One Day in Florence – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

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What to Do for One Day in Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is one of the most cultured and artistic cities in the world. Enchanting and captivating, this is a place to revel in history, art and cuisine.

Packed with remarkable art and architecture, we’ll show you Florence’s wonderful tangle of narrow streets, lined with elegant and historic palazzi, medieval churches and world-class art museums, with our one day Florence itinerary.

In this Florence travel guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary of all the most important must see Florence attractions, with an interactive map, organised to make the best use of your time.

We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your 24 hours in Florence.

When to Visit Florence

Whenever you go to Florence, it will always be an amazing experience. If you want to skip the huge crowds during the high season, then you should definitely plan your trip in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, although don’t expect the city to be empty. 

Like Rome, Florence tends to have a very pleasant climate almost all of the year, and even during the Italian winter there will be plenty of sun.

However, if you want to get the most from your one day in Florence, consider going in March, April, May, September and October. Those are the perfect months to enjoy the weather and avoid the huge crowds that flock to Florence during the summer months.

Florence Trip Resources

Getting to Florence

Flying

When flying to Florence you will land at Aeroport di Firenze-Peretola, only 4km from the city centre. The quickest way to get into Florence is by trams which run every 5-10 minutes and take 20 minutes to get to Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, right in the heart of the city. You can buy your tickets at the vending machines at the airport tram station.

You can also book a private transfer from the airport with Klook directly to your accommodation in the city. Klook works with a large range of local operators to bring the the best options and prices for your transfer.

Where to Stay in Florence

Luxury: Hotel Spadai – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: SoprArno Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Perseo – Booking.com | Agoda

Hostel: Hostel Archi Rossi – Booking.com | Agoda

Things to See & Do in Florence

If you only have 1 day in Florence, it is vital that you organise your trip well in advance. Although Florence is one of the most walkable cities in Europe, you’ll need to plan your routes and foolow our interactive map to fit everything in.

Because it is one of the most visited cities in the world and there are quite a few must see things to do in Florence, getting tickets on the day is impossible. Booking online at least two months in advance is advisable. 

If organising yourself is not your bag, or you’re paying a last minute visit, a Florence walking tour is a great idea to get a snapshot of the UNESCO World Heritage site that is Florence. You’ll see all the important stuff (from the outside) and get a real flavour of the city.

Interactive Map of Your Florence Itinerary

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Morning

Explore Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is the most visited spot in Florence and is home to Florence’s finest architectural and historical marvels. 

It is an absolute must see if you are seeing Florence in a day. Despite the inevitable crowds, the essence and rich history of the city can still be seen and felt all around.

Visit Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral​

Santa Maria del Fiore is one of those marvels which require your attention. It was completed in the beginning of the 15th century by Filippo Brunelleschi, who also designed its famous dome. 

Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is built in the Gothic architectural style and is entirely covered in white, green and pink marble panels. Inside the cathedral you will find a couple of art works of the noble men of Florence who financed the building of the cathedral. 

Along with that, there is a crypt, which houses the tomb of Brunelleschi and the ruins of the former ancient cathedral of Santa Reparata. 

The cathedral opens from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. As an active consecrated Cathedral, visiting hours on Sundays are very limited, so we suggest going on a weekday where ever possible.

Entrance to the cathedral itself is free of charge, but in the summer you can queue for a long time to get in, even if you arrive at 8am, so we suggest buying skip the line tickets to avoid eating into your precious time in Florence.

For the other Duomo attractions (the Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Duomo’s Terraces, the Crypt, San Giovanni’s Baptistery and the Piazza del Duomo Museum) you will need a timed ticket which can be bought on the official Duomo website, where you’ll also find all sorts of information about the complex.

Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome

Inside the cathedral you can observe the famous and awe-inspiring Cupola del Brunelleschi from below. The Dome was painted by Giorgio Vasari and depicts the Last Judgement. The artwork is a true masterpiece and will leave you speechless the first time you see it.  

To get up close to the artwork and the interior of the world’s biggest dome you can climb the 463 steps along narrow staircases through the structure, admiring the incredible architectural design and ingenuity as you go.  

It is essential that you book tickets in advance for a dome tour – often they are sold out three to four weeks ahead, and longer for popular time-slots.

Visit San Giovanni’s Baptistery

In the Piazza del Duomo is also the Baptistery of San Giovanni, famous for its unusual octagonal shape. It was built in the 11th century and is the place where many Florentine notable figures, as well as the Medici, were baptised. 

The baptistery is well-known for its incredible golden ceiling and the Gates of Paradise, created by Michelangelo. The richly embossed golden gates can be observed on the outside as you stand in front of Santa Maria del Fiore. 

Learn at The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

Visiting the Opera Duomo Museum will only make your experience better as you learn about historic Florence. In the museum of Piazza del Duomo are housed all of the original artefacts of all the architectural wonders, as well as the golden Gates of Paradise. 

There is also a religious library, a museum showing the creation of Brunelleschi’s Dome and lots of statues and busts that were found in the architectural marvels of Florence. 

On the top floor of the museum, you can observe Brunelleschi’s Dome from a closer distance and enjoy an Italian espresso. 

Afternoon

Cross the Ponte Vecchio

Head south through the atmospheric streets, passing stunning historic buildings and beautiful piazzas until crossing the river Arno, using one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Ponte Vecchio. 

This bridge, the foundations of which are Roman, is lined with shops selling souvenirs, but blur your eyes for a minute and image this as a bustling shopping place for Florentines to buy their daily wares.

Visit Pitti Palace

Probably a slightly lesser known landmark, Palazzo Pitti does not attract quite as many crowds as the Duomo complex does. However, the palace houses some of the world’s best masterpieces and artefacts from the Roman and Medieval periods.

The palace was built in the 15th century and was later sold to the Medici family, who made it their family residence. The prominent Medici family were the most important dynasty in Florence. Famous bankers, they controlled almost all of the wealth in the city. 

From 1513 to 1630, the family produced four Popes and two Queens of France, before being elevated to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1569. They enjoyed great wealth and position until the Duchy became bankrupt in 1723.  

For this reason, Florence is often called the ‘city of the Medici’ – everywhere you go in Florence you will end up either in their palace, library, church or garden!

Nowadays, the palace has a couple of levels to be explored. On the first floor is the lavish Palatine Gallery, which houses many artworks from the 16th and 17th century, including those of Raphael, Titian, Tintoretto, Caravaggio and Rubens. There can also be found the Royal Apartments, which depict the way and style of living of the Medici family.

Then, on the ground floor is the treasury of the Dukes, displaying the family’s riches. Along with that, you can explore the Porcelain and Costume Museums, which depict the fashions of the Renaissance period.

Stroll the Boboli Gardens

Head for the Boboli Gardens, which make up the largest green area in the city and provide welcome respite after a day in Florence. 

While exploring the gardens near the palace you will first see the the Amphitheater with the Roman basin and the Egyptian obelisk at the centre. The story behind the basin is unclear and many believe that it was brought there to show off the wealth of the family. 

Other notable spots in the gardens are Buontalenti’s Grotto, the Grand Duke’s Casino, the Cavalier’s Garden and Neptune’s Fishpond.

Visit Basilica of Santa Croce

The beautifully simple Basilica of Santa Croce is the burial place of the great and good of Florence, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. 

It provides a sense of peace after the frenetic activity of the Piazza del Duomo and gives time to reflect on the history and importance of this incredible city.

Evening

Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower

Giotto’s Campanile is another great Renaissance marvel of Florence. It was built in the 14th century and finished by Francesco Talenti. Giotto was the designer and architect of the bell tower, but sadly did not live long enough to see it finished. 

The bell tower is known for the beautiful views over Florence and its staggering height of 122 meters. To reach to the top there are 414 stairs that have to be climbed. However, there are a couple of terraces from which you can overlook the other marvels of Piazza del Duomo and catch your breath. 

Near the entrance there are many hexagonal panels, which depict the history of mankind and the creation of the Adam and Eve.

Explore the Palazzo Vecchio

The imposing Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is full of hidden passages, secret symbols and medieval history, perfect for an evening visit. Between April and September, the Palazzo is open till 11pm every night of the week except Thursdays. 

The 14th century town hall has a wonderful interior with ornate decor, intricate tapestries and fine works of art by Michelangelo and Da Vinci, amongst others. 

The building overlooks the Piazza della Signoria where the replica of Michelangelo’s David stands.

Try a Florence Food Experience

If you prefer to take the hassle out of finding somewhere for dinner, why not try a food experience? This highly rated handmade pasta and dessert cooking class with dinner for an authentic experience – the perfect end to your 24 hours in Florence.

Where to Eat in Florence

Mercado Centrale at San Lorenzo Market

Our top recommendation for lunch in Florence is the fabulous Marche de San Lorenzo, a five minute walk north from the Piazza del Duomo. 

Head upstairs for the gourmet food market, Mercato Centrale, where you’ll find stalls selling local meats, cheese and all manner of delicious lunch options.

Osteria Enoteca Vecchio Cancello

Our favourite place in Florence for dinner is Osteria Enoteca Vecchio Cancello, a typical family run trattoria serving local and Tuscan cuisine. Just ten minutes from the Duomo, this one’s worth the walk!

Matto Matto Firenze

For a simple dinner, closer to the old centre,  Matto Matto is a few minutes walk from the Duomo and offers well cooked traditional Italian food with attentive service.  

Top Five Florance Travel Tips

1. The absolute best time to visit Giotto’s Campanile is at sunset, for the incredible view of the city and Brunelleschi’s Dome in the evening light.

2. If you can, squeeze in a taxi ride to Giardino delle rose or Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte and enjoy the most romantic (and Instagrammable) views over the city of Florence.  

3. Book all the things you want to do in advance, especially around the Duomo. Don’t turn up on the day expecting to queue, you won’t even be able to do that!

4. Always carry cash, as the ATMs in Florence have high charges and some places in the city do not accept card payments.

5. There are three (yes, three!) statues of Michelangelo’s David in Florence. The original icon is housed in the Accademia Gallery or Galleria dell’ Accademia, a ten minute walk north of the Duomo. The second, a superb replica, can be seen in Piazza della Signoria, a two minute detour on your route from the Duomo to Pitti Palace. The third is a bronze replica and is mounted high on a plinth overlooking the city, in Piazzale Michelangelo (close to Giardino delle rose and offering the same amazing views).

More Than One Day in Florence?

Do you have just a little bit longer in this fabulous city? With just an extra half a day in Florence, you could take one of these amazing day trips from Florence or visit at least three more quintessential Florence attractions;

Uffizi Gallery

The Galleria degli Uffizi houses the world’s leading collection of Renaissance paintings from artists such as Raphael, Botticelli and Da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery is the one of the Florence must see attractions, but it’s vast and you could easily while away a whole day trip here – not ideal if you only have 24 or 36 hours in Florence. 

Piazza Santo Spirito

Head for Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district for a real taste of the Florentine life. Bustling with street markets in the morning and lively bars and restaurants in the evenings, it’s a local’s favourite. For the best people watching, grab a drink on the balcony of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni.

Santa Maria Novella Church

Santa Maria Novella is a spectacular church near the Santa Maria Novella train station, with a vibrant piazza that is always thronged with people and street vendors. Inside, the church is a treasure trove of art by Giotto, Lippi, and a series of incredible frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio that are some of the best in Italy. 

Giardino Bardini

Garden lovers should head for walled gardens of Giardino Bardini, home to the beautiful staircase you can see from the Arno. If you’re visiting in April, the magnificent wisteria arch will be in full bloom, which makes for a perfect image, taken at the top of the baroque staircase.

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