Without the Pressure
- Lunch That Works for Families
- Afternoon: Space to Slow Down
- Day 2: Renaissance Highlights and Local Flavor
- Lunch: A Classic Florentine Meal
- Afternoon: A Unique Stop for All Ages
- Evening: Ending Florence on a High Note
- Stay in Florence Longer and Slow the Pace
- Why This Florence, Italy Itinerary Works for First-Time Tourists
During our 7-day MSC Fantasia cruise, we explored Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, and Tunisia, and each stop reinforced the same lesson: cities like these reward preparation, but they also demand flexibility.
Even with limited time, the right balance of structure and wandering makes all the difference.
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Florence is one of the few major Italian cities still missing from our map, but after walking Genoa’s tight historic lanes, navigating Naples’ energy, and slowing down in Palermo’s markets, I have a clear sense of what works for first-time visitors and families.
Florence may be inland and art-focused, but the pacing challenges are familiar. You cannot see everything, and trying to do so only flattens the experience.
This 48-hour Florence itinerary is built from that perspective. It prioritizes iconic sights without overloading the schedule, leaves space for Florence food and downtime, and keeps walking distances realistic.
It is the kind of plan I would want in hand before arriving, especially when traveling as a family, and knowing how quickly Italian cities can overwhelm when you underestimate them.
Day 1: Classic Day Trip in Florence Without the Pressure
Morning: Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
For first-time visitors, starting at the Florence Cathedral, or Duomo, helps orient everything else. The cathedral sits at the heart of the city, making it an easy reference point throughout your stay.
Climbing the 463 steps to Brunelleschi’s dome is optional, especially for families with younger kids, but the panoramic views are worth it if your group is up for the challenge.
Booking a skip-the-line or Skywalk ticket in advance saves time and energy, which matters when traveling with family.
- If this is your first time traveling with kids, you can check out my guide for helpful tips.
Late Morning: Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio
Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
The Uffizi Gallery is often the most intimidating stop for first-time visitors. Instead of trying to see everything, focus on a few well-known masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Booking priority access helps families avoid long lines and makes the visit more manageable.
Location: Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.
After the museum, walking across Ponte Vecchio offers a natural reset. The bridge is lively, visual, and easy for kids to enjoy, with jewelry shops and views over the Arno River.
Lunch That Works for Families
Mercato Centrale
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
For families and first-time tourists, Mercato Centrale is one of the easiest and most enjoyable lunch options in Florence. Everyone can choose what they want, from pasta to panini to fresh produce, without committing to a long sit-down meal.
The energy, variety, and casual atmosphere is ideal for kids and adults alike, and it felt like a true slice of everyday Florence.
Afternoon: Space to Slow Down
Boboli Gardens
Location: 50125 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy.
The Boboli Gardens, tucked behind Pitti Palace, are perfect for families who need a break from museums. The wide paths, fountains, and open views give kids space to move while adults still enjoy art and history.
This stop adds breathing room to a Florence Italy itinerary and prevents museum fatigue.
Piazza Santo Spirito
Location: 50125 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy.
Later in the afternoon, Piazza Santo Spirito offers a glimpse into local life. This neighborhood feels less touristy and is a great place for gelato and people-watching. It’s an easy stop that requires no planning and works well for families.
Day 2: Renaissance Highlights and Local Flavor
Morning: Accademia Gallery and Historic Center
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Location: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy.
The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David, is a must for first-time visitors. Visiting early helps avoid crowds and keeps the experience calmer for children. The statue’s scale alone makes it memorable even for kids who are not art lovers.
Afterward, a walk through Florence’s historic center, including Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, works well as a free, open-air experience. Families can move at their own pace while soaking in the city’s history.
Lunch: A Classic Florentine Meal
Trattoria ZaZa
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
For a sit-down lunch, Trattoria ZaZa is a reliable choice for families. The menu offers Florentine steak for adults, alongside pasta, soups like pappa al pomodoro, and familiar Tuscan dishes that are approachable for kids.
Afternoon: A Unique Stop for All Ages
Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
Location: Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world’s oldest pharmacies and an unexpectedly engaging stop for travelers. The rooms, scents, and history make it interesting without requiring a long visit, which works well for families.
Evening: Ending Florence on a High Note
Piazzale Michelangelo
Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.
A sunset visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is an easy win for first-time visitors. The viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas of Florence, and the open space makes it less stressful with kids.
Dinner in Oltrarno
Crossing the Arno River to the Oltrarno district for dinner brings a quieter, more local feel to your final night. The area has cozy trattorias, narrower streets, and a slower pace that feels like a reward after two full days.
You can end your trip with a wine tasting and a relaxed dinner here for the perfect balance of family time and adult enjoyment.
Stay in Florence Longer and Slow the Pace
If your schedule allows, choosing to stay in Florence for more than two days can completely change how the city feels.
Instead of racing between major sights, a longer stay lets you spread museums across mornings, enjoy slower lunches, and build in rest time that matters, especially when traveling with family.
After experiencing packed port days in places like Genoa and Naples, I know how quickly a tight itinerary can turn exhausting.
3 Days in Florence or More
For longer stays, location matters more than luxury. Areas near the historic center make it easier to walk back for breaks, drop off purchases, or reset before dinner.
Staying close also helps families avoid long transit days while still keeping iconic landmarks within reach.
Trip to Florence and booking Planned Tours
A longer stay also opens the door to planned tours that feel intentional instead of rushed. Early-entry museum tours, guided walks through quieter neighborhoods, or half-day trips into Tuscany become more realistic when you are not squeezing everything into 48 hours.
If Florence is part of a broader Italy trip rather than a quick stop, staying longer allows the city to unfold at a gentler pace. That breathing room often makes the difference between checking off sights and actually enjoying them.
Why This Florence, Italy Itinerary Works for First-Time Tourists
This Florence, Italy itinerary keeps the essentials while leaving room for rest, food, and flexibility. It avoids over-packing each day and focuses on experiences that work across ages and interests.
Florence is intense in the best way. With the right pacing, even a short first visit can feel rich, manageable, and memorable, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids.
This article was adapted from the original version published on Food Drink Life.
