From its iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio to entertaining piazzas and delicious gelato, spending 1 day Florence is filled with things to do and see that will keep you busy, even during a short stay.
While I had a bit more time to explore the city, in this 1 day Florence itinerary, I’ll share how you can make the most of your short time in Florence while still getting to see just enough based on what I experienced.
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (which I know you will because you will love how helpful this blog post is, I am going to receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
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Start the day with a light breakfast and Italian coffee
Italian breakfast is simple yet satisfying, with a pastry and rich espresso or a smooth cappuccino at a local café being the go-to for many locals.
Whether you’re in the mood for a flaky cornetto filled with jam or a simple slice of fresh focaccia to dip in a hot drink, a light breakfast is a great way to start your packed day in Florence so that you can get through this 1 day Florence itinerary.
There are several cafés in Florence to choose from, but a few notable ones are Caffè Libertà and Caffè Gilli.
I enjoyed breakfast at Bar Pitti and ordered their egg plate meal, which comes with your choice of egg, cheese, salad, croissant, a hot drink, and orange juice for €22 ($25.83).
Visit the Accademia Gallery to See David Up Close
A guided tour of the Accademia Gallery will take you on a journey of famous artworks, including Michelangelo’s David, the gallery’s star piece that is absolutely worth seeing during your short time in Florence.
You’ll find that the line to enter is usually wrapped around the building, so I recommend booking a skip-the-line, timed-entry ticket for quick and easy access inside the gallery and to avoid excessive wait times, especially since you’ll be on a time constraint.
I booked this ticket and was able to show up, meet my tour guide in front of a specific door that was numbered, and be inside the gallery within minutes!
This was one of my favorite things to do in Florence and something I had to include in this 1 day Florence itinerary, as the gallery was a stunning introduction to Renaissance art.
Joining in on the group tour, our guide provided us with a radio and headpiece as she walked us through each piece of artwork, especially the David, in great detail, and it was a lovely experience you’ll love.
Accademia Gallery Tours in Florence:
- Accademia Gallery & David Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Exclusive Evening Tour of Michelangelo’s David
- Accademia Gallery Guided Tour with an Art Expert
Collect memories at a vintage photo booth
Scattered around Florence, you’ll find vintage “Fotoautomatica” booths where you can have on-demand black-and-white printed film photos that will serve as a souvenir for your time in the city.
A quick, easy, and fun activity to do in Florence, these photo booths are a great way to capture candid memories, share a laugh with friends, and take home a unique souvenir that’s way more personal than a postcard.
I Googled “Fotoautomatica” and the search results brought me to the nearest booth where I got to take these cute pictures.
Remember to sit down and trust that the machine will work so you get great shots the first time, unlike me!:
Planning Tip: The machines only accept euro coins, so bring a few extra in case you need to snap a few times to get those perfect shots or if the machines aren’t working and you have to visit a new one!
The machines can take up to 10 minutes to print your photos, so be sure to wait if it doesn’t print within 4 1/2 minutes, as shown by the machines.
Have lunch at the San Lorenzo Central Market
The San Lorenzo Central Market is extensive, featuring both an outdoor and indoor component, making it a lot to see and explore.
Outdoors, you’ll find a variety of vendors selling goods like leather bags, wallets, clothes, and other things you’ll likely want to pack into your bags.
Inside, you’ll enter restaurant heaven where different food stalls await you, and you’ll be able to choose from pasta, cheese, etc. for lunch. Pasta Fresca is a popular spot that serves fresh pasta to order—from gnocchi to ravioli—with different sauces like pesto, ragu, and lemon‑ricotta, all for around €6 per dish.
For something more savory, La Schiacciata Firenze is known for its light, chewy schiacciata or Roma sandwich, layered with prosciutto, burrata, figs, and arugula.
I visited a bakery on a whim and ordered two pastries to eat at one of the standing tables.
The market can get a bit busy, but the buzz and atmosphere make it worth soaking in.
Visit the Duomo Complex
One of the most popular structures in Florence, visiting the Duomo complex will take you on a journey of Renaissance art, architecture, and history.
The complex includes Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s bell tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Climbing to the top of the Dome or the bell tower rewards you with breathtaking views over Florence’s rooftops and rolling hills.
I did not go into any of the buildings within the Dome due to limited time and having other interests while in Florence, but I can say that even if you don’t have time to visit any of the places within the complex, visiting the area alone is a sight to see, as the buildings are beautiful.
Planning Tip: Be mindful of your dress code if you decide to visit the Duomo Complex. It is advised to cover your knees and shoulders, so dress accordingly or bring a coverup/wear clothes that can easily be adjusted to meet the guidelines.
Walk Across and Near the Oldest Bridge in Florence
Florence’s oldest bridge is the Ponte Vecchio, and crossing it means stepping into a living piece of history since it is also the only bridge in Florence that survived World War II.
As you walk across, you’ll pass jewelry boutiques, some of which have been family-run for generations, selling everything from handcrafted rings to antique watches.
The bridge is a great stop, especially right at sunset, when the city’s skyline shines, allowing you to appreciate the bridge for all that it is.
This is also a great chance to grab some gelato at one of the many gelato shops, said to have some of the most authentic gelato in Florence.
The bridge is not that long, as I’ve walked across it a few times wearing a dress and sandals. So, take advantage and take the journey if you need to, to discover even more.
Wrap up the day with a traditional tuscan dinner at La Grotta Guelfa
End your 1 day in Florence with a Tuscan dinner at La Grotta Guelfa, a cozy trattoria near Florence’s center.
La Grotta Guelfa has a cozy, rustic vibe and serves up classic Tuscan comfort foods. You’ll find hearty dishes to choose from.
While wandering the streets of Florence, I stumbled upon this restaurant, which pleasantly surprised me and became one of my best dining experiences in Italy.
I ordered Italian meatballs with potato puree paired with a glass of rosé and chocolate panna cotta for dessert, and everything I had was delicious, making it a place I can highly recommend to seal your day in Florence.
Meal Ticket:
- Polpette (Italian Meatballs) with Potato Puree: €17.50($20.46)
- Glass of Rose: €6 ($7.01)
- Chocolate Panna Cotta: €7 ($8.18)
