5-Day Florence Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Florence packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — renaissance masterpieces, tuscan cuisine, and views from terracotta rooftops. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Centro Storico — Duomo, Uffizi, and Piazza della Signoria. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Uffizi Gallery for your first taste of what makes Florence special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Centro Storico — Duomo, Uffizi, and Piazza della Signoria area. Try Bistecca alla Fiorentina — thick T-bone steak grilled rare over charcoal — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Ponte Vecchio. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Piazzale Michelangelo. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the San Lorenzo — Medici Chapels, leather market, and Mercato Centrale neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Ribollita — hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo) — one of Florence's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $15 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the San Niccolò — quiet neighborhood with the best sunset viewpoints district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Schiacciata — Florentine flatbread with olive oil, plain or stuffed. Expect to spend around $35 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to San Miniato al Monte — Romanesque church above Piazzale Michelangelo with even better views — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Bardini Gardens — less crowded alternative to Boboli with Duomo views. The Santa Croce — basilica quarter with lively bars and gelaterias area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Florence's nightlife scene — Santo Spirito piazza — outdoor bars and aperitivo culture in Oltrarno.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella — world's oldest pharmacy turned perfumery or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at San Lorenzo leather market — bags, jackets, and belts from market stalls — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Florence is best explored entirely on foot — the center is car-free
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $140 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 10-plus miles daily on stone streets You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Do not sit on church steps to eat — hefty fines apply in the historic center
• Safety: Florence is safe but pickpockets operate around the Duomo and train station

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$50	$140	$400
5-Day Total	$250	$700	$2000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Florence is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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