3 days in Florence with time on both sides of the Arno
Three days let you separate the cathedral, painting and sculpture into manageable visits. Begin around the Duomo and San Lorenzo, spend a second day between the Uffizi and Santa Croce, then devote the last day to Oltrarno. This route gives the palace and gardens proper space without squeezing a day trip between museum bookings.
At a glance
Day 1: The cathedral and San Lorenzo
- Morning
- Start at the cathedral complex with whichever timed visit you have reserved. Keep the morning for the Duomo area, allowing for separate entrances and checks rather than assuming one queue covers every building.
- Afternoon
- Walk along Borgo San Lorenzo to the market district, then take Via de' Ginori toward the streets around San Marco. Visit the Accademia in a booked afternoon slot, allowing about an hour inside.
- Evening
- Return toward Piazza della Repubblica by quieter side streets where possible. Walk along Via de' Tornabuoni and finish at Ponte Santa Trinita, where the view toward Ponte Vecchio makes a useful first introduction to the river.
- Dinner
- Choose a trattoria in San Lorenzo for ribollita or a bean dish. Check opening hours before planning a meal at Trattoria Mario.
Day 2: Painting, sculpture and Santa Croce
- Morning
- Enter the Uffizi at your booked time and allow three hours. Have a short list of paintings you want to find, then leave room to explore rather than trying to give every gallery equal attention.
- Afternoon
- Take lunch before walking along Via dei Neri toward Santa Croce. Visit the church and spend time in its square. If you prefer sculpture to another church interior, choose the Bargello instead and check its opening hours.
- Evening
- Follow Borgo la Croce toward Sant'Ambrogio for a different set of streets from the cathedral quarter. Settle into dinner nearby, then return through the center without adding another scheduled attraction.
- Dinner
- Look for a Tuscan restaurant around Sant'Ambrogio and order pasta with ragù or seasonal vegetables alongside a main course.
Day 3: The palace, gardens and Oltrarno
- Morning
- Cross Ponte Vecchio and continue to Palazzo Pitti. Choose the galleries you want to visit before buying tickets, since the palace contains several collections and can occupy much of the day.
- Afternoon
- Spend the afternoon in Boboli Gardens, allowing for slopes and exposed paths. Afterwards, walk down toward Piazza Santo Spirito and explore Via Maggio and the surrounding workshop streets at an unhurried pace.
- Evening
- Stay around Santo Spirito for an early dinner, or walk east through Oltrarno toward San Niccolò. Add Piazzale Michelangelo only if you have energy for another climb after the garden paths.
- Dinner
- Book Osteria Santo Spirito if it suits your evening, or choose another neighborhood trattoria. Order a pasta dish and a vegetable side.
Tips for 3 days in Florence
- Choose between Santa Croce and the Bargello on the second afternoon if three substantial interiors would leave you tired.
- Check the ticket coverage for Palazzo Pitti and Boboli before booking, especially if you only want one collection and the gardens.
- Keep the garden afternoon flexible in wet weather, when an indoor palace visit may be more comfortable.
3 days in Florence with time on both sides of the Arno
Should I include Pisa during three days in Florence?
You can, but it replaces most of the Oltrarno day. Keep all three days in Florence if you want the main museums plus time at Palazzo Pitti and Boboli.
Is this itinerary suitable for a first visit?
Yes. It covers the cathedral, David and the Uffizi while giving each day a distinct walking area and leaving evenings relatively open.
Can I visit both Santa Croce and the Bargello?
Yes, if their opening hours fit, but the afternoon becomes more demanding. Choose one first and treat the other as an optional visit.
Where should I eat on the Oltrarno day?
The streets around Piazza Santo Spirito make a practical dinner base after Boboli. Check menus and opening hours before committing to a particular restaurant.