Are you planning a day in Florence and unsure how to spend it?

Florence, otherwise known as Firenze, is one of the most famous Italian cities, packed full of stunning architecture, a bustling atmosphere, and countless unique sights. It’s Tuscany’s most famous city and a dream destination for many – especially if you’re an art or history lover. If you only have one day in Florence, it might not be enough to see everything that the city has to offer, but it will be enough to get a feel for the wonderful city!

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We LOVE Florence. It’s such a wonderful city packed full of incredible architecture, history, and so many things to see and do. You could easily stay a week and still not really feel like you’ve scratched the surface of Florence. BUT, because of its small size, you can easily see quite a lot of it in just one day.

Because of the popularity of the city, it can get very crowded, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer months. Therefore, if you are only planning to spend one day in Florence, then you’ll want to be strategic about your time here.

We’ve put together our ultimate what-to-see-in-Florence one-day itinerary packed full of must-see spots all over the city. Including the distance between them and how to get to each spot. We’ll also answer common questions including where to stay, when is the best time to visit Florence and how to get to the historic city in Tuscany. If you only have one day in Florence, then this post will be the perfect guide to help you make the most of your time.

In a hurry? Here is our quick guide to visiting Florence!

How to get here: Florence has one small airport, Amerigo Vespucci Airport. The second closest airport is the Pisa Airport, Galileo Galilei. However, depending on flight times, sometimes it can be easier to fly to Rome and then take a train to Florence.
What language is spoken? Italian
What currency is used? The Euro
Where to stay: 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino – A gorgeous hotel located in the city centre that blends modern design with classic Italian architecture.
When to visit: April to May is the best time to visit Florence; there’s a good chance of sunshine, but it won’t be too hot, and the crowds won’t have arrived yet.,

These posts might also help you plan your trip to Florence and beyond:

The Duomo Florence: Everything You Need To Know To Visit
Is There Uber in Florence Italy? There is BUT, Read This First
TOP 9 Things to See & Do in Milan In One Day (Itinerary + Map)
3 Days In Venice: The PERFECT Itinerary
Where to Stay on Lake Garda (Hotels & Towns For First Time Visitors)

What is the best way to get to Florence?

Florence sits in the upper central region of Italy, making it conveniently close to several other popular spots across the country. Whether you’re coming from Milan, Venice, or Rome, you can reach Florence’s primary train hub, Santa Maria Novella, in just a few hours.

Travel times to Florence

Rome – Florence: 90 minutes
Milan – Florence: 2 hours
Venice – Florence: 2.5 hours
Turin – Florence: 3 hours
Naples – Florence: 3 hours

When is the best time to visit Florence?

Florence is a popular destination all year round, receiving millions of travellers no matter the season and the weather. However, given the fact that the city can get very hot and busy.

The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are also good times when the weather is nice and there are fewer tourists.

Summer (July to August) is hot and crowded, but it’s when many outdoor events happen.

Winter (November to March) is quieter with cooler temperatures, perfect for indoor activities and experiencing holiday festivities.

How many days do you need in Florence?

2 to 3 days in Florence is the ideal amount of time to explore the city’s main attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio, without feeling rushed and whilst also allowing you enough time to discover the city’s hidden charm.

If you’re short on time, one day, Florence can give you a taste of the city’s charm, focusing on its highlights and must-see landmarks.

Is 1 day in Florence enough?

Whilst Florence is a wonderful city, packed full of history, art and architecture. If you’re short on time, then it is possible to spend just 1 day in Florence and still see the main sites. It is a fairly small city, so you can walk between most destinations whilst you soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

If you’re short on time, it’s much better to spend just one day in Florence than miss the wonderful city altogether!

How to get around Florence

One of the best things about so many European cities is their pedestrian-friendly streets. Florence, just like so many other cities in Europe, is no different. Walking is (in our opinion) the best way to explore the city, allowing you to soak up its charming atmosphere.

The city is easy to explore on foot, with most attractions just steps from the next. If walking isn’t for you, Florence also has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, which connect various neighbourhoods and attractions. If you are trying to cram in seeing as many spots as possible during your 1-day in Florence, then using public transport might be better for you.

If you prefer to take buses around then you can take the ATAF buses. A ticket for them costs just €1.50 at any Florence Tabbacchino (easily identified by big blue signs marked with a large white “T”).

Where to stay in Florence

If you only have one day in Florence, then we recommend staying as central as possible so that you waste no time travelling into the city.

Our top recommendation is 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino. It’s a beautiful hotel that perfectly blends new art trends with the charm and historic art of Florence. It’s a medium-budget hotel that is just moments from the centre of Florence.

If you have a smaller budget, then we recommend a&o Hostel Firenze Campo di Marte. This is where we stayed and loved it. It’s a modern hotel/ hostel with a mix of private rooms and dorms. Whilst it’s slightly out of the city centre it is right next to a train station and it’s still very easy to walk into the centre from.

Florence in one day the perfect itinerary

One day in Florence on a map

Before we dive in, here is a handy map to help you find all of the spots to see in Florence:

Morning: Visit the Duomo/ Florence Cathedral – one day Florence must-see

When arriving at Florence’s Train Station, don’t waste a minute of time!

Head directly to Piazza del Duomo, Florence’s heart and historic centre, to visit the gorgeous Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s impressive Duomo, as well as its bell tower and baptistery.

The walk between the two is 13 minutes, or you can walk 3 minutes and take the C2 towards Piazza Beccaria then walk a further 3 minutes. If you’re able, we recommend walking!
,athedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The view from Duomo Florence is wonderful and a must-see when visiting Florence.

Located in the heart of the city, its construction began in 1296 and lasted for centuries, with various architects contributing to its design. The most famous part of the Duomo is its impressive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.

If you’re planning on visiting the Duomo, then we’ve written a whole blog post about it that you can read here.

We recommend buying your tickets beforehand as the queues can get extremely long (they were when we visited). You can opt to buy a Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour or opt for the Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb Entry Ticket & Duomo instead.

Morning: Piazza Della Signoria

Located just 350 meters (about 0.2 miles) or a short 5 minute walk from The Duomo is Piazza Della Signoria.

Piazza della Signoria, located in the heart of Florence, is a vibrant and historic square serving as a focal point for the city. The palace has always been an important centre of power, hosting Florence’s city hall since Medieval times. It was built back in 1299 and it has since remained the main symbol of the city’s politics and history.

Surrounded by magnificent Renaissance buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, the square is an open-air museum of art and architecture. Dominating the square is the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence, with its imposing tower and elaborate facade. Piazza della Signoria has been the political and cultural centre of Florence for centuries and continues to be a bustling hub of activity, with cafes, street performers, and tourists.

Afternoon: Uffizi Gallery

Next on your one-day itinerary is Uffizi Gallery. Practically opposite, we’re talking less than a 1 minute walk, or around 200 meters (approximately 656 feet), from Piazza Della Signoria.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous art exhibition, boasting masterpieces from some of the most renowned Italian and global artists. Situated just a stone’s throw from the River Arno, the gallery occupies the first and second floors of the Vasari Palace, a stunning aristocratic building constructed between 1560 and 1580.

Inside, you’ll find an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art, showcasing the genius of artists like Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, and Titian, among others. While fully appreciating every artwork might take more than a day or two, even just a few hours spent wandering the gallery will offer a breathtaking glimpse into the Renaissance era and its enduring impact on the world.

Afternoon: Palazzo Vecchio

200 meters and a mere 3 minute walk from Gli Uffizi is the famous building in Piazza Signoria, which is Florence’s City Hall. Palazzo Vecchio stands proudly in the heart of Florence, overlooking the historic Piazza della Signoria. Originally built as the town hall of Florence in the late 13th century, this imposing fortress-like structure has served as a symbol of the city’s political power for centuries.

Designed by the renowned architect Arnolfo di Cambio, the palace features an impressive crenellated tower that rises above the city skyline. Inside, visitors can explore the lavishly decorated chambers, including the Hall of the Five Hundred, adorned with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari.

Palazzo Vecchio’s rich history is obvious in every corner, making it a must-visit destination even if you’re only spending 1 day in Florence. You can get your tickets for Palazzo Vecchio in advance here with an audio guide and skip the queue when you arrive. Tickets for Palazzo Vecchio start from €10.00 for an adult ticket when bought at the door.

Afternoon: Visit the San Lorenzo Market

If you have any spare time during your trip to Florence, then pay a visit to San Lorenzo Market. It’s a really lovely place to spend some time and is just a 7-minute walk from Palazzo Vecchio.

San Lorenzo Market is on runs most days except Sundays and public holidays. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm (except not from mid-June through September). The market is closed on Sundays and holidays. The market is comprised of two separate markets, an indoor market, known as the Mercato Centrale and a Central Market.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo: one day in Florence must-see

One of the best things to do whilst in Florence. Watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo is an unforgettable experience in Florence and the best way to end your time in this Tuscan city.

This will be your longest walk of the day, as it’s slightly out of the centre. But we can confirm it’ll be worth it! Choose to walk for 38 minutes (note: you have to walk uphill during this time) from San Lorenzo. Alternatively, you can get the C2 towards Piazza Beccaria from Duomo to City Sightseeing Stop n.11 “Ghibellina Pepi” to City Sightseeing Line A Stop, which takes around 25 minutes depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can go on a bike tour, which will take you here with (hopefully) a wonderful group of people.

The spot offers breathtaking views of Florence’s iconic skyline, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio.

As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy a drink from one of the many stands or restaurants at the top or soak up the atmosphere and listen to one of the buskers that are usually there. If you want a more peaceful sunset setting, then head down one set of stairs, where you’ll still have a beautiful view, but it will be a lot more peaceful (this is where our second photo below is taken).

Watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo should definitely be included when planning what to see in Florence in one day. It was one of our favourite things that we did.

If you would prefer to watch the sunset from a rooftop bar/ restaurant instead, then Florence also has plenty of options. La Terrazza Rooftop Bar at Hotel Continentale is a great alternative to visiting Piazzale Michelangelo.

Spots to see whilst you are walking around Florence

Visit one of the Fotoautomatica, Florence

Whilst you are walking around Florence between various spots, if you stumble across a vintage photo booth, then make sure you stop for a photo! It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Florence and a lovely memento.

These are dotted all around Florence, producing black-and-white film photos with a decades-old analogue camera.

There are many dotted about the city, however, not all of them are in working order. One of the most popular can be found at the intersection of Via Santa Monaca & Via dei Serragli. To find the others, you can just type in Fotoautomatica in Google Maps, and they will all pop up! To use them, just insert 2 x 1 euro coins or a 2 euro coin, and that’s it! It’ll take your photo shortly after the coins are accepted.

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, meaning “Old Bridge” in Italian, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for one day in Florence if you are heading in this direction. It’s located just next to the Uffizi Gallery and connects the city centre to the other side of the Arno River.

What makes Ponte Vecchio stand apart is the row of shops and houses built along it. Originally occupied by butchers and now housing jewellery stores, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Admire the Street Art in Florence

Florence really is the home to art and street art is no exception.

Street art in Florence adds a vibrant feel to the city’s rich cultural landscape. While Florence is renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, its streets are also packed full of a different type of art: street art.

From colourful murals adorning the walls of neighborhoods like San Lorenzo to thought-provoking graffiti tucked away in alleyways. You might not have time to do a full street art tour during your 1 day Florence, so just be sure to keep an eye out as you spend the day in the city.

Other things to see and do during one day in Florence

Take part in a walking tour

If you are short on time, we highly recommend taking part in a walking tour. They are a great way to see the city, including parts that you might miss if you’re exploring by yourself.

They’ll also allow you to learn about the history and architecture of Florence. This walking tour will take you to see the Florence Duomo, the Old Bridge, and the Signoria Square with its replica of Michelangelo’s David.

It is also very budget friendly, we really recommend it. You can book this walking tour here.

Academia Gallery

The Academia Gallery is the home of Michelangelo’s David. It also includes a sample of Florentine art and Michelangelo’s Slaves: a series of statues that were left unfinished when the famous artist was called away to work on the Sistine Chapel.

Entrance to Academia Gallery costs €12.

However, you can get tickets for the Accademia Gallery with Priority Entrance here. We really don’t advise waiting until you’re there to get tickets as queues can be really long, sometimes tickets are sold out, and you don’t want to waste precious time waiting to get in.

Enjoy one of Florence’s Gelato spots

When you visit Florence, you must try some of the city’s incredible gelato. Some claim that Italian gelato was born in Florence.

You can find tons of gelaterias all over the city of Florence, but if you’re looking for some extra special spots, then visit these

• Gelateria dei Neri – Known for its creamy gelato and wide range of flavours, Gelateria dei Neri is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
• Vivoli – This historic gelateria has been serving up delicious gelato since 1930, with classic flavours and seasonal specialities.
• La Carraia – Located near the Ponte alla Carraia, La Carraia offers generous portions of flavorful gelato at affordable prices.
• Gelateria Santa Trinita – Situated near the picturesque Piazza Santa Trinita, this gelateria is renowned for its high-quality gelato made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Gelateria Edoardo – Tucked away in the Oltrarno district, Gelateria Edoardo is known for its innovative flavors and creative combinations.
• Carapina – A small artisanal gelateria with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional methods, Carapina offers a selection of delicious gelato flavours.

Restaurants in Florence

Of course, Florence has some incredible restaurants dotted all over. Here are some that we recommend for classic Italian cuisine:

• Trattoria Sostanza – A classic Florentine trattoria famous for its hearty Tuscan dishes.
• Il Latini – Offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Il Latini serves up traditional Tuscan cuisine in generous portions, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Osteria All’Antico Vinaio – Known for its delicious panini filled with high-quality meats and cheeses, a favourite among locals.
• La Giostra – Set in a romantic, candlelit courtyard, La Giostra offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Tuscan and Austrian specialities.
• Cibrèo – Helmed by renowned chef Fabio Picchi, Cibrèo is known for its innovative take on Tuscan cuisine, with dishes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Ristorante Buca Mario – Located near the Mercato Centrale, Buca Mario is a historic restaurant serving up classic Tuscan dishes in an elegant setting.
• Enoteca Pinchiorri – For a truly unforgettable dining experience, head to Enoteca Pinchiorri, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exquisite tasting menu paired with an extensive wine list.

Final thoughts on one-day in Florence

If Florence is one of the stops on your Italy trip itinerary then we recommend spending at least 2 nights in Florence. That way, you have one full day to enjoy the city and all that it has to offer. We visited Florence as part of a week-long trip where we also visited Pisa and Cinque Terre, which we would thoroughly recommend!

We hope that you have enjoyed our 1 day Florence guide and that it will help you to plan what to see in Florence in one day. It’s a beautiful city so don’t forget to dedicate some time to relaxing and enjoying the city’s atmosphere. Remember, one day in Florence isn’t very long. But, it’s much better than skipping the city altogether!