Do you have only one day in Florence, Italy and not sure what to do? If you have 24 hours in Florence or less, here are the top 5 attractions in Florence you should not miss!
Florence in One Day
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Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and can be found on most itineraries for first time visitors to Italy. Full of churches, museums, and other historic buildings, the Historic Centre of Florence has been designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Below are the top 5 things to do in Florence. If you enjoy guided tours you can see all or most of the attractions listed below on a half day tour:
Top 5 Things to do in Florence, Italy
1) Accademia Gallery
If there is one thing you must do in Florence, see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Lines can be very long so make sure to purchase Accademia Gallery tickets online before your visit and skip the lines.
2) Duomo
The Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), located in Piazza del Duomo, is the main church of Florence and one of the largest churches in Italy.
It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century but construction was only completed in 1436, when architect Filippo Brunelleschi added the dome. The Cathedral’s famous dome is the largest brick dome ever constructed and is considered the symbol of Florence. The exterior of the basilica has a beautiful marble facade in various shades of green, pink and white. The cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower). You can climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and/or 414 steps to the top of the bell tower for great views of the city.
3) Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is Florence’s most famous square and is full of statues including the Fountain of Neptune. Michelangelo’s David originally was located here before it was moved to the Accademia Gallery but there is a copy at the square. Located near the Palazzo Vecchio, the square is the political focus of the city and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. In addition to admiring all the great works of art, Piazza della Signoria is a great spot to people watch or take a break at one of the nearby cafes.
4) Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Florence and is well worth a visit. It houses a large collection of Renaissance art including paintings from Botticelli, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Rembrandt among other well known artists. Some famous paintings in the Uffizi Gallery, include Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Venus of Urbino by Titian and The Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio. Like the Accademia Gallery, lines here are very long so it is best to purchase your tickets in advance.
You can also purchase a combined ticket to both the Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery:
5) Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge in Florence. Ponte Vecchio means “Old Bridge” in Italian and it was the only bridge in Florence not destroyed by the Germans during World War II. The bridge has jewellery shops along both sides. The best times to walk on the Ponte Vecchio are early in the morning or during sunset.
While there are many things to do in Florence, these are my top 5 must see Florence attractions to focus on if you only have a day.
Not sure how many days to stay in Florence? While you can easily see the top attractions in one day, check out this list of 22 things to see and eat for more ideas if you have more time.
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy
If you are spending the night in Florence, the most convenient area to stay for first-time visitors is the city center. I suggest looking at hotels close to the Duomo, the Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.
If you are willing to splurge, check out these 10 luxury hotels in Florence.
Have you visited Florence? If so what are your top attractions for first time visitors?
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You have very correctly mentioned the five most important highlights of this beautiful city, otherwise, there is a lot more to see and experience, which might even take a lifetime for an outsider. I have always loved Ponte Vecchio the most, walking on this 13th-century bridge is like going back in time and never failed to give me goose bumps.