A Weekend in Florence: Art, Food, and Day Trips to Remember
- Jay Curtis
- Sep 3
- 6 min read
Florence is a city that has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, it’s a place where world-class art, incredible food, and living history come together on every street corner. A weekend here offers just enough time to experience some of its most iconic landmarks, discover hidden gems, and even take a short adventure to nearby Pisa. If you’re planning a two or three day trip, here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Florence.
Galleria dell’Accademia – Meeting David
No visit to Florence is complete without stepping inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, one of the city’s most visited museums. While it houses a collection of Renaissance paintings, musical instruments, and plaster models, most people come for one reason: Michelangelo’s David.
Standing over 5 meters tall, David was completed in 1504 and originally placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of Florentine strength. Seeing it in person is unforgettable, from the detail in the veins, the tension in his stance, and the sheer scale make it one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world.
The Accademia also displays Michelangelo’s Prisoners, these are unfinished statues that look as though the figures are struggling to break free from the marble, offering a glimpse into the artist’s creative process.
Top Tip: Arrive early and book a skip-the-line ticket, as queues can be long, especially in peak season.
Piazza della Signoria – Florence’s Open-Air Gallery
Just a short walk away is Piazza della Signoria, the beating heart of Florence’s civic life for centuries. This grand square feels like an open-air museum.
The Palazzo Vecchio, a medieval fortress-palace, dominates the square. Outside its doors stands a replica of David, reminding visitors of Florence’s proud history. Nearby is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an arcade filled with sculptures like Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
For centuries, this piazza has been where Florentines gathered for celebrations, protests, and even grusome executions and a round marble plaque near the Fountain of Neptune marks the spot where this event would occurr.. Today, it’s where travelers and locals alike pause to soak up history while sipping an espresso in one of the surrounding cafés.
Florence Cathedral – The Duomo
The most famous sight in Florence is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known simply as the Duomo. Its multicolored marble façade and red-tiled dome dominate the skyline.
Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, the cathedral is most famous for Brunelleschi’s dome, completed in 1436. The dome was an engineering marvel of its time, built without scaffolding, and remains the largest brick dome in the world.
Inside, look up at Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco, which covers the dome’s interior. For the adventurous, climbing the 463 steps to the top rewards you with breathtaking views over Florence.
Top Tip: Be aware that during peak season, waits can be 1–2 hours. To save time, book a skip-the-line ticket, which uses a separate entrance.
Eating Out in Florence – From Trattorias to Sandwich Bars
Florence is a food lover’s dream. You’ll find hearty Tuscan dishes, rustic trattorias, and elegant dining, but one of the city’s most beloved traditions is its sandwich bars.
For a quick, affordable, and utterly delicious bite, head to Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri. This spot is a local favorite and mine. It's known for its giant sandwiches made with fresh, crusty bread and stuffed with Tuscan cured meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables, and spreads. Each sandwich is then lightly toasted, giving it the perfect crunch.
While All’Antico Vinaio is the most famous sandwich bar in Florence (and the one with the longest queues), De Neri offers an equally authentic experience without the wait. It’s the kind of place you’ll remember long after you’ve left Florence.
Florence’s Wine Windows – A Quirky Renaissance Tradition
As you wander through Florence’s historic streets, keep an eye out for small, arched openings in the walls of grand palaces. These are wine windows, or a buchette del vino.
Dating back to the 17th century, noble families used these windows to sell wine directly from their cellars to locals, avoiding taxes and middlemen. They became especially useful during the plague, allowing safe, contact-free transactions.
Many wine windows disappeared over the centuries, but in recent years, they’ve been revived. Today, some are once again serving glasses of Chianti and other Tuscan wines, a fun, quirky way to taste history.
Evening Drinks – The View on Art Rooftop Bar
Florence becomes magical at night, and one of the best places to experience it is at the View on Art Rooftop Bar. Located near the Duomo, it offers sweeping views of the cathedral illuminated against the night sky.
Order a cocktail, watch the sunset, and enjoy the atmosphere. Down in the square below, you’ll often find spontaneous music and even strangers dancing together, proof that Florence is as much about its spirit as its monuments.
A Day Trip to Pisa
Florence makes a perfect base for exploring Tuscany, and one of the easiest day trips is to Pisa. Trains run regularly and take less than an hour.
Most visitors head straight for the Leaning Tower, which has been tilting ever since construction began in the 12th century. The tower forms part of the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and yes... taking the classic “holding it up” photo is almost mandatory.
But Pisa is more than just its tower. For lunch, seek out a hidden rooftop restaurant that from the outside looks like a museum entrance. Climb the steps and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the tower and surrounding square, a welcome escape from the heat and crowds.
Later, head into the side streets to find Primo, a tucked-away gem serving delicious pasta at prices far lower than anything near the tower. The food is excellent, the setting is authentic, and drinks can be up to 10 euros cheaper than in the main square, in my opinion, a win all around.
Santa Croce Church
Returning back in Florence, make time for the Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” it houses the tombs of some of Italy’s greatest minds, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Beyond its historic importance, the area around Santa Croce is also worth exploring, with artisan shops, leather workshops, and cafés that give a glimpse into everyday Florentine life.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
One of Florence’s most unique experiences lies inside the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the oldest pharmacy in the world. Established by Dominican friars in 1221, it became a public apothecary in 1612 and has been producing perfumes, soaps, and herbal remedies ever since.
Walking inside feels like entering a museum, with frescoed ceilings and ornate cabinets filled with glass bottles. But everything here is still for sale, from centuries-old formulas of rosewater to artisanal skincare products. It’s part history, part shopping, and entirely Florentine.
Vivoli Gelato – An Affogato to Remember
Florence is world-famous for gelato, and one of its most historic gelaterias is Vivoli, founded in 1930. While their gelato is a must-try, I recommend ordering an affogato, a scoop of creamy gelato “drowned” in hot espresso. Watching it being prepared is half the joy, and tasting it is the perfect pick-me-up after a day of sightseeing.
Founded by the Vivoli family as a dairy on Via Isola delle Stinche in Florence, the business transitioned to making ice cream in 1932 and eventually became the oldest gelateria in the city, serving as a popular meeting spot for locals before gaining worldwide fame in the 1960s and 70s.
Ponte Vecchio – Florence’s Timeless Bridge
End your weekend with a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most iconic bridge. Spanning the Arno River since the Middle Ages, it was once home to butchers, fishmongers, and leather sellers. Over time, they were replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers, and today the bridge still glitters with their displays.
The Ponte Vecchio has survived wars and floods, and remains one of the most atmospheric spots in Florence. Walking its cobbles at sunset, with the river glowing below, is a memory you’ll carry long after your weekend ends.
Final Thoughts...
A weekend in Florence offers a little bit of everything: world-class art, iconic landmarks, quirky traditions, and food you’ll dream about long after you leave. Add in a day trip to Pisa, and you’ve got the perfect balance of Renaissance culture and Tuscan adventure.
Florence isn’t just a city you visit, in my opinion, it's a city that stays with you.
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