2 Days in Florence: Best 10 Things To Do

Florence, considered a birthplace of Renaissance, is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.  The city is filled with beautiful architecture, sculptures, monuments, and works of art.  You could easily spend weeks just exploring the city.  But if you are in Florence for just 2 days, discover the 10 Best Things To Do in Florence, Italy, in 2 days!

Florence is known for its world-famous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, housing some of the most important artworks in the world.

The city is home to Renaissance palaces and beautiful churches.  Walking down the narrow cobbled streets of Florence will transport you back in time to the Renaissance period and the Middle Ages.

Quick Facts about Florence

• Florence is the capital of the Tuscany Region in Italy.
• The city is located on the banks of the Arno river in northeastern Tuscany.
• Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance.   You can find many masterpieces of Renaissance art and beautiful examples of architecture in Florence.
• The entire city center of Florence is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Top 10 Things To Do in Florence in 2 Days

Florence is home to many important museums and art galleries.   Florence has a rich architectural heritage, and you could spend weeks exploring the city's churches, cathedrals, palaces, and museums.

The city is located in the Tuscany region of Italy and is also famous for its Florentine cuisine.  If you are in Florence for only a couple of days, here are the 10 Best Things To Do in Florence!

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the world-famous Florence Cathedral.    The Italian name for the cathedral is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore which is translated in English as Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower.

This beautiful cathedral dates back to the 13th century, and it's been built in the Gothic style.

The Florence Cathedral is famous for its impressive dome constructed of brick.   The best viewpoint to see the dome and the panorama of Florence is from Michelangelo Hill.

The cathedral is located in the Piazza Del Duomo.   Other structures in the piazza are the Baptistery and the Giotto's Campanile.  Campanile is a free-standing bell tower.

2. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is an old, medieval bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy.  The bridge dates back to the medieval times when it was popular to have shops along the bridge.  The Ponte Vecchio has 3 arches.

The bridge still houses the shops and is usually busy with tourists.   It's best to view the Ponte Vecchio from afar, such as from Michelangelo Hill.

3. Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most beautiful buildings in Florence with a rich history.    Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the Piazza della Signoria.

The copy of Michelangelo's David statue is located in the front of the building.

4. Basilica di Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce is a large Franciscan church in Florence, Italy.    It's a spectacular structure with 16 chapels.    This Roman Catholic church dates back to the 13th century.

Quite a few famous Italians have been buried there, including Michelangelo, Dante, Rossini, and Galileo.

The church features frescoes by Giotto, an Italian painter and architect from the late Middle Ages.

5. Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery is one of the most notable Italian art museums.  It's located in the historic center of Florence, Italy.   The museum is famous for its collection of valuable artworks, including from the period of Italian Renaissance.  Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance.

6. Galleria dell'Accademia

Galleria dell'Accademia is world famous for housing the original sculpture of David by Michelangelo. However, this museum is also home to other sculptures of Michelangelo and many other works of art.

7. Michelangelo's David

The famous marble statue of David was created by Michelangelo in the 16th century.  The statue is located in Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, Italy.

8. Pitti Palace

The Palazzo Pitti is an impressive palace of enormous size, located on the south side of the Arno river in Florence, Italy.  Pitti Palace is home to several art galleries and museums.

Because the site of the Palazzo Pitti is so large with many museums, it can easily take you several hours to see it all.

9. The Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens are located behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy.   The gardens date back to the 16th century and feature beautiful sculptures, fountains, ponds, trees, and flowers.

The gardens cover the area of 45,000 square meters.  It's a great place to escape the crowds of Florence and enjoy some quiet time.   You could easily spend several hours just enjoying the gardens.

10. Piazalle Michelangelo

Michelangelo Square is located on the south side of the Arno river in Florence, Italy, near the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.    The square offers stunning, panoramic views of Florence.

It's best to combine visiting the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, and the Piazalle Michelangelo on the same day since they are located on the same bank of the river and are all very close to one another.

The square is dedicated to the Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo and thus named after him.  The center of the square features the bronze version of David sculpture, overlooking Florence.