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

Florence is a city that captivates from the first moment. Its history, art, architecture and gastronomy make it an intense and exciting experience, even if it is only for a day. If you have just 24 hours to visit it, it is important that you organize your itinerary carefully. I propose a compact, useful and charming tour for you to 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 most emblematic monuments of the city and is a real 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 Cathedral of Florence, the imposing Dome of Brunelleschi, the elegant Campanile by Giotto and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The visit is worthwhile whether you do it on your own or if you decide to book a tour of the Duomo of Florence that will allow you to better appreciate its history and architecture.

Useful information

• This is one of the most visited areas of Florence, so it is advisable to go early to enjoy it without stress.
• The square is not only home to religious buildings, you will also find museums such as the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and curious constructions such as the Loggia del Bigallo.
• In addition to admiring the monuments, you can check out all the options for visiting Piazza del Duomo to make the most of your visit to 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 facade, and its dome that dominates the Florentine skyline, this building is one of the jewels of the Renaissance. Although basic admission 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.
• It is advisable to consult the details on what to see in the Cathedral and buy tickets online to avoid queues.

Climbing Brunelleschi's dome is a must-do experience if you want to see Florence from above. The climb is demanding (463 steps without elevator), but every step is worth it for the final reward: panoramic views of the city that you will hardly forget. In addition, on the way up you can get a close-up view of the frescoes of the Last Judgment.

Information of interest

• It is one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance, with a revolutionary design for its time.
• The interior decoration was made by Vasari and Zuccari and is full of religious symbolism.
• You can book specific tickets for the dome or choose tours 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 Door of Paradise, a bronze masterpiece by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Information of interest

• Its octagonal plan and its panels with scenes from the Old Testament make it an artistic jewel.
• It is advisable to make a stop to photograph it even if you do not enter 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 more than 400 steps, at least don't miss the opportunity to take a good picture with it in the background.

Information of interest

• 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 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.

Information of interest

• The market has a wide variety of gastronomic stalls, ideal for a quick snack without losing valuable time from the itinerary.
• In addition to 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 9:00 am, so it is ideal for a mid-morning or midday stop.
• If you want a more complete experience, you can book a gastronomic tour of Florence to discover the secrets of Tuscan cuisine from 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 rest.

Information of interest

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

A few minutes walk away, you will reach 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, the work of Leon Battista Alberti, is one of the most photogenic in Florence.

Information of interest

• Inside the basilica you will find works of art by Ghirlandaio, Masaccio or Giotto, as well as beautiful frescoes and cloisters.
• Do not miss the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, in the 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 walk through the old town, make a brief stop at 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.

Information of interest

• Today, the palace hosts temporary exhibitions of classical and contemporary art.
• While you can limit yourself to admiring its facade 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 is very close to Piazza della Repubblica, so you can take advantage of the trip to combine both visits.

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

Information of interest

• In the center 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 cafes begin to turn on.
• If you like shopping, several luxury stores are located here, such as Dior, Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana.
• You can book a guided tour to include this stop in a complete tour of the center.

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 epicenter of the civil power of the city, and still today 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.

Information of interest

• The most prominent 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 entrance of the palace you will find a replica of Michelangelo' s David and other sculptures such as Hercules and Cacchus.
• Do not miss the Loggia della Signoria, an open-air gallery that exhibits impressive sculptures such as Perseus with the head of Medusa or the Rape of the Sabine Women.
• It also highlights the famous fountain of Neptune, the first public fountain in the city.
• To know all the details of this square you can book a guided tour of the Palazzo Vecchio or purchase tickets for inside.

Very close to 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 organize your itinerary well, you can make a quick visit focusing on its most famous works. Taking a prepared tour will help you get the most out of it without wasting time.

Useful information

• Among its jewels are Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and The Spring, 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 through combined tickets.
• See here the must-see works of the gallery and details on tickets to the Uffizi.

Very close to the Uffizi you will find the New Market, where one of the most curious and beloved sculptures by locals and tourists is located: 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.

Information of interest

• 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 recognized symbols of the city: the Ponte Vecchio. This medieval bridge over the Arno River, with its hanging houses and traditional stores, is one of the most photogenic and romantic corners of Florence.

Useful information

• It was built in the 14th century and survived World War II, unlike other bridges in the city.
• Throughout its history, it has housed butcher shops, but since the Renaissance it was occupied by jewelers and goldsmiths, as it still is today.
• It is one of the most frequented places at sunset, when the light is reflected on the river and offers a unique stamp.
• 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 Pitti Palace, 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.

Information of interest

• Inside it houses several museums: the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Silver Museum, the Museum of Porcelain and the collection of historical costumes.
• The palace also has the Boboli Gardens, a large park decorated with sculptures, grottoes and Renaissance fountains.
• While visiting all the spaces takes quite some time, you can limit yourself to touring its gardens or admiring its 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 going 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 entire city, with the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Tuscan hills as a backdrop.

Information of interest

• You can get there on foot or, if you prefer something more comfortable, book the Florence tourist bus that includes a stop at this viewpoint.
• It is one of the best places to see the sunset, so try to schedule your visit with 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 is better to prioritize and enjoy some places well, than to try to cover too much and end up running 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 center on foot, which gives 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 artisanal gelato, a focaccia or a coffee in some 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 the tour without wasting hours in a restaurant.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be walking quite a bit, and many downtown streets are made of stone or cobblestones, so appropriate shoes make all the difference.
• Take a camera or cell phone with battery: Because in Florence you will want to take lots of pictures, from the monuments to the details hidden in the narrow streets.
• Start with Piazza del Duomo: It is the most central point and an excellent reference to trace the rest of the itinerary in circular form, 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.