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Florence skyline at sunset with the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio over the Arno
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1 Day in Florence

What to see in Florence in one day: a 9-stop walking route with a map, walking times and directions, from Santa Maria Novella to Piazzale Michelangelo.

  • Florence, Italy
  • 1 day · 9 stops
  • Updated

How to spend 1 day in Florence? This walking itinerary covers the city's top sights in 9 stops and about 5 km: Santa Maria Novella, Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo, the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace and Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.

Everything is walkable. Total walking time is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, plus your time at each stop. Book the Duomo climb in advance if you want to go up.

Renaissance Florence on foot

About 5 km on foot through 9 stops, ending with sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Comfortable shoes essential.

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  1. Start here · Church

    Start at the basilica with the famous green-and-white marble façade, a few steps from the main train station.

    Piazza di Santa Maria Novella 18, 50123 Firenze
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  2. Stop 2 · Lunch

    Florence's covered market. Head upstairs to the food hall for lunch: pasta, lampredotto, pizza and more under one roof.

    Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze
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  4. Stop 4 · Cathedral

    Brunelleschi's dome is still the largest brick dome ever built. Climb it or Giotto's bell tower if you've booked.

    Tip: Book the dome climb in advance. Timed tickets sell out.

    Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze
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  6. Stop 6 · Square

    A free open-air sculpture museum: the copy of David, the Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo Vecchio. The Uffizi is right next door.

    Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze
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  9. Stop 9 · Viewpoint

    The best sunset view in Florence, over the whole city and the Arno. It's an uphill walk of about 30 minutes from Pitti Palace.

    Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to get a spot on the steps.

    Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze
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Recommended hotels

Where to stay in Florence

Hotel Lungarno

Oltrarno, by Ponte Vecchio

€€€€

Best for: Views

Riverside luxury with rooms looking straight at Ponte Vecchio.

Check prices on Booking.com

Hotel Brunelleschi

Duomo

€€€

Best for: Location

Built around a Byzantine tower, two minutes from the cathedral. Ideal for an early start.

Check prices on Booking.com

Plus Florence

Near Santa Maria Novella

€

Best for: Budget

Budget-friendly hotel and hostel with a rooftop pool and private rooms.

Check prices on Booking.com

Recommended activities

Things to do in Florence

Before you go

Good to know

Book ahead
Timed tickets for the Uffizi and the Duomo climb sell out in summer.
Check Monday closures
The Uffizi and Pitti Palace museums close on Mondays. Plan museum visits for another day.
Cover shoulders and knees
You'll need them covered to enter the cathedral.

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