Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and even the world! Come along with me as I show you how to spend 1 day in Florence, Italy. While it may not seem like enough time, I’ll share with you the highlights as well as some insider secrets along the way.
If you don’t know me by now, I’m Jackie, the creator of this blog. I have a deep obsession with Italy, and it’s my most visited country. I have a passion for exploring hidden gems, and I often travel solo. Florence is a great destination for solo travel, by the way!
The Duomo rightfully has the center stage in Florence, its red dome towering over the city and visible from almost every corner. But beyond this iconic landmark, Florence is full of charming streets, hidden cafes, Renaissance art, and unforgettable views. You can actually experience so much of it in just one day if you plan it right.
If you’re looking to include Florence in your Italy itinerary, I’ve got some Northern Italy trip ideas for other cities to pair with it!
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Where to Stay in Florence
Santo Spirito
I’d actually recommend staying just outside of the dead center of Florence. It can be quite busy and touristy. If you’re like me, you’ll want to wake up in a peaceful area. I love the Oltrarno district, near Santo Spirito – it’s calm in the mornings, full of local charm, and still just a 10-minute walk to the Duomo. Plus, you’re close to my favorite bakery, S Forno, for a morning pastry and coffee to start the day right. So this is definitely my top choice for where to stay in Florence.
Photo: Courtesy of Secret Garden Firenze
Here are a few places I’d pick in this area.
- Secret Garden of Firenze (pictured above): My top hotel pick and it’s one of the most unique stays in Florence. This cozy spot is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I am one for more authentic experiences, so trust me on this one. Plus, it’s in my favorite area of Florence. There’s a beautiful garden you can relax in, and it’s owned by a couple who will make you feel right at home!
Check prices on Booking.com - Piazza Pitti Palace – Residenza d’Epoca: Every room looks like an art museum! Plus, it’s moments away from the Piazza Pitti Palace.
Check prices on Booking.com
Duomo Plaza
This is the heart of the city, and you will be steps away from the Duomo of Florence, which is even more impressive in real life. Since you’re in this area, go all out and get a hotel with a view of the Duomo. I am a sucker for a hotel with a landmark view. It’s honestly a dream to wake up to.
- B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo: This quaint spot has a private rooftop for hotel guests with some of the best views in the entire city of the Duomo. Prices are reasonable for the area, too!
Check prices on Booking.com - Duomo Luxury Florence: Rooms like a palace! And views out your window of the Duomo.
Check prices on Booking.com - The St. Regis Florence: A five-star hotel with views of the Duomo. This one is one to save if you’re in for a splurge.
Check prices on Booking.com
Santa Maria Novella
If you want to be conveniently located near the Santa Maria Novella Train station, so you can day trip to amazing places like Bologna (only 40 minutes by train!) You might choose this area. The train station is only 10 minutes from the Duomo, so still very central.
How to Spend 1 Day in Florence, Italy
8:00 AM – Breakfast at S Forno
Start your morning at the bakery I dream of, S Forno, for a quick pastry and coffee. Right next door, you’ll spot one of the city’s quirky photo booths – it only costs €2 for some cute memories.
I actually recommend staying in this area. It’s quieter, more authentic, and only about a 10-minute walk to the Duomo.
9:30 AM – Piazza della Signoria
Wander through the Piazza della Signoria – there’s plenty of free artwork outdoors including the dramatic Fountain of Neptune. This huge square is the heartbeat of Florence. There’s also a few cafes to chill out at if you need a quick break and a coffee.
Just a few minutes walk away, you can head over to the Mercato Nuovo which is an open-air market famous for selling leather goods and souvenirs. Right in front of this market is the Fontana del Porcellino. So, if you enjoy little local traditions, stop by the bronze boar near by. It’s Give its snout a rub, and drop a coin in its mouth to make a wish! It needs to land inside the drain to come true.
10:00 – Uffizi Gallery
If you only have a day in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is an absolute must. It is one of the most famous museums in Italy if not the world. Housed in a stunning Renaissance building by the Arno, it’s home to world-famous masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
To save time, I’d recommend buying skip-the-line-tickets ahead of time. You can see the highlights in a couple of hours and still have time to wander nearby streets, piazzas, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. It’s the perfect spot to get a feel of Florence’s art scene.
12:00 pm – Stroll through Ponte Vecchio
Strolling across the Ponte Vecchio is another highlight if you only have 1 day in Florence. This iconic bridge over the Arno is lined with many jewelry shops and boutiques. I myself bought pure gold fleur-de-lis earrings from a shop off the bridge. It was the perfect keepsake since the fleur-de-lis is the symbol of Florence.
There are so many nice views from the bridge too, so wander to both sides to take some nice pictures of the river and the colorful buildings.
PS: If you have time, I highly recommend doing a boat ride on the Arno River! You can find the booking details for that here.
12:30 PM – Try a Panini for Lunch
By lunchtime, try one of the many sandwich shops. I recommend skipping the overrated All’Antico Vinaio with its long lines and instead heading just two minutes away to Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri. It is ten times better in my opinion.
Everyone talks about All’Antico Vinaio, but it’s not worth it in my opinion. I found the sandwich bread a bit hard and the ingredients not fresh. I am obsessed with a good panini and know my sandwiches, so trust me! It’s a chain too, they opened stores in Bologna, the US, and even London!
Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri was fresh, HUGE, and delicous. You’ll want to share one sandwich with a friend or partner if you can. As one side of it, is truly enough for one. It only costs €8 too! We tried the La Golosona, which came with mortadella, pesto, stracciatella, and pistachio. The cheese was just oozing out – it was seriously so good. There will also be a wait her,e but not nearly as long as All’Antico Vinaio.
Another spot worthy of trying for paninis is I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti.
If you’re a foodie and want to try lots of different Florence staples, I’d actually recommend this food tour. It will allow you to taste many different things, learn a bit of history, and discover some of the city’s hidden gems.
2:00 PM – Affogato at Vivoli
Later, stop for an affogato at Vivoli – expect some long lines, but it’s worth it. Vivoli even has a wine window! This was truly the best affogato I’ve ever tried. It lived up to the hype.
3:30 PM – Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy
Don’t miss the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, the oldest pharmacy in Florence. Founded by Dominican monks in 1221, it originally created herbal remedies, perfumes, and medicinal balms using ingredients grown in their monastery gardens.
Inside, it feels more like a museum and is full of history and beautiful details. Today you’ll find everything, including the most nicely fragrant perfumes and soap.
There are a few pharmacies across the town, so be sure you visit this one on Via Della Scala.
5:00 PM – Rooftop Views of the Duomo
For the best views of the Duomo, I recommend rooftop drinks at View on Art. The service at View on Art isn’t the best, so keep it in mind if you visit. You might want to try to reserve ahead if you can. We popped in around 4 pm, and after a short wait inside, we snagged a table with a view outside.
However, if it’s too busy for you, there’s a more hidden option at the top of the La Rinascente department store just moments away.
Just take a lift up to the top level of the store and head up some stairs to the wine room, and you’ll find a secret viewpoint. It not only has views of the Duomo, but also of Piazza della Repubblica.
6:30 PM – Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.
From the city center (near Ponte Vecchio) it’s about a 20–30 minute walk uphill. The climb isn’t too tough but expect lots of stairs and steep paths. Especially, if you go via the Rampe del Poggi, the pretty stone stairway lined with fountains. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take a 10 minute taxi there or bus 12 or 13 from the center, which drops you right at the piazza.
I recommend visiting at least 30 minutes before sunset, as that’s the prime time to see the beautiful skyline.
The famous stairs overlooking the view are usually packed with so many people. If it feels too crowded, walk just below those stairs into the Giardino delle Rose for quieter photo spots with the same gorgeous views.
7:30 PM – Dinner at a Local Favorite
End your day with dinner at one of my favorite local restaurants:
- Alla Vecchia Bettola
- Trattoria Za Za
- Buca Mario
- Osteria Pastella
- La Giostra
- La Tartuferia Mangiafoco
Famous food to try: Florentine steak, Lampredotto, Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro, Crostini Toscani, Tagliatelle al Cinghiale, Cantucci e Vin Santo, Gelato
9 PM- Drink Wine from a Wine Window
You’ll find several wine windows (called buchette del vino) scattered across the city, and one of my favorites was at Babae.
They date back to the 1600s, when noble families sold wine directly from their palaces through these tiny openings to avoid taxes and middlemen.
🤎 Check out my little mini vlog on Instagram to put a visual to how I spent my day in Florence!
You may also like these posts:
Things to do in Bologna, Italy
Tuscany Road Trip: The Perfect 5 Day Itinerary
Tuscany’s Hidden Hot Springs: Bagni San Filippo
💗 Visiting Montemerano, the Heart Town in Tuscany
👩 Solo Female Travel Guide to Italy
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