If you only have 24 hours (and really Italy deserves more – but I get it!) here is is your one stop, Florence in a day guide. Fill your brain with a bucketlist of top activities, or treat it like a pick your own, choosing your day’s itinerary from start to finish.
Florence in a day itinerary and bucketlist
I need to give you an old school lecture for just a second before we start this. This city might seem laid back, but it’s actually not the place to go all laid back, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-trousers.
Before you pick up that second glass of local wine, fish out your phone and book your tickets. Book, pay for and print your tickets online for all the biggest ticketed attractions. Take it from me, if you don’t – the queues will be epic.
Now let’s slosh back a cappuccino and make a start on the perfect day!
FLORENCE IN THE MORNING…
Galleria dell’Accademia
– recommended by Maggie of pinkcaddytravelogue.com
Ticket prices are 16 euros (but the 1st Sunday of every month is free!) The Accademia is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 am – 6:50 pm.
In the city known as the centre of the Renaissance, there are famous pieces of art around almost every corner. But if you only visit one of the city’s galleries, it must be the Galleria dell’Accademia. Why? Because it houses one of the world’s most famous sculptures – the David.
Most of the thousands of visitors who visit here each year come specifically to see the David, but the museum also includes beauties from Michelangelo, such as his Prisoners and his St. Matthew. There are also works by Botticelli, another famous Renaissance painter, as well as Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and others.
The Accademia Gallery is fairly small – you could easily see everything in an hour (which makes it great for people who don’t like to spend a lot of time in museums!) What can take a long time though is standing in long queues just to get into the museum. To save time, you can buy tickets ahead of time or arrange for a private guided tour.
Piazza Michelangelo
– recommended by Margherita at thecrowdedplanet.com
Have you spotted the iconic picture-perfect image of Florence, with the town’s domes seen from above around the Arno River, and the Tuscan hills framing the whole scene? That is the view from Piazza Michelangelo, one of the most scenic places in Florence and a definite must visit on all Florence day trips, be they one day or one week long.
The Piazza Michelangelo is popular, but it’s a fair distance away from the busy city centre, so it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll find smaller crowds. Sunset is the busiest time of the day, whereas mornings are fairly quiet.
It’s easy to travel by bus between the centre of Florence and Piazzale Michelangelo with bus number 12 or 13. Walking is also an option, taking about half an hour from the Duomo via Oltrarno and the picturesque San Niccolò neighbourhood. After checking out Piazzale Michelangelo, continue uphill for about 10 minutes to San Miniato, a secluded church in a very scenic location. Most tourists don’t make it that far, so chances are you’ll have the place to yourself!
Palazzo Vecchio
– recommended by Vanessa of Wanderlust Crew
Open 9 am-11 pm April-September and 9 am-7 pm October-March. Tickets are from 8-18 euros depending on your selection. Children are free.
As one of the most popular attractions in Florence, the impressive Palazzo Vecchio Museum and Tower, offers a trip back in time as you wander through what was once the grandest palace in the city.
It was home to the most powerful family of Italy, the Medicis, and houses some of the most treasured items in the country. Try not to think about all the murder, assassination and more that family were involved in as you get lost in three eras of history including Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress, and Renaissance alcoves.
The Palazzo Vecchio was built over the ruins of a theatre, dating back to the first century A.D. You can view the ancient ruins on the underground level, but only with separate 4 euro ticket – well worth the extra investment.
San Miniato al Monte
Sundays: 8:15 am-7 pm, Weekdays: 9:30 am-1 pm and 3-7 pm (until 8 pm in summer). Free entry.
Perched high above the city of Florence sits San Miniato al Monte, the charming, 1000-year-old basilica that is beautiful to admire – and so is the view as you stand in front of it.
With only a fraction of the crowds of the nearby Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte, this has an equally amazing or arguably even better view of Florence, including a complete panorama of the city and its surrounding hills. Tough choice!
Once you manage to turn away from the view, though, San Miniato al Monte has even more to offer: both the interior and exterior of the Romanesque basilica are gorgeous, and the church is completely free to enter.
Early morning sunshine here is stunning, but you can also plan your visit for the evening and you’ll find a fairly unique experience at San Miniato al Monte. The monks who oversee the church hold Vespers, complete with Gregorian chants, in the evenings, and the services are open for visitors.
Though San Miniato al Monte looks (and feels) far removed from the center of Florence, it is very easy to access. The basilica is just over 30 minutes on foot from the Piazza del Duomo, and less than 10 minutes walking from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Bardini Gardens
– recommended by Courtney of thechirpingmoms.com
One not to miss spot in Florence is the Bardini Gardens. Even though you’ve probably heard of the Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Gardens reopened in 2005 and became a knockout. Because of that, this spot is a lot less crowded. In fact, first thing in the morning you might be the only people there!
Belvedere Loggia which is part of the Villa serves coffee, snacks and a light lunch. The views are incredible!
The gardens are on the Oltrarno (the other side of the Arno River) and can be reached by foot from most parts of the city. Once you cross the river, it’s about a 10 minute walk, depending on which bridge you cross from.
The best time to go is April or May because the wisteria and many other flowers are in bloom. If you go in the summer, go first thing in the morning to avoid the heat. Enjoy!
FLORENCE IN THE AFTERNOON…
Mr Pizza recommended by Wendy at thenomadicvegan.com
Open 11am to 4:30am every day of the week.
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty lunch that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Mr Pizza. Their most popular location is right next to the Duomo, so you’ll have an amazing view if you sit out on the terrace. That location doesn’t take bookings, though, so if you’re with a group and want to make sure of getting a table, you might be better off reserving at the other location in Via Pietrapiana, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Prices are very reasonable, ranging from 5.50 euros for a marinara pizza to 12 euros for a pizza with premium ingredients like black cherry tomatoes. You can even choose a gluten-free crust, or vegan cheese. The brand of vegan cheese they use is really good quality and melts just like cow’s cheese.
Mr. Pizza is best suited to a quick lunch in between sightseeing stops, although both locations do stay open into the wee hours of the morning. This is pretty unusual in Italy, so even when everything else is closed you can still enjoy a late-night snack at Mr Pizza.
Duomo
It’s free to enter the Duomo, but some of the other nearby buildings require an admission ticket. The Duomo is generally open from 10 am to 4 pm.
It’s almost impossible to spend a day in Florence without a visit to the Duomo. Like other cathedrals in Italy it took about 200 years to build. What makes this cathedral unique, though, is the exterior of the building, which is covered in green, white, and pink marble. Simply stunning.
One of the best ways ways to experience the Duomo, though, is to enjoy a coffee at a cafe on the piazza, or square. Not only do you get a stunning view, but it also offers some of the best people watching.
Even better, on a warm day, hit one of the many gelato shops just off the square and enjoy an icy treat with the most incredible view in Florence. Try the gelato shop called GROM on Via delle Oche, which foods the world at a good price. Both of these options offers travellers a great budget way to experience Florence and marvel at the architecture.
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
You’ll find this on Via della Scala, not far from Santa Maria Novella Railway Station. Entry is free and it’s open from 9 am-8 pm every day.
One of the best ‘alternative’ attractions in Florence – this might sound like a rather obscure addition to your one day Florence itinerary, but trust me on this one – Florence’s oldest perfumery-pharmacy really is something else. You only need to step inside this incredible building to understand that.
It was started by Dominican friars way back in the 1200s, a time when medicinal herbs were grown inside the monastery gardens. These then became the lotions and potions used to fight off illness – or at least try to! – and so on.
Be sure to look up at the perfumery’s gorgeous ceilings as you wander through by the light of flickering chandeliers. Pick up and smell sweet scented ointments, colognes and dainty soaps – it’s hard to resist taking them all home. It’s more like a museum than a pharmacy or perfume shop.
They also sell (as you’ve probably guessed by the name) eau de colognes, which smell amazing and ‘sandala’ – ‘sandalwood’ is gorgeous.
Boboli Gardens
The gardens are open from 8.15 am with seasonal closing times from 4.30 pm in winter to 6.50 pm in summer. Closed on the first and last Monday of each month, prices start at 6 euros in winter and 10 euros in summer.
Cruise through the Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace for some fresh air and enchanting views. Sprawling over 111 acres, they are one of the largest green spaces in the city and are a lovely place to stroll if you have art fatigue or enjoy the beauty of formal gardens.
Once the private estate those Medicis (again!) with formal and informal spaces, fountains, statues and even an amphitheatre. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring this inner city oasis that is almost like an open air museum.
From the garden highpoint at Giardino del Cavaliere there are views of neighbouring palazzo and the banks of the Arno River. Don’t miss visiting the spectacular Buontalenti Grotto. This ornate cave is decorated with frescoes and sculptures and looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.
FLORENCE AS EVENING FALLS...
Drinks at the Grand Hotel Cavour’s rooftop bar
Just an eight minute walk from the throngs of tourist near the Ponte Vecchio in the very heart of Florence lies an urban oasis: Divina Terrazza, the rooftop bar at Grand Hotel Cavour. Just check in at the desk and then take the elevator straight up to the sixth florr. Voilá! Welcome to Paradise.
It’s hard to believe that it’s so easy to access such a quiet, beautiful place to sip and sup from somewhere so central, but it’s true. And guests who are not staying at the hotel are welcome here. So sink into the plush sofas and take in a bird’s eye panoramic view of medieval and Renaissance Florence.
To your right, your gaze will be directly level with the Cupola del Brunelleschi, rising up from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. And to the left is Palazzo Vecchio. Beyond that is the Badia Florentina (the bell tower of the medieval abbey), and the fabulous Bargello Museum… looking as if you could reach out and touch them from your perch.
Note di Vino
The little wine shop opens every day from noon until 10 pm or longer if it’s full and the good life going.
Note Di Vino – Enoteca Wine Bar can be found in Florence at Borgo dei Greci 4 just on the edge of Florence’s Old Town near the Santa Croce Church.
Note di Vino is run by a local family. The owners Lorenzo and Letizia are very friendly and attentive and the atmosphere in the bar is just like a friend’s living room. Or a kitchen, since the counter is used not only for serving but also for preparing meals.
They have meat and cheese plates on the menu, as well as bruschetti, warm panini and a few veggie dishes. You can count with an ample selection of Tuscany wines. The local Chianti and Pinot Grigio keep flowing of course! Your sweet tooth will be satisfied with their cantuccini biscuits and sweet wine.
What’s most unique about this tiny place (roughly four simple tables only!) is the vibe. It’s easy to strike a conversation with other guests and the owners will make you feel welcome no matter where you come from. In summer, there are a few tables outside so you can do some people watching.
FANCY DEDICATING THE WHOLE DAY?
Cooking class at In Tavola
There are various cooking classes available Monday to Friday and offered in English, with prices starting from 69 euros.
Experiencing the food is one of the quintessential parts of visiting Florence, Italy. Even better, is learning how to take these dishes with you when you return home.
In Tavola is a culinary school on the west side of the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The name translates to ‘on the table’ in English and there are group classes in homemade pasta, 4-course dinners, market tours with cooking classes, easy dinners, and even a pizza and gelato class.
After preparing some delicious dishes and learning some classic Italian cooking techniques from friendly and knowledgeable chefs, enjoy the feast below the kitchen in an intimate wine cellar. Here your food is paired with local wines and you experience a true feast.
Pinterest image ‘Florence‘ by Andy Montgomery CC-BY-SA
Has all that reading got you in the mood to stay longer in Florence, maybe even study there? Find out exactly how to do it in this interview with an American studying in Florence.
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