Florence in 3 Days for Friends - Mercato Centrale group breakfast and shared street-food tasting
A lively 3-day Florence itinerary for a group of friends: food halls and communal meals, a playful bike tour, artisan-hunting in Oltrarno, gallery must-sees, and upbeat nights with live music and dancing. Designed for May (Spring) — mild days, long evenings, and terrace-ready aperitivi.
Highlights
- Mercato Centrale group breakfast and shared street-food tasting
- Climb the Duomo & Uffizi afternoon
- Active morning bike tour with Piazzale Michelangelo views
- Oltrarno artisan shopping and Boboli Gardens
- Live-music nights + wine tasting and clubbing options
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic Florence kickoff: market breakfast, Duomo, Uffizi, aperitivo and a lively first-night bar with karaoke or live music.
Group Breakfast & Food-Hall Tasting — Mercato Centrale
Start at Mercato Centrale for coffee, pastries, and small-shared plates from different vendors — great for groups to sample Tuscan flavors and split costs.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit at the upstairs communal tables — they accommodate groups and make it easy to order from multiple stalls to share.
- Bring small change or use one person to pay and split via an app — stalls sometimes prefer cash for quick orders.
- Try the lampredotto or a small porchetta sandwich for a local culinary story to share; peak morning energy but less crowded earlier (arrive by 09:30).
Duomo Complex: Cathedral, Baptistery & (Optional) Cupola Climb
Walk the short route to the Duomo complex for photos, entry to the Cathedral and Baptistery; book ahead if your group wants to climb Brunelleschi's Cupola (staggered slots recommended).
Tips from local experts:
- Buy combined tickets online in advance if you want to climb the Cupola — groups should reserve a single block of slots to stay together.
- Wearing comfortable shoes helps: the Cupola has steep, narrow steps and limited resting spots — buddy up in turns while waiting.
- Plan for security lines; keep a small backpack and split valuables among the group to reduce bottlenecks.
Group Lunch — Trattoria Mario (local, lively, communal seating)
Classic, bustling trattoria near the market known for honest Tuscan cooking and communal tables — ideal for a hungry group after museum time.
Tips from local experts:
- The trattoria is busy — go early or be ready to share one large table (part of the fun for groups).
- Order a few large plates (pasta + meats + sides) to share family-style and keep costs down.
- Tell the staff you're a group of friends; they’re used to lively tables and will often seat you together even with a short wait.
Uffizi Gallery — Afternoon Highlights Tour
Spend the afternoon wandering the Uffizi's masterpieces. Pre-book a time-slot or join a short group-friendly guided tour to cover Botticelli and key works without museum fatigue.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a timed entry to minimize waiting; opt for the highlights route so the group can move at a social pace.
- Pick meetup checkpoints inside (e.g., the Botticelli rooms) so the group can split and reconvene — good for mixed interests.
- Bring a lightweight guidebook or download a free audio guide so everyone can chat about works instead of trailing a long guide.
Aperitivo & Small Plates — La Ménagère
Chic, social spot for sharing cocktails and grazing plates — a lively setting to refresh after museum time and plan the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table if possible; the buzzy courtyard and flower-filled interior are great for group photos.
- Order a couple of aperitivo boards and a pitcher-style cocktail to keep sharing and splitting costs simple.
- Use the time to decide on a second-night plan — staff can often recommend nearby bars with live music or trivia nights.
Dinner & Live Music / Karaoke — The Red Garter
Laid-back American-style bar with karaoke nights and live acts — usually lively and welcoming for groups wanting fun late-night energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to reserve a long table for 4–6+ — the Red Garter thrives on groups and singalongs.
- Check the night's event (karaoke/sports/live music) before heading over; some nights are themed and great for group participation.
- Split a few large platters and rounds of drinks to keep tabs simple; tap someone to be the main payer and settle later via apps.
Optional: Bar-Hop Oltrarno Terraces (late)
If energy remains, head across the Arno for cocktail bars and terraces in Oltrarno — lively, local, and perfect for a friends' crawl.
Tips from local experts:
- Oltrarno bars are more relaxed and local — split taxis or walk as a group for safety and to keep the vibe going.
- Look for bars with outside seating to enjoy spring evenings; many accept group reservations if you call earlier.
- Keep one person nominated to coordinate rides home or to the hotel so the group stays together after late-night spots.
Day 2
Active morning bike tour with panoramic views, afternoon Oltrarno discovery and Boboli, ending with a relaxed wine tasting or lively club night.
Active Morning Bike Tour to Piazzale Michelangelo — TopBike Rental & Tours
A group-friendly guided bike tour that mixes cycling with photo stops (Piazzale Michelangelo), short stops at viewpoints and local neighborhoods — playful and social.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify the operator you're a group of friends so they can match bike sizes and split the group into a single guide-led cohort.
- Bring a light daypack and a small bottle of water; most tours include short stops for photos but limited luggage space.
- Wear sneakers and sunglasses; Piazzale Michelangelo is perfect for a group selfie at sunrise/sunset, but morning rides avoid heat and crowds in May.
Lunch in Oltrarno — Osteria Santo Spirito (group-friendly)
Enjoy relaxed, hearty Tuscan fare in the heart of Oltrarno — perfect for groups who want a lively neighborhood lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a long table near the window or courtyard — many Oltrarno places accommodate groups and encourage sharing plates.
- Try a regional red wine carafe to share; it's cheaper and pairs well with grilled dishes for group orders.
- If plans are flexible, stroll Piazza Santo Spirito first to scope options and pick a spot that fits your group's vibe.
Boboli Gardens & Palazzo Pitti — Outdoor Exploration
Wander expansive Boboli Gardens for gardens, sculptures, and panoramic city views — a relaxed, scenic afternoon for the group to decompress after active morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Groups should enter via the Pitti Palace side to avoid lines and pick a central meeting spot (e.g., the Amphitheatre) to regroup.
- Bring a picnic blanket if you plan a casual snack stop; Boboli has grassy terraces suitable for a social pause.
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes — pathways can be cobbled and sloped; split photo duties so everyone gets group shots with Florence views.
Oltrarno Artisan Browsing — Piazza Santo Spirito & Workshops
Stroll the Oltrarno’s artisan workshops and independent boutiques — leather, jewelry, and ceramics ideal for group souvenir hunting and small-batch finds.
Tips from local experts:
- Set a 30–45 minute shopping window and agree on a budget for shared souvenirs or gifts to keep things efficient.
- Ask artisans if they’ll demonstrate (many will) — it’s social, photo-worthy, and often group-friendly for bargaining or shared learning.
- If you want a workshop experience (leather or jewelry), pre-book a short group session on an earlier or later date to guarantee space.
Evening Wine Tasting & Dinner — Pitti Gola e Cantina
A convivial wine bar near Pitti Palace offering guided tastings and food-friendly pairings — a comfortable, sociable dinner option for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a tasting flight for the table so everyone can try multiple wines and compare notes — great for conversation and shared costs.
- Combine a tasting with a few shared plates (cheese, salumi) to turn it into a full dinner without formal seating.
- Ask staff for group-friendly local recommendations (Chianti or small-producer labels) to get authentic Tuscan varietals.
Optional Late Night Dancing — Tenax (club)
If your group wants to keep the night alive, Tenax hosts DJ nights and dance events — a big local club with room for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the event schedule in advance and buy a group pre-sale ticket if available to avoid long queues.
- Plan meet-up times and a safe return plan (taxi apps or pre-booked rides) since the club is lively and gets packed late.
- Bring ID and keep belongings light — club coat checks exist but it's easier to keep a compact group bag at your table.
Day 3
Artful wrap-up: David at the Accademia, leather market shopping, relaxed riverside strolls and a jazz-fueled farewell dinner — easy pacing to match spring's pleasant afternoons.
Accademia Gallery — See Michelangelo’s David
Morning visit to the Accademia to view David and key Renaissance sculptures. Group timed entry recommended to avoid crowding and keep energy high.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a morning slot to dodge the biggest crowds; group timed tickets are often easier to manage.
- Take turns at photos — David is best appreciated up close, but plan short shifts so the whole group moves through comfortably.
- Pair the visit with a quick coffee outside after to debrief highlights and plan the afternoon route.
Leather & Souvenir Stalls — Mercato di San Lorenzo
Browse the famous San Lorenzo stalls for leather bags and market finds; great for group bargaining and picking up last-minute gifts.
Tips from local experts:
- Agree on a meeting time/place and a small cash allowance for spontaneous splurges — many vendors appreciate cash.
- Haggle politely as a group: if one person negotiates and another walks away, vendors will often offer a better price.
- If you want quality leather, ask for 'vero cuoio' and look for vendors with indoor stalls or consistent shop fronts to avoid lower-quality imitations.
Group Lunch — Trattoria ZaZa
Popular, bustling trattoria with a fun atmosphere and ample shareable dishes — ideal for a group farewell lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for a group — ZaZa is famous and fills quickly around lunch; they’re used to larger tables.
- Order a mix of antipasti and pastas to share family-style; ask the staff for portion guidance for groups.
- Keep desserts simple (tiramisu or seasonal fruit) and split to keep the bill manageable among friends.
Gelato & Ponte Vecchio Photo Stroll — Gelateria dei Neri + Ponte Vecchio
Grab cones at a beloved gelateria and stroll to the Ponte Vecchio for iconic group photos and casual riverside people-watching.
Tips from local experts:
- Get gelato to-go and walk along the river for less-crowded photo spots; the east side of the bridge often has better light in late afternoon.
- Split flavors among the group and taste-test each other's choices — it’s social and helps keep costs down per person.
- If anyone wants jewelry browsing on the bridge, agree on a short time limit so the group can keep moving and enjoy the views together.
Relaxed Afternoon — Parco delle Cascine or Free Time for Shopping
Choose a relaxed riverside park chill session or use this slot for last-minute shopping; flexible time for groups to recharge before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- If the group wants green space, Cascine Park is perfect for a casual picnic and group photos; bring a lightweight blanket.
- For shopping, pick one person to coordinate a quick loop of favorite streets (Via Tornabuoni or Via de' Calzaiuoli) to save time.
- Use this window to consolidate luggage/backpacks and confirm departure logistics (train/taxi reservations) with the group.
Farewell Dinner with Live Jazz — Jazz Club Firenze
Finish with a relaxed yet vibrant jazz dinner; many nights feature local players and an intimate atmosphere perfect for toasting the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a dinner + show table in advance so the group can sit together and enjoy the music without scrambling at the door.
- Consider a wine carafe and shared antipasti to keep things social and cost-effective for a larger table.
- Plan a short after-dinner walk to a viewpoint or a last gelato stop to close the night on a carefree note.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 19 |
| Total Places | 19 |
| Activities Types | Restaurant, Culture, Nightlife, Sport, Outdoor, Neighborhood, Experience, Shopping, Break |
