Our 5-Day Florence Itinerary - What Worked and What Didn't
Jan 18 (edited) · 182 views
Just got back from 5 days in Florence with my family (2 adults, 2 kids aged 10 and 13) and wanted to share what we learned the hard way so you don't have to!
Day 1 — Settling In & Oltrarno
We arrived mid-morning and walked from our apartment near Santa Croce to Oltrarno. This was the perfect low-key start. We wandered through artisan workshops on Via Maggio, grabbed paninis at a little place near Piazza Santo Spirito, and got gelato at a shop the apartment owner recommended. No museums, no pressure — just getting our bearings.
Day 2 — The Uffizi
Book your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance. We did the 8:30am slot and it was so worth it. By 10:30 it was packed. We focused on the Botticelli rooms, Caravaggio, and the Raphael. Skipped the gift shop line entirely. The kids lasted about 2 hours which was perfect.
Day 3 — Accademia & San Lorenzo
Saw David in the morning (again, early booking). The kids were actually impressed — it's much bigger than you expect. Then we explored the San Lorenzo leather market. Tip: don't buy from the first stall. Walk deeper into the market for better prices and quality.
Day 4 — Ponte Vecchio, Boboli & Piazzale Michelangelo
Walked across Ponte Vecchio early (before 9am it's almost empty). Spent the morning in Boboli Gardens — bring water and snacks, there's not much inside. In the evening, we took a taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. This was the highlight of the entire trip. The view is absolutely unreal.
Day 5 — Duomo & Departure
Climbed the Duomo dome (463 steps!). The 13-year-old loved it, the 10-year-old was less thrilled. Reserve your time slot online. We had a long lunch near the Mercato Centrale as our farewell meal.
What I'd Do Differently:
- Book restaurant reservations for dinner — we got turned away twice
- Buy a refillable water bottle (there are free water fountains everywhere)
- Don't try to see everything — pick 2-3 things per day max
- Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable — the cobblestones are brutal
Happy to answer any questions about our trip!