Wondering what to see and do when you only have one day in Florence? That’s happened to me twice. So, I’ve put together this one day in Florence itinerary that highlights some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is packed with some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, dazzling architecture and grand monuments.
Often recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it’s not a surprise that the city’s historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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What to do in Florence at a glance
Florence is a city that is full of things to see and do whatever your interests.
So, if you are looking for things to add to your itinerary, you can…
- Stroll around the Piazza del Duomo
- Explore Florence Cathedral and it’s famous Dome
- Look up at Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Visit the Baptistery of St John
- Admire the sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria
- Step back in time at the Palazzo Vecchio
- Climb Arnolfo’s tower for eye-catching views over Florence
- Wander over the Ponte Vecchio
- People watch in the Piazza della Repubblica
- Visit one of the famous Florence Museums
After all that, you might now be wondering if it is possible to see Florence in a day?
Well, yes and no.
How many days in Florence?
In reality you could spend a week in Florence and not run out of things to do. But a day is just about enough to see the highlights of this captivating city.
Be warned though, you’ll probably be thinking about a return trip by the end of the day!
For some reason, I’ve not had much luck when visiting Florence and on both my trips I only had a few hours to wander round.
On my first visit, it was pouring with rain so the day was cut short to just a few hours. The second time I only had an afternoon and evening there before I needed to be in Lucca.
So I’ve had plenty of experience with trying to see the best of Florence in a short amount of time.
If you can spend a few days there you can obviously take your time seeing the main sights and don’t need to rush around.
However, if a day is all you have then don’t worry. You can still see enough to get a feel for this wonderful city.
Getting around Florence in a day
If you are wondering if Florence is walkable then the answer is yes. In fact, the best way to see Florence is on foot.
Small and compact, Florence is a very walkable city. Many of the main landmarks are all within a short walk of each other.
So don’t worry about hiring a car, booking taxis or figuring out public transport, just put your comfy shoes on and get walking.
Full of history, incredible architecture and magnificent art, it is almost like strolling around an open-air museum.
Almost everywhere you look there is something to grab your attention. It’s the perfect place to wander around and lose yourself.
If you are interested in learning more about Florence as you wander round, it is worth considering a walking tour.
You’ll be taken to see all the highlights and given some background on the city and what you are seeing. Some walking tours also come with tickets for some of Florence’s attractions.
Buy your ticket: Uffizi & Accademia Small Group Walking Tour
Another option, particularly if you are less mobile, is to take a hop on hop off bus tour. These double decker, open topped buses will show you the city in a few hours.
They also have multilingual audio commentary so you can learn about the history of the city as you drive round.
You can get off at any landmarks you’d like to spend time at and hop back on later. Or you can do the whole route without getting off. It’s up to you.
Buy your ticket: Florence Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
What to see in Florence in one day
There are many things you can do in Florence in a day but with such little time in this wonderful city you’ll want to concentrate on the main sights.
However, before you do anything you’ll need to fuel yourself for the day ahead. Grab a quick Italian breakfast at one of Florence’s many cafes.
Just remember, no Cappuccino after 10 am. Not unless you are comfortable with the odd strange look!
Once breakfast is done it’s time to get out and explore.
Stroll around the Piazza del Duomo
As home to four Florence landmarks, the Piazza del Duomo is the first stop for many visitors to the city.
Dominating the square is Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) with its iconic dome and bell tower. Next to it stands the Baptistery of St John and it’s famous bronze doors.
So that explains why it is one of the most visited places in Europe. It can get very busy here but there is plenty of space. So, it doesn’t feel too overcrowded even when packed with tourists.
Watch the crowds go by over a drink (or gelato!) from one of the many cafes dotted around the piazza.
Explore Florence Cathedral and it’s famous Dome
With its instantly recognisable coloured marble facade and Renaissance dome that dominates the skyline, Florence Cathedral is probably one of the most amazing pieces of architecture you’ll ever see.
Even if you are like me and know next to nothing about design, architecture or construction. It is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
The elaborate detail of the facade with its intricate carvings and statues is a sight to behold. Walk around the perimeter of the cathedral to take it all in and get a sense of its scale, it is huge.
Entry to the cathedral is free. However, the interior is not quite as inspiring as the exterior. In contrast to the outside, it feels kind of plain.
It is worth joining the queue though and having a wander around inside. Don’t be put off if the line appears long. It moved fairly swiftly the day I visited.
The iconic dome is one of Florence’s most recognisable landmarks. Rising over the city, the world’s largest brick dome is a marvel of innovation and engineering.
You can climb the dome but it is very popular so you’ll need to be organised. There is a small fee and it’s best to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Trust me on this, I tried to buy a ticket on the day only to discover it was sold out for the next four days. A lesson learnt there.
Look up at Giotto’s Bell Tower
Standing tall at the opposite end of the Florence Cathedral complex to the dome is Giotto’s Bell Tower.
Said to be one of Italy’s most beautiful bell towers, the slim freestanding tower is a stunning example of gothic architecture. Decorated with the same white, green and red marble facade as the cathedral it is almost as eye-catching as the dome.
The bell tower stands at 84.70 meters tall and 13 meters wide. With 414 steps to the top, it’s a bit of a climb but once there you’ll have a panoramic view of Florence, including a unique view of the Duomo.
With only one day in Florence, you will most likely only have time to climb the bell tower or dome.
Unless you have pre-booked tickets or purchased skip the line tickets you will probably have to spend a fair amount of time queuing at the ticket office. Which obviously will impact on your day so choose carefully.
Tip: If the queue for the dome is or long or it’s sold out, climb the tower at the Palazzo Vecchio instead. You’ll still get panoramic views over Florence but the queues will be shorter and you’ll have the bonus of the Duomo in the skyline.
Visit the Baptistery of St John
One of the oldest buildings in Florence, the Baptistery of St John is known for its octagonal shape and decorative bronze doors.
Look out for the doors on the east side. They’ll be the one with the crowd peering at them.
Designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, they show biblical scenes and were named The Gates of Paradise after a quote by Michelangelo. Sadly (although no less striking) the ones on display are replicas.
The originals can be found in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
Admire the sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria
This vibrant L shaped square is the historical and political centre of Florence. While still home to the city’s town hall, the square is now bordered with cafes and restaurants.
If you don’t have time visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David you can see a replica here in the square. The original was moved in 1873.
Also, look out for the Fountain of Neptune, just outside the Palazzo Vecchio and the open-air sculpture gallery underneath the arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Step back in time at the Palazzo Vecchio
Towering over the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s town hall. Standing for over seven centuries, the medieval building is now home to the city council and Mayor’s office.
As well as being an administrative centre the Palazzo Vecchio is also an art museum. With frescos lining the walls and spectacular art pieces it’s a pretty elegant government building.
Climb Arnolfo’s tower for eye-catching views over Florence
With neighbours such as the Duomo and its bell tower and dome, the tower at the Palazzo Vecchio perhaps is a little overlooked.
Which is a shame as it surely provides one of the best views over Florence.
On the plus side, it means it isn’t as crowded as you’d think it would be. In fact when I visited fewer than 15 people were waiting to climb.
Of course, being at the top of the famous dome or the bell tower are once-in-lifetime experiences. And they both indeed offer spectacular views over the red rooftops of Florence. However, there is one problem – they are not in said view.
Head to the top of the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Florence including the perfect shot of the Duomo.
At 95 meters tall and with 233 steps to the top of the tower, the climb is reasonably comfortable. Well, I say that now, not sure I thought it at the time when climbing in the middle of a heatwave!
Thankfully, there is a landing on the way up to the top where you can stop and take a rest. You can walk around and get a sneak peak of the view to come or take a break and catch your breath.
There was a very short queue when I visited and I was climbing the tower within 15 minutes of buying a ticket.
So, if you only have a day in Florence it is best to try here first rather than waste your limited time queuing at the Duomo for the dome or the bell tower.
Buy your ticket: Skip the line entrance tickets and video guide of Palazzo Vecchio
Wander over the Ponte Vecchio
I think this is easily one of the best things to do in Florence, the view is just spectacular.
Walking over the Ponte Vecchio zig-zagging around the crowds and glancing at the windows of the jewellers and souvenir shops it’s easy to forget you are on one of the world’s most iconic bridges.
In fact until you pass the viewing arches in the centre of the bridge that offer sweeping views along the Arno River, you forget you are on a bridge at all.
It is thought that a bridge in this spot – the narrowest point of the Arno River – has existed since Roman times. The current bridge was built in 1345 after the previous bridge was destroyed in a flood.
Being on the bridge itself means you don’t get to enjoy the famous view so make sure you walk along the riverbank (or head to the next bridge) to get the iconic shot of the exterior.
People watch in the Piazza della Repubblica
One of the main squares in Florence, the Piazza della Repubblica sits on the site of the city’s former forum (a city’s commercial and political centre in Roman times). The column in the square (Colonna dell’Abbondanza) marks the intersection of the two main roads in ancient Roman Florence.
Today, the square is still a bustling hub and meeting place with shops and cafes lining the edge of the piazza. It’s a great place to watch people.
Visit one of the famous Florence Museums
Sadly, I only got to glimpse at the outside of Florence’s famous museums. All the more reason to plan another visit I guess.
If you are an art buff then build in some time to visit one of the cities famous museums and galleries.
Uffizi Gallery
Home to many Renaissance masterpieces, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s greatest art museums. To see the best of the collections you’ll need to spend a good few hours in here, or most of the day if you are an art lover!
So unless you are an art buff (or it’s raining) it’s probably best if you leave this till next time. It will give you an excuse to book a return trip!
If art is your thing it is worth pre-booking tickets in advance. It will help you avoid the worst of the queues plus you can plan your day in Florence around your entry time.
Galleria dell’Accademia
I’d like to say if you travel to Florence you must go and say hello to Michelangelo’s David who resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia. But I’ve been twice and still not managed it.
So don’t be like me, make sure you build in time to visit one of the world’s most famous sculptures.
If you don’t have time to visit the gallery – and if you are only in Florence for a day you might not want to spend time queuing – you can say hello to fake David (a replica of the original) outside the front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. The spot the original once stood.
Florence at night
There is no shortage of things to do in Florence at night. If you are not too worn out from exploring the city during the day here are a few suggestions.
- Retrace your steps around some of the city’s landmarks but with fewer crowds
- Sip a Negroni overlooking the Arno River from the rooftop bar The Westin Excelsior
- People watch in the piazza’s
- Wander the side streets to discover bars and restaurants.
Read more: Looking to explore more of Tuscany? Why not visit the charming walled city of Lucca?
Tips for your day in Florence
Plan Plan Plan
I can’t stress this enough. If you only have one day in Florence you’ll need to be super organised.
There are so many places to see in Florence it is all about maximising your time to see as much as you can. So, do some research before your trip and decide what you’d like to see and what you don’t mind missing (or saving for another visit).
It will be a pretty full on day but if you can plan as much as possible in advance it will take most of the stress out of the day so you can concentrate on enjoying the city.
Pre-book tickets in advance
If there is anything you particularly want to see or do, such as seeing Michelangelo’s David or climbing the Duomo then book in advance to avoid disappointment.
As you’d expect in a city with so many iconic attractions, it can get very very busy. Think long queues and attractions selling out.
So, to save time on the day buy tickets in advance and where possible see if any skip the line tickets are available.
With only one day in Florence, you don’t want to waste half of it in a queue.
Start (or arrive) early
I know it’s an obvious thing but the earlier you get out and about, the more time you have to explore Florence. So set the alarm clock for the crack of dawn and get out there.
Walk everywhere
The best way to explore Florence is on foot. Wandering around the ancient streets is the perfect way to discover all the city has to offer.
Many of the landmarks are close to each other and strolling along the narrow streets between them you often stumble across places (like a great gelato store or hidden bar) you might otherwise not have seen.
Events in Florence
A visit to Florence is special enough but if your trip coincides (by chance or by plan) with an event it will be extra memorable. Events to look out for include..
- February – Carnevale (Italy’s mardi gras) parade
- March – Florentine New Year
- April – Scoppio del Carro
- June – Firenze Rocks, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
- August – San Lorenzo Feast Day
- September – Festa della Rificolona
- November – Florence Marathon
- December – Christmas markets
Read more: Looking for more events in Tuscany? Take a look at the Lucca Summer Festival which sees top national and international artists perform in the historic centre of the city.
Getting to Florence
Florence is in Tuscany, a region of central Italy. It is around 145 miles northwest of Rome. The city is well connected to the rest of Italy and Europe.
Flights
Florence is served by two airports. Florence airport, which is a short train ride away from the city centre, is the best to fly into if your time is short or you like the easy option.
Pisa airport is around 50 miles from Florence however, depending on flight times and cost, can sometimes be a better option. Particularly as the airport is used by some low cost airlines.
There are a couple of ways to get to Florence. You can take taxi, bus or hire a car.
Or you can jump on the shuttle to Pisa’s central station (5 minutes or so) and take the train to Florence. I’ve done this journey and it’s pretty straightforward.
Train
It is easy to explore Italy by train, the rail network connects all the big cities and beyond.
If you are travelling by train or interailing across Europe, Jennie Wanders shares some tips on how to make the most of your Interrail pass and has some great itineraries that show the best of Italy.
Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella, is right in the heart of the city. So if you arrive here, you will be within walking distance of Florence’s tourist attractions and most probably your accommodation if you are staying.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
Any time you can visit Florence is the best time. It is a year-round destination. That said it depends on the type of trip you are hoping for and your personal travel preferences.
Summer can get very hot and very crowded. My last visit was in July in the middle of a heatwave and in all honesty, it was pretty grim. Far too hot to spend much time running around seeing the sights. I just wanted to sit in the shade eating gelato to cool down!
Also, having not planned very well some of the attractions, like climbing the Duomo, were sold out for days. So it’s probably best to avoid the hot and humid days of summer.
I’d look at April to June or September to October. While it is still likely to be busy, the peak tourist season either won’t have begun or will be wrapping up. So the crowds should be slightly less and the weather cooler.
Winter will bring even fewer crowds but the weather may not be on your side. However, hotels will have better availability and might even be cheaper so there are some advantages to travelling in the off season.
The last word
Florence is one of those cities that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Even if it is just for a few hours…
Overflowing with art, history, culture and fabulous food (just give me all the pasta) it has all the ingredients for a magical trip.
I hope this post has given you some ideas of things to do in Florence in one day. You can see the highlights of the city, even if you have limited time.
You just have to plan ahead and be organised. And maybe prepared to book a return visit!