Everything you need to know to visit Florence, Italy: this beautiful city in the heart of Tuscany is like walking through an open-air museum—only with better gelato.

Florence is where the Renaissance was born, so you’ve got all the big names here—Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and you can still see signs of that history everywhere in the architecture, the paintings, the statues, even the little streets you’ll walk down.

It’s also the birthplace of big fashion names like Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci.

The city is super walkable, full of charm, and easy to explore at your own pace and grab a gelato as often as you want ;).

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Florence always has something new to offer.

My youngest daughter and I did a mother-daughter Italy trip in October 2024 (see below for our entire itinerary!) and found this destination to be an INCREDIBLE place for this type of trip :).

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Florence

My daughter and I started our Italian adventures in Pisa and Cinque Terre before ending the trip in Florence.

We flew into the Pisa airport (PSA) because it is the closest large airport to use for visiting Cinque Terre.

And because the return flight options out of Pisa were much better for us than any Florence airport options, we left out of Pisa as well (the Pisa Airport is just a little over an hour from central Florence and super easy to get to via taxi).

If you are already in Italy (or even mainland Europe for that matter), the train system in Italy is so simple to use, even if you’ve never done it before and is one of the most extensive and comfortable train systems we have used when visiting Europe :).

How to Get Around Florence

Florence is super walkable, which makes it easy to get around without worrying about transportation.

Just know you’ll be getting in plenty of steps each day—comfy shoes are a must!

Best Time of Year to Visit Florence

Florence is one of those places that’s lovely year-round, but timing can really make a difference.

We were there from October 8-13, 2024 and while it’s usually a great time to visit, we got hit with a couple of heavy rainstorms in Pisa, Cinque Terre, and continuing on into our time in Florence.

In fact, we had to cut our time in Cinque Terre a day short because of a red weather alert (the highest alert) that made us evacuate to Florence a day early ;0.

But even though it wasn’t perfect weather every day and obviously we had an adventure with the evacuation scenario, we still enjoyed visiting in October.

Italy doesn’t really seem to have a true low season anymore, especially since the pandemic.

It was shockingly crowded during our dates (at least for unprepared me anyway!).

The front desk at our hotel told us this is the new year round norm for Italy and tourism (I mean it has made headline news the last couple of years ;\).

So if you’re looking for a quieter time, maybe try your luck with January or early February.

You’ll hopefully be able to avoid the large crowds and still get that classic Florence charm without the rest of the year crowds ;0.

How Many Days You Need in Florence

Florence is one of those places where a few days can feel just right (try to not spend less than 3 full days in this fabulous city though!!).

We spent four full days there because of our above mentioned evacuation situation cutting short our Cinque Terre time, but honestly, 4 days ended up being perfect for really soaking in the sights at a leisurely pace.

We did plan on taking a day trip to Tuscany on one of the days, but we mixed up the tour dates, so we ended up spending all our time in the city.

No regrets though!

With four days, we had plenty of time to explore the museums, stroll through the charming streets, and enjoy some off the beaten path sights that a shorter trip would have made our itinerary pace too stressful to see.

It felt like the right amount of time to really enjoy Florence without feeling rushed which is what this romantic and beautiful city deserves from you.

Honestly, it is one of those cities I am sure I will be going back to again and again :).

Money and Plug Details in Italy

In Italy, the currency is the Euro (€).

Cash isn’t widely used, but having a little on hand for small purchases can be handy (the only place I suggest getting cash in a foreign country is from an official bank ATM to avoid unnecessary fees!).

Otherwise, credit cards are your best friend and widely accepted throughout the country – just be sure you have a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees because those sure do add up ;(.

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Florence

Helvetia & Bristol Firenze*

If you’re looking for a stunning place to stay in Florence, the Helvetia & Bristol Firenze is a five-star hotel located right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Duomo and other main sights.

We stayed here for our one “evacuation” night (our next accomodation was not available for this extra night in Florence) and truly loved everything about it.

From the first class service and attention to every detail – it deserves a 10/10 from both my daughter and I.

The doormen were even incredibly kind to us and walked with us the next day to bring our luggage to our next hotel right around the corner (see below).

Casa G Firenze

We stayed at Casa G Firenze for four nights to wrap up our Italy trip, and honestly, it was such a cozy experience.

This charming boutique hotel feels more like a home than a typical hotel, with its warm and welcoming vibe.

The staff is friendly, and it’s tucked away in a quiet part of Florence, making it perfect for a peaceful stay while still being close to everything you want to explore.

It really felt like the perfect home base to relax and recharge before heading home.

Hotel La Gemma

If you want to be right in the heart of it all, Hotel La Gemma is a gorgeous 5-star stay just steps from the Duomo—super central, beautifully done, and easy to walk everywhere from.

Hotel Lungarno

Hotel Lungarno is a beautiful 5-star hotel right on the Arno River near the Ponte Vecchio, and it feels stylish and cozy with a touch of classic Italian charm.

Best Places to Eat in Florence

Florence totally surprised me with how easy it was to enjoy the food—even for someone like me who’s super picky and definitely not a foodie, it completely hit the spot.

It’s known for its rich, hearty dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina (basically a giant T-bone steak that’s grilled to perfection), and even though I usually play it safe with food, I found something delicious at every turn.

Here is the list of every place we ate for our 5 nights in the city (most my daughter found via TikTok reviews and boy were they spot on!!). See the map above for location of all of them :).

Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827

Our first meal in Florence was at Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827 – recommended by the concierge at Helvetia & Bristol.

It’s tucked inside a building just down the street from the popular Merry Go Round at Piazza della Repubblica and dates all the way back to the 1200s.

Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827 has earned a solid reputation for classic Tuscan dishes served in a frescoed dining room that feels like a little slice of history.

Cibréo Trattoria*

We had lunch at Cibréo Trattoria, a stylish spot inside Helvetia & Bristol known for its traditional Tuscan dishes and warm, neighborhood feel—it’s the kind of place where you linger a little longer over a demitasse of espresso.

Osteria Del Corso

Another dinner meal place that came recommended to us was the classy and festive Osteria Del Corso.

We absolutely loved our pasta dishes here as well as the friendly vibe – oh and the cocktails ;0.

Vini e Vecchi Sapori*

Vini e Vecchi Sapori is a tiny, family-run spot known for its classic Tuscan dishes and cozy, no-frills vibe—with community seating that practically guarantees you’ll end up swapping travel stories with the folks at your table.

As we were randomly walking by this restaurant, my daughter remembered she wanted to eat here and ran in to see if they could seat us.

Because of how popular this place is – we had to wait until the next day around 2:30 for two seats – but trust me – it is worth it and ended up being one of our favorite meals and experiences in Florence!

Our table friends were also Americans and told us this was their 3rd time coming back to this restaurant (they were also the ones that told us about the fantastic views at Basilica di San Miniato with ZERO crowds!).

Il Panino del chianti

One afternoon, we grabbed a quick bite at Il Panino del Chianti—a tiny spot with big flavor right next to the Ponte Vecchio where the sandwiches are so good you won’t forget them and might even want to go back for round two on your trip ;0.

Trattoria Napoleone

Trattoria Napoleone is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in the Santo Spirito area, which feels more local and MUCH less touristy.

It’s best known for its hearty Tuscan dishes and relaxed outdoor seating in the piazza (and was another Tik Tok recommendation my daughter found :)).

Cantinetta Antinori*

On our last full day in Florence, which turned into a bonus day after we goofed up our Tuscany trip date, we had lunch at Cantinetta Antinori.

This fine dining spot is located in a beautiful historic building, the Palazzo Antinori, and is best known for its exquisite Tuscan cuisine.

Just keep in mind, getting a reservation here can be a bit tricky – we were lucky that a late lunch reservation was available when we decided to treat ourselves on our last day of vacation (we even did a small little wine tasting session here :)).

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is a big indoor food market in a historic iron-and-glass building from the late 1800s, originally built as part of Florence’s push to modernize after Italy’s unification.

Upstairs, you’ll find a wide variety of food stalls serving everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh pasta, truffle sandwiches, and gelato—and yes, there’s plenty of seating so you can grab a bite and relax.

Gelato!!

You really can’t walk around Florence without stopping for a scoop (or three) of gelato—it’s just part of the experience :).

The spots that serve gelato out of metal tubs usually mean it’s the good stuff, made fresh and stored properly.

Some of the best gelato spots in Florence:

• Gelateria dei Neri – Always busy and for good reason—tons of flavors and creamy texture.
• La Strega Nocciola – A little less touristy, with rich flavors like pistachio and hazelnut that are next level and our favorite in Florence!!
• Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera – another of our favorites in the city 🙂
• My Sugar – A small place with a big reputation; everything is handmade in small batches.
• Vivoli – One of the oldest gelaterias in the city, a classic stop with old-school vibes.
• Perché No! – Translates to “Why not!” and honestly, why not try their honey sesame or seasonal fruit flavors?

Top Things to See in Florence

Get ready to get your steps in—Florence is a city best explored on foot, and we easily packed all of this into four full days.

If you’re working with less time, you might have to trim a few things, but there’s still plenty you can see.

We’re not big art museum people, so spending hours inside wasn’t a priority, but we did make time to see the highlights at the Accademia.

On the flip side, we do love fashion, so we had to check out the Ferragamo and Gucci museums—small and stylish, though don’t expect anything on the scale of the Dior museum in Paris.

A * next to the sight means it was one of our top favorites and/or a hidden gem!!

Use the map in the map section above for location of all of these sights (and our full itinerary below to see how we planned out each of our days :\).

If you are looking for a great company for any type of tour in Florence (including gelato making or a food tour!) – be sure to check out Liv Tours here.

The Duomo

Climbing the steps to the top of the iconic Duomo is definitely one of those “you’ll be glad you did it” experiences.

It’s a bit of a workout—463 steps and no elevator (can take about 45 minutes to climb) – but the views from the top are incredible.

You can see the whole city, with the red rooftops stretching out in every direction and the hills in the distance.

You’ll want to book your Brunelleschi Pass ticket online as early as possible, especially if you’re going in peak season – at least a few weeks ahead is a good idea (we purchased our mid October tickets in early September).

They only let in a set number of people every 30 minutes, so your ticket will have a timed entry.

A little bit confusing to us was the long line we had to wait in FOR our timed entrance on the side of the church. It was not marked very well and we couldn’t even tell if we were in the right place or not (we had the first tickets of the day – which I HIGHLY suggest fyi!). Eventually the doors opened and we figured it out ;0.

Also, wear comfy shoes and be ready for narrow stairways and tight turns near the top—it’s not fancy, but it’s part of the adventure.

One thing that completely surprised us is that the Duomo climb ticket doesn’t get you inside the main cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)!!

When you come back down from the dome – you will exit via a backside entrance of the church and there you can get a VERY small glimpse of the interior from below (there are guards standing there making sure you move right along unfortunately)…

The church is a separate entrance – while free daily from 10:15am-3:45pm, you will need to stand in an entrance line that can be long so plan accordingly.

If you’re short on time or don’t want to wait, you might want to skip the church interior and focus on the climb (which is what we did) because you will see the inside of the church from above (in the dome!).

One last thing to note about climbing the Duomo: you will get quite close to see the details in the paintings on the ceiling that show a dramatic scene called The Last Judgment—basically a big, bold depiction of heaven, hell, and everything in between.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower can be a fun way to see Florence from above without squeezing into the Duomo’s super narrow stairways (we did not climb to the top of this tower on our visit!).

You’ll need a ticket – same one works for both climbs if you’re doing both or if you don’t plan on climbing the Duomo stairs – just buy the Giotto Pass here.

It’s 414 steps to the top of the Bell Tower with, again, no elevator, but totally worth the effort for the panoramic views over Florence.

It’s a tough decision if you’re short on time or energy as to which one to do – the Duomo or the Bell Tower – as the view from the Bell Tower gives you the bonus of seeing the Duomo dome itself in the skyline but the Duomo has so much artistic history and is iconic in and of itself.

However you don’t really need to do both unless you’re set on saying you did both of them ;0.

Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery

I’ll be honest—I’m not usually an art museum person, but seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia in Florence really is something you kind of have to do while you’re there.

We had a 12:30pm timed ticket (purchased a month in advance online here), which you’d think would mean an easy entrance, but the line was still long and the area outside felt a little chaotic, even in mid-October.

And sadly, once we were inside this smaller museum – the crowds didn’t really disperse very well ;(.

David is the star of the show—he’s absolutely massive and carved from a single block of marble, which is wild when you’re standing in front of it.

The unfinished statues leading up to him are Michelangelo’s “Prisoners” or “Slaves,” and they’re just as fascinating in a different way.

Also, peek at the plaster cast of The Rape of the Sabine Women and the museum’s collection of old instruments—such a random surprise tucked in there!

You don’t need to spend hours here, but half an hour to an hour is enough to check it off the list and say you’ve seen one of the most famous sculptures in the world ;0.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums in Florence, and it’s packed with incredible Renaissance art—definitely worth a visit if you enjoy history or just want to see what all the buzz is about.

You do need a timed-entry ticket to get in, and yes, they can sell out, especially in the busier months, so it’s a good idea to buy your tickets ahead of time.

If you’re even thinking about possibly visiting Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens as well – get the Passepartout ticket.

It’s the best deal and covers all three spots, so you don’t have to worry about booking them separately. Definitely worth it.

Be aware when you buy this ticket – while the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace are NOT timed entrances – you CANNOT enter either of those places until AFTER the time for your Uffizi Museum entrance ;0.

Just one heads-up from personal experience: the day we had our tickets, the gallery ended up being closed for a private socialite/political event, and we weren’t allowed in.

Because our tickets were for 10:45am on the last day of our trip, we obviously could not reschedule which was super frustrating but since we had the Passepartout ticket, we headed over to Boboli Gardens early.

Just wish we were able to figure out how to get a refund for the Uffizi Gallery portion of our ticket…

So just know that, while rare, this kind of thing can happen ;0.

The most famous piece in the Uffizi is Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and even if you’re not usually a museum person, you’ll probably spend about 1 to 2 hours there, just soaking in the highlights and the gorgeous building itself.

Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens is such a peaceful spot to wander through when you need a break from the city streets (and entrance tickets are included if you purchased the above mentioned Passepartout ticket with your Uffizi Gallery ticket).

It’s a big, beautiful park filled with sculptures, fountains, and tucked-away little paths that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.

From the main entrance near Pitti Palace to the far end of the gardens, it’s about a 20 to 25-minute walk if you take your time and stop to look around.

You’ll definitely want to give yourself at least 1 hour here—longer if you like to stroll slowly or take lots of photos.

It’s uphill in parts, so comfy shoes are a must, and there are benches if you want to sit and soak it all in.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is one of those spots in Florence that everyone talks about, and honestly, it’s worth a quick visit.

It’s a short, pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the Arno River and is lined almost entirely with jewelry shops—mostly gold and high-end stuff, so it’s more of a window-shopping moment unless you’re in the market for a serious souvenir.

What makes it interesting is that it’s the oldest bridge in Florence, dating back to medieval times, and it actually survived World War II when all the other bridges were destroyed.

It’s not a place you need to spend tons of time on, but if you’re already nearby, it’s an easy and iconic stop to check off your list.

The most intriguing and best views of this iconic bridge are actually from both sides of the river or high up on the hills above it :).

The Leather Market

One fun thing to do in Florence is stroll through the leather market.

Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s such a colorful, lively spot—stalls full of leather bags, belts, wallets, and jackets line the street.

It’s easy to lose track of time wandering around and checking out all the goods. My daughter and I came home with a few bags from this market as well as my favorite small leather wallet!!

And don’t miss the bronze statue of the wild boar nearby—Il Porcellino.

Rubbing his nose is supposed to bring good luck, so of course we had to give it a try. It’s a little quirky, but that’s part of the fun.

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella*

One stop in Florence that totally surprised me (and was one of my favorite things to see in Florence!!) was the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.

It’s one of the oldest pharmacies in the world—like, we’re talking 800 years old—and it feels more like a museum than a store.

The rooms are stunning, with vaulted ceilings, frescoes, and antique cabinets filled with perfumes, soaps, and herbal remedies.

It’s easy to walk right by without realizing what’s inside, but trust me, it’s worth popping in.

There can be a line to get in, especially in the afternoon, so try going earlier in the day if you can. But our short 15 person line was only about a 10-15 minute wait at the most and most certainly worth the wait!

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella*

The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is definitely worth a stop—it’s just around the corner from the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, so it’s easy to pair the two.

While the basilica itself is free to enter, you are going to want to purchase (€7.5 in 2025) entrance to the peaceful and stunning cloister and garden area (pay at the door).

Just a heads-up, like all churches in Italy, you’ll need to have your shoulders covered to go inside.

Medici Riccardi Palace*

The Medici Riccardi Palace is one of those quieter spots in Florence that a lot of people skip, but it’s totally worth it if you have a little extra time.

It’s not as busy as the big museums, and you can usually grab tickets right at the door—though they’re also available online if you like to plan ahead.

We decided last minute to go into this palace museum about an hour before closing and stayed for about 30 minutes – but enjoyed every minute of what we saw!

The highlight is the stunning Magi Chapel, and honestly, it feels like stumbling into a secret.

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte*

One of the best little surprises in Florence was visiting Basilica di San Miniato al Monte.

A fellow diner at lunch the day before told us about it, and I’m so glad they did—it’s such a hidden gem!

It’s never crowded, which feels rare in Florence, and the view from up there is honestly one of the best in the city.

It’s about a 10-minute walk uphill from Piazzale Michelangelo (which IS always crowded btw!), so it’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it. For some reason – the crowds and buses seem to stop at Piazzale Michelangelo so very few people continue past that ;0.

Just a heads-up—it does close for a couple of hours in the afternoon from 1p-3p(ISH!), so it’s better to go in the morning or later in the day.

We had to wait about 30 minutes for the priest to unlock the church around 3:45pm – however it gave us time to wander the cemetery grounds (below) as well as enjoy the views and take some photos :).

The peace and quiet up there really hit different after a day in the busier parts of the city.

Cimitero delle Porte Sante

When you’re up near the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte take a little extra time to wander into the Cimitero delle Porte Sante right next to it.

It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like a step away from all the crowds down in the city.

This cemetery dates back to the mid-1800s and is the final resting place for some well-known Italians, like Carlo Collodi, the author of Pinocchio.

The statues and tombs are beautiful in a haunting sort of way, and it’s one of those spots that gives you a moment to pause and take it all in.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of those places you have to see in Florence, even if it’s packed with people—because it always is.

The steps are usually full of folks sitting shoulder to shoulder, in the evening hours waiting for what’s known as being the best sunset view over the city.

It’s definitely beautiful, but it also feels a bit like a tourist trap with souvenir trucks and stands selling things you probably won’t want to pack home.

That said, if you keep walking just a little further up to San Miniato al Monte (mentioned above), it gets quieter and honestly even more special.

Basilica of Santa Croce

Basilica Santa Croce is one of those spots in Florence that’s 100% worth popping into—especially if you love a little history with your sightseeing.

It’s famous for being the final resting place of some pretty big names like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, which is kind of wild when you think about it.

It’s not usually as crowded as the Duomo, but purchasing your timed entry tickets online in advance (€11 in 2025) is a smart idea just to make it easy and avoid waiting in any potential line as well as helping to plan your day :).

Ferragamo Museo*

One of our favorite little surprises in Florence was the Ferragamo Museo.

It’s tucked away inside the Palazzo Spini Feroni, and honestly, most people walk right past it without even knowing it’s there—which makes it a perfect escape from the crowds.

The museum tells the story of Salvatore Ferragamo, the legendary shoe designer who made custom shoes for Hollywood stars back in the day.

You get to see some of his original designs for many famous actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland ;0, learn about his journey from Italy to California and back, and explore some rotating exhibits on fashion and art.

It doesn’t take long—maybe 30 minutes give or take—but it’s worth the €10 (2025 price) to learn a little bit about this famous shoe designer.

It’s a hidden gem, and one of those stops that really surprised us in the best way.

Palazzo Gucci*

Just like the Ferragamo Museo, the Palazzo Gucci Museum feels like another little secret—and it quickly became one of our favorite things to see in Florence :).

Tucked away in Piazza della Signoria, this museum is a nice reprieve from the crowds—most people walk right by without even realizing it’s there (just like the Ferragamo Museo!).

The museum tells the story of Guccio Gucci, who started the brand in Florence back in 1921 after working as a bellhop in London and being inspired by luxury luggage.

It’s full of vintage pieces, fashion, and fun little surprises for anyone who loves design.

You only need about 30 to 45 minutes here, but it’s totally worth it.

Wine Windows*

One fun little thing to look for in Florence is the wine windows—yes, actual tiny windows where people sell wine straight through the wall!

There are over 150 of them scattered around the city, and they date back to the 1600s when wealthy families sold wine from their palaces to avoid taxes and limit contact during times of plague (how’s that for old-school social distancing?).

Some are just decorative now, but there are many that are still in use today.

Just pop “wine window” into Google Maps while you’re walking around, and chances are you’ll find one nearby (I have added a few to the Google map in the maps section above :)).

It’s a quirky, only-in-Florence kind of stop, and grabbing a glass through one of these little windows and then drinking it while standing on the street with all the other wine loving tourists is such a fun and easy way to enjoy the uniqueness of this Tuscan city :).

The Old Streets!

One of the best parts of Florence? Just wandering. Seriously—no plan, no map, just comfy shoes and a little curiosity.

Getting lost in those narrow cobblestone streets is part of the magic.

You’ll find quieter corners than the main tourist streets, local artisan shops, and those classic sidewalk market or bicycle photo ops.

Every little side street seems to open up to another postcard-worthy view—it’s the kind of place where you’ll stop mid-step to grab a photo without even realizing it.

Day Trip to Tuscany

We had a day trip to Tuscany all lined up with Florence Attaché, but I goofed up the date and ended up having to cancel—total bummer.

It was going to be a full day out to San Gimignano, Castello di Casole, and Volterra, and after reading up on each spot, I was so excited.

San Gimignano looked like the kind of place you’d want to wander with a gelato in hand, Volterra had all the charming old-world vibes, and Castello di Casole just looked unreal—like something out of a movie.

Since I missed it this time around, I’m already thinking a separate trip to Tuscany is in order, and I’d love to do it with both of my daughters.

Liv Tours is another great company to use for any type of tour you would want in Tuscany or Florence – learn more here.

Here are some other Tuscany day trip tour options if you would rather join a group:

What to Wear in October in Florence

Packing for Italy in October is all about layering—think lightweight sweaters for cooler mornings and evenings, dresses or lightweight pants, and most importantly comfortable walking shoes.

Since there’s always a chance of rain, a see-through umbrella and a stylish raincoat will keep you dry while strolling through the streets of Italy in early fall :).

A smart and fashionable crossbody purse is also a must when traveling abroad (or anywhere for that point!) – this sling/crossbody option is one of my favorites. I recently purchased this option as well and love it so much – I bought it in two colors!

Our Italy October 2024 Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Pisa on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Pisa 8:15pm | Stay 2 nights at Palazzo Feroci

DAY 3 | Pisa: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri, Palazzo Blu, The Church of Santa Maria della Spina, Pisa Cathedral, Battistero di San Giovanni, Camposanto, Ancient Walls of Pisa,

DAY 4 | Used DayTrip to drive us to Vernazza in Cinque Terre with stops in Lucca and Lerici | Stay 3 nights at Vernazza AirBnb

DAY 5 | Cinque Terre: Flytographer then walk Cinque Terre Trail from Vernazza to Monterosso

DAY 6 | Cinque Terre: train to Riomaggiore to walk Lover’s Lane to Manarola – Pesto class at Nessun Dorma then train back to Vernazza

DAY 7 | Massive Rainstorm – evacuated to Florence via train + private car | Stay 1 night at Helvetia & Bristol

DAY 8 | Florence: Moved hotels to Casa G Firenze – stay 4 nights | Gucci Museum, Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

DAY 9 | Florence: Climb Duomo 9:45am tickets, Galleria Academia 12:30p tickets, Ponte Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce 4p tickets

DAY 10 | Florence: Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, walk uphill to Basilica di San Miniato, walk downhill to Piazzale Michelangelo

DAY 11 | Florence: Uffizi Gallery tickets 10:45a, Boboli Gardens, Riccardi Medici Palace

DAY 12 | Fly Pisa to New York City via London on British Airways (stayed 2 nights in NYC with my daughter who lives there before flying back to San Diego)

I hope this post provided everything you need to know to visit Florence, Italy.

This is the kind of trip that feeds your soul and fills your camera roll (app ;0).

Florence gives you the beauty, the culture, and just the right amount of fun to leave you feeling inspired and completely recharged.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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