Explore Florence in a Day: Insider’s Guide to the Best Local Spots

Early Breakfast for Florence in a Day

Ditta Artigianale: Known for its exceptional coffee, Ditta Artigianale serves some of the highest-quality cappuccinos and café lattes in Florence. With three locations in the historic center, it’s a great spot to kickstart your Florence in a day.  

Strozzi Cafe: Situated inside the Strozzi Palace, this café offers a posh atmosphere and delicious hazelnut brioches.  

Cafe Paskowski: An iconic café where Florence’s elite once gathered, Café Paskowski retains its 19th-century charm, perfect for soaking up the historical ambiance of Florence.  

Giacosa Cafe: A recent addition to Florence’s café scene, Giacosa Cafe offers excellent Italian breakfasts, featuring sweet pastries paired with cappuccinos or café lattes.  

Tourist Tip:

Prices for coffee in Italy vary based on how you consume it:  

• Standing at the bar is the cheapest option, costing under €1.50 for a coffee and around €2 for a brioche.  
• Sitting inside without a view costs about 1.5 times more.  
• Sitting outside with a view can double the price.  
• Takeaway options, while more expensive, often result in lower quality.  

The best value is to enjoy your coffee standing at the bar.

Morning Walk and Sightseeing

Take a 15-minute walk to explore the most iconic landmarks of Florence in a day:  

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: Start your day early at Florence’s main cathedral to avoid the crowds. Entry is free, and the surrounding square is equally impressive.  
• Signoria Square: A five-minute walk from the cathedral, this square features around 20 statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David. It’s perfect for photography.  
• Ponte Vecchio: This historic bridge, lined with jewelry shops, offers stunning views of the Arno River. Arrive early for some peaceful photos, as shops typically open around 10 a.m.

Medici Walking Tour

Sign up for the Medici and Michelangelo Tour [book the tour] that takes you to the other side of the river and explores less touristy areas. This tour is amazing, it shows you hidden gems and takes you inside every building on the way.

Best Florentine Shopping for Florence in a Day

Florence is celebrated for its artisanal crafts. Here are some unique options:  

• Marble Mosaics: Pricier but truly unique, these pieces are crafted using techniques passed down through generations.  
• Painted Ceramics: Beautiful and collectible, these ceramics are iconic to Florentine craftsmanship.  
• Handmade Jewelry: Each piece reflects the city’s rich artistic heritage.  
• Leather Goods: While less unique due to mass production, they remain a popular souvenir.  
• Watercolor and Oil Paintings: Affordable and widely available from street artists.

Quick Lunch for Florence in a Day

For a quick lunch, opt for a freshly made sandwich (schiacciata) from any bar in Florence. Ensure the ingredients are cut fresh to avoid pre-cut items that may have been exposed to flies. A good sandwich costs around €7. Alternatively, a light salad is available at most restaurants.

Iconic Museums in Florence

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Florence’s iconic museums:

• Uffizi Gallery: Home to an extensive collection of paintings. Allocate at least three hours for your visit.
• Bargello Museum: The premier museum for sculptures, open all day on Monday and Saturday. On other days, visit before 2 p.m.

Gelato Stop

Florence is famous for its gelato. Check out our blog post “Best Gelaterias in Florence” for a handpicked list of 12 amazing gelaterias. Or simply download a free map to your Google Maps app for easy navigation.

Aperitivo and a Quick Snack

Get an aperitivo and a quick snack in one of the rooftop terrace cocktail bars in Florence around 4:30 p.m. Aperitif hours usually start around 6 p.m., but by that time, everyone will be trying to get into all those rooftop terrace bars. Instead, go at 4:30, when it is still quite sunny, and there are not many people. Don’t worry, those cafeterias and rooftop terraces always have umbrellas open. Here’s an amazing blog with a 2024 update on all terrace bars in Florence.

Sunset in Michelangelo Square

Michelangelo Square offers a panoramic view of Florence, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Arrive early to find a good spot on the staircase, bring a bottle of wine, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. Note that there are no bathroom facilities on-site.

Dinner in Santo Spirito Square

End your day with dinner in Santo Spirito Square, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent restaurants. Tamerò Pasta Bar is a popular choice, offering handmade pasta. It is advisable to make a reservation for 9:30 p.m. to dine with locals.