If you have limited time exploring Florence’s historic center on foot in one day is a delightful way to immerse yourself in its art, history, and culture. Here’s a walking guide, complete with must-see landmarks and vegan-friendly dining options:

Morning: Start with the Heart of Florence

1. Piazza del Duomo • Visit the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) and admire its iconic dome by Brunelleschi. • Stop by the Baptistery of St. John and see the intricate bronze doors (the “Gates of Paradise”). • Climb the bell tower (Giotto’s Campanile) for panoramic views.
2. Piazza della Signoria • Walk 10 minutes to this square, Florence’s political center. Admire the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and the replica of Michelangelo’s David.

If you’re hungry the famous All’ Antico Vinaya also have 3 vegetarian and 1 vegan sandwich — fresh and delicious and a good size (could be split between two people to snack and get full but also be ready for delicious lunch). Despite the line being long it moves incredibly fast, also they have multiple locations some of which are less famous and less busy.

Midday: Cross the Arno River 3. Ponte Vecchio • Stroll across Florence’s famous medieval bridge lined with shops. Enjoy the views of the Arno River. 4. Oltrarno District • Head to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens for a quick exploration of Renaissance opulence and tranquil greenery. 5. Lunch Break: • Brac Libreria (Via dei Vagellai, 18) – A cozy bookstore café serving delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes like pasta, soups, and salads. • Shake Café (Via del Corso, 28) – Great for vegan wraps, smoothies, and light bites and desserts.

Afternoon: Dive into Art and History 6. Uffizi Gallery (Optional, 2 hours) • If you love art, book tickets in advance to see masterpieces by Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. 7. Santa Croce Basilica • Visit the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Marvel at the stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner 8. Piazzale Michelangelo • Walk or take a short taxi ride uphill to this viewpoint for breathtaking views of Florence at sunset. 9. Dinner: • Il Vegano (Via San Gallo, 92R) – A casual spot with vegan Italian dishes like lasagna, pizza, and desserts. • Veg & Veg — A vegetarian spot for various burgers including “protein style with no bread”, poke bowls, salads, juices etc.

Tips for Your Day: • Brunelleschi Dome: If you want to climb over 400 stairs to climb to the top for an unobstructed iconic view of the Florence and see the Last Judgment frescoes closer — book tickets in advance. When we were booking the reservations to get to the top of the dome were sold out on the official website and we bought one from Accord Audioguides that ended up great — priority enter, a shorter line. The audio tour is offered in different languages and hearing about history and challenges made us appreciate it more. During sunset we went to Giotto Bell Tower and the view is obstructed with a lattice all around. So if you have enough of time I’d suggest to go to Brunelleschi Dome reservation for sunset time! • Start early to avoid crowds at major attractions. • Wear comfortable shoes; Florence’s cobblestone streets can be tricky. • Pack light and bring a reusable water bottle (refill at fountains).

And remember, if you’re tight on time—just skip on long museum visits Florence itself is an open-air museum!