Romantic 3-Day Florence Itinerary for Couples
Unhurried, intimate three-day plan in Florence (May — Spring) focused on golden-hour moments, cozy meals, scenic viewpoints and a spa day — paced for romance and quiet shared experiences between wandering the city's best art, gardens and riverside sunsets.
Highlights
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo with a local Prosecco
- Private-feel strolls in Boboli & Bardini gardens
- Uffizi's best-loved rooms at a slow pace
- Couples spa at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
- Rooftop cocktails with Arno views
Itinerary
Day 1
Gentle arrival, introduction to Florence’s city center and a golden-hour viewpoint to set the mood.
Hotel check-in and settle: Hotel Brunelleschi
Arrive, freshen up and drop bags at a romantic, centrally located boutique hotel — a quiet room to return to between walks.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a room facing the inner courtyard for less street noise and a cozier atmosphere.
- Request a late-afternoon turn-down with a small bottle of water and local biscuits — a nice touch after travel.
- Confirm luggage help and a map of nearby quiet streets for post-check-in strolling.
Lunch at Caffè Gilli — historic café in Piazza della Repubblica
Light Italian lunch and pastries in an elegant historic café — perfect for an easy first meal and people-watching from the square.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit near a window for romantic views of Piazza della Repubblica and to watch street musicians.
- Try a shared dessert plate (cannoli or millefoglie) to keep things intimate and relaxed.
- If you prefer quieter seating, ask to be seated in the smaller rear salon rather than the main square-facing tables.
Duomo complex: Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery and Campanile (gentle pace)
Visit Florence’s iconic cathedral and Baptistery at a relaxing pace — admire the dome, façade and mosaics with time for photos together.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance to avoid long lines and keep things calm and unhurried.
- Wear comfortable shoes — there are cobblestones and short queues; pause on the cathedral steps for a private photo.
- If you’re up for climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome, book the earliest slot possible — it’s romantic but involves many steps; otherwise admire it from outside and the Baptistery interior.
Leisurely artisan stroll: Oltrarno & Santo Spirito workshops
Cross the Ponte Vecchio and meander through Oltrarno’s artisans — leatherworkers, bespoke jewelers and quiet piazzas for intimate discovery.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on Santo Spirito’s side streets for smaller, quieter ateliers that welcome curious couples.
- Pop into a small workshop and ask for a short demonstration — artisans often love to show techniques to small, respectful visitors.
- Sit for a short coffee or gelato in Piazza Santo Spirito to watch locals and recharge before the evening.
Sunset moment: Piazzale Michelangelo with a Prosecco from Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Golden-hour city panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo — bring a bottle of local Prosecco or pick up a curated bottle to toast the view.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a chilled bottle at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina and bring a small blanket for a comfortable sunset picnic.
- Arrive 30–40 minutes before sunset for the best light and to find a private spot on the stone benches.
- If mobility is a concern, take the short taxi ride up to the piazzale to avoid steep steps; the view is worth it.
Dinner at La Giostra — candlelit Tuscan classics
Romantic, candlelit dinner at a beloved Florence restaurant known for its intimate atmosphere and refined Tuscan dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a small table in the dimly lit interior for the most romantic ambiance; mention it’s a special evening if celebrating.
- Share a pasta and a main rather than ordering individually — it creates a cozy dining rhythm for couples.
- Ask the staff for a wine pairing suggestion: they’re experienced with romantic-suited bottles by the glass or carafe.
Day 2
A cultured morning at the Uffizi, a leisurely Oltrarno lunch and an indulgent couples spa, capped by rooftop cocktails and a riverside dinner.
Uffizi Gallery: select rooms at an unhurried pace
Explore the Uffizi’s highlights (Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo) with time to linger on favourites rather than rush through.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a morning timed-entry ticket and consider a small-group guided option focused on romantic masterpieces.
- Focus on two or three rooms you both care about to avoid museum fatigue and to share impressions over coffee afterward.
- Use the museum’s quieter rooms for a private moment; mid-morning is usually calmer than midday.
Late-morning stroll: Ponte Vecchio and riverside window shopping
Cross the iconic bridge slowly, browse family-run jewelers and stop for photos looking down the Arno.
Tips from local experts:
- Visit the smaller streets off the bridge on the Oltrarno side for quieter artisan shops and less crowded photo spots.
- Time your crossing outside the main tour-group windows (late morning after Uffizi is good) for a private feeling.
- Pause for a quick gelato from a nearby gelateria and enjoy it while watching the river.
Lunch in Oltrarno: Trattoria 4 Leoni
Cozy, traditional lunch in Santo Spirito — hearty Tuscan dishes in a welcoming, low-key space.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table in the small side room for a quieter, more intimate meal.
- Share a starter and a pasta to leave room for a light evening bite or cocktails later.
- Try the house wine carafe for a local, relaxed experience that pairs well with family-style dishes.
Couples spa experience: Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Luxurious couples treatment and access to thermal pools and gardens — an indulgent mid-afternoon reset.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a duo massage and request a treatment room with a view of the gardens for maximum intimacy.
- Arrive early to enjoy the pool and steam room together — the Four Seasons gardens offer a peaceful pre-treatment walk.
- Check the spa’s dress and timing recommendations; evening spa slots often finish just in time for sunset plans.
Rooftop cocktails: SESTO on Arno (the Westin Excelsior)
Sunset-to-evening rooftop drinks with expansive views along the Arno — perfect for toasting a special day.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a window or terrace table for sunset views; ask staff for a quieter corner away from the bar.
- Order a Negroni or a signature aperitivo and pair it with small sharing plates to keep things light before dinner.
- If you arrive before sunset, take photos toward the Duomo and the river as the light softens.
Dinner at Borgo San Jacopo — intimate riverside dining
Riverside Michelin-level dining with romantic low lighting and seasonal Tuscan cuisine — ideal for a special night.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a riverside table when booking for dramatic night views of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio area.
- Choose the tasting menu to share a sequence of refined dishes and to make the evening feel ceremonial.
- Keep dinner unhurried — savor the wine list and ask staff for a recommended dessert to share.
Day 3
Garden mornings, artisan discoveries and a final rooftop cocktail and candlelit dinner to close the trip memorably.
Morning in Giardino Bardini — quiet terraces and city panoramas
Start the day in Bardini Garden’s terraced paths and hidden viewpoints — a peaceful, photogenic alternative to busier spots.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at opening to enjoy much of the garden to yourselves and to photograph the formal terraces in soft morning light.
- Bring a small picnic blanket for a moment together on one of the lawns — the views toward the Duomo are lovely.
- Combine Bardini with a short visit to the lesser-known Oltrarno viewpoints to keep the morning calm and private.
Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace stroll
Wander the expansive Boboli Gardens for classic Renaissance landscaping and quiet shaded corners ideal for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow a relaxed route that takes you past the amphitheatre, the lemon houses and quieter groves for shared moments.
- Bring water and a sun hat — spring is mild but sunny; benches under trees make nice pause points.
- Combine a short inside look at Pitti Palace if you both enjoy decorative arts, otherwise keep the visit focused on the outdoor romance.
Lunch in Oltrarno: Il Santo Bevitore
Contemporary Tuscan lunch in a warm, intimate setting — a favorite among locals for relaxed, refined cuisine.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table by the wall — it tends to feel cozier and shielded from street noise.
- Pair a couple of shared plates with a local Chianti for an unhurried midday tasting experience.
- Reserve ahead: prime lunch times fill quickly on weekends; a midday booking keeps the pace calm.
Afternoon: artisan browsing & quiet cafes in Santo Spirito
Slow wandering among Oltrarno’s small shops, stopping at a cozy café for espresso and lingering conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Seek out small leather or paper ateliers where artisans will show the making process — it’s intimate and low-key.
- Pop into a small café (choose a table rather than takeaway) and order single espressos to linger without a heavy meal.
- If you want a meaningful souvenir, ask an artisan to personalize a small item while you wait — a romantic memento.
Rooftop cocktail at La Terrazza — Hotel Continentale (sunset moment)
Final-day rooftop aperitivo with close views of Ponte Vecchio and the river — a perfect last golden-hour toast.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a terrace table facing Ponte Vecchio for the best sunset photo opportunities and a truly romantic backdrop.
- Order a local sparkling wine or a signature aperitivo and share a plate of small bites to keep the mood light.
- Carry a light wrap or shawl — evenings can have a breeze even in May; a shared wrap makes for a cozy moment.
Farewell dinner at Il Palagio (Four Seasons) — romantic final night
Elegant, candlelit final dinner in a serene hotel setting — refined Tuscan menu and tranquil garden ambience.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress slightly up to match the restaurant’s refined atmosphere and to make the evening feel special.
- Consider the tasting menu to celebrate the trip; request a quiet table near the windows or garden-facing area.
- Ask for a digestif recommendation to share as a relaxed finish to your meal and trip reflections.
