One Day in Florence: A Guide to the Beauty and Art of Tuscany’s Capital

As the gorgeous capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, Florence is a dream destination for art lovers and romantics. Many people pack their itineraries when visiting Italy and often find they have only a day or two in each city. While we recommend three days in the city, you can visit Florence in just one day and see its most popular attractions.

The densely populated city has art galleries galore and a reputation for Renaissance paintings. It has a beautiful historic city center, with the iconic terracotta-domed Florence Cathedral and Giotto’s bell tower. Even with just one day in Florence, you can create perfect memories.

You could visit Florence on a day trip or during a layover. Regardless of your reasons, one day in Florence is enough to get a great taste of what the city offers, as long as you hit the ground running. It is a beautiful city—just check out these photos if you don’t believe us. With the help of a detailed itinerary, you can definitely appreciate the best of Florence in a day.

Planning One Day in Florence

Florence is easily one of the most beautiful Italian cities and has some of the best sightseeing opportunities in Italy. The sheer scale of Renaissance art and beautiful architecture sets Florence apart. If you remember one thing before your visit, let it be to wear comfortable shoes. There’s lots to see, so if you want to explore Florence in just a day, get ready to cover a lot of distance.

To guide you around Florence with a detailed itinerary, we’ve prepared an ultimate collection of attractions and experiences—all slotted in to make the perfect one day in Florence. We’ll split the day into four parts: morning, midday, afternoon, and evening. You’ll be sampling foods from the central market, visiting Palazzo Vecchio, admiring the Arno River and its Ponte Vecchio bridge, and sipping cocktails overlooking the Florence Cathedral. Action-packed and seriously memorable, here’s your perfect one day in Florence.

When you visit Florence, we’d suggest choosing a hotel offering complimentary breakfast. This way you can spend the morning sightseeing rather than searching for a place to eat. It is also a great way to save money in Europe.

Morning: Piazza Del Duomo and Accademia Gallery

The two main attractions to see in Florence are the three main buildings of Piazza del Duomo which are the Florence Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Bell Tower. The number one attraction in Florence is Michelangelo’s David. You will want to see these first as they can get very busy. Therefore, plan your morning at the star attractions and then move on with your day to see places like Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.

Piazza Del Duomo

Experiencing the early morning sunrise at Piazza del Duomo is the best way to start your day in the city. You’ll beat the crowds as the soft glow of dawn illuminates the architectural masterpieces.

Stroll through the square to take in the Duomo’s intricate façade, the Baptistery’s renowned bronze doors, and Giotto’s Campanile.

Once you have walked around the Duomo, you can be first in line to climb the Duomo or the Campanile, offering panoramic views of Florence bathed in the morning light. You can book entry tickets in advance to skip the line, which includes entry to Brunelleschi’s Dome.

You can also climb Giotto’s Bell Tower within the Florence Cathedral where the summit balconies can be reached by ascending a stairway of 414 steps.

Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is the number one thing to do in Florence, and seeing Michelangelo’s David is probably the first thing you’ll want to see in the city. Make sure to book tickets well ahead of time so you can get in and out quickly to continue with your one day in Florence.

Accademia Gallery is located in the San Marco district, just a short walk from the city center. The art museum is famous for its Michelangelo sculptures, including the actual Michelangelo’s David.

Afternoon: Uffizi Gallery, Mercato del Porcellino, and Mercato di San Lorenzo

Once you’re refreshed from your meal and the river breeze, it’s time to go sightseeing again. With just one day in Florence, you’ll visit the most popular art gallery before hitting up the city’s vibrant market scene.

Reaching Uffizi Gallery—the first attraction on your Florence itinerary this afternoon—is an easy walk down the riverside, past Ponte Vecchio. This short walk should only take a few minutes.

Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery is a beautiful place to visit for Renaissance artwork in Florence. Forget the modern art museums you see in most major cities; Uffizi Gallery offers Renaissance art by the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

The art mostly dates back to when the Medici family ruled Florence; many pieces were part of their collection. If you want more inspiration from Florence than just admiring architecture, the Uffizi Gallery is perfect. Expect grand galleries and everything from gilded gold-framed paintings to elaborate sculptures.

Book your tickets to Uffizi Gallery in advance and plan to arrive by around 1:30 PM so you can spend at least two hours here. A single ticket costs 12 euros when booked online. This lets you skip the line through a fast-track service—entering the museum quicker.

Mercato del Porcellino, aka the Leather Market

At around 4 PM, it’s time to head to Mercato del Porcellino for a bit of retail therapy. Mercato del Porcellino is Florence’s leather market, a massively popular shopping destination in the city for everything from bags to shoes. While it mainly focuses on Italian leather goods, you can also find textiles.

The Mercato del Porcellino is free to enter but keep in mind any purchases will be at an extra cost. Be sure to see the Fontana del Porcellino, too—a wild boar fountain located in the middle of the market. Visitors rub the snout of the boar for good luck and to guarantee their safe and timely return to Florence. Visiting the Fontana del Porcellino is a fun extra activity to indulge in during your visit to Florence.

Eat at Mercato di San Lorenzo, aka Mercato Central

When it reaches 5:30 PM or 6 PM, it’s time to head to San Lorenzo Market for a bite to eat. Florence is best seen on foot, and while you might need more time for some walking, you’ll gain great insight into exploring this beautiful destination. It is a 10-minute stroll through the Duomo district, passing attractions like the Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza di San Giovanni, and Cappelle Medicee.

At San Lorenzo Market, you’ll find a gourmet food court that runs late into the night. You can try everything from burgers to Florentine steak and custard-filled donuts. Head to the Mercato di San Lorenzo to maximize your experience with its many food choices and a lively atmosphere.

The cathedral is just a 10-minute walk away from Mercato Centrale. While the cathedral closes at 5 PM, the dome remains open until 7:30 PM from Monday to Friday, allowing you to climb the dome for breathtaking views.

Evening: Views of Florence Cathedral

With one day in Florence, you want to make sure to include a great view of the cathedral in your itinerary. The Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar is the most popular spot for views of the Florence Duomo complex. The cathedral, dating back to the Middle Ages, deserves some appreciation. What better way to do so than at a fancy rooftop cocktail bar with an aperitif like a Negroni?

Make a reservation in advance to avoid waiting for a spot. Get there before sunset for your best chance of bagging a front-row seat with uninterrupted cathedral views.

It is a bit pricey, even just for drinks, but you’re paying for the view—which is incredible. You feel close enough to touch the Florence Cathedral. It’s the perfect way to cap off an amazing day.

Hot tip: A great view of the dome is from the terrace in front of La Loggetta di Villa Bardini.

If You Have Extra Time

It goes without saying that there are so many things to do in Florence. With just one day, it’s inevitable that a few incredible attractions missed out on making the list. In case you get extra time, here are some notable mentions worth considering.

Pitti Palace

Pitti Palace is another gem further across the Arno River. We didn’t include it in your one-day itinerary because it is situated further away, and we didn’t want to overload you. However, if you are up for the challenge or find yourself with extra time, Pitti Palace is well worth the visit. The Pitti Palace is a Renaissance building dating back to the 15th century, showcasing beautiful art collections.

Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens feel like an open-air art gallery. For a reasonable entrance fee, you can stroll through the formal gardens while admiring Renaissance statues and beautifully designed fountains. Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, it’s a stunning experience combining history and nature.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is located on the south side of the river and is most famed for its stunning views over Florence. It’s free to visit, providing a perfect backdrop to admire the city’s skyline. It’s around a 30-minute walk from the city center.

Where To Stay in Florence

If you are only in Florence for one day, you need to pick accommodation within easy walking distance of the main attractions. This way, you won’t waste valuable time traveling between sites. We suggest finding a place in the Duomo area, which is the main city center, or nearby neighborhoods like San Lorenzo and San Marco.

Luxury: Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo Residenza D’Epoca

Palazzo Niccolini is an elegant mansion situated opposite the Piazza del Duomo. Guests can expect lavish rooms, some with private views of the Florence Cathedral and its iconic domes. Enjoy luxury details like marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and 18th-century frescoes.

Mid-range: Hotel degli Orafi

This magnificent 4-star property is located just minutes from Ponte Vecchio. Not only does it offer stunning rooftop views over the Arno River, but it also has a rich history as it dates back to the Augustinian period of the 13th century.

Budget: My Friends

My Friends offers fantastic dormitory accommodation for as little as $45 a night. Located just 450 meters from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, it’s a great budget option for travelers seeking a convenient place to stay.

Where To Eat in Florence

With one day in Florence, you should take the question of ‘where to eat’ very seriously. After all, you need to squeeze in cuisine sampling, good views, and great service—all in a single day.

• Caffe dell’Oro: A stylish venue offering contemporary dining with Tuscan classics, it also features a riverfront location overlooking Ponte Vecchio.
• Mercato di San Lorenzo: This vast food hall serves international and Italian cuisine and remains open until midnight, providing an excellent opportunity to try various dishes.

For riverside views, head to the Arno Riverbank where you’ll find restaurants with picturesque views of the Ponte Vecchio. Explore the Piazzale Michelangelo restaurants or rooftop bars with views of the cathedral, like View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar, Panorama Restaurant at Hotel La Scaletta, or Angel Roofbar & Dining.

How To Maximize Your Stay in Florence

The secret to maximizing your one-day stay in Florence is to maximize your time. You might be happy to see one attraction and then sit down to eat for the rest of your time, heading back to your lodging in the dark. However, chances are, if you are spending a budget for a day visit, you want to make your trip worthwhile.

Let’s discuss the top five tips you need to know to enhance your stay in Florence and avoid those lingering regrets.

1. Advance Planning

Investing time in advance planning is crucial. Things like purchasing tickets ahead of time can save you valuable minutes when totaled up. Saving 15 minutes here and there can genuinely maximize your time in Florence.

2. Have Offline Maps Downloaded

Traveling with offline maps is essential, especially while spending one day in Florence. This prevents wasting time getting lost and allows for quick transitions between attractions. Download a map of Florence on Google Maps before your trip to ensure smooth navigation.

3. Stay Central

As mentioned earlier, opt for accommodation in central areas like San Lorenzo, San Marco, or Duomo. These neighborhoods are within easy walking distance of major attractions and help you soak up the culture of the city.

4. Check Opening Days, Then Double Check Opening Times

Many museums and galleries, including Uffizi Gallery, shut on Mondays. Double-check your itinerary to ensure the attractions you want to visit are open. This way, you avoid any disappointment when arriving at closed doors.

5. Plan Your Evening

Maximize your evening experience in Florence. Consider visiting the cathedral later in the day rather than during the day. The Dome remains open until the evening, providing remarkable views across Florence.

One Day in Florence: FAQs

Florence is an amazing city filled with art and culture. Here are some frequently asked questions to help navigate your visit.

Is 1 day enough for Florence?

One day in Florence is just enough to scratch the surface. Ideally, you’d have at least three days to fully explore.

What to do in Florence in 4 hours?

In 4 hours, visit Florence Cathedral, the Leather Market, and Mercato di San Lorenzo to grasp the city’s atmosphere. Alternatively, choose one museum or palace and do a quick visit to the Cathedral.

Is Florence a walkable city?

Yes, most attractions are walkable. Even the Boboli Gardens and Florence Cathedral are only 14 minutes apart on foot across the Arno River.

One Day in Florence

Visiting Italy just isn’t the same without at least one day in Florence. While Venice is famous for waterways and Milan is known for fashion, Florence reigns supreme for Renaissance artwork. It also has an outstanding atmosphere and numerous culinary experiences. Even with just one day in Florence, you’ll get a fabulous introduction to the city, its history, gastronomy, and art.

Of course, if possible, extend your stay. There’s no such thing as too much time in Florence, allowing you to fit in breathtaking day trips like Cinque Terre or visiting Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, easily accessible via high-speed train.

Enjoy your time in Florence, no matter how long your stay is!