48 hours simply is not enough time to squeeze in everything Florence has to offer but as Students who have lived here for the last semester, here’s what we would do with only 48 hours in Florence.
Start off your first day in Florence bright and early! Head to one of our favorite cafes for a quick coffee. Ditta Artigianale and Cibero Are both located around the Santa Croce area and short walks from many of the city’s main attractions. If you’re feeling a heavier breakfast, take a walk to Le Vespe or Melaleuca for a tasty breakfast/brunch. Some of our favorites are the French toast from Le Vespe, or the bacon, egg, and cheese with spicy ketchup on a bagel from Melaleuca.
After breakfast start your day with the Uffizi Galleries. Take your time to walk around and see paintings like “The Birth of Venus” and immerse yourself in old Roman history and mythology. After Uffizi stroll over to the Academia Gallery to see The Davide. Make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time so you’re not waiting in long lines to buy them on the spot! Once inside the gallery walk through the hall of all of Michelangelo rough drafts until finally arriving at The Davide. At 17 feet tall Davide is symbol of the strength and independence of the Florentine Republic. The man Davide derives from a biblical story about a young man who set out to fight Goliath, the statue shows the young man, David, in a moment of tension before his battle, only bearing his sling shot.
After taking in the local art. Head over to the sandwich alley to enjoy a schiacciata Some of our favorite shops are Fermentino, Schiatteria De Neri, Budellino, and of course All’antico Vinaio. Pick the shop with the shortest line as they are all great! Take your schiaccata to go and walk over to the Duomo. You can find a seat outside to take in the sights and enjoy your lunch. After that take a walk over to the Boboli Gardens and enjoy a scenic walk through the rolling hills. The gardens consist of scenic views of the city, fountains, vineyards, and more. On your way out of the gardens, make sure to grab a bottle of wine and make your way up into Piazza Michelangelo to enjoy the sunset!
For dinner, head back into the city and enjoy Trattoria 4 Leoni in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. Try the traditional Florentine Bistecca and pear ravioli, pair this with a local bottle of wine from the chianti region to share with the table. If you have any room left to spare, stop at a gelato shop on your walk home. Sbrino, GROM, and Strega Nocciola are three of our favorite traditional shops throughout the city!
On the second day, get up bright and early for a wine tour in the countryside of Tuscany. Enjoy a half day that includes vineyard tours, wine tastings, and a traditional Tuscan lunch. Many of the restaurants and vineyards are family owned and operated in the gorgeous hill. One of my favorites has been Wine safaris, a smaller group tour that tours the countryside and 2 wineries. After heading back into Florence make your way over to Babae for the wine window. Enjoy a spritz or glass of wine and people watch on the streets of Santo Spirito. Santo Spirito is known as the more local and artisanal side of Florence. Gorgeous streets and free from many scams.
For dinner you’re going to an unlimited wine cooking class with 3 types of pasta and tiramisu. A favorite class of ours is at Dei Bardi. Immerse yourselves in the traditional pasta making ritual. Get hands on as you create the pasta dough, press it, and create a delicious dinner and dessert! For a small nightcap, head over to one of Florence’s rooftop bars like View on Art or Loggia Roof Top. These terraces have gorgeous views of the city and monuments like the Duomo.
There are so many other amazing experiences to be had in the city of Florence. It would be a dream to be able to do it all and eat at every restaurant. But that is simply not possible, so this was our perfect 48 hours in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy!