Florence in One Day Itinerary (+ TiPs): What to prioritize & experience for your first visit!

Best Florence in One Day Itinerary

Morning in Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo

Start your morning admiring the best panoramic view of the city that you shouldn’t miss if you only have one day in Florence, Italy! It’s one of the free things to do in Florence, and it’s open all day.

For me, this is the most beautiful place to visit in Florence, as it feels like you’ve seen it all in just one place ~ the Duomo skyline, the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, and terracotta rooftops.

If you prefer to experience the view in a peaceful atmosphere and capture your moments, visit early in the morning.

Book your experience:  Enjoy a private photoshoot with a pro. photographer!

• Florence: City Skyline Photoshoot at Piazzale Michelangelo

For most first-time visitors, the best experience is to come here about 1 hour before/at sunset for the best light and lively atmosphere. However, please note that it’s typically more crowded and may be difficult to take pictures at certain spots.

Know Before You Go:

• Sunset is lovely, but really crowded.
• From central Florence, it takes a 20-30-minute uphill walk. Alternatives: Taxi or Bus.
• Bring comfortable shoes and bottled water if planning to walk, especially in the summer.
• Be vigilant for pickpockets. Secure your valuables.
• If going at sunset, expect street musicians and performances.

Santa Croce Basilica

Discover the rich Renaissance history and charming Gothic architecture when visiting Santa Croce. It’s a burial place of famous Italians like Michelangelo.

We didn’t get to go inside. According to our local tour guide, the highlights inside are Michelangelo’s tomb, Giotto frescoes, peaceful courtyards, and lovely chapels.

Know Before You Go: 

Book your experience:

• Entrance ticket is required with guided experience option
  • Dress appropriately (covered shoulders and knees)

Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)

Enjoy the best of Florence in one day by seeing the most stunning and famous Renaissance architecture with an amazing panoramic view in the heart of Florence’s historic center.

Admiring and taking a close look at the details as I walked around it~ Who wouldn’t fall in love with this cathedral just by looking at it?

Book your experiences:

Florence Attractions’ Options: Climb the Bell Tower or the Dome.

My honest experience: When first seeing the cathedral, I was so mesmerized. This architecture is so beautiful, even just admiring it from the outside. I think you can skip seeing the interior since the line is typically long to save time. And honestly, the exterior view is already very satisfying! We didn’t plan to go inside due to the short time/long line. Unfortunately, it started raining heavily.

If I were to come back to Florence, I’d come here first thing in the morning, as I heard it’s gorgeous at sunrise with fewer crowds.

Travel Tips | Know Before You Go: 

• Entrance inside the Florence Cathedral is free, but there’s always a long line.
• Wear covered shoulders and knees if planning to go inside.
•  The Bell Tower has an obstructed view (for protection), whereas the Dome doesn’t.
  • Timed tickets. No elevator available, requiring 400+ steps to reach the top. Wear comfortable shoes!
• Must reserve Dome climb ticket 4-6 weeks in advance  —> BOOK HERE <— 

Galleria dell’Accademia

One of the unique things to do in Florence is to see Michelangelo’s massive marble sculpture of ” David.”

You’ll enjoy exploring Florence if you’re a museum and art enthusiast! This is a must-see attraction you’ll want to add to your one day in Florence itinerary.

Just a 7-minute walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you’ll reach the famous Accademia Gallery to see the famous “David” statue by Michelangelo!

Travel Tip:

Book your experience:

• Reserve your tickets 4-6 weeks early. This museum is always packed with tourists!
• (Save time) Book skip-the-line ticket in advance here.

Afternoon in Florence

All’Antico Vinaio

This is one of Florence’s most popular sandwich shops and a must-try food in Florence. It’s best for a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch while sightseeing!

Know Before You Go

• There is typically a long line, but they have expanded and have multiple locations close by on the same street in the center of Florence. So, just look for one with shorter lines.
• All’Antico Vinaio is famous for schiacciata bread sandwiches.
• The size is huge with fresh, quality, and unique ingredients.
• Card payment is accepted.

Alternative(s):

• Da’ Vinattieri

Florence Travel Tip: (Free sample tasting)

• Visit Mercato Centrale ~ San Lorenzo Market if you travel for food and want to try free sample tasting. It’s worth visiting to try a variety of local dishes and fresh produce in a lively market and food court.

Piazza della Signoria

Explore the free outdoor statues around the square. In this area, you’ll find Palazzo Vecchio (town hall), replica of Michelangelo’s David, Neptune Fountain, and Loggia dei Lanzi.

They are all within very short walking distance from each other.

Travel Tips | Know Before You Go

• Be careful of pickpockets when crowded. Place your bag in front of you!
• Sometimes, there are street performers.
• There are nearby luxury, fashion, and shopping stores.

Enjoy walking through this open-air Renaissance museum full of sculptures, including a replica of David!

Of course, I didn’t miss my chance to take a photo with the replica of the famous David since there was less crowd, and WHY NOT, right? haha

For me, traveling to Italy almost always feels like being in an open-museum because of its historic and charming architecture and artwork at every corner! Amazing!

Palazzo Vecchio

See Florence’s historic town hall, where you’ll see the replica of David outside. If you are interested and have more time, you can learn more about Florence’s history and climb the tower for a panoramic view.

Inside, you’ll find Renaissance art, medici family history, secret passageways, and grand frescoed rooms.

Book your experience:

• Palazzo Vecchio Entry Ticket with Tower Climb

Loggia dei Lanzi

In front of the city hall, you’ll find a sculpture gallery that you can walk around and see up close.

This area feels like an outdoor museum surrounded by iconic statues.

Right behind this (Loggia dei Lanzi)  is the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), showing Italy’s world’s most famous artworks.

Uffizi Gallery

If you love art and history, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. This museum is one of the top things to do in Florence because of its unique and beautiful paintings.

Discover and learn more about Renaissance masterpieces.

Book your experience:

Travel Tip: Short on time? (Save time) Reserve skip-the-line tickets early (Uffizi Gallery)

Art lovers should see Uffizi’s gallery, Italy’s top art museum, featuring must-see masterpieces, Leonardo da Vinci’s works , Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and Michelangelo’s paintings!

Alternative

• Pitti Palace & Boboli Garden Ticket & Audio Guide

Evening in Florence

Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita (sunset spot)

Visit at sunset to see Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge. It’s a lovely spot for Arno River views and Florence skyline photos.

One of the best things to do when visiting Florence in a day is to take in the scenic medieval architecture, lively shops, and picturesque river atmosphere!

Know Before You Go

• If you have more time and are interested, stroll across the medieval Bridge to see gold and jewelry shops.
• Uffizi Gallery to Ponte Vecchio scenery is only a 2-3 minute walk

The best Florence photo spots nearby are from Ponte Santa Trinita and along the riverbanks.

Alternative(s): Sunset viewing

Book your experience (s):

• Arno River Cruise with a Live Concert in Florence
• Piazzale Michelangelo 

(Other) top-rated things to do in Florence

• Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence
• SPA in Florence: Admission to the Della Calza Wellness Center

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Recommended best places to eat in Florence (most popular & highly rated based on reviews)

• Trattoria dall’Oste
• Trattoria Mario
• Buca Lapi

We tried food in the Centro Storico (Historic Center) neighborhood, the restaurant, Osteria dei Baroncelli, located just beside Piazza della Signoria and close to the Uffizi Gallery. It’s one of the busiest and most tourist-friendly areas in Florence.

We enjoyed the food and the convenience as it’s near some of the attractions.

Taste the traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), bruschetta, pasta and end with gelato. These are a must-do as a first-time visitor during a one day in Florence, Italy.

If you want to experience a quieter and more local atmosphere with wine bars and traditional Tuscan restaurants,head down to Osteria Toscanella, situated in the Oltrarno neighborhood (the “other side” of the river), for a more local setting.

Mistakes to Avoid in Florence / Must-know

• Before Ordering: Know ~ Florentine steak is traditionally served rare “al sangue”.
  • (Sorry, but I don’t eat rare. Next time, I probably should try it rare to genuinely experience the local tradition.)
• Typically, it is sold by weight rather than by portion.
• Make dinner reservations in advance and arrive early.
• Taste famous Tuscan wines (made from Sangiovese grapes) with the steak if you drink.
  • I don’t drink, so I didn’t think I would enjoy it. I never tried any wines in Florence. Perhaps next time, I’d  have to try a bit to embrace the whole experience as a traveler.

Opera Concert (after dinner option )

Book your experience:

• Florence: Santa Monaca Church Italian Opera Concert Ticket

Alternative

• Evening Walking Tour in Florence: Stories of Power, Love & Betrayal

Florence Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Start one day in Florence early to avoid the crowds for better photos, shorter lines, quieter surroundings, and to maximize your time.
• Dress modestly for churches (if planning to visit inside). Must cover shoulders and knees.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Most major attractions are walkable (3-25 minutes)
• Book popular attractions (4-6 weeks) early:
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dome climb
  • Accademia Gallery
  • Uffizi Gallery

• Check the weather before booking outdoor sightseeing and bring an umbrella and/or raincoat poncho if it is expected to rain.
• Be vigilant for pickpockets, especially in crowded piazzas, tourist landmarks like Ponte Vecchio, busy restaurants/markets, and train stations. Try to always wear your crossbody bag in front.
• Ask to be dropped off here at Piazza della Repubblica (photo above), since it’ll be just a short walk to get to these popular attractions (photo below).

• Taste Florence’s best must-try food/dessert/drink: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, schiacciata sandwiches,Truffle pasta, Tuscan wine, and gelato!
• For authentic gelato, look for covered metal tins with natural muted colors.
  • Gelateria della Passera (best gelato recommended)
• Best sunset spots: Ponte Santa Trinita, Piazzale Michelangelo (lively atmosphere), Arno River walks.
• Other places to visit in Florence in one day: Palazzo Gucci (Gucci Museum) and the leather markets/shops combined when going to San Lorenzo Market.

May this post about Florence in One Day help you plan your travel itinerary to include the must-see attractions, scenic views, where to eat, and travel tips (First-Timer’s Guide)

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Florence One Day Itinerary

Florence in One Day Itinerary	Plan Your Visit | Book Your Experiences:
Where to stay in Florence for 1 day	Best Places to Stay in Florence
Morning	Piazzale Michelangelo City Skyline Photoshoot at Piazzale Michelangelo Santa Croce Basilica guided experience ticket Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) Reserve ticket(s) early: Climb the Bell Tower or the Dome. “David” statue by Michelangelo Galleria dell’Accademia Ticket
Afternoon	All’Antico Vinaio Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Vecchio Entry Ticket with Tower Climb Loggia dei Lanzi Uffizi Gallery skip-the-line tickets Alternative Pitti Palace & Boboli Garden Ticket & Audio Guide
Evening	Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita (sunset spot) Alternative(s): Sunset viewing Arno River Cruise with a Live Concert in Florence Piazzale Michelangelo  (Other) top-rated things to do in Florence Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence SPA in Florence: Admission to the Della Calza Wellness Center After dinner option (s) Italian Opera Concert Ticket: Santa Monaca Church in Florence Evening Walking Tour in Florence: Stories of Power, Love & Betrayal

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Thank you for considering these Florence travel ideas!

I hope I have sparked your Italy trip planning! ~Safe travels

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