Planning one day in Florence can feel overwhelming given the city’s incredible wealth of Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and world-famous attractions.
I’ll be honest, I have a complicated relationship with this Italian city. Florence’s popularity draws massive crowds that can turn sightseeing into a stressful experience, but the city’s unparalleled artistic treasures make it absolutely worth it.
I created this one-day itinerary to Florence after visiting during peak summer season. Yes, I guess you could say that was mistake number one. But honestly, Florence is busy year round. While I knew there would be heavy crowds, I couldn’t skip Florence.
So, instead of staying there, I opted for staying in the peaceful neighboring city of Bologna and took a day trip to Florence. It was one of the best decisions I made.
Florence is beautiful architecturally, but if you love art, you will fall head over heals. Even if you don’t, there’s something here for you.
In the city you can find some of the world’s most famous artworks, from Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. AND they are all within walking distance of each other.
This itinerary was designed for adult travelers; however, I’ve included a special family-friendly section at the end, with activities that will keep both adults and children engaged.
You know your kids best anyway. They might even love some of the things in this Florence itinerary too!
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When To Visit Florence, Italy
If you want to avoid the hordes of people that Florence attracts, you will need to visit in the winter and even then there will be people milling around. This is just the reality of it being one of the most popular destinations in Italy.
Peak Season
Peak Season (June through August) brings the largest crowds and highest prices. Summer in Florence means packed museums, long lines at major attractions, sweltering heat, and accommodation rates at their absolute peak.
I experienced this firsthand during my August visit, and while the extended daylight hours were wonderful for sightseeing, the crowds were genuinely overwhelming.
If you do visit during peak season, be sure to get your museum or any attraction tickets you want to visit before hand; otherwise, you aren’t getting in.
Shoulder Season
Shoulder Season (April to May and September to October) is often touted as the sweet spot for visiting Florence. While temperatures are more comfortable and you’ll find slightly better hotel rates, don’t expect dramatically smaller crowds.
Florence remains incredibly popular during these months, especially in May and September when the weather is at its most pleasant.
You’ll still encounter lines at major attractions and busy streets, though the experience is somewhat more manageable than peak summer. I would still advise purchasing tickets in advance and getting dinner reservations.
Winter – Off Season
Winter (November through March) is your best bet for experiencing Florence with fewer tourists. You’ll find the shortest lines at museums, the most affordable accommodations, and a more authentic local atmosphere.
However, winter in Florence comes with trade offs. Expect cooler temperatures, occasional rain, and shorter daylight hours that limit your sightseeing time. Many cafes and some attractions may have reduced hours too.
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One Day In Florence Itinerary
Now let’s dive into what I think is the perfect way to spend one day in Florence. It maximizes your time in Florence while, hopefully, minimizing stress.
First Stop: Head Straight To The Duomo!
Start your Florence adventure at the city’s crown jewel, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You won’t be entering the cathedral just yet because if you start early enough, it won’t be open.
Instead, this is the best time to capture the perfect shot of Florence’s most iconic landmark before the crowds arrive.
The Piazza del Duomo is almost always bustling with tourists, so timing is everything.
Head straight here first thing in the morning to photograph the cathedral’s stunning Gothic facade and Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome with significantly fewer people in your pictures.
And it is so amazing you won’t mind coming back! Trust me.
Pro Tip: The crowds thin out again after sunset too if you can’t make it in the morning.
Grab Some Breakfast At Forno Ghibellina
After admiring the Duomo, fuel up at this neighborhood bakery located just a couple blocks from Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Forno Ghibellina specializes in authentic Italian pastries that are oh so tasty.
Get their stuffed brioche. It’s flaky, buttery and filled with either something sweet or savory. You choose!
Beyond their famous brioche, this cozy spot serves excellent Italian coffee and fresh sandwiches. If you really like it grab some sandwiches to eat later.
This authentic bakery is the best way to get a taste of local Florence.
Galleria Dell’Accademia: Meet Michelangelo’s David
If you want to meet one of the world’s most famous sculptures, a visit to The Accademia Gallery should be on your Florence itinerary. Here you can see Michelangelo’s original David.
You will need to book tickets well in advance. The Accademia Gallery is one of Florence’s most popular attractions and tickets sell out quickly.
For the smallest crowds, book the earliest time slot available. While the official website exists, purchasing tickets online can be frustratingly difficult as they disappear fast.
Your best bet is calling the museum directly at +39 055 294883 to speak with someone who can actually help you secure tickets.
If calling doesn’t work out, try third party platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tiqets as backup options.
Don’t attempt the standby line. I learned this lesson the hard way when my friend and I stood sweating in the summer heat for over an hour without moving forward in line. We decided at the last minute to try to get in, but eventually gave up in defeat.
The museum closes on Mondays and last entry is at 6:20pm.
Can’t get tickets? You can still see a replica of David for free in Piazza della Signoria. While not the original, it gives you a sense of the sculpture’s impressive scale and detail.
Alternative Option: If you’d rather see Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” head to the Uffizi Gallery instead. You will also need to book tickets here in advance.
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Book Your Duomo Experience: Climb The Dome Or Bell Tower
Now it’s time to return to the Duomo complex. Choose between climbing either Brunelleschi’s iconic dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower for breathtaking views over Florence.
Your Options: The Dome climb takes you up 463 steps through the interior of Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece. You’ll see the stunning frescoes up close as you go up. Then, admire panoramic views of Florence at the top. This is the more popular choice but also more physically demanding.
The Bell Tower (Campanile) climb involves 414 steps and offers equally spectacular views with a different perspective of the city and the dome itself. Some visitors prefer this option as it’s slightly less crowded and provides better photo opportunities of the cathedral.
I had dreamed of timing the bell tower climb for sunset to capture magical golden hour shots of the dome, but the tour schedules didn’t align with the late summer sunset times. We sadly missed out.
If you’re visiting during spring or fall book a tour at sunset and experience this breathtaking climb bathed in golden light.
Package Options: You can purchase individual tickets for specific attractions or opt for combination packages that include multiple sites like the cathedral interior, museum, baptistery, and either the dome or bell tower. The packages offer better value if you plan to explore the entire complex.
Keep In Mind: Both climbs are strenuous with narrow, winding staircases and no elevators. The spaces can feel claustrophobic, and there are no restrooms once you begin.
However, the 360-degree views of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding Tuscan hills make every step worthwhile if you are physically able to do it.
Book in advance through the official Duomo website to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Lunch – Sandwich At Pino’s Sandwiches
After all that climbing, you’ve earned a proper lunch break! Head to Pino’s Sandwiches for delicious Italian sandwiches that won’t break the bank.
This local spot serves huge sandwiches at incredibly reasonable prices. If you’re lucky, you might even meet Pino himself behind the counter.
The menu caters to all with even some vegetarian options. The casual, no-frills atmosphere is perfect for refueling before your afternoon in Florence.
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Wander The Streets And Get Gloriously Lost
One of the best parts of spending one day in Florence is simply wandering through its enchanting medieval streets. After hitting the major attractions, it’s time to discover the city’s quieter charms.
Get lost on purpose!
Step away from the main tourist thoroughfares and duck down a side street or two. You’ll be amazed how quickly the crowds thin out just one block away from the popular routes.
These quieter streets reveal Florence’s authentic character. You will see local residents going about their daily lives, charming cafes tucked into corners, and beautiful architecture.
Duck into Florence’s leather shops during your wanderings. There are so many leather shops throughout the city that you’ll practically trip over them!
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Admire The Free Art In Piazza della Signoria
Make your way to one of Florence’s most magnificent squares where you will find world-class art for free! Piazza della Signoria is an open-air sculpture gallery, filled with incredible Renaissance masterpieces.
Some stunning sculptures you will see include Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa and Bandinelli’s imposing Hercules and Cacus.
This is also where you can admire the replica of Michelangelo’s David in front of Palazzo Vecchio. This is your backup if you can’t get Accademia tickets.
Right next door is The Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery on the square’s edge. Take your time here and circle around the sculptures that are all a little bit disturbing. It is pretty amazing that all of these treasures are right outside for everyone to see.
Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s Famous Bridge
No Florence visit is complete without seeing the iconic Ponte Vecchio, but be prepared for serious crowds.
This medieval bridge is absolutely fascinating and undeniably cool with its unique shops built directly into the structure. However, the popularity makes it almost uncomfortably packed during peak hours.
The smart approach, in my opinion, is to walk along the Arno River on both sides to get spectacular views of the Ponte Vecchio from different angles.
The front view showcases the bridge’s famous overhanging shops, while the back view reveals the architectural supports and the way the bridge spans the river.
After you’ve captured your photos and admired this engineering marvel from the riverbanks, do a quick walk across the bridge to experience it firsthand.
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The Famous Florence Wine Windows
One of my absolute favorite discoveries in Florence was the historic wine windows, and honestly, there’s just something so incredibly cool about getting a glass of wine through a little hole in the wall. As someone who loves wine, this experience felt like uncovering a delightful secret!
These charming wine windows, called “buchette del vino,” have a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century. Noble families and wine merchants created these small openings in their palazzos to sell wine directly to customers without the need for a shop or tavern.
During the plague years, they provided a safe way to conduct business while maintaining social distance. I wonder if they were handy during Covid?
We visited Buchetta del Vino di Babae during our day trip to Florence, and it was amazing! The experience of ordering through the tiny window and receiving your wine glass through the opening felt like stepping back in time.
The quality of the wine was excellent too, and the novelty factor made it even more enjoyable.
There are many wine windows scattered throughout Florence. Below is a complete map of all of the wine windows in Florence.
It’s like a treasure hunt for wine lovers! That’s my kind of treasure hunt! Saluti!
Dinner At Osteria Vecchio Vicolo: Pasta Perfection
After a full day of sightseeing and wine tasting, treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at Osteria Vecchio Vicolo. I’m still dreaming about that pasta.
This cozy osteria serves up some of the most incredible pasta I’ve ever experienced in Italy. Sorry Bologna. Every bite was pure perfection.
The intimate atmosphere and attentive service created a perfect ending to our one day in Florence. The portions are generous, the ingredients are clearly top quality, and the preparation is masterful.
Watch The Sunset: The Perfect Florence Finale
End your perfect day in Florence by watching the sun set over this stunning city. You have two fantastic options depending on your energy level after a full day of exploration.
Option 1: Piazzale Michelangelo
If you can muster the energy for another 25-minute walk uphill, Piazzale Michelangelo offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Florence.
This elevated vantage point is popular with tourists, so you will be sharing this moment with others. The view of the entire city spread out below you in a lively atmosphere is a fun way to end the day.
Option 2: Rooftop Bar with Duomo Views
If you anticipate being too tired for the uphill walk after your day of sightseeing, plan ahead and reserve a table at a rooftop bar. Sipping cocktails while watching the sun set behind the magnificent Duomo sounded perfect to us, so that’s what we did!
We chose The Divina Terrazza Rooftop Bar at the Grand Hotel Cavour, and it was absolutely magical. There’s something incredibly special about watching the cathedral’s silhouette against the colorful sunset sky while having a cocktail in Florence!
Enjoying the sunset from a rooftop bar will require advance booking, so make your reservation in advance!
Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Florence
While the main itinerary works well for adults, exploring Florence with kids requires a few strategic additions or adjustments to keep everyone happy and engaged.
Eat Gelato (Obviously!)
You absolutely cannot visit Florence with kids and not eat gelato. This isn’t just a treat, it’s a cultural requirement. It is also a great way to bribe them between museum visits and walking tours.
Head to La Gelatiera or Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino for some of the city’s best authentic gelato.
Both shops offer incredible flavors made with high-quality ingredients. There’s nothing better than tasting the creamy textures and intense flavors of real Italian gelato.
Take Retro Photos At A Foto Automatica
Kids (and adults!) absolutely love the novelty of old-style photo booths, and Florence has several charming Foto Automaticas scattered around the city.
These vintage photo booths create fun black and white strip photos that make perfect souvenirs and create lasting memories. It’s a fun way to get goofy!
You’ll find the original booths on Via dell’Agnolo and Via Giuseppe Verdi, but there are others throughout Florence. Here’s a map of where they can be found!
Take A Family Cooking Class
One of the most memorable ways to experience Florence, Italy with kids is through a hands-on cooking class. These interactive experiences teach everyone how to make authentic Italian dishes while creating incredible memories together.
Here are some options to choose from depending on your family’s preferences:
- Florence: Premium Cooking Class for Pasta and Gelato – This cooking class combines two Italian favorites that kids absolutely love. They’ll learn to make fresh pasta from scratch and create their own gelato flavors.
- Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine – This workshop offers the perfect blend of savory and sweet. You will learn traditional pasta-making techniques alongside the secrets of Italy’s most famous dessert.
- Florence Cooking Class The Art of Making Gelato & Authentic Pizza – This one focuses on two crowd-pleasers that will keep the kids completely engaged. Who doesn’t love pizza and gelato?
These classes are typically around 3 hours long and taught by local chefs.
Ride The Piazza Della Repubblica Carousel
Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most delightful, and the vintage carousel in Piazza della Repubblica is a genuinely fun thing to do in Florence with kids.
This beautifully maintained merry-go-round sits right in the heart of the city, and is an affordable activity that provides pure joy to children.
Bardini Gardens
When you kids need space to run or you crave some green tranquility, the Bardini Gardens is a peaceful escape from Florence’s busy streets. These beautiful terraced gardens provide stunning views over the city and space for kids to run and play.
Arno Boat Ride At Sunset
End your family day with one of the most enchanting kid-friendly things to do in Florence: a sunset boat ride along the Arno River. This relaxing experience offers a completely different perspective of the city.
As you glide along the river, you’ll see Florence’s iconic landmarks from a unique angle, including beautiful views of the Ponte Vecchio and historic palazzos lining the riverbanks.
