Florence in 1 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Florence is a city that captivates from the very first moment. Its history, art, architecture and gastronomy make it an intense and exciting experience, even if only for a day. If you have just 24 hours to visit it, it is important to organise your itinerary carefully. I propose a compact, useful and charming itinerary so that you can enjoy the essentials of this Renaissance jewel without missing the most important things.

To start the day in Piazza del Duomo is to immerse yourself in the soul of Florence. This square brings together some of the city's most emblematic monuments and is a veritable open-air museum. Strolling through it early in the morning, when it is not yet completely full of tourists, allows you to contemplate the majesty of the Florence Cathedral, **Brunelleschi'**s imposing Dome, Giotto' s elegant Campanile and the Baptistery of San Giovanni in peace and quiet. The visit is worthwhile whether you do it on your own or book a tour of Florence's Duomo to get a better appreciation of its history and architecture.

Useful information

• This is one of the most visited areas of Florence, so it is advisable to go early in the morning to enjoy it without being crowded.
• The square is not only home to religious buildings, but also to museums such as the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and curious constructions such as the Loggia del Bigallo.
• As well as admiring the monuments, you can check out all the options for visiting Piazza del Duomo to make the most of your time in this area.

Once in the square, you can't miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo. With its striking white, green and pink marble façade and dome that dominates the Florentine skyline, this building is one of the jewels of the Renaissance. Although basic entry is free, if you want to climb the dome or visit other exclusive areas, it is essential to book tickets for the Cathedral in advance.

Useful information

• Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it is the third largest cathedral in Europe after St. Peter's (Rome) and St. Paul's (London).
• Inside is the tomb of Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect responsible for the dome.
• Check out the details of what to see in the Cathedral and buy tickets online to avoid the queues.

Climbing Brunelleschi's dome is a must if you want to see Florence from above. The climb is demanding (463 steps without a lift), but every step is worth it for the final reward: panoramic views of the city that you will never forget. On the way up, you can also get a close-up view of the frescoes of the Last Judgement.

Useful information

• It is one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance, with a revolutionary design for its time.
• The interior decoration was created by Vasari and Zuccari and is full of religious symbolism.
• You can book specific tickets for the dome or choose visits that include it along with other monuments.

Opposite the cathedral stands the Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest buildings in Florence and a true symbol of the city. Although time is limited, it is worth stopping to admire its exterior, especially its Paradise Gate, a bronze masterpiece by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Useful information

• Its octagonal plan and its panels with scenes from the Old Testament make it an artistic jewel.
• It is advisable to stop for a photo stop even if you don't go inside.
• If you want a more complete visit you can book a joint tour with Brunelleschi's dome.

Another structure that does not go unnoticed in the square is Giotto's Campanile, a bell tower with elegant lines and exquisite sculptural decoration. If you don't have the strength to climb the 400-plus steps, at least don't miss the opportunity to take a good photo with it in the background.

Useful information

• Its construction began with Giotto, but was completed by Andrea Pisano.
• If you have climbed the dome, you can skip this climb with no regrets.
• You can include it in a guided tour of the Duomo complex.

After a morning tour of the monumental area, it's a good time for a gastronomic break at Florence's Central Market, also known as the San Lorenzo Market. Here you can not only satisfy your appetite, but also soak up the local atmosphere and explore some of the most typical products of the region. The star dish is the famous panino di lampredotto, a sandwich that leaves no one indifferent, made with spiced and slow-cooked cow stomach.

Useful information

• The market has a wide variety of food stalls, ideal for a quick bite to eat without losing valuable time from the itinerary.
• As well as food, you will also find craft and souvenir stalls in the surrounding area, perfect for buying original souvenirs.
• The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am, so it's ideal for a mid-morning or midday stop.
• For a more complete experience, you can book a food tour of Florence to discover the secrets of Tuscan cuisine from the experts.

Right next to the market you will find the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of the oldest churches in Florence and a place steeped in history. It was rebuilt by Brunelleschi and decorated by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, who designed the impressive Medici Chapel, where several members of this influential Florentine family are laid to rest.

Useful information

• It can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, so it fits very well into a day's itinerary.
• Its exterior façade is surprisingly austere, but the interior hides true artistic and architectural gems.
• You can book a guided tour of Florence that includes this church and other highlights of the historic centre.

A few minutes' walk will take you to Piazza Santa Maria Novella, a charming corner recently renovated. Here you will find the basilica of the same name, a building of great beauty that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its white and green marble façade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, is one of the most photogenic in Florence.

Useful information

• Inside the basilica you will find works of art by Ghirlandaio, Masaccio or Giotto, as well as beautiful frescoes and cloisters.
• Don't miss the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy on nearby Via della Scala, one of the oldest in the world, famous for its traditional perfumes and historical setting.
• You can book tickets for the basilica in advance to save time and enjoy a hassle-free visit.

As you make your way through the old town, stop briefly at the Palazzo Strozzi, one of the most important buildings of the Florentine Renaissance. Its sober and monumental architecture represents the power of the Strozzi family, rival of the Medici.

Useful information

• Today, the palace hosts temporary exhibitions of classical and contemporary art.
• While you can limit yourself to admiring its façade and inner courtyard, it is also a good option to buy tickets to Palazzo Strozzi and include it in a more cultural tour if you have extra time.
• It's very close to Piazza della Repubblica, so you can combine both visits.

Following the itinerary you will reach Piazza della Repubblica, one of the most spacious and elegant spaces in the centre of Florence. With a large triumphal arch and arcades surrounding the square, this place is ideal for a short break, whether for a coffee or just to watch the urban bustle.

Useful information

• In the centre you will find the Column of Plenty, symbol of the ancient Roman forum.
• The square is especially beautiful at sunset, when the lights of the cafés start to come on.
• If you like shopping, there are several luxury shops here, such as Dior, Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana.
• You can book a guided tour to include this stop as part of a full tour of the centre.

From Piazza della Repubblica, in a few minutes you will reach one of the most iconic places in Florence: Piazza della Signoria. This space has been, since the Middle Ages, the epicentre of civil power in the city, and still today it conveys that solemn and majestic character. Strolling through this square is like stepping into a historic setting, surrounded by statues, monumental architecture and symbols of the Renaissance.

Useful information

• The most outstanding building is the Palazzo Vecchio, the former seat of the Florentine government, where you can admire the Sala dei Cinquecento and the Sala delle Mappe Geografiche.
• Next to the palace entrance you will find a replica of Michelangelo' s David and other sculptures such as Hercules and Cacchus.
• Don't miss the Loggia della Signoria, an open-air gallery with impressive sculptures such as Perseus with the Head of Medusa and the Rape of the Sabine Women.
• The famous Fountain of Neptune, the city's first public fountain, is also a highlight.
• To find out all the details of this square you can book a guided tour of the Palazzo Vecchio or buy tickets for the interior.

Just off Piazza della Signoria is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world. Although a full tour takes several hours, if you have some time to spare and organise your itinerary well, you can make a quick visit focusing on its most famous works. A prepared itinerary will help you get the most out of it without wasting time.

Useful information

• Among its gems are Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Springtime, Leonardo da Vinci' s The Annunciation and works by Caravaggio, Giotto and Titian.
• You can book a skip-the-line ticket if you only want to see the essentials.
• If you prefer to go deeper, opt for a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery or a private visit.
• You can also combine it with other spaces such as the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens with combined tickets.
• See here for the gallery' s must-see works and details on tickets to the Uffizi.

Very close to the Uffizi you will find the New Market, where you will find one of the most curious and beloved sculptures by locals and tourists alike: the Porcellino. According to tradition, touching its snout guarantees your return to Florence, so don't miss the opportunity to follow this good luck ritual.

Useful information

• The sculpture represents a bronze boar and has witnessed countless wishes and superstitions.
• The market is ideal for buying Florentine leather souvenirs, handbags, purses, belts and other handcrafted items.
• It is a short but fun visit, especially if you want to take home a nice souvenir of your time in the city.
• You can include it in an alternative bike tour of Florence if you want to discover the city in a different way.

Continuing your ride, it's time to cross one of the most recognisable symbols of the city: the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval bridge over the Arno River, with its hanging houses and traditional shops, is one of the most photogenic and romantic corners of Florence.

Useful information

• It was built in the 14th century and survived the Second World War, unlike other bridges in the city.
• Throughout its history, it has housed butcher's shops, but since the Renaissance it has been occupied by jewellers and goldsmiths, as it still is today.
• It is one of the most frequented places at sunset, when the light reflects on the river and offers an incomparable sight.
• If you want to explore the area in an original way, you can book an electric scooter tour.

Once you cross the Ponte Vecchio, you will come across the majestic Palazzo Pitti, one of the most important residences of the Renaissance. It was commissioned by the Pitti family, but was later acquired by the Medici, who made it their official residence.

Useful information

• The palace houses several museums: the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Silver Museum, the Porcelain Museum and the collection of historical costumes.
• The palace also has the Boboli Gardens, a large park decorated with Renaissance sculptures, grottoes and fountains.
• While it takes a long time to visit all the spaces, you can just wander around the gardens or admire the impressive façade.
• Guided tours and combined tickets with Uffizi and Boboli are available.
• For more extensive visits, you can also book specific tickets.

To end the day on a high note, nothing better than climbing up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, the best viewpoint in Florence. From this high point, located south of the Arno River, you will have an incredible panoramic view of the whole city, with the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Tuscan hills as a backdrop.

Useful information

• You can walk there or, if you prefer something more comfortable, book the Florence sightseeing bus which includes a stop at this viewpoint.
• It is one of the best places to see the sunset, so try to schedule your visit around that time.
• In the square you will find a bronze replica of **Michelangelo'**s David, which adds a symbolic touch to the place.

• Don't try to see everything: With so little time, it's better to prioritise and enjoy a few places rather than try to take in too much and end up rushing from one place to another.
• Walking is key: Florence is a city that is best enjoyed on foot. Its compact size allows you to discover much of the historic centre on foot, giving you the freedom to improvise according to the pace of the day.
• Take smart breaks: Take advantage of moments of rest to try a good homemade ice cream, a focaccia or a coffee in a charming square. These are small pleasures that are also part of the trip.
• Avoid long meals: If you are only going for one day, the ideal is to opt for quick or informal meals, such as at the Central Market, which will allow you to continue your journey without spending hours in a restaurant.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, and many streets in the centre are made of stone or cobblestones, so proper shoes make all the difference.
• Take a camera or mobile phone with a battery: Because in Florence you'll want to take lots of photos, from the monuments to the hidden details in the narrow streets.
• Start with Piazza del Duomo: This is the most central point and an excellent reference to trace the rest of the circular itinerary, ending south of the Arno at Piazzale Michelangelo.
• If you want more information about the places mentioned above, or to know more alternatives, do not hesitate to consult our post on what to see and do in Florence where you will find itineraries for different durations, special plans and useful tips.