Florence, Italy in 48 Hours

My first time in Florence was not enjoyable. I was on week four of my 16 week study abroad experience, and my long-distance boyfriend and I were right in the middle of a major communication breakdown-turned fight. I allowed this to completely taint my 48 hours in this gorgeous city, and I am forever thankful that I decided to try again before coming back to the U.S.

No matter what your interests are, being in the birthplace of the Renaissance is a bucket-list experience. However, I’ve found the people I know who are interested in art appreciate this city much more than the people who do not, which is understandable since this city is where Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and countless other artists grew up. On top of that, Florence is in the Tuscany region of Italy, so it’s surrounded by breathtaking small towns and villages that make perfect little day trips from Santa Maria Novella train station. 

When to go:

Every person that goes to any place is going to tell you that when they went is the “best time to go.” I, regrettably, am not an exception. I think you should go around the same time of year I went:) However, going both in the summer and in the early spring, I have enough experience from both to say that going in the cooler months was so much more enjoyable than going in the hot summer. My biggest reason for this is the food. The Tuscany region in the winter had some of the best comfort food I have ever eaten, and this is coming from someone born and raised in the south. When I tried those same warm, delicious Italian comfort foods with sweat trickling down my back under the aggressive sun, not only were these once amazing foods unenjoyable, but they were outright disgusting. Some of the local shops refuse to serve those dishes altogether, an attitude I respect after trying the same food under both conditions. Tuscan food is much better enjoyed when craving something warm. The whole city is better enjoyed walking around in a light jacket, instead of trying to take as much clothing off as feels appropriate. I will always be an advocate for spring and fall travelling over visiting places in the hot summer and tourist-trap months.

What to See:

The city of Florence is incredibly walkable, with a lot of the major highlights not too far away from each other. My number one must-see is the Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Bonus points if you can get a ticket to climb to the top, as well as climbing up to the top of the bell tower next door.

Climbing the tower, as well as visiting some art galleries, are two fun things to do that you must be prepared for, or else you may miss the experience or wait in a long line. My favorites were Galleria dell’Accademia to see the real David sculpture by Michelangelo, and the Galleria Uffizi was also beautiful. Many tours will combine the two, so you can see both. The Boboli Gardens at Pitti Palace are stunning to slowly stroll through in the morning. 

Ava and I finished one of our nights climbing to the top of the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo and watching the sun set over a perfect view of the city. The last place to see is Ponte Vecchio at night, when the street performers are out and people are dancing.

What to Eat:

My best food recommendation would absolutely be to get what is seasonally eaten by the locals. When I first visited in the winter, I was recommended by a local to eat at I Raddi di Santo Spirito and try ribollita (a warm veggie and bean soup) and a panini con porchetta (a roast pork sandwich). This meal honestly changed my life, not to be dramatic or anything, and Ava and I frequently bring it up whenever we’re feeling a chill in the air. However, this place is not the only restaurant with a great panini section.

Relatively any place you go is sure to have a delicious sandwich. All’Antico Vinaio is a really popular one that is honestly worth the major line, if you can handle the snappy workers at the front. They expect you to know what you’re getting as soon as it’s your turn to speak, and make sure to have a backup option ready in case they’re out of ingredients for your first choice. Besides paninis, Florence is well-known for their steak, so we, of course, had to try and weren’t disappointed. As a coffee and sweet enthusiast, I’m telling you that you can’t leave the city without trying a Florentine affogato. Italian espresso over homemade gelato may just be a little piece of heaven on earth. These four foods are a must while visiting the beautiful city.

What to Buy:

Leather Leather Leather. There are tons of amazing markets that sell all kinds of Florentine leather bags, jackets, keychains, and other personal keepsakes to bring back with you. My favorite market was Mercato del Porcellino, although the shops around Mercato Centrale also had really unique options as well. 

Another fun souvenir to get in this city is getting a digital print at Foto Automatica, original vintage photo booths located around the city. This is a fun memory to capture with your loved ones to take home and keep forever. 

This list provides plenty of activities and check offs for 48 hours in Florence, so you can feel like you truly explored the city of Florence without feeling overwhelmed or in a time crunch. 

Travel experiences are only as enjoyable as you allow them to be. Please learn from my mistakes, and don’t allow an unfortunate memory to deter your willingness to try again. Everyone’s perspective is going to be different, and you cannot allow other people to discourage your excitement about exploring a new place and gaining those memories for yourself.