Begin your tour with a visit to the Florence Cathedral, or the Duomo, which is the city's most iconic landmark. The Gothic architecture of the church will sweep you off your feet. Be mindful of the dress code when entering the cathedral. You can climb up to the top of the dome to get a panoramic view of the city.
Afterwards, head over to the Uffizi Gallery which is a 6 minutes walk from the Cathedral. It is home to some of Italy's finest art, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Book your tickets in advance to avoid lines.
Next, head over to the Ponte Vecchio which is a three minutes walk on the Arno River. This medieval bridge is lined with high-end jewelry shops and offers stunning views of the river.
End your day at Piazza della Signoria, a city square, 8 minutes walk away from Ponte Vecchio. It is surrounded by significant sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo's David. Take a leisurely evening walk around the square and enjoy your dinner at one of the many restaurants around the area.
Begin your day 2 by visiting the Boboli Gardens, located behind the stunning Palazzo Pitti. This 16th-century estate houses a vast collection of sculptures, fountains, and gardens. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy the view of the city, and click some memorable pictures. Spend enough time here as this place is vast.
Next, explore the Galleria dell'Accademia, which is 10 minutes by walk from Boboli Gardens. It is famous for its collection of Michelangelo's sculptures, including the famous David statue. You can also explore the collection of paintings by Florentine artists.
Lastly, visit the Palazzo Vecchio Museum, which is a 6 minutes walk from Galleria dell'Accademia. It has some of the finest Renaissance art and sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Verrocchio.
End your trip with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste authentic Tuscan cuisine.
If you have more time in Florence, consider adding a day trip to iconic landmarks outside Florence such as Pisa and Lucca.
If you have less time, prioritize the attractions based on your taste of art and history.
Book tickets for museums and galleries online in advance to avoid lines.