How To Make The Most Of One Day In Florence

Do you only have one day in Florence? I am sure you are thinking “Is one day in Florence enough?”

To be honest, having been to Florence countless time, I can tell you that having just a day in Florence is hardly ideal. I was there recently (this week, actually) again, and there is no way you can see Florence in a day, because there’s so much to see!

Florence is packed with fabulous attractions and things to do and you would ideally need at least three full days in Florence to visit the main sites.

Yet, if you only have a day to spare as a day trip from Rome, Milan or another Italian city, and don’t want to miss the chance to go, you definitely should.

You surely can’t see all of it, but since I know the city almost like the palm of my hand and have been multiple times, I will help you plan your day so that you can make the most of Florence in one day.

My guide is meant to help you get the most out Florence in a day, so you see all the top attractions, taste the top local dishes, and get a good feel for the city – until you go again!

Finally, continue reading to discover what to do in one day in Florence.

Itinerary Overview

As I have said before, a day in Florence is hardly enough to get to see everything it has to offer, but with my well-crafted itinerary you will be sure to at least see the most important attractions.

This is an overview of your itinerary and all the places you will visit in your day in Florence:

• Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
• Accademia Gallery
• Piazza del Duomo – Cathedral and Battistero
• Piazza della Signoria
• Uffizi Gallery
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazzale Michelangelo

Visiting Florence Soon?

To follow this itinerary, you will be better off getting any tickets that are required in advance to avoid lineups that’ll only cut into your time. I have pointed out all attractions that require pre-bookings and provided links that will help you get the tickets.

Finally, let’s get into the details of this itinerary!

What To Do In Florence In One Day

There are so many things to do in the Tuscan capital, that if you only have one day in Florence but don’t have an itinerary planned, you may find yourself running in circles all over the city looking for the various attractions.

My itinerary is meant to help you optimize your day and see as much as possible. I’ve used the Santa Maria Novella Station as your starting point as there’s a high chance this will be where you will arrive. I recommend following this itinerary in the exact order I have laid it out for you.

You can view the itinerary on Google Maps here.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

From the Santa Maria Novella Station, the best place to head to for your first taste of Florence is the Basilica di Santa Novella, one of the prettiest churches in Florence, and luckily, it only takes a few minutes on foot to get there!

There’s no doubt that this is one of the most stunning buildings in the whole city, but it’s also one of the most important buildings, too.

The basilica was completed in the mid-1300s and has amazing features both inside and out. The striking exterior is constructed of green and white marble and the interior is full of lavish Gothic detailing, stained-glass windows completed as far back as the 1300s, and incredible works of art by renowned artists of the Renaissance period.

Inside, you can spot Filippo Strozzi’s Chapel, Masaccio’s Trinity, and Tornabuoni Chapel. The most famous pieces however are Giotto’s Crucifix, which the artist probably painted between 1288 and 1289, and Brunelleschi’s Crucifix, a sculpture the artist completed between 1410 and 1415.

The opening hours of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella vary throughout the year – make sure to check what time it opens on the Santa Maria Novella Basilica official website.

There’s a fee to enter: you can get tickets on the official website or book these Santa Maria Novella tickets with audioguide if you think you would like some guidance when visiting the church.

My post A Guide To The Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella gives more insights into this gorgeous church and information on how to visit.

Accademia Gallery

It only takes 15 minutes to walk from Santa Maria Novella Basilica to the next attraction on this Florence itinerary – the iconic Accademia Gallery, one of the best museums in Florence.

Inside this world-renowned museum are some of the world’s most famous Renaissance sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David. which was moved inside the gallery in 1872 (it used to be in Piazza della Signoria, where you can now see a replica).

Inside the gallery there are six more Michelangelo’s sculptures, which include the Young Slave and Atlante, and many other artworks (sculptures and paintings too) by some of the most well-known Florentine artists.

The Musical Instrument Museum is also located on site and is home to instruments and related musical artifacts from various eras.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is open from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm Tuesday to Sunday – but for more information you can visit the official website.

You need to reserve your visit and get Galleria dell’Accademia tickets well in advance. You can get them on the official website, or if yours is a last minute trip and the official website if sold out, you can get your tickets on Tiqets (an excellent third-party booking site) too.

Admission is also included in the Florence Pass, which I appreciate because it allows you to book time slots for the various attractions you wish to visit at the moment you purchase the pass.

You could also take a guided tour of this museum – I recommend this guided walking tour of Florence that visits the Accademia Gallery as early as 8:15 am, then goes to the Duomo and Brunelleschi Dome. I took the tour myself and found it to be very thorough. If you wish to take this tour, you’d have to move your visit of Santa Maria Novella Basilica at a later time in the day.

My post How To Visit Galleria Dell’Accademia gives more insights into this fantastic art gallery.

Piazza del Duomo – Cathedral and Battistero

About a six-minute walk from Accademia Gallery, you’ll find the Piazza del Duomo where four of the city’s most famous monuments can be found – Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi Dome, St. John’s Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

If you have just one day in Florence, you won’t have time to visit them all – you’ll have to pick and chose. I recommend checking out the Cathedral and the Baptistery, and then pick one among the Brunelleschi Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower. The views from the two are actually quite similar anyways.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is dedicated to the city of Florence – Florentia in Latin, or “city of Flowers”. It took a long time to built this church. It was started in 1296, when the first stone was laid upon wishes of Arnolfo di Cambio. However, the church was only consecrated in 1436, when the dome was completed.

The facade, in neo-Gothic style, dates from the 19th century.

It’s a triple-nave basilica with a presbytery area. Along its sides there are five chapels. It’s a large church – it measures 153 meters (502 feet) in length, and 90 meters (295 feet) in width.

Inside, you can see beautiful works of art such as Dante Before the City of Florence by Domenico di Michelino and the Equestrian Statue of Niccolò da Tolentino and Andrea del Castagno.

Opening times of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral vary seasonally so you are better off checking them on the official website.

One of the most striking features of the cathedral is its dome which is the biggest brick dome ever built and a masterpiece by Brunelleschi – built between 1420 and 1436.

The Dome is truly impressive. It has an external diameter of 54.8 meters (179.8 feet) and the interior diameter measures 45.5 meters (149 feet). One thing you may not realize is that there actually are two domes – one internal and one external!

Although the cathedral and the baptistery are free to explore on your own, you can purchase a guided tour that takes you to all the sites and includes a skip-the-line access (otherwise, you’ll have to wait in line which is not convenient if you are tight on time).

Should you also want to walk up the Dome, you will have to get a Brunelleschi Pass via the official website. This allows access to various affiliated attractions, namely: the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Opera del Duomo Museum and the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata.

Keep in mind that if you want to visit the dome you have to walk up 463 steps (it’s just 414 for Giotto’s Bell Tower). It normally takes around 45 to 50 minutes to visit.

My friend and I did joined this guided tour by Take Walks that started in the Galleria dell’Accademia and also included the Brunelleschi Dome (more about it below) and the terraces of the church, from where we enjoyed a great view of the city, as well as the Accademia.

My posts How To Visit Florence Duomo and How To Visit Giotto’s Bell Tower share more insights into visiting these two popular attractions in Florence.

Attached to the cathedral is the Battistero di San Giovanni. This is one of the oldest buildings in the city dating back to the mid 11th century, when it was consecrated by Pope Niccolò II – though research shows it was probably built over a 4th century baptistery.

Notable features inside this building include a beautiful mosaic ceiling which was likely the work of artists of the Byzantine school, though it was completed in the 13th and 14th centuries hy various artists including Cimabue; and the monumental tomb of Antipope John XXIII.

Opening times of the Baptistery vary seasonally so you are better off checking them on the official website.

Admission to the Baptistery is included in the Brunelleschi Pass and in the Giotto Pass, as well as in the Florence Pass.

Lunch at Mercato di San Lorenzo

By the time you are done visiting the Duomo Complex, it will be time for lunch. You have several options if you are hungry.

First of all, there are many street food vendors around Florence so you can indulge in local cuisine. A popular street food to try during your visit is lampredotto which is a traditional Florentine favorite made with tripe from the stomach of a cow.

You can also head to the Mercato Centrale of Florence. It’s a 9-minute walk from the Duomo and a great place to have lunch if you want many options in one place and somewhere to sit down and enjoy your meal.

On the bottom floor, you’ll find some great options including Vinoteca Lombardo which features lots of local wines, salads and charcuterie boards. My friend and I had lunch there on our first day in Florence the last time I visited and we enjoyed it.

The top floor is where you’ll find a food hall with even more options including a delicious pasta place and a wine bar.

A 12-minute walk away you will find La Buchetta, one of the best places in Florence to try a proper bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine style steak). When we went there for lunch, my friend had the fabulous gnocchi in the picture above.

If you want to stay very close to the Duomo, or find something that’s located on the way to Piazza della Signoria (your next stop), you could try Coquinarius in Via dell’Oche 11R. It has a strong focus on local dishes with a more modern twist.

Piazza della Signoria

Depending on where you decided to have lunch, it will take you between 10 and 15 minutes to walk to Piazza della Signoria, your next stop for the day.

This is the most important square in the city, and where you’ll see incredible buildings surrounding a large open space that has been serving as the center of both politics and everyday life in Florence since the 1300s.

The square is a lively mix of old-world charm with ancient statues and traditional eateries (most of them quite touristy to be honest: good thing I gave you some better options for lunch before).

Locals and visitors alike come here to enjoy the social atmosphere which is at its peak after the sun goes down.

Although you’ll likely be exploring the square during the day, there are still some fascinating things to check out including the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi, also known as the Loggia della Signoria.

The name “Loggia dei Lanzi” comes from the Lanzichenecchi, Charles V mercenary soldiers who in 1527 camped under the arches (but there are various versions of this story).

The Gothic-style building is characterized by three large arches that are more typical of the Renaissance style. Already towards the end of the 16th century the Loggia lost its original function and literally became an art gallery, hosting statues from Roman times and other masterpieces of the 16th century such as the the Perseo statue by Benvenuto Cellini.

Right above the Loggia there’s the Uffizi Gallery terrace, one of the best places to enjoy views of Florence.

Piazza della Signoria is also home to the beautiful Neptune’s Fountain, which was created by Bartolomeo Ammannati.

Here you will finally find the Palazzo Vecchio, where Florence City Council has been sitting for more than seven centuries. It’s a really good museum to visit, but you won’t have time for it with just a day in Florence, so just take a few moments to enjoy the views of the building and its Torre Arnolfo.

Uffizi Gallery

Get ready for some more incredible Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery which is only a one-minute walk away from Piazza della Signoria.

The palace where the Uffizi Gallery is located is the work of Giorgio Vasari – his idea was that of creating a space from where you could admire the beautiful Arnolfo Tower of Palazzo Vecchio. It was 1560 and the palace was meant to be used as an art gallery, and for more practical / official reasons for the Medici family.

The collection housed inside this venue was donated by the Medici family in 1743 and also features a variety of artworks from different periods and cultures.

Here there’s the largest collection of paintings by Raphael and Botticelli, but you will also find pieces by Giotto, Titian, Rubens and some of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci’s best works.

This is one of the most famous museums in Italy, so you can expect it to be quite busy and you really need to book your tickets in advance. You can find the opening times and get tickets on the official website.

The best time to visit is in the afternoon (better after 3:00 pm) which is perfect for the purpose of this itinerary. When we visited we realized that most visitors leave the gallery at 5:30 pm or so, and then, right before closing time, you’ll have the gallery to yourself!

You can also get Uffizi Gallery tickets on GetYourGuide – these have a flexible cancellation policy.

Admission is also included in the Florence Pass.

For a more in-depth experience I recommend this Uffizi Gallery tour that has several departures during the day, including one at 3:00 pm which is perfect for the purpose of this itinerary. It’s the tour I took last time I was in the city, and I enjoyed it.

My post How To Get Visit The Uffizi Gallery shares more information about this incredible museum.

Ponte Vecchio

Upon leaving the Uffizi Gallery, you’ll need to walk along the banks of the River Arno for just two minutes to reach your next destination, Ponte Vecchio. This iconic arched stone bridge was built by a Roman bridge and until 1218 it was the only bridge connecting the two sides of the Arno.

Ponte Vecchio was destroyed during a flood and subsequently built again in 1345 – that’s the bridge we see today.

This was the only bridge in Florence that the Nazi forces did not destroy during the WWII bombings, and it miraculously survived the terrible floods that hit Florence on 6 November 1966.

Located above the bridge there’s the Corridoio Vasariano (you will see parts of it during your Uffizi Gallery visit). It was built in 1565 upon wishes of the Medici family by Giorgio Vasari to connect Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. Back then, located on the bridge were butcher shops.

Legend goes that the smell coming from the bridge was unbearable – they were moved in 1593, and replaced by the famous goldsmiths you can see today.

The best views of Ponte Vecchio are from the Ponte Santa Trinità.

Piazzale Michelangelo

From Ponte Vecchio, walk south along the banks of the Arno River and climb to the top of the hill where Piazzale Michelangelo is located. It’s a 22-minute walk.

There’s no better way to end your day trip to Florence than with a stop here because it’s not only the best place to admire the city in all its glory, but it’s also the best sunset spot in Florence (as long as you visit in the right season, when the sun sets a bit later in the day).

You may be tempted to take a bus to reach Piazzale Michelangelo but honestly it can take just as long (if not more) and it won’t save you from having to climb the hill.

A better alternative is to take this scooter tour of Florence which has several daily departures, including one at 6:00 pm. It’s definitely what to do in Florence in a day for a wonderful memory! The tour departs from Via de’ Martelli, a 10-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio.

Florence In One Day Planning Guide

Take a full-day guided tour

My Florence in a day itinerary is easy enough to follow on your own, as long as you book good time slots to visit the various attractions mentioned. If you are concerned it may be too challenging, you can join a guided tour where someone else will take care of all the arrangements.

I recommend this full day tour of Florence by Take Walks, which includes admission to the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery. The tour also goes to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.

How to get to Florence

Train travel is one of the best ways to get around Italy and many routes travel from various cities to Florence. Most high-speed trains have their first departure very early in the morning and run until late at night, so they work perfectly even if you are planning a day trip to Florence.

I recommend booking your train trip in advance rather than purchase tickets on the spot as you can get a better deal.

Trenitalia is the main train operator in Italy and you can find routes, prices, and other information on the Trenitalia website or you can go to the Omio App, where you can also purchase a mobile ticket for your journey.

For reference, these are the traveling times from other cities in Italy to Florence if you are traveling by train:

• Rome to Florence – one hour and 36 minutes. Trains depart from Rome Termini Station.
• Milan to Florence – one hour and 54 minutes. Trains depart from Milano Centrale Station.
• Bologna to Florence – 37 minutes. Trains depart from Bologna Centrale Station

If you are planning a day trip to Florence from Rome, my post How To Get To Florence From Rome explains all the best options to travel between the two cities.

If you are traveling from Bologna my post How To Get From Bologna To Florence highlights the best available transportation options.

If you’re arriving in Florence by plane, the best way to get to the city center is to take the T2 shuttle tram that runs every five to ten minutes – it’s the cheapest option. You can also take the Volainbus which leaves the airport every 30 minutes and is also quite budget friendly.

Take a guided day trip to Florence

If exploring Florence in a day on your own sounds challenging and you’d like to join a guided day trip to Florence, there are some available!

These tours usually include a local guide, transfer to Florence by train, lunch (but most of the time it is not good, so try to opt out if you can), and cost anywhere from €140 upwards, depending on whether you’re joining a group tour or private tour and what attractions are included.

The best part about joining a guided tour is that you get to just sit back and enjoy the sights while someone else does all the planning!

This day trip to Florence from Rome by high speed train includes admission to the Galleria dell’Accademia, a live guide who will be with you throughout the day, lunch and a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for views of the city.

Best Tips For One Day In Florence

Start early

There’s nothing worse than having to rush through a visit to a new city. You’ll want to take your time and absorb all the beauty around you and immerse in the culture. The best way to ensure you’ll be able to do all the things to do in one day in Florence is to start early!

Catch the earliest train from wherever you’re traveling and set your smartphone alarm clock to wake you up at the crack of dawn if you’ll be waking up in the city the morning of your visit.

Dress for comfort

You’ll be doing a lot of walking while exploring Florence in a day, so the most important thing to wear is a comfortable pair of shoes! Be sure to dress for the season as it gets very hot in summer and chilly in winter.

You’ll need to dress modestly to visit any church or religious site so make sure to wear long pants or a long skirt and a top that doesn’t expose your chest or your shoulders.

Stay hydrated

It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold or how much walking you’ll be doing, you can still get dehydrated! Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day, especially in the summer when it gets very hot.

Many shops sell bottled water but you can also refill your bottle at the fountains that are located in Piazza della Signoria. Don’t worry: tap water in Florence is perfectly safe to drink!

End your day in Florence with dinner

The best way to end your day in the city is with dinner in the city before you hop on the train to take you back. This is your chance to try a delicious bistecca alla Fiorentina.

This generous tender steak dish is served at all the best restaurants in Florence including the popular Trattoria dall’Oste, which has several locations around town including one conveniently located close to Santa Maria Novella train station.

Another place where you can have a great fiorentina is Trattoria BBQ, located in Piazza Torquato Tasso in the Oltrarno part of the city. It’s a lesser known spot to tourists, so more local than anything else you’d find in the historic center.

Conclusions: Is A Day In Florence Worth It?

To go back to your initial question, “is one day in Florence enough?”, allow me say that it is not. I answer this question more extensively in my post How Many Days In Florence Are Enough?

You see, there are many world-class cities to visit in Italy, but the capital of Tuscany is certainly one of the most popular among tourists, and for good reasons.

Often referred to as the birthplace of the Renaissance and most widely known for being the art capital of the world with numerous works on display in the city’s many art galleries, Florence can keep you entertained for days on end.

As you explore this beautiful, historic city, you’ll also find scenic viewpoints, traditional restaurants, and piazze (squares in Italian). I hope that my one day in Florence itinerary helps you make the most of this gorgeous city in such a short time, and that you can come back for more!

Further Readings

Are you looking for more helpful posts to plan your trip to Italy? Make sure to read these:

• The Best Florence Travel Tips
• The Best Places To Visit In Italy
• A Classic Italy Itinerary
• The Best Italy Travel Tips
• What To Do And What To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Italy
• How To Plan A Day Trip From Florence To Cinque Terre
• The Best Day Trips From Florence
• How To Make The Most Of Florence At Night
• Where To Stay In Florence

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