We made a quick day trip to Florence and completely fell in love. Honestly, we wished we had more time—there’s just so much to see, eat, and soak in. During our visit, we squeezed in as much as we could, hitting a few unforgettable highlights (and, of course, a lot of gelato). I’m already dreaming about coming back for a longer stay.
Here’s exactly what we did with our day—and a few extra spots that were highly recommended to us that we’ll definitely save for next time!
What We Did
1. Saw Michelangelo’s David (Replica) at Piazza della Signoria
We didn’t make it into the Accademia this trip, but standing in the square and seeing the full-scale replica of David was still incredible. It’s such an iconic piece of art and a must-see whether you have time for the full museum or not.
2. Wandered Around the Duomo
Walking through Florence’s historic center and seeing the Duomo up close truly takes your breath away. The scale, the detail, the history—you can feel the energy of the city all around you.
3. Grabbed Sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio
No trip to Florence is complete without one of these legendary sandwiches. Yes, there’s a line, but it moves quickly and the payoff is so worth it.
4. Gelato + Affogatos at Vivoli
The highlight of our food stops! Vivoli served us the best gelato (and affogato!) we had during our entire trip to Italy. It’s a little tucked away and feels like such a hidden gem—truly a can’t-miss spot when you’re in Florence.
5. Walked the Streets and Soaked It All In
One of the best parts of Florence is just wandering. We strolled the stone streets, crossed the Ponte Vecchio, and popped into a few leather shops. Every corner feels like a postcard.
If You Have More Time… (Or What’s on Our List for Next Time!)
– Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia
Home to the original David by Michelangelo—if you have time to book a ticket, it’s absolutely worth it.
– Explore the Uffizi Gallery
For art lovers, this is a must. Think Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Caravaggio, and so many Renaissance masterpieces.
– Take a Pasta-Making Class
While our crew was a little young this trip (classes usually start at age six), friends raved about Pasta Class Florence. You learn to make pasta and sauces from scratch—such a fun memory to bring home.
– Ride the Antique Carousel at Piazza della Repubblica
Especially sweet if you’re traveling with kids (or kids at heart). It’s a little piece of old-world magic right in the center of the city.
– Grab a Bite at Mercato Centrale
If you want a casual spot with tons of food options (and something for everyone), the upstairs food court is lively, easy, and delicious. I know I am one to normally shy away from food courts but this one is an exception.
– Visit the Gucci Garden and Ferragamo Museum
If you love fashion and design, both are worth a visit. Gucci Garden (near Piazza della Signoria) offers a peek into Gucci’s creative world with rotating exhibits, and the Ferragamo Museum (inside the historic Palazzo Spini Feroni) celebrates the legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo and his iconic shoe designs.
– Dinner at 13 Gobbi or La Giostra
For a cozy trattoria night, you can’t go wrong with the rigatoni at 13 Gobbi or the pear and pecorino ravioli at La Giostra.
– Pizza + Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Grab a pizza from Gusta Pizza and head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views over the whole city. The walk is a bit steep but doable with kids—or you can taxi up and walk back down.
– Stay Overnight at Dimora Italia
While we didn’t stay overnight, friends recommended Dimora Italia, an apartment-style hotel in Santa Croce. Great location, helpful staff, and fully equipped kitchens if you want to settle in a bit!
Even with just a day, Florence worked its magic on us. Whether you’re sipping a cappuccino, tasting your way through gelato shops, marveling at Renaissance art, or simply getting lost down a cobblestone street, it’s a city you’ll never forget—and one you’ll want to keep coming back to.
What to Pack for Spring in Florence
For this trip, I kept my suitcase light and easy with a spring capsule wardrobe built around classic, mix-and-match pieces. I packed a few breezy dresses, simple tops, lightweight sweaters, jeans, a raincoat (a must for spring showers!), and comfy shoes (flats and sneakers) for all the walking. Accessories like a straw tote, crossbody bag, and sunglasses pulled everything together, and I made sure to toss in pajamas, a swimsuit, and a good book for downtime. Keeping the palette fresh and neutral made it so easy to pull together outfits quickly—and made getting out the door with kids that much smoother.
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