One Day Trip to Florence from Rome | The Ultimate Guide

Considering taking a day trip to Florence from Rome? You’re in the right place! Whether your time in Italy is limited or you’ve been inspired at the last minute to experience this Renaissance wonder, there are many reasons to consider a day trip to Florence from Rome. Whatever your reason, one thing is certain: a day trip to Florence is always worth it! 💃

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city where art is found around every corner. From world-renowned galleries and architectural masterpieces to vibrant artisan shops and unforgettable food, Florence offers something for everyone. 😍 

With its breathtaking architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and rich medieval history, this city is a must on a visit to Italy. 👏

The first time I visited Florence was on a day trip from Rome, and I fell in love with the city instantly. Though I’d recommend spending more time here if possible, it’s far better to visit Florence for one day than not at all. With proper planning and by prioritizing the right attractions, you can make this day trip an unforgettable experience!

Ready for the best one day trip to Florence from Rome? Keep reading to discover everything there is to know – from the must-dos and essential tips, to Florence food, and more! 👇

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How to get to Florence from Rome

There are various methods for getting to Florence from Rome, ultimately though, a high-speed train will be your best friend! Why is that? Because a high-speed train will get you from Rome to Florence in 1.5 hours or less, which gives you extra time to spend in Florence.

My two biggest tips are to book your train tickets well in advance for the lowest prices, and to “get in early and leave late”. In other words, get to Florence early in the morning, maybe by 9:30 AM, and leave after 8 PM. The most central stations will be Termini Station (Rome) and Santa Maria Novella Station (Florence).

As a third tip, make sure to use Omio to see all the different transportation options available! This is a platform I always use on my travels and cannot recommend enough, as it allows you to see everything in one place, from bullet trains to coach buses, flights, and ferries. It’s the easiest way to find the best fit for your own itinerary and budget.

Quick Guide to One Day in Florence

Here are the things to do in Florence that you cannot miss out on:

Devour Schiacciata or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or both 🤪
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Walk around the Historic Center
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
Admire the Ponte Vecchio

The Must-Dos on Your One Day Trip to Florence from Rome

Don’t have time to read yet? Grab my Quick Recommendations & Tips!👇
🎨 Tip: Most main attractions are CLOSED on Mondays, avoid traveling on this day.
🏠 Stay at the Hotel Spadai
💃Book ASAP: Uffizi Gallery, Brunelleschi Dome, Accademia Gallery🚅
Use Omio (my favorite) for the best transportation methods available

This list of must-dos and must-sees cannot be fully completed in a day, but you can definitely check off the majority. 

Read the descriptions to decide which must-dos and must-sees will make the perfect day in Florence for you! As a note, these are all in order for a direct walk around the city.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore | “Florence Duomo”

If there’s one place that everyone thinks of when visiting Florence, it’s the breathtaking Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the “Florence Duomo”.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the third-largest church in the world and has the world’s largest masonry dome. As a fun fact, the man who designed and built this cathedral had no previous architectural training. 

When there was a competition for who would get to build the dome, Filippo Brunelleschi won over the judges by making an egg stand on a table… How crazy is that?? 😅

Despite his lack of architectural training, Brunelleschi created an absolute wonder of a church. So much of a wonder that today’s architects don’t know how to replicate it. The architectural style of the 13th-century cathedral is both Gothic and Renaissance. However, the style of the cathedral’s façade we see today is neo-Gothic and dates back to the 19th century.

This complex is composed of 4 different buildings: Cathedral, Brunelleschi Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of St. John.

👉 Read these 16 ESSENTIAL Tips before visiting the Florence Duomo Complex!

The Cathedral is free to enter, and opens at 10:15 AM every day – I recommend lining up around 9:45 AM. If you want to climb the Brunelleschi Dome, you will need to book your tickets at least one month in advance! 

Accademia Gallery – Statue of David

Home to the world-renowned Statue of David, the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze is one of the most important art museums in Florence!

If you didn’t know, the Statue of David was created in the 16th-century and stands 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall=. This Italian Renaissance masterpiece is the first colossal marble statue from the early modern period and was sculpted by Michelangelo.

The Accademia Gallery is also home to works of art by Florentine artists, from the 14th to the 17th century. This art museum is fairly small, with the Statue of David being the main star. That said, if you’re interested in seeing the statue but aren’t sure whether it’s worth it, you can see a smaller version in Piazza della Signoria.

Book your Accademia Gallery tickets now, before they sell out! 👇

Uffizi Gallery

Welcome to one of the finest and oldest art galleries in the world! Built by the Medici family, the Uffizi Gallery is over 250 years old and is home to endless, world-renowned masterpieces.

With over 6,000 paintings, one can easily spend 3 hours wandering around the Uffizi Gallery and still feel like it wasn’t enough time. Here you will get to admire world-renowned works of art, including the Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo. 😍

As a fun fact, in 1911, a Florentine man stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris to bring it back to its homeland. When the Uffizi Gallery became aware of this, they contacted the Louvre directly. The Louvre, out of appreciation, allowed the Uffizi Gallery to keep the painting for a short while.

The Uffizi Gallery is an absolute must-visit when in Florence, especially for art and Italian culture lovers. Grab your Uffizi Gallery tickets before they sell out! 👇

Ponte Vecchio

Welcome to the oldest stone bridge in Europe and one of the most famous bridges in the world, Ponte Vecchio!

The bridge we see today was “built” in 1345 after a flood destroyed the original, 13th-century wooden bridge. The original bridge, up until 1218, was the only bridge to cross the Arno River in Florence.

The 14th-century bridge we see today is home to endless jewelry shops and even a secret passage, the Vasari Corridor. The Vasari Corridor is a kilometer long and runs from Palazzo Vecchio through Uffizi, over Ponte Vecchio, ending at the Pitti Palace.

Note: After 8 years of renovations, the Vasari Corridor opened up again in December 2024 – so make sure to include this secret path on your Florence itinerary! 😍

As an interesting fact, during World War II, the Germans were told to destroy every bridge in Florence. Gerhard Wolf, a German official who loved the bridge, persuaded Hitler to spare the bridge. Gerhard’s action is the reason why this bridge still stands, and why his name is on a plaque at the start of Ponte Vecchio.

When it comes to visiting the Ponte Vecchio, just know that it is quite crowded and the true magic of the bridge is witnessed by the adjacent bridges – such as Ponte Santa Trinità.

Indulge in Florence’s Most Iconic Foods

Did you even visit Florence if you didn’t indulge in at least 2 of its culinary icons? Unless you are a vegetarian, the biggest must-try in Florence is the one and only, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, “Florentine Steak”. This dish is THE dish to try. 😍

Another must-try traditional food of Florence is the iconic Schiacciata – a sandwich made with focaccia-style bread. I strongly recommend ordering a Schiacciata to-go for lunch and enjoying it as you walk around Florence’s historic center. There’s truly no better lunch. 😋

If you’re celiac, make sure to go to Sgrano for the best gluten-free Schiacciata, and Lorenzo de Medici for Florentine Steak and other traditional dishes. 🫶😋

Discover 13 other Traditional Florence Foods, and the Best Gluten Free Restaurants

Piazza Della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria is the most beautiful and best piazzas in Florence. It is perfect for seeing beautiful statues, historical buildings, and strolling around.

This historic square is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, l’Importuno di Michelangelo, and Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air museum full of incredible replicas of world-renowned sculptures. Some other highlights of this square include Fontana di Nettuno, Statua Equestre di Cosimo I, Palazzo Uguccioni, and more.

Palazzo Vecchio is a late 13th-century palace built as a residence and workplace of the officials of the republic. In the 16th century, with Cosimo I de Medici’s orders, it became a Ducal Palace, the building we see today, and the residence of the Medici family. When the Medici family later moved to the Pitti Palace, they changed the Ducal palace’s name to Palazzo Vecchio, “Old Palace”.

The Loggia dei Lanzi, on the other hand, is an open-air museum that houses replicas of world-renowned sculptures, including “Perseus with the Head of Medusa”. This museum is free and sits right in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

If you’re interested in entering the Palazzo Vecchio, the first floor has free entrance, and the higher floors need an entry ticket. Check out these highly-rated activities in the Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio! 👇

Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

The Pitti Palace was once the Medici family’s residence and the grand ducal palace of Tuscany. This 15th-century Renaissance palace has priceless art collections, sumptuous frescoes, and ornate furnishings. This palace offers visitors a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle of Florence’s elite.

Dating back to the 16th century, the Boboli Gardens are one of the finest examples of Italian gardens in the world. Designed by the Medici, the gardens feature a harmonious blend of lush greenery, sculptures, fountains, and more

The Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens allow you to immerse yourself in the art, history, and natural beauty of Renaissance Florence. While both are must-visits, you can get separate tickets – should you prefer visiting only one of the two.

Check out these highly-rated experiences for the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens! 👇

Artisan Shopping

When you’re in Italy, be sure to support artisans and small businesses by buying your souvenirs from them! Artisans are a true treasure that we need to support before they quietly disappear. 

A few reasons why you should buy from artisans include preserving cultural heritage, it’s eco-friendly, and it allows you to form a deeper connection with locals.Some amazing artisan stores to support in Florence are 39 Rosso, Pinocchio Store Firenze, and D.VERS@!

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is a vibrant and bustling food market located within the walls of a 19th-century glass and iron building. This marketplace celebrates Florence’s rich culinary heritage and other cuisines. The marketplace’s main project is to shine a light on wonderful artisans and their produce.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (Hidden Gem)

⚠️ When visiting, hold onto your jaw because it WILL fall to the ground in awe of the BEAUTY. ⚠️ This is not a joke; the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is so beautiful that Michelangelo called it his wife.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a hidden gem in Florence and a convent that dates back to the 13th century, specifically the year 1279. Its mesmerizing façade is the oldest of all the churches in Florence, as well as the ONLY original one left standing.

Here you will see endless works of art – from stained glass windows to masterpieces from artists like Giotto and Botticelli! Furthermore, you will see large courtyards, chapels, the Grand Cloister, and so forth.

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

If you have time, Piazzale Michelangelo will give you unforgettable, panoramic views over Florence! This square’s dedicated to Michelangelo and was originally meant to house a museum filled with his masterpieces. While the museum never came to be, there are bronze copies of his most famous works – including David.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a 22-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio. There is public transportation, but it will not bring you directly into the square; you would still need to walk a bit. That said, if possible, I recommend walking directly over!

Essential Tips for Your Day Trip to Florence from Rome

Here are some important things to know before you embark on your day trip to Florence. These tips include everything from the best way to get there, to what to pack and wear, when to NOT visit, and more. 👇

When to avoid a day trip to Florence from Rome 

Especially if this is the first time you’re visiting Florence, do NOT take this day trip on a Monday! 
Why? Because on Monday, the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and many other incredible must-sees are closed. I recently made this mistake myself in December 2024, so let this be a warning that I didn’t have! 😅

Book these Activities WELL in Advance

It’s no surprise that Florence is one of the most famous and beloved cities in all of Italy – maybe even the world. 😍 Due to this, there are certain attractions that you MUST book well in advance if you want to visit them.

Out of all the best things to do in Florence, the ones that sell out the fastest are the Brunelleschi Dome, Accademia Gallery, and the Uffizi Gallery. 

The Brunelleschi Dome tours need to be booked at least a month in advance, while the other two, I’d definitely recommend a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.

What to pack for Florence day trip from Rome

What you pack and wear for your trip to Florence will vary a bit depending on when you visit, so here are the year-round must-haves!

• Passport
• AIRE Certification (if applicable)
• Power Bank
• Scarf to cover up with
• Comfy, broken-into shoes

The general consensus is that during your one day in Florence, you will be walking A LOT – so it is crucial to wear comfortable shoes that will support you all day. 

If you’re visiting during the summer or early fall, you will need to keep in mind the Florence Duomo’s dress code – no crop tops, no short-shorts or skirts, sleeveless tops, etc. In addition, because you will be walking so much outdoors, make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses in the summertime!

Florence is so breathtaking that you will want to take pictures at every corner – making a power bank an absolute must.

In terms of the passport, you will need to show it, or some other form of ID, when entering the Brunelleschi Dome, and other important attractions. Plus, if you’re a student,  you might get discounted rates!

Which is the best area of Florence to stay in?

Florence is a fairly compact city, but if it’s your first time visiting and you only have a day, then it’s best to stay as central as possible – specifically in the Historic Center. Here are 5 incredible central stays to consider for different budgets.

Luxurious Stay: Hotel Lungarno

Mid-Range Stay: Hotel Spadai (next to the Duomo) | Hotel David (near Piazzale Michelangelo)

Budget Stay: YellowSquare Florence | Ostello Bello Firenze

Is a Day Trip to Florence Worth It?

Abso-freaking-lutely! It can be an intense and tiring trip as you try to do it all, but it is all so worth it. If you need some more convincing, here are 16 reasons to visit Florence and FAQ answers!

My one day in Florence itinerary is a step-by-step guide that helps you optimize your time and experience the best of the city, including the main attractions, a hidden gem, and best restaurants.

On the other hand, if you have a little over one day, make sure to check out my 2-day Florence itinerary for a slower-paced experience and more essential tips.

📌 Pin this for your Future Italy Travels! 👇

Will you be taking a day trip to Florence from Rome? If so, what are you most looking forward to seeing or doing in Florence? Let me know in the comments! 😊

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