Florence in Two Days: What We Loved, What We Didn’t, and What We’d Do Differently

Florence had been on our travel wish list for years. We finally made it there this spring and managed to see many of the city’s most famous sights—from Michelangelo’s David to the sweeping views from San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo.

But our visit also reminded us of something important: a destination can be beautiful, historic, and world-famous yet not be the perfect fit for every traveler.

Here are our biggest takeaways after spending two days in Florence.

The Views Were Worth the Climb

If there was one moment that truly captured Florence for us, it was standing above the city at San Miniato al Monte.

We took a taxi up the hill and spent time exploring the church and its peaceful cemetery before making our way toward Piazzale Michelangelo. Looking out over the red rooftops, the Duomo, and the Arno River gave us a perspective of Florence that we never would have experienced from the crowded streets below.

For travelers with limited time, this was one of our favorite experiences in the city.

Seeing David in Person Is Different

Like many visitors, we’d seen countless photos of Michelangelo’s David before arriving.

None of those photos prepared us for the actual sculpture.

The size, detail, and craftsmanship are difficult to appreciate until you’re standing a few feet away. If you’re debating whether the Accademia Gallery is worth the ticket, we would say yes.

Florence Is a Food Lover’s City

Some of our favorite memories came from the meals.

A massive porchetta sandwich from the Central Market became one of the highlights of the trip. We also enjoyed traditional Tuscan dishes, including wild boar ragù and osso buco, both rich, hearty, and full of flavor.

If you’re visiting Florence, come hungry.

The Crowds Were More Challenging Than We Expected

Florence is incredibly popular, and during our visit, it often felt crowded from morning until late evening.

Many travelers thrive on the energy of a busy city. For us, the constant crowds made it harder to relax and enjoy wandering at our own pace. Even when we ventured out early in the morning, it was difficult to find many of the famous sights without large numbers of people already around.

The crowds also made us more conscious of our belongings. In several of the busiest tourist areas, we noticed people attempting to distract visitors, and we were frequently reminded of Florence’s reputation for pickpocketing. While nothing happened to us, there were a few moments when we felt uncomfortable and found ourselves paying more attention to our surroundings than to the beautiful architecture around us.

That doesn’t mean Florence is dangerous, but it is a city where travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and take the same precautions they would in any major tourist destination.

If you prefer quieter destinations, consider visiting during a less busy season and definitely plan early-morning outings before the largest crowds arrive.

Rain Can Change Everything

Our second day brought relentless rain.

Not the kind where you pull out an umbrella and continue sightseeing, but the kind that makes spending time outdoors genuinely difficult.

Because so much of Florence’s appeal comes from walking its historic streets, piazzas, and bridges, the weather had a significant impact on our experience.

It’s a good reminder to build flexibility into your itinerary and avoid packing every day with non-refundable plans.

Would We Return?

We’re glad we visited Florence.

The art, food, architecture, and views are every bit as impressive as people say. But we also learned that we personally prefer smaller cities with fewer crowds.

After the rain and the busy streets, we decided to shorten our stay and return to Verona, a city that suited our travel style a bit better.

That’s not a criticism of Florence—just a reminder that the “best” destination is often the one that matches the kind of traveler you are.

For first-time visitors, Florence absolutely deserves a place on an Italian itinerary. Just be prepared for crowds, bring comfortable walking shoes, and don’t underestimate the impact that weather can have on your experience.