The Perfect One Day in Florence Itinerary: See All The Highlights

So, you only have one day in Florence. I’m not here to convince you to extend your stay – though, can’t you just squeeze in one more day?

With that said, I understand – time is limited, and Italy is overflowing with incredible places to explore. One full day in Italy’s dazzling Renaissance city can be enough time to hit the major attractions if you plan carefully.

This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors, and I promise, you won’t miss a thing. You’ll see Michelangelo’s David, admire Botticelli’s masterpieces at the Uffizi, and climb to the top of Florence’s Duomo.

I’ve also included some of my favorite restaurants, a must-visit gelato shop, and a few other amazing spots to make your day even more memorable.

It’s going to be a packed day, so be prepared for an early start. Let’s get to it!

Before you Visit

Itinerary Options: Not a big art fan? Take out the Uffizi Gallery, start your day with the Accademia Gallery instead, and then follow the rest of the itinerary in order. If you’d rather swap out one of the museums for another, I recommend either the Bargello or San Marco Museum.

Museum Opening Days: Both the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are closed on Mondays, so be sure to double-check their opening hours before planning or booking your day trip. Additionally, keep in mind that the inside of the Duomo is closed on Sundays and visits to the top of the dome are only available in the afternoon, starting at 12:45 PM.

Reservations: To see everything on this itinerary, you must book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, and the Duomo (including the dome & baptistry) in advance. Also, be sure to to call ahead (at least 1-2 weeks in advance) to make restaurant reservations, as they do fill up quickly.

• Uffizi Gallery Tickets
• Accademia Gallery Tickets
• Florence Duomo Tickets

Get an early start: To make the most of your time without feeling rushed, aim to start your day by 8:00 AM. If you’re traveling from another city for a day trip, such as Rome or Bologna, be sure to catch an early train to maximize your visit.

Florence One-Day Itinerary

Uffizi Gallery

Even if you’re not an art history buff, you’ve probably heard of the Uffizi Gallery. It’s one of the most renowned museums in the world and the most significant for Renaissance art.

This museums exists thanks to the Medici family and the donation of their impressive art collection. Some of the Uffizi’s most famous masterpieces include The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, and The Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto.

While you could easily spend half a day (or more) exploring the museum, I recommend limiting your visit to about 2 hours to stay on schedule. Book the earliest time slot available at 8:15 AM, or 9:00 AM at the latest if you’re arriving from another city.

For the best experience, consider booking a guided tour. The Uffizi Gallery is massive and with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be sure to see all of the major artworks. This early morning small group tour starts at 8:00 AM, so you can beat the crowds.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM. Tuesday from 8:15 AM to 10:00 PM. Closed Monday.

Tickets: Full-price tickets to the museum are €25 and should be purchased online at least a month or two in advance. All visitors under 18 get into the galleries for free. Check the official Uffizi website for updated hours and ticket prices.

Read more: 19 Best Museums in Florence

Florence Duomo Complex

The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, or simply the Duomo, is the heart of Florence. Brunelleschi’s dome continues to amaze visitors even today, and the cathedral itself is one of the largest in the world.

Construction began in 1296 and was completed 140 years later, in 1436. However, the stunning marble facade – with its intricate green, white, and pink detailing –wasn’t finished until the late 19th century.

Entry to the inside of the Duomo is free, and while there’s almost always a line, it moves quickly. Keep in mind, though, that the interior of the church is surprisingly plain compared to its elaborate exterior. That said, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the view of the dome from below.

The Duomo is part of a larger complex that includes the Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. Visiting all five sites takes at least half a day. Since you only have one day, I recommend visiting the Dome and the Baptistry.

Brunelleschi’s Dome

Completed in 1436, Filippo Brunelleschi’s octagonal dome was a groundbreaking architectural achievement during the Renaissance. The structure features two domes – one nested inside the other – and you’ll get a closer look at this ingenious design as you make your way to the top.

The climb involves 463 steps (there’s no elevator), and along the way, you’ll walk along the balcony of the interior dome, for an up-close view of Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgement.

Once you reach the top, you’ll get to enjoy one of the best views in Florence, overlooking both the cathedral and the city below.

Baptistry

Built in the 11th century, the Baptistery, located next to the Duomo, is worth a visit for a two main reasons. First, its interior features stunning 13th- and 14th-century mosaics covering both the ceilings and walls, detailing various religious figures and scenes.

Second, the East Doors, known as the Gates of Paradise, are a magnificent set of gilded bronze doors crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Note that the doors on the Baptistry are replicas – the originals are preserved inside of the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Tickets for the Duomo

Getting tickets for the Cathedral Complex ahead of time is a must. You’ll need to purchase the Brunelleschi Pass, which grants access to all five sites within the complex. The pass is valid for three calendar days from your selected date, but since you only have one day in Florence, this won’t make much of a difference.

When you purchase tickets online, you’ll be required to choose a specific time slot for the Dome. It’s crucial to arrive at the designated time on the exact date –otherwise, you’ll be denied entry. Unfortunately, we saw several people turned away because they mistakenly assumed they could visit the Dome at any time during the three-day period, which is not allowed.

Alternatively, if climbing the Dome isn’t a priority for you, you can choose from one of the other ticket passes listed below.

• Giotto Pass: This pass grants access to four sites: Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. The ticket is valid for three calendar days
• Ghiberti Pass: This pass includes access to three sites: Baptistery, Museum, and Santa Reparata. The ticket is valid for three calendar days.

Lunch

Many will tell you that you can’t leave Florence without trying a panini from All’Antico Vinaio. While the sandwich scene in Florence is undeniably good, I find All’Antico Vinaio overrated and not worth the hype.

Instead, try Pino’s, where you’ll often find Pino himself making your panini, or stop by Lo Schiacciavino, another fantastic and small sandwich shop.

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, Trattoria Marione al Trebbio is an excellent choice for lunch. Their service is pretty quick, and I recommend ordering the ribollita and ossobuco. Call ahead to reserve a table.

Read more: 27 Incredible Things to do in Florence

Accademia Gallery

After lunch, head to the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall David. You’re not alone – virtually everyone visiting Florence has David on their must-see list. This means booking your tickets in advance is essential unless you want to risk waiting in line for hours.

Plan to spend at least an hour here, though you could easily enjoy up to two hours exploring the gallery.

The Accademia isn’t just home to David; it also houses the world’s largest collection of Michelangelo statues, along with paintings by other Renaissance artists, such as Botticelli and Uccello.

Tour Tip: To learn more about the history of these works, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with an expert.

Tickets: €16 at full price, and any visitors under 18 years old can get in for free. For more ticket info, visit the official website. The Accademia gallery is included in the Firenze Card.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (last entrance at 6:20 PM). Closed Mondays.

Gelato from La Gelatiera

On my quest to find the best gelato in Florence, my husband and I visited 14 gelaterias during our last trip – and La Gelatiera earned the top spot on our list. Conveniently, it’s only a 6-minute walk from the Accademia Gallery.

My advice? Go for two scoops: one classic flavor, like pistachio or stracciatella, and pair it with something unique, such as pear with cheese or orange and ricotta.

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence’s main squares and has long been the political heart of the city.

At its center is the Palazzo Vecchio, the historic city hall. You can walk into the courtyard of the palace for free to take a look at the lovely frescoes on the walls.

In front of the palazzo, you’ll find a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Nearby is the Neptune Fountain, commissioned by the Medici family in the 16th century and created by Bartolomeo Ammannati.

Finally, don’t miss the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery showcasing beautiful Renaissance sculptures, which is free to visit.

Read more: 25 Hidden Gems in Florence

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is the city’s iconic “Old Bridge” dating back to 1345. As you walk across the bridge, you’ll notice that every shop sells gold or silver goods – a tradition dating back to the 1500s when jewelers first set up shop here.

Above the bridge is the Vasari Corridor, a private passageway built by the Medici family to connect the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. It allowed them to cross the river discreetly without being seen.

For the best view of the Ponte Vecchio, head upriver to the Ponte Santa Trinita. From there, you’ll have a beautiful perspective of the bridge that’s perfect for photos.

Oltrarno Neighborhood

As you cross the Ponte Vecchio, you’ll find yourself in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, one of my personal favorites. This area has a slightly more local vibe and is less touristy than the other side of the Arno with many fantastic things to do.

For the rest of your afternoon, you have a few options to choose from. Here are some of my recommendations.

• Boboli Gardens: Sprawling gardens designed by the Medici family. I always enjoy spending an hour or two here walking around the fountains, through the rose garden, and along the cypress-lined pathways.
• Pitti Palace: During the Renaissance, this was the Medici family’s main residence. Inside the palace are five separate museums, which you can visit with a single ticket.
• Santo Spirito Basilica: Designed by Brunelleschi, this is a lovely church that is free to visit. You do need to pay a small fee if you’d like to see Michelangelo’s wooden crucifix and the cloisters.
• Loggia Roof Bar: Located at the top of Palazzo Guadagni, one of the best boutique hotels in Florence, this is a fabulous rooftop bar with a great selection of cocktails and juices.
• Fotoautomatica: These analog photo booths have been all the buzz in Florence lately. Head to Via Santa Monaca to take a set of your own photos as a souvenir.

Read more: 19 Best Day Trips from Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo for Sunset

For one of the best views overlooking Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo before sunset. This is a popular spot, so it will likely be very crowded around this time.

I’ve found that arriving at least an hour before sunset still offers great lighting and a chance to enjoy the view before the crowds fully gather.

Alternatively, you can walk a bit further up the hill to San Miniato al Monte, where you can enjoy an equally amazing view with less people.

Dinner

Florence has so many fantastic dining options, it’s hard to narrow it down.

The first restaurant that comes to mind is Trattoria Sostanza – probably my favorite in Florence at the moment. What to order? The butter chicken. It’s hands down the best chicken I’ve ever tasted, with an umami flavor that’s truly next level. Their steak is also excellent, but trust me – get the chicken. For a first course, the tortellini in brodo is another standout.

Another favorite of mine is Cibrèo Trattoria, located in Sant’Ambrogio. They have an exceptional selection of pasta and meat dishes, perfect for a cozy Tuscan meal.

If you’re hoping to try Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), Trattoria Sostanza is again a solid choice. Another spot that’s highly recommended for steak is Regina Bistecca, though I haven’t had the chance to try it myself yet.

Itinerary Overview

Morning

• Uffizi Gallery
• Florence Duomo Complex: Dome & Baptistry

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Accademia Gallery
• Gelato stop
• Piazza della Signoria
• Ponte Vecchio

Late Afternoon / Early Evening

• Oltrarno Neighborhood
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• Dinner

Florence Tour Options

With one day in Florence, you’ll only have time for museum tours and potentially an evening cooking class. I’m sharing a few good options below.

Museum Tours

• Accademia Gallery Tour
• Early Morning Uffizi Gallery Tour
• Uffizi and Accademia 4-hour Small Group Tour

Evening Cooking Classes

• Pasta Cooking Class on Top of Florence Hills
• Florence Pasta Cooking Class: Mastering Nonna’s Recipes

Best Time to Visit Florence

Having visited Florence in every season, I’ve found that the best months to go are April, May, October, and November. During these times, the weather is mild, and the city is far less crowded than during the peak summer months.

For a full seasonal breakdown, check out my guide to the best time to go to Florence, which includes weather info and more.

How to Get to Florence

By Train

If you’re already in Italy, the easiest and most convenient way to get to Florence is by train. The main station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), is centrally located and within walking distance of the city center.

• Book your tickets on Trenitalia.com, the official train site.
• High-speed trains (like Frecciarossa or Italo) should be booked at least three weeks in advance for the best prices.
• Local trains are more flexible and can typically be purchased on the day of travel for the same price.

Popular Routes:

• Venice to Florence: ~2 hours on a high-speed train.
• Milan to Florence: ~1 hour and 45 minutes on a high-speed train.
• Bologna to Florence: ~35 minutes on a high-speed train.
• Rome to Florence: ~1 hour and 30 minutes on a high-speed train.

By Plane

If you’re flying from elsewhere in Europe, Florence has a small airport (FLR), which is about 20 minutes from the city center by tram.

However, if flights aren’t available or are too expensive, look at flying into Pisa (PSA) or Bologna (BLQ) airports. Both are larger and within 1-1.5 hours of Florence by train.

By Car

I don’t recommend driving in Florence—the roads are narrow, and I’ve seen far too many cars with scrapes along the sides. If you must drive, ask your hotel or accommodation for recommendations on where to park, as parking can be challenging in the city center. This article also has some helpful parking tips.

Where to Stay in Florence

Over the years, I’ve stayed all over Florence. My personal favorite neighborhood is Oltrarno – the restaurant scene and vibe here is fantastic, and it’s much quieter than across the Arno. That said, staying near the Duomo can be a great choice too. While it’s touristy, I loved the convenience of being so close to most of the main sights.

On my last visit, I stayed a few nights at Il Salviatino, a stunning 5-star hotel located in the Fiesole hills with gorgeous views of Florence in the distance. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, I highly recommend it.

• 5-Star Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
• Luxury Hotel: Il Salviatino
• Boutique Hotel: Casa G Firenze
• Mid-Range: Oro Nero Florence
• Budget Hotel: Residenza Mondragone
• B&B: Secret Garden Firenze B&B