Morning: Duomo Complex

Begin your Florentine adventure at the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo. This architectural marvel dominates the city’s skyline with Brunelleschi’s iconic terracotta dome, a engineering feat that remains the largest masonry dome ever constructed. The cathedral’s exterior is a breathtaking patchwork of white, green, and pink marble that gleams in the morning sun.

Arrive early to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome for panoramic views that will take your breath away. The ascent takes you through the narrow corridors between the dome’s inner and outer shells, passing close to Giorgio Vasari’s stunning frescoes of the Last Judgment. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled vistas of Florence’s terracotta rooftops, the surrounding Tuscan hills, and a bird’s eye view of the city’s most important monuments.

Adjacent to the cathedral stands Giotto’s Campanile, a 85-meter tall bell tower that offers an alternative climbing experience with 414 steps. The Baptistery of St. John, with its famous bronze doors including Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise,” completes this extraordinary religious complex. The golden mosaics inside the octagonal baptistery are among the finest examples of medieval art in Italy.

Afternoon: Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi Gallery

After lunch in one of the traditional trattorias near the Duomo, head to Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s political heart since the Middle Ages. This L-shaped square functions as an open-air sculpture gallery, featuring Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine Women,” Cellini’s “Perseus with the Head of Medusa,” and a copy of Michelangelo’s David standing proudly in front of Palazzo Vecchio.

The Palazzo Vecchio itself deserves thorough exploration. This fortress-like town hall has been the seat of Florentine government since 1299. Inside, you’ll find lavishly decorated rooms including the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento with its enormous ceiling frescoes by Vasari, and the intimate Studio of Francesco I, a treasure box of Renaissance art.

Dedicate your late afternoon to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most important art museums. This vast collection, housed in a Renaissance palace designed by Vasari, chronicles the evolution of Italian art from the Middle Ages through the Baroque period. Highlights include Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera,” Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” Michelangelo’s “Doni Tondo,” and works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian. Plan for at least three hours to properly appreciate the masterpieces, though you could easily spend an entire day here.

Evening: Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno

As the sun begins to set, stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most iconic bridge. Dating from 1345, it’s the only bridge in Florence that survived World War II intact. The bridge is lined with jewelry shops, a tradition dating back to the 16th century when the Medici family decided that gold and silver smiths were more suitable than the butchers who previously occupied the space.

Cross into the Oltrarno district for dinner, where you’ll find a more authentic, local atmosphere away from the tourist crowds. This bohemian neighborhood is home to artisan workshops, cozy wine bars, and family-run restaurants serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Morning: Galleria dell’Accademia

Start your second day at the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s original David. This 5.17-meter marble masterpiece, completed in 1504 when the artist was just 29 years old, represents the pinnacle of Renaissance sculpture. The statue’s perfect proportions, anatomical precision, and psychological intensity embody the humanistic ideals of the period.

The gallery also houses Michelangelo’s unfinished “Prisoners” or “Slaves,” which offer fascinating insight into his creative process. These sculptures appear to struggle to free themselves from the marble blocks, creating a powerful metaphor for the human condition. The museum also contains an important collection of Florentine paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries and medieval musical instruments.

Afternoon: Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo

After lunch, visit the Medici Chapels, the final resting place of the Medici dynasty. The Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes) is an opulent octagonal space decorated with semi-precious stones, marble, and gilded stucco. The New Sacristy, designed by Michelangelo, contains some of his most important architectural and sculptural work, including the tombs of Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici with the allegorical figures of Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk.

The adjacent Basilica of San Lorenzo was the parish church of the Medici family. Its spare Renaissance facade, which was never completed, belies the artistic treasures within. The interior, designed by Brunelleschi, is a masterpiece of harmonious proportions. Don’t miss the Laurentian Library, designed by Michelangelo, which houses one of the world’s most important collections of manuscripts.

Evening: Piazzale Michelangelo

Conclude your day with a climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo, the city’s most famous viewpoint. This expansive terrace offers sweeping panoramas of Florence’s skyline, with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and surrounding hills creating a picture-perfect scene. Arrive before sunset to watch the city transform as golden light bathes the terracotta rooftops. The square features another bronze copy of David and is a popular gathering spot for both tourists and locals. Consider bringing a bottle of Chianti and some local cheese to enjoy a aperitivo as you take in the views.

Morning and Afternoon: Palazzo Pitti and Palatine Gallery

Dedicate your third day to exploring the vast Palazzo Pitti complex, the former residence of the Medici Grand Dukes and later the royal palace when Florence briefly served as Italy’s capital. This massive Renaissance palace, originally built for the wealthy banker Luca Pitti in 1458, houses several world-class museums.

The Palatine Gallery contains one of Italy’s finest collections of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, displayed in lavishly decorated state rooms with frescoed ceilings and gilded walls. The collection includes multiple works by Raphael, including the “Madonna della Seggiola” and “La Velata,” as well as masterpieces by Titian, Rubens, Caravaggio, and Artemisia Gentileschi. Unlike modern museums where paintings are arranged chronologically, here they’re displayed in the traditional manner, covering entire walls in ornate frames.

The Royal Apartments showcase how the Medici and later the House of Savoy lived, with sumptuous furniture, tapestries, and decorative arts. The Gallery of Modern Art houses the largest collection of Italian art from the 18th to early 20th centuries, while the Costume Gallery traces fashion history through original garments from the 16th century to present day.

Late Afternoon: Boboli Gardens

Behind Palazzo Pitti spread the magnificent Boboli Gardens, a 45,000 square meter green oasis that represents one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance garden design. Created by the Medici family beginning in 1549, these formal gardens climb the hillside in a series of terraces, providing both a respite from the urban center and commanding views over Florence.

The gardens are filled with fountains, grottos, and classical statuary. Highlights include the Amphitheater with its Egyptian obelisk, the elaborate Grotta del Buontalenti with its stalactite-covered walls and sculptures by Giambologna, and the isolotto, a small island in an ornamental pond surrounded by lemon trees in terracotta pots. The gardens also house the Porcelain Museum in the Casino del Cavaliere, displaying precious ceramics from European royal courts.

Allow at least two hours to properly explore these gardens, wandering along cypress-lined avenues, discovering hidden statuary, and enjoying peaceful moments away from the city’s bustle. The gardens offer some of the best photography opportunities in Florence, particularly in late afternoon light.

Morning: Bargello Museum

Begin your fourth day at the Bargello Museum, often overlooked by visitors but treasured by art lovers as Italy’s finest sculpture museum. Housed in a forbidding 13th-century fortress that once served as a prison and police headquarters, the Bargello contains an extraordinary collection of Renaissance sculpture.

The ground floor Michelangelo room displays several of his early works, including the “Bacchus” and “Brutus,” alongside sculptures by Cellini and Giambologna. The first floor houses Donatello’s revolutionary bronze “David,” the first free-standing nude sculpture since antiquity, along with his “St. George” and playful “Amor-Attys.” The room also contains the famous competition panels by Brunelleschi and Ghiberti for the Baptistery doors, allowing you to compare their different Renaissance and Gothic approaches to the same subject.

The museum’s collection extends beyond sculpture to include an impressive array of decorative arts: Byzantine ivories, Islamic metalwork, Renaissance bronzes, medals, and majolica ceramics. The peaceful courtyard, with its well and external staircase, provides a contemplative space between galleries.

Afternoon: Santa Croce and Its Neighborhood

After lunch, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world and the final resting place of many illustrious Italians. Often called the “Pantheon of Italian glories,” its tombs include those of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The church itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its soaring nave and beautiful stained glass windows.

The adjacent Santa Croce complex includes the Pazzi Chapel, a perfect example of early Renaissance architecture designed by Brunelleschi, and cloisters that house a museum with Cimabue’s famous damaged crucifix (from the 1966 flood) and Giotto’s frescoes. The neighborhood around Santa Croce maintains a more authentic local character, with artisan workshops where you can watch craftspeople create traditional Florentine products.

Evening: San Miniato al Monte

As the day winds down, make your way up to San Miniato al Monte, one of Florence’s most beautiful Romanesque churches perched high on a hill overlooking the city. Built between 1013 and 1207, its geometric marble facade in white and dark green creates a striking visual pattern that catches the evening light.

The church’s interior is equally impressive, with a raised choir, mosaic-decorated apse, and magnificent inlaid marble floor. The crypt contains the remains of St. Minias, an early Christian martyr. The adjacent cemetery offers peaceful walks with stunning views, and at sunset, the monks perform Gregorian chant vespers, creating a transcendent experience.

After four intensive days exploring Florence, take a break from museums and immerse yourself in the legendary Tuscan countryside. The region surrounding Florence offers some of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes and charming medieval towns.

Option 1: Chianti Wine Region

The Chianti region, stretching between Florence and Siena, is synonymous with rolling hills covered in vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. Rent a car or join a guided tour to visit historic wine estates where you can tour cellars, learn about wine production, and taste Chianti Classico accompanied by local pecorino cheese, salami, and extra virgin olive oil.

Stop in charming villages like Greve in Chianti, the region’s wine capital with its triangular piazza and numerous wine shops, or Castellina in Chianti with its medieval Via delle Volte. The landscape itself is worth the trip, with seemingly endless views of vineyards punctuated by stone farmhouses and medieval castles.

Option 2: Siena and San Gimignano

Alternatively, visit Siena, Florence’s historic rival and one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval cities. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, famous for hosting the twice-yearly Palio horse race. The black-and-white striped Duomo is a Gothic masterpiece filled with artistic treasures, including sculptures by Michelangelo and Donatello, and the Piccolomini Library with its vibrant frescoes.

If time permits, continue to San Gimignano, the “Medieval Manhattan,” famous for its 14 surviving tower houses that once numbered 72. This UNESCO World Heritage town offers stunning views, excellent gelato, and a glimpse into medieval Tuscan life. The town’s historic center is compact and perfect for an afternoon of wandering cobblestone streets and browsing artisan shops.

Option 3: Fiesole and Tuscan Villas

For a shorter excursion, visit Fiesole, an ancient Etruscan town perched in the hills just 8 kilometers from Florence. Accessible by bus, Fiesole offers cooler temperatures, Roman ruins including an amphitheater still used for summer concerts, and spectacular views over Florence. The town’s small museums showcase Etruscan artifacts, while the surrounding area contains beautiful Renaissance villas like Villa Medici and Villa I Tatti, some of which offer guided tours of their gardens.

Morning: Galileo Museum and Santa Maria Novella

Begin your sixth day at the Galileo Museum, dedicated to the history of science and scientific instruments. This fascinating museum houses Galileo’s original telescopes, astrolabes, armillary spheres, and even his preserved middle finger, displayed as a secular relic. The collection demonstrates Florence’s crucial role in the Scientific Revolution and includes beautiful instruments that are works of art in themselves.

Next, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most important churches. Its stunning Gothic facade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, combines geometric patterns in white and green marble. Inside, you’ll find Masaccio’s revolutionary fresco “The Trinity,” one of the first paintings to use linear perspective, and Ghirlandaio’s frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel that provide a fascinating glimpse into 15th-century Florentine life.

Afternoon: San Lorenzo Market and Artisan Workshops

Spend your afternoon exploring the San Lorenzo Market, Florence’s largest and most authentic market. The indoor Mercato Centrale, renovated in recent years, offers two floors of food: the ground floor features traditional food stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and spices, while the upstairs houses a modern food court with artisan vendors serving everything from fresh pasta to gourmet burgers.

The outdoor stalls surrounding the market sell leather goods, scarves, souvenirs, and clothing. While touristy, it’s still possible to find quality items if you’re willing to browse and bargain. This is an excellent place to shop for gifts or a leather jacket.

Take time to visit some of Florence’s artisan workshops in the Oltrarno district. Here, you can watch master craftspeople practice traditional techniques passed down through generations: bookbinders creating marbled paper, goldsmiths hammering intricate jewelry, leather workers hand-stitching bags, and frame makers gilding wood. Many workshops welcome visitors and some offer classes where you can create your own piece.

Evening: Cooking Class or Food Tour

Immerse yourself in Tuscan culinary traditions with a cooking class where you’ll learn to make fresh pasta, prepare classic dishes like ribollita or pappa al pomodoro, and master the art of Tuscan sauces. Many classes include a market visit to select ingredients, followed by preparation and dining on your creations paired with local wines.

Alternatively, join a food tour that takes you to traditional eateries, family-run wine bars, and specialty food shops. You’ll taste local specialties like lampredotto (tripe sandwich), schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread), and an array of cheeses and cured meats, all while learning about Florentine food culture from knowledgeable guides.

Morning: Brancacci Chapel and Santo Spirito

On your final day, explore some of Florence’s lesser-known but equally impressive treasures. Start with the Brancacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, home to one of the Renaissance’s most important fresco cycles. Masaccio’s frescoes here, particularly “The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden” and “The Tribute Money,” revolutionized painting with their emotional power, use of perspective, and treatment of light and shadow. These frescoes influenced generations of artists, including Michelangelo, who came here to study and draw.

Walk to the nearby Basilica of Santo Spirito, designed by Brunelleschi and considered one of the purest examples of Renaissance architecture. Its simple, elegant interior with its colonnade of gray columns creates a sense of harmony and proportion. The church houses important artworks, including a wooden crucifix attributed to Michelangelo and paintings by Filippino Lippi.

The Piazza Santo Spirito itself is one of Florence’s most charming squares, lined with cafes and restaurants. It’s a favorite spot for locals, especially in the evening, and hosts a small daily market selling food and artisan goods.

Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure

Use your final afternoon to revisit favorite locations, complete any unfinished exploration, or discover new corners of Florence. Consider these options:

Visit the Stibbert Museum, an eccentric collection of arms, armor, and artifacts from around the world displayed in a 19th-century villa with beautiful gardens. Or explore the Museum of Opera del Duomo, which houses original sculptures from the Cathedral, including Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà and Donatello’s wooden Mary Magdalene.

Take a leisurely walk along the Arno River, crossing different bridges and enjoying the city from this peaceful perspective. The Lungarno promenades on both sides of the river offer beautiful views and a chance to observe daily Florentine life.

Shop for last-minute treasures in the Oltrarno’s artisan workshops or the elegant boutiques along Via Tornabuoni, Florence’s most fashionable street. Or simply claim a bench in a quiet piazza, perhaps with a good book or journal, and soak in the atmosphere of this remarkable city.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

Conclude your week in Florence with a memorable farewell dinner at a traditional trattoria. Order a bistecca alla fiorentina, the city’s famous thick-cut T-bone steak, cooked rare and served with just olive oil, lemon, and salt. Accompany it with a robust Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino, and finish with cantucci (almond cookies) dipped in Vin Santo dessert wine.

After dinner, take one final evening stroll through the illuminated streets. The major monuments are beautifully lit at night, and the city takes on a magical quality without the daytime crowds. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio one last time, gaze up at the floodlit Duomo, and reflect on the incredible artistic and cultural journey you’ve experienced.