Ultimate 1 Day Florence Itinerary: A Local Guide For First Timer Visitors

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Once the home of artists, inventors, political masterminds, and literary philosophers, Florence is a dream in itself. The moment you step foot into this medieval-rich city, you can feel the history in the air — made even more obvious through its preserved buildings and city streets. 

At this point, I feel like a stuck record, but I can’t help it…Florence is truly my favorite city in all of Italia. Not to mention the whole of Tuscany is right on your doorstep, and the locals around these parts were some of the friendliest I’ve encountered. I’ve returned time and time again, and plan on doing so for the rest of my life (until I actually move here). 

The City of the Italian Renaissance is all about two things for me: art and food.  

If you’re visiting this iconic gem for the first time, I’ve compiled a 1 Day Florence Itinerary to set you off in the right direction, with a little touch and taste of everything about Firenze to fall in love with. World famous museums, markets, and viewpoints; I’m certain you’ll feel the same way as I do afterward.  

Best area stay during your 1 Day Florence Itinerary 

My favorite area is the Jewish Quarter (around Piazza della Repubblica). Every time I’m in the city, I choose accommodation here. Ticking all my boxes, it’s vibey but quiet. You’ll also find amazing shops and cafes, and of course, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is here. We always cook at least one meal at our Airbnb. It’s easy to get around, and the Duomo is a ten-minute walk. I love walking the city, too! 

The Centro Storico (historic center) is closeby to everything, from attractions to landmarks, restaurants, cafes, and things to do. The downside is that this area is always bustling, and many times accommodation is a little pricier as it’s smack bang in the heart of Florence. 

My second favorite area that I have stayed in is Oltrarno, also known as the old part of the city. It’s located on the other side of the Arno and is a little more local than the center (my cup of tea). It’s near Piazzale Michelangelo. There isn’t an overload of stores around here, but many cafes, restaurants, and galleries. 

Ultimate 1 Day Florence Itinerary

Morning: Uffizi Gallery, Brunch & Shopping 

If you’ve only got one day in Florence, let’s begin with an early start to make the most of this 1 Day Florence Itinerary. I suggest filling up on a quick pastry and espresso to-go before you hit the Uffizi Gallery (you must pre-book skip-the-line tickets prior to arriving in Italy). Hit up Ditta Artigianale & Hario Cafe if you’re in the Jewish Quarter (open from 7.30 am), or there’s the other Ditta Artigianale Via dei Neri but it opens at 8 am.

After your bucket list discoveries of Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo masterpieces, grab a light bite (and another espresso if you’re a fiend like me) for brunch before it’s off for some shopping. 

From flower cafes to those set out in a glasshouse right near the river, scope out my list of the best cafes in Florence for some scrumptious brunch time options. 

Now that you’ve ticked off one of the most iconic places to visit on your 1 Day Florence Itinerary, and you’re full and content, the vintage shops and markets await. 

Firenze is famous for leather. At the famed central Florence Leather Market, discover handbags, travel bags, purses, wallets, hats, belts, and a lot of other leather goods. (There’s another leather market but it is a bit out of the city.)

Then, one thing that I noticed when hitting the streets is that Florence has so many vintage shops! These range from antique stores to fashionista’s paradise where rails are lined with original Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, etc. But remember, you’re paying for labels, so expect a hefty price tag, usually €100 and up. I picked up a pair of 1920s Chanel gloves. You can strike a bargain if you’re lucky or at some of the preloved stores. 

Some of my favorite vintage stores to explore include Humana Vintage, Epoca Vintage Store, Vannaty, Recollection by Albrici, Melrose Vintage, Mercatino di Ninni, and Tartan Vintage. 

Early Afternoon: Mercato Centrale & Lunch

After your 1 Day Florence Itinerary retail therapy session, it’s off to the Mercato Centrale, where a sensory bomb of mesmerizing flavors and scents is about to hit you! 

Travel tip: Florence is relatively small, but if you don’t want to walk for miles and miles, plan your shopping adventure wisely. First, check the location of this iconic food market before choosing which vintage shops to visit. The leather market is pretty close to the Uffizi. Of course, you can just taxi around, but walking is the more affordable option and means extra spending cash for clothes. 

As a foodie, the market is my idea of heaven! Stalls and vendors offer fresh goods or artisanal ready-made products, from truffle oil to dried pasta. Stock up on all your wildest Italian food staple dreams here.  

Now, you have the option to enjoy lunch at the market. My suggestion is to buy a bunch of food from various stalls. In short, I always recommend a DIY Florence street food walking tour. There are tables and benches here to sit down and feast. You must try the chianina hamburger!

If you’d prefer to lunch at an actual restaurant vibe, leave behind the market and dine at Alla Vecchia Bettola for its famed vodka pasta! More authentic ristorante options are Trattoria Za Za and Osteria Pastella — both do incredible pasta too!

Late Afternoon: The Duomo & Piazzale Michelangelo 

Ready for your next 1 Day Florence Itinerary afternoon venture? Of course, you cannot pass the chance to discover the iconic Duomo! The 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a marvel in itself, and it’s breathtaking! The last entry is at 3.45 pm, so again, careful planning is essential. 

Did you know it’s free entry (but the lines are insane)? That said, certain parts do require a ticket, such as Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Baptistery, and the Crypt. For a more informative experience, opt for a guided tour. Again, there’s also the option of skip-the-line tour tickets which comes in handy if you’re trying to pack a lot into your 1 Day Florence itinerary.  

If lines are too long, you can opt to meander around the Piazza del Duomo. Photograph the famous ‘Gates of Paradise,’ the exterior/facade of the Duomo, and grab an espresso in the square. 

History and cultural fix complete, stop for an aperitif and some light snacks at Eataly (a two-minute walk from the Plaza).  

As early evening draws near, make your way across the Arno to the other side of the city toward Piazzale Michelangelo. This hilltop viewpoint is surreal! Don’t leave your camera behind. To reach it, either walk the whole way up passing the old part of the city (it is quite a walk including stairs), or catch a taxi here. Finish this off with an Aperol Spritz at the official cafe. 

Travel tip: Love to walk? A second option is going the longer way round, crossing over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, once utilized by the Medicis for its secret corridors. From here, stroll along the Arno, heading toward Piazzale Michelangelo. 

Then, head back to your stay, freshen up, and get ready for dinner!  

Evening: Dinner & Drinks 

For dinner plans for your 1 Day Florence Itinerary, you can either go super fancy schmancy and opt for a Michelin-starred experience or keep it casual and authentic at a more affordable Italiano ristorante. 

My favorite restaurants in Florence? 

• Two Michelin star Ristorante Santa Elisabetta
• Buca dell’Orafo right near the Ponte Vecchio bridge (this is a fantastic option if you’ve yet to explore this part of Firenze) 
• Alimentari Mescite Di Vini (in the old part of the city and close-ish to Piazzale Michelangelo if you’d rather head here straight afterward)  
• Or, veer just outside of Florence to Fiesole and dine at one Michelin star Serrae Villa Fiesole 

Plant-based eaters…curious what the vegan dining scene is like here? Discover the best vegan restaurants in Florence with this handy list. 

I love how late the sun goes down in Europe, and if you’re visiting the city for your 1 Day Florence Itinerary in summer, the sun only sets at about 10 pm. So you kinda easily lose track of time. I’ve visited in various seasons, and when I was here in late April, dusk drew near around 7.30 pm. 

Usually not a night owl, I found myself easily becoming one in Firenze. I don’t know if it’s because they also eat later in Italy, or the later sunsets? Whatever the case, we always finished our evenings with drinks. 

Whether it’s a rooftop bar you’re after, a streetside option with loads of vibes and great cocktails (Soul Kitchen is my very best), a hidden speakeasy, a late-night secret bakery, or even a little disco disco, here are some fabulous nightlife in Florence options for you! 

So, what’s next on the agenda for you after your 1 Day Florence Itinerary? Rome is kind of a must-see for me, as well as Milan. I know these are some of the country’s most well-known destinations — but for good reason! But I’m not just about sticking to the typical tourist routes, either. 

For something different, consider visiting Aosta, one of northern Italy’s hidden gems. Or stay nearby but still take the road less traveled in Umbria! 

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