Half Day in Florence: A Perfect 4-Hour Itinerary

Quick answer: With half a day in Florence, see the Duomo and Baptistery, walk to Piazza della Signoria, cross the Ponte Vecchio and end with lunch or gelato in the Oltrarno. A private guide makes four hours feel like a full day.

Hour One: The Duomo

Start at the Duomo, Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower, where the facade and dome are the heart of Florence. Admire the exterior, and book a timed climb in advance if you want the view from above.

Hour Two: Piazza della Signoria

Walk to Piazza della Signoria, the open-air sculpture museum, with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi. If you have time for a museum, choose the Uffizi highlights with a timed ticket.

Hour Three: Ponte Vecchio and the Arno

Cross the Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge lined with goldsmiths, and enjoy the view of the Arno from the bridge. See our Vasari Corridor tour for more.

Hour Four: Lunch in the Oltrarno

Finish across the river for lunch or gelato in the Oltrarno, a local neighborhood of small trattorias and artisan workshops.

Make the Most of Four Hours

A private guide can adapt this route, skip the lines and share stories you would miss alone. See our private tours of Florence and our things to do in Florence guide.

Make It Fully Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I see in half a day in Florence?

The Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and a lunch stop in the Oltrarno.

Is half a day enough for Florence?

It is enough for a taste of the highlights, but two to three days are better.

Should I book tickets for a half day?

Yes. Reserve a timed ticket if you want to enter a museum or climb the dome.

Is a private guide worth it for half a day?

Yes. A guide saves time and shows the best of Florence efficiently.