One Day in Florence: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary (13 Highlights)
Savvy Travel Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, I receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read my disclaimer for more information.
Florence is one of those cities that captures your attention the moment you arrive. Its picturesque piazzas and stunning Renaissance architecture is a dramatic introduction to Firenze’s (means Florence in Italian) artistic character even before you have a chance to step inside a single museum.
It’s one of the most art-filled cities in Europe, and whether you’re an art-lover or simply a curious traveler, Florence has a way of drawing you in.
It can be overwhelming to plan your time when you have only one day in Florence. Having visited several times, below is a list of what I think is the best way to see and experience Florence at a good pace, as well as recommendations of what to eat and where to stay with only one day in the city.
One Day In Florence: Quick Summary
Top Florence Sites:
Combined Accademia & Uffizi Gallery Tour
Sunset Food Tour
Bargello Museum
Florence Leather School
Where To Stay In Florence:
Day Trips From Florence:
How To See Florence In One Day
With limited time, my number one recommendation is to book tickets for sights and attractions in advance. This allows you to fit as much as possible into a single day and plan your schedule around timed entry tickets.
If you follow the recommendations below, everything should be manageable without feeling too rushed.
Of course, you could easily spend hours at each of these places but with only one day in Florence, I recommend shorter visits that focus on the highlights rather than going deep. Think of it as a greatest-hits day rather than an in-depth exploration of Florence.
Sundays & Mondays
On the first Sunday of the month, museums offer free admission. However, it’s best to avoid visiting on this day, as the line-ups can be very long.
Some attractions are closed on Sundays and most museums are closed on Mondays, with the occasional one on Tuesdays, so plan your trip accordingly.
If you happen to be in the city on a Monday, it’s a great day to plan a day trip from Florence instead.
MORNING
Florence is a very walkable city, allowing you to cover a lot in one day. Distances between sites are short and walking allows you to take in the everyday rhythm of the city.
1. Climb the Duomo’s Dome
Located in the heart of the city, the Duomo (which means cathedral in Italian) is the natural starting point for most first-time visitors. It’s one of the Florence’s most iconic sites, which also means it’s one of the most crowded. With only one day in Florence, starting your day here early is the best strategy to visiting.
The cathedral itself is free for anyone to enter but what draws most visitors is Brunelleschi’s dome on top, which you can climb up 463 steps for fantastic views over the city. The staircase is very narrow so anyone who is claustrophobic may want to skip it.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to end your day on a high note, save the climb for late afternoon for wonderful sunset views instead. Make sure to reserve tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
Most people find that the real treasures are not inside the church but at the Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), located just behind it. It houses some of the finest sculptures from the Renaissance period.
You can purchase a pass to book timed-entry tickets that include the duomo, dome climb and museum.
Hours: The cathedral is free and open Monday to Saturday, 10:15 am to 3:45 pm.
Brunelleschi’s Dome requires tickets and is open Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 6:45 pm; Saturday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm; and Sunday, 12:45 pm to 4:30 pm.
2. Accademia (Galleria dell’Accademia)
Next, head on foot about 5 minutes north on Via Ricasoli to the Accademia. In addition to the famous 17-foot David statue, the Accademia features the largest collection of Michaelangelo sculptures in the world. The Accademia was Europe’s first art school, and in addition to sculptures displays pre-Renaissance and Renaissance paintings.
Your visit here can easily be done in about an hour, enough time to feel you have experienced one of Florence’s true high notes.
I highly recommend booking an 1-hour guided tour, which will fast-track your entrance and ensure you do not miss any significant works of art.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (last admission at 6:20 pm). Closed Mondays. Free admission on the first Sunday of the month but advance bookings are not available on those days.
3. Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi is a 10-minute walk from the Accademia and it is completely doable to visit both in the same day. Depending on your timing, you may want to stop for lunch first, which in that case, see my recommendations below, or have a late lunch after your visit.
The Uffizi is one of the most important art museums in the world and an absolute must-see, even if you are not a die-hard art lover. The Italian Renaissance is the museum’s most represented period, though you will also find works from the Middle Ages, Gothic, Mannerist and Baroque traditions.
It has the largest collection of Botticelli paintings anywhere (my personal favorite) and greatest collection of other Italian paintings by Leonardo, Raphael, Titan, Caravaggio and Michelangelo that you will almost certainly recognize.
I listened to an audio podcast tour when I visited, but if I could do it again, I would book a guided highlights tour instead. It was difficult to follow which rooms the audio tour covered and visiting in summer meant the galleries were very crowded in the afternoon.
Having an in-person guide would have made it far more enjoyable.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8.15 am to 6.30pm. Closed Mondays
➡️Savvy Travel Tip – If you want to visit both the Accademia & Uffizi, consider this combined small-group guided tour that takes you to both.
AFTERNOON
4. Panini Sandwich For Lunch
Florence is known for its incredible panini sandwiches, sometimes made with a focaccia-style bread called schiacciata. The most famous sandwich spot in the city is All’Antico Vinaio, which is so popular it has two locations right across the street from each other.
I generally try to avoid places that feel like tourist traps but the sandwiches here were genuinely amazing and it’s conveniently located just around the corner from the Uffizi. The menu offers a huge variety, with more than 30 types of sandwiches available to order.
If you would rather skip the lineup (it was only about a five minute wait when we went), another great option is I Fratellini. Also near the Uffizi, it’s a stand-up take-out spot where you can grab a sandwich and a glass of wine.
5. Gelato
Trying gelato in Florence is a must. There’s a constant debate about which gelateria serves the best in the city. Perché No!, located near the Uffizi Gallery, is a long-time favorite with a large selection of flavors. If you’re willing to walk a little farther east, Gelateria dei Neri is one of the most popular spots among locals.
If you’re on a mission to find the best gelato in Florence, here are a few tips for spotting authentic gelato:
• Check the flavors offered – quality gelaterias offer flavors using natural & seasonal ingredients
• Look for muted, natural colors and avoid anything neon-colored
• Check the containers – the best gelato is stored in covered metal tins rather than fluffy and piled high.
6. For Florentine Sculptures: Bargello Museum
Many people consider the Museo Nazionale Bargello to be one of the most underrated and important sculpture museums in Florence. Housed in the oldest public building in Florence, everyone raves about the three floors of sculptures with rooms dedicated to the artists of the Florentine Renaissance including Michelangelo and Donatello (his original version of David), as well as works by Giambologna, Francavilla, Cellini and many others.
Be sure to visit the chapel of Mary Magdalene, with frescoes by Giotto.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 8:15 am to 6:50 pm. Sunday, 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
7. If Science Is More Your Thing: Galileo Museum
Dedicated to the Pisa-born scientist and astronomer Galileo, the museum provides a glimpse into his life and the only remaining scientific instruments he designed and built. Exhibits here include Galileo’s large collection of maps, clocks, telescopes. antique microscopes, thermometers and compasses.
My husband thoroughly enjoyed the museum, except for the very graphic anatomical models, that he quickly skipped over.
8. For An Interactive Experience:
Florence Leather School
If you have had enough of museums for the day, head east to the Santa Croce area where you will find Florence’s Leather School, Scuola del Cuoio. Florence has long been known for its soft, high-quality leather and this is a great place to see skilled artisans at work.
Tours take you through the workshop, where craftspeople make leather goods by hand and explain the different leathers and techniques used along the way.
And yes, there is a shop too, with everything from purses and belts to wallets and jackets available for purchase.
Hours: Tours to see artisans at work can be reserved Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. The shop is also open on weekends, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
9. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Di
Santa Maria Novella
This is a fun stop to make toward the end of the day. Considered the oldest pharmacy in the world, this space originally functioned as a chapel and dates back to the 13th century.
Today, it is essentially a perfume and apothecary boutique but it’s worth visiting just to see the beautifully restored interior. Admission and sampling are free, though the fragrances are on the pricier side.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. Address: Via della Scalla, 16.
EVENING
10. Sunset Food Tour
When you only have one day in a city, a food tour is one of the best ways to combine sight-seeing with a meal. It combines history, culture and dinner into one experience, with a knowledgeable guide who can add historical context along the way.
This Sunset Food Tour pairs food stops with visits to Florence’s famous wine windows and gets five stars from nearly everyone who takes it.
11. Florentine Steak
If you would rather sit down for dinner on your own, having a Florentine steak is a must. La Buchetta is exceptional. They weigh the steak in front of you so you can decide how much you want to eat (and pay for accordingly).
Their gnocchi dish is probably the best gnocchi I have ever eaten in my life. So good that I went back the next day for another portion!
12. Ponte Vecchio
When you are ready to walk off all of the Florentine food that you have consumed, make your way down to the Arno River for a romantic evening stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. As you walk across the Arno, you leave the historic center of Florence and enter the Oltrarno on the south side.
You’ll find jewelry shops and vendors lining the bridge, which are fun to browse, even if they are a bit touristy.
Once you reach the other side, in the Oltrarno (which means “the other side of the Arno” in Italian), loop around to cross back over the Ponte alle Grazie bridge for classic postcard views of the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Florence skyline.
If You Have One More Day in Florence
13. Chianti Wine Tour
Located between Florence and Siena, the region of Chianti is known for its scenic rolling hills, vineyards and charming villages. It’s one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany and home to some of Italy’s most well-known wines.
This small-group guided tour picked you up in Florence and takes you to visit three different wineries, the Tuscan hillside and villages, with lunch included. A perfect day trip from Florence to enjoy wine, food and scenery, all while someone else is driving!
Where To Stay
All of these hotel recommendations are in central Florence and only a few minutes walk to sites and museums.
Hotel Pendini
I don’t normally include budget hotels but accommodation can be expensive in Florence so Hotel Pendini is a good choice if you have a strict budget. It’s centrally located on Piazza della Repubblica, 3 blocks away from the Duomo. Rooms are clean but modest and old-style Italian. Breakfast
Grand Hotel Cavour
Centrally located in the heart of Florence, Grand Hotel Cavour welcomes guests with a striking yet cozy medieval-style lobby. You must visit its rooftop bar for panoramic and up close views of city landmarks. Rooms are comfortable and modern, blending contemporary touches with classic Florentine charm.
Hotel L’Orologio
A stylish hotel overlooking Santa Maria Novella. Hotel L’Orologio serves guests generous breakfasts and offers spacious rooms decorated with details inspired by legendary watchmakers such as Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe.
FAQs
Are Florence and Tuscany The Same Place?
Florence is a city located in the region of Tuscany in central Italy.
How Do You Get To Florence?
Getting to Florence is very easy. From Rome, by car it will take 3 hours or by train it will take 1.5 hours on the Express train to Florence’s central station Santa Maria Novella.
SAVVY SUMMARY
Spending one day in Florence may feel short but it’s enough time to experience the city’s incredible art, history, and food. From climbing the Duomo and admiring Renaissance masterpieces to enjoying gelato and an evening stroll along the Arno, Florence offers unforgettable moments around every corner.
Even in just one day, Florence has a way of leaving you inspired and you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.
If you’re looking for more ideas of what to see while in Florence, I have a list of the 10 best day trips from Florence that are less than 2 hours away.
