We Love These Touristy Things to Do in Florence

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We discovered the best things to do in Florence in only 24 hours.

Some people love birthdays, and Dave is one of them.

I wanted to be certain we’d go somewhere great today for his birthday so we jumped on a train because I know there are amazing things to do in Florence and fantastic food.

I’ve been to Florence a few times and it’s never disappointing.

While there are great museums and things to do indoors like the Duomo and Uffizi the city is an outdoor museum and we love just walking around so that’s what we did for 24 hours.

We only had one day and chose the most obvious and awesome things to do in Florence.

Best Things to Do in Florence in One Day

Il Porcellino, just one of our top picks for things to do in Florence Italy.

Il Porcellino

The local name for a bronze boar fountain on the south side of  Mercato Nuovo.

While the original sculpture is in a gallery, the replica still draws flocks of tourists who put a coin into the boar’s mouth so that it falls into the grate below for good luck and then rub his nose to ensure they return to Florence again.

There are so many beautiful things to do in Florence, don't miss out on our top picks.

Piazza della Repubblica

One of the things I love about Florence is its golden glow at night. You can walk through the streets and there are plenty of cafes and just people watch.

Visit the Market

There are many markets in Florence and what’s interesting about the central market is that it’s been renovated as a modern food gallery to shop and eat. It’s worth a look around.

During the day don’t miss the best lampredotto sandwich in the first floor of the market, just follow the crowds of locals and don’t be afraid to push your way in.

Ponte Vecchio, one of the best things to do in Florence in one day. Don't miss this view!

Cross The Ponte Vecchio

A medieval bridge over the Arno River with shops all along it. Once it was home to butchers but now it’s mostly high-end jewelers and souvenir shops.

Legend has it that when the Germans were retreating from the war they did not destroy it because of strict orders from Hitler.

The love locks at Ponte Vecchio in Florence is one of the best things to do in Florence in one day.

Love locks

There are over 8 million love locks around Ponte Vecchio.

You are supposed to lock a padlock on the bridge and throw your key into the water so your love will last forever.

We unfortunately arrived too late for the padlock seller at the end of the bridge but we also discovered if you are caught in the action there is a 160 Euro fine as it’s damaging the river along with the bridge.

David in Palazzo Vecchio is not the original but just as amazing, check out our top picks for things to do in Florence Italy.

See the Fake David at Palazzo Vecchio

You could go to book tickets at the Galleria dell’Accademia see the real David but we’re not art aficionados so why wait in line.

Instead we went to Palazzo Vecchio to see the replica of  David and was just as satisfying.

In the square there are also a number of other sculptures that are fantastic like the fountain of Neptune.

The Duomo in Florence, one of our picks for the top things to do in Florence.

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or Il Duomo

Okay I said you don’t need to see it, but it’s impossible to miss it as it’s right in the centre of the city.

For us, seeing this massive structure from the outside was enough.

Although there is some interesting artwork inside and you can climb to the top for 10 Euro, which would be a good way to work off some gelato.

Modern street art in Florence, just one of many things to do in Florence for the first time.

Pay Attention to the Street Signs

Florence has beautiful, old pieces of artwork but the city is also home to great street artists.

Clet Abraham is a French artist who have been living in Florence for over twenty years and is well known by locals as he has been adding stickers to traffic signs for over 15 years in the city.

Eat gelato, just one of many top picks for things to do in Florence in one day.

Eat!

There are some amazing florentine foods to discover like lampredotto, steak and of course gelato.

The beauty of deciding to walk around all day was that we could also just eat all day – and so we did.

Personally I think no outdoor art can be truly appreciated without some gelato.

Staying a bit longer? Check out Lina’s guide for what to do in Florence if you have three days.

Okay what did we miss, what are your picks for top things to do in Florence in one day? What else should a first timer see?

Pin it For Later: Florence in One Day

Images(c)Clayton Shonkwiler, Anthony Crider
Discover the best things to do in Florence in one day.

Join the Conversation

  1. Julius from Traveltipy says:

    I like that stickers on traffic signs. I have never been to Florence so far, but once I’ll get there I must find that street art as well 🙂

  2. I love the pictures beautiful capture great work

  3. This pictures are so amazing. I like it very much. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  4. The Boboli Gardens are worth a trip – even if you just do a quick walk through 🙂

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Thanks for the tip, a good walk to walk off lunch!

  5. Alex Jacobson says:

    A great tip for one day trip. As for me, there are a lot of missed places, which first timer MUST see 😀 Piazza di San Firenze, Ponte Vecchio, Firenze and so on. The list is sooo looong.

  6. Teresa Adcock says:

    I have done all that…Florence is amazing! Memories last forever…

  7. Susie Hurd says:

    Jesu guys! Go in the Duomo! Ok, everything is over the top but, just check out the floor and ask yourself what were these guys tripping on when it was being built!

    1. Ayngelina Author says:

      Haha now I wish we had gone inside!

  8. Patsy steele says:

    Go to the wonderful leather shops. Yes the art is wonderful but the Italians do wonders with leather in Florance now!

  9. Great list – we never made it to Florence, but that means I must return to Italy one day! I’ll bear this in mind for when I do! So much to see in that fab country.

  10. Love Florence, thank you for sharing your photos with us. I spent an amazing day in Florence. I would add “Signum” , which is a very interesting place ( https://www.facebook.com/Signum-Firenze-106925956045781/ ) and the museum of Dante Alighieri.

  11. Florence is my favorite city in the world!! So much to see. You can’t miss The Basilica Santa Croce, The Uffizi ( Botecelli’s Birth of Venus) and forgive me for saying, but nothing compares to the Original statue of David! It’s one of the most beautiful things anyone can see! Firenze should be on everyone’s bucket list.

  12. Hi
    The Bargallo museum and especially its sculpture hall are fantastic. Truly remarkable. Just like everything else.

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