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 gem. 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 navigating.
I’ve crafted this well-tested one day in Florence itinerary after visiting during peak summer season (yes, I learned the hard way about timing!). While I knew the crowds would be intense, I couldn’t resist experiencing the birthplace of the Renaissance.
My strategy? I stayed in the peaceful neighboring city of Bologna and took a day trip. It was one of the best decisions I made for maintaining my sanity while still soaking up Florence’s magic.
Let me be upfront: if art isn’t your thing, Florence might not capture your heart. But if you’re passionate about Renaissance masterpieces, breathtaking architecture, and cultural history, Florence will absolutely blow you away.
The city houses some of the world’s most famous artworks, from Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, all within walking distance of each other.
This itinerary is designed for adult travelers, whether you’re exploring solo, as a couple, or with friends. However, I’ve included a special family-friendly section at the end with activities that will keep both adults and children engaged, because Florence’s wonders can be appreciated by visitors of all ages with the right approach.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. I only recommend brands that I use and trust! Please see full disclosure here.
You May Also Like: How To Enjoy A Cinque Terre Day Trip
When To Visit Florence, Italy
If you want to avoid all of the hordes of people that Florence attracts, you will need to visit in the winter. This is the reality of one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
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.
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.
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 outdoor cafes and some attractions may have reduced hours.
The upside? You’ll have much more space to appreciate masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David without being surrounded by crowds, and you’ll actually be able to take photos in popular spots without people in every frame.
You May Also Like: How To Explore Tuscany Without A Car: 7 Beautiful Places You Can Reach By Train
One Day In Florence Itinerary
Now let’s dive into the perfect one day in Florence itinerary that maximizes your time while 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. This isn’t about entering the cathedral just yet, it’s about capturing that perfect shot of Florence’s most iconic landmark before the crowds arrive.
The Piazza del Duomo is almost always bustling with tourists, but 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 shots.
The early morning light also creates beautiful photography conditions, casting a warm glow on the intricate marble details.
While you won’t be able to enter the cathedral until later in the day (we’ll return for the interior), this early visit allows you to truly appreciate the architectural masterpiece without the usual sea of tour groups and street vendors.
The crowds thin out again after sunset, but morning offers the best combination of good lighting and manageable crowds for your photos.
Grab Some Breakfast At Forno Ghibellina
After admiring the Duomo, fuel up for your day at this beloved neighborhood bakery located just a couple blocks from Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Forno Ghibellina specializes in authentic Italian pastries that will make your taste buds sing.
Their stuffed brioche is absolutely essential, featuring flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet or savory options that locals line up for daily.
Beyond their famous brioche, this cozy spot serves excellent Italian coffee and fresh sandwiches, making it ideal whether you need a quick breakfast boost or want to grab supplies for a later lunch.
The authentic atmosphere and quality ingredients offer a genuine taste of local Florence, far from the tourist traps surrounding major attractions.
Galleria Dell’Accademia: Meet Michelangelo’s David
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: standing face to face with one of the world’s most famous sculptures. The Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo’s original David, and it’s absolutely worth the planning required to see it.
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 eventually gave up in defeat. The museum closes on Mondays, and last entry is at 6:20pm, so even end of day attempts can be risky.
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, though it requires equally advance planning.
You May Also Like: Tuscany Itinerary: How To See Tuscany In 7 Days
Book Your Duomo Experience: Climb The Dome Or Bell Tower
Now it’s time to return to the Duomo complex for the experience you’ve been saving: 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 ascend, culminating in panoramic views from 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 this 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.
If you’re visiting during spring or fall when sunset occurs earlier, you might have the perfect opportunity to 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.
What to Expect: 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.
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, authentic Italian sandwiches that won’t break the bank.
This beloved local spot serves up generous portions at incredibly reasonable prices, making it a favorite among both locals and savvy travelers.
If you’re lucky, you might even meet Pino himself behind the counter, adding a personal touch to your dining experience.
The menu caters to all appetites with plenty of vegetarian options alongside their famous meat selections, ensuring everyone in your group will find something satisfying.
The casual, no-frills atmosphere is perfect for refueling before your afternoon adventures, and the quality ingredients shine through in every bite.
You May Also Like: One Day In Pisa: What You Need To Do
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, with local residents going about their daily lives, charming cafes tucked into corners, and beautiful architecture without the tourist chaos.
The city is absolutely beautiful at street level, where you can admire the details of Renaissance palazzos, stumble upon hidden courtyards, and discover tiny piazzas that feel like secret gardens.
Don’t miss exploring one of Florence’s legendary leather shops during your wandering. There are so many leather shops throughout the city that you’ll practically trip over them!
From high-end boutiques to family-run workshops, Florence’s leather craftsmanship is world-renowned. Whether you’re shopping for a jacket, handbag, or just browsing, these shops offer a glimpse into one of the city’s most celebrated traditions.
You May Also Like: A Day in Siena: Fall In Love With Tuscany’s Most Beautiful Medieval City
Admire The Free Art In Piazza della Signoria
Make your way to one of Florence’s most magnificent squares, where world-class art awaits you completely free of charge. Piazza della Signoria serves as an open-air sculpture gallery, showcasing incredible Renaissance masterpieces right under the sky.
The square also features other stunning sculptures including Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa and Bandinelli’s imposing Hercules and Cacus.
Here you’ll find the replica of Michelangelo’s David (remember, this is your backup if you couldn’t get Accademia tickets), standing proudly in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.
The Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery on the square’s edge, houses additional Renaissance treasures that you can admire up close without paying a single euro.
Take your time here, circle around the sculptures, and appreciate the incredible craftsmanship that makes Florence the Renaissance capital of the world.
The piazza itself is a masterpiece of urban design, surrounded by historic buildings that create a dramatic backdrop for all this artistic splendor.
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.
Here’s the smart approach: don’t just fight through the crowds on the bridge itself. Instead, 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, then get off as soon as you can. You’ll have seen one of Florence’s most photographed landmarks without spending your entire afternoon stuck in tourist traffic.
You May Also Like: How To Spend One Day In San Gimignano
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, making them an early example of contactless service.
We visited Buchetta del Vino di Babae during our day trip to Florence, and it was absolutely magical. The experience of ordering through the tiny window and receiving your wine glass through the opening feels like stepping back in time.
The quality of the wine was excellent, and the novelty factor made it even more enjoyable.
There are many wine windows scattered throughout Florence, each with its own character and charm. Simply type “wine window” into Google Maps and you’ll see their locations pop up across the city.
It’s like a treasure hunt for wine lovers! Now, that’s my kind of treasure hunt!!!
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. OMG, the pasta! I’m still dreaming about it months later.
This cozy osteria serves up some of the most incredible pasta I’ve ever experienced in Italy, and that’s saying something. Every bite was pure perfection, with that perfect al dente texture and rich, authentic flavors that make you understand why Italian cuisine has conquered the world.
The intimate atmosphere and attentive service create the perfect ending to your one day Florence adventure. After hours of walking, climbing, and exploring, sinking into a chair at this local gem while savoring exceptional pasta feels like the ultimate reward.
The portions are generous, the ingredients are clearly top quality, and the preparation is masterful. It’s exactly the kind of authentic Italian dining experience you hope to find when visiting Florence.
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.
From this elevated vantage point, you’ll see the entire city spread out below you, with the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and terracotta rooftops creating a postcard-perfect scene as the golden hour light bathes everything in warm hues.
It’s the classic Florence sunset experience that photographers and romantics dream about.
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 where you can sip cocktails while watching the sun set behind the magnificent Duomo.
This requires advance booking, so you’ll need to decide before your trip whether you prefer the relaxed luxury of cocktails with views over the athletic achievement of climbing to Piazzale Michelangelo.
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 enjoying a perfectly crafted drink.
Either way, you’ll end your one day Florence adventure with views and memories that will last a lifetime.
Kid-Friendly Options 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 and the perfect way to keep little ones motivated 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 that will have the whole family coming back for seconds. The creamy textures and intense flavors are a world away from regular ice cream, and watching your kids’ faces light up with their first taste of real Italian gelato is a travel moment you’ll treasure.
Pro tip: Gelato breaks make excellent bribes for good behavior during museum visits and can turn a potentially cranky afternoon into a delightful family adventure.
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 Automatica scattered around the city.
These vintage photo booths create fun black and white strip photos that make perfect souvenirs and keep kids entertained while creating lasting memories. Fun way to get goofy!
You’ll find original booths on Via dell’Agnolo and Via Giuseppe Verdi, but there are others throughout Florence. Simply search “Fotoautomatica” in Google Maps and various locations will pop up around the city.
The whole experience is pure fun: squishing into the tiny booth together, making silly faces, and waiting for your photo strips to develop.
Kids love the anticipation of seeing how their photos turned out, and these retro snapshots become treasured keepsakes that capture your family’s Florence adventure in a uniquely authentic way.
Plus, it’s a perfect activity when you need a quick break from walking or sightseeing.
Take A Family Cooking Class
One of the most memorable ways to experience Florence, Italy with kids is through a hands-on cooking class designed for families. These interactive experiences teach everyone how to make authentic Italian dishes while creating incredible memories together.
You have some fantastic options to choose from depending on your family’s preferences:
Florence: Premium Cooking Class for Pasta and Gelato – combines two Italian favorites that kids absolutely adore. They’ll learn to make fresh pasta from scratch and create their own gelato flavors, taking home skills they can recreate at home.
Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine – offers the perfect blend of savory and sweet, teaching traditional pasta-making techniques alongside the secrets of Italy’s most famous dessert.
Florence Cooking Class The Art of Making Gelato & Authentic Pizza – focuses on two crowd-pleasers that will have kids completely engaged throughout the entire experience.
These classes are typically around 3 hours long, giving families quality time together while learning from local chefs.
Kids love getting their hands dirty with dough, and parents appreciate learning authentic techniques they can use back home. It’s educational, delicious, and creates lasting memories that go far beyond typical tourist activities.
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, offering a whimsical break from cultural sightseeing.
The ornate carousel with its painted horses and classic music creates a magical moment that feels timeless. Kids love choosing their favorite horse, and parents appreciate the chance to sit on nearby benches and watch their children’s joy.
It’s an affordable activity that provides pure happiness and often becomes one of the trip’s most cherished memories.
Bardini Gardens
When kids need space to run and families crave some green tranquility, the Bardini Gardens offer a peaceful escape from Florence’s busy streets. These beautiful terraced gardens provide stunning views over the city while giving children room to explore and play.
The gardens feature winding paths, hidden corners, and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy. The panoramic views of Florence from various viewpoints make it worthwhile for adults too, creating a win-win situation where everyone gets what they need.
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 while keeping children engaged with the novelty of being on the water.
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.
The gentle movement of the boat, combined with the golden hour lighting, creates a peaceful and magical atmosphere that caps off your Florence adventure perfectly. Kids love spotting familiar buildings from this new vantage point, and parents can finally relax while still sightseeing.
You May Also Like: How To Spend 3 Days In Cinque Terre: Best Way To See All 5 Towns
Leave a Reply