Visiting but only have one day in Florence, Italy? We have the best one-day Florence itinerary for you.
You can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into another world in Florence in the central Italian region of Tuscany. The city has been dubbed the “Cradle of the Renaissance” because of its breathtaking beauty.
When it comes to Renaissance and medieval artwork, Florence is a true treasure trove.
UNESCO has declared Florence’s entire historic center a World Heritage Site, which is not surprising. This city is like a huge open-air museum, with incredible works of art and architecture everywhere you look.
Florence is awe-inspiring to first-time visitors, yet it is still one of those cities that, no matter how many times you visit, will never cease to enchant you.
Is Florence on your Italy bucket list but you’re short on time? If you want to explore the main attractions of Florence, you may do so in a day, but a longer stay is highly recommended.
One Day in Florence Itinerary
If you’re planning to spend one day in Florence, here’s a detailed walking plan made for you.
Tip: We strongly advise purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance to both the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Duomo before arriving in Florence – your entire day will be so much more enjoyable as a result!
1. Set out early and have breakfast Italian style
For the best use of your one day in Florence, we recommend that you arrive at the Galleria dell’Accademia no later than 8:15 AM to take advantage of the gallery’s early opening hours as a jumping-off point for exploring Florence in the next several hours.
A cup of cappuccino while standing up at the bar (coffee shop) and a delicious pastry if you’re hungry is the ideal way to begin an Italian morning. Italian pubs charge more for the luxury of sitting down, so standing up is a good option. Save a few euros and drink standing up; it’s more enjoyable that way, anyway.
2. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia
As the birthplace of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci, Florence has long been known for its outstanding art collections.
A visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must if you want to see Michelangelo’s famed David in person, which is truly stunning up close.
However, with its limited size, the Galleria dell’Accademia seems to be specifically designed to house David. You’d still get a flavor of Florence’s art culture though since you can swiftly make your way through the few remaining rooms for more art and walk off to spend the rest of your one day in Florence.
3. Explore the markets
Let Florence surprise you with a new experience. Go visit its vintage markets; they are a treasure trove of trinkets and other fun souvenirs to bring home with you.
• Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo
From the Galleria dell’Accademia, it’s a 7-minute walk to get to Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo.
Since it is one of the city’s oldest markets, Mercato di San Lorenzo provides the perfect opportunity not only to see the local people but also to buy tiny mementos or take photos of the overflowing leather items on display. Note, however, that today’s Mercato di San Lorenzo caters nearly solely to tourists, thus, the leather may not be of the highest quality.
Our recommendation is to conduct extensive research before purchasing an expensive jacket or huge tote here (and doing lots of haggling). This type of high-end leather goods is best purchased from an established leather shop in Florence rather than the local tourist market.
However, if you’re just searching for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your trip to Florence, this is a great location to shop.
• Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale is just a few doors down from the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Food is the focus of this market, whether you’re here to snap photos of the colorful fruit stands, buy some olive or truffle oil to take home, or stock up on a big block of cheese to enjoy at home. Also, there are numerous food stands where you can get a hot lunch.
In addition to the oils described above, vacuum-packed Parmigiano-Reggiano, cantucci biscuits, and traditional balsamic vinegar are all wonderful options if you’re looking for a souvenir from your one day in Florence.
4. Spend time at the Piazza del Duomo
Another short walk from the Mercato Centrale takes you to the Piazza del Duomo. Florence’s most famous landmark — the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (also known as the Duomo) — is located here.
If you’re ever on the Duomo Square, do the following:
• Visit the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
15th-century architect Filippo Brunelleschi finished Santa Maria del Fiore and constructed its iconic dome. The white, green, and pink marble panels that cover Florence Cathedral were crafted in the Gothic architectural style.
Two works of art by the Florentine aristocracy that helped fund the building of the cathedral can be found inside.
There is also a crypt where Brunelleschi’s grave and the remnants of the ancient cathedral of Santa Reparata are located.
• Climb the Dome of Brunelleschi
Visitors to the cathedral can look up at the breathtaking Brunelleschi’s Cupola (Dome) from below. Giorgio Vasari’s The Last Judgment is depicted beneath the dome. When you first encounter the artwork, you’ll be in awe of its beauty.
On this enormous dome, you can get up and see its art up close by climbing its 463 steps uptight stairways and marveling at its astounding architectural inventiveness along the way.
• Take a look at the Baptistery at San Giovanni
The Baptistery of San Giovanni is likewise located in the Piazza del Duomo and is known for its odd octagonal shape. The Medici family was baptized here as well as many other prominent Florentine people during its construction in the 11th century.
The baptistery is famous for its gold ceiling and Michelangelo’s Gates of Paradise. You can see the ornately engraved golden gates from the outside of Santa Maria del Fiore.
• Visit the Museum of the Duomo’s Opera
Another must experience while in Florence is a trip to the Opera Duomo Museum. The golden gates of Paradise and all the architectural wonders’ original artifacts can be found here.
Additionally, there is an extensive collection of statues and busts that were unearthed around Florence, as well as a theological library.
5. Lunch at the Piazza della Repubblica
If you’re looking for something to eat after all that exploring, head to Piazza della Repubblica, a 3-minute stroll from the Duomo Square.
Piazza della Repubblica represents the location of the Roman Forum in Florence, which was the city’s center during the Roman Empire. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the opportunity to ride a magnificent carousel in a beautiful square.
Authentic Italian cuisine may be found in the many cafés lining Piazza Della Repubblica. The best pizza, spaghetti, and gelato in the world can be found in Florence.
The city square is a great place to look for your favorite restaurant and have an authentic Florentine meal.
6. Stop by the Fontana del Porcellino & Rub His Nose
The Fontana del Porcellino may be found a short distance away from Piazza della Repubblica, around a three-minute walk.
There are a few customs associated with this metal pig that locals call Il Porcellino (“piglet”). Make a wish when the coin falls through the grating into his mouth. Your wish is said to come true if the coin falls through the gate.
What matters most to tourists is the custom surrounding the nose rub, which is thought to ensure that they’ll return to Florence at some point in the future.
7. Wander over to the Piazza della Signoria
Step out of the Fontana del Porcellino and into Piazza della Signoria, which is just two minutes away by foot.
For centuries, Florentine politics and power were held in high esteem in the Piazza della Signoria. The imposing Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) municipal hall, historically the domain of the Medici family, may be found here. The semi-enclosed courtyard known as the Loggiato of Uffizi courtyard, near the Palazzo Vecchio, is lined with statues of notable historical people from Tuscany, including Galileo, Dante, Machiavelli, and more.
Even though you won’t have time to visit the Uffizi Gallery in your one day in Florence, the open-air collection of statues is a welcome alternative. This is where you’ll find some of Florence’s most well-known works, such as the horrifying but stunning Rape of the Sabine Women.
8. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte Vecchio is a four-minute walk from the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. It appears to be a series of improvised dwellings hung above the Arno River. Three arches of the bridge are crowned by a tangle of quaint shops.
The Ponte Vecchio was formerly a butchers’ hub, but it has since been transformed into a tourist attraction. It was an embarrassment to the Medici, however, to accompany their dignitaries and diplomats across the bridge amid the smell. As a result, they flooded the butcher shops with requests for goldsmiths. That is why these days the Ponte Vecchio is now a must-visit if you want to purchase high-end jewelry.
9. Enjoy the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo
Even though the walk from Ponte Vecchio to the Ponte Vecchio takes longer than usual, it is worthwhile because of the spectacular vistas. If you want to catch a beautiful sunset on your day tour of Florence, then Piazzale Michelangelo is the best place to be.
Make sure to arrive a little before sunset so you can obtain a good place to take in the scenery and get some wonderful shots before the sunset.
10. Dinner
There are numerous cafés and restaurants at the Piazza della Signoria and the nearby Duomo area where you can have dinner.
To get the whole Florence culinary experience, consider going on a guided food tour or a street food trip. You may also dine at a nearby winery on the outskirts of Florence.
11. End your one day in Florence at the Palazzo Vecchio
It takes only a few minutes to stroll to the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio after supper in the Piazza della Signoria or the Duomo neighborhood.
A large medieval castle on the outside, the Palazzo Vecchio is a resplendent Renaissance palace within. In terms of architectural significance, it is one of the most notable buildings in Florence.
Palazzo Vecchio was the Medici family’s official residence and one of three palaces in Florence. The Piazza della Signoria, where it is located, can be thought of as a free open-air exhibition for sculptures.
You may appreciate the Michelozzo-designed courtyard, the Great Hall of the Five Hundred, Michelangelo and Donatello sculptures, and gorgeous frescos at every turn throughout the museum. The Arnolfo’s Tower, which may be ascended, offers stunning views of Florence and the Cathedral.
There aren’t many attractions in Florence that are open at night, but the Palazzo Vecchio is probably the best of them. From April through September, it is open until 11:00 PM. And if you want to avoid the crowd, this is the best time to go. This is the best way to end your one day in Florence, Italy.