Top Things To Do In Florence in One Day

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Do you only have one day to spend in Florence? Or are you visiting Florence from a nearby city and want to make the most of your limited time? I've got you covered! I visit Florence at least twice a year, and my best friend and I have an annual day trip every December to enjoy my favourite Florentine steak and mulled wine at the Christmas markets. With this itinerary, you’ll be able to hit all the major attractions and enjoy the best this beautiful city has to offer. So put on your comfiest shoes, bring along your adventurous spirit, and let’s dive into my top tips and suggestions for a perfect day in Florence.

If I’m being honest with you, one day in Florence isn’t enough to see absolutely everything this city has to offer. There are so many hidden gems and famous spots that you shouldn't miss. But with my hacks, you will be able to cover a lot of ground in just one day. Let’s start by listing all the important tourist spots in this magnificent city.

Please Note: Every place mentioned in the post below links to the Google Map location. Just click it and save it, so you’ll have all the important places marked for your visit. Hope you find it useful! Alternatively, you can also refer to this map with all the locations that I have created, along with a list of recommended restaurants in the area for lunch, dinner and dessert.

Unmissable Landmarks in Florence, Italy

Here is a list of all the most popular tourist attractions in the city that you should cover:

Useful Tips to Cover More Ground When Spending One Day in Florence

The biggest advice I can give you for exploring Florence's iconic monuments in a single day is to start early, especially during the bustling summer, autumn, or spring months. This allows you to beat the crowds that can otherwise bog down your experience. Picture-perfect moments at the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) or the Uffizi Gallery are far more enjoyable without thousands of fellow tourists in the background of your photos or lengthy queues ahead of you.

Another useful advice would be to find a hotel or an airbnb in the city centre, as it places you right at the heart of the city's charm, making it convenient to wander the historic center by foot.

I would also recommend that you consider guided tours for places like the Uffizi Gallery, so you skip the lines and delve deeper into Florence's art and history.

For a more serene exploration, don't miss the chance to visit landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria in the evening when they're bathed in a magical, nighttime glow – perfect for soaking in Florence's enchanting atmosphere without the daytime hustle and bustle.

Florence in One Day Itinerary

Start your day early, so you can visit some of the most famous landmarks in Florence with fewer crowds around, especially if you're visiting during the peak season.

I recommend starting around 6-6:30 am, with a typical Italian breakfast at Caffe Scudieri, with stunning views of the Duomo. You can enjoy your breakfast and even get some amazing pictures against the stunning backdrop. Once you're done, you can explore Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is surely the most iconic spot in all of Florence and is a landmark that cannot be missed. I promise you, you will be mesmerised by the grandeur of the piazza and the monuments around it. The piazza is the central hub for tourists to visit a lot of other landmarks, including the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the seat of religious power in Florence.

The other interesting things to do in Florence in one day include climbing up Giotto’s Bell Tower in the piazza for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. You can also visit the Baptistry of St. John, which is dedicated to the patron saint of Florence, St. John. The gates of the Baptistry are called the gates of paradise, and the doors were replaced with replicas in 2016. The mosaics on the gates of paradise depict scenes from Christ’s judgement day and the life of St. John. The original gates are now displayed in Museo dell Opera del Duomo, which is yet another gem to visit on your day trip to Florence. The piazza del duomo is so action-packed that it can’t be missed even if you are visiting Florence for a day.

Once you're done exploring this, move on to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, another unmissable landmark on the square.

Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

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The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is so massive that its construction lasted for a century. The church is religiously, historically and artistically significant, with the exterior of the church coated with dazzling colours, towering bronze doors, and its vividly recognizable cupola. 

The octagonal cupola is one of the most notable features of the church and certainly, a must-see place on your upcoming day trip to Florence. Just like Giotto’s bell tower, you will get one of the best views overlooking the city of Florence from the cupola. The climb to the top of the dome/cupola is quite popular among tourists. 

If you are visiting Florence just for a day, you can skip climbing the tower and instead you can walk around the cathedral and the piazza. Entry to the cathedral is free. However, you can get the 18 euro ticket that gives you access to everything around the piazza. This historic landmark deserves to be on your list of places to visit in Florence. 

Piazza Della Repubblica

Next, walk over to Piazza Della Repubblica. This historic piazza was once the centre of the city during the reign of the Roman empire and is a former site of the Roman Forum of Florence. The piazza is brought to life by buskers, painters and makeshift stores, which you can enjoy throughout the day.

Adding to the charm of the piazza is a carousel in the centre of the square, perfect for those Instagram pictures. Make sure this piazza is a part of your Florence one day itinerary.

Accademia Gallery

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As the sun gets hotter, it is time to head indoors to visit the famous statue of David at the Accdemia Gallery.

The gallery was specially built to house Michelangelo’s world-famous masterpiece, the David. There is an array of unfinished statues by Michaelangelo which will let you into the mind of the tortured genius. This gallery houses a lesser number of works in comparison to the Uffizi Gallery and is recommended for art lovers. This gallery is much more manageable and is less overwhelming with its collection and display of art. 

You absolutely can't miss this gallery in Florence—it's a gem! But, because it's so popular, it tends to get pretty busy. To make the most of your visit, aim to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9:30- 10:00 AM. This way, you'll beat the crowds and have a more leisurely experience soaking in the art. It's also smart to book your tickets ahead of time, which not only guarantees your entry but also lets you skip the lines. Trust me, visiting this gallery should be at the top of your list for your next day trip to Florence—it's truly a must-do!

Once you're done exploring the gallery, pack a sandwich from at the famous All'Antico Vinaio by the Accademia Gallery, and get ready for the next stop.

Piazza della Signoria

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Piazza Della Signoria is one of my favourite piazzas in all of Florence, and the moment you step foot there, you'll know why! Its open-air gallery that houses fountains, monuments and statues is something that will leave you mesmerised. One of the fountains that stand out is the beautiful Neptune fountain. This piazza is one of the most historically important piazzas in Florence.

The piazza is also known to be the political centre of power in Florence as it also houses the town hall of Florence, Palazzo Vecchio. You can also find the replica of the world-famous David among the statues on display in the piazza as the original David was put on display here in its initial days. However, the main theme of the collection is the depiction of violence which is masterfully represented through the statues Rape of the Sabine Women. This piazza certainly qualifies as one of the coolest places to visit in Florence. 

Once you're done exploring this piazza, you can find a spot to sit and have your lunch before moving on to the next landmark in Florence.

Fontana Del Porcellino

After lunch, walk over to the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, a leather market, where you will find a bronze pig fountain called Fontana del Porcellino. There are a couple of legends associated with the statue. If you rub the pig’s nose, it ensures a safe return to your destination, along with an assurance that you will return to Florence. Also, try to put a coin in the mouth of Porcellino, and if the coin falls into the grate below its mouth, your wishes will come true. These coins are later donated to a local orphanage, and indirectly you are contributing to a good cause. You might not have time to explore the market, but be sure to visit this attraction in Florence on your day trip. 

The Uffizi Gallery

After visiting the little fountain of the pig, head to The Uffizi Gallery, a paradise for any art admirer. This is one of the most prominent galleries that house Renaissance art in all of Europe. You can find paintings by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and many others in this enormous gallery. However, I would not recommend entering the gallery if you are not a big art enthusiast, as there are plenty of other things you could do instead.

This gallery has 101 rooms, all full of art, and for you to get the best experience out of it, you need a plan. The ideal thing to do is to decide on a few rooms and visit those because the huge collection of art in this gallery can overwhelm you. Uffizi Gallery is a must-see place in Florence and is also free to visit on the first Sunday of every month.

Ponte Vecchio

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Right by the Uffizi Gallery is Ponte Vecchio, one of the oldest landmarks in Florence, overlooking the Arno river. Head here for beautiful views of the river and the city of Florence.

During World War II, this was the only bridge on the Arno river that wasn’t destroyed by the Germans. However, they did destroy the buildings on both the banks of the river so that the bridge could not be accessed. The bridge has shops built into its structure which mostly sells gold and jewellery. To enjoy a better view of the bridge, you can go to any docks on the sides of the river and appreciate this majestic bridge or join a SUP adventure experience in Florence. 

Visiting the iconic Ponte Vecchio is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Florence. To get a panoramic view of the bridge, you can head to Piazza Degli Uffizi. You can enjoy the best Florentine sunset in all its glory standing over the Arno river.

Basilica of Santa Croce

If you would like to check out yet another beautiful basilica in Florence, head to the Basilica of Santa Croce. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Florence, which is also the resting place of many bright Italian stars such as Michelangelo and Galileo. This Basilica also houses a memorial for Dante. The flood of 1966 damaged the church, and there are still markers that show how far up the water reached. There are two crucifixes on display by Donatello and Cimabue. Look out for these artefacts on your next visit to Florence. 

The piazza outside the church can be a great place to unwind, take pictures and watch people. You can take in the culture and history of Florence at the piazza while admiring the exterior facade of the Basilica. If you are taking a day trip to Florence, make sure to book your tickets in advance, which is 8 Euros for adults and 4 Euros for children belonging to the age group 11-17 years. 

Rooftop Bar in Florence for the Views

Now finally, after your day of exploring the beautiful city, I highly recommend visiting one of the many rooftop bars in Florence for a relaxing evening.

If you had longer, I would also recommend going up to Piazza Michelangelo for the stunning views of the city. However, the walk uphill after a long day of exploring is not worth it in my opinion, especially when you're short on time.

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Getting Around in Florence

Navigating Florence is a breeze—it's one of Italy's cozier cities, perfect for strolling and discovering hidden gems you might not have planned for but will absolutely love. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to wander. And don't forget to carry a bottle of water with you for the long day of exploring.

Things to eat in Florence

Here’s a list of a few places and things to eat in Florence:

  • Mercato Centrale is a two-floor market containing a variety of fresh Italian food. The market is on the first floor, and the food court is on the second floor. Get yourself a picnic-style lunch there.
  • Fiorentina Steak at my favourite Trattoria del Oste, on the list of the best 100 steakhouses in the world.
  • Gelato gelateria Eduardo – the shop offers organic gelatos with recipes that are over 100 years old.
  • All’Antico Vinaio– Panino with local cold cuts and salami from the region
  • Trattoria Marione, Casa del Vin Santo– Freshly made pasta
  • Tuscan Wine – enjoy this delicacy with your meals in Florence.

Other Tricks

  • Get to Florence as soon as possible because it makes your day ahead convenient.
  • The best way to start your day is by having a quick Italian breakfast, coffee and a pastry.
  • Make sure you have bookings made in advance, including the skip the line tickets. This will save you time.
  • Keep in mind your travelling day to Florence as most of the museums here are closed on Mondays
  • It’s a better idea to research your food options well in advance so that you don’t waste your time on deciding where to eat and what to eat.
  • You can also choose a guided day tour; it will make your experience hassle-free and help you explore Florence better.
  • On your trip to Florence, make sure to visit some of the other hidden gems in Tuscany if you have time for it.

FAQS

Are there any specific local souvenirs or products that visitors should consider buying while in Florence?

Florence is known for its leather goods, including bags, wallets, and belts, crafted by local artisans. The city is also famous for its gold jewelry, particularly from shops along the Ponte Vecchio. Additionally, Florence offers a selection of fine wines and gourmet foods such as truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, which make for unique souvenirs or gifts.

How can visitors experience Florence's art scene beyond the major galleries and museums mentioned?

To delve deeper into Florence's rich art scene, visitors can explore smaller galleries, artist studios, and temporary exhibitions throughout the city. Many churches and public spaces display significant art pieces free of charge. Participating in an art walk or guided tour can provide insights into the city's contemporary art scene and the work of local artists. Here are some other free things to do in Florence for those on a budget.

What are some less touristy neighborhoods or areas in Florence that are worth exploring?

The Oltrarno district, located across the Arno River from the city center, offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Florentines, with its artisan workshops, quaint cafés, and lesser-known museums. Another area to explore is the Sant'Ambrogio neighborhood, known for its vibrant market and authentic local eateries, offering a break from the more crowded tourist spots. Check out 19 hidden gems in Florence off-the-beaten path here.

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