Planning a trip to Italy is really hard when you have a limited amount of days to spend in the country. One of the questions I always found myself asking before I lived here was "how many days should I stay there?" The answer differs depending on what you want to see (obviously) and if you are traveling with KIDS! Let say, however, that a lot of people only go to Florence for one day, often as part of a whirlwind tour of Italy....so the question is:
What Should I See in Florence If I Only Have One Day?
I thought it would be kind of fun to share some of my favorite sites to see in Florence if you have 24 hours....meaning one full day and an evening in the city before you have to leave!
Must See Sights in Florence by DAY
I know that it is always better to stay in a city for a few nights, but that isn't always possible when itineraries are packed and you have to schedule in many different things to see. It's a good thing that Florence is one of those cities where you can really see a lot in a day because it is rather small (as far as cities go), and can easily be explored by foot. I've planned out this list according to how you could begin your day and end it, keeping the best sites for the evening at the end!
This post was inspired by a new partnership with Ciao Florence, who specialize in tours in Florence, Tuscany, Rome and Venice. They also create really interesting adventures for travelers seeking a real experience in Italy, like taking a ride on a Vespa, seeing the Chianti hillside with a Fiat 500 or learning how to make pizza and gelato with an authentic cooking class!
My ideal day in ANY city is a mix of seeing the famous tourist sites and having those real moments that usually only locals enjoy...so here goes:
My idea of a perfect day and evening in Florence...
1) A Cappuccino and Brioche at the Caffè Giacosa
The famous Caffè Giacosa opened in 1815 and is credited with having invented the Negroni cocktail, a favorite of Florentines and all Italians alike! Come and have your breakfast in one of Florence's poshest yet simple caffès, complete with leather old world furnishings in its interior, or sit out on the patio (open even in the winter), for a real experience of watching and of course being seen!
Did you know that Roberto Cavalli is a Florentine who purchased, restored and reopened the Caffè Giacosa, bringing it back to its turn of the century splendor. Please note that although it is a little bit pricier than a normal "bar", it is absolutely accessible and won't break the bank!
The Caffè Giacosa is located in a very posh area in Florence...I suggest having your breakfast before 10 am, and then hitting up a store (or two) at 10 when they open! Just don't use your whole morning shopping, there is SO MUCH to see!
2) The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
The incredible thing about Florence is that you could be strolling down a street only to turn the corner and see this:
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio with its famous dome by Filippo Brunelleschi was completed in 1436. In 1334 Giotto succeeded Arnolfo di Cambio and was instrumental in the building of the stunning marble bell tower.
The Cathedral and Bell Tower remain Florence's most iconic symbols, and in my humble opinion they are MUST SEES during the day. I highly suggest you buy the full entry ticket for the Cupola and Museums or sign up for a guided tour like this one, which includes the Duomo's secret terraces!
Although seeing the Duomo in the evening is still very special, there is nothing quite like its brilliant and vibrant marble under the sun! Once you have your all access ticket in hand DO NOT miss the chance to go to the top of Brunelleschi's Cupola!
3) Visit the TOP of Brunelleschi's Cupola!
We still don't know HOW Brunelleschi was able to make that Dome, and if you follow at all what is happening in Florence you know that there are Dome- sites around the city where engineering students are STILL trying to replicate the Brunelleschi's techniques recreate the Dome!
If you aren't obsessed with Brunelleschi's Dome yet, then I suggest you watch this documentary and you will be!
It begins with:
It is one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. A miracle made of brick and mortar that defied the doubters and helped inspire the Renaissance. The Dome of the Florence Cathedral, built 600 years ago by a gold-smith with no training as an architect who dared to attempt the impossible.
He constructs the Dome at a time when the technology shouldn't have permitted it.... constructed of over 4 million bricks, weighing 40,000 tons, it 's the largest masonry dome the world has ever known, yet the methods used to build it remains a mystery!
After watching this documentary, when you see the Dome you will appreciate it in a whole new way. Step inside and look up at its magnificent paintings... or head up the narrow flight of stairs to view them up close.
Aside from the actual construction of the Dome, I believe that the frescos, realized between 1572 and 1579 by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari are some of the most shocking and moving I've ever seen. Not for the faint of heart, some of the images are very scary and shocking, even for today's desensitized generations. Try to go when there aren't too many people, because you'll appreciate having the time without being rushed along... I think I was looking up at the ceiling for over an hour!
This is where you should note that visiting the top of the Dome may not be possible for people with physical limitations or young children. Although you can carry them up or use a baby-carrier, the stairs are steep and irregular. ....What I'm trying to say is, some people were scared! So go up slowly and with caution!
4) See the City from The Terrace of Brunelleschi's Dome!
The view. The incredibly glorious view of all of Florence and the Tuscan countryside from the apex of the Cathedral's Dome will have you awe inspired. I planned my trip to be there JUST as every single bell tower in all of Florence rang out for mid-day. Wow.
This is an experience not to miss, and you can avoid the line ups and long wait times if you are part of a group with priority entrance. If you're worried about how many stairs there are to climb, Ciao Florence has a breakdown here!
Soak it all in for as long as you can and then when you start to get hungry head to one of my next favorite sites in Florence during the day.
5) Lunch at The Mercato Centrale
After climbing all of those stairs you will be hungry!! I suggest a visit to the historic Mercato Centrale of Florence, where you will find some of the oldest stalls selling the BEST products from all of Italy and obviously Florence's specialties..... lampredotto (the Cow's delicate 4th stomach!) anyone?
Relatively new in the market is the ability to buy things from the vendors directly and have lunch right there, plus there is a new pizzeria (which is AMAZING!) and restaurant on-site. Aside from the WIFI and clean public toilettes this is a great way to spend your lunch, trying a variety of products and buying gifts for people back home!
Just outside of the market you will find tons of Florence's typical street vendors selling brightly colored leather goods like bags, gloves, jackets and briefcases. The VERY FIRST time I came to Florence alone, 10 years ago, I bought myself a bright green leather computer case that I LOVED, until the strap broke!
6) Go Designer Shopping!
You may not realize it, but Florence is actually one of Italy's TOP fashion forward destinations, on par with only Milan! It is home to PITTI, the year round Fashion Fair and also home to some of the World's most important multi-brand designer boutiques.
Every major brand in the World has a store here, so if you are less into market stalls and more into Hermes scarves and Dolce and Gabbana headphones - THIS IS THE CITY!
I personally love to window shop and end up strolling randomly through Florence's streets admiring the displays especially in December. But I will be honest and say that if I had a LOT of money to spend, more so then spend it in the famous designer stores, I would cross over the bridge into Florence's famous artisan area and spend it on a beautifully crafted artisan lamp! .... Which brings me to must-see destination number 7!
7) Cross the Bridge into the Artisan District - The Oltrarno
I don't know how many times I've met tourists that make it all the way to Ponte Vecchio but NEVER ACTUALLY CROSS THE BRIDGE. It is like there is an imaginary border that keeps people from exploring the other side of the bridge... or as Florentine's call it - L'Oltrarno!
This area, aside from being home to Palazzo Pitti is also where you will find Florence's artisans, still working in their Botteghe at their centuries old crafts! If you get a chance to swing by Giuseppe Maioli and it is open.... GO IN!
Head for the Borgo Tegolaio area, just be aware of WHEN you go. Many of the Artisan and Craftsman workshops and stores are closed on the weekend, or may only be available by appointment. But a stroll through the area is NOT to be discounted! I guarantee you, you will enjoy Florence "from the other side"!
8) A Visit to Ponte Vecchio
On your way back over the bridge why not use Ponte Vecchio as your crossing point. Is there someone in the world that hasn't hear of Florence's "Old Bridge", with its still in tact Medieval structure, stalls and doors! Once these stalls were used by butchers selling meat, but now they are filled with gold smiths, jewelers and art dealers.
Every other bridge in Florence was destroyed during the WWII aside from Ponte Vecchio and I feel so thankful that it is still standing each time I cross!
9) Visit the Uffizi Gallery
I love art, and I love visiting museums when I'm in a new city. The only problem is when you have to spend your precious and limited time waiting in a line, trying to get tickets!! So I highly suggest looking into Ciao Florence's Uffizi Gallery Tour, it starts at 4 and ends at 6:30 pm and includes a reservation and ticket, so you'll be able to get in and enjoy Botticelli's Birth of Venus before you know it!
Must See Sights in Florence in the EVENING
These last three suggestions are the ones I would actually say I enjoy doing closer to the evening hours, either right before or after dinner. If you find that the day is filling up rather quickly, rest assured that these sites, when viewed at night are . Better yet...the crowds from the tour buses may have already left the city and you'll be able to soak everything in without dealing with.....tourists!
10) Il Porcellino
Il Porcellino is Italian for piglet, but this Baroque bronze statue is of a wild boar. Originally intended for the Boboli Gardens (which I will do a separate post about one day!), it was moved to the Mercato Nuovo (new market). During the day the market is filled with the same types of stalls and vendors you'll find outside of the Mercato Centrale, but watch your purse...it is a hot spot for pick pockets (I should know, had my wallet stolen here once).
During the evening however, the beautiful market is empty of wares, and the bronze has a magnificent glow. Put a coin in his mouth and then rub his snout for good luck to ensure you come back to Florence. I have NEVER missed doing this on my many trips to Florence, and I guess something must be working since I've been over 30 times!
11) Piazza Della Signoria
Although you may pass through the Piazza on your way to the Uffizi Gallery, I suggest going back in the evening either before or after dinner. I LOVE THIS SPACE WHEN IT IS LIT UP! With the Palazzo Vecchio as the Pinnacle of the Piazza, and a perfect replica of Michelangelo's David at its entrance, you can marvel at the original statues under the Loggia dei Lanzi to the right or toss a coin in the fountain to the left.
If you are visiting Florence as a couple and want to create an incredibly romantic moment....this is your spot!
12) Piazza Della Repubblica & A Drink at Paszkowski's!
Let's say you've stopped into one of Florence's many Osterie for a delicious dinner and you're now out for your final stroll of Florence. This is where I would end the night if I were you! The Piazza Della Repubblica!
Although it is very beautiful during the day, I think it has a magical atmosphere at night, when the antique carousel is lit, and the surrounding bars and caffes are filled with people looking fabulous in their dinner garb.
Here you can settle in for the night at the 150 year young concert bistro Paszkowski's, where Florence's elite come to have dinner or a cocktail as they listen to the live music on the large padana that overlooks the Piazza. The service in impeccable and the ambiance perfection, no need to worry about whether or not you should dress up for this spot - go for it!
I have no problems going out for an aperitivo or after dinner drink alone, but if you are a little shy but would love to have a drink in company, why not join a tour with an aperitif at the end to have a real Italian experience.
And that's it!
If you only have one full day and evening in Florence this is how I suggest you spend it. Now, if you have MORE than one day that's another story!
I hope you've enjoyed this post, this week I have Tuscany on my mind and you can read about my new Castentino wool coat from Tuscany here or about what makes Chianti Classico wine so special here in my interview with the Tenuta Nunzi Conti.
Don't forget that you can also enter the giveaway for your chance to win three bottles of Chianti Classico valued at over $100. The giveaway is open in the US, Canada and Europe!
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