2-Day Family Food, Wine & Shopping Adventure in Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

2 days

Shopping

Food and wine

Family

Tourist

Medieval stone bridge Ponte Vecchio over Arno river

About Florence, Italy

Experience the heart of the Renaissance in Florence, Italy. This city is a treasure trove of art and architecture, home to masterpieces like Michelangelo's "David" and Brunelleschi's Dome. Wander through the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and marvel at the grandeur of the Florence Cathedral. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Tuscan cuisine, especially the famous Florentine steak. Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and enjoy the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence's compact size makes it perfect for walking tours, allowing you to soak in its rich history and vibrant culture at your own pace. Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff, Florence promises an unforgettable journey.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Culinary Scene and Historic City Centre

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the bustling Central Market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and buy fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional Tuscan products. It's a great place to get a feel for the city's culinary scene.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria. Try traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup, or bistecca alla fiorentina, a T-bone steak cooked over a wood fire.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the historic city center. Visit the iconic Duomo, stroll through the picturesque streets, and shop for leather goods and jewelry in the artisan workshops.

Dinner

Have dinner at a family-friendly pizzeria. Try a classic Margherita or a pizza topped with local ingredients like Tuscan sausage and pecorino cheese.

Evening

End your day with a gelato from a local gelateria. Walk along the Arno River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city at night.

Day 2

Art, Wine, and Shopping in Florence

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most famous art museums. Here, you can see works by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local enoteca, where you can sample a variety of Tuscan wines and pair them with local cheeses and cured meats.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and antique shops. Don't miss the chance to visit the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.

Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner at a local osteria. Try dishes like pappardelle with wild boar sauce or roasted rabbit with olives and rosemary.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence at sunset.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

1
Central Market

A bustling market in the heart of the city, offering a variety of local produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods. It's also home to several eateries serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Food and Drink

Shopping

2
Duomo

The Duomo, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the main church of Florence, Italy. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and a major tourist attraction. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions

Monuments

Religious Sites

Architecture

3
Uffizi Gallery

One of the world's most famous fine art museums with collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

4
Pitti Palace

A Renaissance palace that was once the residence of the Medici family, now a large museum complex.

Attractions

Museums

Architecture

5
Boboli Gardens

Historic park that houses a collection of sculptures and offers beautiful views of the city.

Parks

Gardens

Cultural Experiences

6
Piazzale Michelangelo

A square with a panoramic view of Florence, known for its bronze statue of David.

Attractions

Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A large, thick cut of T-bone steak that is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with salt, sometimes with black pepper, and olive oil, applied immediately after the meat is retired from the heat. This dish is closely tied to the identity of Florence.

Panzanella

A Tuscan chopped salad of soaked stale bread, onions and tomatoes that is popular in the summer. It often includes cucumbers, sometimes basil and is dressed with olive oil and vinegar. It is a staple of Florentine cuisine.

Pappa al Pomodoro

A thick Tuscan bread soup typically prepared with fresh tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, basil, and various other fresh ingredients. It is usually made with stale or leftover bread, and can be served hot, room temperature, or chilled.

Ribollita

A famous Tuscan soup, a hearty potage made with bread and vegetables. There are many variations but the main ingredients always include leftover bread, cannellini beans, lacinato kale, cabbage, and inexpensive vegetables such as carrot, beans, chard, celery, potatoes and onion.

Lampredotto

A typical Florentine dish, made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow, the abomasum. It is a popular street food in Florence and it is served in a bun with green sauce and spicy oil.

Cantucci

Also known as Biscotti di Prato, Cantucci are almond biscuits that originated in the city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.

Schiacciata Fiorentina

A fluffy, orange-flavored cake that is traditionally made and served in Florence during the Carnival period. It is usually sprinkled with powdered sugar and a cocoa image of the Florentine lily.

Chianti

A red wine that ranges from light-bodied to almost full-bodied, named after the Chianti region in central Tuscany. It is one of the most popular wines in Italy and it pairs well with many traditional Florentine dishes.

Vin Santo

A style of Italian dessert wine. Traditional in Tuscany, these wines are often made from white grape varieties such as Trebbiano and Malvasia. It is typically served with cantucci at the end of a meal.

Negroni

A popular Italian cocktail, made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. It is considered an apéritif and was invented in Florence, Italy.

Espresso

A type of coffee preparation method and an important part of Italian culture. In Florence, like in the rest of Italy, espresso is a staple and is often enjoyed multiple times throughout the day.

Pecorino Toscano

A firm-textured ewe’s milk cheese produced in Tuscany. Since 1996 it has enjoyed protected designation of origin (PDO) status. It can be enjoyed as a table cheese or used grated in many traditional Florentine recipes.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Florence, Italy is typically during the spring (April to June) and fall (September and October). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak summer months. These seasons also coincide with some of the city's popular events like the Gelato Festival in spring or the wine harvest festivals in fall. However, if you're interested in visiting museums and indoor attractions without the crowds, winter can also be a good time to visit.

How to get around

Walk

Florence is a compact city with most of the major attractions located in the city center. Walking is often the best way to get around, especially in the pedestrian-only zones.

Bicycle

Florence is a bike-friendly city with many bike rental services available. It's a quick and eco-friendly way to get around the city.

Public Bus

The public bus system in Florence is extensive and can take you to most parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops, newsstands, and some cafes.

Tram

Florence has a modern tram system that connects the city center with the suburbs. It's a quick and efficient way to travel longer distances.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Florence. They can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked in advance.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Florence. It's a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

Rental Car

Renting a car can be useful if you plan to explore the Tuscan countryside. However, driving in the city center can be challenging due to the limited traffic zones and narrow streets.

Train

Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, offers connections to other Italian cities and towns. It's a good option if you plan to do day trips outside of Florence.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;

Drinking waterYes, but some opt for bottled water

Power sockets

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Florence, Italy as a first time visitor

1

Florence is a city that is best explored on foot, so pack comfortable walking shoes.

2

The city can be quite crowded, especially during the peak tourist season (April to October), so be prepared for crowds.

3

The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.

4

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it's customary to leave a small amount if you're happy with the service.

5

The official language is Italian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

6

Florence is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

7

The city has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to August) can be hot, with temperatures ranging from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C). Winters (December to February) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C).

8

Florence is known for its leather goods, so consider visiting the local markets for a unique souvenir.

9

The tap water in Florence is safe to drink.

10

Public restrooms can be hard to find, and many charge a small fee for use.

11

Florence is generally safe, but like any major city, it's wise to be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

12

The city has strict laws against eating or sitting on steps and public buildings, so be mindful of where you take a break.

13

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places in Italy, including bars and restaurants.

14

Florence has a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) in the city center, which means that only authorized vehicles can enter.

15

Public transportation in Florence is reliable and efficient. The city has a network of buses and trams that can take you around the city.

16

Many museums and attractions in Florence require advance booking, so plan your itinerary ahead of time.

17

Florence is known for its cuisine. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak) and Gelato.

18

Florence has a tourist tax that is charged per person, per night for stays in the city. The amount varies depending on the type of accommodation.

19

It's customary in Italy to say 'Buongiorno' (Good Morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good Evening) when entering shops and restaurants.

20

Most shops in Florence close for a few hours in the afternoon for 'riposo' (rest), so plan your shopping accordingly.

Basic Italian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase	Native phrase	Pronunciation	When to use it
Hello	Ciao	Chow	Greeting someone
Goodbye	Arrivederci	Ah-ree-veh-der-chee	Leaving someone
Please	Per favore	Pair fa-voh-re	Asking for something
Thank you	Grazie	Graht-see-eh	Showing appreciation
Yes	Sì	See	Agreeing with someone
No	No	No	Disagreeing with someone
Excuse me	Mi scusi	Mee skoo-zee	Getting someone's attention
I'm sorry	Mi dispiace	Mee dee-spya-che	Apologizing
Do you speak English?	Parla inglese?	Par-la in-gle-se?	Asking if someone speaks English
I don't understand	Non capisco	Non ka-pee-sko	When you don't understand what's being said
Where is the bathroom?	Dove è il bagno?	Doh-veh eh il ban-yo?	Looking for the bathroom
How much does it cost?	Quanto costa?	Kwan-toh costa?	Asking for the price of something
I would like...	Vorrei...	Voh-rei	Making a request
Help!	Aiuto!	Aye-oo-toh	In case of emergency
Can I have the bill, please?	Posso avere il conto, per favore?	Pos-so ave-re il con-to, per fa-voh-re	Asking for the bill at a restaurant
Where is...?	Dove è...?	Doh-veh eh	Asking for directions
Good morning	Buongiorno	Bwon-jor-no	Greeting someone in the morning
Good evening	Buonasera	Bwo-na-se-ra	Greeting someone in the evening
Good night	Buonanotte	Bwo-na-not-te	Saying goodnight
Cheers!	Salute!	Sa-loo-te	Making a toast

Packing List

Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Underwear and socks
Sleepwear
Light jacket or sweater
Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool)
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection

Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Travel-sized body wash or soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Prescription medications

Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other ID
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (Euros)
Hotel reservation confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contact information

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Universal power adapter
Portable power bank

Miscellaneous items
Travel guidebook for Florence
Map of Florence
Snacks for the journey
Water bottle
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Umbrella or raincoat
Reusable shopping bag
Phrasebook or language app

Weather Conditions

Florence, Italy, is a city that experiences a humid subtropical climate. This means that it has hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. If you're planning to visit during the summer months (June to August), be prepared for high temperatures that can reach up to 86°F (30°C). It's advisable to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, ensure to stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas when sightseeing. In contrast, the winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly with temperatures dropping to around 32°F (0°C). Therefore, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and hats. Despite the cold, winter can be a great time to visit as the city is less crowded and the lines for major attractions are shorter. The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), offer more mild and comfortable temperatures, ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 77°F (25°C). These periods are often considered the best times to visit Florence, as the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded than in the summer. Regardless of when you visit, always remember to check the local weather forecast before your trip to pack appropriately. Also, keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to pack a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket. Lastly, Florence is a city best explored on foot, so regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful Italian city!

Month	Hi / Lo (°C)	Weather Overview
January	15° / 1°	January is the coldest month in Florence with occasional snowfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.
February	16° / 2°	February is still chilly, but the city starts to warm up slightly. It's a great time to explore the city without the crowds.
March	19° / 5°	March sees the arrival of spring with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a good time for outdoor activities.
April	22° / 8°	April is a pleasant month with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit the gardens and parks in Florence.
May	25° / 11°	May is a beautiful month with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
June	29° / 15°	June is the start of the summer season with hot temperatures. It's a perfect time for beach trips and outdoor dining.
July	32° / 18°	July is the hottest month in Florence. It's a great time to enjoy gelato and cool off in the city's fountains.
August	32° / 18°	August is another hot month, but the city is less crowded as locals go on vacation. It's a good time to visit popular tourist spots.
September	29° / 15°	September is a pleasant month with mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit the vineyards and enjoy the wine harvest.
October	25° / 11°	October sees the arrival of autumn with cooler temperatures. It's a good time for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage.
November	21° / 7°	November is a cool month with occasional rain. It's a good time to visit museums and enjoy the local cuisine.
December	17° / 3°	December is a festive month with Christmas markets and lights. It's a good time to enjoy the holiday spirit in Florence.