Florence
Seven Slow Days in Renaissance Florence
Seven relaxed days of Florentine art, history, and food
Planning a trip to Florence?
A week-long, slow-paced Florence stay built around Renaissance art, grand architecture, street markets, and relaxed meals. You’ll explore the city in easy walkable clusters, with time for cafes, photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Highlights
Stand beneath Brunelleschi’s dome and wander the medieval streets around Florence’s iconic cathedral.
See Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus in Florence’s world-famous art museums.
Taste local specialties at lively food markets and neighborhood trattorie.
Meet artisans and browse independent shops in Florence’s bohemian Oltrarno district.
Stroll the Arno at sunset and take in Ponte Vecchio glowing with goldsmiths’ shops.
Where to Stay
Hotel Pendini
Classic, well-reviewed 3-star hotel just off Piazza della Repubblica, within a short walk of the Duomo, Uffizi, and main shopping streets.
$180-240/night
Hotel Orto de’ Medici
Charming hotel with a historic garden, located on a quieter street a short walk from the Accademia and the Duomo.
$150-210/night
Hotel Albion
Family-run hotel in a historic building near the train station and river, with individually decorated rooms and friendly service.
$130-190/nightGood to Know
Beat the Crowds with Timed Tickets
Book skip-the-line or timed-entry tickets online for the Uffizi, Accademia, and the Duomo complex several days in advance, especially in spring and fall.
Smart Money and Bills
Carry some small euro notes and coins for gelato, markets, and church donations, and always review restaurant bills for accidental extra items before paying.
Dress for Churches and Comfort
Pack breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees, plus comfortable walking shoes; keep a light scarf handy for church visits.
Restaurant Etiquette and Timing
Expect lunch around 1–2 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM; service is relaxed, and you must ask for the bill (“il conto, per favore”) when you are ready to leave.
Coffee Like a Local
Order and drink coffee standing at the bar to save money, avoid cappuccino after about 10 AM if you want to blend in, and ask for a macchiato or caffellatte rather than just a “latte.”
Market Manners
At food stalls, do not touch the produce; point to what you want and let the vendor select and weigh it, and have cash ready for small purchases.
Pickpocket Awareness
Use a crossbody bag worn in front, keep phones and wallets out of back pockets, and be alert in tight crowds around the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, major museums, and the train station.
Transport Basics in Florence
Most of your week will be on foot, but if you take a tram or bus, buy a ticket at a tabacchi or machine, validate it once on board, and keep it until you get off.
Your Week Itinerary
Caffè Scudieri
Historic café on Piazza San Giovanni; stand at the bar for a classic espresso and pastry while facing the Baptistery.
45m · $7-12 per person
Piazza del Duomo & Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Visit the cathedral interior and admire Brunelleschi’s dome and the marble façade; walk slowly around the entire piazza to take in the architecture.
1h 30m · $0-20 depending on combined ticket options
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Step inside to see the golden mosaic ceiling and examine the famous bronze doors (originals in the museum, replicas on-site).
45m · $10-15 (often included in Duomo complex ticket)
Ristorante Paoli
Traditional Tuscan restaurant with frescoed walls; try ribollita or pappardelle al cinghiale.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (exterior focus)
Stroll this open-air sculpture gallery, see the replica David and Neptune fountain, and admire the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio from outside.
1h · Free (exterior and piazza)
Ristorante La Grotta Guelfa
Cozy trattoria just west of Piazza della Signoria; consider sharing a bistecca alla fiorentina with contorni.
2h · $30-45 per person
Ditta Artigianale (Via dei Neri)
Specialty coffee and light breakfast near Santa Croce; order a cappuccino before 10am and a pastry or avocado toast.
45m · $8-15 per person
Galleria degli Uffizi
Reserve a morning time slot and focus on highlights like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Primavera, works by Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
2h 30m · $25-35 depending on season and booking
I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti (sandwich shop)
Grab a made-to-order schiacciata sandwich with Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses; eat on a side street, not on church steps.
45m · $8-15 per person
Basilica di Santa Croce (interior)
Visit the Franciscan church to see tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, plus Giotto frescoes.
1h 30m · $10-15
Trattoria Baldovino
Casual trattoria near Santa Croce; good for pizza, pasta, and Tuscan dishes with a relaxed vibe.
2h · $20-35 per person36 activities across 7 days
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