The Ultimate Weekend Away in Florence

There’s something undeniably magical about Florence. The Tuscan capital is a city where history breathes through every cobblestone, and art isn’t just confined to museums, it spills onto the streets, piazzas, and even the everyday lives of its people. With just 48 hours in this Renaissance gem, you can dive deep into a world of timeless beauty, sumptuous food, and a buzzing contemporary scene that perfectly complements its storied past.

Where to Stay: Stylish Florentine Retreats

Portrait Firenze A sleek, boutique hotel overlooking the Arno River, with interiors inspired by classic Italian elegance and breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio.

Hotel Brunelleschi Set inside a restored medieval tower, this hotel offers a blend of history and modern luxury in the heart of Florence’s historic center..

Day 1: Renaissance Icons & Rooftop Vibes

Morning: Begin at the iconic Duomo, then climb Brunelleschi’s dome for sky-high views of Florence’s cinnamon rooftops. Nearby, visit one of the city’s charming wine windows , tiny arched hatches in old stone walls once used during the plague to sell wine. They’ve made a quirky, photo-worthy comeback. Order a chilled white through a hole in the wall and sip it like a true Florentine.

Lunch: Make your way to the Gucci Garden Museum , a hybrid of fashion, art, and history housed in the stunning Palazzo della Mercanzia. Explore Alessandro Michele’s dreamy, maximalist universe, then grab lunch at Gucci Osteria if you're feeling bougie.

Afternoon: Wander through the artisan-filled Oltrarno district, home to vintage shops, independent studios, and creative flair. Stop by La Menagere a floral coffee moment , part café, part flower shop, part concept store , and snap away.

Evening: Watch the golden hour glow at the stunning Loggia Rooftop Bar with dreamy views of the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. For dinner, head to Osteria Santo Spirit beloved for its gooey truffle gnocchi and candle-lit vibes on the piazza.

After Dark: Ease into the night with craft cocktails at Volume, a cool, artsy bar in the Santo Spirito square. Feeling experimental? Slip into the hidden Rasputin , a secret speakeasy known for its moody aesthetic and mixology mastery.

Day 2: Views, Vintage Finds & Vibey Nights

Morning: Kickstart the day with a visit to Santo Spirito Market, where locals shop and chat over espresso. Grab a quick panino or try the legendary lampredotto (Florentine street food staple). Then wander the Oltrarno streets and pop into artisan shops and galleries.

Lunch: Head to Ditta Artigianale, Florence’s coffee revolution spot and brunch haven. Expect killer flat whites, croque madames, and a laid-back cool crowd.

Afternoon: Take in one of the best city panoramas from Piazzale Michelangelo , ideal for golden-hour shots and the perfect place to pause and breathe in Florence. Afterwards, explore nearby Giardino delle Rose, a lesser-known rose garden with dreamy photo ops.

Evening: Florence lights up after dark, and Angel Rooftop or 701 Rooftop

are where to begin your night. Both offer skyline views, sleek cocktails, and a buzzy but intimate atmosphere.

Dinner: Tuck into a stylish dinner back in the city at Osteria Santo Spirito  if you missed it on Day 1 or try Trattoria Cammillo , a classic with retro charm and a celebrity-following for good reason.

Late Night Drinks & Dancing: Start at Mad Souls & Spirits, a playful and chaotic cocktail bar packed with personality and neon. Then hit up Club Twenty One  for a house-party-meets-club feel, or go full glam at YAB Firenze , stylish late-night haunt with fashion-forward energy and booming beats.

Most Instagrammable Spots

• The Duomo at sunrise or sunset

• Florence skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo

• A glass of wine through a wine window

• The eclectic displays inside Gucci Garden

• Rooftop cocktails with the Arno River in the background

• The dreamy archways of Loggia dei Lanzi

• Truffle gnocchi from Osteria Santo Spirito

Florence delivers big on art, fashion, food, and fantasy. In 48 hours, you’ll unlock centuries of beauty, and more than a few secret doors into the city’s trendiest corners. Whether you’re climbing domes, sipping spritzes on rooftops, or dancing until dawn, Florence proves it’s as much about the moment as it is about the masterpiece.

 

Getting There: Flights from Ireland

From Dublin (DUB):Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly direct to Florence (FLR) from around €70 return. https://www.skyscanner.ie/

From Cork (ORK):There are no direct flights, but easy one-stop routes via London or Amsterdam start around €120. https://www.skyscanner.ie/