Florence in a day? You might be wondering if that’s truly enough time. I understand your hesitation—Florence, or Firenze, is renowned for its Renaissance art, exquisite cuisine, and delicious gelato that leaves you sighing with delight. It’s a city that deserves more than just one day of your attention.
However, if you’re conflicted about whether to squeeze in a day in Florence during your whirlwind tour of Italy or to save it for a longer visit, allow me to entice you with this quick itinerary. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to return!
MORNING IN FLORENCE
Rise and shine! If you’re not used to waking up early, now’s the perfect opportunity to change that. Get up early to beat the crowds and capture stunning photos without anyone unintentionally photobombing your shot.
If you’re an early bird, you’ll even get the chance to see the sun rising over the rooftops, illuminating the historic beauty of Firenze. You don’t need to set your alarm for an ungodly hour, though—heading out around 07:30 works just fine and is just as rewarding.
Don’t forget to wear your most comfortable walking shoes (avoid my mistake of flip-flops), as the cobblestone streets can be quite challenging. Grab your camera, fill your water bottle, and let’s go!
Your morning will be spent exploring some of the wonders located in the historic center. Start by crossing the Ponte Vecchio, which translates to “old bridge.” Enjoy the calmness of the early hour, wandering past rows of charming jewelry shops.
Originally, the bridge was home to various shops, including butchers, fishmongers, and tanners. However, in the late 16th century, Grand Duke Ferdinand I ordered that only goldsmiths and jewelers could operate there to enhance the bridge’s aesthetic appeal and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Next, prepare to be enchanted by these spectacular sights in no particular order:
THE DUOMO
The Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, took from the 13th to the 15th century to complete—with a construction period that was quite extensive. This iconic structure is a blend of Gothic design and Renaissance artistry. Don’t miss the breathtaking dome, designed by Brunelleschi, which features a dome within a dome—an innovative design for its time. The interior boasts a fresco, The Last Judgement, created by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. Vasari was a multitasker, being an accomplished painter, writer, and architect, and he also designed the Uffizi Gallery.
GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA
The Galleria dell’Accademia houses Michelangelo’s iconic David. I’ve visited it several times, and it never fails to move me to tears. I can’t quite explain why—it might be the statue’s perfection and its significance as a symbol of the Renaissance. If you’re anything like me, keep some tissues handy. Replicas of David can be found in Piazza della Signoria at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo. The original statue was unveiled in the piazza in 1504 but was relocated to the Galleria dell’Accademia in 1873 for preservation.
THE UFFIZI
The Uffizi Gallery is another gem, home to masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’ and Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’. Established in 1560 by Cosimo I de’Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and completed in 1581, the Uffizi (meaning “offices”) initially served the Tuscan administration. Over time, the Medici family converted the upper floors into a private art collection until it was opened to the public as an art gallery in 1769.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment for the Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Uffizi Gallery.
Just a heads-up—you can mix and match your Florence experience with evening visits during the summer months, and at certain times of the year, other periods might also be available.
AFTERNOON IN FLORENCE
After a morning filled with wondrous sights, it’s time to give your feet a break and indulge in some Italian cuisine. Yum!
I recommend venturing across the Arno River to the Oltrarno district for a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists. “Oltrarno” means “beyond the Arno” and is renowned for its artisan workshops, offering handcrafted items like shoes, leather bags, furniture, and sculptures.
Try traditional Florentine dishes at cozy cafes and trattorias, where you can relish Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), Ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), and Cantucci (almond biscuits with Vin Santo).
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll in the tranquil Giardino di Boboli, or Boboli Gardens. If you’ve overindulged in pasta, you might find yourself ready for a little siesta!
EVENING IN FLORENCE
Remember that passionate sigh I mentioned earlier? Well, now’s the moment to experience it—if you haven’t already!
Gelato, as the Italians will tell you, is definitely not the same as ice cream. Due to its slower churning process and lower fat content, gelato has a denser, silkier texture with more intense flavors. My favorite is Stracciatella, which is vanilla gelato with slivers of dark chocolate. You’ve definitely earned two scoops, haven’t you?
Spending an evening in Florence is truly enchanting. Grab your gelato and head to Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning panoramic sunset view over the city. From this viewpoint, the iconic Duomo and Ponte Vecchio steal the scene in Florence’s skyline, perfectly framing the River Arno.
As you stroll back into the city center, explore the cobblestone streets, evening markets, and boutique shops. Don’t forget to cross the Ponte Vecchio one last time to soak in the magical nighttime atmosphere—it’s beautifully illuminated at night.
Conclude your evening at a rooftop bar or enjoy some people-watching at Piazza della Signoria, a lively square brimming with history, art, restaurants, and outdoor cafes, popular with both locals and tourists for socializing and dining.
And there you have it—a complete day in Florence, wrapped up! Cheers! Feeling tempted? Let me know in the comments! Perhaps these 47 Travel Quotes to Inspire (And Induce Wanderlust) will help with your decision.
