One Day in Florence: A Local’s 7-Stop Itinerary

Planning a quick hit-and-run in Florence, or just have a free day and no idea what to do? We at FUL are here to tell you how to spend twenty-four hours in the city. Great food, art, gorgeous views, and fun places to hang out — Florence has all of this and much more. But for anyone who already knows the city (or lives here) and wants a different kind of day, here’s FUL’s guide to a few spots off the beaten track. So: a seven-stop itinerary to spend a day in Florence, from breakfast to dinner.

1. Fluid — Specialty Coffee and Sharing

What’s the one ingredient for starting the day off right? Coffee. And in Florence there’s a place devoted to exactly that: Fluid — Specialty Coffee and Sharing. The café sits in one of Florence’s liveliest neighborhoods, Borgo la Croce, and was dreamed up by Le Piantagioni del Caffè and the creative agency Idea Food & Beverage. Colorful furnishings, Moodbar coffee machines by La Marzocco, grinders, and plenty more will surprise you and give you the jolt you need in the morning. Better still, with help from the barista and the gear on hand, you can dig into your own coffee know-how.

Photo from Fluid’s Facebook page

2. La Tobian Art Gallery

Florence is the art city par excellence — we know. But that art lives not only in front of the grand monuments or in the major museums (packed these days), but also in independent galleries. Among them is the Tobian Art Gallery, a perfect stop to feast your eyes. At via Maggio 16/r, the gallery lets you explore contemporary art in all its forms — through exhibitions and events — and discover artists from all over the world. Here you can travel through paintings, photographs, and sculpture, and immerse yourself in far-off cultures, thanks in part to the artists often on site and the rich stories of Tobian’s owner, Giacomo Pirozzi.

Photo from the Tobian Art Gallery’s Facebook page

3. Santarosa Bistrot

Eating surrounded by greenery is possible in Florence — proof is the Santarosa Bistrot, a few steps from the city walls and the San Frediano gate. Here you’ll find a kitchen that connects Italian tradition with flavors from abroad, with an eye on seasonal produce. The bistrot was born in 2016 out of a city-backed project to redevelop the area’s public gardens, creating an elegant, laid-back setting that’s perfect for an outdoor lunch with friends.

Photo from the Santarosa Bistrot’s Facebook page

4. San Frediano and Santo Spirito

After lunch, a good walk is in order. Take the chance to explore the San Frediano and Santo Spirito neighborhoods. Beyond being the cool, young corners of Florence, they’re also home to the old Florentine workshops, where you can meet artisans and artists of every kind. And there’s more: along the way you’ll spot plenty of traces of Florence’s street artists. The city is home to many urban artists who catch our eye, make us think, or simply make us smile — from the ironic, provocative road signs of Clet to the magnetic faces of Ache77, and many others like Blub or ExitEnter. This street art is a lesser-seen side of Florence, well worth getting to know.

5. The D.A.T.E. Flagship Store

A perfect day can’t be without a little shopping — the quality, eco-conscious kind, of course. At the new D.A.T.E. flagship store — right in the historic center, on via del Parione — you can pick up a pair of original, entirely handmade sneakers. The Tuscan brand crafts footwear down to the last detail with sustainable materials, celebrating Florentine craftsmanship. The flagship store itself grew out of a restoration project on a historic building, carried out entirely by Florentine artisans.

6. Picteau Bistrot

Then comes aperitivo hour — and there’s no more magical moment than one that pairs a good cocktail with a beautiful view of Ponte Vecchio. For that, we suggest Picteau Bistrot, with one of the loveliest, most romantic panoramas in the city. A chic, refined spot that pairs the talent of bartenders Marco Colonnelli and Vincenzo Civita with the (Michelin-starred, no less) kitchen of Claudio Mengoni. Outside, the Arno sets the scene; inside, you can admire a collection of twentieth-century works by artists including Pablo Picasso, Marino Marini, Sironi, Rosai, and Cocteau.

Photo from Picteau Bistrot’s Facebook page

7. Dinner at the Fusion Bar and Restaurant

With the day nicely wrapped up, you’re ready to head home or make your way to the station for the train back — but for anyone who can linger a little longer, Florence still has plenty to give. A few steps from Picteau Bistrot, at vicolo dell’Oro 3, is the Fusion Bar and Restaurant, where chefs Antonio Minichiello and Nancy Del Luca will surprise you with unexpected flavors, and bartender Sasha Mecocci will do the same with the drinks. A dynamic, lively spot with an international feel, right in the heart of Florence.

Photo from the Fusion Bar and Restaurant’s Facebook page

Finally, for anyone who can (and wants to) spend the night in the city, a couple of tips on where to stay. A short walk from the station, the Mercure Firenze Centro is great for a stay built around comfort and a local feel. Near the Fortezza da Basso, meanwhile, is The Social Hub, a dynamic hotel that’s always hosting interesting events — a good place to meet new people. And its terrace, with a pool and a view of the Florence Duomo, is breathtaking.

Got more time in the city? Take a look at our 2 days in Florence itinerary.