Are you looking for the ultimate Florence guide, we have put together an amazing one day In Florence itinerary!
For those who are wondering, how to see Florence in one day we have you covered! Florence is such a compact city, that you can easily walk between all the sights, landmarks, and museums! It needs to be on your bucket list of places to visit in Italy!
While you can’t see everything, one day is enough to see all the major sights and museums! This past summer I spent just over 24 hours in Florence and below is a guide to exactly what we did! Feel free to make this itinerary your own!
The most important thing to note is that you MUST BOOK YOUR TICKETS in advance for everything in Florence! As soon as you have your trip booked, make timed reservations for all the museums, or be prepared to wait in VERY long lines!
One Day In Florence Itinerary: How to Visit Florence In A Day
Stop 1: Sunrise at Piazzale Michelangelo (6 am)
One of my favorite must see in Florence in 1 day, is the stunning view from Michaelango’s Steps. While many people go for sunset ( also gorgeous), if you want to avoid crowds while being awarded 360-degree views over Florence, sunrise here is a must!
On past trips, I have walked up to the top, however, I would suggest grabbing a cab to the top especially if you want pictures with the best view in Florence!
Stop 2: Breakfast (8:00 AM )
After your early start watching the sunrise over Florence, it is time for breakfast before you start your Florence in a day itinerary! Below are some of my suggestions for the best place to grab breakfast!
- Rooster Cafe Firenze – Sant’Egidio – located close to Accademia Gallery and has amazing pancakes
- La Milkeria – crepes
- Shake Café – espresso and pastries
- Ditta Artigianale – coffee is amazing as are the pastries
Stop 3 : Visit the Accademia Gallery (9:00 AM )
Accademia Gallery has to be on your list of what to do on a one-day itinerary for Florence! This museum is best known for the Statue of David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world! Trust me when I say, book your tickets in ADVANCE or be prepared to waste hours waiting in line!!
However, don’t forget to explore the rest of the museum as it is far less crowded! This is one of the best places to visit in Florence for art lovers!
Bonus for classical music and opera lovers. While here you can visit the Museum of Musical Instruments housed in the same building. You can see over 50 musical instruments, such as a piano from 1699, and a Stradivari viola!
Click here to Book: Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket to Michelangelo’s David
Click here to Book: Florence: Michelangelo’s David Priority Ticket & Audio App
Monday Option: Basilica of Santa Croce
For those traveling to Florence on a Monday, your first stop will be the Basilica of Santa Croce in Piazza di Santa Croce. It is the largest Franciscan church in the world! And houses some of the most important religious art in Florence.
Click here to book: Florence: Entrance Ticket to Santa Croce Basilica Complex
Stop 4 – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore/the Duomo (10:00 AM )
Just an 8-minute walk down Via Ricasoli from Accademia, you will find your next stop on this 1 day itinerary in Florence. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is more commonly referred to as the Duomo. You can’t visit Florence for a day and not stop here!
Please note that as these are religious sights you will need to have your shoulders and knees covered. (For Summer I always like to pack a scarf to put over my shoulders)
Option 1: Within the Duomo Complex you will find the following, we highly suggest booking a tour here!
- The Cathedral: one of the most beautiful churches with marble and the iconic dome ceiling. It is free to visit, but, be prepared for a line! Open daily Monday to Saturday from 10:15 am to 4:45 pm
- Bunelleschi’s dome: constructed in the 1400’s you can climb the 463 steps to the top or views of the city. MUST book in Advance and no bags are allowed, open Monday to Saturday from 8:15 am to 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 12:45 pm to 5:45 pm.
- Bapistrery of Saint John: This is the oldest building in the Duomo Complex. The Marble exterior was built in 1000 and has bronze doors and ceiling mosaics. However, as of 2024, it is under restoration. Open daily from 9.00 am to 7.45 pm.
- Giotto Bell Tower: For those who can’t get tickets to Bunelleschi’s Dome, this 398 steps to the top offers views from the Bell Tower. More tickets are available and open daily from 8:15 am to 7: 45 pm.
- Crypt of Santa Reparata: Rediscovered in 1975 by archaeologists under the floor of the Cathedral! Open daily from 9 am to 7:45 pm
Click here to book: Florence: Duomo Complex Guided Tour with Dome Admission
Click here to book : Florence: Duomo Entry Ticket with Brunelleschi’s Dome
Click here to book : Florence: Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistery Tour
Click here to book : Florence: Baptistery, Duomo Museum, Cathedral, & Bell Tower
Option 2: Morning Walking Tour
If this is not your first time to Florence, and you have already seen the Duomo and Statue of David or did not book tickets in advance take a one day walking tour of Florence.
This small group tour, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours will have you exploring the charming streets of Florence with guide you to see the iconic landmarks as well as hidden gems! The guides also explain the city’s history, along with the storied architecture.
Click here to book: Florence: Guided Walking Tour
Stop 5 – Opera del Duomo Museum (12:00PM)
For those who did not arrange advance tickets to go inside the Duomo Complex, I would suggest visiting the Opera del Duomo Museum. A great option for those on a last-minute day trip to Florence! The museum houses works of art created for the Florence Cathedral in 28 rooms over 3 floors.
The museum showcases the works of artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. Also included with different ticket passes! A must with 1 day in Florence!
Stop 6 – Lunch (1:00 PM )
I am sure you will be hungry after exploring all morning on this Florence for the day itinerary!
Below are some of my favorite spots for lunch that are all within walking distance! I always like to pair my lunch with an Aperol spritz or some Chianti wine!
- Trattoria Mario – 7-10-minute walking distance from Duomo, has vegetarian options, I recommend the pappardelle with ragu or porcini pasta
- San Lorenzo Market, Mercato Centrale – a 10-minute walk, one of the most famous markets, gourmet food hall with tons of options! A great option for those traveling with family or a group!
- All’Antico Vinaio – 10-minute walk, to a famous sandwich shop, be prepared to wait in line.
- Pino’s Sandwiches – 11-minute walk, amazing sandwiches, family-owned
For those who have extra time, and want to try a variety of street foods, I suggest booking this Florence: Street Food Tour with local Expert Guide – where you will try a variety of Tuscan dishes while on a guided tour!
Click here to book: Florence: Street Food Tour with local Expert Guide
Stop 7 – Uffizi Gallery (2:30 PM )
Depending on where you decide for lunch, you should be about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery is one of my favorite things to do in Florence in a day! With that being said the museum is HUGE and you could spend all day here, so I suggest opting to see the highlights!
A few must-sees are Nascita di Venere by Sandro Botticelli, the Annunciation by Leonardo Da Vinci, the Apollino sculpture, and Medusa by Caravaggio!
TIPS:
- Book timed tickets (the afternoon is less busy)
- Enjoy the Uffizi Cafe – I love to grab an espresso to boost my energy!
Click here to book: Florence: Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket
Click here to book : Florence: Skip-the-Line Uffizi Small Group Tour
Option B : Pitti Palace
If you can’t get timed tickets to Uffizi head to Pitti Palace. The Pitti Palace is one the largest museums for Modern Art and Palatine Gallery. Here you can see the extraordinary Midici Collection, as well as walk through the Palace built for the Pitti family in 1457.
Click here to book: Florence: Entrance Ticket to Pitti Palace
Monday Option: Leonardo Interactive Museum
The Uffizi Gallery is closed on Monday. Instead, on this 1 day in Florence itinerary head to the Interactive Leonardo Museum. Here you can explore the inventions made by Leonardo de Vinci. Discover his studies, designs, engineering, and anatomy. You can see the printing press, worm screw, catapult, and more! This would be a great option for those traveling with children.
Click here to book: Florence: Leonardo Interactive Museum Entry Ticket
Stop 8 – Palazzo Vecchio (4:00pm )
Palazzo Vecchio is just a 1-minute walk from Uffuzi Gallery. is located in Signoria Square and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Known as the old palace, and symbol of power for Florence you can also see copies of Michelangelo’s David and Hercules and Cacus sculptures here.
Inside the Palazzo Museum, the Salone is one of the most spectacular rooms you can visit, as is the courtyard. You can also climb the Arnolfo Tower’s 400 steps for views of the city!
Click here to book : Florence: Palazzo Vecchio Entrance Ticket & Videoguide
Click here to book : Palazzo Vecchio: Skip-the-Line Entry and Secret Passage Tour
Stop 9 -Fontana del Porcellino (5:00PM)
Fontana del Porcellino is one of the not-to-miss things to see in Florence in 1 day! Located one block away from the famous Piazza della Signoria! This bronze Florentine bear, cast by Pietro Tacca in the 1600 is said if you rub his nose good luck will bring you back to Florence!
For those who love to shop, or are looking for quality hand-made Italian leather goods, head to the Leather Market (Mercato del Porcellino). It is also a great place to stop for souvenirs if you only have a 1 day trip to Florence planned!
Stop 10 – Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria (5:30 PM)
Your next stop on this 1 day itinerary for Florence, is Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, just a 2 minute’s walk from Fonta del Procellino! Ponte Vecchio is probably one of the most recognizable images in Florence.
This medieval stone bridge was spared from destruction during WWII. Now the bridge is home to tons of shops and connects the two sides of Florence over the Arno River.
Piazza della Signoria, is a large square that used to be the center of political life in Florence. This area is surrounded by gorgeous architecture, sculptures surrounding the Loggia, and a fountain! While the square is free to visit, there is a museum that has an entrance fee called Palazzo Vecchio.
Stop 11 – Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo (6:15 pm )
For those who prefer to sleep in and skip-stop 1, head to sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, about a 20-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio. The sunsets here are unreal, as the sunsets over the city. Just be prepared for crowds, and I advise getting here a little earlier to grab a spot on the steps.
Stop 12 – Dinner In Florence (7:30 pm)
For dinner in Florence, I would suggest trying one of the dishes Florence is best known for, the Fiorentina Steak, Ribolitta, Peposo, or Pappa al Pomodoro!
Here are some local places that I would suggest from my own experience and friends! I would opt for a local restaurant with only one day and night in Florence!
- Le Volpi E L’Uva – wine bar must try the pizza
- Da Gariibardi – Tuscan food, as gluten-free pasta! Try the Fiorentina Steak or Pasta
- San Jacopino Pizzeria – wood fired pizza
- Alla vecchia bettola – locals dine here, communal tables, menu changes daily!
- Osteria Vin E Vecchi – ribollita and pasta dishes
- Il profeta– try the John Travlota Pasta
- La Giostra – try the pear ravoli
- Trattorria Sabatino – Fiorentina Steak and pastas
Stop 13 – Night In Florence (9:00 pm)
For those looking at what to do in Florence with one day, after dinner, I have suggested three different options depending on your mood!
Option A : Gelato and a walk along the river
For those who have yet to enjoy a gelato, head to Gelateria la Carraia for some of the most amazing gelato you have ever tasted. This family-run shop is always packed. After, walk along the river and enjoy Florence after the sun sets. What a perfect and relaxing way to end your day!
Option B: Enjoy a nightcap from at a cocktail bar
If you do not want your night to end, why not head to a cocktail bar and enjoy some drinks? I love this option, especially during summertime in Florence!
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Art Roof Cocktail Bar- terrace overlooking cathedral dome
- Locale Firenze – a top-ranked cocktail bar, and the drinks are amazing
- Rasputin – speakeasy, craft cocktails, fun vibe
Option C: Evening Classical Concert
What could be a more special ending to your night, than watching an opera live in Florence? Head to Santa Monaca Church, and travel back in time as you listen to Italian Opera!
Click here to book: Florence: Santa Monaca Church Italian Opera Concert Ticket
Option D: Evening Cruise with Music
For the last option, set sail on the Arno River, for a river cruise in Florence as you enjoy a live violin concert! Sit back and take in the sights of Florence from the water!
Click here to Book: Florence: Arno River Cruise with a Live Concert
Museum Closures In Florence
When planning a 1 day itinerary for Florence you will want to avoid arriving on a Monday, as most of the major museums are closed! Below is a list of days when museums are closed.
Monday:
- Uffizi Gallery
- Accademia Gallery
- Palazzo Pitti
- San Marco Museum
- Medici Chapels (also closed on the second and fourth Sunday of the month)
- Boboli Gardens (also closed on the last Monday of the month)
Tuesday:
- The Opera del Duomo Museum (closed first Tuesday of the month)
Thursday:
- Palazzo Vecchio Museum closes early
Sunday:
- Bargello National Museum (also closed on the second and fourth Monday of the month)
- Medici Chapels (also closed on the first, third, and fifth Monday of the month)
- Florence Cathedral is closed for Mass.
Where to stay for one night in Florence
When looking at where to stay in Florence, we have an additional guide for those looking for more options of boutique hotels, or airbnb’s for those traveling in groups or with families!
Hotel Cantoria
Hotel Cantoria is a great option of where to stay for one night in Florence! Located in the city center, rooms feature AC ( needed for summer), and wifi, and include a delicious Italian breakfast.
You are a 10-minute walk to the Duomo this ultra-modern room, with bright white interiors, features comfy beds, and modern bathrooms. Plus there is a gorgeous rooftop for you to relax on!
To Check Rates: Click HERE
Hotel Burchianti
For those looking for something special, you will want to stay at Hotel Burchianti, a 15th-century building that features original ceiling frescos. Imagine coming home, crawling into bed, and seeing Itlain ceiling murals.
The rooms are all modern, with AC, wifi, and breakfast.
To Check rates: Click HERE
iQ Hotel Firenze
If you have a 1 day trip to Florence planned, and are looking for a modern hotel, I would recommend iQ Hotel. This ultra-modern hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Florence Cathedral!
Did I mention this hotel has an outdoor seasonal pool, sauna, and fitness center? Some of the modern rooms with AC feature outdoor terraces, and they also have family rooms for those traveling with children!
To Check Rates: Click HERE
Getting To And Around Florence
Getting to Florence to start your 24 hours in Florence, you will either be arriving by plane or train! While Florence has an airport, the cheaper more popular airport to arrive at is Pisa ( 50 km from the city), then a 1 hour train ride.
For those arriving from Italy or other parts of Europe by train, the main station in the center of town is Firenze Santa Maria Novella. For those coming for day trips from other cities in Europe this is how you will be arriving!
Once you have arrived, Florence is an EXTREMELY walkable city. However, there are also city buses and taxis available.
Insider Tips For Your First Trip To Florence With One Day
Keep and eye out for Wine Windows
One of my favorite things about Florence is the wine windows. If you love wine keep an eye out for the windows around town you can order wine from!
Avoid traveling on Monday
If you can, I would avoid planning a trip on Monday, as several of the museums are closed.
Pack and scarf
For the women traveling, make sure to pack a scarf during summertime to cover your shoulder, as the weather is HOT!
Book tickets in Advance
Once you have chosen dates for your trip to Florence, the first thing you want to do is BOOK TICKETS. And purchase skip-the-lines tickets, especially on a one-day in Florence itinerary!
Coffee at the counter
For those looking to order coffee and pastries, if you order at the counter instead of a table, the cost is cheaper! I love to do this in the afternoon!
Add on a day trip to one of these Fairytale Villages & Small Towns In Italy
There are so many beautiful small towns in Italy to explore Florence, check out our suggestions here! You are sure to fall in love with the most picturesque towns in Italy
Where to Stay In Dublin: Best Hotels And Areas