I LOVE Florence!
I visited for the first time as part of an Italian road trip.
Italy is one of my favorite countries, and it’s my dream to own a home there one day, so throughout my lifetime I hope to visit everywhere Italy has to offer!
But on my most recent trip to Florence I truly had a wonderful time, but unfortunately, it was a short and sweet visit.
We technically stayed overnight, but we left early in the morning, which give me one full day to explore what Florence has to offer.
Now, is one day in Florence enough?
I’d say no, give it 2-3 nights to truly enjoy your stay BUT, if you’ve only got one day, then that’s definitely enough to get a great overview of what’s on offer and see some of the top sights.
After your day trip, you’ll definitely want to return!
So here we have it, my guide on one day in Florence.
As with ALL my one day itineraries (and I’ve actually done these itineraries!), you’ll be starting early and finishing late.
I typically adjust my itineraries to be more suitable to you, and what I mean by that, is that I’ve done everything in the itinerary, but if I think, “oh I should have done that first, that would have made more sense”, then I’ve readjusted it here so you don’t make the same mistake!
Let’s go!
Florence, the jewel of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city where every corner feels like a work of art.
With its stunning architecture, world-famous masterpieces, and mouthwatering food, it’s a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
But what if you only have one day in Florence? Fear not—this guide will help you make the most of your 24 hours in this enchanting city.
From climbing the Duomo and crossing Ponte Vecchio to savoring authentic Tuscan cuisine, here’s a step-by-step itinerary packed with the best Florence has to offer.
Although Florence is a city you could explore for weeks, it’s surprisingly manageable for a single day. Its historic center is compact and walkable, making it easy to see many of the highlights in just a few hours. Whether you’re stopping by on a day trip or squeezing it into a packed Italy itinerary, Florence promises to deliver unforgettable memories.
With that said, this one-day itinerary will help you balance art, history, food, and those magical Florence vibes without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s your hour-by-hour guide to seeing the best of Florence in a day, complete with tips for staying energized and making the most of your time.
Every Italian adventure starts with coffee, and Florence is no exception.
Begin your day at a local pasticceria (bakery), such as Caffè Gilli in Piazza della Repubblica.
Known for its historic charm, this café serves up excellent cappuccinos and fresh cornetti (Italian croissants).
If you prefer a more modern vibe, check out La Menagere, a stylish spot where you can sip your coffee surrounded by flowers and chic décor.
Bonus: their avocado toast is a favorite if you’re craving something hearty.
Next, head straight to Florence’s most iconic landmark: the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo. With its intricate marble façade and terracotta dome, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome is an unforgettable experience.
The 463-step ascent takes you through narrow staircases and past incredible frescoes of The Last Judgment before rewarding you with panoramic views of Florence’s red rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills.
My biggest tip here is to book your ticket with Walks Italy. Not only will you get early access with less crowds, but you will get EXCLUSIVE access to the top of the bell tower, and skip the line for Michelangelo.
Insider Tip: Purchase a combination ticket (~€20) in advance, which includes access to the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Duomo Museum. Skip-the-line options are a lifesaver during peak tourist season.
After marveling at the Duomo, take a 10-minute walk to the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, one of the world’s most iconic sculptures.
Standing at 17 feet tall, this marble masterpiece is a testament to Michelangelo’s genius and the ideals of the Renaissance.
Spend some time admiring David’s intricate details, from the veins on his hands to the intensity in his gaze.
While you’re here, explore other exhibits, including Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners sculptures, which offer fascinating insight into his creative process.
Pro Tip: If the lines are daunting, you can see a replica of David at Piazza della Signoria, but nothing beats the real thing!
For the above two items, we combined them with a tour wit Walks Italy, and honestly, if I can recommend you book one tour, it's this one. Not only did we get skip the line access, we got early entry so less crowds, AND we got to go to the TOP of the Duomo with exclusive access to the top. It was worth it just for that, trust me.
The tour we did was called "VIP David & Duomo Tour: Early Accademia Tour & Skip the Line Dome Climb with Exclusive Terrace Access", and when you click on it, you'll see it's pretty much 5/5 reviews all the way, because it's THAT good, I don't even know how to convince you, just trust me! lol
But here's a peak of what's included:
Your next stop is Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s historic political heart and an open-air gallery of incredible sculptures.
Here, you’ll find Cellini’s Perseus, and a replica of David, all set against the backdrop of the amazing Palazzo Vecchio.
If time allows, venture inside Palazzo Vecchio to explore its grand halls and secret passageways. The Hall of Five Hundred is particularly impressive, adorned with massive frescoes depicting Florence’s military victories.
Fun Fact: This square was once the site of the infamous Bonfire of the Vanities, where religious zealots burned books, art, and other “sinful” objects in the 15th century.
A short walk from Piazza della Signoria brings you to the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most famous bridge.
Lined with glittering jewelry shops, the bridge has a fascinating history—it’s one of the few in Europe that survived World War II.
Pause to enjoy the views of the Arno River and take in the atmosphere of this romantic spot.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, this is a great location to capture the essence of Florence.
Fun Fact: The Ponte Vecchio once housed butchers and fishmongers, but they were replaced by goldsmiths in the 16th century by order of the Medici family.
By now, you’ve earned a proper Tuscan lunch. For a hearty, authentic meal, head to Trattoria Mario, a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Their Florentine steak is legendary—perfect for meat lovers!
If you’re looking for something quicker, grab a panini at All’Antico Vinaio, famous for its stuffed sandwiches.
Whether you choose cured meats, truffle spread, or fresh veggies, you won’t be disappointed.
Budget Tip: Stick to trattorias or sandwich shops over touristy restaurants near major attractions to get the best quality for your money.
The Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs.
As one of the most famous art museums in the world, it’s home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
Highlights include Botticelli’s ethereal Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Annunciation, but there’s so much to see that you could easily spend hours here.
Since you only have one day, focus on the highlights and take in the museum’s stunning architecture as you go.
Pro Tip: Book a timed-entry ticket in advance to skip the lines. Guided tours are also a great way to gain deeper insights without getting overwhelmed.
It’s gelato o’clock! Florence is home to some of Italy’s best gelaterias, so don’t miss the chance to indulge. Gelateria dei Neri and La Carraia are top picks, offering everything from classic flavors like pistachio to creative options like ricotta and fig.
Gelato Tip: Avoid shops with gelato piled high in fluffy mounds—authentic gelato is stored in covered metal containers to maintain its freshness.
Cross the Arno River to the Oltrarno, a quieter, more bohemian part of Florence. This area is a treasure trove of artisan workshops, boutique stores, and hidden gems.
Visit Piazza Santo Spirito, a lively square surrounded by cafes and the elegant Basilica di Santo Spirito. If you’re a fan of gardens, don’t miss the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling green oasis filled with statues, fountains, and scenic views.
PSST, I talk about this furthr down below, but we did a sunset food and wine tour of Oltrano below, and it's a great way to combine sightseeing and dinner! So you could wait until the evening (depending on when you're leaving Florence!)
End your day with a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Florence. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio, all bathed in golden light.
Bring a small snack or a bottle of wine to make the experience even more special. It’s the perfect way to wind down and reflect on your day.
Bonus Tip: If you’re up for it, climb a little higher to the San Miniato al Monte church for an even quieter and equally stunning view.
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori, a cozy restaurant known for its intimate atmosphere and incredible Tuscan cuisine. Try classics like tagliatelle al tartufo (truffle pasta) or ossobuco (braised veal shanks) paired with a glass of Chianti wine.
If you prefer a spot with a view, La Loggia del Piazzale Michelangelo offers fantastic food and a gorgeous setting overlooking the city.
Another tip I have for this, and what we did, was in the evening we did a food tour.
It was not only the best way to get to taste lots of amazing food and wines, but you had a guide who could answer all the questions you wanted!
It was truly a great way to explore other areas of Florence and get insider knowledge on the best places to eat.
Plus to get to try local places to eat and support local family run businesses!
We went with Devour Tours, and the tour was called "Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour", and it included:
It catered to vegetarians too, (which we are!)
Florence is incredibly walkable, so most of your day will be spent on foot. If you’re heading to Piazzale Michelangelo or Boboli Gardens, you can take a taxi or a local bus to save time and energy.
Spending a day in Florence is like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
Even with limited time, you’ll leave with memories of breathtaking art, delicious food, and picture-perfect views.
While you can’t see everything in 24 hours, this itinerary covers the highlights and gives you a taste of what makes Florence so magical.
So pack your camera, put on your comfiest shoes, and get ready for a day you’ll never forget.
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