One of the artistic gems of Italy and one of the most-visited cities in the whole of Europe, Florence is one of the most amazing destinations in Italy and a place with an exciting artistic past, a delicious food culture, and exquisite buildings to explore.
If you plan to see the highlights of Florence in a day, pack good walking shoes and embrace the adventure. The city is extremely pedestrian-friendly, and it is compact, making it easy to see many landmarks in a day.
Let’s make the most of your time in the Tuscan capital by visiting some of Florence’s best highlights, some of its amazing churches and beautiful art exhibitions, but also the romantic alleys, the ancient bridges, and the bohemian squares.
I’m certain you’ll love every minute of the day… So, without any further ado, here’s my suggested itinerary for a fantastic day in Florence.
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In this article:
Places to Visit in Florence
Quick list with a selection of some of the top places to visit in Florence. You may also want to read our full guide to visiting Florence.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Accademia
- Baptistery of San Giovanni
- Giotto’s Campanile
- Piazza della Signoria
- Loggia di San Lorenzo
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Museo Galileo
- Mercato Centrale
- Porcellino Market
- Via del Porcellana
- Oltrarno District
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Piazza San Lorenzo
READ MORE: Solo Trip to Florence
Beautiful view of Florence in springtime
Florence 1-Day Itinerary
Morning in Florence: Highlights of the City
The first thing you will do when reaching Florence in the morning is head to the cathedral.
Officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, this architectural masterpiece is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
The cathedral’s construction started in 1296 and took several centuries to complete.
Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the many artists who worked in the building, designed the remarkable dome, an engineering masterpiece of the Renaissance that dominates the city’s skyline.
The exterior of the church is made with a mix of white, pink, and green marble as well as intricate details and sculptures.
Inside the duomo, you can check out the beautiful stained glass windows and the frescos inside the dome.
Book in advance a visit to the top of the dome to enjoy the magnificent views of Florence and appreciate the details of its construction.
I urge you to check out this Duomo Skywalk with skip-the-line access to save both time and money.
Once you’ve climbed down, don’t overlook the adjacent Baptistery of San Giovanni, an octagonal building renowned for the famous Gates of Paradise and Giotto’s Campanile (the Duomo’s bell tower).
Visit Piazza del Duomo and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Accademia Gallery
If you really enjoy art and still have a few hours left in the morning, why not check out the highlights of the Accademia Gallery?
The gallery houses one of the most famous pieces of art in the country, the original statue of David by Michelangelo (the one you will see later on in Piazza della Signoria), and in less than 40 minutes you can check out the David and the small but interesting Museum of Musical Instruments.
Lunchtime: Street Food in the Center of Florence
Since one day in Florence will certainly limit your time in the city to try all the fantastic delicacies that characterize the Tuscan gastronomy, it’s a good idea to rely on street food to get an authentic flavor of the region while enjoying a delicious and quick lunch.
Florence Street Food
These are some of the culinary options you can explore in Florence…
- Lampredotto: There are dozens of lampredotto eateries where to have a fast meal in Florence. Lampredotto is a typical Florentine street food made from the fourth stomach of a cow. The meat cut is slow-cooked in broth and served in a hot bread roll. You can find lampredotto stands everywhere in the center and in Florence’s popular public markets, such as Mercato Centrale and Sant’
- Panino: Florence has numerous panini shops offering a variety of freshly made sandwiches. Florence’s classic panino con la porchetta (a cold cut made with roast pork and herbs) or panino con la finocchiona (a type of salami with fennel seeds). If you’re visiting the area near Palazzo Vecchio, check out the sandwiches served at All’Antico Vinaio.
- Trippa: There are plenty of trippaio stands in Florence where you can taste different tripe dishes. Trippa alla Fiorentina (Florentine-style tripe) and panino con la trippa (tripe sandwich) are two of the most traditional local experiences.
- Gelato: If tripe is not something that entices your appetite and the sweet tooth prevails, enjoying a gelato in the center of Florence is a must. Gelato is the quintessential Florence dessert that you should not miss, especially if you visit in the summer!
- For an even more unique experience, you can devote lunchtime to exploring the city’s markets and their small eateries to discover more local specialties.
A typical Florentine lampredotto sandwich – a local specialty
Afternoon in Florence: Renaissance Art Uffizi Gallery
Nobody can say to have visited Florence without making a stop at the Uffizi.
Piazza della Signoria
From the center of the city, head to the impressive Piazza della Signoria, where you can admire the public collection of sculptures at Loggia di San Lorenzo and the massive copy of Michelangelo’s David located at the entrance of the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio.
You’ll find (a copy of) Michelangelo’s David at the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is a medieval gem made back in 1299 and originally intended to house the Signoria, or government body of Florence.
However, over the centuries, the building underwent different renovations and architectural changes.
The building’s most remarkable highlight is the so-called Torre di Arnolfo, a unique clock tower about 95 meters tall (approximately 312 feet) from which the views of the city are simply stunning.
You can take a short walk inside the palace (without paying the entrance ticket to its exhibition halls) to visit the different courtyards with elegant arcades, sculptures, and fountains.
When checking out the rest of the square, spend at least a few minutes soaking in the atmosphere. This is one of Florence’s most lively squares, where the local government often features temporary exhibitions.
Uffizi Gallery
Right after, head towards the Arno River to visit the most important Renaissance art collection in the city, the Uffizi Gallery.
Of course, we urge you to purchase the ticket in advance to avoid the long lines, but we also suggest booking a guided tour if you’re interested in learning about the masterpieces exhibited in the many halls of this spectacular building.
The fantastic gallery, housed in a magnificent Renaissance palace known as the Gallerie degli Uffizi, hosts one of the world’s most significant collections of art, with the works of artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Giotto, among others.
This is the best place to go in Italy to admire local Renaissance art and is also the most-visited museum in the country.
You can view the famous Birth of Venus painting by Sandro Botticelli at Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Ponte Vecchio
After the Uffizi, you might want to wander freely the streets of Florence until it’s time for an aperitivo.
If that’s the case, I suggest heading down to the Arno, only steps from the Uffizi, to cross the spectacular Ponte Vecchio, another famous landmark in town.
LEARN MORE: 10 Best: List of Free Stuff to Do in Florence
Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) is the most famous bridge in Florence
Oltrarno Neighborhood
Crossing the bridge will land you directly in the bohemian district of Oltrarno, a relaxed district where you can experience a more authentic and less crowded Florence, home to beautiful old houses, traditional trattorias, and one of the most impressive gardens in the country, Boboli Gardens.
These gardens, which are part of the landscape of Palazzo Pitti, can either be visited by combining the entrance to the art galleries of the palace or on their own.
This is something that I recommend to those in need of some green and fresh air after hours inside the Uffizi.
The majestic Baroque gardens with fantastic statues and amazing fountains also offer impressive views of Florence’s skyline, including the gorgeous Cathedral and its bell tower as well as the medieval tower of Palazzo Vecchio.
Spend some time exploring these amazing gardens and then head to any local bar for an aperitivo to go.
View from Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
In fact, it is a good idea to grab a glass of our favorite aperitivo, for instance, a Spritz or a Campari, and enjoy a relaxing walk to reach Piazzale Michelangelo.
The walk is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from Pitti Palace, and it takes you up a hill, offering scenic views of the city along the way.
Once at Piazzale Michelangelo, hang out with the locals and admire one of the most beautiful sunset spots in the city.
Keep in mind that the walk typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and it is a very pleasant walk with charming streets and beautiful scenery along the way.
Visit Piazzale Michelangelo for the best viewpoint in Florence
Alternative afternoon in Florence
If the Uffizi Gallery is not the place for you, worry not; there are a lot of alternative things to enjoy in Florence, even for those who’re not so keen on art.
Museo Galileo
For instance, Museo Galileo is a great place to spend some hours for people interested in science and the history of scientific instruments.
Museo Galileo showcases a vast collection of scientific instruments, telescopes, globes, and other artifacts related to Galileo Galilei and the history of scientific discovery in the country.
Interested in markets instead? Then a visit to Florence’s Mercato Centrale is a winning idea.
Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale is a bustling food market where you can immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of Tuscan cuisine.
You can browse stalls filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional Tuscan dishes, and even taste a delicious full meal for a very small price.
Mercato Centrale is the place to shop for food souvenirs and to enjoy a delicious meal in Florence
Porcellino Market
Another fantastic market you can check out is Porcellino Market, or Mercato Nuovo.
This is a covered market near the Ponte Vecchio featuring a wide range of small shops and stalls selling leather goods, scarves, clothing, accessories, and Florentine crafts.
The Porcellino is a bronze boar statue opposite the market area.
According to tradition, visitors are expected to rub the nose of the bronze boar statue (or porcellino) for good luck!
Il Porcellino is the Florentine nickname for this statue of a boar
Via del Porcellana
Not far from this market, you can take a short walk along Via del Porcellana, home to several interesting artisan shops featuring unique handmade jewelry, art prints, ceramics, and other locally crafted souvenirs.
In any case, when hunting for souvenirs in the local markets, don’t forget to compare prices and quality before making a purchase.
Although bargaining is not common in Italy, asking if they offer any discounts or promotions can reserve pleasant surprises or at least ignite a memorable chat with the locals.
Evening in Florence
Piazza San Lorenzo
After those incredible sunset views, make your way back to the city center to explore the leather artisan shops around Piazza San Lorenzo.
Here, you can admire the beautiful San Lorenzo Basilica, built back in the 1400s by the Medici Family.
Around the area, you will find several typical trattorias, where you can go for an authentic Tuscan dish such as a Fiorentina steak or a ribollita (a Tuscan vegetable soup).
You can also sample handmade pasta dishes and pair everything with a super Tuscan wine.
Live Music in Florence
Finally, keep in mind that the city is also an important Italian center for music, and ending your evening in town attending a concert can be the true highlight of your trip.
There are common performances held in Florence’s historic venues, such as Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino or Teatro Verdi, where you can listen to opera, symphony, or chamber music concerts.
Instead, if you’re eager for some romantic night views, the city’s rooftop bars and terraces are perfect to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Such places include the rooftop terrace at Hotel Continentale and La Terrazza Lounge Bar at Hotel Baglioni.
In both hotels, access is not restricted to guests; you can also enjoy a drink while relaxing after a long but rewarding day in Florence.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, this itinerary includes some of Florence’s main attractions and places you should not miss. However, there’s much more to Florence than this one-day itinerary.
The city is filled with exciting examples of street art, especially when it comes to public signs related to traffic and parking. Keep an eye open to enjoy this unique trait by a local artist.
Florence is also considered an important cultural center in the country, so if you are a fan of the Italian language or are learning the basics, stop at one of the several bookstores scattered around town to find ancient grammar books and affordable dictionaries.
Many of these shops will be happy to pack your books and send them to any address in the world for you, so don’t be shy and splurge on that huge English-Italian dictionary you always wanted to buy without paying export fees!
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About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.