Florence in Two Days — Friends' Spring Sprint
A fun, vibrant 2-day plan in Florence designed for a group of friends: lively food halls, art, a playful active ride to sunset, rooftop aperitivo, hands-on gelato class and upbeat nightlife. Pacing balances must-see culture with social time and local favorites — all tailored for energetic groups (4–6+).
Highlights
- Breakfast + food stalls at Mercato Centrale Firenze
- Climb the Duomo and see Brunelleschi's Dome
- Michelangelo's David at Galleria dell'Accademia
- E-bike/bike ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset
- Boboli Gardens & Oltrarno artisan stroll
- Hands-on gelato making workshop
- Rooftop aperitivo and lively late-night bar
Itinerary
Day 1
Art, food and a magical sunset ride — a day mixing Florence icons with social stops perfect for a lively friend group.
Breakfast & Grazing at Mercato Centrale Firenze
Start with a social, high-energy breakfast at the famous food hall — grab espresso, fresh pastries, and share small plates from multiple stalls so everyone gets a taste.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim to arrive before 10:00 to nab a large communal table for 4–6; peak time fills up fast.
- Split dishes: order 3–4 different items from stalls and share — it’s cheaper and more social.
- Cash is accepted at many stalls but bring a card for vendors that prefer it; keep one person as the 'tab manager' to simplify shared costs.
Duomo Complex — Cathedral & Cupola Climb (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore)
Explore the cathedral interior, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for stunning city views, and walk the rooftop terraces if available — cultural essential with a social adrenaline boost from the climb.
Tips from local experts:
- Book timed tickets in advance to avoid long lines and to guarantee dome access — groups should book contiguous slots.
- The climb is narrow and steep: wear comfortable shoes and left-shoulder teamwork (one person waits at landings for the group).
- If anyone in your group is claustrophobic, split the visit: some climb while others relax at a nearby cafe and swap photos afterward.
Lively Group Lunch at Trattoria Zà Zà
Classic Florentine dishes in a lively, group-friendly trattoria that welcomes noisy tables — perfect for sharing plates and large-format dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table ahead for 4–6 — Zà Zà is popular with groups and fills early at lunchtime.
- Order a few antipasti and a couple of mains to share family-style (bistecca alla fiorentina is great for 4+).
- Ask the staff for local wine by the carafe for better value and easy shared payment.
Galleria dell'Accademia — See Michelangelo’s David
A quick but iconic art stop to see David and other masterpieces — timed, focused visit so you still have energy for an active late-afternoon ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book timed-entry tickets and meet at the entrance a few minutes early so the group can enter together.
- Audio guides are handy for groups who prefer moving together; pick one device and swap insights rather than splitting into pairs.
- Keep bags small — the gallery has security checks and limited cloakroom space for large group items.
Bike Rental & Ride through Oltrarno to Piazzale Michelangelo (active)
Pick up bikes/e-bikes and enjoy a playful, scenic ride across the Arno with stops at artisans in Oltrarno, finishing at Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset photos — a perfect social adventure for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve 4–6 bikes or e-bikes in advance (electric bikes coast better uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo) and bring ID for deposits.
- Plan a mid-ride stop at a small artisan shop in Oltrarno — it’s a low-cost way to enjoy local crafts and stretch legs.
- Agree on a simple route and a 'sweep' person who rides last to keep the group together; bring a portable phone charger for photos.
Rooftop Aperitivo at SESTO on Arno (sunset drinks)
Celebrate the ride with an elegant rooftop aperitivo overlooking the Arno — share small plates and cocktails while watching the sunset over Florence.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a terrace table to ensure views for the whole group; ask for a comfy spot if you’ll linger for photos.
- Share aperitivo platters rather than individual mains to keep things light and social before dinner.
- Spring evenings can be breezy — bring a light layer and check if the venue has blankets for groups sitting outside.
Lively Night Out — Red Garter Bar (games, pub atmosphere)
Finish night one with pub vibes: live music, karaoke, or casual games — a place that welcomes loud groups and keeps the energy high.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive after 21:30 when the bar hits peak energy; big groups can request a larger table up front if available.
- Budget for cover/entrance fee some nights; split the tab using card apps or have one person pay and collect cash after.
- Check the night's entertainment in advance (karaoke, live band) and book a spot if it's a themed/event night.
Day 2
Greener morning in the gardens, artisan hunting in Oltrarno, Uffizi's masterpieces, a playful gelato-making workshop and an energetic final evening.
Morning Walk: Boboli Gardens Exploration
Fresh-air stroll through the historic Boboli Gardens — statuary, terraces and hidden viewpoints perfect for group photos and light exploration.
Tips from local experts:
- Start early (09:00) to avoid crowds and enjoy softer morning light for photos — spring blooms make it extra pretty.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the gardens are expansive and include hills and stairs where friends can race light-heartedly.
- Bring a small picnic blanket and snacks if you want to linger on a quiet lawn spot — groups can relax here between stops.
Oltrarno Artisan Stroll & Shopping (neighborhood)
Wander Oltrarno’s streets to see woodworkers, leather artisans and independent studios — perfect for hunting unique souvenirs and small-group browsing.
Tips from local experts:
- Head to Via Maggio and Santo Spirito area for artisanal shops that welcome groups and are used to friendly browsing.
- Bring small change for quick purchases (leather repairs, small trinkets) and ask about workshop visits — many artisans will show their process.
- Plan a coffee stop at a nearby café for regrouping; Oltrarno cafes often have tables that accommodate lively tables of friends.
Quick, Famous Sandwich Lunch at All'Antico Vinaio
Grab Firenze’s iconic stuffed schiacciata sandwiches for a fast, shareable lunch — order a couple of varieties to split among the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Lines are common — consider ordering two different large sandwiches to split and avoid waiting multiple times.
- Find a nearby piazza or the banks of the Arno to sit together if the shop is crowded indoors.
- Ask for recommendations from staff — some sandwich combos are regional favorites and great for sharing.
Gallerie degli Uffizi: Afternoon Highlights Tour
A focused Uffizi visit to see Botticelli, Leonardo and Caravaggio highlights — pick a short guided option or follow a curated route for a 2-hour visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book tickets with a time slot and consider a 60–90 minute highlights tour so the group stays energized.
- Agree on 3–4 'must-see' works beforehand so the visit feels purposeful and the group stays together.
- Check cloakroom rules for backpacks and leave large bags at the hotel to speed entry for everyone.
Hands-on Gelato Workshop — Learn & Taste
A playful, interactive gelato-making class where the group learns to make and flavor gelato — ideal for friends who love food and fun competitions.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a small private workshop for your group so you can taste and compare everyone’s flavors — it’s more fun and Instagrammable.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy; some workshops include hands-on mixing and plating.
- Ask for behind-the-scenes tips on flavor combos to recreate back home; vendors often share easy recipes.
Dinner & Drinks at La Ménagère (social dining + cocktails)
A lively, stylish spot that works for groups — dinner plates to share, friendly staff and space for cocktails and photos afterwards.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a larger table or a corner that accommodates group chatter without disturbing others.
- Order a mix of shared plates and a signature cocktail round — La Ménagère is designed for lingering evenings with friends.
- If you plan to keep the night going, ask the staff about post-dinner live DJ nights so you can stay in one place.
Optional Late-Night: Ditta Artigianale or Local Bar Crawl
Finish with a relaxed coffee-cocktail hybrid or hop between lively bars that welcome energetic groups — great final hangout night for friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick one spot for the first hour (e.g., Ditta Artigianale) then let the group decide if you’ll move on — keeps energy high without exhausting everyone.
- Split tabs via payment apps or have one person collect cash to keep ordering simple for bartenders.
- If someone needs to head back early, plan a simple taxi/ride-share meeting point and check that drivers will accept group drop-offs.
