Two Days of Tuscan Flavor in Florence

Map

A relaxed 2-day walking itinerary through Florence focused on Tuscan cuisine, fresh markets, classic trattorie and a few must-see sights — curated for two adults who want great food, local context and gentle strolling.

Day 1: Market Morning, Oltrarno Afternoon, Classic Dinner

08:00

Breakfast near accommodation — espresso & cornetto

09:15

Mercato Centrale & street food tasting (lampredotto, cheeses)

11:15

Walk to Duomo, piazza visit and photos

12:45

Lunch at a nearby trattoria — light Tuscan dishes

14:30

Cross to Oltrarno — artisan shops, Palazzo Pitti gardens (optional stroll)

17:15

Gelato & Lungarno sunset walk

19:30

Dinner at an osteria — bistecca alla fiorentina or seasonal menu

21:30

Evening passeggiata in city center

Mercato Centrale Food Stalls - Piazza del Mercato Centrale
Varied vendors — quick tastings and fresh produce.
Trattoria da Mario - Near Mercato Centrale
Classic, no-frills Tuscan dishes (reserve early).
Osteria del Oltrarno - Oltrarno neighborhood
Cozy osteria with bistecca options.

Mercato Centrale Stalls - Piazza del Mercato Centrale
Specialty foods, olive oils, cheeses.
Oltrarno Workshops - Via Maggio & side streets
Leather goods, hand-made ceramics.

Day 2: Artful Morning & Hands-on Cooking Afternoon

08:00

Breakfast near accommodation — espresso & pastry

09:15

Visit Accademia (Michelangelo's David) or Uffizi (prebooked)

11:15

Stroll to Sant’Ambrogio market; light bites

13:00

Afternoon cooking class: pasta + Tuscan main (hands-on)

17:00

Leisure time — shop for edible souvenirs or relax

19:30

Farewell dinner — ribollita, seasonal antipasti, dessert

21:30

Final evening walk; gelato if desired

Caffè Gilli - Piazza della Repubblica
Historic café for coffee and pastries.
Trattoria Zà Zà - Near Mercato Centrale
Popular, broad Tuscan menu and market feel.
La Cucina del Maestro (Cooking School) - Central Florence (walking distance)
Hands-on classes focused on Tuscan recipes.

Sant’Ambrogio Market - Piazza Ghiberti
Fresh produce, cheeses; excellent for edible souvenirs.
Specialty Food Shops - Via de' Neri / Via dei Neri area
Olive oil, balsamic, local cured meats.
Leather & Souvenir Shops - Near Duomo & Via de' Tornabuoni
Compact souvenirs and artisan leather goods.

Walking pace; timings approximate. Allow flexibility for markets and meals.

Packing Tips

Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere).
Lightweight layers for variable weather; a compact umbrella.
Reusable water bottle (public fountains in Florence are potable).

Dining Tips

Reserve dinner for popular trattorie, especially if you want bistecca alla fiorentina.
Ask for "pane toscano" (unsalted bread) to experience local pairing with olive oil and wines.
Try small portions at markets to sample more.

Booking & Timing Tips

Prebook Uffizi or Accademia tickets to skip lines.
Cooking classes sell out; reserve early for afternoon Day 2.
Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (approx 3–7pm); plan accordingly.

Safety & Practical Tips

Keep pickpocket awareness in crowded spots (markets, major squares).
Tap to pay is widely accepted, but keep some euros for small vendors.
Opening hours: check in advance for seasonal changes.

Day 1 — Arrival, Market Stroll & Classic Florentine Flavors

Land at your accommodation and step into Florence’s rhythm: narrow streets, warm stone and the scent of grilled meat and fresh basil. Begin with a slow walk to the Mercato Centrale, where lively vendors, cold cuts and Tuscan cheeses set the scene. Sample lampredotto at a street stand for an authentic Florentine snack, then head toward the Duomo — admire it from the piazza (we save the climb for tomorrow if you prefer a gentler pace).

After a light early lunch at a nearby trattoria, wander the artisan-filled Oltrarno across the Arno River. This area hums with small workshops and relaxed cafes. For dinner, choose a classic osteria to try bistecca alla fiorentina (share for two) with a side of cannellini beans and a bottle of Chianti.

Evening: take a sunset stroll along the Lungarno and enjoy gelato while you watch reflections of the Arno.

Day 2 — Markets, Museums & A Cooking-Forward Afternoon

Start with a proper Florentine espresso and cornetto. Revisit the Mercato or the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market for breakfast bites and to pick up specialty ingredients. Spend late morning at the Accademia (to see Michelangelo’s David) or wander the Uffizi if you prefer Renaissance art — book tickets in advance to avoid lines.

In the afternoon, join a short hands-on cooking class focused on pasta and a simple Tuscan main (many half-day classes are walking-distance in central Florence). Cooking with a local chef gives context to the flavors you sampled and provides recipes to take home.

Conclude your trip with a relaxed final dinner: seasonal vegetable antipasti, ribollita (Tuscan soup) and a light dessert. Finish with an evening passeggiata through the city center to absorb Florence one last time.

Why this plan works for you

Walking-only transit keeps the pace gentle and immersive; Florence’s historic center is compact and best experienced on foot.
Food-first: markets, street snacks, a classic bistecca experience and a cooking class so the culinary learning sticks.
Two days balance key sights with slow, delicious discovery — not a race.

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