Weekend in Florence: What to See and Where to Go
Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, is a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. If you’re planning your first weekend in this Italian gem and intend to arrive by car, your strategy must be clear: the car will be useful for getting there and heading back, but it will rest for the 48 hours you spend in Florence, unless you decide to dedicate some time to exploring the Tuscan countryside. Below you will find our proposal for your first weekend in Florence: what to see, where to go and which experiences you shouldn’t miss.
What to see in 2 days in Florence and how to get around
Florence’s historic centre is covered by a ZTL (limited traffic zone), so to avoid hefty fines, our first piece of advice is to take advantage of the underground parking lots near the Fortezza da Basso. The Porta al Prato – Leopolda car park is an excellent option: strategically located and offering an affordable daily rate (around €20). Once parked, you can forget the car and start exploring on foot.
Your journey begins at Piazza Duomo: if possible, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower, booking your entrance in advance, to enjoy an endless sea of red rooftops. Advance booking is also required for Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, another unmissable stop if this is your first time in Florence. From there, a short walk will take you to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the ancient medieval city, dominated by the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio.
End the day by crossing the only bridge that survived the bombings of the Second World War: the famous Ponte Vecchio at sunset. For dinner, cross the Arno and look for a trattoria in the Oltrarno district to taste authentic Florentine steak or other specialities from Tuscany’s flavourful cuisine.
A Sunday in Florence between art and unparalleled views
Begin your second day in the land of the Medici with the essence of Renaissance art: the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Here too, booking in advance is your best friend.
In the afternoon, cross the Ponte Vecchio again and spend some time in the artisans’ quarter. Here you will find the immense Palazzo Pitti and the wonderful Boboli Gardens, a green oasis offering unexpected views over the city.
Conclude your Florentine weekend at Piazzale Michelangelo, the ultimate panoramic terrace. A short taxi or bus ride (lines 12/13) will take you up this hill for the final view: Florence’s skyline at sunset is an awe-inspiring way to end your trip.
Remember: even if the car remains at rest in Florence, renting one is essential for the last, unforgettable experience. Before returning it, take a few hours to drive along the SR 222, the Chiantigiana. Crossing the hills lined with cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves, perhaps with a stop in Greve in Chianti, is the most authentic and relaxing way to bid farewell to Tuscany.
With a rental vehicle, Florence is the ideal starting point, but you can rent a car in whichever Tuscan city is most convenient for you and travel wherever you wish from there.
