Wondering how to spend just one day in Florence? You’re in for a treat!
Florence is where Dante was born, the birthplace of the first opera, and where legends like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo left their mark.
With its stunning architecture and incredible views, it’s a city that attracts visitors from all over.
In this guide, I’ll help you make the most of one day in Florence. We’ll hit the must-see spots: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and enjoy some delicious Tuscan food.
One day in Florence is enough to fall head over heels for this amazing city. Ready to see what Florence has to offer in just 24 hours? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Galleria degli Uffizi: Experience Florence’s Finest Artworks
Start your Florence adventure at one of Europe’s oldest art museums, the Galleria degli Uffizi.
This place was once the administrative center for the powerful Medici family and now showcases centuries of amazing art. The building, done in a cool late Renaissance style, has two wings connected by a charming arch.
In the eastern wing, set up by the Medici in the 16th century, you’ll find treasures like Botticelli’s Madonna Magnificat, The Birth of Venus, and Primavera. The Leonardo da Vinci Hall features famous works such as The Epiphany and The Annunciation.
Head over to the western wing to see masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, and Raphael’s Madonna. Each piece gives you a taste of Florence’s rich artistic history.
Wrap up your visit with a coffee at the gallery’s café, where you can relax and take in the stunning views of Florence’s rooftops.
When is the best time to visit Florence, Italy?
I’d say spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times. The weather is nice, and there are fewer tourists, so it’s easier to get around.
Summer can get really hot and crowded, which might make things less comfortable. And winter, while quieter, can be pretty cold and rainy, which might not be for everyone.
Practical Tips
The Galleria degli Uffizi is open on Tuesdays from 8:15 AM to 9:30 PM, and from Wednesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM. The standard ticket price is 29 euros.
To avoid long lines, it’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance. You should plan to spend about 2.5 hours exploring the gallery.
2. Piazza della Signoria: Traverse the Cultural Heart of Florence
If you’ve got just one day in Florence, make sure to check out the Piazza della Signoria, a spot with history dating back to the 13th century. Right across from the grand Palazzo Vecchio, this square used to be dominated by the towering Ghibelline towers.
As you wander around, you’ll spot some incredible statues, like a replica of Michelangelo’s David, the cool Neptune’s Fountain, and a statue honoring Cosimo I.
A must-see is the famous sculpture of Perseus holding Medusa’s head, created by Cellini. It’s proudly displayed in the Loggia della Signoria, built to honor the city’s rulers, the Signoria.
After soaking up the art, treat yourself to a traditional Italian dinner at one of the charming restaurants or bars around the square. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Florence’s flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
3. Mercato Centrale: Discover the Tastes of Tuscany on Your One Day in Florence
If you love authentic Italian food as much as I do, you’ve got to check out Mercato Centrale—it’s a local favorite for a reason!
Located in a beautiful 19th-century building designed by the same architect behind Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this place is a treat for the senses, spread out over two floors.
Downstairs, you’ll find a lively market with stalls from butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, and vendors selling olive oil, cheese, and other regional goodies.
But the real food adventure happens on the first floor. Covering nearly 3,000 square meters (about 32,300 square feet), it’s divided into twelve sections, each showcasing a different aspect of Italian cuisine.
Open every day, you can taste fine Chianti wines, Tuscan cheeses, freshly made pasta, artisanal baked goods, and more, all made right in front of you!
Definitely try the homemade pasta, classic Caprese pizza, and delicious hot Italian sandwiches. It’s a true celebration of Italian food and flavors.
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Practical Tips
Mercato Centrale is open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
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4. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: Ascend the Magnificent Dome in Florence
Another must-see during your one-day adventure in Florence is the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
This cathedral is one of the largest Christian buildings in the world! Construction began in the 13th century and wasn’t completed until 1436, when it was finally consecrated.
While most of the building is Gothic, the outside is a great example of Florentine style. But the real highlight is the massive dome, which is 50 meters across and designed by the famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi.
Climbing to the top involves tackling 463 steps, which can be a bit daunting, especially the steep final stretch. But trust me, the view of the city from the top is totally worth it.
On your way up, you’ll also get a close-up look at the huge fresco of the Last Judgment inside the dome—a truly unforgettable experience.
Practical Tips
Entry to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is free, but there is a fee to climb the dome.
A combined ticket for the cathedral and museum costs 30 euros. It’s best to book in advance for a specific day and time online.
Access to the dome is via the northern side aisle and is open Monday to Friday from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM, on Saturdays from 8:15 AM to 5:15 PM, and on Sundays from 12:45 PM to 2:15 PM.
5. Baptistery & Museum dell’Opera del Duomo: Explore Sacred Monuments on Your One Day in Florence
After checking out the cathedral, make sure to swing by the nearby Baptistery and the Cathedral Museum.
The Baptistery, which is thought to be from the 11th century, is a gem with its beautiful marble exterior and the famous “Gates of Paradise”—bronze doors praised by Michelangelo himself.
The dome inside is also stunning, covered in shimmering mosaics that depict biblical scenes, adding a magical touch to the building.
In the Cathedral Museum, you’ll find a collection of sculptures and artifacts from various religious sites in Florence.
Be sure to see Michelangelo’s moving Pieta and the well-known statue of Mary Magdalene. Each piece gives you a peek into the city’s rich art and religious history.
How to get to Florence, Italy?
There aren’t direct flights to Florence from the US. You’ll need to fly into major European cities like Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam, and then catch a connecting flight.
If you’re traveling from Europe, you can catch direct flights to Florence from some big cities such as London, Paris, and Munich. Budget airlines also fly to Pisa or Bologna.
If you rent a car, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive from either Pisa or Bologna to Florence. You can also take a train from Rome to Florence, which takes around 1.5 hours.
Practical Tips
The Cathedral Museum is open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The Baptistery is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Entry to the Baptistery requires a combined ticket for the cathedral’s monuments. Please note that the Baptistery is currently undergoing renovation, so the mosaics on the ceiling are not accessible.
6. Ponte Vecchio: Stroll Across the Historic Bridge on Your One Day in Florence
After you’ve checked out the Baptistery and the Cathedral Museum, take some time to stroll along the famous Ponte Vecchio. This iconic bridge arches over the scenic Arno River.
Built in the 14th century, Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s oldest bridges. It used to have tanneries and butcher shops under its arches, but now it’s home to jewelers and goldsmiths who have set up shop here.
The bridge can get pretty crowded with tourists, which might take a bit away from the experience.
Also, if you’re curious, the Vasari Corridor runs along the top of the bridge (though it was closed for conservation during my visit). It was built by Cosimo I to allow for a secret passage between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.
These spots really capture the unique charm and history of Florence.
Practical Tips
The Vasari Corridor has been under renovation since 2016, with plans to reopen by the end of 2024.
7. Piazzale Michelangelo: Admire the Picturesque Views of Florence
Wrapping up your one day in Florence with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is a must.
This spot, perched on the opposite side of the river, offers some of the best views of the city. It’s like looking at a postcard, with a great view of Florence’s heart and, on clear days, the beautiful surrounding mountains.
From here, you can see all the famous landmarks: the towering Palazzo Vecchio, the stunning dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the historic Santa Croce church. The bridges over the river add to the magical scene.
The square also features copies of Michelangelo’s statues, honoring the great artist.
Getting up to the square involves a pleasant climb, but the amazing views at the top make it totally worth it. It’s the perfect way to end your one day exploring Florence!
Where to stay in Florence, Italy?
Florence has lots of charming places to stay. I recommend staying in the historic center, close to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Uffizi Gallery.
For a comfy spot right near the main sights, I suggest Hotel Spadai. If you’re looking for something affordable and close to the train station and city center, Hotel Bencidormi is a great option.
Florence Fun Facts
- Florence has something called “Stendhal Syndrome”. It’s a rare thing where people might get dizzy, hallucinate, or even faint because there’s so much amazing art and architecture to take in.
- At the Mercato Nuovo, there’s a bronze boar fountain. Rubbing its snout is said to bring good luck and ensure you’ll come back to Florence.
- You might notice little “buchette del vino” — tiny windows in some palaces where wine used to be sold straight from noble families’ cellars.
- Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that survived World War II because Hitler wanted it saved.
- There’s a mysterious face on the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore that you can only see from a specific spot.
- Every year, Florence hosts a wild game called “Calcio Storico”. It’s a mix of soccer, rugby, and wrestling, and players wear 16th-century costumes.
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One Day in Florence: Summary
Florence is a city you just can’t miss on your Tuscany trip. It’s where incredible landmarks, amazing food, and a classic Italian vibe come together perfectly.
Whether you’re here for a quick one-day visit or a longer stay, Florence has something unforgettable to offer. With so much to see and do, it’s a place that enchants visitors no matter how long they stay.
I hope you enjoyed this one-day guide to Florence! If you found it helpful, I’d love it if you shared it with your friends.
For those who’ve already explored Florence, feel free to drop your tips and recommendations in the comments below. Your insights can help other travelers make the most of their time in this fantastic city!
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