In the morning, head to the Duomo, the most famous landmark in Florence, for stunning views of the city from its marble terraces. Then, stroll to Piazza della Signoria where the towering Palazzo Vecchio, or Old Palace, served as the seat of government for over 700 years. For lunch, stop at Da Nerbone, a beloved sandwich stall in the historic Mercato Centrale. In the afternoon, visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the finest collections of Italian Renaissance art in the world.
Start the day with a visit to the Palazzo Pitti, the lavish Renaissance palace that once belonged to the illustrious Medici family. Admire the opulent interiors and the beautiful Boboli Gardens that overlook the city. For lunch, head to the San Lorenzo Market, a large indoor/outdoor market, for some traditional street food. Then head to the artisan quarter of Oltrarno to learn about traditional Florentine crafts and shop for handmade jewelry, paper products, and leather goods, including custom-made shoes from local craftsmen.
Take a scenic drive outside the city to visit a Tuscan vineyard such as Castello di Verrazzano. Tour the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and sample different varieties of Chianti Classico, accompanied by a traditional Tuscan lunch. Return to the city in the late afternoon and visit Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, a bustling market where locals shop for fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and other specialty foods. End the day with dinner at Il Latini, a top-rated restaurant known for its classic Tuscan cuisine.
If you have more time, consider a day trip to the nearby cities of Pisa or Lucca, both less than an hour's drive from Florence. For a panoramic view of the city, climb the hill to the Piazzale Michelangelo. If you have less time, skip the Pitti Palace and spend more time exploring the historic city center. Another popular activity is taking a cooking class to learn to make traditional Florentine dishes such as pasta with wild boar ragù or tiramisù. Consider making restaurant reservations in advance, especially for dinner at Il Latini, which tends to book up quickly.