Florence Weekend: Renaissance Art and the Oltrarno

Destination: Florence, ItalyCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 2nd October 2026
Florence suits a weekend built around art, Tuscan food and walks across the Arno. One major gallery visit leaves room for the Duomo streets, the Oltrarno’s small squares and the view from Piazzale Michelangelo.
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Saturday — Florence
Image of Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

Historic Site
Start Saturday around the cathedral, Baptistery and bell tower. The cathedral interior is free and opens for sightseeing on Saturdays, but closes to tourists on Sundays. A dome climb needs a reserved time slot with the Brunelleschi Pass.

Mercato di San Lorenzo

Marketplace, Market Shopping
Walk through the San Lorenzo market streets to Mercato Centrale for lunch. The indoor food hall is upstairs and opens daily, with stalls for pasta, pizza and other dishes around shared tables. It is a short walk back to the Duomo afterwards.
Image of Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria

Square, Core Attraction
Walk south through the centre to this square, where the Loggia dei Lanzi displays sculptures in the open air. The David outside Palazzo Vecchio is a replica; Michelangelo’s original is at the Accademia. This route keeps the afternoon outdoors.
Image of Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio

Bridge, Landmark
Continue to the Arno and cross the shop-lined bridge. For a clearer view of its arches, walk west along the river to Ponte Santa Trinita. Return through the centre for dinner, keeping Sunday morning for the Uffizi.
Sunday — Florence
Image of Gallerie degli Uffizi

Gallerie degli Uffizi

Museum, Art Museum
Book a Sunday morning entry and spend two to three hours with the Renaissance collection, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera. The gallery is near Saturday’s square and river stops. It closes on Mondays, so keep this visit on the weekend.
Image of Piazza di Santo Spirito

Piazza di Santo Spirito

Attraction, Core Attraction
Cross the Arno for a late lunch in the Oltrarno, then walk the streets around this square for small shops and artisan workshops. The cafés and restaurants around the piazza make it a useful break after the gallery.
Image of Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

Viewpoint, Square
Walk east through the Oltrarno and climb up from San Niccolò for the city-wide view across the Arno. Arrive before sunset for the changing light on the rooftops and Duomo. The uphill walk takes roughly half an hour from the river.