Florence in 1 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Florence is a city that captivates you from the very first moment. Its history, art, architecture and cuisine make exploring it – even if only for a day – an intense and exciting experience. If you only have 24 hours to visit, it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully. Here’s a compact, practical and charming itinerary to help you enjoy the highlights of this Renaissance gem without missing out on the essentials.

Starting your day in Piazza del Duomo means immersing yourself fully in the soul of Florence. This square brings together some of the city’s most iconic monuments and is a veritable open-air museum. Strolling through it first thing in the morning, before it’s completely packed with tourists, allows you to take in, at your leisure, the majesty of Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s imposing dome, Giotto’s elegant bell tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. It’s well worth a visit, whether you explore it on your own or book a guided tour of Florence Cathedral to gain a deeper appreciation of its history and architecture.

Useful information

• This is one of the most visited areas in Florence, so it’s best to go early to enjoy it without the crowds.
• The square is home not only to religious buildings, but also to museums such as the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and intriguing structures like the Loggia del Bigallo.
• As well as admiring the monuments, you can check out all the sightseeing options in Piazza del Duomo to make the most of your time in this area.

Once in the square, you simply must visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo. With its striking façade of white, green and pink marble, and its dome dominating the Florentine skyline, this building is one of the jewels of the Renaissance. Although basic entry is free, if you want to climb the dome or visit other exclusive areas, it’s essential to book tickets for the Cathedral in advance.

Useful information

• Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it is the third-largest cathedral in Europe after St Peter’s (Rome) and St Paul’s (London).
• Inside lies the tomb of Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect responsible for the dome.
• It’s worth checking the details of what to see in the Cathedral and buying tickets online to avoid queues.

Climbing Brunelleschi’s dome is an unmissable experience if you want to see Florence from above. The climb is challenging (463 steps with no lift), but every step is worth it for the final reward: panoramic views of the city that you’ll find hard to forget. What’s more, on the way up you’ll be able to admire the frescoes of the Last Judgement up close.

Useful information

• It is one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance, with a design that was revolutionary for its time.
• The interior decoration was carried out by Vasari and Zuccari and is rich in religious symbolism.
• You can book tickets specifically for the dome or choose tours that include it alongside other monuments.

Opposite the cathedral stands the Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest buildings in Florence and a true symbol of the city. Even if you’re short on time, it’s well worth stopping to admire its exterior, especially its Gates of Paradise, a bronze masterpiece by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Useful information

• Its octagonal floor plan and panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament make it an artistic gem.
• It’s well worth stopping to take a photo, even if you don’t go inside.
• If you’d like a more comprehensive visit, you can book a combined tour with Brunelleschi’s dome.

Another structure that certainly catches the eye in the square is Giotto’s Campanile, a bell tower with elegant lines and exquisite sculptural decoration. If you don’t have the energy to climb the more than 400 steps, at least don’t miss the chance to take a great photo with it in the background.

Useful information

• Its construction began under Giotto, but was completed by Andrea Pisano.
• If you’ve already climbed the dome, you can skip this climb without any regrets.
• You can include it in a guided tour of the Duomo complex.

After a morning stroll through the historic centre, it’s the perfect time for a culinary break at Florence’s Central Market, also known as the San Lorenzo Market. Here, you can not only satisfy your appetite but also soak up the local atmosphere and explore some of the region’s most traditional produce. The star dish is the famous lampredotto sandwich, a snack that leaves no one indifferent, made with spiced, slow-cooked cow’s tripe.

Useful information

• The market boasts a wide variety of food stalls, ideal for grabbing a quick bite without wasting valuable time on your itinerary.
• As well as food, you’ll also find craft and souvenir stalls in the area, perfect for picking up some original mementos.
• The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 am, making it ideal for a mid-morning or midday stop.
• If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, you can book a food tour of Florence to discover the secrets of Tuscan cuisine with the help of experts.

Right next to the market you’ll find the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of Florence’s oldest churches and a place steeped in history. It was rebuilt by Brunelleschi and decorated by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, who designed the impressive Medici Chapel, where several members of this influential Florentine family are buried.

Useful information

• It is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, making it a perfect fit for a day trip.
• Its exterior façade is surprisingly austere, but the interior conceals true artistic and architectural gems.
• You can book a guided tour of Florence that includes this church and other highlights of the historic centre.

A few minutes’ walk away, you’ll reach Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a charming, recently renovated spot. Here stands the basilica of the same name, a building of great beauty that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its white and green marble façade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, is one of the most photogenic in Florence.

Useful information

• Inside the basilica, you’ll find works of art by Ghirlandaio, Masaccio and Giotto, as well as beautiful frescoes and cloisters.
• Don’t miss the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy on the nearby Via della Scala, one of the oldest in the world, famous for its traditional perfumes and historic atmosphere.
• You can book tickets for the basilica in advance to save time and enjoy a hassle-free visit.

As you make your way through the old town, stop off briefly at the Palazzo Strozzi, one of the most important buildings of the Florentine Renaissance. Its austere and monumental architecture symbolises the power of the Strozzi family, rivals of the Medici.

Useful information

• Today, the palace hosts temporary exhibitions of classical and contemporary art.
• Whilst you can simply admire its façade and inner courtyard, it’s also a good idea to buy tickets for the Palazzo Strozzi and include it in a more cultural tour if you have some extra time.
• It is very close to Piazza della Repubblica, so you can make the most of the walk to combine both visits.

Following the itinerary, you’ll reach Piazza della Repubblica, one of the largest and most elegant squares in the centre of Florence. With a grand triumphal arch and arcades surrounding the square, this is the perfect spot for a short break, whether to have a coffee or simply watch the hustle and bustle of the city.

Useful information

• In the centre, you’ll find the Column of Abundance, a symbol of the ancient Roman forum.
• The square is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the lights in the cafés begin to come on.
• If you enjoy shopping, there are several luxury boutiques here, such as Dior, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.
• You can book a guided tour to include this stop as part of a comprehensive tour of the city centre.

From Piazza della Repubblica, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to one of Florence’s most iconic spots: Piazza della Signoria. Since the Middle Ages, this square has been the epicentre of the city’s civil power, and even today it exudes that same solemn and majestic atmosphere. Strolling through this square is like stepping onto a historical stage, surrounded by statues, monumental architecture and symbols of the Renaissance.

Useful information

• The most striking building is the Palazzo Vecchio, the former seat of the Florentine government, where you can admire the Sala dei Cinquecento and the Sala delle Mappe Geografiche.
• Next to the palace entrance, you’ll find a replica of Michelangelo’s David and other sculptures such as Hercules and Cacus.
• Don’t miss the Loggia della Signoria, an open-air gallery displaying impressive sculptures such as Perseus with the Head of Medusa and The Rape of the Sabine Women.
• Also of note is the famous Fountain of Neptune, the city’s first public fountain.
• To find out all the details about this square, you can book a guided tour of the Palazzo Vecchio or purchase tickets to visit the interior.

Very close to Piazza della Signoria is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most important museums. Although a full tour takes several hours, if you have a bit of time to spare and plan your itinerary well, you can enjoy a quick visit focusing on its most famous works. Having a plan ready will help you make the most of your visit without wasting time.

Useful information

• Among its highlights are Botticelli’sThe Birth of Venus and Spring, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Annunciation, and works by Caravaggio, Giotto and Titian.
• You can book a skip-the-line ticket if you just want to see the highlights.
• If you’d prefer to explore in more depth, opt for a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery or a private tour.
• Check here for the gallery’s must-see works and details on tickets to the Uffizi.

Very close to the Uffizi you’ll find the Mercato Nuovo, home to one of the most curious sculptures and a favourite with locals and tourists alike: the Porcellino. According to tradition, touching its snout guarantees your return to Florence, so don’t miss the chance to take part in this good-luck ritual.

Useful information

• The sculpture depicts a bronze wild boar and has witnessed countless wishes and superstitions.
• The market is ideal for buying Florentine leather souvenirs, wallets, handbags, belts and other handcrafted items.
• It’s a short but enjoyable visit, especially if you’d like to take home a charming memento of your time in the city.
• You can include it as part of an alternative bike tour of Florence if you’d like to discover the city in a different way.

As you continue your walk, it’s time to cross one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval bridge over the River Arno, with its hanging houses and traditional shops, is one of the most photogenic and romantic spots in Florence.

Useful information

• It was built in the 14th century and survived the Second World War, unlike other bridges in the city.
• Throughout its history, it has housed butchers’ shops, but since the Renaissance it has been occupied by jewellers and goldsmiths, as it still is today.
• It is one of the most popular spots at sunset, when the light reflects off the river and creates an unrivalled scene.
• If you’d like to explore the area in a unique way, you can book an electric scooter tour.

Once you’ve crossed the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll come across the majestic Pitti Palace, one of the most important residences of the Renaissance. It was commissioned by the Pitti family, though it was later acquired by the Medici, who made it their official residence.

Useful information

• Inside, it houses several museums: the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Silver Museum, the Porcelain Museum and the collection of historical costumes.
• The palace also features the Boboli Gardens, a vast park adorned with Renaissance sculptures, grottoes and fountains.
• Whilst visiting all the areas takes quite some time, you can simply stroll through the gardens or admire its impressive façade.
• For more in-depth visits, you can also book specific tickets.

To round off the day in style, there’s nothing better than heading up to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s best viewpoint. From this vantage point, situated south of the River Arno, you’ll enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the whole city, with the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Tuscan hills as a backdrop.

Useful information

• You can walk there or, if you’d prefer a more comfortable option, book the Florence sightseeing bus, which includes a stop at this viewpoint.
• It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset, so try to time your visit for that hour.
• In the square, you’ll find a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, which adds a symbolic touch to the spot.

• Don’t try to see everything: with so little time, it’s better to prioritise and really enjoy a few places, rather than trying to cover too much ground and ending up rushing from one place to another.
• Walking is key: Florence is a city best enjoyed on foot. Its compact size means you can explore much of the historic centre on foot, giving you the freedom to improvise as the day unfolds.
• Take sensible breaks: Make the most of your breaks to try some delicious artisan ice cream, a focaccia or a coffee in a charming square. These little pleasures are also part of the journey.
• Avoid long meals: If you’re only there for a day, it’s best to opt for quick or informal meals, such as at the Central Market, so you can continue your tour without wasting hours in a restaurant.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, and many of the streets in the city centre are paved with stone or cobblestones, so the right footwear makes all the difference.
• Take a camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery: Because in Florence you’ll want to take lots of photos, from the monuments to the hidden details tucked away in the narrow streets.
• Start at Piazza del Duomo: It’s the most central point and an excellent starting point for planning the rest of your itinerary in a circular route, ending south of the Arno at Piazzale Michelangelo.
• If you’d like more information about the places mentioned, or to discover other options, do check out our post on what to see and do in Florence, where you’ll find itineraries for different lengths of stay, special plans and useful tips.