Ideally, the beautiful city of Florence deserves a few days of exploration and enjoyment, but we understand that for most travelers, traveling schedules can be jam packed, only allowing for one full day in a city.
If you find yourself in the stunning city of Florence for one day, below we have listed our perfect one-day itinerary that showcases the endless beauty Florence has to offer with a mix of picturesque viewpoints, history and art, charming piazzas, and relaxing gardens.
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city where art, history, and culture come together in a beautiful tapestry. With spectacular art and architecture, peaceful gardens, delicious local food and wine and captivating viewpoints, spending a day (or hopefully more!) in Florence is a remarkable experience.
Start your day early at Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence’s historic center where you will find the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and can admire the stunning façade of this Renaissance masterpiece. To get your bearings of the city and for an unbelievable city view, we recommend climbing the 414 steps of Giotto’s Bell Tower which is part of the Duomo, to the rooftop terrace and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Florence and the Duomo.
Take the short stroll to Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo’s statue of David and admire this monumental work of art.
Then walk over to Mercato Centrale and wander the vibrant two-floor market for a taste of Tuscan and Italian gastronomy filled a variety of fresh produce, street food and local specialties. Make your way back through the historic centre and cross the Arno river over the Ponte Vecchio for your next stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a vibrant and lively square with great views of Florence. Keep climbing (it will be worth it!) to Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, one of Florence’s most significant and picturesque churches, renowned for its stunning architecture, historical importance, and breathtaking views.
After admiring the beautiful views of Florence, walk back down through the lovely Giardino delle Rose, famous for its extensive collection of roses, featuring over 350 various species and varieties. Make your way to Giardino Bardini (Bardini Gardens), located on the hillside of the Oltrarno district. Here you will find a tranquil and peaceful respite from the busy afternoon crowds where you can take a leisurely stroll and admire the wisteria pergola, numerous fountains and grottos and take in spectacular views of Florence and its famous landmarks.
Make your way to Piazza Santo Spirito, a charming and picturesque square in the Oltrarno district with a great daily market and find a pleasant spot to relax, soak in the local culture, admire the façade of Basilica di Santo Spirito and people-watch at one of the numerous restaurants and cafes.
Time to head back to the center with a mandatory gelato stop at Gelateria Santa Trinita to enjoy while strolling over the Ponte Santa Trinita that offers picturesque views of the Arno river. Time to find a great sunset viewing spot! While there are many spectacular places to sit and enjoy the sunset in Florence, we love the gorgeous rooftop terrace at the Rinascente department store. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, this is a memorable spot to enjoy a light meal and cocktail while taking in breathtaking sunset views of Florence and the Duomo and a great way to cap off a beautiful day exploring Florence!
If you are planning your dream trip to Italy, let Savour Italy Tours do all of the work for you so you can fully enjoy the beauty of Italy without any worries. For more information on planning a customized tour of Italy, please email info@savouritalytours.com.