Florence in Two Days

Rich with history and artistic treasures, Tuscany’s capital Florence is a city that inspires every visitor in a unique way. Florence was at the top of my list during a month-long tour of Italy. With very little time to explore, my first visit would simply serve to whet my appetite for the next. I uncovered a few favourite finds including where to stay and eat and quickly learned that this is a city that will romance you; whether you are exploring Florence in two days or you are fortunate enough to enjoy its charm for a little longer.

Pat Bailey

A quintessential postcard photo of the famous Florence bridges. Image © Pat Bailey

Contents

How to Get to Florence

Florence has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in Italy making it is incredibly easy to get to with various modes of transportation to choose from. I travelled to Florence easily by train from Montalcino, the Buonconvento Station, for less than 10 euros. The Italian Railway Network makes it easy and inexpensive to arrive in Florence from any direction by train.
The main airport, Vespucci Airport, is also a great option with direct flights arriving and departing from any direction.
If renting a car and driving to Florence is your first choice, the A1 motorway is the main artery linking north to south Italy with four Florence exits which are easy to find. But, like many other towns/cities in Tuscany, Florence is a pedestrian friendly city which means there are many restrictions where you cannot drive or park within the city. These ZTL, “zona a traffic limitato” make it difficult to manage a car while visiting Florence and for this reason I would arrive by train or air and manage your time within the city, and outside of it, accordingly.

Related: What to Do in Bologna

Pat Bailey taking in the iconic panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo after hiking up to the view-point in Florence, Italy. Image © Pat Bailey

What to See in Florence in Two Days

I loved how easy Florence was to visit, everything that I wanted to see this first trip was either close to my hotel or a short bike or taxi ride away, which is particularly important if you want to cover the best of Florence in two days. There’s a reason why people call Florence an “open-air museum,” many of the streets, bridges, palaces and piazzas are incredible and just taking a walk through the city you can see so many beautiful things. The city is manageable and easy to navigate, and very bike friendly with city bikes easy to rent in numerous locations.

The Duomo in Florence should be at the very top of your list when visiting the city. Image © Pat Bailey

The Duomo | Piazza del Duomo, Florence

Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, The Duomo has to rank among the top 5 things to see in Florence. Conveniently located within walking distance of my first hotel. The pink, white and green marble façade and intricate gothic design that was started in the 13^th Century by Arnolfo di Cambio and finished in the 15^th century with the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a magnificent sight to see.

Visiting this cathedral is free and as a result the lines to go inside during high season can be long. I visited this cathedral both mornings that I stayed at Baglioni. When you visit before 8am you have the perimeter of the cathedral all to yourself for spectacular photographs without lots of tourists, and there are a handful of cafes in the cathedral piazza to sit in quiet and have breakfast before the crowds arrive for the doors to open at 10am. Be one of the first in line to go inside this spectacular duomo, it will swallow you up with its grandeur in the most magnificent and divine way and you will be floating on this for the rest of the day.

Related: Two Days in Rome

Florence is often referred to as an “open-air museum” with stunning works like the famous “David” around every ancient corner. Image © Pat Bailey

Make a Date with Michelangelo’s David

Also on my list while in Florence was a date with David, or the Davids I should say. There are three David statues in Florence: the original one located inside at Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts, a replica in Piazza della Signoria and another replica in Piazzale Michelangelo. I loved seeing all three, but I especially loved spending the morning with David high above all of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo.

Here are some other art masterpieces in Florence you must see.

Hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo

I hiked from my second hotel up the stairs and winding road to the very top of one of the panoramic vista points in Florence. Not only was David spectacular, but the view of the entire city, valley, mountains and Tuscany landscape and beyond was jaw-dropping. Now I know why some of the world’s greatest masters of art, science and fashion were so inspired here.

Pat Bailey enjoying the sunshine and the view from the stunning rooftop at Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence, Italy. Image © Pat Bailey

Where to Stay in Florence

Grand Hotel Baglioni | Check Prices

Close to the city centre, within walking distance to the train station and everything you want to see and do in Florence is Grand Hotel Baglioni, a 100-year-old authentic Florence luxury four-star hotel with a magnificent rooftop view and panoramic restaurant. Baglioni has 192 rooms decorated in traditional Florentine style. My Executive Suite was a beautiful and spacious room with vintage, tufted velvet furniture, elegant dark wood accents, and stained glass windows. I had the perfect view of the city outside, and a quiet and amply cozy space inside.

My very favourite part of my stay at Baglioni was the rooftop bar and restaurant. Inside, on the fifth floor, the B-Roof restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows covering the entire restaurant with a panoramic view of Florence. There is not a bad table in the house.

Outside, the entire rooftop of Baglioni is available for a sunset aperitif or fine dining experience. The American Roof Bar is open in the summer and I enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life with the entire Florence landscape as a backdrop. It is definitely a must-see when visiting Florence.

The perfect view of the Florence skyline from the restaurant at Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence, Italy. Image © Pat Bailey

Palazzo San Niccolò | Check Prices

Across the Arno River, in a very special area of Florence affectionately known by locals as the Diladdarno area is Palazzo San Niccolò. Situated perfectly in San Niccolò, one of the oldest districts in Florence, this charming oasis has both the privacy and authenticity of inviting you to feel like a local, and the boutique hotel amenities to appease the most discerning travellers.

The eclectic design touches make Palazzo San Niccolò a uniquely beautiful place to stay in Florence, Italy. Image © Pat Bailey

The eleven apartments, each with a unique Italian name, have been me