Spend the day in Florence, Italy || Wine Windows, Art, and City Views
Get the ultimate guide to visiting Florence, Italy — including tips, must-sees, and what I personally loved about this enchanting city filled with art, history, and breathtaking architecture.
By Abroad with Suvi
Click the arrows or swipe to browse through all the images in this blog
Florence, Italy, is full of profound history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife.
A quick background before I dive into my guide to spending the day in Florence:
Florence was the second stop on my 12-day trip through Italy after Milan, and we ended up spending three full days here — which honestly flew by. I took this Italy trip when I was just 19 years old with my bestfriend, so we did not have much experiance traveling on our own yet. We didn’t follow a strict itinerary and just let ourselves wander. From stumbling across a tiny wine window to sitting on a bench outside the Duomo eating gelato, everything felt relaxed and special in its own way.
This post isn’t a rushed checklist of tourist spots — it’s more of a personal walkthrough of how I’d spend one day in Florence if I could do it all over again. A mix of the quiet moments, beautiful views, and the little surprises that made me love this city.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide to Florence, Italy
1. My Best Tips for Visiting Florence
2. How to Wander Through the Streets of Florence, Italy
3. Top 5 Things I Reccomend to do in Florence, Italy
My Best Tips for Visiting Florence
🌅 Wake up early — especially if you want to see David
Trust me, it’s so worth it to beat the crowds. We unfortunately did not get up early to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia and the line to see Michelangelo’s David was next to impossible without waiting almost 4 hours.
🍝 Avoid the tourist-trap restaurants
If someone is standing outside trying to wave you in… walk the other way. Florence has so many better spots tucked into the quieter streets. Look for places filled with locals, or just slightly off the main squares; they’re usually more authentic and way tastier.
🌿 Do not skip the Giardino di Boboli
This garden completely surprised me. It was peaceful, sprawling, and had one of the best views of the city. Bring water and take your time walking through — it’s a bit of a climb, but the scenery (and breeze!) is so worth it.
🚋 Use the tram!
The Florence tram system was clean, quick, and super easy to figure out. We used it every day from our Airbnb into the city center. Just grab a ticket ahead of time at a tabacchi shop or kiosk as it saves you money and time.
📸 Take time to wander with no plans
Some of our favorite moments were the spontaneous ones. Whether it was stumbling into a quiet church, finding a wine window, or grabbing a gelato and just sitting on a bench watching the city move around us.
How to Wander Through the Streets of Florence, Italy
One of the great things about Florence is how walkable the city was. After waking up at our Airbnb just outside the center, we hopped on the tram and rode it straight to the main station. From there, we set off on foot.
📱 Best App for Trams:
- Download TABNET or At Bus to buy tickets and check tram/bus routes.
- Google Maps also works well for live tram schedules and walking directions.
🚉 Main Train Station:
- Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is the central train station.
- Located just a 10–15 minute walk from the Duomo and city center.
- Great for day trips to Pisa, Bologna, or even Rome.
🕘 Tram Hours:
- Trams typically run from 5:30 AM to around midnight.
- On weekends, some lines may operate slightly later (up to 1:00 AM).
- Tickets must be validated (scanned) when boarding DON’T skip this or you could get fined.
As we wandered through the streets, we stumbled upon little wine windows (yes, actual windows in walls where you can order a glass of wine …one of the coolest things ever), popped into tiny art galleries, and let the day go on around us. Florence had this magical way of offering something new every few blocks. One minute we were standing in front of the massive Duomo, completely awe-struck, and the next we were tucked away eating gelato and watching people pass by.
We crossed the bridge more than once, each side of the Arno river offering its own vibe. There were museums tucked between old stone buildings, flower-covered balconies, and so many beautiful corners that we honestly kept stopping just to take it all in. It was the kind of day where nothing was rushed, and everything felt intentional, even if it wasn’t.
Florence is the kind of city that makes wandering feel like a full itinerary.
Top 5 Things I Reccomend to do in Florence, Italy
- Wake Up Early to See Michelangelo’s David
Beat the crowds and head to the Galleria dell’Accademia first thing in the morning to see the breathtaking Statue of David. It’s one of the most iconic sculptures in the world—and early mornings mean fewer people and a more peaceful experience. - Climb Up to the Giardino di Boboli
Cross the Ponte Vecchio and explore the beautiful Boboli Gardens tucked behind the Pitti Palace. The walk up the hill offers gorgeous views of the city, and the gardens themselves are full of fountains, statues, and quiet corners to relax in. - Visit the Florence Cathedral & Climb the Duomo
You can’t miss the red-tiled dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore. The inside is stunning, but if you’re up for a climb, the views from the top of the dome are unforgettable—Florence spreads out beneath you like a painting. - Discover a famous wine window on the streets The renowned wine windows scattered throughout the city are typically linked to nearby restaurants, allowing people to order drinks directly from the outside. It’s a unique experience to tap on this tiny little window and enjoy a refreshing drink before continuing your exploration of the vibrant streets.
- Wander the Artisan Shops in the Oltrarno District
On the quieter side of the river, Oltrarno is full of small artisan studios, vintage shops, and charming cafés. It’s a perfect area to explore at a slower pace and find unique handmade souvenirs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a newcomer eager to explore the world, my best advice is to relieve yourself of the pressure to see and do everything. While I enjoy creating itineraries and planning how to spend my trips, it’s equally rewarding to carve out time to simply wander and stumble upon new discoveries. As I continue to grow this website and craft new posts about various places, I hope to instill in you a sense of peace and excitement as you embark on your adventures. When it comes to Florence, Italy, with its breathtaking art, rich history, and vibrant culture, remember that sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from wandering its charming streets and embracing the unexpected.
– Abroad with Suvi
Other Blog Posts
Join Abroad with Suvi
Subscribe to never miss out on my next adventures
Have you visited any of the iconic spots in Florence, Italy? Or are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments or tag me @abroadwithsuvi on Instagram — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Abroad with Suvi 
Leave a comment