Florence Itinerary in One Day | Must-See Attractions, Food & Stay
Last Updated on 23/02/2025
Looking for the perfect Florence itinerary? This historic city is packed with world-class art, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Even with just one day in Florence, you can explore its top attractions, savour authentic Italian food, and find great places to stay. This guide will help you maximise your time and experience the best of Florence.
Other Italy Articles：Rome｜Milan｜Florence｜Cinque Terre｜Venice Main Island｜Venice Island Hopping
Florence Overview
Florence (Italian: Firenze) is one of Italy’s five major cities. In the 15th century, it became the birthplace of the Renaissance, making significant contributions to art, science, and literature. In the mid-19th century, Florence briefly served as the capital of Italy and played a crucial role in the development of standard Italian.
The city’s prosperity stems from its strong economy, its position as a hub for East-West trade, and the support of the Medici family, who were influential in both politics and the arts. Florence’s relative democratic freedoms also helped drive the Renaissance movement.
During World War II, the historic centre of Florence was largely spared from destruction and was later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a renowned tourist destination today.
How to Get to Florence
- I took the Italo train from Rome (Roma Termini) to Santa Maria Novella Station, which kicked off my Florence itinerary.
- Train Bookings via Official Websites：Italo（Italian and English only）｜Trenitalia（available in Chinese and English）
- I’ll provide more details later on how to book tickets through Italo and Trenitalia.
- If you’d rather not buy individual tickets each time, consider getting the ➡️ Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries
Where to Stay in Florence
I stayed at the Luxury B&B La Dimora degli Angeli, located at Via dei Brunelleschi 4/nero, 3rd & 4th Floor, Florence, FI, 50123. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.
- Location：Just a 1-minute walk to Piazza della Repubblica and a 4-minute walk to the Florence Cathedral.
- Environment：Clean and safe.
- Breakfast：Breakfast is provided (though I missed it since I left early for Pisa).
- Price：Around £100 per night when I booked.
- Check Latest Prices：UK｜Hong Kong｜Taiwan
Florence Attractions Map
This map features my recommended attractions, food spots, and train station locations in Florence.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
Florence Itinerary for One Day
On this northern Italy trip, I planned to visit five key areas：Rome｜Florence｜Cinque Terre｜Milan｜Venice
In Rome, I have already explored：Vatican Museums｜St. Peter’s Basilica, and in Milan, I have visited：The Last Supper｜Duomo di Milano, so I focused my time in Florence on the panoramic view from Michelangelo Square and the local delicacies at the Central Market.
- The city centre of Florence is quite compact, so nearly all attractions can be reached on foot, making transportation unnecessary.
- Florence Itinerary: Central Market > Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore > Porcellino Fountain > Piazza della Signoria > Basilica of Santa Croce > Michelangelo Square > Ponte Vecchio
- I didn’t visit (but highly recommend) the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery.
- After Florence, I headed to nearby Pisa and Cinque Terre.
1st Stop: Central Market (Mercato Centrale)
- It’s just a 5-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella Station.
- The Central Market was my first stop in Florence. As soon as I got off the train, I headed straight to this indoor food market, which offers a variety of authentic Italian delicacies. Aside from pasta and charcuterie, I was especially keen on trying Lampredotto!
- There’s also an outdoor market nearby selling leather goods and souvenirs, which is worth a look.
2nd Stop: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- 7-minute walk from the Central Market
- Skip-the-line ticket for the dome (includes entry to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, Museum, and Bell Tower within three days).
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the most representative landmark in Florence. Its red dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, a goldsmith and clockmaker without formal architectural training. It features a double shell and a herringbone support system that allows it to stand securely without a central support, praised as the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture. Inside, you can admire the fresco of the “Last Judgement” painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.
- The adjacent Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) is an excellent place to overlook the city views, including the dome of the Cathedral.
3rd Stop: Wild Boar Fountain (Fontana del Porcellino)
- 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- This bronze wild boar fountain is said to bring good luck if you rub its nose, making it a fun legend that you can’t miss during your visit to Florence!
- Behind the fountain, there’s a leather market, which is worth exploring if you have time.
4th Stop: Piazza della Signoria
- 2 minutes walk from the Wild Boar Fountain
- Entrance ticket to the Palazzo Vecchio
- Piazza della Signoria is the political and artistic centre of Florence, featuring many statues, including the Fountain of Neptune and a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
- Next to the replica of David is the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio, a building constructed in the late 13th century that originally housed the city government and later became the residence of the Medici family. The interior is lavishly decorated, and the Torre di Arnolfo at the top offers a panoramic view of the entire city. The famous Salone dei Cinquecento contains murals by Giorgio Vasari that depict Florence’s history and war scenes, showcasing significant artistic value.
5th Stop: Basilica di Santa Croce
- 6 minutes walk from Piazza della Signoria
- Guided tour of the Basilica di Santa Croce
- The Basilica di Santa Croce is not only a religious building but also the final resting place of great figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, making it a site of significant historical importance.
6th Stop: Piazzale Michelangelo (Panoramic Views)
- 20 minutes walk from Basilica di Santa Croce (uphill)
- This journey is a bit strenuous, but the panoramic views at the top are absolutely worth it! The sunset over Florence is truly spectacular, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere!
- Tip: If you prefer not to walk uphill, you can take bus 12 or 13 near the Ponte Vecchio directly to the square.
7th Stop: Ponte Vecchio
- 15 minutes walk from Piazzale Michelangelo (downhill)
- This medieval-style bridge is lined with jewellery shops, exuding an old-world charm. At night, the lights reflecting off the Arno River create a truly enchanting scene.
- ⚠ Beware of Tourist Traps!
- Some individuals deliberately place paintings on the ground, and if you accidentally step on them, they may demand high compensation. Be sure to watch your step while walking on the bridge to avoid falling into a scam.
8th Stop: Return to Hotel & Takeaway Dinner
- After a day of walking, I decided to get takeaway food and head back to the hotel for some rest.
- On the way, I noticed many restaurants displaying raw beef in their front windows.
- Florence’s charcoal-grilled steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) is a local signature dish, renowned for its tender and juicy meat. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth savouring it in a restaurant!
Must-See Art Galleries in Florence I Missed
- Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) – Home to classic works by masters like Da Vinci and Botticelli.
- Academy Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) – Houses the original statue of David by Michelangelo.
These two galleries are must-visit spots for many tourists in Florence. However, due to limited time and the focus of this trip being on the city’s panoramic views, I wasn’t able to visit them in person. This also gives me a perfect excuse to return to Florence in the future!
Popular Day Trips from Florence
- Pisa：Famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, perfect for a half-day visit.
- Cinque Terre：A stunning collection of five colourful villages, renowned as one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines.
- On the morning of my trip, I set off from Florence, taking the train to Pisa to visit the Leaning Tower and surrounding attractions while the morning crowds were smaller. After that, I hopped on another train to Cinque Terre for a full day of coastal exploration.
- Day Trip from Florence: Cinque Terre and Pisa
One-Day in Florence: Is It Enough?
❌ Not Enough! Florence is rich in art, history, and culture, and a one-day itinerary won’t allow for a thorough exploration of its museums, churches, and other key sites. If you are truly passionate about art and history, I recommend staying at least two nights to fully experience the charm of the city.
✅ However, if you’re short on time, like I was, focusing on soaking in the city’s atmosphere and enjoying its cuisine, this itinerary will allow you to experience the highlights of Florence in just one day.
I hope this article helps you plan your Florence itinerary!
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