Only have a few days in Florence but want to see it all? Look no further, this is your go-to-guide for getting to all the can’t-miss sites in Florence in just 24 hours.
With only a day in the city, we’re going to have to get an early start. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water and comfortable walking shoes!
1. Galleria dell’Accademia
The Galleria dell’Accademia opens at 8:15 am, and you’re going to want to be there around this time. Early, I know, but this will have the added benefit of minimal crowds while you check out Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
This museum includes a collection of musical instruments and plaster crafts, but let’s be real- you’re just here for the Statue of David. Take a quick left once you get into the building for the most direct route to the sculpture.
2. Santissima Annunziata
When you’re done admiring the Statue of David, head over to Santissima Annunziata. A beautiful, Renaissance-style basilica just a three minute walk away from the Galleria dell’Accademia. This is still an active church, so make sure to be respectful of the parishioners upon entering.
3. Mercato Centrale/Mercato di San Lorenzo
After admiring the stunning interior of the basilica, take a ten minute walk over to Mercato Centrale. This famous shopping center is a great place to shop for local ingredients, or to grab a bite to eat. There’s a lot going on in this market, so it’s a great place to watch the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just next to Mercato Centrale, Mercato di San Lorenzo is a great place to shop for souvenirs- particularly leather goods. I got a belt here, and they cut the length of the belt to fit me perfectly.
4. Basilica di San Lorenzo
The Basilica di San Lorenzo was the parish church and burial place of many of the Medici family from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III. The influential Medici family are a staple of Florence, so give them a nod as you pass by.
5. Santa Maria del Fiore
The building towers over the city, which makes it a to great way orient yourself throughout Florence. To be fair, its actually harder to see the closer you get to it, as the surrounding buildings often block the view. The outside facade of the building is spectacular, and the white, green and pink marble decorating the outside in fine detail are evocative of the Italian flag.
Once the largest done in the world, the incredible cathedral remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.
6. The Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery of St. John is located immediately across from Florence’s Duomo, which tends to dwarf it in terms of size and interest, but the building is a hugely important to landmark to Florentine citizens- the Baptistery of St. John was performing baptisms up until 1935. Almost 800 years worth of Florentines were baptized here!
These days, it also draws interest for its octantal shape and its three sets of artistically important 17-foot-tall bronze doors. Take a moment to admire the detail of these “Gates of Paradise”
7. Piazza della Repubblica
One of Florence’s famous city squares, there’s a ton of cafes lining the perimeter for visitors to enjoy a lovely treat while people watching. Caffé Gilli, Caffé Paskowski and Caffé delle Giubbe Rosse are all popular historical cafes that boast guests of intellectual acclaim.
Piazza della Repubblica is also known for its merry-go-round, which often makes an appearance in photos from the square.
On my visit, I found that there were often musicians busking in the area, which was fun to experience. Just be aware of the vendors selling cheap little toys, as they can occasionally be pretty aggressive in a bid to get a sale. During our trip to Florence, they were selling toys that would glow as they were launched into the sky. They were a big hit for travelers with children!
8. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
Just a short walk away from Piazza della Repubblica, stop by Orsanmichele to admire the sculptures tucked into niches along the exterior. Notable sculptures include statues of St. Mark and St. George by Donatello and a statue of St. Peter by Brunelleschi
9. Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is the public square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and another major draw for tourists.
The square is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bureau of Agriculture, and the Palazzo Uguccioni as well as the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali.
Palazzo Vecchio is a huge focal point of the square with its huge tower and fortress-style crenellations. Once a town hall and later a prison, the building is now a museum. If you have more than 24 hours available, I recommend a visit to this museum!
Also prominent, Loggia dei Lanzi is a building with three huge arches open to the square and protects a selection of sculptures from the elements.
Key sculptures in this square include a copy of Michelangelo’s David, the Medici lions, Perseus with the head of Medusa, and the fountain of Neptune.
If you’re feeling thirsty from your walk, fill up a water bottle at the public fountain behind the statue of Neptune, by the Palazzo Vecchio. There are two taps provided- one for still water and the other for sparkling.
10. Uffizi Gallery
I hope you’re feeling rested! Museums always take a lot out of me, but you can’t leave Florence without a stop at the Uffizi Gallery!
There are 101 rooms in this museum, and countless masterpieces through the halls. Moving quickly, it will take about two hours to make your way through the entirety of the museum.
This is one of the most famous galleries in the world, so expect crowds. To maximize your time in the museum, consider pre-booking an entrance time. This will save you from having to wait on line to purchase a ticket on the day.
11. Loggia del Mercato Nuovo
Take a peak at Florence’s “New Market”, sprawling out under a covered gallery. Here, you can find leather goods and souvenirs. I saw a lot of beautiful leather bags here! This market is sometimes also referred to as Loggia del Porcellino because of the famous boar statue.
12. Il Porcellino
While you’re in the area, head over to the famous bronze hog sculpture. Legend has is that you can rub the nose to ensure a return to Florence, or drop a coin from between its jaws into the grate below for good luck.
13. Ponte Vecchio
The current iteration of Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s oldest medieval bridge, having been completed in 1345 and spared from the destruction of WWII. Due to a decree made in 1565, the bridge is also lined with jewelry and goldsmith shops, which can make for some very fancy window shopping. Or regular shopping, if you’ve got the budget for it.
14. Piazzale Michelangelo
One of the most famous viewpoints of the city, Piazzale Michelangelo is a bit of a haul from Ponte Vecchio. If you’ve still got some pep in your step, feel free to take the twenty minute walk alongside the River Arno to the Piazzale- though it does get steep towards the end. Otherwise, catch a taxi to the top.
This viewpoint is very popular and often crowded, especially towards sunset- which is likely to be your approximate arrival time. Still, it’s popular for a reason, and you’ll be joined by like-minded travelers as you all gaather to watch a beautiful sunset with a spectacular view of Florence.
After the sun goes down, feel free to head back to the city center for some celebratory dinner and drinks- you’ve had a long day, and you deserve it!
Excluding the time spent walking around in in the museums, this route should take you around 2.5 miles- or 4km to complete. If you choose not to walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, this will cut a mile out of your walk!
I cannot emphasize enough that one day really isn’t enough time to spend in this beautiful city, so if you have the ability to spend more time here- do it!
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