Welcome to your perfect day in Florence! This itinerary ensures you experience the very best of what Florence has to offer.
If you're craving more details on where to shop, must-try local cuisine, and the best rooftop bars, check out my COMPREHENSIVE FLORENCE GUIDE. It includes a custom Google map with all the linked places, historical context of notable Florentine figures, and much more. Consider this itinerary a teaser for what's to come...
Morning
8:00 AM - Coffee Break at Ditta Artigianale Neri
Ditta Artigianale Neri
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This spot excels in third-wave coffee and has three locations in the city.
Try: the Caffè Freddo, a standout cold brew known for its smooth, complex profile.
Details
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Travel Time: 10 minutes to the Duomo
8:40 AM - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo)
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
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Florence’s cathedral is free to enter and boasts Brunelleschi’s architectural marvel of a dome, Giotto’s elegant bell tower, and the adjacent Baptistery of St. John with its famed bronze doors.
Details
Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Accademia Gallery
10:30 AM - Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David)
Accademia Gallery
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Home to Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring “David,” this museum provides an intimate setting for Renaissance art.
Details
Time Needed: 1 - 1.5 hours
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Caffè Gilli
12:00 PM - Breakfast at Caffè Gilli
Caffè Gilli
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Established in 1733, Caffé Gilli is Florence’s oldest café. Located in the heart of Piazza della Repubblica, you'll find vintage marble tables to the plush velvet seating inside this historic gem.
Must-Try: The Caffè Gilli espresso and indulge in the signature Torta della Nonna, a creamy custard tart topped with pine nuts.
Details
Time Needed: 1 hour
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Vivoli
Afternoon
1:00 PM - Affogato at Vivoli
Vivoli
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Dating back to 1930, it's one of Florence's oldest gelaterias. The interior boasts vintage charm with art deco accents and a classic marble counter that complements the antique wooden furnishings.
Famous for its affogato, which is a must if you go.
Details
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Uffizi Gallery
1:40 PM - Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery
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This iconic museum, housed in a 16th-century palace designed by Giorgio Vasari, boasts an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Admire Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”
Details
Time Needed: 2 - 3 hours
Travel Time: 5 minutes to Piazza della Signoria
4:00 PM - Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria
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The vibrant political center of Florence is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio. This historic square is adorned with a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune.
Don’t miss the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery housing Renaissance sculptures.
The original David was positioned here until 1873 when it was moved to the Accademia Gallery to protect it from damage.
Note: Check out Michelangelo's carving on the wall to the right of the main entrance to Palazzo Vecchio (see video below)
Details
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Travel Time: 10 minutes to FotoAutomatica
4:40 PM - Lunch at Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale
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This bustling food hall is a feast for the senses, offering everything from local cheeses and cured meats to gourmet street food and artisanal pastries.
It's housed in a historic 19th-century building with an iron and glass facade.
Details
Explore the variety of local food options at Mercato Centrale.
Time Needed: 1 - 1.5 hours
Travel Time: 10 minutes to FotoAutomatica
6:20 PM - FotoAutomatica (Largo Fratelli Alinari)
Fotoautomatica
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Scattered across five locations the city, these photo booths offer a nostalgic touch with their classic black-and-white photo strips for just 2 euros.
Details
Capture a vintage photo strip. If you want to check out the location with the cute angel painted over it go to the Via Santa Monaca fotoautomatica instead, on the other side of the bridge.
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
6:10 PM - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
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Founded by Dominican monks in the 13th century, this is the oldest pharmacy in the world. The interior shows Renaissance architectural details like vaulted ceilings, mosaic floors and shelves lined with glass apothecary jars.
Shop perfumes, herbal remedies, and skincare products in vintage-style packaging.
Details
Explore this historic pharmacy.
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Babae Wine Window
Evening
6:50 PM - Wine Window Experience at Babae
BABAE
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This spot revives a Renaissance tradition, serving wine through a small window in the wall. It’s a unique, historical touch to your Florence visit, perfect for a pre-sunset drink.
Details
Location: Via delle Terme, 11R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Enjoy a traditional wine window experience.
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Travel Time: 15 minutes to Ponte Vecchio
7:25 PM - Stroll Across the Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio
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Florence’s iconic bridge, dating back to the 14th century, is lined with artisanal shops that have transformed from medieval butchers to today’s renowned goldsmiths and jewelers. The bridge’s arches and picturesque views over the Arno River.
Note: Look for the small plaque near the middle of the bridge commemorating the spot where German soldiers blew up all the other bridges in Florence except this one during WWII, a direct order from Hitler.
Details
Walk across the iconic bridge and enjoy the view.
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Travel Time: 25 minutes to Piazzale Michelangelo
8:00 PM - Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo
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This panoramic square offers one of the best views of Florence. A bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David stands at the center.
The piazza was designed in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of the city's major restructuring
Note: Its terrace was initially intended to house a museum dedicated to Michelangelo.
Details
Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the sunset over Florence.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Travel Time: 20 minutes to La Giostra
Dinner and Night
9:20 PM - Dinner at La Giostra
La Giostra
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The restaurant is owned by an Austrian royal family and set in a candlelit space with medieval décor.
The highlight here is the pear ravioli, combining a bit of sweet and savory.
Details
Enjoy a delightful dinner at La Giostra.
Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Gelateria dei Neri
11:00 PM - Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri
Gelateria dei Neri
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As one of the highest-rated gelaterias online, it stands out for its inventive approach and exceptional quality. Known for its seasonal and unique flavors, such as pistachio and ricotta fig.
It’s a favorite among locals for a reason—the attention to detail in both their gelato and their sleek, modern aesthetic.
Details
Treat yourself to gelato.
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Travel Time: 10 minutes to Locale Firenze
11:40 PM - Drinks at Locale Firenze
Locale Firenze
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Ranked one of the world's best bars located in the 12th-century Palazzo Concini.
The interior features high, vaulted ceilings, intricate frescoes, plush velvet seating in rich hues contrasting the ornate marble counter—the focal point of the bar.
Don’t miss the signature cocktail, “L’Immortale,” crafted with a blend of premium gin, elderflower liqueur, and a touch of prosecco. It’s garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a hint of lemon zest.
Details
Finish the night with drinks at Locale Firenze, which is open until 2 AM.
Time Needed: 1.5 hours (or longer)
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