Italy · 3-day itinerary
3 days in Florence
The Renaissance, Tuscan wine and bistecca. Here's a 3-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.
Day 1
Arrive & settle into Florence
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Arrive in Florence
Check in at your stay in Santa Croce.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Bistecca alla fiorentina
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. · Oltrarno
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
The classic view over the Arno.
Day 2
Day trip: Chianti wine day trip
Day 3
Farewell, Florence
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. · San Lorenzo · ~$28
Mercato Centrale
A food market with a modern food hall upstairs.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Depart Florence
Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner · Schiacciata from All'Antico Vinaio
Where to stay in Florence
Shoestring
San Lorenzo / Santa Maria Novella
Near the station and the Mercato Centrale.
Hotels in San Lorenzo / Santa Maria NovellaComfort
Santa Croce
Central, lively evenings and artisan workshops.
Hotels in Santa CroceLuxury
Oltrarno
Palazzo hotels across the river, quieter and artisanal.
Hotels in Oltrarno
What to eat in Florence
Bistecca alla fiorentina
Thick T-bone grilled rare, priced by weight and meant for sharing.
Lampredotto
Tripe sandwich with salsa verde from a street kiosk.
Ribollita
Bread and vegetable soup, reboiled to thicken.
Pappa al pomodoro
Tomato and bread soup with basil and olive oil.
Schiacciata
Salty, oily Tuscan flatbread sandwiches.
Cantucci and Vin Santo
Almond biscuits for dunking in sweet wine.
Where locals send visitors
All'Antico Vinaio $
Schiacciata sandwiches · Via dei Neri · Best for lunch
The giant schiacciata sandwiches everyone queues for.
ReviewsDa Nerbone $
Lampredotto stall · Mercato Centrale · Best for lunch
Lampredotto and boiled beef sandwiches at the market since 1872.
ReviewsMercato Centrale $$
Food hall · San Lorenzo · Best for lunch
Food stalls upstairs and produce downstairs in a 19th-century market.
ReviewsTrattoria Mario $$
Trattoria · San Lorenzo · Best for lunch
Communal-table lunches only, near the market. Cash and bustle.
ReviewsTrattoria Sostanza $$$
Trattoria · Santa Maria Novella · Best for dinner · Reserve ahead
Famous for its butter chicken and artichoke tortino.
ReviewsBuca Mario $$$$
Tuscan cellar · Santa Maria Novella · Best for dinner · Reserve ahead
Bistecca in a vaulted cellar open since 1886.
Reviews
Heads-up: what to steer clear of
- Pickpockets: Pickpockets work the crowds around the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the station.
- Local rules: The historic centre is a limited-traffic zone (ZTL). Cameras fine unauthorised cars automatically, often months later.
- Scam: Restaurants right on the main squares can charge a lot; check prices and any cover charge (coperto) on the menu before sitting.
Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .
Good to know
- Book the Uffizi and the Accademia (David) well ahead.
- Florence is compact; walk everywhere and skip taxis.
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
Daily budget per person
| Shoestring | ~$134 |
| Comfort | ~$279 |
| Luxury | ~$797 |
A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.
Make this Florence trip yours
Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.
Plan this tripTimes and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.