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Where to Stay in Rome

If you're visiting Rome on a budget

One of the best areas to stay in Rome on a budget, but still not spend a huge chunk of time travelling, is to stay close to Termini metro station - it's where the two metro lines in Rome go and there are many, many restaurants, supermarkets and smaller shops nearby! Here are a few suggestions where to stay in Rome near Termini:

If you want to be in the city center

Well, even though the city center is quite large, here are a few recommendations where to stay in Rome that are close to some popular attractions (bear in mind that you need to book these well in advance!):

Top things on your 3 days itinerary in Rome

1. The Vatican
Typical visit time: 3-4 hours
Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way 🙂 The Vatican is pretty amazing and it's impossible that you miss it when you're looking for places to visit in Rome in 3 days! The Vatican museums are the most visited museums in the world - 5 million people see them every year, and during peak season, as many as 20,000 people come here per day! Incredible, isn't it?

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican museums are what you should start your visit your 3 days itinerary in Rome with (you can't really go back if you decide to visit Saint Peter's first). You can freely take photos, but shut off your flash and don't use a tripod. Once you enter, find the spiral staircase and take a snap 🙂 Just like this staircase, most guided tours skip the pinacoteca (gallery), where you can see one painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. You will also pass by the hall of maps and then head to the delightful garden, right before you head in for the Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel

Well, let's admit it - THAT'S the main reason you're visiting the Vatican, right? 🙂 This is absolutely the must-see place to visit in Rome in 3 days <3 You can't take photos there, though, mostly because it's a holy place. You must also be silent during your visit.

Just before you enter, there are a few large signs explaining a bit more about the paintings, so stop by and read a bit, if you haven't book a guided tour. One of the most curious things I enjoyed was that Michelangelo painted himself within it - in the Last Judgement on one of the walls. If you look closely, you will see Saint Bartholomew holding the flayed skin of a man. This was Michelangelo's way of expressing that he believed he was paid so little, he was "skinned alive".

Saint Peter's Basilica

Saint Peter's basilica is actually not classified as a cathedral (but it's a basilica), since it doesn't have a bishop. As the largest church building in the world (the inside is 15,160 square meters!), there is truly a reason it's such a popular spot on your 3 days itinerary in Rome. It's quite spectacular not just from the outside, but from the inside too. Walk around and enjoy the beauty and lavishness of this place.

Michelangelo's pietà

The Pietà is located within Saint Peter's Basilica - when you enter, it's to your right. It's the only sculpture Michelangelo has ever signed! You will be absolutely fascinated by its details, and don't be surprised if you see crowds right in front of it.

Saint Peter's Dome - The View from Above (and snacks!)

By the time we got to Saint Peter's Dome, we were famished. Even though we had early breakfast around 7:30 am, it was now after 11 am, so we definitely needed a bite. Despite this, we still found the line to climb the Dome (facing the church from the outside, it's on the right) and decided to climb it - best decision ever! On your way back from the dome, on the terrace, there is a small shop with snacks, a toilet and refreshments.

There are two types of tickets to the dome - one with an elevator up to some point (you will skip 231 stairs) and it costs 10 EUR (you will still have 320 if you want to get to the very top). The other ticket costs 8 EUR and it doesn't include the elevator. If you're not too tired, you can save the 2 EUR - the first 231 stairs are along wide and airy corridors, unlike the last ones. But to be honest, this climb was still not as bad as the Bell Tower in Florence 🙂 Beware if you're claustrophobic - then I'd recommend only going to the middle part of the climb on this part of your 3 days itinerary in Rome.

The Vatican Square

Once you go to Vatican Square - you can't go back to any of the other attractions, so be careful and make sure that's the last of your visit to the Vatican. This will end your visit to the most important place to visit in Rome in 3 days, so hang around, take photos of Saint Peter's and the square itself <3

When can I see the Pope in the Vatican?

You can't go to Rome and not see the Pope, right? 🙂 Well, we totally missed him - he was at our home country while we were in Rome 🙁 If you do want to see him, though, make sure you are at the square on a Wednesday around 10 am (the papal audience takes place every Wednesday when the Pope is in Rome)! The square will surely be full, though, so be careful and keep your valuables close.

Tips for visiting the Vatican:

Dress well - if you decide to visit the Vatican when it's pretty hot outside, don't forget to dress appropriately in order to be let in - a t-shirt and jeans (or long shorts), as well as a scarf just in case

Don't bring a large backpack (small ones are fine), as you will be asked to leave it behind in a locker

You can visit the Vatican via a guided tour (we booked this one and it was great), as we did - you will most likely have to wait in line less than 30 minutes and you will hear curious stories about the museums, the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica

You can also visit the Vatican on your own - the one thing I'm sad I missed is the Bramante Staircase (just take a look at Google images!) - it's not available on the guided tour and you can't go back to see it afterwards 🙁 However, bear in mind that even with prebooked tickets for the entrance, you might have to wait over an hour or two in order to get in this amazing spot on your 3 days itinerary in Rome.

There is also a middle ground - you can book a ticket with an audio guide! We were seriously considering this one, might have been a great option 🙂

Since most people try to beat the crowds - the afternoons are actually your best bet for less waiting time

The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays (apart from the last Sunday on the month when they are free, but the crowds are even more insane)

Bring a bottle of water and small snacks - it's a pretty long visit!

Don't plan another big visit in the same day (like to Colosseum) - you'll be pretty exhausted! You should choose something else on this list of places to visit in Rome in 3 days.

2. The Colosseum
Typical visit time: 1.5-2 hours
The Colosseum was definitely my favorite place to visit in Rome in 3 days... but mostly - from the outside. Even though the inside was a bit disappointing for us, we had dinner at restaurants overlooking this spectacular building two nights in a row! <3

How to visit the Colosseum

Via a guided tour - this is the option we chose, actually! It was pretty interesting to hear curiosities about the Colosseum, and we saved so much time waiting in line by picking the tour that combined the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This is also the option I would recommend if you want to take time and explore everything well - you won't regret it!

Via a special tour - Your 3 days itinerary in Rome can be really exciting - there are some tours that can get you onto the floor of the arena, just like a gladiator would! You would also be able to see the underground rooms and walk around. The only thing that stopped us from booking this special tour was the price, we really wanted to save up for gelato 😀

With an audio guide - If you're bent on seeing this place to visit in Rome for 3 days properly but you'd like to save time, then this is your best bet - you would still get the most of it by listening to the stories behind the Colosseum, but you would move at your own pace. You can book this tour of the Colosseum with an audio guide!

With fast track tickets - fast track tickets will undoubtedly save you the most time! But bear in mid that this might be the most disappointing option - as I said before, the inside is not nearly as impressive as the outside. However, these tickets include Palatine Hill where you'll be truly mesmerized with the views! <3

With Roma Pass - We were seriously considering getting Roma Pass while exploring places to visit in Rome in 3 days. However, just before we got it (we wanted to primarily use it for free fast track entrance to the Colosseum), we found out that you must book a time slot even with Roma Pass and the first one available was 3 days from then, which didn't fit at all in our schedule for city sightseeing in Rome. So have that in mind, it's important!

If you'd like even more tips on visiting this must-see place in Rome, check out more information on the Colosseum in Rome here

3. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Typical visit time - 1-1.5 hours
Palatine Hill & Roman Forum - Entrance

If you already have a ticket to the Colosseum, the entrance to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum will be included in the price! There is a special SUPER ticket that you can buy and explore even more of the hill, but I wouldn't recommend this option if you are looking for places to visit in Rome for just 3 days.

What to See on Palatine Hill

Do you know where the word "palace" comes from?? Well, it comes from this place - "Palatine" hill! 🙂 Even though the palace itself has not been preserved, you can still see its base and a few walls and marvel in how enormous it was. This hill is actually one of the original 7 hills in Rome and Augustus declared it as a birthplace of Rome, having found artifacts from the iron age.

A few of the important things to see on Palatine hill are (the last one is my favorite!):

Domitian's hippodrome & gardens

Domitian's fountain

The Nyphaeum from the Domus Flavia

The Labyrinth fountain

The panoramic view of Ancient Rome

The Roman Forum

When you're on a hunt for sights to explore on your 3 days itinerary in Rome, the Roman Forum is an absolute must <3 That awesome view you saw from Palatine hill? Get down and walk right where the ancient Romans used to walk!

The Roman Forum was the true heart of Rome - not just a marketplace, but the center of politics and social activities. You will see many temples and shrines, some of which date all the way back to the 6th century BC!

4. The Pantheon
Typical visit time: 30-60 minutes Entrance fee: Free
Even Michelangelo marveled in the beauty of the Pantheon and knew it was one of the most beautiful buildings in the world! This is truly one of the most amazing places to visit in Rome in 3 days - it's the world's largest unreinforced dome! As one of the most preserved buildings from Ancient Rome, the Pantheon will quickly become one of your favorite things during your 3 days itinerary in Rome.

Curious facts about the Pantheon

The only light inside the Pantheon comes from the 9-meter hole on top of the dome. You might wonder - doesn't it get wet when it rains?? Well, yep, it does! But the Romans that built it took care of this and built a systems of canal, so all rainwater is drained!

"Pantheon" comes from Greek and means "all that you believe in" - as you might guess, the Pantheon was used as a main temple in Ancient times. Even today the Pantheon is sometimes used as a church - you can even get married there!

"M. AGRIPPA. L. F. COSTERTIUM. FECIT" - this is the sign on the Pantheon's facade. It actually means - "Built by Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time."

5. Villa Borghese
Typical visit time: 2-3 hours Entrance fee: 15 EUR
Tips on Visiting Galleria Borghese

This is one of the places to visit in Rome in 3 days that you must absolutely book in advance! If you're visiting close to high season, the next available time slot will be in about 2 weeks, and in high season - probably a month.

If you have Roma Pass - you still need to book a time slot - you can only do so by e-mail - send it to info@tosc.it .

It's not crowded at all - there are only a few time slots a day (it's also closed on Mondays) and very few people are let in.

Galleria Borghese holds one of the most famous art collections in the world - sculpture and paintings by Bernini, Titan, Raphael, Rubens and more - don't miss this on your 3 days itinerary in Rome!

Villa Borghese Park

If you aren't able to see Galleria Borghese and you miss the available time slot - you can still stroll around the stunning park - for free! It's quite large, but so beautiful. Try to find the little lake and for the best experience - rent a small boat <3

6. The Spanish Steps

This is one of the most crowded attractionsfrom all the places to visit in Rome in 3 days! If you really want to see it in all its glory, I highly recommend visiting around sunrise - we did and there were almost no people around - it was absolutely gorgeous <3

If you're curious how Rome looks at sunrise, click here!

The Spanish steps were originally built as a passage between the church and the Spanish square below. Later, many artists and painters made the steps their primary sport during the day, inspired by the inherent architecture. Even though the artist who created the Spanish steps is not famous, the fountain right in front of them was created by Bernini - it's called Fontana della Barcaccia (fountain of the old boat).

But why are they called the "Spanish" steps and why is it called the "Spanish" square? Well, easy - the Spanish embassy is right nearby! 🙂 Go and climb the 138 steps of this lovely place to visit in Rome in 3 days, hopefully you'll be able to miss the crowds and enjoy the view <3

7. Fontana Di Trevi

Just like petting the iron boar in Florence would ensure you going back there, throwing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder in this fountain would ensure you going back to Rome! There is a catch, though - you have to have your back turned towards the fountain, so good luck! 🙂

This marvel of art was completed in 1762 in order to mark the end of Aqua Virgo, the main aqueduct in Rome. This place to visit in Rome in 3 days is quite spectacular seeing it in person, as you wouldn't really imagine it to be THAT huge - about 25 meters high and 20 meters wide!

As this is one of the most popular stops of your 3 days itinerary in Rome, you should also try to beat the crowds and get there very early in the morning! When we visited, there were about 10-15 people at 7:00 am, so still not as empty as one would imagine.

The square of Piazza Navona should certainly be one of your top choices of places to visit in Rome in 3 days, just look at how pretty it is! There are 3 gorgeous fountains that await on the square:

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the four rivers)

Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor or the Seashell fountain)

Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune)

The locals enjoyed intentionally blocking the drainages of the fountains every summer, even calling it "the lake of Piazza Navona". Well, at least until the 19th century, that was!

The square is pretty crowded, but you should absolutely visit it in the morning AND in the evening - the fountains' glow is gorgeous at night.

9. Castel Sant'Angelo
Typical visit time: 2-3 hours Entrance fee: 10.50 EUR
This stunning castle is very close to the Vatican and even holds a really beautiful panoramic view of it! This is one of the places I would recommend visiting in the evening, since the night lights really pop out and take your breath away <3

You might not have time to go inside the castle if you're only looking for places to visit in Rome for 3 days, you would be better off spending a whole afternoon at Trastevere (see below). However, if you do decide to see the panoramic views, you should also spend some time exploring the Castle's 5 floors. You will see Papal resindences, beautifully decorated rooms and even a collection of weapons.

10. Trastevere - the Best Neighborhood in Rome

Trastevere is Rome's most beautiful neighborhood! I'll admit that I had never hear of it before I started planning a trip to Rome, but it was really a treat. If you can, spend a full afternoon or even a whole day there. There are many, many hidden gems you can explore around Trastevere, and there are many restaurants and cafes around, so you can definitely plan a lunch or dinner there. Here are two walking routes in Google Maps that you can save and use for a day in Trastevere - one for the and one for the.

More ideas for your 3 days itinerary in Rome

11. Aventine Keyhole
Photo: Eje Gustafsson, Flickr.com
Located in the Aventine Hill of Rome, this keyhole provides a stunning view of the city that is unlike anything else.

The Aventine Keyhole is located on the ancient wall of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. This keyhole was designed in the 18th century and gives visitors a unique view of the city. Standing in front of the keyhole, visitors will be able to see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, the orange groves of the Vatican Gardens, and even the Tiber River.

The Aventine Keyhole is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. People often gather here to take pictures and just soak in the beauty of the view. It's also a great spot for taking romantic photographs. The keyhole is also a popular spot for proposal photos, so if you're planning on popping the question to your loved one - it will be very, very hard for them to say no, looking at all of this beauty.

12. Caracalla Baths

Located near the Colosseum, the Caracalla Baths are one of the most impressive and well-preserved sites in the city.

The baths were built in 212AD by the Roman Emperor Caracalla, and were an important part of Roman life. They provided a place for socializing, sports, entertainment, and even religious ceremonies. They were a luxurious and opulent place, with a huge variety of facilities including heated baths, swimming pools, and even a library.

Today, the Caracalla Baths are still a popular destination for tourists. While much of the site is in ruins, the main structures are still standing and the site is filled with fascinating artifacts. There is a museum on-site which contains many of the items found during the archaeological excavations.

13. Circo Massimo

Enjoying these sights? Check out these 9 gorgeous unusual things to do in Rome!

14. Terrazza del Pincio

15. Day trip to Florence

If you're looking for an exciting day trip from Rome, a visit to Florence is the perfect choice! This vibrant city is just a short train ride away, and it's the perfect place to explore the cultural, artistic, and historical highlights of Italy. Trains go from Rome to Florence every 15 minutes and the journey is about an hour and a half. You can also book a guided tour, but be careful - some are by bus and driving takes 3 hours each way! This guided tour is by high-speed train, so I'd recommend it.

Start your day in Florence's city center, where you can take in the beautiful architecture and art of the area. The iconic Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a must-see, and you can also visit the nearby Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. For a break, head over to the Ponte Vecchio and take a stroll across the bridge while admiring the views of the Arno River. You can even explore the hidden gems in Florence in case you decide to stay a night.

3 Days Itinerary in Rome

08:30 - The Vatican
12:30 - Lunch in the area
14:00 - Castel Sant'Angelo
16:00 - Piazza Navona
16:30 - The Pantheon
17:00 - Fontana Di Trevi

08:30 - The Spanish Steps
09:00 - Galleria & Villa Borghese
11:30 - Terrazza del Pincio
12:00 - Lunch around the Colosseum
13:30 - The Colosseum, Palatine hill & Roman forum
16:00 - Coffee in the area

09:00 - Trastevere
12:00 - Lunch in Trastevere
14:00 - Caracalla Baths
15:30 - Circo Massimo

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A few days will never be enough for Florence, but here are the best off the beaten path places for you to visit. As much as I love travelling, lately I've been to a few places with humongous crowds. And, honestly, I've grown to dislike crowds and the most famous sights! Thus, I've decided to give you alternative sights as things to do in Florence that will give you an even better experience during your visit.

1. The Famous Sight: The Duomo

Entrance fee: 18 EUR

The infamous Duomo Di Firenze is an absolute marvel of art and I won't deny it! Brunelleschi did such an outstanding job, that you'll have a hard time looking away once you see it. The architect had the very bold idea of building the dome without any scaffolding. And surprisingly, he managed to do it! Only the top of the Duomo was finished after his death, and actually, if you look closely, it still hasn't been fully finished.

However, you'll find that the lines to the Duomo are quite discouraging. For the total of 18 EUR as the entrance fee to the Duomo Di Firenze, you can visit every building in the complex. The combined Duomo ticket includes the Cathedral, Dome, Baptistery, Bell Tower, Crypt and Museum. To be perfectly honest, this ticket was not worth it at all (so save your money for gelato!). The Cathedral itself is free, even if you go early in the morning, you'd need to wait at least 30 minutes in a very long line. Тhe inside is not nearly as impressive as the outside (unlike, for example, Saint Paul's in London, which is SO worth it!).

I would also advise you to be very careful, as the combined ticket is valid for 72 hours only, so if your booking for climbing the Duomo is for further ahead - they might not let you in at all 🙁 It almost happened to us, but luckily, we fought our way in and managed to get to the top.

Entrance fee: 14 EUR (Palazzo Vecchio + Arnolfo Tower)

If I could do it all over again, I would've skipped the Duomo complex and admired it from the outside only. A much better off the beaten path alternative to climbing the Duomo is climbing the Arnolfo Tower - the tower of Palazzo Vecchio! The tower has only 233 steps, which is much less than Giotto's Bell Tower or the Duomo di Firenze. It's a much easier climb and the corridors are not as narrow. True, you still bypass people going down when you go up (and vice versa) but they have taken care of that - there is a guy at the bottom that only lets a new group go up when the next to last one has gone down.

Pro tip: this is THE tower that will show you the best view of the Duomo! If you want to get the most spectacular view - choose going around sunset, the Duomo will be bathed in the perfect golden light.

2. The Famous Sight: Palazzo Vecchio

Entrance fee: 18 EUR (or if you skip the Archaeological site - 14 EUR to include the Arnolfo Tower)

Now, I'm not saying Palazzo Vecchio is not worth it - don't get me wrong. The palace is everything like you'd imagine it, straight out of Dan Brown's Inferno (I love that book!). The paintings on the ceiling and the huge masterpieces on the wall, where you'll look for "Cerca Trova", just like Robert Langdon did, are truly breathtaking. However, the true off the beaten path thing to see here is the Secret Tour, see below!

Entrance fee: 15 EUR

My biggest regret (for which I'm thankful for, since I now have an excuse to go back to Florence!) is not taking the Secret Passages Tour. As I said, I'm a big fan of Dan Brown's Inferno but I never thought that the tour he mentions actually exists! Only after we visited the Hall of Maps did we see that there is, in fact, a passage right where Dan Brown described it. Here is one place where you can book the Secret Passages Tour. However, bear in mind that you do need to book it well in advance - there are only a few time slots per day and a maximum of 10 people per tour. I am absolutely booking this one when I go back to Florence, there is no way it could disappoint!

3. The Famous Sight: Piazzale Michelangelo

Entrance fee: Free

Piazzale Michelangelo is absolutely one of the most famous and most photogenic sights in Florence. However, it's also one of the most crowded! 🙁 This famous sight of Florence is most Instagrammable and most visited at sunset, and there s nothing like watching the sun set over one of the best cities in the world. When we visited Piazzale Michelangelo, we could barely find a spot to watch the sunset (and we were 40-50 minutes early!). There was even a couple next to us celebrating their anniversary and they were super cute. They asked us to take a photo of them, but without any people around them... which was... well, impossible.

Entrance fee: Free

So, what should you see instead? There are actually two other spots with very similar views in Florence, but the cutest is San Miniato al Monte. The view is quite similar, only a bit closer and at a slightly different angle. However, this place is definitely off the beaten path and not as crowded at all at sunset! And hey, it's always worth it to avoid the crowds - you can take MUCH better photos for one!

4. The Famous Sight: Dante's House

Entrance fee: 4 EUR

The "Museo Casa Di Dante" was actually the main house of the Alighieri according to multiple sources, so the administration of Florence decided to dedicate it as a Dante museum. The house has 3 floors, dedicated to 3 different eras of Dante's life. There are mainly documents inside, and I think it would actually be much better if they dedicated the 3 floors to Dante's "Divine Comedy". Otherwise, there really isn't much to see, you'd be wise to spend your time exploring other Florence sights (and, duh, spend these 4 EUR on gelato!).

Entrance fee: Free

Right outside Dante's house, there is something you can easily miss, unless you know to look for it. You might see a bunch of people around a puddle on the ground. So what on Earth are they looking for in that small puddle?

Well, there is a tile on the ground that, when wet, shows its true nature - it has a carving of Dante's profile! I must admit, I would've never guessed about this, a friend of mine told me about it, and I'm forever grateful. It's pretty fascinating, so don't miss this hidden gem in Florence!

5. The Famous Sight: Michelangelo's David

Entrance fee: 16 EUR

Okay, it can actually be cheaper without a reservation. However, you would need to wait about 2 hours in line to get the cheaper ticket! Thus, get the ticket with the time slot reservation and save your precious time in Florence. So, why is this famous sight not worth it? While the 5-meter David statue is indeed an absolute marvel of art, it is the only thing worth seeing in the Accademia. Basically, you're buying a ticket just to see David, which is okay, but if you end up waiting in line with all the crowds, it really diminishes this experience.

Entrance fee: Free

If you don't feel like waiting in a 2-hour line and hustling lots of people to see the enormous statue of David, there is an alternative sight. Right in front of Palazzo Vecchio, there is a replica of David which you can also enjoy! Yes, it's not as detailed, but you can see it for free and not many people know about this hidden gem.

6. The Famous Sight: Loggia dei Lanzi

Entrance fee: Free

Piazza della Signoria, the square right in front of Palazzo Vecchio, has a few different things to offer. Among them is Loggia dei Lanzi, which you'll see in many Florence itineraries. However, I honestly didn't find it impressive at all, not even worth a photo. You can expect to see there statues of the virtues - Fortitude, Temperance, Justice and Prudence, but they are not nearly as impressive as statues you'll see in the Uffizi gallery. Sure, you will stroll around Loggia dei Lanzi, but there is an alternative sight you'll enjoy a lot more:

Entrance fee: Free

The Porcellino is one of the cutest sights you'll see in Florence! You'll see that the hog's nose is a different color. Why? Well, because people are constantly touching it! "Legend" has it that if you touch it, you will either win the lottery or you'll go back to Florence. It's the ultimate win-win isn't it? 😀 You can find the Porcellino right next to Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, or you can just use Google Maps to find it (just search it by name). Well, I touched it, so I'm already planning my next Florence trip!

7. The Famous Sight: Ponte Vecchio

Entrance fee: Free

Ponte Vecchio, just like its name ("old bridge") is indeed the oldest bridge in Florence. It was the only one that survived World War II, actually! This bridge, as most sights in Florence, is too a marvel or Italian art. Chances are, you will pass by this bridge numerous times, and you'll see a lot of jewelers and goldsmiths. However, if you don't have quite a lot of euros to spare, you won't find crossing Ponte Vecchio that fascinating. Instead...

Entrance fee: Free

... you should enjoy it from a different angle! I loved how Ponte Vecchio looked from the neighbouring bridge - Ponte Alle Grazie. Whether at sunrise or sunset, Ponte Vecchio looked much more spectacular from afar. This lovely bridge was actually older than Ponte Vecchio, it was built in 1227 AND it was the longest in Florence with its 9 arches.

In addition, the neighborhood of San Niccolo is a very lovely and quiet one. You can choose to stay at Palazzo San Niccolo, even, and cross the lovely bridge overseeing Ponte Vecchio every day!

8. The Famous Sight: Boboli Gardens

Entrance fee: 7 EUR

The famous Boboli Gardens in Florence, located right behind Palazzo Pitti, were inspired by the gardens of Versailles. You can find many sculptures, fountains and sights while walking around this lovely place. The gardens are perfect all-year round - blooming flowers in the spring, a colorful carpet of leaves in the fall, and offering shelter from the scalding summer sun. You can see an amphitheatre and interesting grotto sculptures, there is something for every taste. So why, you wonder, am I not recommending this top thing to see in Florence? You'll find many people complaining that the lovely Boboli Gardens have actually not been maintained too well and are a bit dirty, too. In addition, their website has a disclaimer that there is often maintenance around the gardens (due to the nature of the artefacts themselves), so even if you catch them at a good time, the maintenance will totally ruin your perfect Florence photo.

Entrance fee: 10 EUR

The Bardini Gardens are especially more beautiful than the Boboli in the spring and summer - there are so many beautiful flowers! Bardini are much more recent, but also much smaller, though. You'd be pleasantly surprised to find out there is also a villa there for you to explore and even a porcelain museum. All of these definitely make the Bardini Gardens well worth an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem in Florence that you should not miss! And here's a little more information on the Bardini for you to explore.

9. The Famous Sight: Day Trip To Pisa

Pisa is certainly one of those cities that you've heard about when you were still a little peanut. It was undoubtedly one of the first places in your life to give you utter wanderlust and admiration! But how can this tower be leaning AND not fall at the same time?! Certainly, all of us has asked this question at least a few times in our lives.

Considering that Pisa is just an hour by train from Florence, it is definitely a very popular day trip - organized or not. The train ticket costs only about 6 EUR one way, but a popular full-day trip is to combine Pisa & Lucca. If you decide to go alone, though, you'll waste about 2 hours total travelling by train, 30-40 minutes walking from the station to the tower and back, and ALL of this just to spend 15-30 minutes and take a few photos with the tower. There is NOTHING else to do in Pisa besides seeing the leaning tower and the complex itself! You could also visit the cathedral (or even climb the tower) for a few extra euros, but it is definitely not as spectacular as you would imagine. To top it all, the tower is tall, but not THAT tall, really 🙂

To be fair, Cinque Terre is pretty full in high season. That said, it's not that popular as a day trip as Pisa or Sienna. You'll see many many tourists and TEFL teachers around at peak times (noon and afternoon), but if you start your day very early, you'll be able to enjoy the full beauty of Cinque Terre almost tourist-free <3.

Check out my ultimate Cinque Terre itinerary!

Cinque Terre is comprised of five gorgeous villages (which is literally the translation of the sight's name), and, to be honest, all of them are worth a quick visit. It looks very much like the Amalfi coast, but perhaps it is even more enchanting! The views are absolutely breathtaking, you will fall in love within minutes of setting foot in any of the villages.

You can book a day trip from Florence, or you can go on your own, both options are great. The train from Florence takes about 2-3 hours and the tickets are around 20 EUR one way. When you get down at the station in La Spezia, you can get a day pass for the trains between the 5 cute villages, it costs about 13-16 EUR (depending on whether you visit in low or high season, respectively).

You can definitely take even more than a day exploring Cinque Terre, you don't need to take just a day trip from Florence. You can easily spend 2-3 days over there - enjoy the beach in Monterosso or even do a hike between the 5 villages! If you have an extra day or two, I'd definitely recommend spending the night, you won't regret it.

Worth The Crowds: Uffizi Gallery

One of the most popular things in Florence that I immensely enjoyed, despite the crowds, was the Uffizi Gallery. It was absolutely delightful, especially if you're a art fan! Well, I might not know nothing about art, but I certainly take my time to enjoy it. Uffizi is quite large, and chances are, you'll encounter crowds during high season. However, we managed to visit about 1 hour 30 minutes before closing time and we didn't wait AT ALL! The time was pretty tight, though, but provided we knew exactly what we wanted to see (and what we could skip), it was just enough. There are always skip-the-line tickets you can book, so you can spend more time in the stunning gallery.

I was extremely pleasantly surprised to find that the infamous Birth of Venus by Botticelli was in Uffizi! And I think Botticelli's room was the one where I spent the most time, all of his work was absolutely amazing. Even though you'll see tons of signs about Leonardo's room, I didn't enjoy Da Vinci's unfinished pieces as much as I did those of Botticelli. So definitely take your time and enjoy Venus! <3

Best Lasagna In Florence

You can't go to Italy and not eat pasta! I'm a huge pasta lover (especially bolognese!), so when a friend of mine recommended the best lasagna bolognese in Florence - I did not hesitate one second. There are many restaurants on the central squares around the city, and, to be honest, not all of them are worth the money. The restaurant Il Cavallino is located right next to Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi, you won't miss it once you're at the square. At first I was a bit discouraged by all the bad reviews - it has a 1.9/5 on Google, which is beyond abysmal for a restaurant at the very heart of Florence! However, none of these reviews described our experience. The waiters were super friendly and funny, the lasagna was indeed the best I've ever had (my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!), the only thing that was true - the prices were quite high. But you know what, you can't expect to eat great Italian food and overlook Palazzo Vecchio and expect to pay 5 EUR. So don't skip Il Cavallino!

Where To Stay In Florence

Florence can be quite expensive when it comes to accommodation - most hotels (not hostels) start at about 100 EUR per night. Thus, it is a good idea to research well where you could stay before your visit - you really shouldn't spend any extra money on something that is not worth it. This is why I can't recommend enough the residences of Your Place In Florence - Palazzo San Niccolo and Palazzo Belfiore.

Each of these residences has its own perks - Palazzo Belfiore is incredibly close to the major Florence attractions, while Palazzo San Niccolo has a gorgeous lounge and garden (and is only 5-7 minutes further from the attractions!). Federico, the host, is so nice, that you will truly feel like any of these residences are "your home away from home". You can book directly with them - just send them an e-mail!

If you're looking for even more options to stay in Florence, check Booking.com's highest rated properties:

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