It’s best to plan a 48-hour itinerary in Florence with travel time in mind: your arrival day should be a bit more relaxed, and it’s best to save the main attraction for the morning. Check in advance how to get from the bus stop to your accommodation, and download a map of the city. That way, even a delayed bus won’t ruin your whole itinerary.
Don’t tie yourself to a specific location every half hour: a delayed bus or a queue can easily throw your plans off course. When visiting Italy, it’s worth bearing in mind the cobbled streets, lunch breaks and the need to book popular attractions in advance, whilst leaving one optional stop that you can skip if necessary.
Day one: exploring the city centre
Start with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: on the way, get a feel for the distances, the pace of the city and the transport options available. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria. It’s best to leave time between them for a coffee or lunch, rather than filling the gap with yet another museum.
If your room isn’t ready yet, check the rules for the left-luggage office and take a photo of your receipt. For getting around, use city buses, the metro or regional trains when the distance really warrants it, rather than just to save a few minutes.
Day two: the main attraction and a leisurely finish
Spend the morning at the Ponte Vecchio: during peak times, you may need a timed entry ticket. Then make your way to Piazza Michelangelo via the narrow streets and squares. This itinerary keeps the second half of the day flexible.
Don’t plan to spend your last hour too far from your luggage. It’s better to return early, buy some water and a snack, check your platform number, and only then wait for your train.
How to draw up a realistic budget
Divide your budget between accommodation, local travel, one main paid attraction, food and a contingency fund. Alternate between free squares and historic districts and paid attractions, and only buy a tourist card after calculating your actual travel needs.
What to prepare before arrival
- a screenshot of your ticket, the address of your accommodation and the entrance to it;
- Piazzas della Signoria and Michelangelo marked on a downloaded map;
- a fully charged power bank, water and a compact raincoat;
- a backup route to the bus without complicated changes.
Useful links
To help you prepare, also read ‘Ukraine–Italy coach: how to prepare for an international journey’, ‘Ukraine–Italy coach: route, luggage and plan B’, and ‘How to plan your first day after a long coach journey’. You can check coach services and travel options on RedRay. Check the latest visitor regulations and events calendar via Italy’s official tourism portal and the official websites of specific attractions. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and Answers
How should I spend 48 hours in Florence?
Spend your arrival day exploring the city centre and open spaces, and the morning of the following day visiting attractions that require a ticket. Keep the final few hours free before your journey home.
What should I do with my suitcase before check-in?
Ask your hotel or apartment if they offer early luggage drop-off. Alternatively, use an official luggage storage facility with clear rates, a receipt and convenient opening hours.
When is a travel pass worth it in Florence?
A travel pass makes sense if you’re making several long journeys in a single day. If your route takes you through the compact city centre, compare the cost of the pass with two or three single tickets.
Which stops on the route should you check in advance?
Check the time slot for the Ponte Vecchio, the rules on carrying rucksacks, and how to collect your ticket. Also, make sure you have the exact address of your next bus stop.