7 Day Florence Itinerary: The Comprehensive Guide to the Renaissance Capital
Spending a full week in Florence allows you to move beyond the checklist. Most tourists rush through the Uffizi and move on. With a 7 day Florence itinerary, you can sync with the city’s rhythm, explore the Oltrarno artisans, and use the city as a strategic base for Tuscany.
Day 1: The Duomo and the Historic Core
Your first day is about orientation. Focus on the religious and political center of the city.
Morning: Piazza del Duomo
Start at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Entry to the cathedral is free, but you need a Brunelleschi Pass to climb the Dome or the Campanile (Giotto’s Bell Tower). Book this weeks in advance. The climb is 463 steps. It is narrow and steep. If you are claustrophobic, skip the climb and visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo instead. It houses the original Ghiberti "Gates of Paradise" doors.
Afternoon: Piazza della Signoria
Walk south to the city’s political hub. This open-air sculpture gallery features a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Loggia dei Lanzi. Enter the Palazzo Vecchio. This was the Medici residence before they moved across the river. Head to the top of the Arnolfo Tower for a view of the Duomo that most people miss.
Evening: Gelato and Stroll
Walk toward the Porcellino (the bronze boar statue). Rub its snout for good luck. For dinner, avoid any restaurant with pictures on the menu. Head to the streets behind the Piazza della Repubblica for traditional Tuscan fare like pappa al pomodoro.
Day 2: The Art Heavyweights
Prepare for a high-density art day. Wear comfortable shoes.
Morning: The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi is the most important collection of Renaissance art in the world. Pre-book an 8:30 AM entry to beat the largest crowds. Focus on the Botticelli rooms (Birth of Venus) and the Leonardo da Vinci wing. Limit your visit to three hours to avoid "museum fatigue."
Afternoon: Accademia Gallery
Walk north to the Accademia. The draw here is the original David by Michelangelo. While the museum is smaller than the Uffizi, the hall leading to David—lined with Michelangelo’s unfinished "Prisons"—is equally powerful.
Evening: Sant'Ambrogio
Escape the tourist menus in the city center. Head to the Sant'Ambrogio neighborhood. It is one of the most authentic residential areas left. Eat at a local trattoria where the menu is written in Italian on a chalkboard.
Day 3: Medieval History and Monastic Peace
Day three focuses on the northern and western edges of the historic center.
Morning: San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels
Visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the parish church of the Medici family. Behind it lie the Medici Chapels. The New Sacristy was designed by Michelangelo and contains some of his most profound funerary sculptures.
Afternoon: Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is located right by the train station but feels worlds away. It houses Masaccio’s Trinity, a landmark in the use of perspective. Afterward, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It is one of the world's oldest pharmacies. Even if you don't buy perfume, the frescoed interior is worth the visit.
Evening: Mercato Centrale
Head to the first floor of the San Lorenzo Market. It is a high-end food hall. You can find everything from fresh pasta to Florentine steak. It’s loud, busy, and efficient.
Day 4: Living Like a Local in the Oltrarno
Cross the Ponte Vecchio to the "Other Side" of the Arno. This is where the real Florence lives.
Morning: Artisans and Santo Spirito
The Oltrarno is famous for its workshops. You will find bookbinders, goldsmiths, and leather workers. Spend your morning wandering the side streets around Piazza Santo Spirito. Visit the church of Santo Spirito; it has a simple facade but a complex interior designed by Brunelleschi.
Afternoon: Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
The Pitti Palace was the final home of the Medici. It is massive. If you’ve had enough paintings, skip the Palatine Gallery and head straight for the Boboli Gardens. These are the quintessential Italian Renaissance gardens. Walk up to the Knight’s Building for a view over the Tuscan hills.
Evening: Piazza Santo Spirito
Return to the piazza for aperitivo. This square is the heart of Florentine nightlife for locals. Grab a drink at a sidewalk cafe and watch the city move. Dinner should be at a small osteria nearby—order the tagliata di manzo.
Day 5: Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano
One of the benefits of a 7 day Florence itinerary is the ability to leave the city without feeling rushed.
Morning: The Medieval Grandeur of Siena
Take the "Rapida" bus from the Santa Maria Novella station. It takes about 75 minutes. Siena is Florence’s historical rival. Visit the Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place. The Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is arguably more beautiful than Florence’s, with its black and white striped marble and detailed floor mosaics.
Afternoon: The Towers of San Gimignano
From Siena, take a local bus or private transfer to San Gimignano. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval skyscrapers. Walk the walls and climb the Torre Grossa. Before you leave, get a scoop from Gelateria Dondoli—a multi-time world champion.
Evening: Return to Florence
Return to the city late. Keep dinner simple. Find a wine bar (enoteca) near the Santa Croce district and pair a glass of Chianti Classico with a board of local pecorino cheese and prosciutto.
Day 6: Lucca or the Chianti Wine Region
For your second day trip, choose between a fortified city or the rolling hills of wine country.
Option A: Lucca
Lucca is flat, making it a perfect break from Florence’s hills. Rent a bicycle and ride around the top of the 16th-century city walls. Visit the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built in the footprint of an ancient Roman amphitheater. It is a quiet, elegant city that moves at a slower pace.
Option B: Chianti Wine Tour
If you prefer the countryside, book a wine tour in the Chianti Classico region. Many tours include stops in Greve in Chianti and visits to two or three family-run estates. You’ll learn about the "Black Rooster" seal and the specific soil requirements for Sangiovese grapes.
Evening: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Wherever you went for the day, end your evening back in Florence. Take the bus or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is the classic postcard view of Florence. For a quieter but equally stunning view, walk another five minutes up to the Church of San Miniato al Monte.
Day 7: Leisure and Leather
Your final day is for catching the things you missed and doing your shopping.
Morning: Santa Croce
Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce. It is the burial place of Italy’s greats: Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The school of leather (Scuola del Cuoio) is located directly behind the church. You can watch artisans at work and buy high-quality goods that are actually made in Florence.
Afternoon: Last-Minute Finds
Use this time to return to a museum you loved or explore the shops via Via dei Calzaiuoli. If you want a unique souvenir, look for marbled paper or handmade stationery. Alternatively, take the bus to Fiesole. It’s a town on the hill above Florence with Roman ruins and a panoramic view of the entire valley.
Evening: The Final Florentine Feast
For your final dinner, book a table at a reputable steakhouse. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a thick T-bone, traditionally grilled over charcoal and served rare. It is sold by the kilogram and intended to be shared. It is the definitive culinary end to a week in Tuscany.
Where to Stay for a Week in Florence
Choosing the right neighborhood is critical for a 7 day Florence itinerary. Because you are staying longer, you want a balance of accessibility and local atmosphere.
Centro Storico (City Center)
Best for: First-timers who want to be steps from the Duomo. Pros: You can walk everywhere in 10 minutes. Cons: High prices, very crowded, noisy at night.
Oltrarno (Santo Spirito & San Frediano)
Best for: Travelers who want a local, "cool" vibe. Pros: Incredible food scene, artisan workshops, fewer crowds. It feels like a real neighborhood. Cons: A 15-20 minute walk to the main museums (Uffizi/Accademia).
Santa Croce
Best for: Nightlife and foodies. Pros: The neighborhood has a gritty, authentic energy. It is home to the Sant'Ambrogio market. Cons: Can be loud on weekend nights due to the bar scene.
Near Santa Maria Novella
Best for: Ease of transport. Pros: If you plan on taking several day trips by train (to Lucca, Pisa, or Rome), staying near the station is highly efficient. Cons: The immediate area around the station lacks the charm of the rest of the city. Walk three blocks toward the river to find nicer boutique hotels.
San Marco / SS. Annunziata
Best for: Quiet and value. Pros: Located north of the Duomo, this area is home to many universities and museums (like San Marco). It is quieter and hotels often offer more space for the price. Cons: It’s a bit of a trek to the Oltrarno and the river.