Florence: The Doorway into Tuscany’s Soul
There’s something poetic about arriving in Florence on two wheels — that moment when the city’s skyline, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, rises from the rolling Tuscan hills. It feels like crossing a threshold: the hum of the engine fading into the heartbeat of the Renaissance. Florence isn’t just a destination — it’s the doorway into Tuscany’s soul, where every winding road beyond leads to vineyards, hilltop towns, and sunlit freedom.
Spending a day or two here is like taking a deep breath before the open road calls again. Between its cobbled lanes, timeless art, and the golden glow that settles over the Arno at dusk, Florence captures everything that makes Tuscany so magnetic — passion, history, and the quiet hum of life well lived.
In this post, I’ll share how to make the most of your brief stay before heading deeper into the Tuscan countryside — where Florence’s beauty gives way to the wild, winding roads that define the ride of a lifetime. This is your 24-hour pause before the curves of Chianti and the sweeping lines of Val d’Orcia take over. Slow down, take it in, and let Florence set the tone for the ride ahead.
Ponte alle Grazie
Start the day early and cross Ponte alle Grazie. It’s quiet at this hour, the air is cooler, and it gives you a clean, open view of the Arno before the city wakes up.
From here, walk straight toward the historic centre.
What: One of Florence’s most picturesque bridges, offering perfect photo angles of Ponte Vecchio. Originally medieval, it was rebuilt after WWII destruction.
Notes:
📸 Ideal photo spot for Ponte Vecchio
📍 Lungarno delle Grazie, 50122 Firenze FI
🌅 Peaceful at sunset with fewer crowds
🧭 Connects to the Oltrarno district
🚶♀️ A scenic alternative to cross the Arno
Piazza del Duomo
What: The beating heart of Florence, Piazza del Duomo is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture make it the ideal starting point for exploring Florence’s treasures.
Notes:
🕍 Center piece of Florence’s religious and civic life
📍 Surrounded by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower
🏛️ Street performers and artists bring the piazza alive
📸 Excellent panoramic shots of Florence’s skyline from above
🌅 Magical at sunset when the marble façade glows
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo)
What: A Gothic masterpiece and Florence’s most recognizable landmark. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, the Duomo is both a religious symbol and an engineering marvel of the Renaissance.
Notes:
🕒 Climb the dome for panoramic city views
🎨 Interior highlights include Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco
📍 Piazza del Duomo
🎟️ Dome climb requires a separate ticket – book ahead
👟 Over 400 steps – wear comfortable shoes
Giotto’s Bell Tower
What: Standing tall beside the Duomo, this 14th-century tower by Giotto offers stunning views over Florence. Its colorful marble design mirrors the cathedral, and each level reveals exquisite Gothic details.
Notes:
🧗 414 steps to the top (no elevator)
📸 Sweeping views of the Duomo dome and city rooftops
📍 Piazza del Duomo
🎟️ Entry included in combined Duomo Complex ticket
🌅 Early morning climbs mean fewer crowds
Accademia Gallery
What: Famous for housing Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia Gallery is Florence’s artistic crown jewel. Beyond the iconic sculpture, the museum features unfinished works by Michelangelo, Renaissance paintings, and historic musical instruments.
Notes:
🕒 Best early in the morning to avoid queues
🎨 Don’t miss the Hall of Prisoners and Michelangelo’s St. Matthew
📍 Via Ricasoli, 58/60 – short walk from the Duomo
📸 Photography without flash permitted
🎟️ Advance booking recommended, especially in peak season
Piazza della Repubblica
What: Once the Roman forum of Florence, Piazza della Repubblica is today a lively square with cafés, a carousel, and street performers. A popular meeting spot, it’s both elegant and full of energy.
Notes:
☕ Iconic cafés like Gilli and Paszkowski line the square
🎠 Historic carousel makes it charming for photos
📍 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
🎶 Live music often fills the evenings
🧭 Perfect midpoint between Duomo and Ponte Vecchio
Basilica of Santa Croce
What: Known as the “Temple of the Italian Glories,” Santa Croce houses tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Its frescoes by Giotto and grand cloisters showcase Florence’s spiritual and artistic history.
Notes:
🕍 Final resting place of Renaissance greats
🎨 Don’t miss Giotto’s frescoes and Cimabue’s Crucifix
📍 Piazza di Santa Croce, 16
🎟️ Ticketed entry, often less crowded than the Duomo
📸 Evening light on the façade is stunning
Central Market (Mercato Centrale)
Head to the Mercato Centrale, the main indoor market for lunch. Upstairs you’ll find modern food court with tons of quick options. Downstairs you’ll find traditional stalls with produce, meats, and local goods.
What: A bustling indoor market where Florence’s food culture shines. The ground floor showcases fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and spices, while the upper level is a vibrant food hall with gourmet street food, wine, and pastries.
Notes:
🍷 Perfect for sampling Tuscan wines and regional specialties
🍝 Great lunch stop for fresh pasta, pizza, or seafood
📍 Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento
💡 Open daily, evenings are lively and more relaxed
📸 Photogenic stalls full of color and character
Ponte Vecchio
What: Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge, known for its goldsmith and jewelry shops. Dating back to the medieval period, it survived WWII intact and remains a romantic city icon.
Notes:
💍 Lined with jewelry and art shops
📍 50125 Firenze FI
🌅 Beautiful at sunset overlooking the Arno
📸 Great cityscape views from nearby Ponte alle Grazie
🎶 Street musicians often play in the evenings
Piazza Michelangelo
What: Florence’s most famous viewpoint, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline, with the Duomo and Arno River front and center.
Notes:
🌅 Sunset is spectacular (but busiest)
📸 Iconic spot for postcard-perfect photos
🧭 Accessible by foot, bus, or taxi
🍷 Nearby kiosks sell snacks and drinks for sunset picnics
💡 Arrive early for a good vantage point
Twenty-four hours in Florence gives you just the right balance: a quick dive into the city’s history, architecture, and food before the open roads start calling again. You’ve walked the main piazzas, seen the key landmarks up close, and ended the day overlooking the entire city from Piazzale Michelangelo - a moment that lands a little deeper after a full day on your feet.
Florence works best as a beginning. It gives you enough energy, culture, and perspective to feel connected to Tuscany before you even touch the countryside. And once you do leave the city, the transition is striking - the traffic fades, the roads widen, and the landscape starts opening up like it’s been waiting for you.
From here, the ride through Chianti and beyond feels even better. The hills, the bends, the small towns - they all hit differently after a day in Florence. When the dome disappears in your mirrors, you know the real journey has started.
Next up: rolling south into the heart of Tuscany, where the best roads - and the best moments - begin.