Known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and the architectural center of Italy, walking through the city of Florence is like walking through an open-air museum. The moment you step through the city walls you can feel the magic of this cultural epicenter. With something exquisite around every corner, a long weekend in Florence hardly needs an itinerary, and while an argument can be made for aimlessly wandering through the ancient streets, we’ve highlighted a few not-to-be-missed activities in the ideal 72 hour Florence itinerary to ensure you experience the city at its finest.

Friday

1pm: Lunch at Santo Spirito

The best way to start your weekend is by throwing yourself into the center of its charm. The Santo Spirito square stretches out in front of an exceptionally beautiful, sandstone Basilica of the same name. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants that line the square and watch life go by while you sip on a glass of chilled white wine. If you like what you see, wander back to the square on Sunday for the little neighborhood market that takes place every week.

3pm: Book a private tour of the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David

No need to fight the crowds to get a glimpse of the heart-stoppingly beautiful statue of David . We’ll organize a private tour where an expert guide will fill you in on the fascinating history of this world-renowned work of art.

5pm: Watch the sunset from B-roof at Hotel Baglioni

Finish the day on a high and sip cocktails under a canopy of flowers at B-roof while you watch the light change color across the city.

7pm: Dinner at Gucci Osteria by Massimo Bottura

Situated inside the Gucci Garden of the Palazzo della Mercanzia, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is a night of gastronomic delight you will not easily forget. We’ll let you experience it for yourself, but a word from the wise – go hungry.

Saturday

9am: Sip an espresso in front of the Florence Duomo

Before you do anything else in Florence, you’ve got to see the morning light hit the terracotta dome of its Duomo. We recommend having your first espresso of the day with a view of the magnificent cathedral to set the tone for what’s to come. There is an option to climb to the top of the dome, and if you can brave the 463 steps, you’ll be treated to a view of the city that’ll take your breath away.

11am: Take a tour of Uffizi Gallery and gaze upon Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’

Take a tour of the Uffizi Gallery and spend a few long minutes taking in the beauty that is ‘The Birth of Venus’. This cultural drawcard is popular for a reason, and we recommend going earlier in the day to avoid crowds.

1pm: Treat yourself to a scrumptious lunch at Bucalapi Restaurant

Much like choosing a favorite child, there’s something not quite right about choosing your favorite restaurant. All the best ones are important and unique in their own way. That being said, we’ve got a few spots that are vying for the number one position, most of which we stumbled upon on our many trips through this dynamic city. We can highly recommend Bucalapi restaurant with its old-world charm and sensational menu. You won’t be disappointed.

4pm: Take a walk and watch the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo

A small distance from the city center, this elevated square is where you’ll find a postcard perfect panoramic view of Florence. The square is well known for this view, and you’ll always find rows of easels setup with artists looking to capture the incredible skyline.

7pm: Find the best aperitif in Florence

Florence is known for its exceptional cuisine, and the tradition of aperitif has to be one of our favorites. We’ve got a number of off-the-beaten track spots that serve up real and authentic Italian tastes paired with the best wines the region has to offer.

Sunday

11am : Beat the crowds to Ponte Vecchio and watch the morning light hit the river

If you’re an early riser, we recommend doing as the Italians do and taking a walk to the nearest corner cafe and having an espresso on the pavement as you watch the city wake up and start its day. Watch as vendors set up markets and ready themselves for another week in this special city.

1pm : Learn a new skill on a pasta making course

You’ll soon learn that art comes in all shapes and sizes in this magical city, some of which even ends up in a delicious lunch! Learn the age old tradition of pasta making from the real life masters and feast on the fruits of your labor in true Italian style. There’s no better way to end off your weekend in Florence than learning how to take a bit of the magic with you.

Looking to experience a real taste of Italy? At Luxo Italia we will take the time to hand-craft a luxury Florence itinerary that’s tailored to suit your needs. With years of experience, our expert travel designers are able to capture the magic of Italy in a way that ensures even the most seasoned traveler would find something new. Get in touch with us and start planning your next long weekend in Florence today!