Studying abroad in Florence, Italy for four months taught me what it means to travel like a local. There is so much to do, see, and feel in such a cultural historic city that it can be overwhelming to navigate, especially with only a short amount of time.
I learned that Florence isn’t meant to be rushed or checked off a list. It’s a city best experienced through intentional experience: morning espresso at the bar, long dinners that stretch into the night, and afternoons spent wandering without a plan.
This 48-hour guide is built from that perspective. It’s not just about hitting the major landmarks, but about experiencing Florence in a way that is authentic. Even in two days, you can walk away feeling like you truly lived it!
Day One: Settling In
Your first morning should feel like an introduction. Start the way locals do: standing at the counter of a small café and ordering a quick espresso and a cornetto (croissant). There’s no lingering here, no laptops or long breakfasts. It’s quick and simple, your first step into the Florentine pace of life.
From there, walk around and begin to see the Duomo appear between the narrow passageways. Seeing it for the first time never gets old, no matter how long you stay!
Landmarks That Feel Like Everyday Life
What makes Florence unique is how seamlessly history blends into daily life. You’ll pass through Piazza della Signoria and realize that what would be museum pieces elsewhere are simply part of the square. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio, lined with small shops, feels less like a tourist attraction and more like a tradition still alive.
My favorite museum, Uffizi Gallery, is a must go. This isn’t a place to rush. Spend the rest of your morning and early afternoon absorbing the art and lingering through the museum, one of the most famous in the world. My favorite part is the amount of detail on the ceilings!
Lunch
By midday is usually when I crave a Schiacciateria De’ Neri panini. Located on Via De Neri, those places that perfectly capture the balance between local favorite and must-visit spot. The line often spills out onto the street, but it moves quickly and it’s always worth the wait.
There’s something about biting into a freshly made panino here that feels distinctly Florentine. The bread is perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with high-quality ingredients. It’s simple, authentic, and exactly what you want in the middle of a busy day exploring the city.
I usually take it to go and find a nearby curb or quiet corner to sit and eat. Surrounded by the energy of the city, it becomes part of the experience of living in Florence.
After that, my favorite afternoons are best left unstructured. Walk across the river into the Santo Spirito district. Window shop, grab some wine from a wine window (and maybe even a pre-dinner gelato, my favorite is Rivareno), and let yourself wander without a destination.
Sunset and a Long Dinner
As the evening approaches, make your way to Piazzale Michelangelo. Watching the sun set over Florence, with the Duomo rising above the skyline, is one of those moments that feels almost surreal.
A pre-dinner ritual should always include aperitivo. A nice spritz on the View on Art rooftop bar sets the mood for the night.
As far as Dinner, Florence dinners are meant to be slow and shared. Florence is known for their Florentine steak, so any trattoria or osteria is a great way to enjoy the night. My favorite is Trattoria Marione! Get a couple of appetizers, a pasta dish, and the Florentine steak to share. And don’t forget the wine!
Day Two: Living Like a Local
Your second day begins with a different kind of energy. By now, the city feels more familiar, and you move through it with more ease.
Markets, Morning Life, and Choosing Your Pace
Start your day at Mercato Centrale, where Florence feels alive in a new way! This is where locals shop for ingredients, visitors gather around food stalls, and the space fills with energy. It’s louder, more vibrant, and less curated than the main landmarks. I usually stop at the Ditta Artigianale stand and grab a coffee along with a muffin.
Markets give you a glimpse into everyday life—how people shop, eat, and interact. It’s one of the most authentic experiences you can have in such a short time.
With limited time, you won’t see everything—and that’s okay. You might choose to climb the Duomo for the views, visit the Accademia to stand in front of Michelangelo’s David, or stay outside and explore my favorite attraction, the Boboli Gardens.
Of course, you have to end your day off by getting a souvenir. Buy someone an Italian horn for good luck, get a new leather wallet, or shop for a simple postcard around the blocks of the city. The amount of treasures and memories are endless!
My Favorite Dinner Spot!
After your afternoon and hopefully aperitivo following that, it is time to wind down for the night at dinner.
Your last dinner in Florence should feel intentional. Whether it’s truffle pasta, a rich risotto, or a classic tiramisu. My personal favorite spot is La Giostra. They are known for their pear ravioli, but anything on the menu is fantastic.
Make sure at dinner you linger a little longer, take in the atmosphere, and realize that Florence has shifted your sense of time. Everything feels slower, more deliberate, and more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
While 48 hours isn’t merely enough to capture a whole semester that I have under my belt, it shows you enough to make you fall in love with it.
Florence has taught me to slow down, to savor, and to appreciate the moments in between. I hope you feel the same way on your visit to Florence, Italy!
Written By
Ava Cito
Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ava-cito
