How to Spend the Perfect Day in Florence

Only have one day in Florence, and wondering how to make the most of it? You’re in the right place! I’ve visited Florence as a day trip from Rome several times, and have also spent 2 full days there. With my trips, I’ve found how to spend the perfect day in Florence – and one helps you flow through the city, and all of its best things to do and see.

Located in the dreamy region of Tuscany, Florence offers an enchantment similar to that of fairytales. It is a medieval city full of unreal sights – from architectural masterpieces to historic bridges and buildings. Did I mention art is found at every corner?

Okay, enough fangirling (😂) – here’s how you spend a perfect day in Florence!😍 Get ready to discover Florence’s must sees and icons, as well as hidden gems, essential Florence tips, and more!

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Table of Contents

The Perfect One Day in Florence Itinerary

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✨ Itineraries & Guides: 2 Days in Florence | Things to do in Florence | Florence Hidden Gems

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8:15 AM: Accademia Gallery – Statue of David

Rise and shine with the Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery! The Accademia Gallery is a small art museum and home to the world-renowned Statue of David, by the one and only Michelangelo. Standing at 5.17 meters (17 ft) tall, this Italian Renaissance masterpiece is the early modern period’s first colossal marble statue.

The Accademia Gallery is a fairly small art museum, meaning your visit will likely be under an hour long. Here, along with David, you will find art from the 14th to 17th centuries by various Florentine artists.

The Statue of David attracts over a million visitors each year, making it important to book your tickets well in advance and preferable to visit first thing in the morning. Get your Accademia Gallery tickets through the Get Your Guide experience that suits you most.👇

9 AM: Breakfast at Ala Grande Café

Now that you’ve fed your eyes with some masterpieces, it’s time to do the same to your tummy! Head to Ala Grande Caffé, one of the best cafes in Florence, to energize yourself and enjoy a delicious breakfast. With all the walking ahead of you, this is important! At Ala Grande Caffé you will be able to enjoy everything from coffee to pastries, pancakes, omelets, and more.

9:45: Florence Cathedral

Now it’s time to visit Florence’s most iconic attraction and the third-largest church in the world – the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore!😍

Often known as the Florence Cathedral or Florence Duomo, this 13th-century work of art brings together Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with a sprinkle of neo-Gothic. It is a complex of buildings, including the Brunelleschi Dome, Giotto Tower, Cathedral, and the Baptistery.

The Florence Cathedral is free to visit, and opens its doors at 10:15 AM. By arriving at 9:45, the line won’t be too long and the weather will likely be optimal – especially in the summer time.

There are several important things to note before visiting the Florence Duomo, but the most important is to follow the dress code. If you are wearing crop tops, short skirts or pants, or sleeveless tops – you will need to bring a scarf or a cover up to be let in. If you forgot yours, there’s nearby stands that sell them!

✨ Read my ESSENTIAL tips before visiting the Florence Duomo!

A detailed view of the Florence Cathedral facade, showcasing ornate Gothic architecture with intricate carvings and circular rose windows. The tall bell tower stands majestically against a clear blue sky—truly capturing the essence of a perfect day in Florence.

As mentioned, if you are planning to simply visit the Florence Cathedral, there are no entry tickets – it’s free access. However, if you’re planning to visit the Brunelleschi Dome, the Baptistery, or the Giotto’s Bell Tower, you will need to buy tickets WELL in advance – a month to be safe. Check out these two experiences below: one offers access to all sites and the other is a private tour!👇

11 AM: Uffizi Gallery

A framed painting depicting a mythological scene: a woman standing on a large seashell in the sea, with figures to her left blowing wind and a clothed woman to her right offering a cloak - "The Birth of Venus. Visiting this painting at Uffizi Gallery is key to spending a perfect day in Florence.

After a morning of The Accademia Gallery (the appetizer), and the Duomo di Firenze (4-course meal 😆), it’s time for the Uffizi Gallery (the dessert)!

The Uffizi Gallery, built by the Medici family, is one of the finest and oldest art galleries in the world! This gallery is 250-year-old and home to endless, world-renowned masterpieces. Some of the Uffizi Gallery artworks are The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, and Medusa by Caravaggio.

For those who ask if there’s a Uffizi Gallery dress code, there is not!

While this doesn’t sell out as quick as the Brunelleschi Dome does, I definitely recommend booking your tickets in advance to save your spot and to avoid long queue lines.

12:30 PM: Stroll Around the Squares – Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica

A marble statue vividly captures a dynamic scene, with one figure towering over another, sword raised in triumph. Displayed in an arched, classical setting this is in one of the best piazzas of Florence, Piazza della Signoria. To have a perfect day in Florence, you must visit this square and check out this open-air museum.

Now that you’ve immersed yourself in the most iconic works of art Florence offers, it’s time to immerse yourself in the city and its charm.

Start by heading to Florence’s most beautiful and important square, Piazza della Signoria. Piazza della Signoria is home to Palazzo Vecchio, various historical buildings, and an open-air museum, Loggia dei Lanzi.

Are you looking to enter the Palazzo Vecchio? If so, it’s important to note that the first floor has free entry, but you need a ticket for the upper floors. For the Palazzo Vecchio tickets, check out these cool and highly-rated experiences!👇

After visiting the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, head to Piazza della Repubblica. Piazza della Republicca is a vibrant square that embodies Florence’s evolving identity. In other words, this is where the beauties of the past and present intertwine.

This square is perfect for window shopping, people-watching, having a pick-me-up at a bar, or catching street musicians.

1:30 PM: Grab a Schiacciata for Lunch!

Person in a red coat stands outside "Sgrano Firenze" holding a pastry, smiling. It's the perfect day in Florence, with a festive wreath adorns the bakery and eager visitors waiting by the entrance, and the best gluten free schiacciata in Florence. The stone building exterior with the street sign "Via dei Neri" adds to its charm.

A hand holds a partially eaten sandwich, Schiacciata, wrapped in paper, set against a storefront adorned with festive greenery and a red bow—a scene straight out of a perfect day in Florence. The sign above reads "Sgrano" in elegant gold letters.

A perfect day in Florence cannot be perfect if it doesn’t involve grabbing a Schiacciata to-go and savoring it while walking around Florence. Schiacciata is a sandwich made with focaccia-like bread and stuffed with all sorts of ingredients!

If you’re celiac or gluten intolerant, I have the perfect place for you and I – Sgrano! It is a family-owned restaurant that is 100% gluten free and makes the most delicious gluten free Schiacciata imaginable.

Check out the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Florence 😋

I know… Everyone is obsessed with the viral Antico Vinaio, which became famous for having the (supposedly) best panini in Florence. While I can’t tell you what their Schiacciata is like (gluten), I will say that the lines here are ridiculously long. If you don’t want to wait in line but want a great Schiacciata, here are some other beloved places!

Not in a mood for Schiacciata? Here are other Traditional Foods to Eat in Florence!😍

3 PM: Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Post lunch, go say hello to Michelangelo’s wife and one of the best hidden gems in Florence, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. This is a 13th-century convent with a mesmerizing façade that is the ONLY original one standing and the oldest one of all churches.

If you are looking to dive deeper through Florence hidden gems, this is a must-visit. As you’re reading this itinerary, if you feel overwhelmed by the amount of attractions, I highly* suggest this is one you DO NOT skip out on!

A group of people stand in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy, enjoying a perfect day. The facade features geometric patterns and a large circular window, framed by trees and a bright blue sky with clouds—a quintessential one-day experience in Florence.

4 PM: (Optional) Gelateria La Carraia

What’s a better pick-me-up than some of the best gelato in Florence? Gelateria La Carraia sits by the beautiful Arno River and is home to some of Florence’s finest gelato. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, you’re in for a major treat!🍨

4:15 PM: Visit the Historic Ponte Vecchio

A historic stone bridge with shops spans a river under a clear blue sky, capturing the essence of a perfect day in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio's reflection shimmers in the water, while surrounding buildings add to the picturesque scene.

Ponte Vecchio is another of Florence’s most iconic landmarks, as well as the first and oldest bridge crossing the Arno River. The 14th-century bridge is home to endless jewelry shops and a kilometer-long secret passage, Vasari Corridor. This secret corridor runs from Palazzo Vecchio through Uffizi, over Ponte Vecchio, ending into the Pitti Palace.

While the Ponte Vecchio is iconic to walk across, make sure to go on the adjacent bridges to admire its beauty to the fullest! Ponte Santa Trinità and Ponte alla Grazie are the best bridges to see Ponte Vecchio.

Sitting a few minutes away from Ponte Vecchio is the popular Fontana Del Porcellino, the fountain of the piglet. Legend states that if you rub the piglet’s nose, you will get plenty of luck!

Important Tip. Ponte Vecchio gets crowded quickly – making it the perfect spot for pickpockets to steal. As always, keep all your belongings close and in front of you. Furthermore, make sure you don’t step on the posters scammers lay on the ground!

4:30 PM: Stroll around the Old Center and shop Artisans

A street view captures a building with the "Pinocchio Store" sign. Flags with emblems adorn the entrances, while a tree peeks from the left under a clear sky. Supporting small businesses and artisans are the perfect addition to a one day in Florence itinerary.

Once you cross the Ponte Vecchio, you will enter the other side of the Centro Storico di Firenze. Personally, this is the most magical part of the city – where there are more historic buildings, artisan shops, breathtaking gardens, and open areas.

Florence is a city rich in culture and artisanship, so make sure to check out all the amazing artisan stores spread throughout the city. When traveling, whether in Italy or other countries, it’s important to support artisans and small businesses by buying souvenirs from them! This is because artisans are a true treasure that preserves cultural heritage. Here are some additional reasons why you should support artisans:

Some amazing artisan stores to support in this area are 39 Rosso, Pinocchio Store Firenze, and D.VERS@!

5:30 PM: (Optional) Visit the Boboli Gardens, Pitti Palace, or Villa Bardini

If you are craving to see even more attractions, here are some more beautiful options! The Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace are in the same location, and the last entry is at 5:30 – closing at 6:30 pm. An hour is not enough to visit both, but you can certainly decide between the two depending on whether you want to see a garden or more art.

A group of people sits on steps leading to a pond surrounded by trees in a park, enjoying what feels like the perfect day in Florence. In the distance, a red building and a sprawling city are visible under the partly cloudy sky. These are the Boboli Gardens looking at the Pitti Palace.

If you want to get yourself Pitti Palace tickets or the Boboli Gardens Tickets, here they are!👇

The Villa Bardini is a hidden gem of a garden that closes late at night, making it the perfect spot to stroll around. This 17th-century villa is home to terraced gardens, vibrant flowers, art, and more! Doesn’t that just sound like the most serene atmosphere? Furthermore, the Villa Bardini is home to an art gallery with a rich collection of Italian art.

6:30 PM: Aperitif in Old Center

What better way to welcome the end of the day than with some of the best aperitivo in Florence? Here are two of the best spots: Bulli & Balene and Gusta Bar! Aperitivo is essentially the Italian’s take on happy hour – during which you go grab a drink accompanied by some delicious little plates.

7:15 PM: Head to Piazzale Michelangelo

What better way to end your one day in Florence than watching the sunset over it? Piazzale Michelangelo is a square that offers the best viewpoint of Florence. It is a 20-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio and is certainly worth the walk. Experiencing a Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset is a memory worth making.

As an important note, make sure to check the sunset hours during the month you visit – as those times will differ! Based on the month and sunset hour, do this earlier or later and simply shift the order of the other activities!

8 PM: Dinner at Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici

I don’t know about you, but all these adventures are make me hungry! Florence is a city with wonderful cuisine and the iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina. If you eat meat, you cannot miss out on this steak with a side of delicious patate al forno.

If you are celiac, or have a gluten tolerance, Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici will be your food heaven! This is one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Florence, and personally my favorite.

Here you will find everything from the Bistecca alla Fiorentina to pizza, pasta, Cantucci al vin santo, and so much more. Ristorante Medici is also an amazing place for gluten-eating people. They have separate kitchens for those who are allergic, meaning this restaurant is perfect for anyone.

A wooden board with sliced rare steak, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, rests next to a plate of sautéed spinach and another plate of roasted potatoes, all beautifully arranged on a red tablecloth, reminiscent of a perfect day in Florence.

1 Day in Florence FAQs

Is One Day in Florence Italy Enough Time?

As mentioned previously, to fully appreciate the beauty and magic of Florence, one should plan to visit for at least two full days. However, technically speaking, it is possible to see everything in Florence in one day – and at the end of the day, it’s better to spend 24 hours in Florence than not visiting at all.

With that said, take the day trip! Then start planning your next trip back as soon as you leave.😂

Best Time to Visit Florence

Spring and Fall are the best months to visit Florence, as they offer optimal weather and festivities. However, if you prefer to visit in the official off-season, it’s best to visit during the late fall or winter.

Is the Firenze Pass worth it for 1 Day in Florence?

City Cards tend to be an incredible purchase, as they give wonderful discounts for you to see all the wonders of a city. However, the Firenze Pass is one that various people warn you against. After doing some thorough research, it seems that the Firenze Pass is only worth it if you’re staying multiple days and plan to visit endless Florence landmarks. With that said, I recommend NOT getting the Firenze Pass if you’re visiting for only a day.

Is Seeing Florence in One Day Worth It?

Abso-freaking-lutely! As the dream destination for architecture, history, and art lovers, Florence is always worth it. 1 day in Florence is enough to see all the main attractions, walk all over the historic center, and enjoy some hidden gems.

As someone who first visited Florence as a day trip from Rome, I can confirm it was the best day trip! It’s safe to say that the 24 hours in Florence only made me want to come back for more.😍

To clarify, one should spend at least 2 to 3 full days in Florence to enjoy it’s essence. But if you only have a day to spend, then it is most definitely worth spending it in Florence!

Have a little more than a Day in Florence?

If you have some extra hours the following morning, spread out these activities. For example, if you want to see Florence Cathedral in its entirety, save the Uffizi Gallery for the next day.

If you want more options for activities and sites to see, here are the 22 best things to do Florence!

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How to Spend a Perfect Day in Florence

The Perfect One Day in Florence Itinerary