I’ve said this in many of my Florence guides, and I’ll say it again — Florence is one of my absolute favourite cities in the world.
Florence is the capital of the Renaissance, filled with beautiful historic streets, charming wine windows, stunning piazzas, and some of the best food I’ve ever had in Italy.
So you might be wondering if it’s possible to visit Florence in just one day, and the short answer is yes. While I personally stayed here for six nights, but if you’re short on time, you can absolutely see many of the city’s main highlights in just one day.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to spend one day in Florence, including the best places to visit, so you can make the most of your time whether you’re planning a day trip or staying just one night.
I’ll also share my favourite attractions, cafes, viewpoints, and practical tips to help you experience the city in the best way possible.
Is One Day in Florence Enough?
The good news is that if you only have one day, you can still see many of the city’s main highlights, especially around the historic centre.
As mentioned earlier, I personally stayed in Florence for 5 days, but I also used it as a base to take day trips to places like Tuscany and Cinque Terre.
Read my 3-day Florence Itinerary for a complete guide to exploring Florence.
How to Get to Florence
To reach Florence the best and easiest option is to take a high-speed train.
Trains in Italy are fast, comfortable, and bring you directly into the city centre. Here are some approximate travel times:
- Rome to Florence: 1 hour and 30 min
- Milan to Florence: 1 hour and 50 min
- Venice to Florence: 2 hours and 15 min
- Pisa to Florence: 1 hour
- Bologna to Florence: 40 min
- Cinque Terre to Florence: 2 hours and 30 min
That said, if you can spare the time, I’d personally recommend staying at least one night to experience Florence properly.
👉Check Train Prices & Schedules Here
How to Get Around Florence
Everything included in this itinerary is within walking distance, so you won’t need to use public transport, especially if you’re staying in the historic centre of Florence.
If you’re staying further out, you can easily use the city buses, which connect the main neighbourhoods with the historic centre.
If you’re renting a car, keep in mind that Florence has restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the city centre, so driving and parking can be difficult. You will need to park outside the restricted areas and walk or take public transport into the centre.
Where to Stay in Florence
If you have 24 hours in Florence, the best place to stay is in or near the historic centre, so you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
During my trip, I stayed at B&B La Terrazza sul Duomo, which was incredibly central and within walking distance of all the major sights, including the Duomo and the surrounding piazzas.
You can read my full review of B&B La Terrazza sul Duomo for more details on my experience.
When to Visit Florence
Florence is a great destination to visit all year round, but the best time is during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), when you’ll find fewer crowds, shorter queues, and more comfortable weather. Summer can get very hot, especially in July and August.
That said, I personally visited in July and still had a great time, you just need to plan your days a little earlier and take breaks during the hottest hours.
What To See In Florence in One Day
Alright, now it’s time to get into the detailed one day in Florence itinerary.
Florence has so much to offer and you can easily spend days here, but I promise I’ll give you the best of everything that you can’t miss while visiting. I’ve tried to create a good balance between sightseeing, history, food, gelato, museums, viewpoints, and the unique experiences that make Florence so special.
Morning: Coffee, Accademia Gallery & The Duomo
8:00 Am Espresso + Cornetto like a local
I am a huge coffee person, so wherever I am in the world, I always look for a good coffee spot to start the day. In Florence, I recommend starting your morning like a local with a simple espresso and cornetto before heading out to explore.
Take your time and enjoy the slower pace of the morning before the city gets busy. One of my favorite parts about Florence is simply wandering through the quiet streets early in the day before the crowds arrive.
8:30 AM See the David Statue at the Accademia Gallery
After your coffee and breakfast, it’s time to start your Florence adventure around 8:30 AM by visiting the Accademia Gallery. This is where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David, and in my opinion, you really can’t miss it on your Florence Day trip.
The museum is also home to five other statues by Michelangelo, along with beautiful Renaissance paintings that give you a real sense of Florence’s artistic history. Try to spend around 30 minutes here.
I really can’t stress this enough, but you absolutely need to book your tickets in advance. This is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, and if you don’t pre-book, there’s a very high chance you won’t get in or you’ll end up spending hours in a long queue.
When I went, I had a skip-the-line ticket and walked straight in without waiting at all.
Hours: closed on mondays.
Even though you can explore on your own, if you would love to learn more from a local guide, then I recommend this Accademia Gallery Guided Tour guided tour.
9:00 AM Florence Cathedral, The Duomo + Climb the Dome
From Gallery Accademia, it is best to head straight to Piazza del Duomo. This will be around 9 AM, and we will be spending around 2 hours here. The cathedral complex is only around a 7-minute walk away, so take advantage of the early hours and enjoy the historic center of Florence while it’s still quiet.
The Florence Duomo is the fourth-largest cathedral in Europe and has been one of the most iconic landmarks shaping Florence’s skyline for centuries.
When I went, I stopped by the entrance and took some photos before the crowds arrived. I encourage you to take some time to admire the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore from the outside and really appreciate the stunning marble facade. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful buildings in Florence and such an iconic spot for photos.
The church itself is free to enter, but the lines are usually crazy, so I personally didn’t get the chance to go inside.
Another option to consider is climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower, not only to admire the incredible architecture but also for some of the best views over Florence and Piazza del Duomo.
To enter the tower or dome, you will need to purchase a timed entry slot or book a guided tour. These tickets sell out quickly, especially during summer, so make sure to secure yours early.
Hours: Closed on Sundays and religious holidays.
Late Morning: Lunch & Gelato
11:00 AM Lunch and Gelato
You must be hungry, and it’s time for a well-deserved lunch.
One thing that I make sure to insert into my itinerary no matter where I go is giving myself the option to enjoy some really good food, especially in a country like Italy. So here are a few of my favourite options:
- Grab a sandwich or panini on the go to save time while exploring. This is definitely the quickest option, and my personal favorite is All’Antico Vinaio.
- Visit Mercato Centrale if you want more variety and a proper food hall experience. You’ll find everything from fresh pasta and pizza to local meats, cheeses, and desserts.
After a lavish lunch, it’s time for gelato because honestly, there’s never enough gelato when you’re in Italy, right?
Two of my favorite places are Gelateria dei Neri and La Carraia. For the sake of this itinerary, Gelateria dei Neri is the closest option and fits perfectly into the route.
I’ve tried it multiple times and honestly have never been disappointed. My favorite flavors were pistachio and hazelnut.
Make sure you’re finished by around 1 PM so we can continue our Florence one day itinerary.
👉I recommend joining this highest rated Street Food Tour of Florence
Early afternoon: Piazza del signoria & Uffizi Gallery
1:00 PM Piazza della Signoria
After you’re finished with your gelato and only a few minutes away, it’s time to make your way towards Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence’s most impressive squares.
This piazza feels like an open-air museum. Take some time to enjoy the atmosphere because there is so much to see here. You’ll spot the famous Fountain of Neptune, beautiful Renaissance sculptures, and even a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
1:30 PM Uffizi gallery
If you have more time to spare, depending on your travel style, you can also visit the Uffizi Gallery, which is located right near Piazza della Signoria.
Make sure to reserve your tickets for the Uffizi in advance because if you don’t pre-book your tickets, you’ll likely end up waiting outside in the heat for hours. The lines here are extremely long, especially during peak season.
Secure your skip-the-line Uffizi Gallery tickets before they sell out.
It is a massive museum, and you can easily spend an entire day here, so don’t expect to see everything in one visit. Instead, I recommend having an idea of which pieces are most important to you and prioritizing those. With only one day in Florence, you will want to spend maximum one hour and half here.
For me, this meant seeing famous works like The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo. These Renaissance masterpieces are all located on the second floor of the museum.
If you would like a guided tour, there are 1.5-hour tours available which fit perfectly into this one day Florence itinerary.
👉Book Your Guided Tour in advance here.
If you have more time to spare afterward, you can also visit Palazzo Vecchio, which has beautiful artwork and offers amazing views over Florence from the top. I personally haven’t visited yet myself, but it’s definitely high on my list for next time.
Late Afternoon: Wine Windows & Ponte Vecchio Walk
3:00 PM Wine Window Stop
Right after the museum, it’s time for one of my favorite Florence stops.
I promised you we were going to have unique experiences, so you absolutely must visit one of Florence’s famous wine windows. They are incredibly pretty and also make such a cool and unique photo spot.
I visited Osteria Belle Donne, where you simply knock on the tiny wine window and place your order through the wall. You can grab a glass of Tuscan red wine or even an Aperol Spritz while experiencing one of Florence’s most unique traditions.
3:30 PM Ponte Vecchio & Historic Center Walk
Once you’ve had your fill of wine, it’s time to explore Florence’s alleyways, hidden piazzas, and the famous medieval bridge.
As mentioned before, everything here is within walking distance, which is one of the reasons I love Florence so much.
To be honest, wandering around was one of my favorite things to do in Florence. Some of my favorite little stops were the Porcellino Fountain, browsing leather shops, and simply getting lost in the small streets around the historic center.
Take some time to admire the Arno River from Ponte Vecchio. You can also grab a pizza from Gusta Pizza and enjoy it by the river while soaking in the atmosphere.
Early Evening: Piazzale Michelangelo & Sunset Views
5:00 PM Piazzale Michelangelo
One of my absolute favorite spots for sunsets, views, and atmosphere is Piazzale Michelangelo.
To reach this viewpoint, you’ll need to do a bit of a climb. I wouldn’t call the walk difficult, but after a long day of exploring, you’ll definitely feel it. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always take a taxi or bus instead.
Once you finish the climb, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views over Florence, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno River.
Piazzale Michelangelo is completely free and open to the public all day.
When I came here, I spent at least two hours taking photos, watching people sing and dance, and then staying for sunset.
The vibe here is something else and this is by far one of my favourite memories in Florence.
There are plenty of stairs and places to sit, so I grabbed a spot and just watched people-watched for a while. You can even bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the views from up here.
Now, it depends on when you are visiting Florence. In winter, the sun sets around 4 or 5 PM, so this timing works perfectly.
If you are visiting in summer, then I actually recommend coming here after dinner around 8 PM since the sun sets much later, usually around 9 PM.
Evening: Authentic Florentine Cuisine
7:00 PM Try Authentic Florentine Cuisine
After a day of exploring, you must be craving some Tuscan cuisine, and honestly, I don’t blame you!
A traditional regional dish you absolutely have to try is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the famous Florentine steak.
One of my favorite restaurants for this is Ristorante del Fagioli, which is known for its authentic Florentine dishes and incredible steak.
Another great dinner option is Ciro and Sons, which is especially famous for its pasta, Florentine steak, and desserts. They also have gluten-free options available.
9:00 PM Rooftop Drinks with a View
After dinner, you can either head back to the train station if you’re only visiting Florence as a day trip, or stay a little longer and finish your evening with a drink overlooking the city.
I personally recommend finishing your evening at the Art Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail with beautiful nighttime views of the illuminated Duomo.
Another option is to head back towards Piazza del Duomo for the evening. I loved the atmosphere there at night.
The cathedral lights up beautifully and there are usually street musicians performing around the piazza, and the entire historic center feels much more relaxed and romantic compared to during the busy daytime hours.
I really enjoyed simply wandering around there at night with a gelato and taking in the atmosphere one last time before heading back to my hotel.
My Tips for Visiting Florence in 1 Day
1- Book Tickets Early
Especially if you’re travelling during the high season months of June, July, and August. Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, and I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. This is especially important for popular attractions like the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery, where tickets can sell out weeks or even months ahead.
With only one day in Florence, having everything booked in advance will help you maximise your time and focus on enjoying the experience rather than waiting in long queues.
2- Visit During Shoulder Season
If possible, try to visit Florence during the shoulder season. You’ll usually experience fewer crowds, shorter queues, and more pleasant weather, as Florence can get extremely hot during summer.
That said, I personally visited in July and still had a great time, so don’t let summer stop you from visiting.
3- Stay in the Historic Centre
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Florence, I highly recommend basing yourself in the Centro Storico or around Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence and home to most of the city’s main attractions.
Before you hit book, make sure to check the walking distance on Google Maps so you can easily explore the city on foot.
👉 Find awesome Florence Hotels here
4- Take the Train or Book a Guided Day Trip
As mentioned earlier, one of the easiest and best ways to get to Florence is by taking a high-speed train with either Italoor Trenitalia.
I personally travelled from Rome to Florence by train and booked all my tickets through the Omio app, which made the process super easy.
Alternatively, you can book a guided day trip, which I highly recommend for anyone who doesn’t want the stress of planning and would rather have someone else handle all the logistics.
👉 Check Train Prices & Schedules Here
5- Get an eSIM
These days, I never travel without an eSIM. Having mobile data while travelling makes everything so much easier, whether it’s navigating Florence’s streets, staying in touch with family, searching for restaurants, or using apps like Google Translate on the go.
I’ve personally been using Airoalo ESim for years and have had a really good experience with them. It’s an easy way to stay connected without dealing with physical SIM cards or expensive roaming fees.
6- Pay Attention to Museum and Church Closing Days
When planning your Florence itinerary, make sure to check museum and church opening days in advance.
- The Duomo Cathedral is closed to tourists on Sundays.
- The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery are usually closed on Mondays.
If visiting museums and churches is a priority for you, keep these schedules in mind when planning your trip.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Florence?
The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October). During these months, you’ll usually get pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and shorter queues at major attractions.
How many days do you need in Florence?
Ideally, I recommend spending 2–3 days in Florence. This gives you enough time to explore the main sites without feeling rushed or exhausted.
With more than two days, you can also take a day trip to Tuscany or Cinque Terre, which is exactly what I did.
Final Thoughts
Florence is a city that can absolutely be enjoyed in just one day if you plan well, even though it deserves more time. Focus on the highlights, book ahead, and you’ll still leave with an unforgettable experience and a reason to return.
Read More FLORENCE Blog Posts Below ⬇️
🍝 Best Pasta Cooking Class in Florence with Unlimited Wine
🏞️ 3 Days In Florence: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
🇮🇹 15 Best, Secret & Fun things to do in Florence Italy
🏠 10 Best Hotels With Pools In Florence
🏠B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo Review: Best Stay with Rooftop View
🏞️ Best Cinque Terre Tour From Florence: Tour Review
Read More ITALY Blog Posts Below ⬇️
🚘 What to see in Venice in 3 days- the best weekend trip
🏠 Top 15 things to do in Venice- Venice ultimate guide
🛥️ 4 Best Boat Tours In Lake Como
The Perfect Milan To lake Como Day Trip (Self-Guided)
🏞️15 Best Things to Do in Rome for First-Time Visitors
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!
