Updated 2024
On Sundays there are free things to do in Florence historic centre and lesser-known places to enjoy, it’s a good day to wander around, to learn a little history, and find your bearings! Whether you’re here at the weekend, or just love travelling and need to budget the frills, our ‘1 Day in Florence’ guide gives some useful suggestions for a day out or a pocket-friendly overnight stay in Italy’s favourite city.
It’s a feat to fit everything into a 1 day in Florence itinerary. Italy has 51 UNESCO Sites, that’s the highest in the world! What’s more, Historical Florence is a World Heritage Centre where Renaissance was born. This guide suggests a walk through the fabled city to discover the evocative sights, how to spend a day in Florence on a budget, and decribes the top temples, palaces and art galleries that you may want to visit, as well as tips on places to see on Sundays.
Florence historic centre can obviously be visited in opulent style too, a holiday that includes Renaissance hotels, gourmet restaurants, exclusive tours, theatre and the opera. It’s also the perfect destination to start a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Tuscany, to discover the world-famed walled cities and villages, to see the Chianti vineyards and wineries.
1 day in Florence, Italy
(How to Spend Sunday in Florence)
Original text by Kali Marco.
We arrived in Florence on a Sunday, it was heaving with tourists of every nationality, Italian day-trippers, and locals enjoying time in their city. Queues are staggeringly long to visit the main attractions (the Duomo complex, art galleries and museums), and people are standing in hour long lines outside the most famous gelaterias and prosciutterias to get an ice cream or cold cuts sandwich…
1 Day in Florence Itinerary
Piazza della Stazione
Here for a day trip? Most travellers arrive at Piazza della Stazione, a transport hub for Firenze SMN rail terminal, with high speed trains to Florence from Bologna, Venice, Milan, Turin, Rome and Naples. The tram connection to Florence International Airport stops on road outside. Busy ‘station square’ is flanked by Santa Maria Novella Basilica, one of the city’s top UNESCO sites. A Tourist Information Bureau is located next door.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella and the Basilica
Santa Maria Novella Basilica is a grand church in early Renaissance style dating to the 15th century and built over a much earlier site. One of the finest examples of Tuscany architecture, veritable features include the pulpit, stained-glass windows, the ‘Holy Trinity’ fresco, and a bronze crucifix above the altar.
Various chapels and the sacristy lead off a T-shaped central nave supported by giant Corinthian columns. A museum in the cloisters displays pertinent works-of-art.
The southern façade of this impressive Roman Catholic Church curves round Pza Santa Maria Novella, a public plaza first laid out in 1287. The two marble obelisks have a peculiar history, and were used as strategic points in chariot races that were popular in Tuscany during the 1500s right up to the 19th century.
Santa Maria Novella Basilica
Visitor Opening Times and Entrance Fees (Church and Museum)
Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm (Fridays from 11 am), Sundays 1 pm to 5 pm.
Admission: Adults 7.50€
*Free entrance to the church for those who wish to pray or attend religious ceremonies.
Medieval Florence stretches eastwards from Santa Maria Novella Church, a short walk down the old streets leads to the most famous site of all, the extraordinary Duomo.
* If you are only visiting Florence for the day, skip the next section and go directly the Duomo Complex >>>
Overnight Stay – Enjoy Florence like a local
Stay in a classical and classy late 19th century Florentine apartment in the quiet suburbs for a genuine experience and to feel like a local. A home exchange, couch surf, or ‘sisters-helping-sisters’ are money-saving options, and holiday rentals are distinctively cheaper than central locations.
We stayed in District 1 in the Rifredi suburb, only four tram stops from Santa Maria Novella railway terminal and the historical nucleus of Firenze. After a full day sightseeing, pick up some fresh regional foods and a bottle of Tuscany wine, for a relaxing evening meal ‘at home’.
A walk into the Historic Centre of Firenze
If you fancy stretching your legs after a flight, road trip or train journey, the 20 minute walk into the old city centre is a chance to see these intriguing sites (otherwise get the tram back to Piazza della Stazione and head for the Duomo directly).
Fortezza da Basso Fort and Gardens
Fortezza da Basso ‘St John the Baptist Fort’ was built into Florence’s defensive walls in the 16th century. The biggest historical monument in the city now houses 11 exhibition halls where trade fairs and concerts are regularly held.
One of the world’s top contemporary art and design events, the next Florence Biennale is scheduled for October 2025. Meanwhile, see details of current events on Firenze Fiera website.
Pretty Fortalezza Gardens were created around the Royal ‘Swan Lake’ pond and fountain outside the fort complex, which means entrance is free.
Fortezza da Basso
Location: Viale Filippo Strozzi
Church of the Nativity of Christ and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The ‘Russian Church’, as it’s familiarly known, is a 19th century Muscovite Baroque style Russian Orthodox Church, the type of temple that you expect to see in Sofia or other east European countries.
The pale pink concoction topped by green onion-shaped domes and gilded crosses complete with chains grabs the attention in the heart of Roman Catholic Italy. Take a peek at the ornate interior at prayer time on Sunday mornings.
Open for religious services
Saturday 6 pm and Sunday at 9 am (see Chiesa Russa Firenze).
Location: Via Leone X.
Piazza della Indipendenza
One of Florence’s historical town piazzas, ‘Independence Square’ is a tree-shaded garden encircled by 19th century bourgeois palaces. Bronze statues of 2 historic statesmen are a mere taste of the artist treasures this city holds. Lots of cafés in the area if you want to stop for a coffee or breakfast.
Wander around Florence Historic Quarter
The historical centre of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
It’s a fascinating fact that Italy was formed fairly recently as history goes, when a compendium of small kingdoms and republics were united in 1861 to create one unique country. Back in the Middle Ages, the Italian Peninsula was ruled by self-proclaimed royalty and powerful politicians who controlled the legendary states of Sicily, Venice, Milan, and Florence!
Medieval Florence flourished under the rule of the Medici, an affluent banking family with a love of everything artistic.
Renaissance was born as local architects, sculptures and painters reached vertiginous fame as their works-of-art embellished temples, palaces and countless town piazzas – fabled names, the grand masters Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, and Botticelli.
Piazza San Marco (Florence)
A statue of a freedom fighter in the middle of Piazza San Marco seems to guard the streets of Medieval Firenze. The cute square is backed by a 15th century Dominican Monastery which now houses the Museo Nazionale di San Marco art museum, and Florence’s San Marco Basilica.
Firenze – Museo di San Marco
Museum Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8.15 to 13.50 pm; Closed Mondays, and 5th Sunday of the month.
Adult ticket 8€. See wesite for full details and full opening schedule.
Location: Via Ventisette Aprile.
Galleria dell’Accademia
Accademia is the iconic art gallery where ‘David’ lives. Michelangelo’s statue -the original marble sculpture- is on permanent display along with other masterpieces of Renaissance artwork, as well as collections of Italian Gothic and Russian religious paintings. Anyone wanting to visit on a Sunday must book in advance.
Don’t worry if you miss this, there’s a full size replica in Piazza della Signoria, the magnificent statue-filled square deep in the old town when the David sculpture was originally placed.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Location: Via Ricasoli
Opening Times and Entrace Fees
Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 am to 6.20 pm (last admission); Saturdays & Sundays booking is required; Closed Mondays.
Admission: 16€ (EU citizens 18-25: 2€).
Piazza del Duomo and the Duomo Complex
Narrow backstreets open onto Piazza del Duomo cathedral square almost without warning, the almighty Florence Duomo a startling sight, taking pride of place alongside the bell tower and baptistery. It’s a magnet for tourists.
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is sheathed in green, pink and white marble, a huge chunky structure started in 1296 and crowned with Brunelleschi’s distinctive dome, this is the biggest medieval building in the whole of Europe.
Giotto’s Campanile is similarly beautiful, a slim tower inlaid with geometrical patterns and reliefs, and sculpted windows towards the top. The five distinct levels were created between 1334 and 1359, although the seven tower bells have been cast in more recent centuries.
Battistero di San Giovanni (aka Saint John Baptistery) was built 1059-1128, predating Florence Cathedral. In fact, an octagonal Christian baptistery of some sort has stood on this spot since the 4th century. Marble panels clad the exterior in keeping with Duomo cathedral and bell tower, but three bronze doors are the real distinguishing feature. The East door attracts the most attention and is known as ‘The Gates of Paradise’ referring to the artistry perfection.
If you want to climb up the tower or to the dome terraces, visit the baptistery, Duomo museum or the remains of Ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata (cathedral crypt), entrance tickets are required. Saturdays and Sundays booths are closed, so purchase online in advance.
The official Duomo website has free virtual tours of the Bell Tower, and the Dome which has amazing 360º panoramas over historic Florence.
Florence Duomo Complex
* Always check the official website to confirm times and prices as these may vary throughout the year.
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
Visitor Opening Hours
Mondays to Saturdays 10.15 am to 5 pm; Currently closed on Sundays & public holidays.
* There’s the possibility to attend Catholic Mass (we went late Sunday afternoon).
Entrance to the Cathedral is free of charge. Expect to queue.
Dress Code: Dress modestly, shoulders and chest must be covered, trousers or dress must cover knees.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
Mondays to Fridays 8.15 am to 7.30 pm; Saturdays 8.15 am to 5.15 pm; Sundays 12.45 pm to 5.15 pm.
* There are 463 steps to climb
Giotto’s Campanile
Open 7 days a week 8.15 am to 7.45 pm.
* 414 steps to climb
Opera del Duomo Museum
Open 7 days a week 9 am to 7.45 pm;
* Closed first Tuesday of the month.
San Giovanni Baptistery
Open 7 days a week 9 am to 7.45 pm.
* Florence Bapistery is closed for reforms.
Price of Brunelleschi Pass 30€ (adult price for entrance into the dome, bell tower, museum, baptistery, and ruins of Santa Reparata under the Cathedral).
Ticket Office
Piazza San Giovanni 7 (opposite the Baptistery), open everyday 8 am to 7.15 pm.
Piazza della Repubblica
Pza Repubblica is a couple of minutes walk from the Baptistery down Via Roma, the street which follows the ancient Roman north-south way through Florence. ‘Florentia’ was a Roman city built for troops in the year 59 BC. The Forum was sited right here and ‘The Column of Abundance’ in the middle of the piazza marks the very centre of the original historical settlement.
This neighbourhood has been rebuilt various times over the ages, the present square is bordered by 19th century palaces with celebrated caffès under the porticoes. A traditional merry-go-round is the focal point.
Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria is a highlight of this walk around historic Florence. Just 5 minutes south of Piazza Republic, or 7 mins. from the Duomo, it’s an astonishing site and a feat to describe, an open air museum!
The Signoria were lords who governed the Republic of Florence in the medieval era (1250 -1532) so this monumental square has special importance.
Palazzo Vecchio presides one corner of Plz Signoria since 1299. Previously Florence Town Hall and now a museum, the castellated ‘old palace’ resembles a fort with thick stonework walls, a tower and battlements.
The entrance is guarded by symbolic sculptures in marble or bronze, the Heraldic Lion of Florence, replicas of Michelangelo’s David (Republican defiance), Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus (strength), and Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes (depicts the power of women, the original is actually inside the museum).
Ammannati’s Neptune Fountain (maritime power) and the statue of Duke Cosimo Medici riding a horse (military rule) stand close-by.
Palazzo Vecchio
Museum Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
Friday to Wednesday 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday until 2 pm.
Adults 17.50€.
Loggia dei Lanzi is a colonnaded stage protected by archways, designed in 1376. It’s an open air gallery where sculptures play act to the audience below.
Medici lions protect steps skirting a dais dotted with mythical figures including the Renaissance ‘Rape of the Sabines’ which portrays women from the Apennines who were abducted by soldiers in Roman times, or Perseus holding Medusa’s head in a victorious salute, as well as the antique Roman statues which are positioned near the back wall.
Wander around Piazza Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi for as long as you like, this is a public space and absolutely free. Exact replicas have replaced the majority of statues so you can get up close, (originals are kept on show in the museums of Florence).
Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Galleries are directly behind Loggia dei Lanzi. Italy’s top art gallery dates to the 1500s. At first used as magistrates offices, the huge palatial edifice has 2 main wings either-side of a rather narrow courtyard joined by an overhead passageway (Vasari Corridor); there are 45 halls spread out over two floors.
Collections of priceless Renaissance masterpieces and Contemporary works-of-art attract millions of visitors annually (over 2 million tourists in 2019).
You’ll be happy to know, that admission to all State Museums in Italy is free on the first Sunday of every month during 2024! This includes the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace, and applies to all state museums, monuments, galleries and parks.
If you want to see the museum, it’s advisable to purchase tickets well in advance and plan the 3 hour tour into your itinerary.
Otherwise, admire the stunning architecture from the inner cortile and leave by the archway that faces River Arno. A couple of minutes away is yet another iconic sight!
Uffizi Gallery
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
Tuesdays to Sundays 8.15 am to 6.50 pm; Saturdays & holidays reservations essential; Closed Mondays.
Admission: 12€. * Free entrance on 1st Sunday of the month.
Vasari Corridor is an authentic medieval skywalk which connects Palazzo Vecchio to Uffizi Gallery, crossing River Arno above Ponte Vecchio bridge, and running over Oltrarno neighbourhood to Pitti Palace. Currently closed for major renovations.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio arches over the Arno, a river that flows from the Apennine Mountains through the heart of Florence, dividing the city in two. Elite jewellery stores flank the stone parapets, gems and gold filigree aglitter in window displays, tempting visitors as they amble slowly across the world famous footbridge.
It’s hard to imagine these tiny premises were initially used for selling meats and animal hides back in the 1300s, when the ‘old bridge’ was rebuilt after floods had swept everything but the foundations away. Resist those pricey bangles and enjoy window shopping as you cross this bedazzling World Heritage Site.
Lunch beside River Arno
Leave the tourists behind on Ponte Vecchio and walk beside the south bank of River Arno, a few minutes westwards to the next bridge in sight, 3-arched St Trinity’s where there’s a different angle to admire the scene.
We stopped for lunch at a small age-old pizzeria which sells slabs of pizza straight from the wood burning oven, at a couple of euros a go – lots of flavours to choose from and you can try a tumbler of local red wine from the barrel for 1€. Classier eateries include Osteria Ponte Vecchio with riverside views.
Pitti Palace
The ruling Medici’s liked the quieter side of Florence too and made their home in Palazzo Pitti, not far from the south bank of River Arno beside Boboli Hill. The immense palace now holds four thematic art museums of international fame and hundreds of Renaissance paintings.
Pitti Palace certainly draws the crowds, there were even longer queues on the forecourt waiting to go in than the Duomo complex the Sunday we were here.
It’s not feasible to see all the museums on a day trip – if you’re in Florence for 2 or 3 days, then book tickets beforehand and schedule the visit into your trip.
Pitti Palace
Opening Times and Entrance Fee
Tuesday to Sunday 8.15 am to 6.30 pm; Saturdays & holidays reservations are essential. Closed Mondays.
Admission Pitti Palace 16€; Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens 22€; combined ticket Pitti, Boboli and Uffizi 38€.
* Promotional discount Pitti Palace: 50% off normal admission price for first time slot at 8.30 am.
Free entrance on 1st Sunday of the month (2024).
* Check the official website for latest info as part of the palace may be closed due to covid regulations; the Imperial Apartments and the Museum of Costume & Fashion are currently being renovated.
Panoramic Views of Florence
Boboli Gardens and the Porcelain Museum
Over on the south banks of River Arno people were thronging to Pitti Palace to see the famed museum – mammoth queues fill the forecourt on a Sunday afternoon. Around the corner, the gates of Boboli Gardens are shut. How strange. On closer inspection and following signs up the hill, there’s a second entrance to Florence’s ornamental gardens and it’s free to go in on Sundays! What’s better, there’s hardly anyone around.
Immensely beautiful, Boboli Gardens cascade down a hillside overlooking grand Pitti Palace, and the entirety of old Florence. The extensive renaissance gardens were designed in the 1500s and feature ornamental fountains, and statues adorning footpaths, lawns and grottoes.
Explore down the pathways off the main ‘avenue’ then amble up to the Upper Gardens. The park is surprisingly big and it’s a feat to see everything in one afternoon. The Porcelain Museum is homed in the ‘Casino del Cavaliere’ a pretty pavilion at the top of the rise in Boboli rose gardens.
Boboli Gardens stretches over 45 acres of landscaped hillside. Many points of interest include the Prato delle Colonne ‘meadow’, Fontana dell’Oceano ornamental lake and fountain, Cerchiate Piccole romantic statue, Fontana dei Mostaccini fountain, the Upper Botanical Garden, Fountain of Neptune, Anfiteatro di Boboli, Ghiacciaia, Ganimede fountain, Grotta di Madama. And the views from the grassy embankment looking down over the courtyards of Palazzo Pitti.
The Porcelain Museum displays an important collection of historical dinner sets and other pieces of fine porcelain acquired by the Ducal families of Florence in centuries past.
Get a leaflet with the layout of the gardens to save time, or wander around in awed delight as we did.
How to get there (via Giardino della Scuderie Reali)
Located on the south bank of River Arno, Boboli Garden is directly behind Pitti Palace. There are several entrance-ways, one being through the Palace itself.
The main entrance is beside Porta Romana (an original 13th century gateway in Florence’s medieval city walls). This is closed on Sundays, so turn left at Porta Roman roundabout, walk along Viale dei Cipresse (cypress way) following the perimeter of the gardens to Giardino della Scuderie Reali (gardens of the art institute, formely the Royal Stables), where there’s a second entrance.
There’s a third entrance (or exit) at the top of the gardens by Belvedere Fort.
Facilities
Public toilets (bagni pubblici). Giardino di Boboli Kaffeehaus for refreshments.
Boboli Gardens
Opening Times & Entrance Fees
Open 7 days a week from 8.15 am. Closing times according to daylight hours (4.30 pm in winter, 6.30 pm spring and Autumn, 7 pm in summer).
Admission: Standard ticket 6€ which includes entrance to Boboli Gardens and the Garden of Villa Bardini; Free entrance on 1st Sunday of the month.
* The Porcelain Museum is currently closed for reformations.
Forte di Belvedere
If you have time, pop into 16th century Belvedere Fortress which is next to Boboli Gardens to admire the renaissance military architecture, and panoramic views over Florence. Venue of contemporary art exhibitions in summer.
Forte di Belvedere
Location: via San Leonardo, 1
Opening Times & Entrance Fees
June to October open Tuesday to Sunday 3pm to 8 pm; Closed Monday.
Free admission to outdoor areas; 10€ admission to the Palazzina Museum.
Giardino delle Rose
From Forte di Belvedere walk downhill along Via del Belvedere, the rural lane beside the old defensive walls of Firenze, to Porta San Miniato gateway. Climb the rampart steps to Giardino delle Rose garden where you can sit to catch your breath (like most public gardens in Florence, it’s completely free of charge).
There are hundreds of varieties of rose bushes in the ornamental garden which was designed by local architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1865.
Forte di Belvedere to Piazalle Michelengelo via Porta Miniato is just over 1 km, roughly a 20 minute walk.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is directly above the Rose Garden like an immense balcony with panoramic views over Florence. Created by Poggi as a tribute to Michelangelo, there’s a bronze replica of ‘David’ in the plaza but no original works by the grand master.
A great vantage point to capture the cityscape of Firenze especially late afternoon when the setting sun highlights the skyline. Michaelangelo’s Square is incredibly popular, particularly on Sundays with it’s fairground atmosphere and someone strumming the guitar as people sit on the steps waiting for the sunset to illuminate the scenario below.
Carry on a little further up the hillside to the patio outside the Franciscan Church of San Salvatore al Monte, for a much quieter undisturbed view over the cityscape, or walk up the paths to San Miniato Al Monte Abbey at the top of the hill.
* Alternatively, catch bus number 12 or 13 from Florence city centre to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato Abbey.
Abbey San Miniato Al Monte
Abbey San Miniato Al Monte was built on the highest point of Florence in 1018. The Romanesque style Basilica is swathed in marble in a similar geometrical pattern to the Duomo. Antique frescoes, gilded mosaic detail, and inlaid floors decorate the exquisite interior.
The Bishop’s Palace and a Benedictine Monastery are part of the extraordinary complex. It’s worth coming here for the sweeping vistas over the city alone.
San Miniato Al Monte
Opening hours for visitors
Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm; Sundays 8.15 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm.
Entrance into the Basilica is free.
Religious Service in Latin and Gregorian chant at 6pm Monday to Saturday, Sundays 5.30 pm.
Location
Via delle Porte Sante 34
Afternoon Aperitif in Florence
Heading back to River Arno, it’s time to have an aperitif Florentine style at one of the street cafés near gate San Niccolo. A cool fizzy orangey Aperol Spritz served with a small dish of Italian ham, cheese and olives (4€ each at ‘Happy Hour’, a quiet time before dinner).
English Mass in Firenze Duomo
Attending Mass in Firenze Duomo is the most atmospheric and authentic experience imaginable.
Late Sunday afternoon and the doors of the Duomo are closing, tourists are being politely turned away. A smartly-dressed couple are waved inside, so I approach the stern doorman to politely inquire. Yes we are Catholic (well Juan is!), yes we speak English (I’m a Londoner), and yes we’d love to assist solemn mass, and no we wouldn’t dream of wandering around taking photos (ummm?).
This is how we came to take part in the English-speaking Sunday Mass service in Firenze Duomo. How cool is that!
Cost of our Sunday in Florence
Lunch 4€ – Aperitif 4€ – Tram 2€
Grand total of 10€!
Accommodation and Food Costs in Florence
We stayed at a home swap, a stylish traditional private family apartment (for our sole use) for 3 nights. Free credit with Home Exchange. Fees: 10€ insurance per night, 10€ cleaning fee (prorated). Complimentary espresso coffee and cooking condiments (free use of basic foodstuffs in the kitchen, I replaced what we used and left a gift).
Shop at nearby Pennywise supermarket: Fresh milk, organic seasonal fruits and salads, homemade bread, prosciutto ham, local cheese and wine. Also roast chicken, home-cooked pastas and other dishes to take away. Roughly works out at 5€ pp per night. Alternatively, there are plenty of trattorie in the suburbs with reasonably priced meals or set menus serving authentic Italian cuisine.
Finally, don’t forget to visit Mercato Centrale in the heart of the old city if you’re staying in Florence for longer than a day. Open mornings from 9 am, it’s brilliant for getting fresh groceries, or for lunch on the upper floor restaurant hall!
Mercato Centrale is located on Via dell’Ariento in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood.
Cost of food and accommodation for 1 night per person in Florence: 25€
Total Cost of 24 Hours in Florence: 35 Euros
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