Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in the Tuscan Capital

Hailed as the cradle of the Renaissance, the period that brought Europe out of the dark times of the Middle Ages, Florence is one of the most stunning cities in the world. From its churches and art to its museums, palaces, squares and viewpoints, everything in the city seems to have been crafted with an aesthetic purpose, as if declaring that a new civilization would flourish here. The end result can still be witnessed today, as Florence is probably the only place capable of giving Rome a run for its money for the title of Italy’s most spectacular city (a country that is arguably the most beautiful in Europe).

Besides its undeniable charm, Florence also benefits from its location in the breathtaking region of Tuscany, where rolling green hills stretch to the horizon, filling the landscape with sleepy villages, historic towns, vineyards and expansive valleys. In fact, for those with extra time in hands, taking a few days for a road trip through Tuscany is one of the most rewarding journeys you can experience in Italy!

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Florence 3-day travel guide and discover the best the city has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Florence in 3 days.

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Florence – Flights from Ireland

Although Florence is the biggest and most important city in Tuscany, the region’s biggest and busiest airport is located in Pisa, about 80km to the west. Nonetheless, Florence still boasts its very own air hub: the Amerigo Vespucci Airport.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Ireland and Florence, which is why many travelers choose to fly into Pisa International Airport instead, relying on the train or the bus to get to Florence upon landing (more info on the subsection about transportation between airports and city center). In this case, you can fly into Pisa from Dublin (Ryanair and Aer Lingus) and Cork (Ryanair).

How many days do I need to visit Florence?

Considering Florence’s universal appeal and widespread beauty, any time you choose to spend in the city will always be deemed worth it. Besides, even if you don’t get to visit everything you want, it’s all the more reason to comeback one day! That being said, if you take a 3-day city break or a special weekend getaway, you’ll be able to experience the very best Florence has to offer. In fact, should you keep up the pace, you may even squeeze in a day trip to Siena! However, factor in an extra day or two for the time you’ll need to commute between Pisa and Florence in case you land in the former.

On the other hand, the more day trips you take to explore the Tuscan countryside (with classics such as Lucca, Pisa or San Gimignano), the more time you’ll obviously need to see it all.

Florence 3-day travel guide – Best time to visit the city

Not a lot of wiggle room to be creative here! Considering the city is located in Southern Europe, Spring, Summer and Fall are definitely the most sought-after months when it comes to booking a trip to Florence, with the period between May and September standing out as the most researched. However, keep in mind Summer months can at times feel scorching hot in the Tuscan capital, and accommodation prices will be through the roof!

That said, you may choose to visit during shoulder-season, when temperatures tend to be more pleasant, the streets less crowded and the prices less heavy on the wallet. On the other hand, for a budget-friendlier experience, Winter isn’t a bad time to visit Florence either. After all, Tuscany is known for its sunny weather all-year-round, and temperatures will probably be warmer than what you’re used to back home.

Documents needed for your trip to Florence

Since Italy is part of the EU, Irish citizens only need to show a valid ID Card in order to be granted access to the country.

Florence 3-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

Since Italy is part of the Eurozone, just like Ireland, there is no currency exchange, with both nations using the Euro. As such, travelers are able to use the same credit/debit card that they utilize back at home without incurring in any fees. However, keep in mind some local banks or networks (such as the infamous Euronet ATM’s) may charge you a flat fee per withdrawal upon detecting that you’re using a foreign card.

Nevertheless, and so that you can get a tighter grip on your travel budget and things don’t slide out of control, we always recommend using Revolut. Although in Italy you won’t be able to take advantage of the card’s most redeeming quality – to allow you to withdraw foreign currency without any exchange fees – this is still a pretty useful tool.

By using the bank’s online app, you will have immediate access to your balance, as well as all your expenses, allowing you to check in real time whether you’ve been charged any fees for your withdrawals or not. Besides, you may just load your card with the exact daily amount you want to spend on your trip, helping you to avoid overspending and going over your budget. Plus, if you find yourself in a situation where your card got lost or stolen, the only money you stand to lose is amount you had loaded your card with. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Florence 3-day travel guide – Common scams and frauds

Overall, Italy is an extremely safe travel destination – and Florence is certainly no exception!

Be that as it may, as with any big (or small) city, it’s important to always use common sense and keep your wits about you. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy public transportation tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas (pickpocketing seems to be a thing around the most popular areas). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Plus, we recommend being especially cautious when ordering in restaurants located in touristy areas. Always make sure to check the price on the menu before ordering, otherwise, you might get an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives!

Regardless, your main risk when visiting Florence will be scammers and tots – the same as any city with this much tourism. The advice is always the same: the more you engage, the greater the chance that things won’t go too well for you! Simply ignore any suspicious approaches and don’t engage with activities that are illegal or too good to be true. This doesn’t mean you can’t interact with anyone or need to be constantly on high alert—just take basic precautions to avoid becoming a target. Regarding specific scams in Florence, it’s quite common to find fake charity collectors, another common practice in many other European hotspots. Unless the volunteers are properly identified, the likelihood of it being just another scheme to extract money from unsuspecting tourists is extremely high. The same goes for street vendors “offering” you bracelets or strangers who found a golden ring they’d like to “gift” you. Just don’t be too gullible and you’ll be fine!

Where to sleep in Florence – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Florence 3-day travel guide then we got you covered!

To the surprise of exactly 0 people, Florence is the kind of place where accommodation will take up a big chunk of your travel budget. Although prices were never low to begin with, the last few years have seen room rates skyrocket to downright absurd numbers, even in less central areas. While you can still find good bargains when it comes to restaurants, transportation and supermarkets, finding a cheap place to sleep – especially during peak tourist season – is like finding a needle in a haystack.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel – My Friends
• € – Villa Gelsomino Garden
• €€ – Hotel Ungherese Small Luxury Hotel
• €€€ – The Moon Boutique Hotel & Spa
• €€€€ – Hotel Cerretani Firenze – MGallery Collection

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the airports and the city centre

From Amerigo Vespucci Airport to Florence city centre

If you’re flying directly into Florence, the best way to travel between Amerigo Vespucci Airport and the city centre is by using line T2 from the local tram system. This line operates daily between 05h00 and 00h30 (extending to 02h00 on Fridays and Saturdays), with a new tram coming in every 7 to 18 minutes, depending on the time of day. The final stop – Unità – is located in the downtown area, and it will take you about 20 minutes to get there. You can get your ticket from the automatic machines inside the terminal for just €1,70.

No entanto, e para referência, o valor base diurno para um dia útil (menos de 4 passageiros; até 7 malas) é de €31,00 por trajecto, incluindo já o suplemento aeroportuário. Uma nota final relativamente às apps de ride-sharing. Dada a animosidade entre os taxistas convencionais e plataformas como a Uber, a lei local dita que apenas veículos premium (Uber Black) estejam disponíveis online. Como resultado, pedir um táxi através da app é mais caro do que recorrer aos táxis de rua.

As an alternative to the tram, you may always rely on the good, old taxi! Official cabs charge fixed prices for trips between the airport and the city center, which may vary according to the time of day, the day of the week, the number of passengers and even the amount of luggage. For reference, though, the standard rate for a trip taking place in the morning/afternoon on a work day (less than 4 passengers; up to 7 pieces of luggage) would be €31,00 one-way, inclusive of the airport supplement. A final note regarding ride-sharing apps in Florence! Considering the fierce animosity between conventional cab drivers and platforms such as Uber, the local council decided to only allow premium vehicles (Uber Black) to be made available through these apps. As a result, ordering an Uber is actually more expensive than flagging a random taxi on the street.

From Pisa International Airport to Florence city centre

Considered the biggest and busiest airport in Tuscany, and as previously mentioned, many tourists actually choose to fly into Pisa in order to visit Florence. If that’s also your case, rest assured there are plenty of ways to cover the 80 km separating both cities (and you won’t have to spend a lot to do so). That said, the best way to travel between Pisa Airport and Florence is to hop on a train from Trenitalia. Surprisingly, this airport is located less than 2 km away from the Pisa Central Station, meaning you can actually walk that short distance before catching the train. Alternatively, you can just get on the PisaMover, a high-speed railway line that will drop you off at the station in just 5 minutes. Tickets for the PisaMover cost €6,50 one-way and can be purchased online. Either way, you can board the train to Florence upon arriving at the station. There are at least 3 to 5 services per hour linking both cities, with trains running from 04h15 to 22h30. Expect the trip to take between 50 minutes and 1h20, and ticket prices to hover around €9-€12. Once again, we recommend buying tickets online.

Another option, if you prefer to avoid carrying your bags and navigating a foreign train station, would be to book a bus trip with Sky Blue Lines. This service runs between both airports in Pisa and Florence, connecting them in just 60 minutes. After making it to Florence Airport, you can follow the instructions shared above to get to the city center by tram. Tickets for the bus cost €14,99, and you can check schedules and buy your tickets right here.

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – Public transportation

Considering how big and popular Florence really is, it’s quite surprising that the city is served by a pretty basic public transportation network, especially when compared to some of its famous Italian and European counterparts. However, this won’t really affect your experience as a tourist, since the Centro Storico is quite compact and perfect to explore on foot. Plus, even if you’re staying in the outskirts, the buses and trams will be more than enough to help you travel back and forth between the city center and your place of accommodation.

Be that as it may, the tram is definitely the most useful public transport for tourist visiting Florence, so it’s definitely worth getting a quick overview of how to navigate it.

Florence Tram – Maps, Tickets and Times

Consisting of just 2 lines and fewer than 40 stations, Florence’s tram network is the most efficient way to travel between the city center and the outskirts (including the airport). In the near future, two additional lines are set to be inaugurated, along with plans to extend the existing lines into the heart of the historic center. For now, though, the network only reaches as far as Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, just outside the core of the city. Despite its limited size, the system is fully integrated into Google Maps, allowing passengers to track trams in real-time and easily find out which one to catch.

The tram operates every day from 05h00 to 00h30, with extended hours until 02h00 on Friday and Saturday nights. Waiting times can range from 5 to 18 minutes, depending on the line and the time of day.

As for fares, standard tickets allow you to travel between any tram or bus station (the ticket is valid on both) within 90 minutes and can be purchased at vending machines or participating kiosks for €1,70. Upon boarding, always make sure to validate your ticket. Alternatively, and while there are no unlimited tourist passes, you can choose to buy an Agile 10 Card, which includes 10 rides for €15,50 (€1,55 per ride).

Florence 3-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Florence, you have the option to explore the city with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Florence, a reasonable minimum tip would be around €10,00.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Florence:

• La Bussola Free Tours
• Florence Free Tour-Tale
• Original Florence

Florence 3-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

While it may be tight, with 3 full days in Florence you’ll have just enough time to cover the city’s main highlights, especially if you want to visit every single museum. Still, if you’re keen on making some quick detours, it’s still possible to at least check out a handful of places that might otherwise fly under the radar.

That being said, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Florence in 3 days:

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella: Despite being located directly across from the main train station, this church is often overlooked by visitors in detriment of other more popular sites. This is a mistake – especially since part of its stunning interior was crafted by Michelangelo himself! Plus, this church boasts the single, oldest façade in all of Florence.

Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: Now transformed into a perfume shop, this unique space is one of the contenders for the title of the world’s oldest pharmacy, having been originally established by the clergy of the nearby basilica. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth stepping inside to admire its museum-like interiors!

Hospital of the Innocents: In its heyday, Florence was so extraordinarily wealthy that even its orphanages were built like palaces! Inaugurated in the 15th century, this was Europe’s very first orphanage, created in response to a surge in abandoned babies. For the job, the Médicis decided to hire none other than Brunelleschi – one of Italy’s leading architects and sculptors. Different times!

Mercato Centrale: Located right in the heart of Florence, it can be challenging to find the city’s authentic side when exploring its major tourist area. Thankfully, the main market is a fantastic spot to mingle with the locals and enjoy some delicious food.

San Miniato al Monte: While most tourists stop their climb at the popular Piazzale Michelangelo, those who venture an additional 500 meters uphill will be rewarded with an even better view (and far fewer crowds) from the church of San Miniato al Monte. If you’ve got the energy, then this is definitely worth the extra effort!

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 72 Hours

As mentioned above, and especially if you really want to visit the most popular museums, 3 days isn’t a particularly long period to explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. In between all the amazing things to see and do and all the queues you’ll have to line to get there, you’ll need to plan everything out quite thoroughly. Still, and with a full 72 hours, you can appreciate the monumental magnificence of Piazza del Duomo, explore the legacy of the Médici in San Lorenzo, see the legendary sculpture “David” (by Michelangelo) at Galleria dell’Accademia, walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio and even climb up to Piazzale Michelangiolo for that traditional postcard-picture of Florence. Plus, if you keep up the pace and are wiling to compromise on a museum or two, you may even take the final stage of the itinerary to go on a day trip to lovely Siena!

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Florence in 3 days:

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 1: Piazza del Duomo, San Lorenzo and Palazzo Vecchio

Welcome to Florence – the heart of the Renaissance and the place where foundations were laid for an era of artistic, cultural and economic flourishing that would eventually spread across the Old Continent. Driven by the immense wealth of the Médicis, one of the most powerful and influential families of the time, no expenses were spared to turn Florence into one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael and Brunelleschi commissioned to design and embellish churches, palaces and monuments. Luckily for you, today it’s your time to witness the megalomaniac results of this epic endeavor! As a legacy of Florence’s countless cultural riches, your first stop will take place at the Galleria dell’Accademia (€16,00). We know very well not everyone has the taste (or the patience) for art museums – and that’s totally understandable. Still, there are at least two museums in Florence that you simply cannot miss (and we’re skipping many others as it is). If you need an extra dose of motivation, remember this institution houses Michelangelo’s legendary David – arguably the most famous sculpture in the world! After admiring this iconic masterpiece, you can make a pitstop for breakfast at Mercato Centrale. Located right in the heart of Florence, it can be challenging to find the city’s authentic side when exploring its major tourist area. Thankfully, the main market is a fantastic spot to mingle with the locals and enjoy some delicious food.

After calming your munchies, make your way to the Basilica di San Lorenzo (€9,00), a church designed to serve as the Médici’s private place of worship. In fact, this was supposed to be such an important project that the family even ordered their own private mausoleum to be built inside the complex, where their most important members were to be buried. More than just an impressive basilica, this is actually an extremely valuable cultural and architectural complex, featuring unbelievable interiors crafted by Michelangelo and Donatello all over its chapels and tombs. While you’re at it, make sure not to miss the historic Biblioteca Laurenziana, probably the basilica’s most striking feature. A bit further to the west, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella (€7,50) is well worth the detour. Despite being located directly across from the main train station, this church is often overlooked by visitors in detriment of other more popular sites. This is a mistake – especially since part of its stunning interior was crafted by Michelangelo himself! Plus, this church boasts the single, oldest façade in all of Florence. Nearby, take a moment to visit the Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Now transformed into a perfume shop, this unique space is one of the contenders for the title of the world’s oldest pharmacy, having been originally established by the clergy of the nearby basilica. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth stepping inside to admire its museum-like interiors!

Ready for the next stop? Better be, because our itinerary is leading you straight to the most famous spot in Florence! We’re obviously referring to the awe-inspiring Piazza del Duomo, one of the most magnificent squares you will ever gaze your eyes upon. The square is dominated by several monumental buildings that help form the towering Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the city’s number 1 tourist attraction and a living symbol of tourism in Florence (its huge terracotta dome is just instantly recognizable). As one comes to expect when entering any historic building in Florence, the interiors are nothing short of jaw-dropping (and we don’t even need to tell you the names of the artists who crafted it, do we?). While the cathedral itself is free to enter, you’ll need a ticket (Brunelleschi Pass – €30,00) to visit the Opera del Duomo Museum and to climb both the dome and the Giotto’s Campanile. The same pass also grants access to the Battistero di San Giovanni, the octagonal building smacked right in the middle of the square. As the day winds down, head to the bustling Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll find the Neptune Fountain and the Palazzo Vecchio (€12,50), the Médicis’ former residence and seat of government. An impressive place… after all, if the powerful family commissioned churches that beautiful, one wouldn’t certainly expect less of their very own home! Back in the square, make a quick stop at the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery, before finishing your tour at the Basilica di Santa Croce (€8,00), a sort-of pantheon for Florence’s most prodigal sons, where personalities such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli or Rossini are laid to rest.

First day wrap-up:

• Galleria dell’Accademia
• Mercato Centrale
• Basilica di San Lorenzo
• Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
• Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
• Piazza del Duomo
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Battistero di San Giovanni
• Piazza della Signoria
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Loggia dei Lanzi
• Basilica di Santa Croce

Where to eat in Florence – Best restaurants in Centro Storico and Santa Croce

• All’Antico Vinaio (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Pino’s Sandwiches – Salumeria Verdi (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Il Cernacchio (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Trattoria da Rocco (Italian traditional)
• Osteria Buongustai (Italian traditional)
• Osteria de’ Peccatori (Italian traditional)
• Pizzeria O’Vesuvio (pizza)
• Sushinami Florence (all-you-can-eat sushi)
• Mercato Centrale (market)

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 2: Uffizi Galleries, Ponte Vechio and Piazzale Michelangiolo

Although you’ve already covered quite a lot of ground on your first day in Florence, day two offers yet another round of equally iconic landmarks, this time mostly located on the southern bank of the Arno River. Be that as it may, and just like yesterday though, you’ll start your day on the northern side of the river with a visit to another of Europe’s most prestigious art museums. Installed inside a stunning Médici palace, the Uffizi Galleries (€12,00 from January 10 to February 20 and November 10 to December 20; €25,00 during the rest of the year) house masterpieces from renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Albrecht Dürer and Botticelli (his famous “The Birth of Venus” is displayed here). Plus, and even if art isn’t really your thing, the impressive architecture and details on the palace’s rooms and halls are nothing short of mesmerizing. After the galleries, it is then time to cross over to the other side of the river via the Ponte Vecchio, one of the prettiest bridges in the world. Despite its medieval age and elegant arches, the Ponte Vecchio truly stands out for its charming line of shops that still operate along its length. While it is true that with the passage of time and the influence of gentrification the traditional butchers and grocers have given way to jewelry stores and souvenir shops, this bridge remains an essential stop on any itinerary in the heart of Tuscany.

Once in the southern bank, you will be officially entering the district of Santo Spirito, a charming area that feels like a more laid-back version of Florence’s historic center. Beyond the usual narrow streets, picturesque squares and old churches, it is highly recommended to check out the quarter of Oltrarno, one of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods. Furthermore, Santo Spirito is also home to the Palazzo Pitti, the largest and most spectacular palace in Florence. Originally built for the Pitti family, it was later acquired by the Médici (of course!), who expanded it into the magnificent complex it is today, complete with art galleries, royal apartments and several museums. Behind the palace, make sure to explore the Boboli Gardens, a stunning landscape masterpiece composed of expansive parks, monumental buildings, fountains and pavilions. To save a few euros, you can buy the combined ticket for both the palace and gardens for €22,00. Considering the usually long lines at both the galleries and the palace, there’s a pretty high chance you won’t have time for much else. So, to bid adieu to Florence in style (as tomorrow you’ll be going on a day trip), head up to the Piazzale Michelangiolo, the city’s most celebrated viewpoint. If you’re wondering where to get the view that seems to adorn every single postcard of the city – this is it! While most visitors stop here, those who venture an additional 500 meters uphill will be rewarded with an even better view (and far fewer crowds) from the church of San Miniato al Monte. If you’ve got the energy, then this is definitely worth the extra effort!

Second day wrap-up:

• Uffizi Galleries
• Ponte Vecchio
• Santo Spirito (Oltrarno)
• Palazzo Pitti
• Boboli Gardens
• Piazzale Michelangiolo
• San Miniato al Monte

Where to eat in Florence – Best restaurants Santo Spirito

• I’Brindellone (Italian traditional)
• Trattoria La Casalinga (Italian traditional)
• Osteria Santo Spirito (Italian traditional)
• Trattoria I’ Raddi (Italian traditional)
• Al Tranvai (Italian traditional)
• Trattoria 4 Leoni (Italian traditional)
• Trattoria dell’Orto (Italian traditional)
• Pizzium (pizza)
• La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale (gelato)
• Babae (varied)

Florence 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 3: Day trip to Siena

If you managed to see everything we suggested in the previous 48 hours, well done! After all, you’ve just freed up a full day to explore Siena, arguably the most popular day trip from Florence. It’s easy to understand why this place became so famous, since Siena’s historic center is a true wonder of Gothic architecture with its homogenous brick buildings and medieval lanes. Nonetheless, and before diving into the itinerary, let’s just get the logistics out of the way. Located less than 80 km away from Florence, traveling between the two cities is easy-breezy, whether by train or bus. Regarding the former, train connections are managed by Trenitalia, with at least one direct train connection every hour between 06h00 and 22h00. Expect a journey time of about 90 minutes, with round-trip tickets costing around €20,00. For buses, there’s always Flixbus, with several daily departures (60 minutes each way) starting at €15,00 for a round trip.

Once you arrive in Siena, you’ll waste no time and head straight to the breathtaking Piazza del Campo, considered the heart of the city and its main tourist attraction. In fact, if you search for images of Siena on Dr. Google, this is likely the first sight you’ll come across Understandably, as this is one of Europe’s most charming and impressive squares. Occupying pretty much an entire flank of the square is the impressive Palazzo Pubblico, the historic town hall. While its Gothic exterior is notable, the interiors are equally stunning, as the Médici (who ruled over all of Tuscany from Florence) also had a saying in the development of many classical buildings in Siena. While you can technically enter the Palazzo for free, the most remarkable rooms are part of the Museo Civico (€6,00). Adjacent to the town hall, you can also climb the Torre del Mangia (€10,00) for one of the best views of the city! If you want to visit both the Museo Civico and the tower, you can get a combined ticket for €15,00. Beyond the magnificent Piazza, the only site able to rival it in grandeur is the stunning Siena Cathedral. Similar to Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this incredible building is even more extraordinary on the inside and also forms part of a monumental complex that includes a museum, a baptistery and a crypt, as well as the Piccolomini Library, whose walls are completely covered in vivid frescoes. In order to access the entire complex, including the cathedral, you’ll need an Opa SI Pass, with prices depending on the number of sites you wish to visit. The basic pass (Cathedral + Piccolomini Library) costs €10,00, while the full pass covering the entire complex is available for €18,00.

Apart from these iconic sites, the best way to experience Siena is to wander through its narrow medieval streets, discovering historic palaces and charming corners at every turn. As you explore, be sure to cross some of the “minor” city highlights off your list, such as the Facciatone (included in the Opa SI Pass), the unfinished façade of a planned cathedral, the quaint Piazza Salimbeni, and a couple of other historic churches, like the Santuario di Santa Caterina and the Basilica di San Domenico. Among these secondary sights, most visitors tend to enjoy the Santa Maria della Scala (€9,00). Originally one of Europe’s first hospitals, it has been transformed into a museum complex known for its frescoes, sculptures and chapels, and is probably the only must-see among these lesser-known attractions. Enjoy your time in Siena, soak it all in… but be mindful of the time, because there’s a train or bus to catch if you want to make it back to Florence in time for your flight back home!

Third day wrap-up:

• Piazza del Campo
• Palazzo Pubblico (Museo Civico)
• Torre del Mangia
• Siena Cathedral
• Facciatone
• Santa Maria della Scala
• Piazza Salimbeni
• Santuario di Santa Caterina
• Basilica di San Domenico

Where to eat in Tuscany – Best restaurants in Siena

• II Bocconcino (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Il Vinaio di Bobbe e Davide (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Du’ Cose Da Berna (traditional Italian sandwiches)
• Antica Trattoria Papei (Italian traditional)
• Osteria Permalico (Italian traditional)
• Osteria Degli Svitati (Italian traditional)
• Fischi per Fiaschi (Italian traditional)
• La Piccola Ciaccineria (pizza)

Got more than 3 days in Florence? Then you might want to check out other amazing day trips from the city:

Lucca: Known as one of Italy’s loveliest historic towns, Lucca is yet another stunning example of the Renaissance influence in Tuscany. Popular tourist activities include walking along the iconic defensive walls, climbing the Guinigi Tower for breathtaking views and exploring the town’s most picturesque sites, such as the Lucca Cathedral, the San Michele in Foro Church and the Piazza del Mercato, where a Roman amphitheater used to stand.

Pisa: Do we really need to say anything about this place? Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this city offers the quintessential opportunity to snap that classic photo pretending to hold up the quirky tower. Along with Siena, this one is perhaps the most popular day trip from Florence, and is particularly worth visiting if you, like many other tourists, are flying into/from Pisa.

San Gimignano: By far the smallest town on this list, the charming village of San Gimignano is known for its impressive medieval towers. In fact, at its height, there were over 70 stone towers rising high above the lush Tuscan hills. Now, “only” 13 towers remain, but the town has managed to preserve its enchanting medieval aura.

Bologna: We cap off our compilation with the only day trip outside of Tuscany. Nonetheless, and standing just 100 km apart from Florence, there is no way we wouldn’t include beautiful Bologna. Known as “La Rossa”, for the red and orange hues of virtually every single building in the Centro Storico, Bologna is home to the world’s oldest university and offers plenty to see and do to help you make the most of a day trip.