Florence in 1 day: a walking itinerary hour by hour
Quick answer
To see Florence in one day follow this order: Duomo and Baptistery at 8:30 am, Uffizi at 10:30 am, lunch at the Mercato Centrale, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria in the afternoon, and sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Book timed tickets for the Uffizi and the dome.
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The itinerary: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
This plan assumes a Tuesday to Sunday, when the Uffizi is open. Everything is under 15 minutes' walk except Piazzale Michelangelo (30 minutes uphill or a short bus ride).
- 1
08:30 · Piazza del Duomo
Duomo and Baptistery
Arrive early to see the cathedral facade and the Baptistery's Gates of Paradise without crowds. If you booked the dome, climb first thing; the cathedral interior is free.
- 2
10:30 · Piazzale degli Uffizi
Uffizi Gallery
Enter with your timed online ticket. In 2 hours you see the essentials: Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio.
- 3
13:00 · Mercato Centrale · San Lorenzo
Lunch at the Mercato Centrale
A covered market with stalls for fresh pasta, lampredotto, pizza and gelato. A quick, affordable lunch in the centre.
- 4
14:30 · Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria
The Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi and the copy of David. This is Florence's civic square, seen in 20 to 30 minutes.
- 5
15:30 · Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
The medieval bridge lined with jewellers over the Arno. Walk across and look up at the Vasari Corridor above the shops.
- 6
16:30 · Oltrarno · Santo Spirito
Oltrarno and Santo Spirito
Stroll through Piazza Santo Spirito and the artisan workshops. With AnyArt you can identify any sculpture or facade and hear its story.
- 7
18:30 · Piazzale Michelangelo
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Go up on foot or by bus. The view of the Duomo, the Arno and the Florence rooftops at sunset is the city's signature image.
- 8
20:00 · Oltrarno or Santa Croce
Dinner
Come down for dinner at a trattoria in the Oltrarno or Santa Croce. Try bistecca alla fiorentina, usually served to share.
Tips for the day
- Buy the Uffizi and dome online in advance: in high season slots sell out.
- If your only day is a Monday, swap the Uffizi for the Duomo, the market and the gardens.
- Bring water: there are public fountains in the centre.
- With extra time, replace lunch with the Accademia to see David.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Florence in one day?
Yes: this itinerary covers the Duomo, the Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and Piazzale Michelangelo.
Which museum should I pick with one day?
The Uffizi if you prefer painting; the Accademia if David is your priority (about 1 hour).
Should I book ahead?
Yes: Uffizi, Accademia and dome tickets sell out in high season.
How much walking is it?
Between 6 and 8 km, so wear comfortable shoes.