3-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy
3 days
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.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Art, Gardens, and Christmas Music
Morning
Begin your second day at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. This museum also houses a collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.
Lunch
Have lunch in a restaurant near the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge lined with jewelry shops. The area offers a variety of dining options, from pizzerias to seafood restaurants.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Boboli Gardens, a historic park filled with statues, fountains, and grottoes. In December, the gardens are adorned with Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Dinner
Dine in a restaurant in the Santa Croce district, known for its lively nightlife and excellent food scene. Try dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale, pasta with wild boar sauce.
Evening
Spend the evening at the Santa Maria Novella, a beautiful church with a Christmas nativity scene. The church also hosts concerts of traditional Christmas music during the holiday season.
Day 3
Palaces, Markets, and Panoramic Views
Morning
On your final day, visit the Palazzo Pitti, a Renaissance palace that houses several museums. Don't miss the Palatine Gallery, which displays paintings by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in a restaurant in the San Lorenzo district, home to the city's central market. Here, you can try a variety of Tuscan dishes, from fresh pasta to gelato.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore the Santa Croce Basilica, a Franciscan church known for its frescoes by Giotto. The church also has a Christmas market where you can buy local crafts and food.
Dinner
Have your final dinner in Florence in a restaurant in the Piazza della Repubblica. This square is one of the city's main social hubs and offers a variety of dining options.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square with stunning views of Florence. During Christmas, the square is beautifully lit and offers a festive atmosphere.
Attractions in Itinerary (17)
1Piazza del Duomo
One of the most visited places in Europe and the world, this beautiful square is dominated by the cathedral and its impressive dome.
2Florence Cathedral
Also known as the Duomo, this iconic Florence landmark is one of Italy's largest churches, and its dome is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
3Giotto's Bell Tower
Giotto's Bell Tower is a free-standing campanile that is part of the complex of buildings that make up Florence Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo in Florence, Italy. Standing adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery of St. John, the tower is one of the showpieces of Florentine Gothic architecture.
4Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery of St. John is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, Italy. It is renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures. The south doors were created by Andrea Pisano and the north and east doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
5Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous fine art museums with collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.
6Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It is the focal point of the origin and of the history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political hub of the city. It is the meeting place of Florentines as well as the numerous tourists.
7Palazzo Vecchio
The town hall of Florence, a massive Romanesque fortress-palace that is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany.
8Loggia dei Lanzi
The Loggia dei Lanzi, also called the Loggia della Signoria, is a building on a corner of the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy, adjoining the Uffizi Gallery. It consists of wide arches open to the street, three bays wide and one bay deep.
9Accademia Gallery
A museum best known as the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David.
10Ponte Vecchio
Historic bridge over the Arno River, known for the shops that are built along it.
11Boboli Gardens
Historic park that houses a collection of sculptures and offers beautiful views of the city.
12Santa Maria Novella
An important Gothic church in Florence, known for its frescoes by masters of Gothic and early Renaissance.
13Palazzo Pitti
A vast, mainly Renaissance, palace in Florence, Italy. It is situated on the south side of the River Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio.
14Palatine Gallery
The Palatine Gallery at the Pitti Palace is an art museum in Florence, Italy. It contains a vast collection of Renaissance paintings, including works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.
15Santa Croce Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Croce is a Franciscan church in Florence, Italy. It is known for its historical and artistic significance, housing the tombs of several important Italians.
16Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica is one of the main squares in Florence, Italy. Known for its historical significance, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning architecture, it's a must-visit for any traveler.
17Piazzale Michelangelo
A square with a panoramic view of Florence, known for its bronze statue of David.
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.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 6 | Sat | Epiphany |
March 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
April 25 | Thu | Liberation Day |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
June 2 | Sun | Republic Day |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
December 8 | Sun | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | St. Stephen's Day |
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.
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
Underwear (3 pairs)
Socks (3 pairs)
T-shirts (3)
Long-sleeve shirt (1)
Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)
Comfortable walking shoes (1 pair)
Sleepwear (1)
Light jacket or sweater (1)
Swimsuit (1, if you plan to swim)
Sunglasses (1)
Hat/Cap (1)
Toiletries
Toothbrush (1)
Toothpaste (1, travel size)
Deodorant (1, travel size)
Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
Body wash or soap (travel size)
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen (1, travel size)
Hand sanitizer (1, travel size)
Prescription medications
First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and/or car rental reservations
Emergency contacts and important addresses
Maps and guidebooks
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Universal power adapter
Headphones
Camera (if not using phone camera)
Charger for camera
Power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Snacks
Water bottle
Books or e-reader for leisure reading
Travel-size laundry detergent
Zip-lock bags for organization
Umbrella or raincoat
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. |
Did you know?
Places near by Florence, Italy
Pisa
Famous for its iconic Leaning Tower
Lucca
Known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls
Siena
A city known for its medieval brick buildings
Chianti
Famous for its wine and beautiful landscapes
San Gimignano
Known for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses
Cinque Terre
A string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline
Bologna
A vibrant and historic city known for its rich food, twin towers and beautiful porticoes
Venice
Known for its beautiful canals and architecture
Rome
The capital of Italy, known for its rich history and architecture
Milan
Known as a global capital of fashion and design
