7-Day Florence Itinerary: The Perfect Week for Families (2026)
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is a dream destination for families. With its rich history, stunning art, and delicious food, there's something to captivate every member of your group. This 7-day itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Florence, balancing iconic landmarks with family-friendly activities and downtime. Get ready for an unforgettable week in the Renaissance city!
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Duomo Discovery
Theme: Immerse yourselves in Florence's most famous sights.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Climbing the Duomo
Start your Florentine adventure at the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). Pre-book your tickets online (around €30 per person) to skip the long lines. Climb to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome for panoramic city views. It's a challenging climb (463 steps!), so ensure everyone is prepared. Afterwards, explore the Baptistery with its magnificent bronze doors.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The climb is not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Trattoria Mario (San Lorenzo)
Head to Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina, 2/r, 50123 Firenze) in the San Lorenzo neighborhood for a traditional Florentine lunch. This family-run trattoria offers hearty, authentic dishes at reasonable prices (around €15-€25 per person). Try the bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) or the pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup).
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
Walk towards Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. Admire the sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi, including Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Then, visit Palazzo Vecchio, the city hall. Take a guided tour (€20 per person) to explore the opulent halls and learn about Florentine history. The kids will love the secret passages and hidden rooms.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Ponte Vecchio & Dinner
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II. Admire the shops built along it. In the past, butchers occupied the shops; now jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers are the tenants. For dinner, enjoy a casual meal at La Cocotte (Via Nazionale, 13/red, 50123 Firenze), known for its delicious pasta and pizza (€20-€30 per person).
Transportation: Florence's city center is very walkable. However, consider using the tram (T1 line) if you're tired or need to travel longer distances. A single ticket costs €1.50.
Day 2: Art Immersion at the Uffizi & Oltrarno Charm
Theme: Dive into Renaissance art and explore the artisan workshops of Oltrarno.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Uffizi Gallery
Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most famous art museums. Pre-book your tickets online (around €40 per person) well in advance to avoid long queues. Focus on the highlights, such as Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation. Consider a family-friendly guided tour to keep the kids engaged.
Tip: Download the Uffizi Gallery app for maps and information about the artworks. You can also rent audio guides.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Gusta Pizza (Oltrarno)
Cross the Ponte Santa Trinita and head to Gusta Pizza (Via Maggio, 46/r, 50125 Firenze) in the Oltrarno neighborhood. This pizzeria is known for its delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas at affordable prices (around €10-€15 per person). It's a popular spot, so be prepared to wait in line.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Oltrarno Artisan Workshops
Explore the Oltrarno neighborhood, known for its artisan workshops. Visit a leather workshop to see how leather goods are made, or a ceramics studio to learn about traditional Florentine pottery. Consider purchasing a unique souvenir directly from the artisans. Check out the artisan shops on Via de' Bardi and Via di Santo Spirito.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Ponte Santa Trinita & Dinner
Enjoy a sunset view from Ponte Santa Trinita. For dinner, dine at Trattoria Sabatino (Via Pisana, 2/red, 50143 Firenze), a local favorite serving traditional Florentine cuisine at reasonable prices (€20-€30 per person).
Day 3: Gardens, Views & Relaxation
Theme: Escape the crowds and enjoy Florence's natural beauty.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Boboli Gardens & Palazzo Pitti
Visit the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling park behind Palazzo Pitti. Explore the fountains, sculptures, and grottoes. Afterwards, visit Palazzo Pitti, one of Florence's largest architectural monuments; it is divided into five museums, including the Modern Art Gallery and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Purchase a combined ticket for both the gardens and the palace (€25 per person). Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore everything.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring water and snacks, especially if you're visiting in the summer.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): La Grotta di Leo (Oltrarno)
Enjoy lunch at La Grotta di Leo (Borgo S. Jacopo, 8/r, 50125 Firenze), located near Ponte Vecchio, offering a selection of Tuscan dishes and seafood (€25-€35 per person).
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Piazzale Michelangelo
Take a bus (line 12 or 13) or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence. It's the perfect spot to take photos and admire the city from above. The kids will enjoy running around the large piazza.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Relaxing Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito (Piazza Santo Spirito, 9/r, 50125 Firenze) in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. This osteria is known for its delicious truffle pasta and lively atmosphere (€25-€35 per person).
Day 4: San Lorenzo Market & Cooking Class
Theme: Experience Florentine culture through food and markets.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): San Lorenzo Market
Explore the San Lorenzo Market, a bustling market where you can find leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs. Bargain for the best prices. Visit the Mercato Centrale, an indoor food market, to sample local specialties and purchase ingredients for your cooking class.
Tip: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe, as pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Lunch at Mercato Centrale
Grab lunch at the Mercato Centrale. There are numerous food stalls offering pizza, pasta, lampredotto, sandwiches, and other Italian delights. Budget around €15-€25 per person.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Family Cooking Class
Take a family cooking class and learn how to make traditional Florentine dishes. Several cooking schools in Florence offer family-friendly classes. Florence Food Studio is a great option, costing around €75 per person. You'll learn to make pasta, sauce, and dessert, which you can enjoy for dinner.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Enjoy your creations!
Enjoy the meal you prepared during your cooking class, or opt for a simple dinner at a local trattoria if you prefer.
Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa
Theme: Take a break from Florence and visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Train to Pisa & Leaning Tower
Take a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale (approximately 1 hour). From the station, walk or take a bus to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pre-book your tickets online (around €27 per person) to climb to the top of the tower. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Osteria dei Cavalieri (Pisa)
Have lunch at Osteria dei Cavalieri (Via S. Frediano, 16, 56126 Pisa PI), a restaurant near the Leaning Tower of Pisa, offering typical Tuscan dishes (€20-€30 per person).
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore Pisa & Return to Florence
Explore the city of Pisa, and then take the train back to Florence. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Florence.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner in Santa Croce
Have dinner at Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina, 2/r, 50123 Firenze), offering classic Florentine meals.
Day 6: Leonardo da Vinci Museum & Santa Croce
Theme: Explore the life of Da Vinci and explore the Santa Croce neighborhood.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Leonardo da Vinci Museum
Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Via dei Servi, 66/R, 50122 Firenze) to see models of his inventions and learn about his life and work. It's an interactive and engaging museum for kids and adults alike (€12 per person). Afterwards, explore the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David (pre-book your tickets!).
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Trattoria Pallottino (Santa Croce)
Eat at Trattoria Pallottino (Via Isola delle Stinche, 1/red, 50122 Firenze), near Piazza Santa Croce, offering traditional Florentine meals (€20-€30 per person).
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Basilica di Santa Croce
Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the burial place of many famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Explore the cloisters and chapels (€8 per person).
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Gelato & Dinner
Enjoy some gelato at La Carraia (Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r, 50124 Firenze), one of the best gelaterias in Florence. For dinner, enjoy a meal at a restaurant of your choice.
Day 7: Shopping & Departure
Theme: Souvenir shopping and last-minute Florentine delights.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Shopping
Spend the morning souvenir shopping. Head to Via de' Tornabuoni for high-end fashion, or explore the shops around Ponte Vecchio for jewelry and leather goods. The San Lorenzo Market is also a great place to find souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM): Lunch near the train station
Grab lunch at a restaurant near the train station before departing.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - Onward): Departure
Head to Florence Santa Maria Novella station for your departure.
Transportation: Consider purchasing a Firenze Card for unlimited access to public transportation and museums. It costs €85 and is valid for 72 hours.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Family in Florence
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Accommodation: Consider staying in an apartment or family-friendly hotel in the Oltrarno or San Marco neighborhoods.
- Skip-the-Line Tickets: Pre-book your tickets online for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
- Walking Shoes: Florence is a walkable city, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Rest Days: Schedule some downtime to relax and recharge, especially with young children.
- Food Allergies: Italian restaurants are generally accommodating to dietary restrictions. Be sure to communicate any allergies or dietary needs clearly.
Estimated Costs for a Week in Florence for a Family of Four
- Accommodation: €1400 - €3500 (depending on the type of accommodation)
- Flights: €1600 - €4000 (depending on the origin and time of year)
- Food: €1400 - €2800
- Activities and Entrance Fees: €800 - €1600
- Transportation: €200 - €400
- Total: €5400 - €12300