How to spend 5 days in Florence: The best itinerary + Where to stay

You’re planning to spend 5 days in Florence and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Florence in 5 days.

I will first give you all my best tips to avoid the long waiting lines (often more than 2 hours!) in front of the city’s must-see attractions such as Florence Cathedral.

Then, I will give you my optimized 5-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in the Florence.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips as well as accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Florence in 5 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My best Tips to save time at Florence’s must-see attractions

Florence is undoubtedly one of the most touristy cities in Italy.

At any time of the year, the capital of Tuscany welcomes numerous travelers eager to discover its iconic monuments and museums like the cathedral or the Uffizi Gallery, which obviously means queues!

But if you find yourself waiting, you didn’t follow my advice!

Indeed, there are several ways to avoid wasting time on your 5-day trip to Florence. Here they are:

1. The Florence Pass

Firstly, you can buy the Florence Pass to save time during your 5-day itinerary in Florence.

It includes access to the most important monuments and museums of Florence such as:

• Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Uffizi Gallery + Audio Guide
• Accademia Gallery + Audio Guide
• An audio guide to Florence with over 70 points of interest: perfect to know everything about the city!
• A 10% discount on a bunch of other activities in Florence

So to save time and enjoy your 5-day trip to Florence to the fullest, do as I do and buy the Florence Pass by clicking the button below:

2. Skip-the-Line Tickets for Florence Tourist Attractions

To visit Florence in 5 days while having a quick access to popular attractions, all you have to do is buy a skip-the-line ticket for each site.

What’s very convenient is that they are available for all the must-sees: the Duomo, the Accademia Gallery, the Uffizi Museum, the Pitti Palace…

You can also take the opportunity to book guided tours (some of which are in French) if you want to discover the history of certain monuments or the artworks displayed in museums in detail.

All tickets corresponding to my 5-day stay in Florence are listed below.

For more information and to make reservations, click on the orange links below (I will also put them back in the article as we go):

Visit Florence in 5 days: Highlights

• Guided tour of Florence’s historic center
• Ascent to Brunelleschi’s dome – Florence Duomo
• Guided tour of Florence’s dome
• Guided tour of the Duomo + Baptistery + Opera Museum del Duomo + 1 ticket to Giotto’s campanile
• Priority admission to the Accademia gallery
• Guided tour of the Accademia Gallery
• Priority admission to the Uffizi Gallery
• Guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery
• Florence Pass: priority admission to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries + access to the Duomo dome + 1 Florence audioguide
• Palazzio Vecchio skip-the-line ticket
• Guided tour of the Basilica of Santa Croce
• Cut-price ticket for the Bargello Museum
• Cut-price ticket for Medici chapels
• Medici theme guided tour
• Cut-price ticket for Palazzo Pitti + Palatine Gallery
• Cut-price ticket for Palazzo Pitti + Boboli Garden + Bardini Garden

One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-Day Stay in Florence

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As Florence is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Florence by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Florence.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Florence, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Visiting Florence in 5 Days: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start your 5-day itinerary in Florence!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Florence for 5 full days and that you will be using the Florence Pass or have purchased skip-the-line tickets in advance. It’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip 😄.

So, what are the best places to visit in Florence in 5 days?

Day One – Discovering Florence’s Historic Center

Visits for Day 1:

A. The Accademia Gallery
B. The Duomo’s Dome
C. The monuments on Piazza del Duomo
D. The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
E. The Basilica di San Lorenzo / Medici Chapels

A. The Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is one of the most famous museums of Florence, making it the perfect place to start this 5-day Florence journey.

This is where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David, one of the most renowned sculptures in the entire world. This Italian Renaissance symbol, towering at over 5 meters tall, represents David before his battle with Goliath.

The gallery also houses other masterpieces worth seeing, mainly concentrated in the Hall of Prisoners and the Sala del Colosso.

Also worth seeing is the room dedicated to ancient musical instruments.

If you’re looking for an essential highlight during your 5 days in Florence, don’t miss out on the Accademia Gallery!

B. Florence’s Duomo

Continue this first day of sightseeing by heading to the Piazza del Duomo, just a 5-minute walk from the gallery.

You’ll then come face-to-face with one of the largest cathedrals in the world (after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London): the Duomo of Florence.

Start by admiring its white and green marble exterior architecture, before stepping inside to discover the famous dome, adorned with scenes of the Last Judgment.

At 115 meters high and with a diameter of 45 meters, Brunelleschi’s dome is impressively large.

And equally impressive is the view you’ll enjoy after you’ve climbed the dome to access the Cathedral’s roof, where you can admire the entire city of Florence.

To learn more about visiting the Duomo, feel free to read my other article right here: Visiting Florence’s Cathedral.

For me, it’s the not-to-be-missed site during your 5 days in Florence!

Note that you can enter the cathedral for free if you don’t want to climb the dome. But it’s really not worth waiting in line just for that, as there’s nothing much to see inside. It’s very austere and all the artworks/sculptures that were there have been moved to the Opera Museum.

C. The Monuments of the Piazza del Duomo

Surrounding the cathedral, also located on the Piazza del Duomo, are several other monuments to see.

Among the list, notably the cathedral’s bell tower (Giotto’s Campanile – which you can climb via a staircase of 414 steps) and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. It’s not essential to go inside these buildings; you can choose just to walk by.

However, you need to visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (still on the same square).

Its very modern staging highlights the numerous statues and other works of art that are displayed here, which were previously found in the cathedral and on its facades.

The museum also features a terrace offering a stunning view of the exterior of the dome.

D. The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

After the Duomo, continue immersing yourself in the historic center by visiting the Basilica Santa Maria Novella.

The frescoes inside were created by the same artist as the dome of the cathedral, Brunelleschi.

You need to book your skip-the-line ticket for the basilica (which comes with a free audio guide in French) by clicking on the button below:

E. The Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels

For the next step of your 5-day trip to Florence, I suggest you visit another basilica, the Basilica di San Lorenzo.

It houses the famous Medici Chapels, where rest the tombs of the ancient wealthiest and most renowned family of Italy. Some parts, richly decorated, are the work of the famous Michelangelo.

Here too, don’t hesitate to book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long queues.

It’s not more expensive and it’s just a click away, right here:

F. The San Lorenzo Market

Next, make your way to the San Lorenzo Market, just a few meters from the basilica.

It’s indeed time to end this first day with a nice meal!

You can choose the dish you want to savor at one of the restaurants gathered in the food court area of the market. On the menu: Italian specialties of course, but also international cuisine.

I found the ambiance to be really pleasant with tables situated under a large glass roof, and the food is good.

The San Lorenzo Market is open for lunch and dinner, every day.

Day Two – Continuing the Tour of the Historic Center

Visits for Day 2:

A. The Uffizi Gallery
B. The Ponte Vecchio
C. The Piazza della Signoria / Palazzo Vecchio
D. The Bargello Museum Palace
E. The Basilica of Santa Croce

A. The Uffizi Gallery

Just like the previous day, I suggest you start your visits with a museum.

And not just any museum, as you’ll have the privilege of exploring a world-renowned museum: the Uffizi Gallery.

For art lovers, it’s paradise: dozens of sculptures and massive paintings created notably by Botticelli, Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci, that you can admire for hours.

And for those who aren’t typically fans of museums, I still highly recommend a visit. Everyone is sure to be impressed by the beautiful setting of the museum and its grandiose paintings.

B. The Ponte Vecchio

After leaving the museum, I suggest you go and admire another very famous spot in the city: the Ponte Vecchio. Just by following the river next to the Uffizi Gallery, you’ll find it only a few meters away.

To take photos and truly appreciate its unique architecture, head to Ponte Alle Grazie, Ponte Santa Trinita, or have a drink at the Lungarno Hotel bar.

There, you can admire the colorful little houses built on top of it. Back in the day, they were butcheries, but now, they have a completely different purpose as they house gold jewelry shops.

So now you know, on your 5-day visit to Florence, where to go if you want to bring back a beautiful souvenir!😆

C. Piazza della Signoria / Palazzo Vecchio

Let’s continue exploring the historic center with Piazza della Signoria, which I consider one of the most beautiful squares of the city.

It is surrounded by impressive buildings and at its center stands a huge fountain of the God Neptune atop his chariot.

You should also visit the Palazzo Vecchio. The palace, which today houses the town hall’s offices, was once the Medici family residence. As such, you can still admire the original frescoes and some paintings, all in excellent condition.

The visit also includes ascending the Palazzo’s tower, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful panorama of Piazza della Signoria.

You need to purchase a skip-the-line ticket (with audio guide) by clicking the button below:

D. The Bargello Palace Museum

Just a few minutes’ walk from Palazzo Vecchio is another palace worth visiting: the Bargello Palace.

Sculpture enthusiasts will be thrilled to admire masterpieces by Donatello and Michelangelo.

As usual, if you want to avoid waiting, you should purchase your ticket for the Bargello Palace in advance using the button below:

And if you’re starting to feel museum-fatigued, you should still admire the palace’s exterior and wander around the area. The neighborhood is quite charming.

E. The Basilica of Santa Croce

Finish this second day of your 5-day itinerary in Florence with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce.

It’s in the world’s largest Franciscan church that many Italian artists (such as Machiavelli, Galileo, Dante…) are buried.

The basilica’s garden is also worth a look as it offers the chance to observe the different architectural styles of the monument.

Third Day – What to Do in Florence?

Visits for day 3:

A. Pitti Palace
B. Boboli Gardens
C. Bardini Gardens
D. Michelangelo Square
E. Shopping in Florence

A. Pitti Palace

Your 5-day stay in Florence continues today on the other side of the Arno River.

From the historic center, you just need to cross the Ponte Vecchio and walk a few minutes to reach the first place to visit: Pitti Palace.

This palace was the residence of the Medici family after they left the Palazzo Vecchio, at the beginning of the 16th century.

The place is magnificent and includes several galleries where you can find jewels, clothing, and furniture that belonged to the Medici.

The royal apartments and the Palatine Gallery, consisting of no less than 20 rooms, also feature many masterpieces (Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, to name a few).

To book a guided tour of the palatine gallery, click here.

B. Boboli Gardens

The Pitti Palace also includes an immense Renaissance-style garden where you can stroll and get some fresh air after spending the beginning of the day indoors.

You can sit by a fountain or pond and enjoy a quiet moment.

Next to the Neptune fountain, you’ll also find the Porcelain Museum, whose entrance is included with the ticket to visit Boboli Gardens.

Note that the entrance ticket to Pitti Palace does not automatically include access to Boboli Gardens.

To visit both the palace and Boboli, here’s the combined ticket you need:

You can also choose to visit only the gardens (without Pitti Palace). In that case, this is the ticket you need:

C. Bardini Garden

The combined ticket for Pitti Palace + Boboli Gardens or the Boboli Gardens ticket also grants access to Bardini Garden.

Just a 5-minute walk from the Boboli Gardens, exit through the gate at the top of Boboli, towards the Forte Belvedere building.

Though it’s rather small, Bardini Garden is definitely worth a visit for the magnificent views it offers of the cathedral and the entire city of Florence.

D. Piazzale Michelangelo

To keep the momentum going and feast your eyes even more, you should then head to Florence’s most famous lookout: Piazzale Michelangelo.

A must-visit for a photo stop, here you can enjoy views of Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, and other landmarks of the city.

The more adventurous can continue their walk a bit further to the church of San Miniato al Monte, where you’ll find another picturesque viewpoint.

For trivia lovers, the cemetery of this church is the final resting place of the author of a book known to everyone: Pinocchio.

E. Shopping in Florence

Spend 5 days in Florence and not allotting at least a little time for shopping would be unthinkable!

Just like Milan or Rome, the city offers a wide selection of shops for window shopping.

Those with well-padded wallets should head to Vigna Nuova or Tornabuoni streets (close to Palazzo Vecchio/Piazza della Repubblica) to browse the luxury boutiques like Prada and Gucci.

Others will find happiness in more affordable brands such as Zara.

Day Four – Exploring the Surroundings of Florence

Let’s embark on the penultimate day of your 5-day trip to Florence.

After visiting most of the essential tourist sites, I suggest you leave the city to explore the surrounding area.

I’ve selected two very well-known and easily accessible towns perfect for a day trip close to Florence. You can choose your favorite:

• Option 1: Pisa
• Option 2: Siena
• Option 3: Combined 1-Day Tour – The Highlights of Tuscany

Option 1: Pisa

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa needs no introduction!

If you wish to spend a day in Pisa during your 5 days in Florence, you can simply take the train (only an hour’s journey!) or even more conveniently opt for an organized tour.

It’s really the best way if you don’t want the hassle of planning.

Everything is included, with no extra fees to expect:

• Round-trip transportation
• French-speaking guide for the day
• Guided tour of Pisa
• Climbing the tower + cathedral visit (tickets included!)

To book directly, click the button below:

Option 2: Siena

Another option for the day is to head out to visit Siena, located about 1h30 by train from Florence.

While less known than Pisa, the city is just as beautiful. The Siena Cathedral, for instance, is one of the most beautiful I’ve visited.

Both economical and convenient, I suggest you get the Opa Si Pass for visiting the cathedral and the other buildings in Piazza del Duomo without waiting in line:

For everything you need to know about places to visit in Siena, you should also read my article: Best things to do in Siena?

Option 3: Must-sees of Tuscany in One Day

What if I told you that you don’t need to choose between Pisa and Siena and that you can visit both in the same day?

Well, it’s possible with this comprehensive tour that allows you to discover the must-see cities around Florence all in one day.

It includes:

• Transportation
• Services of a guide
• A guided walking tour of Siena + Entrance ticket to Siena Cathedral
• Lunch at a winery in Chianti with wine tasting
• Visit to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit to Pisa.

To book this Tuscany excursion, just click on the button below:

Fifth Day – Day Trip Around Florence

As I mentioned, spending 5 days in Florence allows for some time to explore the surroundings.

For this final day, I’ve got two great organized excursions for you to choose from: Cinque Terre or the Chianti vineyards.

Unlike the previous day’s visits to Pisa and Siena, which could be done independently, these two locations are nearly impossible to visit on your own, so it’s best to opt for a tour with included transport.

Option 1: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is among the most beautiful places to visit on a trip to Italy.

The five small seaside villages with their colorful house facades are very typical and, more importantly, very photogenic.

The tour I’ve selected is also very comprehensive. You’ll head to Cinque Terre by bus from Florence and then move by train between the villages (which is the most convenient way to see everything).

A guide will be with you throughout the day for village tours but you’ll also get some free time to wander around at leisure.

You’ll then enjoy a wonderful sea cruise, perfect for taking in the most beautiful panoramas.

This excursion is so good that it comes with the GetYourGuide Originals certification, which means it’s satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!

To visit Cinque Terre during these 5 days in Florence, all you need to do is click the button below:

Option 2: The Chianti Vineyards

The second option is perfect for lovers of fine wine and those looking to stay closer to Florence.

If you’re a bit tired of city and monument tours, I suggest exploring the Tuscan countryside and discovering the wine estates that produce Chianti, a highly renowned wine from the region.

Since you’ll definitely need a vehicle for this day, you should opt for a tour with bus transportation. The one I chose includes a visit to several wineries and of course, multiple wine tastings!

And that’s not all, this excursion is so great it’s certified as a GetYourGuide Original, meaning it comes with a satisfaction or money-back guarantee!

Book this Chianti vineyard tour departing from Florence here:

You now have all my tips for visiting Florence in 5 days!

To round off your holiday planning, I still have a few extra tips to share.

Where to Stay in Florence

Thanks to my detailed itinerary, you now know how to visit Florence in 5 days!

Next, you’ll need to book your hotel.

Just a heads up: hotels offering the best value for money tend to get fully booked very quickly, as Florence is bustling with visitors throughout the year. Therefore, it’s best to book your accommodation as early as possible.

To help you out, I’ve prepared my selection of the city’s best hotels, ranging in price from hostels to 5-star hotels.

So, where should you stay for these 5 days in Florence?

• Plus Florence: A hostel located just 1 km from Piazza del Duomo. Beds in a dormitory starting at €25, breakfast at €7.50. Private double rooms start at €80 a night. Strong points: a pool, terrace with a view of the dome, comfort and cleanliness of the rooms and dormitories. An amazing budget-friendly option for 5 nights in Florence!
• Hotel St. James: Located near the Accademia Gallery. Spacious double room starting at €80 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the ideal location, private parking, warm welcome.
• TSH Florence Lavagnini: Situated a 15-minute walk from the cathedral. Modern and colorful double room starting at €95, breakfast at €12. Strong points: the rooftop with breathtaking views of Florence, swimming pool, architecture and design, range of services. My favorite for its value for money in Florence!
• c-hotels Ambasciatori: Located next to Santa Maria Novella church. Cozy and super comfortable double room from €160, breakfast at €10. Strong points: the great location, excellent breakfast, friendly staff. A fantastic choice for a stay in Florence!
• Horto Convento: Located 1 km from Pitti Palace. Tastefully decorated modern double room starting at €170, breakfast included. Strong points: the garden with terrace, tranquility, delicious breakfast, the hotel’s charm.
• NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa: A 5-star hotel 300 meters from Ponte Vecchio. Double rooms with clean decoration starting from €315. Strong points: the staff’s kindness, superb breakfast. My recommendation for a luxury stay in Florence.
• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: This 5-star hotel is located 15 minutes from the Uffizi Gallery and offers sumptuous rooms combining modern elements and Renaissance. Starting from €750, breakfast at €48. Strong points: the Spa, the Michelin-starred restaurant, the magnificent park. One of the best luxury hotels in Florence!

5 Days in Florence with Family

It’s true that this 5-day Florence itinerary includes quite a few museums, which might bore children quickly. However, it’s worth noting that most of them are free for children under 18.

For a family stay in Florence, I therefore recommend adapting the visits a bit.

Some of the activities that children love include:

• Strolling around Piazza del Duomo
• A cooking class to learn how to make an authentic Italian pizza as a family
• A family-friendly guided tour of Florence where everyone can participate in a treasure hunt through the streets of Florence
• A walk in the Boboli and Bardini gardens for some fresh air and a change from museums
• Tasting a delicious Italian gelato (and you don’t have to be a child for that!!)
• Exploring the Leonardo da Vinci Museum
• Visiting the Galileo Museum, the history of science museum – More fun and interactive than looking at paintings!
• For the little ones, enjoying a carousel ride on Piazza della Repubblica.

More Things to Do and See in Florence in 5 Days

Do you want to customize this 5-day Florence itinerary a bit more by adding activities or modifying the route?

That’s entirely possible!

You can find my complete guide with all the things to do and see in my other article.

Just click on the following link for access: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Florence.

Map of Your 5-Day Florence Itinerary

To help you visualize your itineraries over these 5 days in Florence, I have created a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map’s legend by clicking the button in the top left corner with a small arrow. This will allow you to view the itineraries for each day.

Visiting Florence for 5 Days: Flight Prices

Florence has an international airport.

Since flight prices to Italy can vary greatly, it’s a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. For this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the best way to ensure you get the best price.

Now you know how to visit Florence in 5 days!

If you need help planning your 5-day itinerary in Florence, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments.

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling in Italy? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Italy: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!

• Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
• Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
• Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
• Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
• Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
• Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
• Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)

• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence
• 4 days in Florence
• 5 days in Florence

• 2 days in Milan
• 3 days in Milan
• 4 days in Milan

• 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
• 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
• One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary

• 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips

• Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
• Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay

• Omnia Card: The definitive guide

• Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
• Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
• Rome’s Hidden Gems: The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
• The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!

• Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
• Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!