Things to do in Italy Florence in 1 Day
If you're planning your first day in Florence and wondering about the best things to do in Italy Florence, this guide is your ultimate companion. With centuries of history, awe-inspiring architecture, Renaissance art, and culinary delights, Florence is a walkable masterpiece waiting to be explored.
In this article, we offer a thoughtfully crafted walking itinerary, optimized for time and experience, starting from Santa Maria Novella Station. Whether you're in the city for just a day or looking to kick off a longer stay, follow this route to discover the best of Florence—by foot and by heart.
Santa Maria Novella Station: Where the Journey Begins
Start your adventure around 9:30 AM at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s main railway station. Built in the 1930s in a sleek Rationalist style, the station is both an architectural landmark and a practical hub. Located at Piazza della Stazione, it connects you effortlessly to every part of the city via buses and the tramway system.
As you exit the station, the bustle of the square gives you a first taste of Florentine life. From here, begin your walk by heading toward Piazza Santa Maria Novella, your gateway to the Renaissance.
Things to do in Italy Florence: Visit Santa Maria Novella Church
Step into one of Italy’s most historically rich religious sites. Santa Maria Novella was founded by Dominican friars in the 13th century and soon became a beacon of religious and artistic brilliance.
This basilica isn’t just a church—it’s a living museum. Over the centuries, it gathered masterpieces created specifically for this space by legends such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, and Vasari.
Filippo Strozzi Chapel
Don’t miss the Filippo Strozzi Chapel, home to Filippino Lippi’s final frescoes. These vivid narratives of Saints Philip and John are steeped in symbolism and artistry. The tomb by Benedetto da Maiano adds a sculptural touch to the spiritual ambience.
The Façade by Alberti
The iconic façade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti and completed in 1470, is a harmonious blend of Gothic and Classical geometry. Look closely to see astronomical instruments and esoteric symbols—perfect for deeper exploration in tours like Esoteric Florence: a magical walk.
Giotto’s Crucifix
Reunited with the basilica in 2000, Giotto’s Crucifix hangs once again in its rightful place. This 13th-century masterpiece depicts Christ with powerful realism, reflecting both Franciscan spirituality and Renaissance humanism.
Once you've soaked in the basilica's grandeur, walk across the square to your next stop: Museo Novecento.
Museo Novecento: Contemporary Art in Renaissance Florence
Housed in the historic Leopoldine Hospital, the Museo Novecento is Florence’s answer to modern and contemporary art lovers. Opened in 2014, it showcases key works from the 20th and 21st centuries, including the prestigious Alberto Della Ragione Collection.
Admire masterpieces by Giorgio De Chirico, Gino Severini, Giorgio Morandi, and Renato Guttuso, among others. The museum also offers thematic exhibitions, film screenings, and educational workshops. A must-see for those wanting to balance Renaissance with Modernism.
Piazza Ognissanti: River Views and Artistic Echoes
Next, walk to Piazza Ognissanti. This lesser-known square features the elegant Church of Ognissanti, home to art by Ghirlandaio and Botticelli. Look out over the Lungarno and catch your first view of the Ponte Vecchio, framed by the glistening Arno.
If it’s a Saturday morning, you're in for a treat: the antique market here is full of quirky and valuable finds. Take a moment to relax at a local café and sip your espresso with river views.
Street Levels Gallery: Between Things to do in Italy Florence
Heading back toward the city center, make your way to Via Palazzuolo to find the Street Levels Gallery. This vibrant space fuses street art, urban culture, and public expression in a constantly evolving format.
Run by local artists and curators, it’s a great place to support independent art, buy original prints, and understand Florence beyond the Renaissance. Perfect for art lovers who crave something edgier.
Mercato di San Lorenzo: Culture, Cuisine, and Curiosities
By now, your appetite is calling. Before diving into lunch, enjoy a glass of local wine at one of the Buchette del Vino, tiny wine windows dating back to the 17th century. These historic wine dispensers once allowed nobles to sell directly to locals—an early form of takeaway!
Then, head to San Lorenzo Market. On the ground floor, explore a maze of food stalls offering everything from offal to exotic fruits. It's not only a feast for the stomach but also for the senses. Pick up truffle oil, sun-dried tomatoes, or vacuum-packed souvenirs like Tuscan herbs and mushrooms.
Things to do in Italy Florence? Lunch at Mercato Centrale
Climb to the upper floor of the Mercato Centrale, where dozens of gourmet food stands await. From Tuscan pasta to fresh seafood, international bites to local specialties—there's something for everyone. Grab your meal, find a seat, and enjoy the buzzing vibe.
After lunch, stroll through Via dell’Ariento, famous for its leather goods, toward Piazza San Lorenzo.
Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels
At
2:30 PM, you’ll reach the impressive
San Lorenzo complex, encompassing the
Basilica,
Laurentian Library, and
Medici Chapels. For the afternoon, we recommend diving into the
Medici Chapels.
Medici Chapels Florence
A resting place of Florence’s most powerful family, this museum features Michelangelo’s New Sacristy, the Chapel of the Princes, and the Medici Crypt. Here, Renaissance ideals of beauty and eternity come to life in stone.
You can buy your ticket online here—youth discounts and English audio guides are available. It’s a journey through Michelangelo’s genius and the political grandeur of Renaissance Florence.
Best of Florence Walking Tour with Tuscany Daily Tours
At 4:00 PM, join the Best of Florence Walking Tour (bookable via Tuscany Daily Tours). This tour brings the city’s heartbeat to life, with expert guides leading you through 2,000 years of history.
Piazza del Duomo
Your first stop is Piazza del Duomo, where you'll marvel at Brunelleschi’s dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistry of San Giovanni. This stunning ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Florence’s eternal beauty.
Piazza della Signoria
Next is Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart. Admire Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune, and an open-air museum of Renaissance sculptures under the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Piazza della Repubblica
Walk through the majestic Piazza della Repubblica, where 19th-century grandeur meets historic depth. Its elegant cafés and Arch of Triumph invite you to slow down and soak in the elegance of modern Florence.
Ponte Vecchio
No day in Florence is complete without walking the Ponte Vecchio. This 14th-century bridge, now lined with jewelers, offers a romantic view of the Arno. Let the old-world charm and golden glow etch themselves into your memory.
Santa Croce: Final Stop at Sunset
As your walking tour ends, wander along the Arno and through the city’s alleys until you reach Santa Croce. Admire its stunning facade and Dante’s statue, and take time to visit its rich complex: church, cloisters, crypt, museum, and vestry.
Inside lie the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and more—making Santa Croce a temple of Italian genius.
As twilight sets in, relax in one of the nearby bars for a well-deserved Florentine aperitivo. Raise your glass to a day filled with beauty, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Want More things to do in Italy Florence? Discover Tuscany Daily Tours
This itinerary just scratches the surface of the best things to do in Italy Florence. For a richer and more personalized experience, explore the full offering of tours at Tuscany Daily Tours.
From esoteric walks to gourmet tastings, there’s a Florence waiting just for you.
