How to spend one day in Florence and make the most of it? Florence, or Firenze as the Italians call it, is known as the cradle of the Renaissance. So it is no secret that this city has a lot of architectural treasures to offer. With so many sights to see, it seems impossible to explore this city in one day and I’m going to be honest with you; it is! But if you do decide to do a day trip to Florence, then I have the perfect one day itinerary for you!

One day in Florence, city walk

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

I’ll start this city walk at the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. There are a lot of nice hotels (I stayed at the Hotel Rosso 23, book here) and it is right next to the train station. So if you come by train, this is the ideal starting point. If you come by car, try parking at the Parcheggio Stazione Fortezza Fiera (Piazzale Caduti nei Lager). It only costs 20€ for an entire day of parking, which isn’t expensive if you compare it to cities like Amsterdam.

The Piazza Santa Maria Novella is dominated by the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in early Renaissance style. Its façade is white and decorated with blue and pink lines. On this square there is a good restaurant called Vincanto, so check it out for dinner before your return!

Mercato di San Lorenzo / Mercato Centrale

Walk to the Mercato di San Lorenzo via the Via dei Banch, Via del Giglio (passing the Cappelle Medicee) and the Via dell’ Ariento. Shop at the local markets. You can find a lot of leather products, fruits, vegetables and herbs there.

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata

Take the Via Panicale and turn right at the Via Guelva, keep going straight ahead until you reach the Via dei Servi. Turn left here to the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. The square is surrounded by palaces and you can find two fountains and a statue of Ferndinando I. When you look at the direction of Via dei Servi you’ll get your first glimpse of the Duomo!

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Return via the Via dei Servi and walk straight to the Piazza del Duomo. The beauty of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore filled my eyes with tears. I just got very emotional. It is a breathtaking sight to see. You can stare at it for hours. If the line isn’t too long I suggest to visit the inside and even climb the dome. Explore the piazza and don’t forget to take a look at the Battistero di San Giovanni too. If you are already hungry get some icecream or a pizza at Mr Pizza. I know this place is very mesmerizing and you’ll never want to leave but since you only have one day in Florence, it’s time to continue!

Piazza della Repubblica

Take the Via dei Calzaiuoli, turn right at the Via degli Speziali and turn left to the Piazza della Repubblica. You’ll find a lot of shops on your way and the piazza is another beautiful square not to miss. 

Mercato del Porcellino / Mercato Nuovo

Then go to the Mercato del Porcellino / Mercato Nuovo via the Via Calimala. Rub il Porcellino’s nose for good fortune and take a look at what the market has to offer. I loved to check out all the market stands.

Piazza della Signoria

Then take the Via Vacchereccia to the Piazza della Signoria. The most magnificent square you’ll encounter during this one day in Florence! Here you will find so many architectural gems! The most famous of all is of course the Palazzo Vecchio with a copy of David in front of it. Next to it the Loggia dei Lanzi exhibits fantastic statues like Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Rape of the Sabine Women and Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus, both by the Flemish artist Jean de Boulogne (Giambologna). At the other side of the square you’ll find the impressive fountain of Neptune.

Piazzale degli Uffizi

Walk along the arcades of the Piazzale degli Uffizi to reach the riverside of the Arno. Enjoy your first sight of the Ponte Vecchio!

Ponte Vecchio

Cross the Ponte Vecchio to the other side, but don’t forget to take a look around. This bridge houses a lot of fantastic jewellery and leather shops.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a stroll along the water heading east or take the Via de Bardi, continuing the Via di San Niccolo and the Via S Miniato. Continue via the Via del Monte alle Croci and take the stairs (Scalinata del Monte alle Croci) up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. From there you have an awe inspiring view of the whole city of Florence! If you can, make sure to return one day to experience sunset here! 

Piazza di Santa Croce

Return back down and cross the Ponte alle Grazie. Take in the view of the Ponte Vecchio, being its neighbouring bridge. Keep going straight ahead, taking the Via dei Benci straight to Piazza di Santa Croce. This piazza is surrounded by restaurants and bars. Its most striking feature is the Basilica di Santa Croce, another white church with the now well known blue and pink lines.

Shopping and Ponte Santa Trinita

Take the Via Torta, the Via Isola delle Stinche, the Via dell’Anguillara passing the Piazza San Firenze , the Via della Condotta and just keep going straight ahead passing all the shops until you reach the Via de’ Tornabuoni. There you turn left to the Ponte Santa Trinita where you can enjoy another view of the Ponte Vecchio.

Giardino di Boboli

Here ends the “one day in Florence” walk but if you have time left I suggest to go straight ahead following the Via Maggio. Turn left at the Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti and continue until you reach the Palazzo Pitti. Here you can buy tickets to the Giardino di Boboli. This beautiful garden was featured in Inferno (the movie and book of Dan Brown) and a great place to escape from the crowds.

Book your stay in Florence here

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