2 Days in Florence: What I’d do differently
I underestimated Florence. 🏛️🍝
Coming from Venice, I thought I had Italy figured out. I arrived at 9 PM, ready to explore, but I quickly realized I had made a few planning mistakes.
If I could go back and redo my 48 hours in Firenze, this is exactly how I would do it. Save this post so you don't get stuck in the tourist traps like I almost did! 👇
🇮🇹 DAY 1: The Authentic Side
The Morning Light: Everyone rushes the Ponte Vecchio at noon. Big mistake. Go at 8:00 AM. The light is soft, and it's just you and the locals.
The "Free" Hack: I used the "Free Sunday" entry for the Pitti Palace instead of fighting the crowds at the Uffizi. It was way less stressful and the Boboli Gardens (while huge!) were a nice break from the stone streets.
The Food: I was terrified of tourist traps, but I risked it at Trattoria Zaza and honestly? It was decent. But the real winner was the sandwich at the All'antico Vinaio.
The Sunset: Piazzale Michelangelo was a ZOO. People shoving for photos. Next time, I’m walking 5 minutes further up to San Miniato al Monte.
🎨 DAY 2: Art & Anxiety
Uffizi Reality Check: I booked the first slot and still waited in line. But don't rush the lower floors, Caravaggio’s Medusa is hiding down there and people skip it!
David: By 5 PM I was "arted out," but seeing the David statue at the Accademia revived me. It is truly worth the hype.
The Hidden Gem: My favorite moment wasn't a museum. It was sitting in the empty second cloister of Santa Croce. pure silence in the middle of a chaotic city.
💡 3 Things to Know Before You Go:
Mondays are tricky: Uffizi and Accademia are closed! Plan a day trip to Tuscany on Mondays.
Validate your ticket: If you take the bus/tram, validate the ticket or you will get fined.
The Duomo Secret: The cathedral interior is plain (skip the line). Use a pass to climb the Dome or the Bell Tower instead.
Has anyone else been to Florence recently? Did you find it overwhelming or magical? Let me know in the comments! 🍋
Looking to visit other parts of Italy? Here are my other posts:
Wanna speak some Italian in Italy? Read about my (silly) experience here!
#FlorenceItaly #FlorenceTravel #TravelMistakes #ItalyTravelTips #Firenze
Florence is a dream destination for lovers of Renaissance art and architecture, but navigating it well requires some insider knowledge, especially for a short 2-day trip like mine. One thing I learned is that timing and location matter hugely. For example, starting your day early at iconic spots like the Ponte Vecchio provides peaceful moments when the city feels most vibrant and local rather than tourist-packed. For those looking to deepen their experience, I'd recommend exploring the Oltrarno district beyond what most guidebooks suggest. Here you'll find charming vintage shops and artisan workshops, which reveal the city’s creative heartbeat. This area offers a fantastic complement to the more popular museums, giving you a fuller picture of Florence's culture. Regarding food, I found that venturing slightly away from major landmarks like the Duomo to places such as All'Antico Vinaio yielded delicious and authentic panini worthy of a long line. It’s a great lesson that popular doesn’t always mean best, and sometimes sharing recommendations from locals can lead you to delightful surprises. Another practical tip involves the city's public transport tickets; validating them is crucial to avoid fines, which I initially overlooked. It’s a simple step that can save you unnecessary stress during your travels. Finally, if your visit falls on a Monday, plan to take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside instead, since major museums like the Uffizi and Accademia are closed that day. This detour can turn into a serene and enriching experience away from the bustling city. Overall, Florence’s true charm lies in balancing its famous sights with quieter, authentic experiences. Taking the time to walk further to less crowded viewpoints or sitting quietly in places like the second cloister of Santa Croce can give you moments of peaceful reflection amidst the city’s rich history. This two-day itinerary, combined with these extra tips, helped me uncover Florence’s intimate side — something I wish I’d known before arriving.
