The Perfect One Day Florence Itinerary

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Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

Are you looking for the perfect one day Florence itinerary? Then keep reading! 

From culture and cuisine to art and architecture, Florence is such an amazing city with something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, I’m going to share the perfect Florence one day itinerary. Although you certainly can’t see all of the city in just one day, you’ll be surprised with how much you really can squeeze in. 

I visited Florence on my trip with the tour company, EF Ultimate Break, and this is a city you don’t want to miss on your Italy itinerary. If you are interested in traveling with EF Ultimate Break, check out their trips here. I couldn’t recommend them enough. They really take the stressful planning out of travel. Alright, let’s get into this one day Florence itinerary. 

Looking for more Italian guides?

• The Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy
• The Ultimate Venice Travel Guide
• How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan, Italy

This post is about how to spend one day in Florence, Italy. 

1 Day in Florence – The Basics 

Currency = Euro

The currency in Italy is the euro. (EUR)

1 USD = .90 Euro

Many places in Florence will accept card payments but I find it helpful to keep a bit of cash for small purchases. Cash is really useful if you need to tip a guide, split a restaurant bill, or shop at a local market. There are also plenty of ATMs throughout the city. 

Language = Italian 

The national language in Italy is Italian. However, you will find that it’s fairly easy to get around with English because Florence is a common tourist destination. I do suggest brushing up on your Italian to be respectful to the locals. I use the Duolingo app to practice new languages.  

Phone & Internet 

From my experience, I never had an issue with the phone and internet service in Florence. There was cell service just about everywhere. A majority of the cafes and restaurants had wifi available. 

For traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data when you travel. The Airalo app makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Check out Airalo here. 

Daily Budget 

Florence is not necessarily cheap but not the most expensive European destination either. It is possible to explore on a budget. An average mid-range daily budget is 100 euros per day. 

Tipping in Florence

Many restaurants will include a service charge labeled as “coperto.” Because of this, you are not expected to tip but if you have top-notch service it’s nice to leave some change (5% to 10%). If you are on a walking tour or some sort of guided tour it’s nice to tip your guide around 10%. 

Is The Tap Water Drinkable?

Yes, tap water in Italy is safe to drink.  

Map – 1 Day in Florence Itinerary 

The map below highlights all of the spots mentioned in this guide. 

How To Get Around Florence 

Florence is relatively small and very pedestrian-friendly. So, it’s very easy to navigate and get around on foot. If you don’t mind walking, you can easily spend your one day in Florence on foot. You can always get a taxi or an Uber if you prefer to drive somewhere.  

The Perfect One Day Florence Itinerary

Pick Up a Cappuccino and pastry at a Local Cafe 

Start your day early with a cappuccino and pastry at a local cafe. There are plenty of amazing places around the city but here are a few that are close to the Duomo:

• Oblate Cafeteria 
• Cafe De La Paix 
• Caffé Astra al Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

The Florence Cathedral (Duomo) is a must on any Florence itinerary. You can’t miss it when you visit. I suggest making the Duomo your first site of the day. It gets super crowded very quickly so get here as early as you can. 

The Duomo is free to enter. If you have the energy, you can climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views of the city. The line can get long to enter the Duomo – another great reason to be here early, especially if you’d like to go inside. 

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While you’re here in this square, take a look at the Baptistry of St. John and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Both are iconic architectural structures in the city.

Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria. It’s worth a stop on your itinerary to see this beautiful palace that has been the city’s town hall for centuries. If you’d like, you can pay 10 euros to enter.  

Ponte Vecchio

 Next, head to the famous Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno in Florence. Make sure you have your camera ready because this is one of the most picturesque spots in Florence.  

Uffizi Gallery

One of the world’s most famous art museums is the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Here, you can spend a few hours exploring its collection of Renaissance art. You should set aside about two to three hours to see the Uffizi Gallery leisurely. 

Admission prices will vary depending on the time of year. The prices will range from 12 euros during the low season to 26 euros during the high season. I suggest visiting before noon to beat the crowds. Book your tickets in advance here.

Try Florence’s Famous Sandwich for Lunch

Here in Florence, you can supposedly find the best sandwich in the world. These are some of the best street foods to pick up in the city. The most popular spot is All’antico Vinaio and SandwiChic is great too with typically no line. The base of these famous paninos is filled with sauces, cheese, and salumi. It doesn’t get better than that. 

Fontana del Porcellino and Shopping at a Local Market

Fontana del Porcellino is a bronze pig famous for its traditions – it’s said that if you rub its nose, you will return to Florence one day. If you stick a coin in his mouth and make a wish – if the coin falls through the gate – your wish is said to come true. 

The city of Florence is known for its leather. Your Florence itinerary isn’t complete without picking up a leather souvenir or gift. The leather market near the Fontana del Porcellino is called the Mercato Nuovo. You’ll find leather jewelry, clothes, journals, keychains, books, and more. 

Have a Drink from a Wine Window

It’s time for a drink break! Sit down for an afternoon spritz, or visit one of Florence’s famous wine windows. For centuries these little windows were used for selling and serving wine directly to customers on the street. They were particularly popular during the times of the plague when social distancing was necessary.

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Now, you can still find these wine windows in Florence and they are a unique way to enjoy a drink! Here are a couple of wine windows to add to your one day Florence itinerary: 

• Babae 
• Osteria Belle Donne

The Palazzo Pitti 

The Palazzo Pitti, or Pitti Palace, is a massive Renaissance palace in Florence. It’s one of the most significant architectural and cultural landmarks in the city. It’s located on the south side of the Arno River, a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio. 

Pitti Palace is well worth a spot on your one day Florence itinerary and its location makes it a convenient stop while exploring the city. It typically costs 17 euros for a regular ticket and on the first Sunday of each month, it’s free to enter. 

Gelato Break! 

It’s time for a gelato break! You can’t visit Florence without stopping for delicious gelato. There are countless amazing gelato spots in the city. Here are a few recommended options: 

• Gelateria La Carraia 
• Vivoli 
• Gelateria dei Neri 

Watch The Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo 

For the best views of Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo. Here, you’ll find panoramic views of the city making it the perfect sunset (or sunrise!) spot. 

To get here search, Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze Fi, Italy in Google Maps. It is a bit of a hike to reach, make sure you have comfy shoes on. The view is well worth it though!

Dinner at a Local Trattoria

End your day with a traditional Florentine dish at a local trattoria. Try Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Beefsteak) or Pappardelle al Cinghiale (ribbon pasta with wild boar). 

Where to Stay in Florence? 

If you are staying the night during your one day in Florence, here are a few hotel recommendations. 

Budget: Hostel 7 Santi 

Boutique: Grand Hotel Minerva

Luxury: Donati Luxury Tower Suites

Find a Place to Stay in Florence

And that wraps up this guide about how to spend one day in Florence, Italy. I hope this helped you plan your trip. If you have any questions about Florence, comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com.

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