A three-day guide to Florence focused on where to stay in the centre and how to experience the city through its food, streets and neighbourhoods. It follows a simple itinerary from the main sights to areas like Oltrarno, with plenty of stops for sandwiches, wine, coffee and longer meals, alongside a few key viewpoints and local details.
Where to Stay
We would really recommend the Airbnb we stayed in if you’re visiting as a couple. Tucked away on the top floor of a historic building on Via del Corso, it sits right between Florence Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio, so you’re truly in the heart of the city.
The standout feature was the rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral dome, the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, evening aperitivo or simply soaking up Florence from above the rooftops.
Day 1: Sandwiches, History & Oltrarno Evenings
After checking in, we were straight on the hunt for lunch. Florence is famous for its sandwiches, thanks to high-quality ingredients, especially schiacciata bread and local meats.
Head to Panini Toscani, a brilliant family-run spot serving massive, made-to-order sandwiches. You can taste different meats and cheeses before building your own, which is always a win.
For dessert, make your way to Mercato Centrale, Florence’s central food market. It has everything from fresh pasta to some of the best gelato we’ve ever had.
In the afternoon, we booked a free walking tour (highly recommend doing this early in your trip). We used GuruWalk, which is run by true locals, and it’s a great way to understand the Medici story while ticking off key landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Medici Riccardi Palace, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery.
For the evening, cross the Arno River into Oltrarno, our favourite area of the city. It’s slightly quieter and packed with great food and wine spots.
Start with a drink at Loggia Roof Bar for a magical view over Piazza Santo Spirito, then head to Trattoria Boboli for dinner. It has a proper local feel and seriously good food. Order the Per Italia to start (grilled aubergine with buffalo mozzarella on fresh bread), the Pici alla Mario, and finish with their house tiramisu.
Day 2: Ponte Vecchio, Gardens & Wine Windows
We started the morning with coffee on the terrace, listening to the buzz of the city and church bells echoing through the streets, one of those “this is why we travel” moments.
For breakfast, we grabbed a pistachio-filled croissant from Carpe Diem and ate it while wandering across Ponte Vecchio. Not quite French croissant standard, but still very good.
The bridge is steeped in history and famously survived World War II. Today it’s lined with jewellery shops, just as it has been for centuries. Medici even built the Vasari Corridor above it for safe passage between palaces. The central viewpoint over the river is one of the best in the city.
Next, we stopped for coffee in Piazza de Pitti, admiring Palazzo Pitti, before heading into the Boboli Gardens, which are well worth exploring.
For your next stop, head to BUBAE. Next door to BUBAE is Florence’s only working wine window or Buchette del vine. They are 17th century small arched openings in the walls of noble palaces in florence, orginally created to sell wine directly to locals without taxes or direct contact. Be prepared to queue and remember to ring the bill to get served (I forgot).
By now, you’ll be ready for lunch. Head to Piazza Santo Spirito, our favourite square in Florence, full of relaxed restaurants and bars. PopCafé is great for cocktails in the sun.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the Santo Spirito market is worth checking out, with everything from local produce to antiques depending on the week. If you still have room, S.forno is a great bakery and Sbrino does excellent gelato.
After a well-earned rest, head out for dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, famously one of Stanley Tucci’s favourite spots. Try the ragu pappardelle or meatballs in tomato sauce.
Day 3: Views, Affogato & A Final Feast
A morning affogato is a must in Florence, so we headed to Vivoli. It’s popular, so expect a queue. Was it slightly overhyped? Maybe. Still worth it.
We then wandered to Piazza di Santa Croce, a slightly quieter square that’s perfect for a morning coffee (try Dondino). Nearby, there are some lovely boutiques like Studioteca worth popping into.
Next, we crossed the river and climbed up to Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s a bit of a walk, but the panoramic views over Florence are completely worth it.
For lunch, we headed back down to Piazzetta di San Miniato and ate at Boccadarno. One of our favourite meals of the trip. The catalana di scampi, courgette and shrimp pasta, and ragu gnocchi were all incredible.
For our final dinner, we went to Antico Ristoro di Cambi to try the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina. It absolutely lived up to the hype, tender, rich and cooked perfectly. The fried zucchini flowers and apple strudel were also standouts. Come hungry.
Top Tips
Eat slightly off the main streets
The best restaurants are usually tucked away from the busiest tourist spots. It’s worth wandering a little.
Stock up on essentials
If you’re staying in an apartment, it’s worth stocking up on bottled water, milk, coffee and other essentials from a local shop at the start of our trip. You can’t drink tap water in Florence.
Cross the river
Make time for Oltrarno. It’s less crowded and has some of the best food and atmosphere in the city. There’s nothing better than sitting in Piazza Santo Spirito with a drink in the sun.