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By: Maddy Cornelius · Last Updated: November 5, 2023

7 Absolutely Magical Day Trips from Florence, Italy

I may have traveled around the world, but to this day, some of my most treasured travel memories have been on day trips from Florence, Italy.

From zipping through the countryside on a vintage Vespa to devouring delicious farm-to-table feasts while sipping on Chianti Classico, there’s no place like Tuscany.

If you’re traveling to Italy soon, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m going to share the 7 most magical day trips from Florence.

The majority of these are organized, guided tours; however, you’ll also find my top recommendations for self-driving, self-guided day trips from Florence if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

It’s Tuscany, so no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Here are the 7 best day trips and guided tours from Florence!

7 Incredible, Can’t-Miss Day Tours from Florence

#1. Tuscany in One Day Tour from Florence

I have done this tour twice , so I can confidently say that this is the best comprehensive day trip from Florence. (And thousands of other 5-star reviews back me up.)

On this Tuscany in One Day Tour from Florence, you’ll see the area’s main highlights: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa. Plus, you’ll enjoy a long and leisurely farm-to-table lunch at a winery in the Chianti Hills.

This tour is pretty much a non-negotiable must-do. Click here to book your spot! (This tour sells out.)

Siena is a charming medieval city with its own strong and unique cultural heritage.

You’ll enjoy roaming the cute cobblestone streets in the historic center and sipping an espresso in one of the many cafés.

Siena is also famous for its paneforte di Siena (fruitcake), spiced with cinnamon and black pepper. So make sure to try it!

There, you will see the dazzling Duomo di Siena featuring Renaissance art by the likes of Michelangelo, Donatello, and Pisano. This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is a true stunner.

If you visit in July or August , then you may be lucky enough to see Palio (the famous Siena horse race) in full swing.

Palio is a cultural festival and tradition with roots in the 6th century. It consists of a horse race in the main Piazza del Campo, as well as a parade, a horse-blessing ceremony, flag throwing, and historical costumes.

Lunch in the Chianti Region

This is my favorite part of the Tuscany in One Day Tour .

Before a long, leisurely farm-to-table lunch, you’ll walk the vineyards, learn about olive oil and wine-making processes, and savor the views of the Tuscan countryside.

Garden salad, fresh pasta Bolognese, local cheeses, cured salami and prosciutto, homemade bread, artisanal olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and many bottles of wine go down easily…

Needless to say, this experience is incredible.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is the most enchanting medieval hilltop town you can imagine – home to various stone towers, boasting the most incredible views of green rolling hills, Cypress trees, and terracotta roofs.

You’ll also find picturesque narrow cobblestone alleys, the bustling Piazza del Duomo, a plethora of quaint restaurants, and craft leather shops (if you’re looking for a useful souvenir).

But the town’s real claim to fame? Gelateria Dondoli . In the central plaza, you’ll find a small gelato shop that’s won the gold at the Ice Cream World Championships multiple times. With creative flavors like Pink Grapefruit & Sparkling Wine, Ricotta & Bilberries, and Gorgonzola & Walnuts, it’s near-impossible to choose!

You’re going to love this historic walled town.

Obviously, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is the main attraction in Pisa! Though it may come as a surprise, this city is so much more. It’s unexpectedly beautiful (albeit touristy), with plenty of lovely cafés, restaurants, and wine bars to spend the evening.

Click here to book your Tuscany in One Day Tour from Florence .

#2 Self-Driving Tour of Tuscany

If you’d rather ditch the guided tour of Tuscany and go by yourself, it’s totally doable.

Rent a car from Discover Cars (they consistently offer the best deals in Europe!) for a day and drive yourself to Siena , San Gimignano , and Pisa (or Lucca ).

Along the way, plan to stop for a long lunch and wine tasting over amazing views at Fattoria Poggio Alloro or Azienda Agricola San Quirico .

You might also opt to break up your grand tour of Tuscany into two days, by spending the night at a romantic “agriturismo” farm stay. If you do, I’d recommend either Agriturismo Mormoraia or Tenuta Sovestro . Click here to find amazing deals on other accommodations in the Chianti region.

HOT TIP: If you want to visit some of the lesser-known gems of Tuscany, then head south instead! Consider visiting the charming town of Cortona (featured in one of my favorite movies ever, Under the Tuscan Sun ). Then check out the famous wine-making region of Montepulciano and do a few wine tastings. The hilltop town of Montalcino , known for its premium red wine – Brunello di Montalcino – is also a great option. If you have even more time, explore the stunning medieval city of Arezzo and have dinner at Trattoria Cavour 42 before you drive back to Florence. Or, stay the night in Arezzo. (I’d stay at La Corte Del Re !) The options are endless! Just rent a car and hit the cobbled streets! Click here to secure an amazing deal on your rental car.

#3. Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

There’s no way you haven’t seen these colorful seaside towns on Instagram!

If you didn’t already know, the Italian word  cinque  means  five . On this Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence , you’ll explore all five wondrous villages, by either hiking or taking the regional train from one to the next.

It’s hard to put into words just how magical Cinque Terre is – and how brilliant the views of azure waters, rocky cliffs, terraced fields (for growing olives, grapes, lemons, etc.), and colorful houses are as you hike.

This Cinque Terre tour is jam-packed with incredible vistas, stunning swimming spots, gelato shops, beachfront wine bars, and super tasty food. (Pesto was invented here, in the Liguria region! Plus the seafood is amazing .)

You will be exhausted by the time you get back to Florence. I know I was. But it’s so much fun. And so worth it! If I were you, I would make sure not to miss this tour.

Click here to book your Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence .

And to reiterate for clarity: For those who can’t or don’t want to hike, no worries! You can choose to take the train.

#4. Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine

What could be more quintessentially Italian than cruising through the Tuscan countryside on a vintage Vespa to a farmhouse lunch? This tour is bucket list material – and one of the most unique things I’ve experienced in Italy.

On this amazing Vespa tour of Tuscany , you’ll stop by a beautiful 11th-century church and cemetery, offering the best viewpoint of Florence. Then, you’ll ride by centuries-old castles, medieval towers, and other historic monuments, little villages, endless rolling hills, olive groves, and wildflowers.

All under the Tuscan sun.

The entire experience is wildly beautiful and so freeing!

The experience peaks with a luscious farmhouse lunch of pasta marinara, bread, a beautiful antipasto platter of local cheeses, bruschetta, cured meats, artichokes, olives, and more. And of course, red wine!

And then, you drive back to Florence.

After many trips to Italy, to all different regions, I can honestly say that this Florence day trip is one of the best things I’ve ever done in Italy! You’re going to love it.

Click here to book your Florence Vespa Tour of the Tuscan Hills .

#5. Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence

If driving a Vespa isn’t your thing, no worries. You can embark on the exact same guided tour I mentioned above… But in a vintage Fiat 500 car instead of a Vespa!

You can’t trust me to drive anything (successfully) on two wheels either. If I hadn’t been the passenger on our Vespa, I personally would’ve chosen this tour Fiat 500 Tour of Tuscany instead!

Click here to book your Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence .

#6. Cooking Class in the Tuscan Countryside

If you’re a foodie like me, then you’ll jump at the chance to take a cooking class, led by an expert Italian chef, at a farm out in the Tuscan countryside! And yes, sipping on Chianti wine over amazing views is a key part of the experience too. Obviously.

There are two amazing class options to choose from, it just depends on what you want to learn to make!

• On this day trip , you’ll visit a historic, local market in Florence to collect the best, freshest ingredients to make your 4-course Italian feast! Then, out at the farmhouse, you’ll learn to make pasta from scratch, along with porchetta , bruschetta , and tiramisù . Click here to book your Tuscan Farmhouse Cooking Class and Market Tour .
• In this shorter half-day trip , you’ll skip the market and head straight for the hills. There, you’ll make learn to make typical Tuscan appetizers , pizza from scratch, and gelato . Heavenly! Click here to book your Pizza and Gelato Farmhouse Cooking Class .

Both tours include a recipe booklet so you can take your new knowledge with you and recreate an amazing Tuscan feast at home!

HOT TIP: If you plan to do this Vespa tour or this Fiat tour , then I recommend NOT doing one of these cooking classes! Simply because they’re held at the same farmhouse. Even though the experience is totally different, you may not want to go to the same place twice. Instead, consider this Florence Cooking Class & Market Tour , which is held in the city center. I have done this cooking class as well (I still use the recipes to this very day!) and it is 100% awesome.

#7 Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari

And last but definitely not least , a wine tour! You can’t go to Tuscany and not do this Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari !

On this amazing Florence day trip, you will go off-roading in a 4X4 through Tuscany’s rolling hills, past olive groves, rustic farms, and ancient churches.

You’ll visit some of the regions most luxurious, historic villas and wine estates to explore their vineyards and drink wine in their cellars.

And you will taste – and learn about – all sorts of artisanal specialties, from local cheeses and olive oils to cured meats… Complete with wine pairings, of course!

This wine, cheese, and lunch tour is one of the most magical day trips from Florence. It’s an experience you will never forget. Click here to book your Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari.

7 Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy

From strolling along the Arno River at sunset and savoring Bistecca alla Fiorentina over full glasses of wine, to admiring the breathtaking medieval architecture and Renaissance art, Florence itself is incredible .

But if you fail to explore the Tuscan countryside, then you’ll miss out on the unparalleled beauty and charm of Italy. On truly magical experiences.

So please, when you visit Florence: Take. It. Slow. Leave plenty of time to get out of the city and take a few day trips.

Whether you’re into food, wine tasting, medieval history, art, cooking, hiking, architecture, or vintage Vespas, there’s a Florence a day trip for you. Andiamo!

Florence Day Trip FAQs

There are all kinds of day trips to experience from Florence. Unsurprisingly, most of them revolve around wine tasting and eating incredible food. And of course, roaming the cobbled streets and historic monuments of Tuscany’s many medieval hilltop towns and charming cities (like Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa). This post details the 7 best day trips to take from Florence. Most of them are organized group tours, but I have also included suggestions for self-driving day trips – if you’re feeling adventurous!

Yes, Cinque Terre is an easy (albeit long) day trip from Florence. Visiting this beautiful national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site can be accomplished in one day via this Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking . You’ll have the opportunity to see all five of the colorful seaside towns, hike from town to town via a beautiful cliff-side trail, take a boat ride along the azure riviera, and taste local delicacies from pesto to wine to calamari. This is one of the best day trips from Florence, sure to be a day you’ll never forget! I know I won’t!

Florence is one of Italy’s main hubs and tourist destinations, so it’s easy to travel to plenty of places throughout Central Italy, in no time! If you want to take some day trips from Florence, the options are endless. You can go wine tasting in the Chianti hills. You can explore the medieval town of San Gimignano and try the world’s best gelato! You can see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and witness the famous Palio horse race in Siena. (This Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence takes you to all of these places in a day!) You can also explore romantic cities like Arezzo and Lucca or hilltop villages like Montepulciano and Montalcino. This post details all of the best organized, guided tours you can take. I have also included some suggestions if you want to rent a car and drive yourself – or hop on one of the many regional trains.

To sum it all up, here’s a quick list of the best (guided/organized) day trips to take while in Florence! Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence Pizza and Gelato Farmhouse Cooking Class Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari If you’d rather drive yourself and leave some room for spontaneity, then rent a car through Discover Cars (they offer the best deals throughout Europe), and head to places like Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Lucca – or Cortona, Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Arezzo!

Day Trips from Florence: What to Pack

Depending on the season, what you’ll need to wear and pack for your day trips will vary. Summers in Italy are very hot, but the winters are actually quite cold.

Here are a few top tips on what to wear and bring:

• Floaty dress: In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you know you are always prepared to enter religious sites. Bring a light scarf with you to cover your shoulders.
• Sunscreen : Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen and stay protected. You’ll especially want to wear sunscreen on that Cinque Terre hike!
• Reusable water bottle : Remember to keep hydrated during your tours. It can’t all be Aperol, wine, and espresso all the time! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
• Wool coat : Traveling to Italy in the off-season is a wise idea! During the colder months, a beautiful wool coat is essential. You will fit in with the locals with this one .
• Comfortable boots : As expected, you will do a lot of walking in Italy! Bring some comfortable and cute sandals that you can walk for miles in. In the colder months, opt for a comfortable but stylish boot that you’ve worn in. You can’t go wrong with a cute Chelsea boot, like these .
• Travel insurance : As with all international trips, it’s always best to purchase travel insurance so you know you are covered should anything go wrong. Don’t you dare go on that Vespa Tour without it!

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About Maddy Cornelius

Hey! I'm the cook, world explorer, chief wordsmith, and photographer behind Maddy's Avenue. A California native, I've lived in many countries around the globe, but I'm currently traveling through Latin America. Slowly. Running two businesses. Livin' the "digital nomad" life. I’m here to learn, grow, and explore this planet - ever in search of bold flavors and epic adventures. My goal? To inspire you to live a bold life: to discover yourself and the world around you at greater depths – one forkful, or one plane ticket, at a time. Thanks for being here!

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February 4, 2023 at 11:57 am

Hi Maddy, my husband Mark and I would like to do a 7 or 8 day trip of Tuscany including the cinque terre. We have been to Italy including Florence years ago. We are not sure if we should stay in one hotel/ Airbnb in Florence and use it as our home base or stay in several areas along the way? We usually book our own trips and a rental car but wouldn’t mind having some help this time along with some guided tours and transportation. We are 56 yo and very active so we don’t mind being on the move but it might be nice to have some help along the way . Please let us know your suggestions. Thank you , Lisa Borosky

February 5, 2023 at 8:57 am

Perhaps you could look at staying in Florence for the majority of the time, taking some of the guided day trips above so you don’t need to rent a car. There’s so much to do in Florence, and all of the above day trips are incredible, so it’s the best of both worlds. Then take the train to Cinque Terre and stay for 1-3 nights. You could choose to move around to different villages each night, or stay in one village and explore the other 4 villages via a combination of trains, boats, and hiking. I hope that helps!

April 19, 2023 at 8:34 pm

I did an online search for “day trips from Florence” and came across your website. We’re going to be in Firenze from 17 December through 21 December, then spend the next nine days in Rome. This will be our fourth trip to Italy, but never during Christmas (I’m so excited!). Based on your recommendation, I just booked the Tuscany in One Day – Full Tour + Leaning Tower Tickets, through Viator, linked from your website. I was glad to read that you’ll get a commission, because it was from your experience that we booked this tour. Also, without having read any other information from your site, you may have mentioned this already, but if you get the chance, go to Amalfi. This is my heart. Learn to make Limoncello from Vittorio, at Antichi Sapori D’Amalifi and have a lemon cream filled cornetto at Bar Pasticceria Leone, life doesn’t get any better. Anyway, thank you for your website and may your travels always be safe and fun.

April 20, 2023 at 2:11 pm

Hi Bob! Thanks for your sweet comment :) I hope you have the most fabulous trip to Italy yet.

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Day Trips From Florence

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Where to go near Florence, Italy

Taking a day trip from Florence gives the traveler a look at the countryside of Tuscany - picturesque hill towns, vineyards, and wineries, or the coast. A few places in nearby regions can also be easily visited.

Click on the links for more information about each place. Take a look at our Tuscany Rail Map to get an idea of locations.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Siena is a classic Tuscan medieval hill town and one of the most popular. It's a pretty town with a large fan-shaped piazza , beautiful cathedral (for a special treat, book a Gate of Heaven tour), pedestrian streets with shops, and the second highest medieval bell tower in Italy (with 505 steps to the top).

60 km south of Florence, Siena is accessible by either train or bus but the bus stops near the center while the train station is below town and you need to take a connecting bus to the center. 

Book tours of Siena through Viator .

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto 

Pisa is famous for its leaning tower, beautiful Duomo, and Baptistery in Piazza dei Miracoli . It also has a good medieval center and a walk along the river so you could easily spend a full day there.

Pisa is easily reached by train or bus from Florence. Fast trains take 45 minutes while the less expensive regional trains take over an hour.

Book tours of Pisa through Viator .

Fiesole, in the hills above Florence, is an easy day trip. It's a great place to escape the summer heat and on clear days there are good views of the Florentine hills and even Florence. Fiesole has a good archeology park with a Roman amphitheater and Roman, Etruscan, and Longabard ruins. A bus runs from the Florence train station to Fiesole.

Lucca is a walled city with one of the best-preserved walls in Italy. Atop the walls are walking and bicycling paths and gardens, allowing you to walk completely around Lucca's historic center. Most of Lucca is flat so if you're tired of walking up hills, this is a good place to go. There are beautiful churches, good shopping, and several well-preserved towers from where you can get fabulous views of the city by climbing to the top. Enjoy this video of our walk around Lucca .

Frequent trains run between Florence and Lucca, taking a little over an hour. The train station is just outside the walls from where it's an easy walk to the center. 

Book a tour of Lucca through Viator .

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small walled hill town known as the City of Beautiful Towers for its 14 surviving medieval towers. You can climb one of them for great views of the Tuscan countryside. There's an 11th-century duomo decorated with 14th-century frescoes, several museums, and a number of good restaurants serving typical Tuscan food.

To get to San Gimignano, take a bus or train from Florence to Poggibonsi. From Poggibonsi, there are frequent buses to San Gimignano, about a 20-minute ride.

Bologna, Emilia Romagna City

Tripsavvy / Michela Sieman

Bologna, known for its great cuisine, is a beautiful city with two great squares, porticoed walkways, fine historic buildings, and an interesting medieval center with a tall medieval tower whose steep staircase you can climb for great views from the top. You can also take a cooking class, Passionate about Pasta , that starts with a market tour and ends with lunch.

Bologna can be reached by fast trains, taking 30 - 35 minutes and from the station, you can walk or take a bus to the center.

Book a city walking tour through Viator .

Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme is a historic spa center with thermal waters, reminiscent of bygone days. It's a good place to walk, relax, visit a spa, or take the waters and enjoy music at the Liberty-style Terme Tettuccio. You can also take the charming funicular railway up the hill to the small medieval town of Montecatini Alto .

Inexpensive regional trains take less than an hour to get to Montecatini.

Winery Guided Tours

A good way to visit a couple of wineries and tour Tuscany is by taking a guided winery tour. Most of these winery tours include transportation with pick-up and drop-off at Florence hotels, wine tastings, and lunch.

Chianti Wine Region

The picturesque Chianti Classico wine region lies between Florence and Siena to the south. There are small wine towns, rolling hills covered with vineyards, and wineries that offer tasting. The area is best visited by car or on a tour, but you can get to the wine town of Greve by bus from Florence.

Book a half-day private wine tour through Viator .

Biking Tours from Florence

This four-hour bucolic Tuscan tour from Florence includes wine and olive oil tastings. You'll visit a Renaissance villa and wine estate, as well as walk around the cellars and learn about the wines produced in this part of Italy. Book the biking tour through Viator .

Viareggio and the Versilia Coast of Tuscany

The main city on Tuscany's Versilia Coast, Viareggio , can easily be reached from Florence by train. If you have a car you can explore other towns and beaches along the coast.

Cinque Terre Guided Day Trip from Florence

It's possible to visit the Cinque Terre from Florence but a little difficult to do on your own if you're traveling by public transportation. Viator offers a great day trip from Florence.

Book the day trip to Cinque Terre through Viator .

Day Trips from Other Italian Cities

Here you'll find day trips from other top destinations including Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast.

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Lucca: Planning Your Trip

San Gimignano, Tuscany's City of Beautiful Towers

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• 11 Great Day Trips To...

11 Great Day Trips to Take From Florence

Florence is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, but just outside of the famous city there are beautiful towns, stunning hilly landscapes and charming villages that can be reached by a short trip. Here you’ll find gorgeous day trips from Florence that are definitely worth a look.

Pisa is one of the most famous Italian towns and it is also a good option for a day trip from Florence. Of course, you need to visit the leaning Tower of Pisa, a white marble bell tower that would have stood 185 feet high had it not started to lean during construction. Although the tower is Pisa’s most popular attraction, in Piazza dei Miracoli there is also the cathedral and the baptistery attached to the tower that should not be missed.

For those who want to combine city and sea, Livorno is the right place to visit. On the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Livorno is one of Italy’s traditional seaside resort towns. Providing less of a historical art and culture experience than other Tuscan cities, Livorno is a place to simply lay back and relax. It has its charm: from Fortezza Vecchia, the old fortress near the port, head to Quartiere La Venezia, a nice neighborhood with bridges and canals that make it look like a small Venice, and then on to Terrazza Mascagni, maybe the most beautiful terrace in Tuscany.

Val d’Orcia

Val d’Orcia is a picturesque area of Tuscany that is around a two-hour trip by car from Florence. The entire region is protected as a natural park and includes several villages, castles, hamlets and farmhouses that visitors can get to all in one short trip. The most famous town is the hilltop city of Pienza, a UNESCO world heritage site with fabulous architecture and incredible views over the Crete Senesi area.

San Gimignano

Located between Florence and Siena, San Gimignano is one of the nicest villages in Tuscany. It is just an hour by road from Florence and the road itself is a piece of art with its vineyards, olive groves, hills dotted with rustic agriturismos and ancient farms. San Gimignano boasts 14 medieval towers (once 72) and overlooks picturesque hills. The best thing to do here is stroll along the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the stunning medieval buildings. Did you know that San Gimignano is also called “the medieval Manhattan” because of its ancient towers?

This charming little town, known for its Etruscan origins, is located in an excellent place between Florence, Pisa, Siena and the coast. Its peculiar urban layout reminds of its Etruscan origins (people can visit part of the majestic walls built in that era) but there are also many Roman remains to visit, such as the Roman Theatre. It was relatively unknown to tourists until the Twilight series, but fans might be disappointed to know that the movie scenes were actually filmed in Montepulciano.

Chianti Region

This region which inspired many artists and photographers includes Florence, Siena and all the area between these towns. Chianti is the most popular area in Tuscany for many reasons: fabulous landscapes, charming agriturismos, delicious food, small towns and, of course, one of the best selection of wines in the world. It is possible to spend an entire day tasting wines and visiting the vineyards.

This ancient Etruscan walled-town is the perfect day trip from Florence if you want to avoid the crowds. To relax after the chaotic atmosphere of Florence, sit down in one of the bars of Piazza Garibaldi and take a light lunch before starting your visit. Stroll down through the narrow streets of the centre, admire the lovely palaces and churches and then head to Giardini Parterre, a park with magnificent views across the Valdichiana region.

Lucca is much smaller and less touristy than Florence, Pisa or Siena. A must-see spot in town is Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an oval square with houses built into the walls of the Roman amphitheatre. The Duomo of San Martino also worth a visit because it houses many art treasures, such as Tintoretto’s Last Supper. For a unique sight, you should visit Palazzo Guinigi with a tree growing from its tower. At sunset, stroll along the ancient walls to admire the best panoramas over the city.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a medieval village nestled in the Province of Siena which boasts terrific landscapes, castle walls, thermal springs and excellent wine. Indeed, it is famous worldwide for its Vino Nobile, an Italian product known worldwide. Montepulciano is also known as a jewel of the 16th century, thanks to its fabulous Renaissance architecture and art.

Arezzo is not the most typical of tourists spots and this is the reason why you should visit it, before everyone else discovers it. Arezzo is a wealthy city with a rich history of goldsmithery that still continues today. This opulence is reflected in the impressive Duomo which took almost 700 years to complete. Another not-to-miss spot is the Church of San Francesco, which hosts the frescoed high altar chapel by Piero della Francesca. If you are in town the first weekend of the month, don’t miss the popular and fun Arezzo Antique Fair.

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Day Trips from Florence

15 Best Day Trips from Florence

Florence is the very heart of Italy and is home to some of the most incredible museums and galleries in the world.

You could spend a week wandering from the Uffizi to the Ospedale degli Innocenti, from the Galleria dell’Accademia to the Bargello Museum and still only scratch the surface of the artistic and scientific heritage preserved in this magical city.

Once you have ticked off all the major sites and landmarks then it is time to broaden your horizons and venture a little further afield.

Being at the very centre of Italy makes Florence a great base from which to explore the rest of the country.

Let’s explore the best day trips from Florence :

Chianti is one of the most unique winemaking regions in the world.

Famed for the squat wine bottles held within a straw basket, known as a fiasco, no budding sommelier will pass up the opportunity to explore this phenomenal wine region.

You can explore the Chianti region by drive or if you like to be more active, by bicycle.

The smooth, winding roads are perfect for road biking and splitting up the journey with wine tasting here and an olive oil sampling it’s nothing shy of perfect.

Chianti is home to some of the best restaurants in all of Italy, many serving quintessentially Tuscan dishes with a modern twist.

2. San Gimignano and Siena

A visit to San Gimignano covers your morning and come the afternoon you’ll be suitably relaxed enough to saunter onwards to Siena, the ideal Tuscan adventure.

San Gimignano can be found along the rolling hills of Upper Val D’Elsa and is the home of the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine.

Saffron and exquisite Santa Fina pottery are also famous exports of this typically Tuscan town.

A visit to Siena brings an architectural element into the day trip and sees you visit the Siena Cathedral and the Palazzo Comunale which are both in the Piazza del Campo.

The Piazza del Campo is also the venue for the Palio horse race which runs twice each summer and is quite the thrill to observe.

Cortona is one of Tuscany’s classic hill top towns and is enchanting and charming with its historical stone walls and meandering streets.

Sitting atop of the hill means that Cortona offers incredible views of the sprawling valley below and the magical Lake Trasimeno features in the panoramic vista.

You may have read about Cortona in Frances Mayes’ book ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ or perhaps seen footage of the town in the movie adaption of the book starring Diane Lane.

It is every bit as captivating in person as it is on film.

A day trip to Cortona allows you the opportunity to experience Tuscany at its most authentic and certainly get to grips with the relaxed pace of life in the region.

4. Montepulciano

Montepulciano is another prime example of Tuscany’s true beauty.

A medieval town set high upon a hill that is home to Renaissance palaces, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, dozens of perfectly preserved churches and more.

Elegant yet rustic, Montepulciano is not to be missed.

Wine lovers will want to add a visit to Contucci to their day’s itinerary and perhaps lovers of the great outdoors would factor in a stroll on the Natural Reserve Lucciolabella.

Surrounded by vineyards that span as far as the eye can see Montepulciano is the embodiment of what travellers dream about in the run up to their trip to Italy.

If you are short on time it is possible to couple a half day trip to Montepulciano with a half day visit to Cortona.

5. Cinque Terre

Not a singular place, Cinque Terre is a collection of ancient coastal villages on the Italian Riviera.

There are five towns and villages that created the Cinque Terre which are Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore and Vernazza and each is distinctly different from the last.

Each settlement is precariously perched on cliff edges that sweep jaggedly downwards towards the coast of Liguria.

The settlements of Cinque Terre are fairytale-like in their construction and placement.

The Cinque Terre area is best known for being the home of pesto.

You simply cannot leave without having sampled some of this world famous sauce and perhaps purchase some to take away and use at home.

6. Portovenere

Known best for its sea caves and incredible dive sites Portovenere is a popular tourist village on the Ligurian coast.

Look over to the rocky, rugged headland to see the chief landmark, Church of St Peter.

It is possible to take a stroll around the restored church and take in the breathtaking views of the writhing sea below.

If you need to stretch your legs after the drive from Florence then a hike though the Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere is a great option.

Offering incredible views of the jagged coastline below.

You can team a visit to Portovenere with Cinque Terre should you be seeking a jam packed day trip.

7. Montalcino

The medieval village of Montalcino is one of the gems of Tuscany.

Famed for its wine production, specifically the Brunello di Montalcino.

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is a beautiful old abbey with a wonderful bookstore that adds a tranquility to a day trip from Florence.

There are countless wineries and vineyards to explore each with a distinct flavour and productions process.

You could easily spend a day hopping from one phenomenal winery to another.

Perhaps hire a driver in that case.

Exploring the Chiesa della Madonna del Soccorso is a lovely non-alcoholic addition to a day trip to Montalcino.

The renaissance heart of the Montalcino region is Pienza and this small town offers breathtaking views of Val d’Orcia from all angles.

The major draw to Pienza is San Biagio and Piazza Pio II, as well as the Pienza Cathedral.

A cultural wonder, Pienza is also home to the Piccolomini Palace the former summer home of Pope Pius II which features a blossoming roof garden and of course spectacular views of the Val d’Orcia valley below.

Pienza is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site as such is perfectly preserved and so you feel as if you’re stepping back in time.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy, if not all of Europe.

Naturally the first thing to do in Pisa is to visit the ornate tilting tower but once you’ve snapped your shot there is a whole host of other cultural gems to explore.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated in the Piazza dei Miracoli which itself is worthy of your explorations.

The Pisa Cathedral is mighty impressive with is white marble facade and heavy bronze doors.

A visit to Knight’s Square is often shunned in favour of more time at the Piazza dei Miracoli but well worth visiting too.

The Tuscan city of Lucca is home to a number of wonderful Italian architectural and historical gems that provide fascinating insights into Italy’s past.

The Guinigi Tower is one of the most unique structures in Italy.

The man made elements are nothing particularly special, bar the fact they have stood the test of time, but it is the holm-oak trees that stand proud atop of the tower that really set the building apart and must be seem to be believed.

In the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro you will find a local market and dozens of classic Tuscan cafes serving local wine and traditional dishes.

A small town in the Chianti region, Greve is an off the beaten track day trip from Florence.

Coupling history with culture and plenty of wine Greve is a little hidden gem.

Top wine tasting spots include Fattoria Montecchio and Ca’ di Pesa.

There are dozens of artisan shops in Greve to explore and sauntering from one boutique to another is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

The main square in Greve is encompassed by cafes and coffee shops galore.

If you’re seeking a relaxed day with cultural experiences in abundance Greve may just be the place.

12. Val d’Orcia

When we talked about Pienza we mentioned the incredible views over Val d’Orcia.

The valley is best explored during a day trip all of its own and can be easily accessed from Florence city centre.

A valley known the world over for its wine and cheese production there’s no need to have a hearty breakfast an excursion to Val d’Orcia is all about the food.

The famous Pecorino Romano cheese is a hard and salty cheese only made in this area of Italy and is created using sheep’s milk.

Throughout the day you can talk with producers about the processes involved in making the cheese or even meet some of the sheep.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and can be easily accessed within a day trip from Florence.

Featuring over 100 islands and a labyrinth of canals Venice is unlike any other city in the world.

There are no roads here, only canals and as such the Grand Canal can get pretty hectic during peak hours and the summer season, it’s all part of the fun.

Must visit spots include Piazza San Marco and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Doge’s Palace is one of the most iconic Gothic-era buildings in all of Italy is a real marvel.

Venice is one of the most expensive cities in Italy so if you’re on a tight budget then a day trip is the best option.

14. Volterra

Volterra is a traditional Tuscan town that is a little more off the beaten track and is well worth a visit.

It is a walled, mountaintop town that is home to just 11,000 people.

Volterra is a town steeped in mystic folklore and will be of definite interest for avid followers of the ‘Twilight’ saga.

Chat to locals about the vampire stories that originate in this town that have spread around the world.

The Alabaster Museum is a must-visit and houses the precious stone that put this town on the map.

Volterra has a number of wonderful restaurants serving traditional Tuscan cheese that are not to be missed.

The Italian capital city lies just 3 hours away from Florence and if you’re prepared for an early start makes for an epic day trip.

Rome is home to some of the most impressive architecture in all of the world.

Travellers come from across the world to marvel at the magnificence of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and of course the Trevi Fountain.

A bustling city it is possible to tick off all the major sites in the space of one day and not feel rushed.

St Peter’s Basilica will be of particular interest to those of the Christian faith and lovers of Fine Art and architecture too.

A city that has inspired countless artists and musicians, Rome is a must-visit once in every lifetime at least.

15 Best Day Trips from Florence:

• San Gimignano and Siena
• Montepulciano
• Cinque Terre
• Portovenere
• Val d’Orcia

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7 April 2021

Florence and surroundings between villages and scenarios of great charm

Florence and its surroundings are certainly one of the favourite destinations for travellers. If Florence represents one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the province not only enjoys reflected light but also represents one of the most beautiful and richest places to visit .

Choosing among the villages near Florence or the many points of interest that characterize the province is extremely difficult. Art, history, nature, sports, food and wine tours , adventure or fun: nothing is missing in the surroundings of Florence . These places can be easily reached by public transport or by private car.

In this guide, you can find ideas on things to see near Florence with ideas for an excursion or a trip out of town during your next holiday in Tuscany.

Plan visits departing from Florence . They range from the most popular destinations to lesser-known villages full of priceless treasures.

We hope you enjoy our selection and invite you to leave comments and questions at the bottom of this article. Our concierge will be happy to answer.

71 km away – about an hour by car from Florence (about an hour and a half by bus – there is no railway station).

A destination can be easily visited on foot because the sights of Siena are all within easy reach. Not to miss:  the famous Piazza del Campo where the Palio di Siena takes place, the Palazzo Pubblico with the Civic Museum of Siena inside, the Torre del Mangia with a breathtaking view from the top of its 88 meters high, the Cathedral of Siena , the Museum of the Opera del Duomo di Siena which is accessed from the right of the Duomo, the Baptistery of Siena located behind the Duomo, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena with important paintings.

The villages and sites of artistic and cultural interest in the province of Siena are a valid alternative for a day trip from Florence.

San Gimignano

About an hour’s drive from Florence – 53 km – to be reached by bus or car.

It has been called the Manhattan of the Middle Ages for its extraordinary skyline made up of 72 towers (of which only 13 remain today) and is the perfect destination if you are looking for panoramic places near Florence.

The Cathedral of San Gimignano with its simple facade but with important works inside and the wonderful Chapel of Santa Fina da San Gimignano with frescoes by Ghirlandaio,

The Piazza del Duomo with the Palazzo del Popolo , which houses the Civic Museum of San Gimignano. Moreover:

In the same square you can admire and visit the Torre Grossa , the Loggia del Comune , the Torre Rognosa. The Chigi Tower, the Salvucci and Ardinghelli Towers;

the Piazza della Cisterna on the top of the town with its octagonal well in the center and the presentation of the unmissable Gelateria Dondoli , known all over the world and award-winning;

The Church of Sant’Agostino with the frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli and the Rocca di Montestaffoli, almost completely destroyed, but a privileged panoramic view.

At about 83 kilometres from Florence (75 minutes by car or train).

The ancient Maritime Republic is known throughout the world for its Leaning Tower .

To discover Piazza del Duomo with the architectural complex of Campo dei Miracoli which collects the main monuments of the city:

– the Leaning Tower of Pisa which leans because the ground has already given way in the early stages of construction but which will never fall because the vertical axis that passes through its centre of gravity falls into the support base;

– The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or Cathedral of Pisa in Romanesque style;

– The Baptistery of Pisa by the architect Diotisalvi and works by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni;

– The Monumental Cemetery of Pisa where illustrious Pisan personalities are buried is a sacred place because the crusaders brought the holy land here from Mount Golgotha, just outside Jerusalem.

We also recommend visiting:

– the Lungarni of Pisa including, the best known, the Medici Lungarno with important historical buildings and the Lungarno Gambacorti with the Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina;

– Piazza dei Cavalieri where there are the Palazzo della Carovana , seat of the Scuola Normale di Pisa , the Canonica , the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici , the church of Santo Stefano and that of San Rocco and in the centre of the square the statue of Cosimo I ;

– The Murales by Keith Haring “Tuttomondo” a few meters from the Pisa station;

– Borgo stretto , characteristic street in the centre with arcades and shops and Borgo largo (Piazza del Pozzetto).

It is 81 km from Florence (about 1 hour by car and about 1 and a half hours by public transport).

Characteristic city known for the Renaissance walls that surround the historic centre. We advise you to visit:

• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro , one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, built on an ancient Roman amphitheatre;
• the Cathedral of Lucca dedicated to San Martino with important works of art, some of which were created by Tintoretto and Ghirlandaio;
• The walls of Lucca from which you can admire a beautiful panorama of the city . These are very wide tree-lined avenues that surround the historic centre where you can walk or play sports ;
• Torre Giunigi and Torre delle Ore , the only two medieval towers still existing in Lucca. Both can be visited , with over 200 steps to reach the top from which you can admire a beautiful panorama . On the Giunigi Tower there is a hanging garden and in the Torre delle Ore you can admire an ancient clock with manual winding ;
• Piazza Napoleone , the largest square in Lucca where the Palazzo Ducale stands. It is used in the summer to host many concerts of the Lucca Summer Festival ;
• The National Museum of Palazzo Mansi with works by Van Dick, Pontormo, Bronzino, Tintoretto and many others.

The Cinque Terre

Many visitors to Florence choose the Cinque Terre as a destination for a day trip . This is the most fascinating stretch of coast in Liguria , with characteristic villages suspended between sea and land, reachable by train or by car in about 2 hours. Among these:

• Riomaggiore with its typical coloured houses and the starting point of the Via dell’Amore , a pedestrian path carved into the rock that leads to Manarola;
• Manarola with colourful houses on top of a cliff, with ancient monuments and churches to visit and breath-taking viewpoints ;
• Corniglia also stands on a cliff that is centre meters high and inaccessible from the sea. The small village that deserves to be visited is accessible by a brick staircase or by a single road that leads from the station to the town;
• Vernazza , a medieval village with characteristic alleys, colourful houses, a beautiful marina, ancient religious and civil monuments;
• Monterosso with its historic centre and the largest beach in the Cinque Terre, in Fegina .

The Chianti

Another idea on what to visit near Florence is Chianti, an area not far from the Florentine capital, known for its important production of wines known throughout the world. The Chianti hills are an unmissable destination for those who want to enjoy an enchanting countryside landscape not far from Florence. Many visitors choose Chianti to visit the famous cellars and wineries and for wine tastings or to admire the hilly landscape, very pleasant to cross both by car and motorbike . For an “alternative” excursion, we suggest a tour in Chianti in a vintage car .

Do not miss the small historic villages of Chianti Classico (the one between Florence and Siena) such as Greve in Chianti, Panzano in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti or Castelnuovo Berardenga.

The Mall Florence Italy

About 39 kilometres from Florence and reachable by car in about 40 minutes or by bus from Florence in about 55 minutes. It is located in the locality of Leccio , in the municipality of Reggello .

An outlet that houses the shops of prestigious Italian and international brands . It is a fun alternative to the artistic and cultural proposals of the surroundings of Florence , to spend a pleasant day of shopping . At the moment, shops are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, due to Covid restrictions.

Other ideas on towns to visit near Florence , perhaps less known but extremely fascinating, are:

At 42 km from Florence, reachable by car or by private transfer in about 50 minutes.

Certaldo is the city that gave birth to the well-known writer Giovanni Boccaccio and a centre of great artistic and cultural value.

Born from the Etruscan-Roman encampments, it became an important part of the militarized belt that protected the territory of Florence during the Middle Ages: the development of the city and the castle had a significant boost with the movement of the Via Francigena which reached the bottom of the valley at the foot of Certaldo.

The most interesting part is certainly Certaldo Alta where you will have the opportunity to visit a typical and perfectly preserved medieval town, walking through its narrow streets and small and characteristic squares. The main point of interest is certainly Via Boccaccio , famous for being the centre of the social life of the time and for hosting the home of the famous writer of the same name. We must not forget the Palazzo Pretorio and the mighty walls from which you can enjoy a suggestive view of the entire valley below and from which you could even see the distant towers of San Gimignano.

It is also 42 km away from Florence, reachable by car or by private transfer in about 50 minutes.

Vinci is famous for being the birthplace of Leonardo, and where you can discover, in addition to the typically medieval beauty of this Tuscan village, the artist-inventor’s house and the museum where you will find reproductions of Leonardo’s machines.

Ideal for a trip out of town, Fiesole is at just two kilometres away from the city centre and for years it has boasted the title of “the richest municipality in Tuscany”.

It rises on a hill, behind the capital and it offers a breathtaking view of Florence.

Particularly captivating are the paths in nature, between the woods and the hills.

A great impact also have the monuments and testimonies of Fiesole’s past: the city has its roots in the Etruscan world. Later, it became a rich Roman colony. And it seems that the Florentia city originated from this settlement.

Among the most beautiful locations to visit we mention the private parks and noble villas, the historic medieval buildings, the monumental gardens of Villa Peyron, the Fontelucente wood, the terraced wood of Villa Medici, the Cathedral, the Badia Fiesolana, the Convent of San Francesco, the Archaeological Museum, the Bandini Museum.

Very interesting is the archaeological area, born at the end of the nineteenth century, when the works brought to light the first remains of the Roman theatre.

Subsequently, the large swimming pools of the thermal building and the internal part with heated rooms, tubs and the Etruscan Roman temple were found.

The Archaeological Area is completed by the Archaeological Museum, in the shape of a Tuscan temple. Inside it are kept the main artefacts found in the area. These finds cover a decidedly broad period of time, because they cover proto-history, Etruscan, Roman, Longobard civilizations, the Middle Ages.

Inside it we also find an antiquarian section with bronzes, marbles and sculptures, as well as the Costantini Collection, with Greek, Magna Graecia and Etruscan ceramics.

Just over an hour’s drive from Florence, one of the most beautiful cities of art in Tuscany. Giorgio Vasari and Piero della Francesca were born here, whose artistic and architectural legacies are still visible in the city.

Arezzo is a destination that is rarely taken into consideration in the more classic itineraries of the region, but it is rich in works of art and landscapes of great appeal.

It was the birthplace of prominent personalities such as Francesco Petrarca , it is full of green parks and squares and churches that house one-of-a-kind artistic masterpieces.

The most important scenes of Roberto Benigni ’s film “ Life is beautiful ” were filmed here.

The city is divided into a historic part, located on a hill, and a younger and more commercial part, located below and full of shops and clubs.

Let’s find out what to see in Arezzo:

• Piazza Grande : it is the centre of city life. It has a very particular trapezoid shape and it is inclined to facilitate the passage of rainwater. Historic buildings from different eras overlook it: medieval, Renaissance, fifteenth century. Among the most beautiful buildings are the Loggiato Vasariano, the Pieve di Santa Maria, the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici;
• Loggiato Vasariano : in Piazza Grande we find the imposing building designed by Vasari and built in the second half of the sixteenth century. It is considered one of the most important works of the architect. Today, its characteristic portico welcomes restaurants and bars with tables;
• Palazzo della Confraternita dei Laici : it combines and blends three architectural styles and three different eras. Gothic, Renaissance and sixteenth-century style meet together in a building that now houses the Fraternity Museum, with a valuable collection of works of art. On the bell tower we find the clock added during the sixteenth century and made by Felice da Fossato. It is considered a true watch making masterpiece. Even today it marks the time, day and lunar phases according to the Ptolemaic conception of the universe;
• Church of Santa Maria della Pieve : between Corso Italia and Via dei Pileati we find a Romanesque church with a façade and three portals. Built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, it overlooks Piazza Grande and it houses precious works, such as the Polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetto and the relics of San Donato;
• Medici Fortress : this defensive stone construction stands in the north-eastern part of the city. It is located on the Colle di San Donato and it was built during the sixteenth century at the behest of the Medici. It has a five-pointed star appearance and ramparts of different heights. Inside it, today we find one of the most beautiful and popular public parks in the city.

At just over thirty minutes by train from Florence, here is the Italian Capital of Culture 2017. A city that boasts countless artistic and architectural beauties and is easy to navigate because it is not particularly large.

It is perfect for slow tourism, as it is not overcrowded by tourists.

Let’s find out what to see in Pistoia:

• Piazza del Duomo : it is the main square of the city. Definitely less frenetic than the main squares of the big Tuscan cities, it conquers for the harmony of its architectural elements. It is particularly important because here we find the symbols of religious and civil power. The Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, the Baptistery, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo degli Anziani where the town hall is located overlook it;
• Duomo : the San Zeno Cathedral is the most important religious building in the city. It is a Romanesque style church with a polychrome stone facade and a characteristic portico. Inside it there are the relics of San Jacopo but also works of art such as the statues of San Zeno and San Jacopo, the Crucifix of Coppo di Marcovaldo, the Dossale, the tomb monument of Cino da Pistoia;
• Bell tower : built as a defence tower in the Longobard era, it has been modified several times over the centuries and it blends three different styles such as that of the Longobard era, the Pisan one and the Pisan-Lucca one. It is 67 meters high and it is one of the most important vantage points to admire the city from above;
• Baptistery of San Giovanni in corte : it is in front of the Cathedral and almost in the centre of the square. It has an octagonal shape and dates back to the fourteenth century. It has a detailed exterior and a simpler interior.

It is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, located almost on the border with Umbria and famous for the battle fought between the Republics of Florence and Milan.

Anghiari is included in the “most beautiful villages in Italy” circuit and boasts the Orange Flag of the Touring Club .

Let’s find out what to see in Anghiari:

• Palazzo Pretorio : the Town Hall is an ancient fourteenth century building, the first part of the city. On the facade we find the coats of arms of the podestà who administered the city on behalf of the Florence Republic, while on the first floor we find a fifteenth century fresco by Antonio di Anghiari;
• Castello di Montauto : it is a medieval structure owned by the Barbolani family, built at the end of the twelfth century. Rebuilt around the mid-sixteenth century, it boasts numerous Renaissance and nineteenth -century elements. From 1224 to 1503 it kept the habit of San Francesco d’Assisi;
• Museum of the Battle of Anghiari : in Palazzo Marzocco located in Piazza Mameli we find this museum which exhibits collections ranging from prehistory to the eighteenth century. Inside there are stone tools of the Neanderthal man, Roman sculptures, firearms created in the period of the French Revolution.

In less than thirty minutes by train from Florence we reach one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Tuscany, with an enchanting historic centre and numerous corners to admire.

Let’s find out what to see in Prato:

• Duomo : the Cathedral of Santo Stefano is one of the oldest churches in the city and the main place of worship. It boasts a thirteenth-century facade partially restored in Gothic style, an imposing bell tower and a Donatello’s pulpit. Inside it, we can admire a cycle of frescoes by Filippo Lippi;
• Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri : dating back to the fifteenth century, it has an external structure in clear, decidedly simple stone, a Greek cross and a small dome. Inside it there are paintings and frescoes;
• Church of San Domenico : the greatest peculiarity lies in its external facade, currently unfinished. Of great appeal are the bell tower, the decorative motifs and geometric paintings. It was built in the thirteenth century;
• Museo dell’Opera del Duomo : it is one of the most important museums in Prato. Founded in 1967 in the halls of the Bishop’s Palace, it exhibits works from the Cathedral of Santo Stefano. Inside it we find seven rooms that present works in chronological order. Among the works: paintings, statuettes, sculptures, religious objects.

Luigi Pecci Centre for Contemporary Art

The multifunctional centre is in Prato and it was created with the aim of collecting, enhancing and preserving contemporary works of art.

The museum boasts over 3000 m2 of exhibition halls, an archive, a specialized CID/Visual Arts library with 60,000 volumes, an auditorium-cinema, a bookshop, a restaurant, a bistro and an open-air theatre.

The collection includes over a thousand works, including sculptures, installations, environments, paintings, video works all created from the 1950s to the present day.

Inside are works by Arte Povera, the Transavantgarde, by artists of the former USSR, by Vito Acconci, Nobuyoshi Araki, by Stefano Arienti, Paolo Canevari, Loris Cecchini, Enzo Cucchi, Jan Fabre.

San Quirico d’Orcia

In the heart of the Tuscan countryside, in Val d’Orcia and in the province of Siena. Here is a small town, with just 2,500 inhabitants but one of the most fascinating in the entire region because it is full of charm and an excellent starting point for exploring the whole Val d’Orcia. It is the visual quintessence of Tuscany. It boasts numerous locations which alone could be chosen to represent the region and what it communicates to the outside world.

Let’s find out what to see in San Quirico d’Orcia:

• The historic village : the village is completely pedestrian, with stone houses and small streets. The most beautiful thing to do here is to get lost in its alleys to admire the purest and most characteristic part of the village;
• Pieve dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta : also known as the collegiate church of San Quirico, it is a large Catholic church in Romanesque style on the outside and Baroque on the inside. It was built starting from the twelfth century and it boasts a Latin cross plan with a single nave, works of art and three external portals;
• Cypresses of San Quirico : along the Via Cassia from the centre of the village and driving for about 6 km in a north-easterly direction we reach the famous cypresses of San Quirico. It is a row of cypresses placed on a small hill in the locality of I Triboli. Over the time they have become the symbol of the Val d’Orcia, photographed and inserted in videos and postcards;
• Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta : we take the SP146 and arrive at this small chapel in the open countryside. It is a private church of Renaissance origin renovated during 2021;
• Horti Leonini : in the centre of San Quirico d’Orcia we find the Italian garden of the Horti Leonini, dating back to the sixteenth century. The gardens are divided into two parts: the upper one which is more natural and the lower one, enclosed by walls and holm oaks and with triangular flowerbeds.

Monteriggioni

Located on top of a hill in the Siena countryside, Monteriggioni is surrounded by perfectly preserved circular walls.

It is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany , one of the unmissable places during a holiday in the region.

Let’s find out what to see in Monteriggioni:

• Historical centre : small and characteristic, it has an almost circular shape and a diameter of just 170 metres. A few streets and a few buildings give life to a location with a unique charm and enveloping atmospheres, capable of transporting us to another era;
• The Walls : elliptical in shape and 2 meters thick, they are interspersed with 15 towers and 2 gates. We can walk on two walkways and admire splendid views over the Siena countryside;
• The gateways to the city : Porta Franca and Porta Fiorentina are the two main access areas to the village and they are located in the East and West areas;
• Church of Santa Maria Assunta : overlooking Piazza Roma, it is a small church dating back to the beginning of the thirteenth century. It has a stone facade in Romanesque style, a central door with an arch and rose window, a barrel vaulted roof, a nave and few internal ornaments. We can admire two tabernacles and a painting of the Madonna by Lippo Vanni. On the back we find the bell tower with a square plan and dating back to the eighteenth century;
• Pieve di Santa Maria a Castello : it is 20 minutes from the village. It is a particularly ancient church, consecrated as early as 971. Today, it has undergone numerous changes. It boasts a simple facade, with a late medieval portal and an oculus opening. Inside there are neoclassical decorations and two large rectangular windows.

Barberino Val d’Elsa

Between Florence and Siena, we find a village rich in history, with a medieval historic centre, numerous valuable architectural testimonies, two characteristic access doors and a dome identical to that of Brunelleschi but five times smaller.

Let’s find out what to see in Barberino Val d’Elsa:

• Antiquarium of Sant’Appiano : it is a small archaeological museum which houses a part of the finds discovered in the excavations carried out in the surrounding areas. Inside it, there are funerary urns in alabaster from the Hellenistic period, Attic ceramics with red figures, a series of late medieval and Renaissance ceramics, a pagan idol in sandstone depicting the god Eros riding an animal;
• Pieve di Sant’Appiano di Barberino Val d’Elsa : inside it we can admire two different versions of the Romanesque, the Proto-Romanesque and a later version of the same style. On the walls of the church we can admire frescoes of the Florentine school from the last period of the fifteenth century and frescoes from the sixteenth century on the vault of the bell tower and in the Chapel of the SS. Sacrament.

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9 Charming Coastal Towns Within Reach Of Florence

Categories Beach Travel , Towns , Travel

Imagine yourself strolling along the picturesque coastline, the warm sun kissing your skin while the gentle sea breeze tousles your hair. The salty air fills your lungs as you explore charming coastal towns, each with their own unique flavors and experiences.

If you’re looking for a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of Florence, these nine enchanting seaside gems offer you the perfect opportunity to embrace the freedom and tranquility of Italy’s captivating coastlines.

As you wander through the narrow, winding streets of these quaint towns, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant colors of the houses, the enticing aromas of freshly caught seafood, and the friendly smiles of the locals. Each town has its own story to tell, from the bustling markets of Livorno to the rocky cliffs of Cinque Terre.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, an adventurous hike, or a tranquil spot to relax and unwind, these nine coastal towns will provide you with a memorable adventure and a yearning to discover even more hidden gems along Italy’s magnificent shoreline.

You’ll be delighted by the allure of Viareggio, a picturesque seaside gem just a short trip from Florence. Nestled along the Tuscan coast, this charming town is famous for its vibrant Viareggio Carnival, an annual event that transforms the streets into a colorful and bustling spectacle of music, dance, and elaborately decorated floats.

Stroll along the vibrant promenade lined with elegant boutiques, cozy cafes, and lively bars or take a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque streets, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this captivating coastal haven. Immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle of Viareggio as you bask in the sun on the golden sands of the Versilia Beaches.

These stunning stretches of coastline offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of Florence, providing the perfect setting for a rejuvenating seaside retreat. Feel the warm sand between your toes as you stroll along the shoreline, the salty sea breeze gently caressing your skin.

Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, or simply relax on a sun lounger, sipping a cool drink and watching the world go by. As you explore the enchanting streets of Viareggio, you’ll be captivated by the town’s rich history and architectural beauty.

Admire the art nouveau villas that line the seafront, their intricate facades a testament to the town’s glamorous past. Visit the bustling fish market and sample some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted, or indulge in a delicious gelato as you wander through the quaint piazzas and narrow cobblestone alleys.

Viareggio offers a captivating blend of culture, relaxation, and natural beauty , making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking a taste of freedom and adventure.

Forte dei Marmi

Imagine strolling along Forte dei Marmi’s pristine beaches, just a short trip from Florence, with the sun kissing your skin and the gentle sea breeze whispering through your hair.

This charming coastal town is nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering stunning views and a luxurious atmosphere that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

As you explore the town, you’ll discover a mix of Forte shopping and marble history, with high-end boutiques and fascinating museums dedicated to the area’s rich past.

Forte dei Marmi is the perfect destination for those looking for a balance of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days lounging on the sandy shores or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

If you’re craving a bit more adventure, embark on a guided tour of the nearby marble quarries or hike through the picturesque Apuan Alps.

In the evenings, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine and sip on a glass of fine Tuscan wine as you soak in the enchanting atmosphere.

As you immerse yourself in the beauty of Forte dei Marmi, it’s easy to see why it has become a favorite destination for artists, writers, and celebrities over the years.

The town’s captivating charm and laid-back elegance make it an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

So, whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation , or a solo adventure, Forte dei Marmi promises an unforgettable experience that will have you longing to return to its enchanting shores.

Cinque Terre

There’s no denying the breathtaking allure of Cinque Terre, a captivating cluster of cliffside villages that’ll tug at your heartstrings and leave you craving more of their magical charm.

Located just a couple of hours away from Florence, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning panoramas of the Ligurian coast and a taste of authentic Italian life.

As you meander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll be captivated by the colorful houses, charming piazzas, and delightful Cinque Terre cuisine that’ll send your taste buds on a journey of their own.

Hiking trails exploration is a must when visiting Cinque Terre, as it’s the best way to truly soak in the beauty of the region’s terraced vineyards, fragrant lemon groves, and dramatic coastal vistas.

The famous Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Path, connects all five villages and offers a moderately challenging trek that is well worth the effort.

Along the way, you’ll encounter hidden coves, vibrant wildflowers, and friendly locals who are more than happy to share recommendations for the best places to grab a bite or a glass of the region’s renowned Sciacchetrà wine.

While each of the five villages has its own distinct character, they all share a certain undeniable magic that’ll make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

From the bustling harbor of Riomaggiore to the ethereal beauty of Manarola’s sunset views, you’ll find yourself falling in love with each new discovery.

And as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the serene Ligurian sea, you’ll know that you’ve found a truly special place where the spirit of freedom and adventure thrives.

As you venture into Livorno, the alluring seaside city will captivate your senses with its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and picturesque canals.

Livorno’s history dates back to the Roman era, but it truly flourished during the Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family who transformed it into an important port. Today, the city is a bustling hub of trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

One of Livorno’s most enticing features is its delectable seafood cuisine, which you’ll find in abundance at the lively markets, charming trattorias, and elegant restaurants that line the city’s waterfront.

Take a stroll along the scenic Terrazza Mascagni, a stunning seafront promenade lined with black and white checkered tiles and historic lampposts, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

From here, you can explore the Venezia Nuova district, a hidden gem characterized by its narrow streets, picturesque bridges, and quaint canals reminiscent of Venice.

Delve into the heart of Livorno’s artistic scene by visiting the stunning cathedral, the captivating Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori, and the iconic Teatro Goldoni, which hosts an array of performances throughout the year.

As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the harbor, where you’ll discover the charming neighborhood of Il Quartiere della Venezia.

Here, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and small boats floating lazily along the canals, inviting you to explore the authentic side of Livorno.

Relax at one of the waterfront bars or trattorias, savoring a glass of local wine or a refreshing aperitivo, as you watch the sky transform into a palette of warm hues – a blissful reminder of the freedom and enchantment that awaits you in this charming coastal town.

Castiglione della Pescaia

You’ll find yourself smitten by Castiglione della Pescaia, a delightful seaside haven not too far from Florence, offering an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. This charming coastal town, with its rich history dating back to the Etruscan era, provides an enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

The town is surrounded by the stunning Maremma countryside, home to several nature reserves teeming with diverse wildlife and lush landscapes, ensuring a fulfilling experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Take a step back in time as you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and marvel at the medieval architecture, including the imposing castle that overlooks the town. The castle, built in the 11th century, served as a defensive structure and is now a testament to Castiglione della Pescaia’s rich past. You’ll also find remnants of the Roman era and Etruscan tombs nearby, further adding to the historical allure of the town.

The area surrounding Castiglione della Pescaia boasts several protected natural parks, including the Diaccia Botrona Natural Reserve and the Maremma Regional Park. These reserves offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, spot rare bird species, and enjoy picturesque walking trails.

Castiglione della Pescaia is home to some of the most pristine beaches in Tuscany, with azure waters and golden sands providing the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation or water-based activities such as windsurfing and sailing.

Indulge in the delicious flavors of the region, with an emphasis on freshly caught seafood, locally sourced produce, and mouthwatering Tuscan wines. The town offers a variety of dining options, from casual trattorias to upscale restaurants, ensuring a memorable culinary experience.

As you explore the captivating town of Castiglione della Pescaia, you’ll be enchanted by its perfect balance of history, natural beauty, and modern convenience. The town’s irresistible charm and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil escape within easy reach of Florence.

So, allow yourself to be swept away by the allure of this coastal gem and experience the sense of freedom you’ve been yearning for.

Leaving the picturesque Castiglione della Pescaia behind, set your sights on Piombino, another enchanting coastal town that promises to captivate your senses.

With its rich history, delectable Piombino cuisine, and stunning beaches, this hidden gem offers an experience you won’t want to miss while exploring Tuscany’s coastal wonders.

Step back in time as you wander through Piombino’s cobblestone streets, discovering historical landmarks that speak of its Etruscan and Roman past.

Marvel at the imposing Piombino Castle or visit the Museum of the Castle and the City, which houses artifacts dating back to the Etruscan era.

After working up an appetite, treat yourself to some mouthwatering Piombino cuisine at one of the local trattorias.

Savor fresh seafood dishes, such as cacciucco, a traditional fish stew, or indulge in a plate of handmade pasta accompanied by a glass of Tuscan wine, all while enjoying the gentle sea breeze.

As you continue to explore this charming town, don’t forget to take time to relax and soak in the sun on one of Piombino’s beautiful beaches.

The crystal-clear waters of Cala Moresca, a small cove tucked away near the Gulf of Baratti, provide the perfect spot to unwind and escape from the world.

Let the sound of the waves lapping against the shore wash away your worries, and give in to the sense of freedom that comes from immersing yourself in the beauty of this coastal paradise .

Portovenere

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Portovenere, an enchanting destination nestled along Tuscany’s coastline, famed for its vibrant colors, picturesque landscapes, and rich history.

As you wander through the charming town, you’ll be captivated by the blend of Portovenere’s history and unique landscapes, resulting in a truly unforgettable experience.

Portovenere’s rich history: – Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the town’s historical heritage is evident in its architecture and landmarks, such as the ancient city walls and the imposing Doria Castle. – The Church of San Pietro, perched atop a rocky promontory, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and offers panoramic views of the surrounding seascape.

Unique landscapes: – The dramatic cliffs and rocky coastline create a striking contrast with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, providing unforgettable vistas. – The nearby Palmaria Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere, is a natural paradise perfect for hiking, swimming, and diving.

As you explore the town’s history and marvel at its landscapes, don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine, which reflects the town’s strong connection to the sea.

Sample the freshest seafood, such as the renowned Ligurian fish stew, accompanied by a glass of crisp Vermentino wine.

Take your time to savor the flavors and the atmosphere of Portovenere, letting the sense of freedom and adventure wash over you as you lose yourself in the magic of this charming coastal town.

Porto Ercole

As the sun sets over Porto Ercole, you can’t help but feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem , tucked away in the mesmerizing Tuscan coastline. This enchanting seaside village is a perfect blend of historic fortresses, scenic beaches, and winding cobblestone streets, all waiting to be explored.

As you wander through the town, the smell of fresh seafood wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in the local culinary delights, while the sound of waves crashing against the shore beckons you to venture closer to the water’s edge.

The charm of Porto Ercole lies in its ability to transport you back in time while still offering modern amenities. The village’s rich history is evident in the impressive Forte Stella and Forte Filippo, which once served as defensive structures for the town.

As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll find a harmonious blend of past and present, with colorful fishing boats nestled alongside luxury yachts in the harbor, and quaint cafes and boutiques housed in centuries-old buildings.

The surrounding area boasts numerous scenic beaches, such as Feniglia and Giannella, where you can spend an afternoon basking in the sun, or embark on a windsurfing adventure for a taste of excitement.

As you explore Porto Ercole, you’ll quickly discover that this idyllic coastal town offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning scenery all combine to create a sense of freedom that is both intoxicating and rejuvenating.

Whether you choose to spend your days exploring historic sites, lounging on the beach, or sampling the delectable cuisine, one thing is certain – Porto Ercole is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you yearning for more.

San Vincenzo

Nestled along the Etruscan Coast, San Vincenzo boasts a captivating blend of pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and exquisite gastronomy that’ll undoubtedly enrapture even the most discerning traveler.

This charming coastal town is within easy reach of Florence, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in the joys of seaside living.

As you stroll through the town’s picturesque streets, you’ll be greeted by the delightful aroma of San Vincenzo cuisine, a true testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Explore the stunning coastline and pristine beaches.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture at various festivals.

Indulge in the exquisite San Vincenzo cuisine, showcasing the region’s best ingredients.

San Vincenzo’s charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the warmth of its people and the richness of its local traditions.

Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of local festivals that showcase the best of its art, music, and gastronomy.

From the enchanting Palio della Costa Etrusca, featuring thrilling horse races and medieval reenactments, to the mouthwatering Goblets of Stars, a celebration of the region’s finest wines and gourmet delights, there’s always something happening to keep you entertained and immersed in the local culture.

As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the town, you’ll find yourself feeling completely at ease in this idyllic seaside haven.

With its breathtaking landscapes, lively local festivals, and delectable San Vincenzo cuisine, this charming coastal town offers an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you longing for more.

So, why not give in to your wanderlust and let the allure of San Vincenzo lead you on a journey of discovery, adventure, and, above all, freedom?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit these coastal towns near florence for optimal weather and fewer crowds.

Lost in the embrace of the sea’s gentle caress, the best time to visit coastal towns near Florence for optimal beach activities and off-season highlights is during the shoulder seasons of May and September.

During these months, you’ll experience the warmth of the sun and refreshing sea breezes without the bustling crowds of the peak summer months.

Revel in the freedom to explore the hidden gems and indulge in the local culinary delights as you immerse yourself in a slice of paradise- all at a leisurely pace.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a solo adventure, these enchanting coastal towns offer a unique blend of charm, tranquility, and adventure, waiting to be discovered by you.

Are there any local festivals or events that take place in these charming coastal towns that visitors should be aware of?

As you explore the charming coastal towns near Florence, you’ll be delighted to discover a variety of local festivals and unique events that capture the essence of these enchanting destinations.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional celebrations, such as Viareggio’s renowned Carnival, featuring colorful parades and elaborate floats, or the lively Festa della Madonna del Mare in Marina di Pietrasanta, where a mesmerizing procession of boats pays tribute to the patron saint of seafarers.

With each event offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s rich culture and traditions, you’ll find yourself swept away by the allure of these captivating coastal gems, satisfying your desire for freedom and adventure.

What are the transportation options for getting to and from these coastal towns from Florence, and how long does it take to travel between them?

Embark on a thrilling coastal adventure as you explore various transportation options to whisk you away from the bustling city of Florence to the serene shores of charming coastal towns.

Be it by train, bus, or car, each mode of transport offers a different experience and travel duration to suit your desires.

Board a train for a picturesque journey, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your destination.

Alternatively, hop on a bus for a leisurely ride, allowing you to mingle with locals and soak in the scenery, with durations varying between 2 and 4 hours.

For those craving the ultimate freedom, rent a car and hit the open road at your own pace, reaching these coastal gems in about 2 hours or more, depending on the route you choose.

No matter the mode, the enchanting coastal towns await, ready to captivate your senses and fulfill your yearning for liberation.

Are there any unique or traditional local dishes and culinary experiences that visitors should try when visiting these coastal towns?

Awaken your taste buds and indulge in the vibrant flavors of traditional seafood dishes as you explore the charming coastal towns near Florence.

Embark on culinary tours that take you on a delectable journey through local markets, fishing ports, and hidden gems where you can savor the freshest catch of the day.

Unleash your inner foodie and relish in the freedom of discovering unique, mouthwatering delicacies like Cacciucco, a hearty fish stew, or Fritto Misto, a popular mix of fried seafood.

So, dive into the rich culinary experiences these coastal towns have to offer and create unforgettable memories while satisfying your cravings for authentic, coastal Italian cuisine.

What are some lesser-known attractions or hidden gems in each of these coastal towns that visitors might not find in typical travel guides?

Stroll through hidden beaches and marvel at artful architecture. Uncover the secrets of charming coastal towns as you explore their lesser-known attractions. Venture off the beaten path to discover secluded coves and pristine sands, perfect for a relaxing retreat away from the crowds.

Admire the harmonious blend of historic and modern design as you wander through narrow streets. These streets are lined with enchanting buildings that whisper tales of their past. As you embark on this captivating journey, let the allure of these hidden gems ignite your sense of adventure and satisfy your yearning for freedom.

Leave with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

So, you’ve got a plethora of charming coastal towns to choose from, all within reach of Florence. Aren’t you the lucky traveler?

Take a break from the Renaissance art and indulge in some sun, sea, and sand. Can’t decide which lovely seaside escape to visit? Why not try them all? After all, life’s too short to limit yourself.

Pack your bags, slather on some sunscreen, and let the Tuscan coast sweep you off your feet.

DESTINATIONS

10 beautiful day trips from Florence by train (and bus)

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Here are my picks of the best day trips from Florence by train and bus, because I firmly believe in always doing travel – especially in Italy – without a car. In a city as well connected with public transport as Florence, there’s no need to put yourself through the stress of driving in Italy both on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and amid some interesting attitudes towards the Highway Code.

There are so many things to do in Florence itself (have a look at my other blog post on that), from eating/drinking to soaking up history and culture, that you can easily just visit the city and stay there. But Florence is also a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more in the surrounding areas. Florence is the capital of Tuscany, at the very heart of Italy, which means you can branch out from all angles. Getting from Florence to the surrounding towns and cities is very doable by regional trains and buses. But the city is also well connected with high-speed trains from its main station, Santa Maria Novella, which means you can go surprisingly far in under two hours.

If you’re planning your Florence trip, I hope this blog post is useful. Let me know in the comments below which ones you enjoy out of my recommendations for the best day trips from Florence by train or bus…

Before we get into the day trips from Florence by train or bus…

Before we begin, it’s worth grasping a bit about public transport in Italy, including in Florence.

There are usually two types of trains for major routes: fast or regional. If you get a fast train, you can book online in advance (which is usually cheaper than waiting till on the day). Regional trains have set fairs, so you don’t need to book in advance, but of course they’re slower. You need to make sure that your ticket is valid for the train type you want. It’s worth researching your trains for your Florence day trips online before your holiday so you can plan, budget and book. Then once you’re there, all you need to worry about is remembering to validate your ticket (for fear of death). 

As for buses, you also need to do your research on routes in advance but mostly you don’t need to book ahead online. It’s always worth double-checking the timetable at the bus station/stop in case what’s online isn’t up to date. All the different bus companies across Italy have varying levels of online presence. Some of the websites are ‘retro’ to say the least.

Now that we’ve got a measure of the public transport and we’ve validated our tickets, let’s get into what I think are the best day trips from Florence by train (and a few by bus).

10 beautiful day trips from Florence by train or bus

1. Siena: one of the best day trips from Florence by train if you want culture and beauty

Siena is the largest of the charming hill towns that are scattered around the Tuscany region, and one of the best known. It’s probably already on your list to visit if you’re staying in Florence. If it isn’t, then you need to add it.

Siena is home to some stunning Gothic architecture, winding medieval streets, and a ridiculous quantity of delicious food and drink. I thought it was just the right size for a day trip too, and managed to get a good feel for the place in the time I had there. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’ve hardly seen anything before it’s time to get the train back.

Siena is most famous for the Piazza del Campo, its bowl-like square, the heart of the town and where all the hustle and bustle takes place. For a more elevated view of what’s what, you can climb the Porto del Cielo at the duomo. Views across the terracotta rooftops make for some gorgeous photo opportunities. And of course, the climb justifies sampling plenty of local delicacies in a traditional little restaurant or cafe.

I have a detailed blog post on how to do a day trip from Florence to Siena here, which gives you a perfect one-day itinerary in Siena so that you don’t feel rushed yet also don’t miss anything. It features some of the best things to see, eat and do there if you only have a day.

How to do a day trip from Florence to Siena 

• Transport: Train or bus.
• Journey details: By train, it takes about an hour and 30 mins. It’s a regional train that goes through some beautiful countryside. The bus, surprisingly, can get you there slightly quicker (about an hour and 15 mins) if you choose the Rapida (fast bus) rather than the Ordinaria (not-so-fast bus). Line 131R goes non-stop between Florence and Siena. Check the timetable  before you plan your day.
• If you want to stay longer than just a day trip: Siena is most definitely not cheap for accommodation but there are a few options that are fairly reasonable and still well located in the historical centre.  Relais degli Angeli is only a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, and ticks all the Italian-charm boxes. It’s not cheap at €109 a night at the time of writing, but it’s highly rated. Hotel Palazzo di Valli is slightly less painful at €98 a night. It’s bang in the centre, too – a stone’s throw from all the good stuff.

2. Lucca: the prettiest and most magical town in Tuscany

Out of all these day trips from Florence by train, this has to be my favourite.

Lucca is a walled Tuscan city, known as the ‘city of a hundred churches’. I’m not sure whether that’s factually accurate, but there are a lot of churches there. You’ll enjoy visiting if that’s your thing. But there’s plenty of other stuff to lure you in, such as being able to walk the medieval walls that encircle the city and offer gorgeous views of both the old town and the hills around it.

Lucca also has a tower with oak trees growing on top of it, which has to be seen (and climbed) to be believed. There are winding cobbled streets, leading you to the city’s beautiful duomo and to a stunning yellow piazza in a former Roman amphitheatre, where you can sit with a glass of local wine and watch the world go by. If wine isn’t your thing, Lucca also has a growing craft beer scene, which isn’t always a given in Tuscany but is a real treat when you find it. There’s definitely more to do here than some of the other day trips from Florence by train, so although it’s doable in a day just to get a flavour of it, you could definitely stay overnight or a couple of days in Lucca and have plenty to do.

I have a post on things to do in Lucca , so go and have a read of that for an in-depth look at the city. It’s full of restaurants, bars, accommodation, sights and walks I recommend. Oh and the mummified body of a saint. What more do you want in a day trip?!

How to do a day trip from Florence to Lucca

• Transport: Train.
• Journey details: It takes around an hour and 20 mins to get to Lucca Station from Florence (check times on Trenitalia ). Trains are regional but the quicker service is not that regular. Make sure you’ve saved the train timetable and know when you’re heading back. 
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: Lucca is definitely somewhere you can stay longer than just a day. If you fancy that, I massively recommend booking  B&B Il Duomo , which I stayed in for a few days. The location is absolute perfection, right by the duomo in the heart of the historic centre. And the rooms are incredibly opulent for the price (about €50 a night at the time of writing) so you’ll feel really swanky without breaking the bank. 

3. Pisa: because we all have to get THAT cheesy shot

If you can’t be bothered doing this day trip, just PhotoShop yourself into the above. I won’t tell anyone.

Now, I’m going to start this by saying that I don’t massively recommend Pisa. But I know that so many people really want to go and see the Leaning Tower. And if that’s you, I get it. It’s without a doubt one of the most famous sights in the whole of Italy. Not to mention the fact it makes for a classic cheesy photo opportunity.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth going to Pisa to see anything else, there’s also the Campo Santo, with its lovely grassy courtyard, the cathedral (which is right next to the tower) and some pretty views along the River Arno. An afternoon should be enough to cover everything, so this is a good day trip to plan in if you’re a bit tired (or hungover).

All in all, Pisa is hardly an action-packed ‘wow’ day trip from Florence by train. Well, not compared with places like Siena or Lucca anyway. But that tower isn’t going to hold itself up, is it? 

How to do a day trip from Florence to Pisa

• Journey details: It takes around an hour to get to Pisa Centrale Station from Florence (check times on Trenitalia ). Trains are regional and very regular. Once you’re there, it’s a 20-minute walk to the tower as the station isn’t in the historical centre.
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: I’d not recommend doing that, TBH. But if you’re really keen or you want an early morning photo opportunity to try to be the only tourist at the tower, then there are some decent, well-located options. My top pick would be the ornate Venetian-style-headboards swankiness of Rinascimento Bed & Breakfast , which is about €100 a night (at the time of writing). Il Campanile B&B is a slightly more affordable option, at 79€, but still very central.

4. San Casciano in Val di Pesa: one of the best day trips from Florence by train for escaping the crowds

This is one of the easiest day trips from Florence, easily doable in just an afternoon if you don’t want to stretch yourself. San Casciano in Val di Pesa is a quiet town on the cusp of the Chianti region, framed by vine-covered hills. It’s a local hub for both wine and olive oil, so a really nice place to buy some treats to take home with you.

Other than eat, drink and shop, there’s not masses to do in San Casciano in Val di Pesa. Well, aside from look at some churches. This is an Italian town, after all.

Perhaps the most unusual thing is the Torre del Chianti. This is a modern tower that you can go up (and for once, there’s a lift!) for panoramic views, if you manage to find it open. It seems to have very erratic working hours and no obvious opening times available online. Good luck with that. Anyway, if you strike gold and get in, on a clear day you can see for miles across the surrounding Chianti hills and perhaps even glimpse the sea.

Every Monday morning, San Casciano in Val di Pesa has a market on, so that might be a good time to plan your day trip from Florence. Avoid a Wednesday afternoon because all shops are closed. You won’t want to miss browsing some of the little foodie boutiques.  

How to do a day trip from Florence to San Casciano in Val di Pesa

• Transport: Bus.
• Journey details: Get the Busitalia service from Porta Romano bus station (southwest of the city). You’ll be in San Casciano Val di Pesa in around 40 mins. Make sure you check the timetable, as ever.
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: If you fall in love with the town and want to spend a quiet night there away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger towns and cities, I’d have a look at Palazzo Tempi . It’s one of the few apartments based in the town centre, rather than out in the surrounding countryside. It’s about €100 a night but that’s for a massive apartment to yourself, overlooking a pretty street.

5. Bologna: one of the best day trips from Florence for foodies

Bologna, the charming capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is a perfect foodie day trip from Florence by train (unless you’re on a diet). It’s only a 40-minute journey. You use your day to get a taste (pun intended) of the city and then return at a later date for a proper stay.

Start your pre-eating explorations in Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna. You’ll spot the ‘Two Towers’, Asinelli and Garisenda. Both are leaning, in case you didn’t get enough of that in Pisa. If you feel up to 498 steps with a terrifying drop at one side, Asinelli offers stunning views from the top. It’s worth booking in advance as they only let a few people up at a time. If you don’t fancy that, the Basilica of San Petronio has a view of the city from a slightly lower but just as pretty perspective. And it has a lift. 

Emilia-Romagna is home to many famous Italian consumables: prosciutto , parmigiano-reggiano , balsamic vinegar, tortellini, and mortadella to name a few. If these sound up your street, you’re going to love Bologna. I don’t eat meat or cheese (yes, Italy is a challenge). But I was chuffed by the amount of high-quality vegan food that showed up with a quick search on the ever-life-saving Happy Cow . The locals must take pride in less traditional food too. So there’s no need for fellow plant-based travellers to survive on only balsamic vinegar. Unless you want to. Nobody’s judging here.

As well as being foodie heaven, Bologna is also ripe for photography opportunities. It’s full of porticoes: covered walkways, flanked by buildings on one side and columns on the other, and the backdrop to many an Instagram photoshoot, I’m sure. Keep an eye out for its ‘hidden’ canals, too, especially Canale di Reno.

How to do a day trip from Florence to Bologna

• Journey details: If you get the Frecciarossa (high-speed) train (book in advance on Trenitalia ) to Bologna Centrale, you’ll be there in bang-on 40 mins. 
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: Bologna is definitely deserving of a longer trip. There are plenty of excellent options for accommodation, too. Have a look at the beautiful Art Hotel Novecento (anywhere called ‘art hotel’ is a good option in my experience), which is €106 a night at the time of writing. A less spendy option would be the very pretty Le Palme aparthotel for around €75 (including breakfast).

6. Milan: for the ultimate duomo

When thinking about day trips from Florence by train, I thought I’d cap the journey time at about an hour and a half… But thanks to high-speed trains, you can get to Milan in just under two hours from Florence, so I thought I’d include it even though it’s a bit of a bloody long journey for a day. I know some people have limited holiday time and will want to see the Duomo and experience being in Italy’s fashion capital. The major sights are all close together, so once you’re there it’s easy to take in.

Milan’s Duomo is, of course, the star of the show. I’ve seen a hell of a lot of duomos across Italy. Nothing beats this bad boy. Don’t bother paying to see inside: the rooftop is your goal. The amazing views mean that the climb up is well worth it, and it isn’t too strenuous at all (but there’s a lift too). 

To get some stunning photos of the Duomo in full from above, I massively recommend heading to Terrazza Aperol . In case you couldn’t guess from its name, this is a bar specialising in Aperol Spritz and it has an outdoor terrace, overlooking the Duomo. Only bother sitting down if you can nab a table on the terrace, though. Inside is pointless. The bar is expensive but worth it for the view and people-watching opportunities. You may even spot a tourist getting dive-bombed by the local pigeons…

Another must-see is Milan’s luxurious indoor shopping gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s all designer and unaffordable for normal humans but it’s too beautiful not to window-shop. Look out for the bull mosaic on the floor. Legend says that if you put your heel on his nether regions and spin three times, you’ll have good luck. There’s a worn patch where countless people, including me and some friends, have had a go. We managed to bag ourselves a table on the Aperol terrace afterwards, so it works. 

How to do a day trip from Florence to Milan

• Journey details: If you get the Frecciarossa (high-speed) train (book in advance on Trenitalia ) to Milano Centrale, you’ll be there in 1 hour and 55 mins. 
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: I’ve stayed in Milan for two-night breaks a few times over the years and always think it’s worth staying longer than a day. My favourite area, where I stayed last time, is the trendy Navigli district, with its canal-side bar scene. For around €87 a night (at the time of writing), stay in the lovely Zonatortona B&B . If you’d prefer a hotel bang in the city centre, have a look at the stylish Boutique Hotel Borgo Nuovo , which is around €98. Oh and I can’t resist adding the frankly insane option of the Bulgari Hotel Milano for a mere €1,011 a night at the time of writing. Bargain. 

7. Arezzo: one of the best day trips from Florence for getting off the beaten track

The little hilltop city of Arezzo won’t be on most Tuscan itineraries, but it’s a brilliant and easy day trip from Florence. Despite it being fairly off the beaten track, it has plenty going on. There’s a Roman amphitheatre, museums, the standard array of churches that every Tuscan town has, and even a fortress.

The Medici Fortress is on the top of the hill so offers lovely panoramic views. You may well recognise some of Arezzo’s gorgeous medieval architecture if you’ve seen the old Oscar-winning film La Vita è Bella . Many of its scenes were filmed in the city’s picturesque streets. I’m useless with films and have never seen it, so this is wasted on me. But I could see how it’d make a great film set.

Wandering through Arezzo’s quiet streets, you’ll find the usual impossibly expensive Italian boutiques, but there are also some more affordable bookshops and jewellery/antique shops. On the first Sunday of every month, there’s a big antique fair on in the central square, Piazza Grande. It’s packed with paintings and vintagey bits and bobs, so you may find a bargain. There are also some lovely places to eat; I recommend the beautiful La Dispensa di Amelia , which is great if you’re plant-based or just a bit tired of all the Tuscan meat/cheese.

Aperitivo is a ritual throughout Italy, and Arezzo is no exception. If you stay till early evening, take your pick from the quaint outdoor kiosks and fancier cocktail bars for a drink and nibbles away from the crowds of Florence. Bliss. 

How to do a day trip from Florence to Arezzo

• Journey details: If you get the regional train (check the timetable and/or book on Trenitalia ) to Arezzo, you can be there in 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the service you pick.
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: I’d recommend staying in an apartment with exposed stone walls, and pretending you live there: Residenza Fra Le Torri . It’s around €93 at the time of writing. 

8. Fiesole – one of the quickest day trips from Florence by train or bus

If you’ve not got much time to spare, Fiesole is one of the easiest day trips from Florence, at only 15 minutes away by train. It’s a cute little town clinging to the side of a hill overlooking the city and can easily be covered in only a few hours. Naturally, its setting offers some lovely views of Florence. The best photo spot is along the climb up to the monastery of San Francesco above the town. 

Fiesole itself is lusciously green, full of beautiful villas and surrounded by olive groves. It was a popular retreat in the 14th century for rich Florentines to escape the city’s heat and dust in summer. It’s still the wealthiest suburb of Florence to this day, so don’t be too surprised by the prices in the boutiques lining its picture-perfect cobbled streets. Look out for the pretty little independent perfume shop, Acqua di Fiesole , if you want to treat yourself.

The town has classic Tuscan architecture and is just lovely to mooch round on a nice day, stopping for a gelato in the main square, Piazza Mino. Don’t miss the Musei di Fiesole, which is home to an impressive Etruscan-Roman archaeological site. You can see the remains of Roman baths and a well-preserved amphitheatre that still hosts plays and gigs in summer.

How to do a day trip from Florence to Fiesole

• Transport: Bus or train.
• Journey details: It takes around 25 minutes by ATAF bus. Line 7 leaves from Piazza San Marco every 20 mins, and the last stop is Piazza Mino in Fiesole. Alternatively, you can get the regional train to Fiesole-Caldine, which leaves every hour but takes less than 15 minutes.
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: Although Fiesole is small, so there’s not masses to do there, I can totally see why you might want to treat yourself to pretending to be one of its wealthy residents for the night. Residence Fiesole has incredible views for around €90 a night, at the time of writing.

9. Greve: for all the wine-tasting

If you want to go wine tasting, Greve in Chianti is the best of the day trips from Florence. Greve is known as the ‘gateway’ to the Chianti region, home of all things wine. At the centre of the town, you’ll find the main square, Piazza Matteotti, which isn’t square at all but more of a triangle. Like Bologna, Greve is fond of porticoes, which make it a lovely place to escape the midday sun. Spend a bit of time browsing ceramic shops in the main square and exploring the side streets before getting on the wine.

The beauty of Greve is that you don’t need to arrange to visit an out-of-town vineyard that involves faffing with unreliable buses or getting a taxi. It has plenty of wine-tasting options bang in its centre. Start off at Enoteca Falorni , a gorgeous red-brick wine cellar that has over 100 wines to try. Prices start at only €1 for a taste and you can get a pre-paid card before picking which ones you sample, topping up as you want. Let me know how many of them you manage to get through without missing your bus… If that doesn’t take up your whole day trip, go to the wine museum, Museo del Vino . You can do a free tour and even more wines to taste. Oh and it has the largest collection of corkscrews in the world, which is mildly diverting.

One thing to note: if you’re planning on having lunch in Greve and you don’t eat meat/cheese, you might struggle. Happy Cow only lists one option . It might be worth taking a picnic with you, which wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Or just drink all the wine and get something to eat to sober you up back in Florence later.

How to do a day trip from Florence to Greve

• Journey details: Get the Busitalia SITA number 365A from the bus station next to Santa Maria Station and you’ll be in Greve Piazza Trento within around 50 minutes. Make sure you check the timetable though, as ever. 
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day trip: If you want to go to town on all the wine and not worry about navigating trains or buses back to Florence when you’re hammered, you could stay over in Greve. Sooth your wine headache in a four-poster bed at La Terrazza sul Borgo , which also has a picture-perfect garden terrace. It’s around €100 at the time of writing.

10. Venice: doable as a day trip but not advisable unless you’re really desperate to see it

Although it’s absolutely aeons away on the map, Venice is weirdly just about doable as one of the possible day trips from Florence by train. It takes slightly over two hours to get there. That’s a long journey for a day trip, and I’d definitely recommend doing Venice as a trip in its own right. But I know that some people have really limited time and might just want to go to briefly see what all the Venice hype is about, so I’m including it here. Just be warned: you’ll want to stay longer.

You probably already have a strong picture of Venice in your mind’s eye. Gondoliers in stripy jumpers, the Rialto Bridge, endless turquoise canals, no cars, crumbling-but-chic buildings, and an abundance of fresh seafood. To be honest, that’s really what Venice is like. You’re not going to be let down. It may be one of the most touristy places in Italy, but it’s so enjoyable. 

I don’t want to go into too much detail on Venice here because I have a whole blog post on things to see and do in Venice , which will be useful for you. It’s aimed at a longer (two-day) trip but you can use it to pick from. Even if you don’t see any of Venice’s big sights and just spend the whole day getting lost in the quiet side streets, crossing tiny bridges over the canals and finding hidden gelato shops, that’s a day well spent. You could use your day trip to scratch the surface and plan a longer visit another time.

Bear in mind that the express trains back to Florence often stop running in the evening (before 7.15pm). So make sure you triple check what time you need to be back for and don’t get stranded there, as nice as that idea might seem.

How to do a day trip from Florence to Venice

• Journey details: If you get the Frecciarossa (high-speed) train (book in advance on Trenitalia ) to Venezia Santa Lucia, you’ll be there in just over 2 hours. Note that this service is not frequent. You’ll need to be very disciplined with your timetable for the day and not miss your train back to Florence.
• And if you want to stay longer than just a day: I’d 100% recommend staying longer than just a day trip in Venice if you can. It’s honestly one of the best places I’ve ever been, despite the fact it’s SO touristy. Accommodation in Venice is notoriously expensive though. Luckily for you, I’ve stayed in an absolute gem that I’ll share with you because I’m nice like that. The brilliant Ca’ San Rocco is a gorgeous old hotel in a quiet area. At just under €80 at the time of writing, it’s an absolute steal for Venice. Breakfast is served on a lovely outdoor terrace and the cute resident cat will join you. If Ca’ San Rocco is booked up, another option would be the more expensive (€133) but very stylish Excess Venice Boutique Hotel and Spa . The rooms are very Venetian-looking.

A few extra tips for doing day trips from Florence by train or bus

• ALWAYS validate your ticket before boarding. You do this in the little boxes near the platforms. If you don’t, you run the risk of getting thrown off the train, possibly literally, and being left to die in a Tuscan field. Soz.
• Wear comfy shoes. We are not here for blisters. Of course, we are also not here for ugly shoes. Comfy shoes can still be stylish. I like crisp white trainers in summer and black ankle boots in winter.
• Bring something to read. Reading on a bus is a one-way ticket to travel sickness. But reading on a train is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I take my Kindle when travelling. A load of books taking up valuable luggage space seems bonkers to me. I know some people turn their noses up at Kindles though. Either way, it’s nice to have something to read, especially if you’re travelling back in the dark so you can’t see out of the window.
• Pace yourself. I know some people hardly get any annual leave and want to cram stuff in. I sympathise. But don’t knacker yourself out. Pick a few day trips from Florence that appeal most.
• Check the weather forecast when planning. On a rainy day, it might be better to stay and explore Florence, where there are lots of indoor things to do.
• Know what time you need to be back at the bus stop or train station to return to Florence. Burn this information into your brain. Set a reminder on your phone. Services might not be frequent, depending on where you’re off to. It’s no fun being stuck somewhere overnight.
• If you’d rather not do any planning yourself, try organised tours. You can find loads on Get Your Guide , which is one of the most reputable tour operators.

Save and share: 10 of the best day trips from Florence by train and bus

If you enjoyed this post on day trips from Florence by train and bus, why not hover over the image below and pin to your Pinterest board?

You might also like my other Italy posts:

• A city guide to Rome for first-time visitors
• Two days in Venice: an itinerary and general city guide
• How to do a day trip to beautiful Burano island from Venice
• How to do a Siena day trip from Florence, Italy: a perfect one-day itinerary
• Two days in Florence: an itinerary
• 23 things to do in Lucca, Tuscany’s beautiful walled city .

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22 comments.

Ahh I loved Florence but only took a day trip to Pisa. Will definitely have to do more of these next time I’m over there (I’d love to go back)!

These are all such great ideas. I taught English near Florence for a summer and loved it. I loved being so close to Siena and Pisa! They were my favourite trips. I think your tip about validating your ticket before boarding is so important. I forgot this once and it wasn’t good… Great ideas!

This is such a good guide! I’ve been wanting to explore more of Italy and looks like Florence makes a great base to explore a lot of cities. Arezzo looks so cool, definitely adding that one to the list 🙂

I love this list, Caroline. I have been to Italy a few times but haven’t had a chance to visit Florence yet (I am missing out, I know). I would really like to do some of these day trips if I am able go there this year or even the next. Bologna in particular sounds amazing to me!

Wow, these are some great suggestions! Florence is somewhere I’d love to visit, so it’s great to know I could tie in another location (or two!) as part of the trip! Siena looks absolutely beautiful! I love that view looking down on all of the buildings! Although Milan is also on my list as the architecture there looks breath-taking! However, I also want THAT cheesy picture at Pisa too! It’s great to know there are so many day trip options. Thanks for the great guide!

i have visited florence and bologna but I would love to see the other cities! they look so beautiful, great article!

Pinning this for as soon as I can get over there!

These are all great day trip ideas! Florence is such a gorgeous city. I would love to go back and visit and combine a few of these day trips with it!

I have been itching to explore more of Italy and Florence has been on my list for awhile. All these day trips sound amazing. Definitely pinning so I have this guide when I visit again.

Glad it helped 🙂

Adding every single one of these day trips to my Italy bucket list! Thanks for all of the great tips.

Lovely post that has brought back so many wonderful memories! I’ve been to Italy several times yet the last time was 10 years ago! I think it’s time I go back. Would love to spend more time in Bologna and Tuscany!

Bologna is very high on my list too once all this is over 🙂

We went to Pisa from Florence by accident when we got on the wrong train. It worked out great and was a fun adventure!

Love all these ideas!! I miss travelling so much.

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17 Best Dreamy Small Towns in Italy Near Florence

If you love the stately feel of Florence and want to experience more of Central Italy, consider exploring the dreamy small towns in Italy near Florence. There are even some great little towns to hike through near Florence that you will want to add to your must-see list.

But before setting off on your day trips from Florence, be sure to add these famous Italian things to do to your Florence bucket list:

• Ponte Vecchio
• Uffizi Museum
• Galleria dell’Accademia
• Visit all of the Markets
• Piazzale Michelangelo

Table of Contents

17 Small Towns in Italy Near Florence

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Where is Florence Italy? Map courtesy of Google Maps

Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy, is noted for its significant Renaissance art, architecture and monuments. Florence is the home to many Italian things to do, including world-famous museums and galleries. Most notable among these are the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia which displays Michelangelo’s “David”. 

Florence still exhibits a strong influence on art, politics and culture today. In fact, thousands of tourists flock to Florence each year to see the works of famous masters such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, and Titian.

If you are wondering, “What are the best towns near Florence, Italy? ” after planning 2 to 3 days in Florence, I think you might have a hard time narrowing down your choice to just one. These are some of the best small towns near Florence Italy to choose from.

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The UNESCO town of Assisi is located in the province of Umbria. The region has all the charm of Tuscany towns— medieval towns , cypress-lined winding roads through stunning landscapes, and delicious food.

Assisi is known to be the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order.

The Saint Francis Basilica inside of Assisi was built to herald the Saint, while it might look sober on the outside, the beautiful ornate frescoes inside the Basilica are the polar opposite.

Get lost in the little cobblestone streets of medieval Assisi and be transported back in time. Head to the outskirts of town to the nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli church to marvel at yet another Franciscan splendor! This huge church is less ornate than the Basilica but equally majestic.

Planning day trips from Florence to Assisi is relatively easy. A 2h30 train ride costing approximately €15 will get you from the Campo Marte train station in Florence directly to the Assisi train station.

2. Certaldo

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Certaldo is one of the prettiest  off the beaten path towns in Tuscany and best towns near Florence Italy. Located halfway between Florence and Siena, Certaldo is divided into two parts: Upper and Lower.

The Upper part is the historical area where you will find all the touristic attractions, whilst the lower, modern one, is where you will find the train station. Certaldo is one of the towns near Florence, Italy by train.

You can get to the Upper part of Certaldo by a historical funicular or by foot. The funicular makes the trip much more interesting through.

There are quite a few things to do in Certaldo, starting with visiting Giovanni Boccaccio’s house where he lived during the final part of his life. The house is now a museum displaying rare editions of Boccaccio’s writings.

Another interesting thing to do in Certaldo is to visit the Nails museum and learning about the importance of this small tool in the development of the different trades in Tuscany. Close by, you will find the historical archery headquarters of Certaldo, an underground exhibition of armor, swords, lances and shields that were used in different battles. 

3. Corniglia

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The centermost town of the five beloved Cinque Terre villages , Corniglia is easily the most underrated. Given the unavoidable steep ascent into town and its lack of direct sea access, many people mistakenly overlook this dreamy Italian gem in favor of the other four.

However, those who do uncover this wonderful  Cinque Terre town  are pleasantly surprised by its beauty, if not completely blown away!

To avoid the steep climb into the center of Corniglia, you can simply hop aboard the shuttle bus that stops by the train station to pick up travelers. You can even ride free of charge by showing your Cinque Terre pass.

Alternatively, if you’re up for the hike, you can enjoy the view from atop the staircase, Scalinata Lardarina.

Once you arrive in central Corniglia, prepare to be wowed by an irresistibly charming old town that feels notably less touristy than the other four. It IS one of the best towns near Florence Italy for you to explore.

In fact, there are only about 150 people who call Corniglia home!

As far as accommodations go, you can typically expect charming, self-catering apartments in Corniglia and the surrounding Cinque Terre towns. Consider a stay at The Terrace on the Blue, a lovely Corniglia apartment featuring a sun terrace with beautiful sea views.

4. Greve in Chianti

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If you’re looking for a new place to visit in Tuscany, consider the small, charming and historic town of  Greve in Chianti .

Located 19 miles (31 km) south of Florence, Italy, Greve in Chianti has long been considered the gateway to Chianti, one of  Italy’s most prolific wine regions  with scenic rolling hills covered with vineyards.

It is one of the coolest small towns in Italy near Florence that you need to add to your bucket list of Italian things.

Greve, although quaint, is far from sleepy. The piazza is surrounded by porticoes covering the entrances to boutique shops, restaurants, and enotecas as well as artisanal leather, ceramic, and craft shops. 

Just minutes from the unique triangular Piazza Matteotti are vineyards, olive orchards, and wineries offering some of the finest wines in the world.

There is a delightful cashmere goat farm on the outskirts of town you can visit and buy hand-crafted cashmere items in the gift shop produced from the wool of resident goats.

Visit during September when the town hosts the Chianti Classico celebration in the piazza with rows of stalls offering the very best local wines.

5. La Spezia

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Roughly 2 hours away from Florence, on the southern edge of the Cinque Terre , you will discover the charming town of La Spezia.

While the city might not be as small as  Riomaggiore , Manarola, or other villages further North, there is something unique about the all-Italian vibe La Spezia has.

Stroll through the city’s main historical pedestrian streets, shop for souvenirs and Italian things at the local busy flea market, or taste some delicious fruit and vegetables from the farmer’s market in Piazza Cavour.

The seafront and the port of La Spezia are some other places you shouldn’t miss—the promenade of Costantino Morin is a charming area for a walk along with palm trees and historical buildings.

Reaching La Spezia is easy because of its importance as a railway hub, and basically, all trains in the region pass through this city by the sea. It is easy to reach many of the small Tuscany towns via the train.

Recommended by Michela of She Goes The Distance

The walled town of Lucca, Italy , one of the northwest Tuscany towns, offers quaint and quiet charm; its unique history makes for a unique place to visit. 

One of your first stops should be the Torre Guinigi, a tower that stands out for one peculiarity. It has trees growing at the top! The tower was built by the rich family Guinigi and dates back to the 1300s.

The curiosities continue as you make your way to Piazza Anfiteatro, a plaza in the shape of an oval, reflecting the shape of the ancient Roman amphitheater that once stood in its place. 

One of the best things to do in Lucca is walk or bike along the town’s medieval walls, the second-longest in Europe and dating back to the mid-1600s. The walls hug the entire town and provide amazing views of the rooftops, bell towers, and the surrounding Apennine mountains, a standout among the small towns in Italy near Florence.

Lucca is known as the “City of 100 Churches,” which is exemplified by the endless view of church bell towers from the walls. It is one of the best towns near Florence to visit.

One of the most famous of these churches, and a must-visit on any Lucca itinerary, is the San Michele in Foro, its exterior intricately decorated with sculptures and arcades.

Lucca is easy to reach from Florence by train and car. If arriving by car, there is convenient, inexpensive parking at Parcheggio Carducci just outside the walls.

7. Manarola

Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the best towns near Florence, Italy that you should visit is Manarola, which has a beautiful view of the Ligurian Sea. Located in the heart of Cinque Terre, Manarola offers stunning views of the sea from almost everywhere in town.

The Cinque Terre region is famous for its beautiful colorful houses right next to the sea. If you walk down the main road to the marina, you’ll be able to see these buildings and explore local shops.

Wandering the streets is one of the  best things to do in Manarola . You can bring some of the culture home by finding a few souvenirs of Italian things—you’ll find plenty of homemade items and cooking supplies.

Once you arrive at the marina, turn right to go up a small hill. This paved path brings you to a lookout for the iconic Instagram worthy view of Manarola. If you’re trying to get a sunset shot, be sure to get there an hour before as the path fills up quickly. 

Seafood is a specialty of Manarola. Most of the restaurants offer the “catch of the day”, and they usually have fresh seafood every day too. Aristide, which has a location near the water, impresses by offering delicious dishes and friendly service.

8. Montepulciano

Recommended by Gabby of Office Escape Artist

If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Tuscany towns without all the touristy crowds, you really cannot beat Montepulciano.

Stroll along the main road, the “Il Corso” . From here, you will find wonderful restaurants and shops to linger in. One of the best restaurants is Caffe Poliziano. Try and get a seat on the balcony to enjoy sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside.  

Meander up to the Piazza Grande to see the main square in Montepulciano. If you’re a Twilight fan, this is where the Volturi scenes were filmed! This is also a great location to see even more stunning views.

Montepulciano is one of the small towns near Florence Italy that is best explored by wandering the narrow cobblestone streets. Take an afternoon, or a few days, and  really enjoy  la dolce vita  in Montepulciano .

9. Monterosso al Mare

Recommend by Dymphe of Dymabroad

This is one of the five towns of Cinque Terre . An easy way to enjoy another of the day trips from Florence to Monterosso al Mare is by train. This journey takes about 2.5 hours.

If you are looking for the best towns near Florence Italy, then Monterosso al Mare is it. The town is located next to the Mediterranean Sea and offers sweeping views. Moreover, the town has the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre and the beach is very beautiful and relaxing.

Also, there are beautiful colorful houses that are great to see, and some of the most  photogenic places in Cinque Terre are in Monterosso.

Another great thing about the town is that you can find many lemon trees there, which is lovely.

If you want to see other towns in Cinque Terre, it is convenient to buy a train card for Cinque Terre. With this, you can do an unlimited number of train trips between the villages and La Spezia in one day.

Recommended by Martina of PlacesofJuma

One of the most beautiful small towns in Italy near Florence is  Pienza . For many, this charming medieval town and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it are a highlight of any trip. The old town, known as the “perfect Renaissance city”, and the endless rolling fields of the  Val d’Orcia  with its gorgeous viewpoints and picturesque cypress avenues are truly breathtaking.

Pienza has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996. Walking through the city to discover countless beautiful squares, historic buildings and various museums. In any case, you should not miss to visit the famous monuments such as the imposing Town Hall and the beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini, which are open to the public as museums. Another beautiful sight is the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the center.

The small town of Pienza is located about 120 km from Florence and can easily be visited on day trips from Florence. However, it is also worth staying longer. In the region you will find good accommodation, such as Agriturismo Marinello with a beautiful pool and breathtaking views of the city!

Recommended by Laura of  The Historian Traveller

Located in between the crystalline waters of Forte dei Marmi and the medieval towers of San Gimignano, Pisa is universally known for its  Leaning Tower . However, the city has much more to offer than its Leaning Tower.

Indeed, Pisa is one of the most famous university Italian cities and one of the lovely small towns in Italy near Florence that warrants a visit.

Walking around its city centre, it is possible to appreciate its old-fashioned bookstores and secret libraries. Among these, the library inside the former (and infamous) Conte Ugolino’s Tower in the  Palazzo dell’Orologio  is worth a stop.  

A must-visit place is certainly the stunning  Piazza dei Miracoli . Here visitors can admire the massive marble columns of the Duomo, climb the Leaning Tower and hear the voice of the angels in the unique Battistero. 

A perfect itinerary will end at Ponte di Mezzo to watch the sunset, possibly with an ice cream from La Bottega del Gelato. However, a longer walk on the Arno River will lead to a real hidden gem of Pisa. This is known as the second (and still not much known) leaning tower of the city located in the courtyard of the  Church of San Michele degli Scalzi .  

Among the best places to eat in Pisa, there are Osteria i Santi for a traditional lunch, Le Scuderie for the best pizza in town and La Piadina for a quick and tasty lunch.

The best places to stay in Pisa are Palazzo Cini, Palazzo Feroci and Hotel Relais dell’Orologio.

12. Riomaggiore

Recommended by Em of That Travelista

While all of Tuscany is stunning, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up. Luckily for those planning day trips from Florence, the Ligurian fishing village of Riomaggiore is just a train ride away.

Riomaggiore is the southernmost of the five villages that make up the famed Cinque Terre. While it’s tempting to describe these villages as “all the same,” each village does offer something a little different.

For Riomaggiore, that “something different” is the fishing-village ambiance it has retained in spite of the ever-increasing tourism the Cinque Terre receives.

To get to Riomaggiore, take a regional train from Florence to Riomaggiore, with a transfer at La Spezia. It is another one of the best coastal towns in Italy.

Things to do in Riomaggiore include:

• Visiting shops
• Watching the blue fishing boats bobbing in the harbor
• Swimming in the sea at Spiaggia di Riomaggiore
• Renting kayaks and paddling north to Manarola
• Exploring hidden sea caves
• Finding a spot along the wall south of the harbor for sunset.

Visitors often debate over  how many days to spend in Cinque Terre . If you are only visiting Riomaggiore, a day trip from Florence will suffice. But in order to appreciate all five towns, two full days is perfect.

For unmatched views of the harbor, stay at the luxury apartment La Vista di Marina. For those on a budget, you may want to stay in La Spezia just seven minutes away by train.

13. San Gimignano

Recommended by Lisa of Waves and Cobblestones

Just an hour’s drive southwest of Florence you’ll find the medieval walled city of San Gimignano, one of the beautiful hill towns of Tuscany. 

The entire town of San Gimignano is pedestrian-only, making it very easy and enjoyable to explore one of the best small cities in Italy.

The skyline of San Gimignano is studded with towers; back in its heyday, there were over seventy of them. 

Today, the tallest remaining tower is the aptly named Torre Grossa. It’s the only tower you can climb, and you should definitely do so—the panoramic views of San Gimignano and the surrounding countryside are incredible.

If you’re looking for something a little unusual to do in San Gimignano, you can visit the Museo della Tortura—the Torture Museum. Not surprisingly, it’s a bit macabre but does provide a unique historical insight.

The Hotel Bel Soggiorno, located right inside the city walls, is a great choice for your stay in San Gimignano. Guests can choose between rooms with a view of the city or views of the countryside, and everyone can enjoy the stunning views from the hotel’s breakfast room.

Be sure to download the San Gimignano App.

Recommended by Jolayne of simplyjolayne

If you are a photographer and a traveler, you will absolutely LOVE Siena. It is one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy near Florence that you really must visit. Unless you choose to rent a car, one of the easy ways to get to Siena for day trips from Florence is to take a bus.

The bus ride is approximately 1h15 along a beautiful route skirted with wineries dotting the mountainside. Sit back, relax, and enjoy letting someone else do the driving.

Once you reach Siena, grab your backpack and start your day in the Central Square.

Unlike most European cities where you’ll find a duomo in a town’s central square, in Siena you’ll find the City Hall and a large open square where every year they host the famous  Palio  horse race.

It is highly recommended that you purchase the  OPA SI Pass  which allows you to visit all of the museums in the Cathedral Complex:

• The Cathedral (with art treasures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini and its amazing marble-inlay floor)
• The Piccolomini Library
• The Baptistry of San Giovanni
• The Museo dell’Opera
• Climb up to the panoramic terrace of the Duomo Nuovo (unfinished facade of the cathedral)
• The San Bernardino Oratory
• The Santa Maria della Scala hospital and museum.

The most amazing part of the day may be the climb up to the unfinished facade of the church, navigating narrowing circular stairs until the breathtaking view of Siena in 360 degrees of glory unfolds before you.

Amazing.  

The queue to visit the panoramic terrace may be long, but the view at the top is totally worth the wait. And Siena? Well, it is worth the trip as well.

Recommended by Giulia of Julestrails

In the southern part of Tuscany, about a 2.5 hour drive south of Florence, the small town of Sovana is one of the most picturesque in the region.

As soon as you approach the town, you will see the ruins of imposing the Rocca Aldobrandesca; enter through the main arch and have a stroll around the ruins. Walk down the one main street (via del Pretorio) for two minutes and you will enter the heart of the town.

The main square is very well preserved, look down at your feet to admire the medieval herringbone terracotta flooring and look around to take in the surrounding buildings made out of tuff which gift this town with its signature hearty and warm color palette.

To visit this part of Tuscany, it’s best to hire a car for day trips from Florence. The journey is an adventure in itself as the bendy panoramic road takes you through some of the most idyllic rural landscapes and Tuscany towns. 

16. Vernazza

Recommended by Timpani of Like the Drum

Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up Cinque Terre, or five lands. Situated between Monterosso al Mare and Corniglia, Vernazza is a small fishing village known for its picturesque view.

In order to see the insta-famous view , you’ll need to hike the Blue Trail. If you want a workout, start in Monterosso al Mare and let the view be your reward. If you want to take the easy way, start in Vernazza and just hike the short distance to the lookout. Either way, you’ll have to pay €7,50 for the Cinque Terre Hiking Card or €18,20 for the Treno Card* to access the trail as it’s an official trail.

After taking in the amazing view, head to the harbor for lunch or dinner. There are a few restaurants that have waterfront and terrace seating which makes for a stunning meal experience. Also, don’t forget to grab some gelato! 

Staying the night, or a few, in Vernazza? There are plenty of beautiful villas, apartments, and other accommodations to stay in. 

Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise

Fans of Leonardo da Vinci should visit the enchanting medieval town where he was born—Vinci. Leonardo’s actual birthplace is about 5 minutes outside the walled village, and the home is open to the public.

Inside the walls of the hilltop fortress town, you’ll find the da Vinci Museum dedicated to the inventions and tools of the Renaissance genius.

Peek into the Castle of the Conti Guidi for more original works on display. And in the Piazza des Guidi, a huge wooden replica of da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man has a beautiful view of the surrounding area. 

The vistas alone from another one of the small towns in Italy near Florence make it worth the 45 minute drive. Walk the full perimeter (it’s small, you can do it!) to see the picturesque Tuscan countryside—rolling hills dotted with small farms, grape vines, cypress trees, and olive groves.

Though they certainly enhance the view, the olive trees in this area are not just landscaping, they are harvested.

The olive oil from Tuscany is among the best in the world, and some of the local farms offer tours and tastings.  Italian cuisine  enthusiasts should stop by the Tourist Information Center just outside the city walls for the current list of participating farms.

Use the Ultimate Travel Planner to Organize All of Your Trips to Italy

Document your travel with the  Ultimate Travel Planner  (hardcover).

Fill The Ultimate Travel Planner with everything you need as you plan your adventures to small towns in Italy near Florence. Plan your best trip ever as you organize all of the details in this hardcover travel planning journal and notebook. Plan your budget, check off your packing list , discover places to visit and things to do, and create TO DO lists so you don’t forget anything. 216 pages to plan and organize 10-12 trips with travel quotes to inspire your travel dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities are close to florence by train.

Florence is located in Central Italy and is the capital of the Tuscany region. With its central location, it is easy to take day trips from Florence to the surrounding small towns in Italy near Florence. The big city closest to Florence is Bologna.

Is it better to stay outside of Florence?

It is delightful to stay within the city limits of Florence and equally wonderful to find a charming place to stay in the surrounding countryside. If you are looking for a romantic place to stay in the city, check out the Sina Hotel Villa Medici , a hotel of the Marriott Autograph series.

What is the most picturesque town in Italy?

Can you only pick one? Any of the small towns in Italy near Florence would be considered picturesque. Frankly, all of Italy is photogenic.

What are the best months to visit Florence Italy?

While May through September offers warmer weather and fun festivals to attend, October is ideal as it means less tourists, lower room rates, and more temperate weather according US News & World Report . Plus, it ranks as the #2 Best Honeymoon destination in Europe!

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Final Thoughts on the Dreamy Small Towns in Italy Near Florence

If you have yet to visit Italy, you are in for a treat. And these 17 dreamy small towns in Italy near Florence will only fuel your desire to explore the entire country beyond the Tuscany towns.

You may even begin to plan your retirement bucket list around these most beautiful small cities in Italy.

You may also like these posts about Italy…

• Best Things to Do In Florence, Italy
• Best Things to Do In Rome, Italy
• 7 Best Day Trips in Italy for Photographers
• Best Things to do In Pompeii
• Best Small Towns in Northern Italy You Need to See

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I’m a Colorado-based travel blogger with a passion for exploring the world, enjoying family time, and taking fantastic photographs. I am also a book writing, creative thinking, detail loving, frequent flying, comfort loving mom of three girls and wife to an amazing guy.

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73 comments.

You have given me so many reasons to plan a return visit to Florence and to book enough time to wander on all of these great day trips. I can’t believe we have never even made it to Pisa! But we have explored Cinque Terre and would love to go back to there too. Time for Italy to get back on the planning board.

It is ALWAYS a good time to plan a return trip to Italy!

This is great! I am currently planning a trip to Tuscany for June and I’ve added several places to my list!

Ohhh, I am so jealous!

We absolutely loved Florence so I am sure all these dreamy small towns nearby are just as excellent; really informative guide!

Thanks. Retiring to one of the small towns in Italy near Florence doesn’t sound too bad.

Love this list! I think I would love to visit Vernazza, the colorful buildings and water look so picturesque!

It didn’t take you long to convince me to visit this beautiful city again. Manarola and Montepulciano were always on my list to visit.

I hope you can visit them soon.

This is an awesome list! I have been to a few of the places, but would love to explore some of the more off the beaten path small towns!

I adore Italy’s medieval walled cities, so gorgeous. I haven’t been to Cinque Terre yet but the views there are incredible — guess I have to bump that higher up my list!

My husband and I planned to visit Cinque Terre in 2020 and had to cancel our plans. We hope to bring back that itinerary soon!

Wow these towns all look absolutely amazing! I’d love to visit them all, but I think the one at the top of my list is La Spezia! I love all the bright colors of the buildings!

Exactly. So many photo opportunities.

Great article 🙂 I live in Liguria and it’s right next to Tuscany, some other places that you mentioned in your article – I can confirm it covers it all, well done. Siena is probably my favorite! With Cinque Terre.

Lucky to live in Italy!!!

This post is incredible! You included amazing details that made me want to pack my bags and travel to Italy. Loved it!

I think all of us travelers are right there with you!

What a great article! Monterosso al Mare looks incredible. We love exploring beach towns. Thanks for sharing other small towns not to miss when exploring Florence.

Thanks. Yes, I have some new places to add to my list.

I loved Assisi and Lucca. Small Italian towns are my favorite.

I just need to explore more in Italy.

Lucca and Assissi would be my top two! I love European churches and a good deal on wine! ;P

I don’t drink, but the wine and vineyards seem so amazing.

So many terrific towns and so little time. I’d like to hike the five towns and spend extra time in Corniglia. I like the idea of the steep ascent and rewarding views!

All of the towns in Cinque Terre are definitely on my list.

So many amazing small towns in Italy! Vernazza has been on my list for so long, and now I have so many more to add! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

I know. I could spend the rest of my life in Italy and be happy.

Me too. I get almost giddy when I have a new place to explore and photograph.

You have me daydreaming of San Gimignano and Lucca! So, so pretty!

I’m just hoping to get back to Italy this Fall!

I love this post and I really can’t decide which town is my favorite. All I know is that I want to visit Florence the next time I come go to Italy 🙂

No need to have a favorite. Just plan to visit them all!

Thank you for including me in this wonderful round-up! There are so many wonderful ideas in here; thanks for introducing me to Sovana! I will definitely be planning my return to Italy with this in mind 🙂

Thanks for your great addition to the post.

You’re right – these are sooooo dreamy! I am so excited to get back to Italy, hopefully soon. No other place I’ve been compares. I need to get out some of these stunning towns!

I love being able to add such dreamy places to my bucket list!

Why have I not visited Florence yet? There are so many nearby charming towns to explore as well. I need to plan something pronto! Thanks for sharing

I’d be happy to go back to Florence too!

I absolutely love Cinque Terre villages but I must visit some of these other towns.

I am pretty much in love with all of Italy. Still need to get to Cinque Terre myself.

Don’t they all though!

The only ones I’ve been to are the cinque terre and siena, but I’d love to spend more time in the Florence area and visit more of these towns! I’ve spent nearly two months traveling Italy and there will never be enough time for everything.

I always enjoy visiting small towns when I have the chance. I haven’t been to Florence yet but I’ll be sure to add some of these places to my list!

While I love to see the larger “popular” towns, I really love the smaller charming towns.

I loved the photos! There are interesting places to see. I also value historical architecture as they show a country’s culture.

Gosh, the buildings are incredible! So looking forward to travelling again!

Yep! Italy is always on my bucket list.

I love in Spain and have been wanting to visit Florence! This list has helped me see that I need to rent a car and visit some of the smaller cities! Thank you!

I’ve been to many of the towns on this list. San Gimignano and the villages of Cinque Terre were my favorites by far. So charming and the culture is alive and vibrant. Met amazing people, as well!

I would love to explore all 17 of these dreamy places near Florence. I’ve only been to Pisa on your list so need ti return to Italy!

Wow, so many of these towns look so dreamy! Thanks Jolayne! In Italy, I’ve only ever crossed the border right from France, and also went to Milan from Switzerland (which I hated). I hope to visit these cute small towns some day.

What a treasure list! I’ve been to 8 of these places, 9 more to go!

Wow, there are so many hidden gems on this list that I’ve never heard of before. I would love to drink the wine in Greve and see the lovely views in La Spezia. Amazing places!

Greve and all its wineries sounds amazing! ?

All of these towns look fantastic, wow! They all seem wonderful, but Monterosso al Mare is at the top of my list!

It is always good getting off the well worn beaten path and discovering places less visited. I love this list and think I have visited some when I was in Florence – but i will need to go back to be sure! One day.

Manarola is definitely my favorite town ! Love all the details and photos 🙂

What adorable towns! I want to visit them ALL. Your pictures are bea;utiful, I especially like the one with the sun setting on San Gimignano. Great post.

I love all of these suggestions. I’ve been to Florence, Rome, Assisi and Milan. Your suggestions are definitely now on my list of places to visit!

Your headline is right on calling these “dreamy” towns! Tuscany and Calabria on our my bucket list so adding this to my places to visit pins! 🙂

I LOVE Italy….I mean what can go wrong, pizza, pasta, beauty everywhere 😉 Thank you so much for this, definitely more to explore which is great!!

You are making me want to revisit the Florence region asap! I went to Rome, Venice and Florence years ago. Definitely didn’t spend enough time there. I did enjoy taking the train between each city to see the countryside.

You have very unique information about the small towns in Italy. I love to visit those places next time I visit Italy. I am from the Middle east. Your post is really helpful for me.

Thank you for such rich information! I spent 2 years in Perugia. Would love to see info and reviews on that tremendous Etruscan walled city. I want to return.

Exploring the dreamy small towns near Florence in Italy is like stepping into a picturesque postcard. These 17 gems promise enchanting experiences and timeless beauty. ???️?

definitely saving for next time

I’m all in for that cozy, dreamy vibe of Florence’s neighboring towns! It’s like stepping into a quieter, yet equally enchanting world. Adding those iconic Florentine sights to the bucket list before venturing out? Genius. It’s the perfect blend of grandeur and exploration.

i’ve been to 5 of these and now i want to go back pronto! Great inspiring post!

Wow, I love this part of the world!

I love this post! I’ve been to Florence and Cinque Terre but a few of the other towns I wouldn’t have thought to go to until now!

I love posts like this..it’s the little towns that have the best, most authentic people and food and history and culture… thanks for sharing such special places.. much more authentic than the touristy big cities…

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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence, Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

It would take weeks to see everything Florence has to offer. Almost any one of its dozens of churches would be the prize tourist attraction of a smaller city. Some of its sights are among Italy's best-known icons — Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David , Brunelleschi's Dome — and the entire city is a showcase of the Italian Renaissance, the humanist artistic movement that broke Europe out of the Dark Ages.

But even among such an illustrious collection of palaces , churches , museums , and landmarks, some stand head and shoulders above the rest. As you consider all the things to see and do in Florence and plan your days of sightseeing, you won't want to miss the highlights that have made Florence one of Europe's most popular cities.

You'll be sure to find the best places to visit by using this handy list of the top attractions and things to do in Florence.

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo

2. battistero di san giovanni (baptistery of st. john), 3. see florence from piazzale michelangiolo, 4. uffizi palace and gallery, 5. piazza della signoria and the loggia dei lanzi, 6. galleria dell'accademia (academy gallery), 7. san lorenzo and michelangelo's medici tombs, 8. palazzo vecchio (palazzo della signoria), 9. santa croce, 10. ponte vecchio, 11. palazzo pitti (pitti palace), 12. santa maria novella, 13. san miniato al monte, 14. bargello palace national museum, 15. stroll through boboli gardens, 16. explore the oltrarno and take a break in piazza santo spirito, 17. palazzo medici-riccardi, 18. mercato centrale: florence's food market, 19. bardini museum and gardens, 20. brancacci chapel, 21. museo galileo, 22. shop for leather at piazza santa croce, where to stay in florence for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to florence, map of tourist attractions in florence, italy, florence, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do.

Piazza Duomo and the group of buildings that form its cathedral complex gather some of Italy's greatest artistic treasures into one relatively small area. As you tour the baptistery, the bell tower, the cathedral, and its museum, you'll see some of the best-known masterpieces of art and architecture by the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance -- Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Giotto, and Michelangelo.

Begin by walking around the square to admire the intricate inlaid marble exteriors, then step inside each one to look more closely at the stained-glass works of art that greet you wherever you look.

If waiting in long lines to buy a ticket is not your idea of fun - especially on a hot day - consider the Skip the Line: Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi's Dome Climb tour. This 2.5-hour guided tour includes the cathedral, the dome, the baptistery, entrance fees, and the option to visit the Opera del Duomo Museum on your own.

• Read More: Exploring Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

From any angle, inside or out, the 12th-century octagonal baptistery is a consummate work of art. Its marble façade, the intricate mosaics of its interior, and the art works it holds all merit a place high on your list.

But the magnificent bronze panels that Ghiberti created for the doors facing the cathedral trump them all. Nowhere has bronze been worked with such exquisite expression as in these Gates of Paradise . For a closer look, and to see some of the treasures that have been made for the baptistery, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , the cathedral's museum.

So often misspelled as Piazzale Michelangelo that even city tourism material occasionally slips up, this terrace above the city is an obligatory stop for tour buses, and the spot from which all those postcard shots of the cathedral are taken. During busy tourist seasons, the best time to enjoy it in relative peace is late afternoon or early evening; it's especially lovely at sunset.

Although you can get a 360-degree panorama of Florence from the dome of the cathedral, only from this terrace can you fully appreciate how Brunelleschi's dome dominates the city center. Nor can any other height give you this sweeping city view that encompasses the Ponte Vecchio , Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Croce, and other landmarks.

You can walk here, climbing from the riverbank through the gardens, or take bus 12 or 13. While you're here, continue up to the church of San Miniato al Monte or stay on the bus to the church and walk back down.

Few would argue the Uffizi's place among the handful of world's top art museums. Its collections are simply staggering in their diversity and quality, and even if art is not your main interest, you should see the highlights of the paintings here.

You'll come away understanding a lot more of how Florence's 14th- to 16th-century painters changed the face of western art, as you see the transition from the stilted Byzantine images to the life-like figures and landscapes of the Renaissance artists.

The vast building stretching along the river was one more of the Medici palaces but was intended not as a residence, but to house governmental offices, scientific studies, and part of their growing art collection. One of its loveliest spaces, the octagonal Tribuna , was commissioned especially to display the most prized paintings and jewels of Francesco I de' Medici.

You can bypass the long wait for admission and go straight to the entrance with a Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour that gives you priority access as well as a guided tour.

• Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: 12 Top Highlights, Tips & Tours

This broad square has been the center of power in Florence since its 14th-century origins - and perhaps even before, as Etruscan and Roman remains have been found below its pavement. Today, it is the social center as well, a favorite meeting place filled with tourists and locals. At its center is the Neptune Fountain , at one side the Palazzo Vecchio , still housing the city's government.

Against the wall of the Uffizi, which forms one end of the piazza, is the Loggia dei Lanzi , an outdoor sculpture gallery with several notable pieces. Most widely recognized of these is Benvenuto Cellini's best-known work, Perseus with the Head of Medusa . In front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a copy of Michelangelo's David .

• Read More: Exploring Piazza della Signoria in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

Michelangelo's best-known work, David , is copied all over Florence, but inside this art museum, you'll find the original. Unfortunately, as a result of an attack on the sculpture, it is now behind glass, but it still never fails to inspire.

The David isn't the only Michelangelo here, nor is it the only important masterpiece. In the sculptures shown in the same gallery, you can almost watch Michelangelo at work as you see the four unfinished slaves, meant for a tomb in Rome, seemingly in the process of being released from the marble.

Here, also, is his St. Matthew for Florence cathedral, also unfinished. You'll want to look in the other galleries to see highlights by 13th- to 16th-century Florentine artists, especially if you do not plan to see the Uffizi Gallery collections. Sandro Botticelli's Madonna is a highlight.

You can save time waiting in the long lines at both these outstanding art museums with a Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour that takes you straight to the entrance, as well as a guided tour.

The Medici commissioned the best talent for the family church and burial chapels: Brunelleschi for the church and Michelangelo for the chapel intended to memorialize their most illustrious princes. Both artists died before finishing the work, but Brunelleschi's church was completed according to his plans.

Michelangelo's chapel, called the New Sacristy, was not; in fact, it was never completed at all. But what he did finish is considered one of the world's crowning achievements in marble sculpture. As you tour the church, the Old Sacristy , the New Sacristy , the Princes' Chapel and the Laurenziana Library, you'll find the works of other Renaissance masters, including Donatello and Lippi.

• Read More: Exploring San Lorenzo in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

History, art, and power echo in the opulent rooms and grand galleries of this fortress-like palace in the center of Florence. From here, the city/republic was ruled, and its powerful Medici family commissioned the leading artists and architects of the day to design and decorate their offices and apartments.

Be sure to sign up early for one of the free tours, so you'll get to see some of the secret passages the Medici used to move among the rooms; return in the evening (save your ticket) to climb to the roof for sunset views of the city.

• Read More: Exploring Palazzo Vecchio (Palazzo della Signoria) in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

Behind the geometric marble inlay of its typical Tuscan façade, Santa Croce is both art-filled church and mausoleum for some of Florence's greatest names. Among its treasures are several landmarks of Renaissance art.

You will want to look especially for Cappella Bardi with some of Giotto's major frescoes, and in the adjacent Cappella Peruzzi, for more of them, which inspired Masaccio and Michelangelo. Donatello's Christ Crucified is considered one of the finest examples of Florentine Renaissance humanism. The frescoes in Cappella Baroncelli are the greatest work of Taddeo Gaddi.

But the most famous is Cimabue's magnificent Crucifix, one of the first to move from stiff Byzantine to naturalistic Renaissance styles, influencing the greatest artists that followed. In the nave, you'll find the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, the composer Gioacchino Rossini, even Machiavelli.

The Ponte Vecchio may well be the most widely recognized icon of Florence, and its graceful arches topped by a jumble of shops is most certainly one of the city's prettiest scenes. The bridge has traditionally been the home for the shops of Florence's talented goldsmiths, and a stroll across it still shows a dazzling array of fine jewelry.

But most tourists don't realize that another set of treasures hides above their heads. The purpose of the bridge, of course, was to link the two sides of the Arno, and the Medici needed to cross frequently between their offices in the Palazzo Vecchio and their apartments in the Pitti Palace . So they commissioned the architect Vasari to build a passageway, officially called the Percorso del Principe (Passageway of the Prince), but now more often known as the Corridoio Vasariano, Vasari Corridor .

You can see its line of evenly matched windows above the shops. It's not just a hallway; lining its walls is a priceless collection of portraits, mostly self-portraits, by artists that include Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Velásquez.

A day at the Pitti Palace complex (and you could spend a day seeing it all) gives you a little taste of the many things Florence has to offer: an outstanding art gallery, a Medici palace, Florentine craftsmanship, museums, history, royal apartments, and one of Italy's premier gardens.

If a day isn't quite what you had in mind, at least tour the palace to see the Royal Apartments and the sumptuous rooms, where you'll find paintings by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Tintoretto, and other masters - a collection almost rivaling the Uffizi - hanging not in gallery style, but as decoration for rooms designed for entertaining and show.

• Read More: Exploring the Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens in Florence: A Visitor's Guide

Although this Dominican church has the familiar striped façade of inlaid marble worn by several other churches in Florence , here it has been interpreted quite differently, tracing graceful curving designs, imitating windows, and highlighting rows of arches in the lower story.

The artistry continues inside, with some of the city's finest frescoes, by such masters as Masaccio, Giotto, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Lippi, Paolo Uccello. As if that weren't enough, an entire chapel is lined with Andrea di Bonaiuto's frescoes, some of the greatest artworks of 14th-century Italy.

In addition to the frescoes are a marble pulpit designed by Brunelleschi, his wooden crucifix, Vasari's Rosary Madonna, and a bronze by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Stop in at the convent's historic pharmacy, where they sell herbal balms and floral lotions.

The sight of San Miniato al Monte's inlaid green-and-white marble façade is worth the short climb beyond the favorite viewpoint of Florence, Piazzale Michelangiolo (or you can stay on the bus to ride here).

This was the first time this dramatic effect was used in Florence, where it soon became the most popular façade decoration. But unlike the later facades, this one rises to a large gold mosaic. The portico effect looks back to Classical Roman architecture, and the mosaics are distinctly Byzantine inspired, both influences that blend into the new Tuscan Romanesque architectural style.

Inside, there's a spacious open nave, with a mosaic floor and painted wooden ceiling, ending at a magnificent Renaissance chapel under a glazed blue-and-white terracotta ceiling. More Byzantine-style mosaics, a 12th-century marble pulpit, and the decorated choir screen are all highlights,

Even more outstanding is the sacristy. Its walls are lined by the vibrant panels of Spinello Aretino's 14th-century masterpiece, Life of St. Benedict . It is among the most splendid rooms in Florence, and equal to those in any palace.

Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, Florence

The four Michelangelo masterpieces alone are reason enough to put the Bargello Palace on your list of things to do in Florence. Works by Donatello, the della Robbias, Cellini, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and 14th- to 16th-century Tuscan artists fill the palace, along with a room of ivory carvings and a collection of majolica.

An entire room is filled with enamels and gold work, a Florentine specialty during the Renaissance. This emphasis on decorative arts and sculpture sets the Bargello apart from the rest of Florence's art museums .

Address: Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence

Behind the Pitti Palace, the Medicis' Boboli Gardens rise up the hillside in 111 acres of green terraces. Grand Duke Cosimo I spared no expense in their building, between 1550 and 1560, and the result became the model for royal gardens all over Europe (including Versailles ). Still beautifully manicured, the gardens climb to overlooks that reveal increasingly sweeping views over the city.

Throughout are fountains, statuary, and a faux cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites carved into the hillside, the Grotta del Buontalenti .

Other things to see include a maze, formal beds, even an amphitheater in the quarry hole left from removing stone to build the palace. At the highest point is the terrace of the Kaffeehaus, and at the top of the hill overlooking Boboli Gardens, Casino del Cavaliere houses a rich collection of porcelains owned by ruling families, including the Medici and the Savoy.

The Oltrarno is worth exploring for its atmospheric lanes and the workshops and studios of Florence's famous artists in wood, silver, and gold work; gilding; miniature mosaics; decorative papers; and leather bookbinding. You're sure to be tempted by the works for sale in the small shops, and there is no better souvenir or gift than a beautifully bound journal or a gilded wooden box.

Make your way to Piazza Santo Spirito, a lively square that's more intimate than the grander, busier ones across the river. Find an outdoor table at a café or restaurant and watch shoppers at the morning market or children playing ball after school.

Although it's not one of the best-known churches in Florence, the Basilica of Santo Spirito is one of the purest Renaissance churches and is filled with notable paintings and sculpture, especially in the transept chapels

More restrained in its furnishing and décor than the showy palaces of later members of the Medici family, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi is more in line with the earlier dukes, who governed a more democratic society. Completed in 1464, it was the home of the Medicis for nearly a century until Cosimo I moved to the Palazzo Vecchio.

A staircase leads from the courtyard to the Palace Chapel, decorated with well-preserved frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli that give a good sense of court life in 15 th -century Florence.

Although the Riccardi family, which owned the house after the Medicis, made alterations, the Medici Museum on the ground floor retains the original Medici interior. Here, also, is one of Filippo Lippi's most important works, Madonna and Child, painted in1442.

Address: Via Cavour 1 & 3, Florence

Official site: www.palazzo-medici.it

If you have begun to worry that Florence is just one giant open-air museum, it's time to meet some Florentines as they go about their daily routines. There's no better place to find them than in the enormous food market, Mercato Centrale.

To get here, you may have to run a gauntlet of street stalls selling everything from cheap plastics to "authentic Italian crafts" that are mass-produced, mostly in Asia. But once inside and immersed in the fragrance of fresh herbs, flowers, and garden produce, you'll rub elbows with women shopping for ingredients for today's dinner.

Don't overlook this as a source of welcome gifts to take home, including fine Tuscan olive oils, olives, candied fruits, and luscious nougat. On the upper floor, you'll find food courts, a good place to visit for a quick lunch.

Address: Piazza del Mercato, Florence

In the late 19 th century, artist and collector Stefano Bardini bought a group of buildings on a hillside in the Oltrarno, overlooking Florence. From these, which included a chapel and a former palazzo dating from the 14 th century, he created a setting for his collections of art and priceless antiquities.

To create this museum, he used architectural features salvaged from demolished medieval and Renaissance buildings. Monumental fireplaces, doors and windows, columns, carved stonework, entire staircases, paneling, carved Venetian woodwork, even entire ceilings have been retrofitted into a highly eccentric home for his equally eccentric collections.

But the resulting palazzo and its magnificent artworks are not the only attraction for tourists. After completing his museum, Bardini bought a neighboring garden overlooking the river and transformed it into an outdoor gallery to display some of his sculpture collections.

The Bardini Gardens overlook Florence, a lovely place to get away from the crowds and rest your eyes amid the greenery and flowers. The best time is in April, when brilliant purple wisteria covers the pergola and fills the air with fragrance. A long staircase, mosaic fountains, an English garden, and a terrace with a café make it a pleasant place to relax. Entrance to the garden is separate from the museum.

Bardini Gardens

• Costa San Giorgio 2, Florence

Bardini Museum

• Via dei Renai 37, Florence

You would never guess by looking at the plain façade of Santa Maria del Carmine church that inside holds one of the great masterpieces of the 15 th century . Frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the chapel depict the life of St. Peter and Old Testament scenes by Masaccio and Masolino, who were well-known artists in the early 1400s, friends of Brunelleschi and Donatello.

The works, especially those of Masaccio, are remarkable for their vivid color and vitality, demonstrating some of the first use of perspective, and showing facial expressions that give life and energy to his figures.

Masaccio is considered the first great Italian painter of the Quattrocento period (15 th century) of the Italian Renaissance and the founder of the Early Italian Renaissance . The chapel was left unfinished by the two painters and was completed later in the 1400s by Filippino Lippi. Although the chapel is an important landmark, and a magnificent work of art, it is one of the least known treasures of Florence.

Address: Piazza del Carmine 14, Florence

With the abundance of Renaissance painting, sculpture, architecture, and other masterpieces in Florence, it's easy to forget that the Renaissance was about more than art. Science was a major concern of the Humanists as they broke away from the confines of religion to explore their universe. And they saw art and science as connected and inseparable.

The Museo Galileo proves this, with tools of astronomy, navigation, surveying, and exploring that are priceless works of art. You'll see Galileo's own instruments, and the work of some of Florence's foremost artists in metal, wood, gold, and other arts in the collections of compasses, tools, and magnificent world globes.

Address: Piazza dei Giudici 1, Florence

Official site: https://www.museogalileo.it/en/

Fine leatherwork has been a tradition in Florence at least since Renaissance times, when leatherworkers had their workshops around Santa Croce, close to the tanneries along the river. That neighborhood is still the best place to shop for Florentine leather goods. To find the best quality, and at fair prices, shop at the leatherwork school or at an artisan's studio shop; some of the other shops, like the street market vendors, sell imported and imitation leather goods.

Inside the cloister of Santa Croce, the Scuola di Cuoio leatherworking school produces fine handmade leather goods, and you can watch the students fashion wallets, boxes, handbags, and leather jackets. There you'll find Francesca Gori's one-off handbags in rare and exotic leathers, designed especially for the school. You'll also find luggage, bound books, belts, jewelry boxes, and leather clothing.

Also on Piazza Santa Croce is Misuri, in a former palazzo covered in frescoes, with equally fine traditional craftsmanship and designs.

Address: Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

Official site: www.scuoladelcuoio.com

From the UNESCO-acclaimed complex of the cathedral, baptistery, and Giotto's Campanile to the museums and gardens of the Pitti Palace, on the opposite side of the Arno River, Florence's main tourist attractions lie within easy walking distance. And surprisingly, there are plenty of places to stay in the centro storico (historic center). Here are some highly rated hotels in Florence:

Luxury Hotels :

• Adjacent to the cathedral and some of the best shopping streets, Brunelleschi Hotel has recently renovated guest rooms in a historic building with a medieval tower. Superb service, views of the Duomo, and complimentary breakfast add to its appeal.
• Close to attractions but just beyond the crowded streets of the main tourist area, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze rooms have views over Florence and the gardens.
• Famed for its exceptional guest services, Portrait Firenze is on the Arno River overlooking Ponte Vecchio, a block from the Uffizi Gallery.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Family-run Hotel Davanzati , in the historic center near Piazza della Signoria and the cathedral, offers free breakfast and a relaxing patio but no elevator.
• In the historic center, but a short walk from the busiest streets, Hotel Orto De Medici has individually decorated, soundproof rooms, some with private balconies.
• The highly popular Hotel David , on the Oltrano side of the Arno on the way to Piazzale Michelangelo, includes free breakfast and is especially handy for those driving to Florence, offering free parking.

Budget Hotels:

• In a historic home halfway between Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria, Hotel Santa Croce has free breakfasts that include cappuccino; there's no elevator, but the staff helps with luggage.
• Free buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi, a short walk from Santa Maria Novella rail station and the major attractions, make Hotel Fiorita a good choice for budget travelers.
• In a quiet residential neighborhood a few streets from Santa Croce, Hotel Orcagna is an inviting budget option, with attractive rooms (some with balconies) and free breakfast.
• Getting Around : You can save both time and energy with a Florence City Hop-on Hop-off Tour that stops at 18 of the top attractions in the city, including the must-see view from high above the city at Piazzale Michelangiolo. You can choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass for unlimited rides and 360-degree views from the open-air bus.
• Tuscany Day Trip: Rolling hills bathed in golden light and quaint hilltop villages surround the city of Florence, and the Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour is a great way to see the highlights. An experienced guide will you in a luxury air-conditioned coach to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. The tour includes a three-course lunch, entrance fees to Siena Cathedral, and a detailed map of all the destinations.
• Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip: If you want to add another of Italy's famous attractions to your itinerary, the Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence is an excellent option. See the colorful, cliff-hugging villages of this stunning stretch of coast and cruise across the water between Manarola and Vernazza. This full-day tour allows time for you to explore the villages and includes entrance fees to the coastal walking path, round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, the boat ride, and a snack. To ensure personalized service, the tour is only for small groups, with a maximum of eight people.
• Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hiking : For incomparable views and one of the top experiences in Italy, hike a 5.5-kilometer stretch of the famed Cinque Terre walking path between towns on a Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking . The tour includes time for a swim, and transport from Florence on an air-conditioned coach.

Places to Visit near Florence: Several of the best places to visit in Italy are close to the city. The beautiful medieval city of Siena to the south is crowned by one of Italy's most magnificent - and largest - cathedrals, filled with more art masterpieces than some major museums. This and a string of Medici villas are all easy day trips from Florence .

Where to Go from Florence: Pisa's famous Leaning Tower is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy , and only the beginning of beautiful Renaissance monuments and artworks to see there. Less well-known - and less crowded- is the charming, small city of Lucca , surrounded by walls so thick, there's a popular promenade along their tops. Beyond, the Tuscan coast leads into Liguria, with the five villages and magnificent scenery of the Cinque Terre .

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The best things to do to really experience Florence

Apr 5, 2024 • 10 min read

Exploring on foot is easy in small and perfectly formed Florence © Gabi Bucataru / Stocksy United

It’s difficult to calculate how many works of art are exhibited in the UNESCO-inscribed historic center of Florence – compiling a comprehensive list of things to see and do would be an encyclopedic endeavor. The collection of world-class museums such as the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia draw in thousands of people daily, but these comprise only a fraction of the Tuscan capital’s heritage. 

Attempting to take it all in can be overwhelming – especially if you are visiting for a short time between spring and autumn when entering museums often means facing long queues and dealing with crowds. Rather than trying to complete a must-do list, allow yourself a few days to experience the city from different perspectives.

Get to know the work of some of your favorite Renaissance artists, but then leave behind the museum halls to discover the city’s living culture. Here are some of our favorite experiences in Florence.

1. Tour Florence in Michelangelo’s footsteps

One of the world’s most renowned Renaissance artists, Michelangelo Buonarroti has left many traces of time spent in Florence, starting from the iconic David housed inside Galleria dell’Accademia . Michelangelo was born in Caprese, near Arezzo, in 1475 and moved to Florence at a young age with his family, starting his career as a sculptor at only 13 years of age. 

Casa Buonarroti , in Via Ghibellina, traces Michelangelo’s accomplishments through some of his early drawings and engravings. Inside the Basilica di Santo Spirito , the church designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, you’ll find the wooden crucifix Michelangelo produced as a teenager in 1493, when he was studying anatomy while living in the convent.

Important works such as Bacco (1497), believed to be Michelangelo’s first marble sculpture, and David-Apollo (1530–32) are housed inside Museo del Bargello and Michelangelo’s only panel painting to survive to this day,  Tondo Doni (1504–1506), is found in the Uffizi Gallery .

The artist’s architectural accomplishments include the vestibule of the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana and the Sagrestia Nuova found inside the Museo delle Cappelle Medicee , place of rest of many of the Medici family's most prominent members.

2. Stroll through monumental gardens

Commissioned by the Medici family to landscape architect Niccolò Pericoli in 1549, the Boboli Gardens pioneered a new style of European court gardens, creating an environment that would influence aristocrats across the continent. Designed following the humanistic principle of the Renaissance, Boboli – an extension of Palazzo Pitti – blurs the lines between nature and art. Walk through the artificial grottos, fountains and sculptures that adorn the symmetrical gardens of the city’s former rulers.

Boboli isn’t the only monumental garden found in the city. Continue your green tour of Florence by visiting the English-style Giardino Torrigiani , the largest private garden to be found within a historic city center in Europe, then climb up Giardino Bardini for some of the best views of the Duomo.

3. Find the best gelato in town

Two Florentines have long been competing for the title of “father of gelato". According to one version of the story, a butcher living in the Medici’s court named Ruggeri came up with the recipe in the mid-16th century after Duchess Caterina de’ Medici organized a contest for the most unusual dish ever created.

The second version attributes gelato to architect Bernardo Buontalenti, who was also working for the Medici and is said to have first combined frozen cream, sugar and eggs to make a dessert with unprecedented taste.

The Buontalenti flavor is still popular today in Florence, although dozens of gelaterie produce their own unique interpretation of this summer classic. Stop at Vivoli to taste their legendary (but pricy) affogato , or opt for the artisanal scoops of Sbrino , La Sorbettiera or Gelateria della Passera .

Eat your way through Florence with this list of the best places to dine out. 

4. Visit the Medici’s palaces

Ruling over the city for nearly 300 years, the Medici have transformed Florence like no other family. Begin your tour of the Medici’s palaces of power from Palazzo Medici Riccardi , in the San Lorenzo district – this was the first Florentine residence of the dynasty of bankers-turned-dukes. Admire Benozzo Gozzoli’s Magi Chapel, before continuing onward to Basilica di San Lorenzo , the family church housing two marvelous pulpits by Donatello.

Get to Piazza della Signoria to enter Palazzo Vecchio, where Cosimo I de’ Medici moved with his wife in 1540. Take a secret passages tour to gain exclusive access to Francesco I’s Studiolo, the Duke’s son’s personal wunderkammer hidden between the palace’s walls and staircases. Continue to the spectacular Salone dei Cinquecento, then exit Palazzo Vecchio to reach Palazzo Pitti , on the other side of the Arno, which functioned as the grandiose residence of the Medici in the second half of the 16th century.

5. Taste a Negroni cocktail, a Florentine invention

Around the end of 1919, Florentine Count Cammillo Negroni asked the bartender of Caffè Casoni (later Caffè Giacosa) in Via della Spada to twist his usual Americano cocktail – a blend of Campari and sweet vermouth – by adding gin to the mixture. That odd request produced one of the best-known Italian cocktails around the world, the Negroni.

The bar where Count Negroni used to drink shut down in 2017, but a new Giacosa opened in 2023 in Via della Spada, inspired by the 19th-century cafe where the legendary cocktail was invented. It’s not the only cocktail bar where you can get a Negroni and its many variations – Rivoire , Manifattura , MAD are just some of the places worth stopping during your aperitivo wanderings for a creative take on this timeless classic.

6. Discover the roots of the Italian language

Seven centuries ago Florentine poet Dante Alighieri changed how Italian language was written and spoken in ways that are still felt today. The popularity of Dante’s Divine Comedy , written in the Florentine vernacular, set the foundation on which the Italian language developed and pushed the poet into literary stardom.

Dante’s statues and portraits are scattered around the city, but the best place to learn about the origins of the influential author is in the neighborhood where he is believed to have lived. Enclosed between Piazza della Signoria and Orsanmichele are the preserved medieval district housing Museo Casa di Dante and some of the last stone-built case torri (tower houses) that aristocratic and merchant families constructed to show off their prestige.

7. Treasure hunt at Florence’s market

Whether you are looking for street food, vintage clothing, a unique souvenir, second-hand books, or a piece of antique furniture Florence has a market for it. San Lorenzo’s Mercato Centrale is the center of the action. Outside, you find the ever-crowded leather market, where bags, belts, jackets, and notebooks populate the stalls. Inside the 1874 iron-and-glass building marking the heart of the neighborhood you find a first floor dedicated to fresh produce and traditional products and an upper floor working as a food court, with contemporary, local and international cuisine served in over 20 outlets. There is also a cooking school, in case you want to bring home some pasta-making skills.

Mercato Centrale is not the only market in Florence. Leather goods are also on sale at the open-air Mercato del Porcellino (or Mercato Nuovo), steps away from Ponte Vecchio, while Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is the oldest covered market in the city, with a section for antiques and second-hand goods extending on Largo Pietro Annigoni. Every second Saturday of the month you also find an antiques market in Piazza Santo Spirito, while if you want to shop like a local you should head to the Cascine Park on Tuesday morning.

Florence in 5 Shops: Tuscan leather, hand-painted ceramics and sculpture souvenirs

8. Go enoteca hopping

Wine has been a staple in Florence since the Middle Ages, when vinattieri (wine producers and merchants) came to the city from the Chianti region to sell their wine. Many old-school enotecas still dot the market area – stop by at Zanobini , Casa del Vino , or Vino Divino for a taste of local productions in exchange for just a few euros. If you’d rather go for a trendier atmosphere, head to Enoteca Bellini in Piazza San Pancrazio or Il Santino in the Santo Spirito area, for a contemporary take on the old tradition.

9. Check out a contemporary art exhibition

Take a break from the Renaissance and fast-forward to the contemporary era by visiting the museums and galleries highlighting the works of local and international artists defining the time we live in. Palazzo Strozzi is Florence’s leading contemporary art institution, offering a rich program of changing shows year-round. Among the recent guests are Anish Kapoor, Maurizio Cattelan and Jeff Koons.

Museo Novecento , in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, showcases paintings and sculptures by both local and foreign artists produced over the course of the past century, while Museo Marino Marini exhibits the quirky equestrian sculptures of Pistoia-born artist Marino Marini (1901–1980).

10. Spot one of Clet’s street signs

When strolling through the streets of Florence, look up at the traffic signs and you may notice that many of them have been “altered” with stickers that add new meaning to the symbols dotting Florence’s urban landscape. The often ironic modifications are the work of street artist Clet Abrahams – better known as Clet – who has been adding both humor and political commentary to the city’s signs for the past two decades. Clet’s studio , in the San Niccolò area, can be visited and if you are interested in learning more about the local urban art scene it’s also worth stepping into Street Levels Gallery in Via Palazzuolo, the first Florentine gallery to be entirely dedicated to urban art.

11. Discover the scientific side of Florence

Florence is globally marketed as an art city, so it’s easy to neglect the many scientific institutions that have shaped that culture during and after the Renaissance. The La Specola museum, one of Europe's oldest natural history museums, has reopened in 2024 after years of renovation, showcasing the precious anatomical waxes dating as far back as the 18th century.

There is also Museo Galileo , named after Tuscan scientist Galileo Galilei who was invited by the Medici to Florence in the early 17th century, which collects over 1000 exhibits tracing the evolution of scientific studies in Florence and beyond. Kids will be especially grateful for visiting the Museum of Geology and Palaeontology run by the University of Florence – here are the skeletons of elephants that lived in Tuscany around 1.5 million years ago, together with the remains of other creatures, including a whale, that populate the region in the distant past.

12. Admire Ponte Vecchio from a barchetto 

Built in 1345, Florence’s Ponte Vecchio is one the city’s best-known icons, connecting the two sides of the city across the Arno River. The 48 jewelry stores perched on the bridge survived the 1944 bombing of the city – all other bridges in central Florence were destroyed – and the major flood that hit the city in 1966.

To admire this architectural wonder from a unique perspective, join one of the barchetto cruises run by the Renaioli during summer months. In the early 20th century, the renaioli were city workers who extracted rena (sand) for construction projects from the riverbed using special barchetti (small boats) and skills passed on through generations. As technology progress the renaioli disappeared, but the Renaioli Association has renovated the last surviving barchetti , repurposing them to allow visitors to see the city from water level.

13. Bite into a proper schiacciata

Social media sensation All’Antico Vinaio has made the Florentine flatbread known as schiacciata a global phenomenon, as the long queues in front of the brand’s first sandwich shop in Via dei Neri testify. Waiting half and hour for a stuffed schiacciata doesn’t really make sense considering that there are dozens of bakeries selling equally – or more – delicious bread around the city. For a taste of the salty, oily, crunchy schiacciata try Forno Pugi , Forno Becagli , Cioccolateria Ballerini or Sapori Toscani .

This article was first published November 2021 and updated April 2024

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Florence   Travel Guide

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17 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

The most popular attractions of Florence, Italy, center around the famous architecture and artwork found in the city – from the works hung in the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia  to the incredible construction and design of the Duomo and

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Piazza della Signoria Piazza della Signoria free

Loggia dei Lanzi, in the Piazza della Signoria, is an open-air (and free) museum that was designed in the 14th century by Orcagna, an influential architect and artist. Below the building's curved arches are dozens of sculptures (notable ones include Giambologna's Rape of the Sabines and a statue of Perseo holding Medusa's head, by Benvenuto Cellini), which draw crowds of tourists and locals alike. Behind it sits the  Galleria degli Uffizi , which is one of the city's most famous art museums. The Piazza della Signoria is also filled with its (more than) fair share of sculptures, including a towering replica of Michaelangelo's David.

Take your time wandering around, and if you get tired, grab a seat along the Loggia dei Lanzi, or make your way to a cafe near the Fountain of Neptune. Recent visitors said this is a must-see spot and a great area to people-watch, view magnificent sculptures and rest travel-weary feet (though past travelers recommended avoiding the restaurants in this area, calling them "outrageously overpriced"). To avoid the height of the crowds, visit in the early morning or the evening. Access to the area is free 24/7.

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) free

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as the Duomo) is not only Florence's religious center, but it's also the city's most recognizable attraction. Occupying the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city, this massive Gothic cathedral was erected during the 14th century on the former site of the Roman church, Santa Reparata. You'll know you're in the right place when you find yourself straining your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome and the intricate marble statues on its facade staring down at you. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike.

Visitors like to joke that the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. For many, the main reason to visit is to climb the 463 stairs to the top of the dome (the cupola) where you'll find spectacular views of the city. (Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Some visitors report this is not for the claustrophobic.) However, if you are interested in looking around inside, guided tours are available.

Ponte Vecchio Ponte Vecchio free

Much like  London 's Tower Bridge, the Ponte Vecchio was built to replace an earlier bridge. Once dominated by butchers, fishmongers and bakers, the original bridge was washed away during a flood in the early 14th century. When the new Ponte Vecchio was completed, it too was home to local food stores until Grand Duke Ferdinand I of the Medici family decided to designate this unadorned bridge the epicenter of the city's gold and jewel trade. It has maintained this purpose ever since.

Recent visitors said it is especially beautiful at sunset. If you don't want to overpay for souvenirs, heed the advice of past travelers and avoid shopping along the bridge. You can also book a gondola tour of the Arno River to experience sailing beneath the bridge, though prices can be high (typically starting at 65 euros, or around $71, per person).

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Piazzale Michelangelo Piazzale Michelangelo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're eager to get your steps in, climb up another 1,500 feet to the doors of the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte, one of the oldest churches in Florence. Admission is free and the views even higher up are worth the climb. – Holly D. Johnson

Overlooking the city from its perch in the Oltrarno district, the Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city, and it's definitely worthwhile if you're a first-time visitor. This ornate square is known for its spectacular views and its towering replica of Michelangelo's David. Getting to the piazza can be quite the trek on foot, yet a meandering path in front of and below the piazza makes it within reach if you're reasonably fit.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Spanning 28 rooms and three floors, the massive Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses more than 750 works of art covering nearly 720 years of history. In short, it serves to preserve the artistic masterpieces that were once on display in the Duomo . Highlights from the collection include Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise from the Baptistery (the Baptistery is currently adorned with replicas of the original gates) and Michelangelo's Pietà, which many believe he created to adorn his tomb.

Many past travelers suggested stopping at the museum prior to visiting the Duomo to better understand the historical context of the cathedral and surrounding monuments. Plus, entrance to the museum is covered by the combo ticket you're required to buy if you want to climb the steps of the Duomo or enter any of the other sites within the square. Other visitors advised setting aside plenty of time to admire all of the works housed here. What's more, many others mentioned that this museum is not as crowded as the Uffizi .

Galleria dell'Accademia Galleria dell'Accademia

If you only have a limited amount of time for art museums while you're here, devote some of it to the Galleria dell'Accademia for one simple reason: the David. This is your chance to see one of Michelangelo's most famous works in all his authentic glory and recent visitors say it doesn't disappoint. However, you aren't alone on your mission: The gallery can get flooded with other tourists also eager to see the famous piece, which is why some recent reviewers suggest booking a reservation ahead. While you're waiting for the crowds to clear so you can get your photo of David, take the time to see some of the artist's lesser-known works, including the unfinished Slaves or Prisoners.

While the David is undoubtedly the star here, the museum houses a variety of other works and artifacts, including works by the greatest Florentine painters from the 13th to early 15th centuries, such as Giotto and Bernardo Daddi. What’s more, it displays approximately 50 musical instruments from the private collections of the grand dukes of Tuscany, Medici and Lorraine.

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Occupying the first and second floors of the U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi along the banks of the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery was created by the Medici family at the end of the 16th century. Today, the museum is any art lover's dream: it still displays the family's prominent art collection, which includes such masterpieces as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch" and Titian's "Venus of Urbino." What’s more, it’s housed in a building designed by Giorgio Vasari that dates back to 1560.

Because of the many works of art housed here, you're going to need to take your time. One of the best ways to see the highlights and learn about the lesser-known pieces is to take a guided tour from a third-party operator, which many recent visitors highly recommend. Some tour operators also offer "skip-the-line" tours, which reviewers also spoke highly of. If you’re not up for a guided tour, you can also rent an audio guide from the museum for an additional 6 euros (about $6.50).

Mercato Centrale Firenze Mercato Centrale Firenze free

Located in an iron-and-glass building designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in 1874, the Mercato Centrale Firenze is a great place to browse and stock up on tasty Italian foods. The ground floor of the market features vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fish, olive oil, vinegars, truffle products and other local goods. Upstairs from the vendors, you'll find a modern food hall with shops selling everything from pizza and gelato to Tuscan specialties, such as lampredotto, porchetta and trippa. Here, you can sit down to a meal or pick up items for a picnic. Surrounding the building, dozens of vendors also sell artwork, pottery, jewelry, leather, clothing, souvenirs and anything else you can think of. 

Recent visitors called the market fun and lively to visit, with lots of tempting things to eat and buy. Some recommended stopping in a few times over the course of your Florence visit, although recent visitors have said food you can purchase to eat on-site has become rather expensive. If you want a local to show you around, consider signing up for one of the best tours in Florence , many of which stop at the market.

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Baptistry (Battistero) Baptistry (Battistero)

The Battistero is the oldest religious monument in all of Florence, and although the current façade dates from the 11th century, historians have dated the Baptistery back to the fifth century. It hasn't been proven, but many say that this octagonal building was once a temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war.

Today, this ancient building is a must-see for any art lover. Wake up early to beat the crowds, who flock to the Battistero in search of the Gates of Paradise. Designer Lorenzo Ghiberti's delicate depictions of Christ and other religious symbols on these massive doors inspired awe in even the most renowned artists, including Michelangelo, whose praise of the doors reportedly earned them their name. Note: The doors at the Baptistery are replicas of the originals. If you would like to see the originals, you'll have to pay a visit to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , which can be found just a short walk behind the Baptistery.

Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

Designed by Giotto in the early 14th century, this ornate 277-foot high bell tower is part of the renowned  Duomo  in central Florence's Piazza del Duomo. Although it is known as Giotto's Bell Tower, it actually required three architects to finish. The changes in style and design are apparent. Today, you can marvel at the tower's external design from the square below – make sure to spend plenty of time admiring the statues and reliefs by such famed artists as Donatello and Andrea Pisano. Or you can climb the more than 400 steps to the top for spectacular views of central Florence, a hike that recent visitors said leads to a better panorama than you get at the top of the Duomo because you get to view the Duomo from this vantage point.

However, the climb can be a real workout, so make sure to pace yourself. Travelers appreciated that there were several places where they could stop to catch their breath and admire the views on the way up to the top, which they said were well worth the steep climb. However, if you're visiting during the summer months, reviewers say you'll want to time your visit for the morning (or right before closing), as the climb only gets hotter as the day progresses.

Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli)

U.S. News Insider Tip: After perusing the gardens, treat yourself to a glass of wine at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, a popular wine bar that sits opposite Palazzo Pitti. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Originally, these beautiful gardens belonged to the Medici family; it wasn't until the late 18th century that the gates opened to the public. Today, Boboli Gardens (located in the Oltrarno behind Pitti Palace ) offers sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-trodden city center. While you stroll through this extensive green, keep your eyes peeled for the numerous sculptures and grottos strategically placed along the paths, like Giambologna's Bathing Venus. Also swing by the Isolotto, a large fountain located at the southwestern end of the park.

Basilica di Santa Croce Basilica di Santa Croce

Santa Croce is similar to the  Duomo  in style (both churches represent dominant Gothic traits), and the exterior is stunning, despite not being as elaborate as the Florence Duomo. Visitors come here to pay respects to such notable Italians as artist Michelangelo, scientist Galileo Galilei and political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, whose tombs and memorials are housed here. Santa Croce is also home to what some say is the most important art collection of any church in Italy, the most notable works being spectacular frescoes done by Giotto.

Recent visitors raved about the architecture of the church and suggested giving yourself plenty of time to explore. Others appreciated that it was removed from the main tourist areas and less busy than other Florence attractions.

Palazzo Pitti Palazzo Pitti

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting the Pitti Palace because of an interest in Medici history, consider booking a private entry into the Vasari Corridor – a hidden passageway Medici members once used to cross the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery all the way to Pitti Palace. – Holly D. Johnson

If you're headed to Oltrarno for a stroll through the  Bóboli Gardens , it's worth it to take some time to tour the  Palazzo Pitti  (Pitti Palace) as well. This former Renaissance residence is now home to Florence's most extensive grouping of museums. The most notable of the Pitti's galleries is the Galleria Palatina, which – with its impressive collection of works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens – is second in prestige only to the  Uffizi Gallery . Other museums within the palace spotlight everything from historical fashion to household treasures once belonging to the Medici family.

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Palazzo Vecchio Palazzo Vecchio free

Palazzo Vecchio is a central Florence landmark with a long and storied history that dates back to 1299. The ruins of an ancient theater of the Roman colony of Florentia can be seen below from the first floor of this iconic building, and visitors can admire a range of artworks and medieval architecture here.

The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) is the most visited and impressive hall in the building due to its massive size, large wall frescoes and various sculptures throughout. There are also many secret routes through the palace, which you can explore with one of many available group tours of Palazzo Vecchio.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Basilica di San Lorenzo

U.S. News Insider Tip : The Church of San Lorenzo is where the famous Medici Chapel is located. You can book a tour to see these elaborate tombs, including the "Chapel of the Princes," through various tour companies. – Holly D. Johnson

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is the oldest Florentine cathedral, thus its external architecture is not as ornate and embellished as others built throughout Florence in later centuries. The church is said to have been consecrated in the presence of Saint Ambrose in 393 and also dedicated to the martyr Lorenzo. That said, the basilica was reconstructed in 1418 by Medici family founder Giovanni di Bicci.

Piazza Santo Spirito Piazza Santo Spirito free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pick up a delicious pizza or two from Gustapizza on nearby Via Maggio and enjoy it on the steps that surround the square. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Located in the Oltrarno, the neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River (opposite the Duomo ), this square is a lively hub of activity, especially at night when its many cafes and restaurants draw locals out to relax on terraces and patios for a meal or a drink. A main feature of the square is Filippo Brunelleschi's last church, the Basilica di Santo Spirito, which he designed in 1444, but was unable to finish before his death. Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole and Salvi d'Andrea finished the church by the end of the 1400s.

Santa Maria Novella Santa Maria Novella

While Santa Maria Novella is not nearly as grand as the world-famous Duomo , it is still one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. Located just 750 feet from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (the city's train station), this cathedral is also easy to find or run into by surprise.

The impressive exterior was designed by artists Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti, and the interior features a range of master works, such as Masaccio's Holy Trinity fresco, Ghirlandaio's fresco cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel and Giotto's crucifix. The Nativity by Botticelli and the Pulpit by Buggiano are also located within the church and worth a look. Recent travelers note that the church museum is also worth exploring, and that even roaming the grounds of Santa Maria Novella can be worth the time and effort due to the natural beauty found on the property.

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Top 10 places to see near Florence

F lorence is probably one of the best known destinations in the world. However, the  surrounding areas can also offer a medieval-like atmosphere and tranquillity. Afte r visiting Florence , then, you might be interested in  small villages and towns where time seems to stand still. Here you can wander among castles, towers and unspoilt countryside. Find out, then, which are the best 10 towns to see near Florence .

Greve in Chianti

Pontassieve

San Godenzo

Barberino di Mugello

Scarperia and San Piero

San Gimignano

Located in the Tuscan hills, Certaldo is a town near Florence that still preserves its historical nature. The municipality is famous for being the birthplace and death place of the famous 14th-century writer Boccaccio , whose birthplace can still be visited.

Other highlights include the Palazzo Pretorio , now a museum housing a collection of medieval and Renaissance art, and the Church of San Michele and Jacopo . Dating back to the 12th century, it has a Romanesque bell tower and a series of medieval frescoes inside. The town is also famous for its many festivals and events, such as the Mercantia , a festival of street performers held every summer.

Certaldo is one of the towns near Florence that can be reached by train : you can be here within an hour from the Santa Maria Novella station.

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Certaldo - Davide Papalini, CC BY-SA 3.0Wikimedia commons

Speaking of birthplaces of famous people, you will find Vinci, a small village home to the genius Leonardo da Vinci. One of the main points of interest is the Museo Leonardiano , where you can admire the artist's inventions and drawings. 

This village also offers breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills, ideal for walks or bicycle rides. In addition, you can enjoy the exquisite local cuisine, famous for its truffle dishes.

Vinci is only 45 kilometres from Florence : you can reach the city in an hour's drive or via an easy bus and train route.

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Vinci - Glorious 93, CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia commons

Nestled in the heart of the famous wine region, Greve in Chianti is a must-see on your Tuscan itinerary. This charming village, with its cobbled streets and picturesque squares, is synonymous with peace and tranquillity.

A landmark is Piazza Matteotti , the vital centre of Greve. Here you can admire the old town hall and stroll among the many craft workshops. But Greve is most famous for being the gateway to the Chianti wine route.

Along this route, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most prestigious wine cellars in the region, such as the Castello di Verrazzano. Greve in Chianti is among the closest villages to Florence : you can get there in just 45 minutes by car or, if you wish, by public bus.

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Greve in Chianti - Rob & Lisa Meehan, CC BY 2.0 Wikimedia commons

A short distance from Florence, on a hilltop, you will find Fiesole. This charming village offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence and the Arno valley. But the beauty of Fiesole is not limited to its panorama.

This country is rich in history and culture. Strolling through its streets, you can discover the remains of a Roman theatre and thermal baths. In addition, Fiesole is famous for its Renaissance villas, such as the Villa Medici , which houses an Italian-style garden.

Finally. do not miss a visit to the Bandini Museum , which houses a collection of sacred art from the 12th to the 15th century. Fiesole is only 10 kilometres from the centre of Florence. You can take the number 7 bus up the hill.

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Situated on the banks of the Arno River, Pontassieve offers a historical centre of narrow, winding streets dotted with historic buildings and fascinating churches. As well as ancient bridges, such as the so-called Ponte a Sieve .

No less fascinating is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso , which was built in 1490 and houses several works of art. Finally, the small town centre is home to several restaurants and trattorias where you can eat typical cuisine.

You can get to Pontassieve either by car , covering about 20 kilometres from Florence, or by train , taking about 30 minutes.

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Nestled in the green Casentino forests, San Godenzo is a small village that offers a unique travel experience. This village, located north-east of Florence, is ideal for those seeking a quiet refuge and a starting point for excursions to discover waterfalls and mills.

San Godenzo is known for its abbey , a monument of great historical and artistic importance. Founded in the 11th century, the Abbey of San Godenzo is an example of Romanesque architecture and houses works of art of great value. Don't forget to visit the adjoining museum , which houses archaeological finds and sacred artwork.

It is therefore a town located between Florence and Forlì, right in the heart of central Italy. You can get there via a one-hour drive from the Tuscan capital.

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San Godenzo - LigaDue, CC BY 3.0Wikimedia commons

With its cobbled streets and historic buildings, Barberino di Mugello transports you back in time. The Praetorian Palace and the various parish churches are worth a visit. This village is also the starting point for numerous hiking trails.

Situated near Lake Bilancino , the village offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. Also very beautiful are privately owned castles and palaces that are opened to the public at regular intervals.

Barberino is located about an hour from the city centre along the A1. It is one of the things to see between Florence and Bologna .

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Known for its rich history and for being one of the most important centres for knife production in Italy, Scarperia e San Piero is a place you cannot miss. This municipality, located in the heart of Mugello, offers a unique atmosphere.

Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palazzo dei Vicari , a historic building that houses an interesting museum dedicated to knife-making. In addition, the Mugello Circuit , one of the most famous racetracks in the world, is located here.

You can get to Scarperia either by car or by bus . In both cases, you should expect a journey of about 50 minutes to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

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Although in the province of Arezzo, Anghiari is very easy to reach from Florence. The small medieval town bordering Umbria is the right place to visit if you are leaving the capital and heading south.

One of Anghiari's main attractions is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , a 15th century building housing a series of Renaissance frescoes. In addition, you cannot miss a visit to the Museum of the Battle and Anghiari , where you can learn all about the famous war event.

But Anghiari is not only history and culture. The village is set in a breathtaking natural landscape of hills, rivers and fields. For nature lovers, there are numerous walks and cycle paths to explore.

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If you are looking for a place that transports you back in time, San Gimignano is the perfect destination. This charming medieval village near Florence , known for its characteristic towers, offers a panoramic view of the Tuscan countryside that will leave you breathless.

There are many things to see in San Gimignano : cobbled streets, charming squares and ancient churches create a unique atmosphere. The country also offers a rich food and wine tradition . Don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine.

Although located in the province of Siena, San Gimignano can be reached within an hour's drive from Florence . In fact, it is only 60 kilometres from the Tuscan capital.

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Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

With its iconic Renaissance architecture, picturesque streets, world-class museums, and incredible food, Florence is one of my favorite cities in Italy . I’ve been a handful of times over the years and it never disappoints.

It’s also a compact and easily walkable city, so nothing is too far from anything else. That said, each neighborhood has its own unique feel and accommodation options. For that reason, it’s a good idea to choose a neighborhood that best suits your travel style and budget.

To help you do just that, here’s my list of the best neighborhoods in Florence:

Table of Contents

Where to Stay for First-Time Visitors: Centro Storico

Where to stay for budget travelers: santa maria novella, where to stay for food and nightlife: santa croce, where to stay for feeling like a local: oltrarno, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

It’s also a good neighborhood if you’re looking to do some shopping. For luxury, head to Via de’ Tornabuoni, where all the high-end designers have storefronts, while Ponte Vecchio is the place to go if you’re in the market for jewelry.

You’ll also have the largest array of accommodation options here. Just keep in mind that it gets incredibly crowded in the summer, and prices skyrocket accordingly.

Best places to stay in Centro Storico :

• BUDGET : Emerald Palace – Offering affordable private rooms and dorms (including female-only dorms), Emerald Palace is an excellent no-frills option for budget travelers who don’t want to compromise on location. The rooms are spacious, with beautiful painted ceilings and terracotta floors, and everything (including the shared bathrooms) is kept sparkling clean. While there aren’t a ton of amenities here (though there is breakfast and a guest kitchen), it’s a friendly and affordable choice in the heart of the historic center.
• MIDRANGE : Hotel Davanzati – This cozy three-star hotel offers a lot of value, with a complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and an aperitivo hour with prosecco. The rooms are a bit dated in their décor, but they are spacious, with comfy beds, a desk, a flatscreen TV, and a wardrobe. The bathrooms are large too and have heated towel racks, as well as nice showers with excellent water pressure. The staff really go out of their way to help with anything you need too.
• LUXURY : Hotel Bernini Palace – It feels like you’re staying in a palace in this five-star hotel, set in a 15th-century building. The elegant rooms are spacious and feature wood-beamed ceilings, parquet or terracotta floors, glass chandeliers, antique furnishings, and plush beds with gilded headboards. They also have all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber, including minibars, flatscreen TVs, desks, and air conditioning. There’s a complimentary breakfast buffet too, served in a room with a frescoed ceiling that used to be a meeting place for members of Italy’s parliament!

The area around Piazza Santa Maria Novella and south toward the river is a bit more upscale, while most hostels are concentrated just to the northeast of the train station. Just avoid staying right next to the train station, as it’s not the not the nicest section of the neighborhood.

Best places to stay in Santa Maria Novella:

• BUDGET : Ostello Bello Firenze – This lively hostel has a cozy common room, guest kitchen, and bar where all guests get a free welcome drink. There’s also a rooftop terrace and lots of social events throughout the week (such as live music or parties). It’s a really easy hostel to meet people in. Plus, all dorm rooms have ensuite bathrooms and lockers and are filled with lots of natural light. It’s one of the best hostels in town.
• MIDRANGE : Hotel Alba Palace – This beautiful three-star hotel is decorated in a traditional Florentine style. Each room is unique, with historic features that include antique terracotta floors, arched ceilings, and exposed brick walls. The fantastic complimentary breakfast is served in a tranquil atrium with a glass ceiling. All rooms have a flatscreen TV, minibar, desk, Nespresso machine, hairdryer, and safe. While the bathrooms are small, there’s great water pressure in the showers. There are even rooms with a twin bed in case you’re a solo traveler looking to save money but don’t want to stay in a hostel.
• LUXURY : The Place Firenze – This five-star hotel is located right on Piazza Santa Maria Novella in a restored 17th-century building. All the rooms in this award-winning boutique property are decorated in pastel colors, with unique artwork, chandeliers, bespoke furniture, and elegant marble bathrooms. Each soundproofed room comes with a flatscreen TV, minibar, and a desk. There’s also a complimentary breakfast on the hotel’s outdoor terrace on the piazza, and a rooftop with incredible views, not to mention exceptionally helpful staff.

If you’re after good food and a more low-key atmosphere, head to Sant’Ambrogio, a micro-neighborhood that surrounds the market of the same name.

Best places to stay in Santa Croce:

• BUDGET : B&B Hotel Firenze City Center – This bed-and-breakfast is your best choice for budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Croce. It features simple, light-filled rooms with a desk and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms have a bidet, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. There’s a breakfast buffet in the mornings too (9.50 EUR) with croissants, cakes, muffins, cereals, yoghurt, and eggs.
• MIDRANGE : La Maison du Sage – This four-star hotel is eclectically designed, with Art Deco furniture, hardwood floors, and brightly colored walls. The rooms are spacious, filled with natural light, and include a minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machine, and kettle for tea. The bathrooms are sleekly designed and spacious, with a bidet and a walk-in shower (some rooms have separate tubs). There’s also an excellent breakfast buffet boasting pastries, juice, eggs, ham, cheese, and fresh fruit.
• LUXURY : Relais Santa Croce, by Baglioni Hotels – This five-star hotel is set in an 18th-century building that retains its historic décor (including frescoed ceilings and hardwood floors). Each spacious guestroom contains different historic elements, such as a four-poster bed or exposed beams. All of the airy rooms have a desk, flatscreen TV, minibar, and large bathroom with a bidet, bathrobes, and complimentary bath products. There’s also a tasty free breakfast each morning with lots of variety.

This area is not without its own attractions though, home to both Pitti Palace and the whimsical Boboli Gardens. Overall, Oltrarno is best for travelers looking for a more authentic and local experience away from the tourist crowds.

Best places to stay in Oltrarno:

• BUDGET : “il Pitti” Soggiorno – There aren’t any hostels here (you’ll mostly find midrange accommodation in this area), but this hotel directly across the street from Pitti Palace offers affordable and comfy private rooms with ensuite or shared bathrooms. The rooms are painted in cheery pastel colors and have lots of natural light, as well as parquet floors. The décor is a bit dated, but all rooms have a desk, wardrobe, electric kettle, and bathroom with a rainfall shower and bidet. It’s a great no-frills option for budget travelers that want to stay in a quieter neighborhood.
• MIDRANGE : Hotel Palazzo Guadagni – Situated in a 16th-century Florentine palace on a quiet square, this three-star hotel boasts elegantly decorated rooms with frescoed ceilings, large windows, antique furniture, and fireplaces. In-room amenities include a minibar, flatscreen TV, safe, and tiled bathroom with a heated towel rack, a bidet, fluffy bathrobes, and slippers. There’s also a fantastic complimentary breakfast and a rooftop with stunning views over the city. I think the value for what you get here is fantastic. It feels much more luxurious than your typical three-star hotel.
• LUXURY : Hotel Lungarno – Lungarno Collection – Located just steps from Ponte Vecchio bridge leading into Centro Storico, this gorgeous five-star hotel features original modern art throughout. The spacious, light-filled rooms have Italian white marble bathrooms with a bidet and luxury toiletries, and all rooms have a desk, a flatscreen TV, a minibar, and sound-proofed walls. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant and an excellent breakfast spread here.

Florence is like a giant open-air museum. It’s impossibly beautiful and bursting with historic sites and stunning architecture. By using the list above to pick the neighborhood that best suits your needs, you’ll be able to make the most of your stay in Tuscany’s largest city!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Florence: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Florence? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Florence for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Antico Vinaio, the full experience

All’antico vinaio has seemingly taken the world by storm..

With 800,000 followers on Instagram , 500,000 on TikTok , and more than 10 locations in Italy and the United States , what was once a small Florentine sandwich shop is now an ever-expanding business.

The story of All’Antico Vinaio begins with the purchase of a small locale that had been operating since the '60s on Via dei Neri in 1989 by the Mazzanti family . It’s merely a few minutes away from Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo , right in the middle of the historic center. It wasn’t until 2006 that the current owner and son of the original Mazzanti owners, Tommaso ‘Tommy’ Mazzanti , came into the picture and transformed All’Antico Vinaio as we know it today.

Tommy’s Takeover

After Tommy’s entrance, it became a street food hotspot within Florence . Specializing in savory and jam-packed Schiacciata bread sandwiches (not to be confused with focaccia) that were reasonably priced, along with a strong social media presence and great location led to its explosion in fame. Slowly their motto, “Bade Come la Fuma” (Look how it smokes), went from Tuscan slang to synonymous with the restaurant in Italy and worldwide. It can also be found on shirts, hats, and even slippers in their shop.

Between 2013 and 2017, they bought a locale next to the original shop and two in front to maintain the high demand. Eventually, more All’Antico Vinaio locations started appearing in other cities; Rome , Milan , and Turin among others. Tommy’s ambition even took the restaurant outside of Italy, testing the waters in the United States with a pop-up in Manhattan . According to Forbes , they sold 400 sandwiches in the first three hours, making it clear that interest in the Florentine sandwiches had reached across the ocean.

Now they’ve got locations in New York , Los Angeles , and Las Vegas , still looking to expand. While Tommaso Mazzanti’s efforts are definitely commendable to the point that they have received media attention from the likes of Business Insider and The New Yorker and having some of the best reviews on TripAdvisor , it still left me wondering: Are these sandwiches as good as they say, or is it all hype?

On the Ground

Having heard about this phenomenon I took the opportunity to go while visiting Florence . I asked some local acquaintances I had made what they thought and heard mainly two things: “Overvalued” and “Expensive.” I expected to get these responses, especially from people who lived in Florence, a city that attracts thousands of visitors every year, and it is not unusual for locals to be wary of places that attract such a large number of tourists. It was also, admittedly, a rather limited group. With this in mind, I was still committed to finding out for myself.

I headed to the site of their original business and the three immediate additions. It was fairly busy for 7 pm on a Sunday night. The line took about five minutes luckily, as in peak seasons and times it can take up to an hour. I was surprised to see that the sandwiches averaged from 7 to 11 Euros, while menus from two years back had shown some as low as five. Still, the atmosphere was fun and lively, with people speaking all sorts of languages and dialects ordering their own schiacciata sandwiches.

The people working there also bantered with each other and the clients while quickly moving them along to get their order and sit down or move on. On my way out I heard some people speaking English, and they were kind enough to answer some of my questions. While they hadn’t started eating yet, I did ask them where they’d heard about the sandwiches; they shared that it had been their tour guide.

I ordered La Paradiso , consisting of “ Mortadella , pistachio cream and stracciatella and chopped pistachios.” It cost a total of 10 Euros and I received a behemoth of a sandwich. The mortadella and pistachio cream poked out between the slices of bread. I took my first bite, not knowing what to expect...It was alright.

The flavor was overflowing with an obscene amount of each ingredient pushed between the slices. It made sense why it was 10 euros, because they put as much as they could. While it definitely packed a punch, that didn’t necessarily make it tasty. By the time I was done I was definitely full, and also left with an overpowering and nauseating aftertaste of ingredients I usually enjoyed.

But, I also noticed that everybody around me was eating their sandwiches, and without complaint. They were taking pictures, talking with their friends, or walking off into the nearby historical sights after throwing away the leftover red-lettered Antico Vinaio wrapping paper. They definitely seemed satisfied.

Maybe I chose the wrong sandwich  

Maybe my sense of taste is broken, but I didn’t find the sandwich’s taste special or even above average. Still, what they lacked in taste they definitely made up in originality. Regardless of my opinion, All'Antico Vinaio has been extremely successful in what they’ve set out to do. They sell to hundreds of thousands of customers, a substantial amount who give this establishment great reviews and promotion through their own social media.

Maybe it is the effect of the modern world, that instead of being united by taste, I, along with many others, are tied together by the fact that we indeed went to All’Antico Vinaio, and can say we’ve had one of their famed sandwiches. While I wouldn’t be hasty to give the place a Michelin star, it is foolhardy to ignore or discredit the efforts they’ve gone through for their success.

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All the music and mayhem of Country Thunder Arizona 2024 from Diamond Rio to Jelly Roll

Country Thunder Arizona returned for a rowdy and raucus 2024 run.

The festival kicked off at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence on Thursday, April 11, with electric line dancing, RV bottlenecks and a fiery headlining performance by Lainey Wilson . On Friday night, Eric Church treated fans to a hit-filled set that ended with a "Springsteen" singalong.

Jelly Roll took the crowd to church on Saturday night with an inspiring set and Koe Wetzel closed out the massive festival on Sunday evening.

Here's a look back at all the fun the festival brought to town. For more from the scene, check our Instagram and TikTok . Don't miss our roundup of Country Thunder highs and lows , too.

Koe Wetzel turned up to close out Country Thunder 2024

Koe Wetzel opened his performance by rushing out onto the stage with his acoustic guitar, donning a Canadian tuxedo and a Bass Pro Shops hat.

The large audience looked on in awe as the drums and bass vibrated through the whole festival as Wetzel performed his song “Creeps” from the 2022 album “Hell Paso."

“Let’s turn this (expletive) up just a little bit huh,” Wetzel said.

Wetzel and his four other guitarists smiled as they genuinely rocked out and enjoyed themselves — walking across the stage, jumping onto speakers and head-banging.

“Happy April everybody,” the country rock singer said before performing “April Showers” from the same album.

Smoke filled the air as colorful strobe lights of blue, purple and red filled the sky.

“Sundy or Mundy” from Wetzel’s 2020 album “Sellout” brought a little bit of Texas to Arizona as the fun continued on into the final moments of Country Thunder Arizona 2024.

— Dina Kaur

Randy Houser rocks 'How Country Feels'

Randy Houser brought out a solid rock jam session to Country Thunder as the sun went down.

Houser and his band know their way around a guitar or two, as evidenced by the solos in “No Good Place To Cry.”

He introduced the crowd to a new song titled “Taking Our Country Back,” which is coming out soon. He said the classic-sounding country song was inspired by missing more traditional-sounding country music.

Before going into “Like a Cowboy,” he mentioned how he shot the music video for the 2014 song off his album “How Country Feels” in Tucson. He added the crowd-pleasing song “How Country Feels” off that same album and fans were screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs while Houser was interacting with the crowd and had a smile on his face.

He threw his guitar pick out into the audience which he dropped and laughed at himself for.

Diamond Rio brought the hits (and romance)

Diamond Rio started their set with “Unbelievable” off the 1998 album of the same name. The Grammy Award-winning country band that's been around for more than three decades got the crowd much more excited than any of the previous acts, as a lot more people gathered to witness the group sing or snap a picture of them.

Lead singer Marty Roe had no problem hitting those low notes, making it seem effortless and the songs light and airy. A violin was brought out for performances of “Norma Jean Riley” and “Nowhere Bound.” As cigarette smoke  filled the air, fans yelled “yee-haw.”

The band brought the romance to performances of “Imagine That” and “One More Day,” which had couples slow dancing, kissing and holding each other as they listened on.

“We know we got great country fans in this part of the world …  we are blessed to have so many great hits, what a great problem, so we are going to try to get through all of them,” Roe said.

Jake Worthington brought a down-and-dirty Texas vibe

Jake Worthington came out looking like a real, authentic country star with a black cowboy hat and shades, acoustic guitar, flowing hair and blue jeans.

He kicked things off with “How Do You Honky Tonk” off his 2017 album “Hell of a Highway,” his hoarse voice a stark contrast to Alexandra Kay’s sweet country twang, shifting the tone to a more down-and-dirty vibe. He went on to perform “State You Left Me In” off his self-titled 2023 album.

Worthington asked the crowd if they were excited for Diamond Rio, Randy Houser and Koe Wetzel. That was met with cheers.

“A lot of them come from Texas and so do we,” Worthington said. “You mind if I play a little something that sounds like where I came from? All right.”

He went into “Ain’t Got You To Hold." His set suited the crowd's line dancing and drinking as anticipation built.

Alexandra Kay revs up the Sunday crowd: 'Let's go'

Alexandra Kay’s delightful country twang was the perfect way to start off the last day of Country Thunder. Donning rose-colored glasses, long blonde hair and white cowboy boots, her smile brightened up the crowd.

“Koe (Wetzel)’s not coming out till later so I’m here to warm y’all up,” Kay said. “Part of my job is to get you drinking nice and early and dancing nice and early. So let’s go.”

Kay released her debut album “All I’ve Ever Known” in October 2023 and performed songs including the title track and “She Stayed.” Her angelic voice got the crowd swaying, as light drum playing and soft guitar added to her set.

“What a long catwalk, wow, Jelly must’ve been outta breath as hell walking this last night,” Kay said before heading into covers of “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” by Shania Twain and Tim McGraw's “Something Like That," which got the whole crowd singing.

Sunday afternoon traffic in Florence was a breeze

Heading into the final day of Country Thunder Arizona, if you arrived early enough before headliner Koe Wetzel , you didn't hit much traffic at all. Things seemed to be running a lot smoother, as staff kept the lines moving and seemed to have the swing of things.

The sun was still scorching like every day this weekend, but a cool breeze provided some relief. The festival grounds remained calm as fans rolled in decked out in cowboy boots and hats , with some opting for pants in preparation for the cooler evening.

Many had their lawn chairs out and were hanging around, grabbing drinks and chatting, as they waited for Alexandra Kay to kick the day off.

Country Thunder Arizona 2024 Sunday lineup and schedule

Country Thunder Arizona will wrap up its 2024 festival with five main-stage headliners. The concert bowl opens at 1 p.m. Here’s the schedule:

• 2:30 p.m. - Alexandra Kay
• 4 p.m. - Jake Worthington
• 5:30 p.m. - Diamond Rio
• 7 p.m. - Randy Houser
• 9 p.m. - Koe Wetzel

— Ed Masley

What’s the forecast for Country Thunder Arizona's last day?

It’s set to be gorgeous on Sunday for the final day of Country Thunder Arizona 2024. The forecast is for a high of 86, with lots of sun and breezes of 10 to 20 mph. (Of course, you’ve got your hat; just don’t forget your sunscreen.) Skies are expected to be clear at night, with an expected temp of 68 degrees and just a slight breeze when Koe Wetzel is scheduled to headline at 9 p.m.

— Jill Cassidy

Jelly Roll: 'I've been dreaming of playing Country Thunder, y'all'

Jelly Roll drew a huge crowd for the weekend's most anticipated set, taking the stage with arms outstretched to thunderous applause, and launched into "Halfway to Hell," the anthem that opens his first full-blown country album, 2023's "Whitsitt Chapel."

"I've been dreaming of playing Country Thunder, y'all," he shouted, grinning ear to ear, before following through with "The Lost."

'I believe!' Jelly Roll took Country Thunder Arizona to church in inspiring set

Live from Florence: Every song Jelly Roll played at Country Thunder AZ 2024

Riding the lightning with TikTok star Warren Zeiders

Warren Zeiders got internet famous fast on TikTok, posting cover songs at first and then going viral with his own song, “Ride the Lightning.”

Chances are, the first thing people noticed was that voice of his. It’s like a force of nature, a point made abundantly clear by the end of "Up to No Good," his opening song at Country Thunder, where it felt like he was going for a new world record as he powered through the held note on the final chorus, letting it ring out for what felt like a longer eternity than most.

He did the same thing later, at the end of “Painkiller,” and it was even more impressive that time.

But Zeider’s voice is also an uncommonly expressive instrument, the perfect vehicle for ballads as emotional as “Weeping Willow” (sent out to “the ladies” with a smile after losing his shades) or “Pretty Little Poison,” a heartbreaking hit he called “the hardest song I ever had to write.”

A lot of artists would have held their first chart-topping country single back and played it last, and maybe Zeiders will eventually.

But he followed “Pretty Little Poison” with three more songs, ending the night with his viral TikTok hit after getting in touch with his cover-song roots with a mash-up of Alice in Chains and Metallica.

Big personality serves Priscilla Block well

Like Avery Anna, a singer from Flagstaff who turned in one of Thursday’s strongest daytime sets, Priscilla Block owes her success to TikTok, where her breakthrough single, “Just About Over You,” went viral during the pandemic shutdown.

She’s a natural entertainer, an effervescent personality who welcomed the crowd to her performance with “I know it’s early but y’all ready to go off the deep end?”

This is Country Thunder, Priscilla. These people are ready to go off the deep end at 8 in the morning.

“Off the Deep End,” a song about “shuttin’ down Broadway, going too hard,” was the first in a seemingly endless supply of drinking songs, from “My Bar” to “Hey Jack,” “You, Me & Whiskey” and “Fake Names,” a song about adopting alter egos to blame when you’re getting especially wasted.

She slipped some heartache in there too, from “Like a Boy” to a heartfelt cover of the Riley Green song, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”

But there’s a reason she goes hard on the party songs.

As Block herself summed up her sense of showmanship, “I have a really big, loud, obnoxious personality.”

Dallas Smith still comfortable rocking country

There’s a heavy alternative-rock side to country as Dallas Smith plays it.

He comes by it honestly, though, having risen to fame as a member of post-grunge alternative-rockers Default, a Chad Kroeger discovery, before hitching his wagon to country with the aptly titled "Jumped Right In” in 2012.

Five albums deep into his country years, Smith came out rocking an Alice In Chains shirt from the ‘90s to lead his bandmates in a loud and heavy “Wastin’ Gas,” his first of 11 songs to top the Canadian country airplay charts.

Smith definitely has the voice for country, as evidenced by what he brought to “If It Gets You Where You Wanna Go,” “Fixer Upper” and the Hardy collaboration “Some Things Never Change” in particular.

But he sounded just as comfortable covering the Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” without a hint of country in his voice.

Lauren Watkins deserves chance to shine on her own

Nashville native Lauren Watkins never should’ve had to follow Emily Ann Roberts on the main stage of a major country music festival on her first trip to Arizona.

She’s clearly got the talent and the songs to carve out a respectable career in her hometown.

“He’s sleeping in her bed and I’m sleeping in my makeup” is a brilliant line. And there’s an emotional weight to her best work that’s undeniable, from “Shirley Temple” to “Jealous of Jane.”

But Watkins doesn’t have the polish or the made-for-TV presence to follow a singer who’s already made it through the star-making machinery of “The Voice” and toured arenas with Blake Shelton.

She’s got her own gifts, to be sure. But those gifts would’ve had a chance to shine a whole lot brighter if the order of those sets had been reversed.

Line up for free line dancing lessons

If you're looking to learn to line dance like they do in Nashville, Mesa-based Nomads Studio is hosting partner line dancing classes for free in the Electric Thunder tent at various times throughout the weekend.

Whether you have a partner or not, head over to the Electric Thunder tent to get partnered up with another solo attendee and learn to dance while making some new friends and good memories.

— Meredith G. White

Guest entertainer provides hypnotic fun

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience during the festival, guest entertainer Joshua Seth will be hypnotizing people all weekend long.

During the demonstration, Seth had 11 volunteers come up to the small stage and perform a series of hypnosis tricks — everything from convincing the volunteers in a state of deep sleep that they were freezing to death in subzero temperatures to world-class musicians to giggling uncontrollably. Or, I guess, completely controlled by Seth.

'Country as cornbread,' Emily Ann Roberts gets Saturday off to a sassy start

Saturday at Country Thunder Arizona got off to a very entertaining start with the irrepressibly charming Emily Ann Roberts, a hard-twanging singer from east Tennessee who shot to stardom in 2015 as a member of Team Blake on NBC’s “The Voice.” 

She’s fresh off an arena tour with Shelton that played Desert Diamond Arena in March and is about to drop a new deluxe edition of her latest album, “Can’t Hide Country,” on Friday. 

Roberts explained with a smile that she titled the album in reference to her heavy Knoxville twang and more than once said her music was “country as cornbread,” which it was. 

She even had a fiddle in the band, setting the tone for her performance with the upbeat old-school country of “He Set Her Off” and covering Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn before bringing her set to a spirited close with an ode to the simple life with “a bow and a fiddle” called "Whole Lotta Little.”

Here are the priciest and cheapest foods we spotted at Country Thunder 

It’s no secret that your wallet is going to hurt a little when you go to a festival. One of the major contributors is food costs. Here are three of the most expensive food items for sale at Country Thunder Arizona 2024:

• Half a rack of smoked ribs from Texas BBQ for $28. 
• Curly fries topped with pulled pork or brisket from Texas BBQ for $25. 
• Carne asada fries from Flaco's or a lobster baked potato, fries or roll from Lobster Shack for $24. 

If you want to spend more on merch and less on munchies, here are three of the least expensive menu items we saw: 

• Roasted corn on a stick from Stizzy's for $8.50. 
• Jalapeño cheese curds from Carne Cafe or a plain ice cream cone from Ice Cream and More for $9. 
• Baked potato from The American Cafe or three tacos of your choice from Carne Cafe for $12. 

Buddies since the '90s, they reunited at Country Thunder

Walking around the campgrounds, you'll see a lot of out of state license plates. While most are right outside of Arizona's borders, there was one that particularly caught my eye: Washington. 

Four men in their late 50s and early 60s are camped around a laptop screen watching the Dallas Stars hockey game against the St. Louis Blues. 

Michael Donneo, Chris Deane, Tom Jones and Michael Derksen traveled from Dallas, San Diego, Seattle and Calgary for a little reunion at Country Thunder Arizona. 

To prove their commitment, the four amigos even got matching Dallas Stars tattoos to commemorate how they met in Dallas working on a big construction project in the '90s. 

While a couple of them are more rock 'n roll fans than country, they all reunited here for a special weekend of sitting around the campground, catching up, reminiscing and listening to some live music. 

If drinking isn’t your thing, maybe the Hippie Chicks booth is

For their first year at Country Thunder, the Hippie Chicks are selling THC and CBD gummies, ice cream and liquid kratom shots ranging from $10-$15.

The inspiration for the Scottsdale company came to owner Mike Halsam four years ago. As a chiropractor, he saw a lot of older female patients who were scared to try marijuana. They were nervous to go to a dispensary; they didn’t know what to get or how much to take.

“So our goal was to try and make that process easier,” Halsam said. “We found women who are in the cannabis industry or use cannabis on a regular basis and we tell their story on the back of this box. All the women on our packaging are real people.”

The women featured on the boxes explain why they like each strain and the effect it had on them.

Country Thunder is an ideal place to day drink 

If you’re planning to drink the day away, Country Thunder Arizona has you covered. There are tons of options, including booths giving out free samples of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, BeatBox and 3 Amigos Tequila.

The Beer Hall has $9 cocktails, 24-ounce cans for $18 and 12- and 16-ounce beers from $9. Cocktail options include the Cowboy Quencher made with 3 Amigos Tequila, Fresca and lime, and the Rhinestone Cowgirl with Cutwater Vodka and cranberry.

One of the bars even has a mobile pickup option.

Country Thunder Arizona 2024 Saturday lineup

The concert bowl opens at 1 p.m. Saturday. Here's the main stage schedule:

• 2 p.m. — Emily Ann Roberts
• 3:30 p.m. — Lauren Watkins
• 5 p.m. — Dallas Smith
• 6:30 p.m. — Priscilla Block
• 8 p.m. — Warren Zeiders
• 10 p.m. — Jelly Roll

Eric Church takes the main stage

The party people came in from the campgrounds as the time approached for Friday’s main event — a headlining set by Eric Church, a Country Thunder Arizona regular who hadn’t played the festival since 2021.

And Church’s entrance did not disappoint — a haunting verse of “The Outsiders” with Church accompanying himself on electric guitar as the members of his backing band strolled out to join him, kicking in at full intensity for maximum effect.

We’ll have a full review of Church’s set on Saturday morning.

A picture-perfect sunset on Day 2 of Country Thunder

As the sun is setting, Country Thunder provides the picture-perfect background for golden hour.

Three cousins ― Mara Manera, Kayden Hughes and Brooklyn Buck ― traveled from Colorado to attend Country Thunder Arizona. They aren't there just for fun — it's business, too. They are running a clothing booth at the festival for Pinque Boutique, a family business in Grand Junction, Colorado, that's owned by Hughes’ aunt.

“She was inspired because she won Miss Colorado 2008, so she just fell in love with fashion and creating clothes, so that’s her inspiration behind Pinque,” Hughes said.

Adorned in bedazzled pink, white and purple outfits with fringe and white cowboy boots, the women took photos in front of the rides as the sun set. It was picture perfect.

Paul Cauthen did his own thing

As statements of purpose go, you’d be hard pressed to top Paul Cauthen opening his set at Country Thunder Arizona with “Country as (Expletive),” especially considering how rarely Cauthen’s music ventures into territory one might commonly associate with country.

That opening song, for example, was closer in spirit to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ brand of funk-rap (if the Peppers had been more experimental). Much of what he did was as rooted in hip-hop, alternative rock and funk as anything remotely country.

Not that anybody seemed to mind.

The Country Thunder crowd was in his corner from the time he sauntered out to join his bandmates on “Country as (Expletive)” through the funky alternative rap of “Caught Me At a Good Time” to a deeply emotional solo acoustic rendition of “Country Coming’ Down,” which Cauthen followed with a heartfelt cover of the Righteous Brothers’  “Unchained Melody.”

He may not be the only country outlier at this year’s festival, but he was easily the most consistently unusual act we’ve seen so far. That’s what made it such an entertaining highlight of the weekend. He’s got his own thing going on.

New Songwriters Showcase gets up close and personal with performers

Alana Springsteen was joined by three other songwriters ― Will Weatherly, Benjy Davis and Ryan Beaver ― at the Songwriters Showcase, an intimate session with each artist playing their acoustic guitars and taking turns signing a song of their choice.

“This is a songwriter round so we like to tell stories while we sing these songs,” Springsteen said.She opted to perform “You Don’t Deserve a Country Song” and “Feel Good,” a song coming out later this year on her sophomore album.

Nate Smith leans into his country side

A bearded longhair in a “Desperado” ball cap, Nate Smith led his bandmates in a set that owed as much to modern rock as country. And the gritty twang in his voice felt right at home on the songs that played more to his rock side, from the raspier moments of “Sleeve,” which Smith said was his favorite song he’s ever written, to the throat-shredding cover of “My Hero,” a Foo Fighters song that had plenty of people in cowboy hats shouting along. 

But there’s a reason Smith has sent two singles — “Whiskey on You” and the set-closing “World on Fire,” which may have outrocked the Foo Fighters song — to No. 1 on Billboard’s country airplay charts. 

It’s not that those song are especially country. It’s that he feels more country than he sounds. And when he plays more to his country side, it’s undeniable. That country came through loud and clear on “Here’s to Hometowns,” an old-school country ballad where he sets the tone with “Here’s to Sundays where folks still go to church” and name-checks Brooks and Dunn. 

The iHeart Radio stage gets no love

A talented Jacob Morris played the iHeart Radio stage located near Electric Thunder, but the handful of people lingering around acted as if he wasn’t performing at all. The music was great, but the vibe was heartbreaking and made me wish the organizers did a better job promoting this stage and smaller artists.

Randall King took fans to church

Randall King is the real deal, a true believer in the church of country music whose heroes have always been cowboys. He spoke with conviction about country music coming from the heart, which certainly appeared to be the case for King, especially on highlights as heartfelt as “You in a Honky Tonk” or “I Could Be The Rain,” a set-closing triumph that ended in his bandmates jamming out on “Purple Rain” as King was signing autographs.

An Oasis in hot and dusty Florence — for VIPs only

For lucky festivalgoers with platinum tickets who are looking to cool down after line dancing and singalongs, the Oasis is a hidden gem. Featuring picnic benches, couches, chandeliers and fake grass to make it seem like you’re in an actual oasis in the middle of the desert, the space hosts the Culinary Sköl food truck, a bar, massage therapy, photo opportunities against a Country Thunder sign and actual bathrooms. Not port-a-potties; real toilets. But the best part has to be the pups. The Coconino Humane Association brought along some dogs you can pet and interact with.

Forget a T-shirt ― real fans get Country Thunder tattoos

Some fans would rather rock bling or body art to commemorate their time at Country Thunder and The Enchanted Dragon is there to serve. Based out of Tucson, piercer Lia Dylan said the shop is offering piercings for about $40 and tattoos starting at $80. They normally get super busy as soon as the sun goes down, though they're open from the time the gates open and until they close. She said it's their fifth year at Country Thunder Arizona. While tattoo options include cowboy hats and mermaids, the most popular choice is a bull skull tattoo in honor of Country Thunder’s logo.

The Bellamy Brothers kick it old school

The Bellamy Brothers were the weekend’s first nostalgia act. And they made a strong case for throwing it back in the course a well-received set on Friday afternoon.

They made their way through a number of their greatest hits along the way to the singles they managed to run up the pop charts in the ‘70s, like “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me” and the absolutely timeless “Let Your Love Flow,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976.

After dusting off the ‘80s hit “When I’m Away From You,” David Bellamy said, “Glad you remember some of them old hits,” setting up his brother for the punchline.

“Good thing,” Howard joked. “‘Cause that’s the only kind we got.”

Alana Springsteen makes her Country Thunder debut

Alana Springsteen was the first act of the day on a lineup topped by Eric Church, a man whose greatest hits include a song called “Springsteen.”

I was hoping for a joke or two about it. But alas, all we got was a perfectly solid performance from a clearly talented young woman who should have no trouble working her way up the Country Thunder food chain.

She’s got the voice, she’s got the songs and she certainly looks the part, working the stage in a leather miniskirt and matching top while singing from behind a pair of aviator shades that never left her face.

This is Springsteen’s first time playing Country Thunder Arizona and she clearly made the most of it, treating a crowd that numbered in the dozens to a set whose highlights ranged from the Pixies-esque guitars of “Twenty Something” to “Different Kinda Country,” one of two songs she played after sending her bandmates away for an unplugged mini-set.

And she’s enjoying the scenery. As she told us, “We got off the plane and I saw my first cactus."

No one seems to know what's going on

If you’re coming to Country Thunder for the first time, do not expect to have an easy time navigating the parking or entry. Of 15 or so employees I encountered, none had festival maps or any idea where newly arriving guests should go. Be prepared for chaos and disorganization upon arrival.

No hat? No problem

Forgot your hat? No worries. Country Thunder Arizona vendors seem to have it all, including artist and Country Thunder branded memorabilia and merchandise, along with a selection of artisan accessories, cowboy and trucker hats.

— Tiffany Acosta

The campground is party central

At Country Thunder, the true heart of the party lies not within the main stage area, but in the sprawling expanse of the campgrounds. Amidst a sea of RVs, the festival spirit ignites a vibrant tableau. Every direction leads to revelry, from impromptu gatherings around lawn chairs to spirited games of beer pong. The air pulses with the beat of loud music, drawing dancers into spontaneous displays of uninhibited celebration. Festival-goers mingle and swap stories throughout the day and night. The campground is a world where the party never ends.

Friday's lineup at Country Thunder Arizona 2024

The concert bowl opens at 1 p.m. Here's the Friday schedule:

• 2 p.m. — Alana Springsteen
• 3:30 p.m. — The Bellamy Brothers
• 5 p.m. — Randall King
• 6:30 p.m. — Nate Smith
• 8 p.m. — Paul Cauthen
• 10 p.m. — Eric Church

'You'd better hold my beer': Lainey Wilson owned the Country Thunder stage

Lainey Wilson, 1st female headliner since 2014, takes the stage

Lainey Wilson took the stage at Canyon Moon Ranch Thursday as the first headlining artist of the four-day weekend and the first female artist to headline Country Thunder Arizona since Miranda Lambert did the honors in 2014.

And she was every bit the Entertainer of the Year Award the Country Music Association would have you believe in her gold lame vest and matching bell bottoms, setting the tone for performance with a rowdy “Hold My Halo” giving way to an equally raucous rendition of “Hillbilly Hippie.”

We’ll have a full review of Wilson’s headlining performance bright and early Friday morning.

Flatland Cavalry rocks with conviction to spare

Flatland Cavalry felt especially mellow coming out of Stephen Wilson Jr., who brought his speaker-melting set to an electrifying climax with the aptly titled “Holler From the Holler” after covering Nirvana. But sometimes going in the opposite direction with conviction is its own reward.

Flatland Cavalry even went unplugged at one point, with guitar-playing vocalist Cleto Cordero and fiddle ace Wesley Hall sending their bandmates away for a cover of George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property.” Then Hall left the stage to Cordero, who turned in a beautiful reading of “Sleeping Alone,” which built to a breathtaking finish with Hall and guitarist Reid Dillon rejoining him.

Their entire set played to the strength of their material and musicianship (especially Hall and Dillon, whose slide-guitar work did exactly what a slide guitar should do). They had the audience singing along to “Country Is What Country Means to You,” Cordero’s good-natured flipping of the bird at the people who think he’s not country enough. They turned in a beautifully bittersweet cover of the Fleetwood Mac song “Landslide” after tipping a hat to Toby Keith with a spirited romp through “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

And when they finally let it all out on “The Provider,” it rocked with conviction to spare.

Flashback: Country Thunder Arizona's '90s origin story and the stars that made it shine

Line dancing is all the ‘rave’ at Electric Thunder

As you wander through the festival grounds, your attention might be captivated by a massive blue and red carnival tent looming in the distance. Upon entering Electric Thunder, you're engulfed in a whirlwind of cowboy fervor.

The atmosphere is electric, with neon lights illuminating the dance floor as country beats fill the air.

However, this isn't your typical rave scene. Get in line — literally — as line dancing commands the dance floor in synchronized harmony. Don’t know how to dance? No worries, just follow the crowd.

Stephen Wilson Jr. does not disappoint with his alt-country twang

As Stephen Wilson Jr. was about to take the stage, we were advised that “he calls himself Death Cab for Country,” a reference to indie-rock’s Death Cab for Cutie. There were definitely textures going on that would have felt right at home on an indie-rock record, with Wilson squeezing cinematic, U2-worthy soundscapes from a classical guitar so weathered, Willie Nelson might have thrown it out.

But it still felt like country music at its core, from the lived-in Southern Indiana twang of Wilson’s vocals to the hill country stomp of the drums and the more bluegrass-flavored touches Wilson brought to his guitar work.

It even felt country when Wilson and his bandmates, including two brothers from Yuma (Jonny and Scotty Murray), turned up the distortion on the suitably Nirvana-esque, Kurt Cobain-referencing “Year to Be Young 1994,” which opened and closed on a Nirvana riff. They followed that one with an actual Nirvana cover, “Something in the Way,” which was, as promised, “dancier” than the original.

Wilson is an enigmatic presence who bared his soul about losing his father and told the day’s goofiest joke while tuning his guitar. “My wife calls me Tuny Soprano,” he said “I prefer Antunio Banderas. But who am I to choose my own nickname?”

Bohemian, cowboy attire reigns supreme

Country Thunder is not just a music festival; it's a fashion show in its own right, where cowboy attire reigns supreme.

Mixing elements of bohemian chic reminiscent of Coachella with rugged yet adorable cowboy aesthetics makes for its unique style. But men, please wear a shirt. We know it’s hot, but no need to show off your dad bods and muscles.

If you're not donning cowboy boots and hats, you might feel out of place amidst the sea of denim, plaid and fringe. The event's fashion scene embraces the fusion of laid-back boho vibes with the timeless charm of cowboy culture and lots of short shorts.

Flagstaff TikTok sensation rocks main stage

Not many artists playing Country Thunder Arizona’s main stage can legitimately point to someone in the audience and tell the crowd “Guys, this is, like, a teacher from my high school.”

But TikTok breakout Avery Anna is from Arizona, as she told us several times during Thursday’s set.

She even mentioned her teacher by name before the set was through, clearly thrilled to be rocking a festival crowd that included a familiar face from high school.

Anna’s mom was also in attendance. They’re from Flagstaff.

After “Just Cause I Love You,” the ballad that made her an overnight TikTok sensation, Anna said she recorded the song in the bathtub at her mother’s house in Flagstaff during COVID, moving to Nashville when the song went viral.

What works on TiKTok may not always translate to the real world, but Anna made the leap without a hitch in a crowd-pleasing set that included the day’s second cover of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”

$25 for loaded fries? Fair favorites break the bank

Country Thunder's food scene is a feast of fair favorites. From Piggly’s Barbecue with its smoked turkey legs, ribs, and BBQ nachos to the classic indulgence of funnel cakes and curly fries, there's something to satisfy every craving.

And with the sweltering 90-degree weather, nothing beats the refreshing relief of ice cream and snow cones. For those craving other savory options, Joe's Chicken offers chicken sandwiches and pitas, while Flaco's serves up mouthwatering tacos and elotes.

Of course, like any music festival, indulging in these culinary delights may require breaking the bank.

“Does this look like a plate that cost 25 dollars? These loaded fries are not worth 25 dollars,” said Destry Maes. But for many, it's all part of the experience.

Miss Arizona USA takes in Halle Kearns' Swift vibes

We caught up with Miss Arizona USA, Candace Kanavel , and Sean McShea, shortly after they took in a crowd-pleasing cover of Taylor Swift’s “Love Song” by Halle Kearns, who introduced it by telling us “This woman raised me.” Kearns was Thursday’s second act to take the stage at Country Thunder Arizona.

Kanavel told us she’d be onstage later dressed as a cop. We’ll keep you posted.

Kyle McKearney sets the mood on Day 1

Kyle McKearney got the party started, treating an afternoon crowd that may have numbered in the dozens to a set that put the focus squarely on his talents as a singer and a songwriter.

McKearney’s latest album, “A Traveler's Lament,” won Alternative Country Album of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards. His sound is only so alternative, though. Not that it would have mattered on a Country Thunder lineup topped by country music outliers, from Jelly Roll to a Sunday headliner whose singles get more airplay on rock radio.

Highlights ranged from an original about how he “might as well get stoned” to a Dylanesque talking country-blues and a gritty reinvention of the Eagles song “Heartache Tonight.” McKearney and his bandmates also slipped snippets of songs by Led Zeppelin and Queen into a rocker about how an “ol’ rock ‘n’ roll song will get me through the day.”

RVs, pickups make for a parking nightmare

Ready yourself, because navigating parking at Country Thunder is proving to be a nightmare. It’s not for the weak!

Circling the lot five times just to secure a spot can be frustrating, especially when the area lacks designated parking spaces. The presence of RVs and big trucks further compounds the issue by consuming parking space.

Country Thunder weather forecast: Load up on sunscreen

The weather forecast is looking hot, hot, hot in Florence, so bring your hat and load up on sunscreen.

Thursday's high is forecast to be 93 degrees, with a low of 59. More of the same on Friday, with a forecast high of 92 degrees and low of 57. Saturday will see daytime temperatures around 88 degrees and nighttime lows of 54.

Temps should drop a bit on Sunday, with a high of 82 and a low of 49, so pack layers for the evening.

There will be sun all weekend long, according to The Weather Channel .

Thursday's lineup at Country Thunder Arizona 2024

The concert bowl opens at 1 p.m. Here's the Thursday schedule:

• 2 p.m. — Kyle McKearney
• 3:30 p.m. — Halle Kearns
• 5 p.m. — Avery Anna
• 6:30 p.m. — Stephen Wilson Jr.
• 8 p.m. — Flatland Cavalry
• 10 p.m. — Lainey Wilson

Heavy traffic, detours expected on Day 1

No matter which music festival you attend, traffic is an inevitable companion — and Country Thunder is no exception.

With ongoing construction at the State Route 287/79B intersection in Florence, camper traffic from the west will face detours, causing delays and congestion. Whether traveling from Casa Grande or Coolidge, drivers will be redirected through North Valley Farms Road and East Cactus Forest Road, eventually joining SR 79.

Even at the junction of Cactus Forest Road and SR 79, law enforcement will regulate traffic, slowing down speeds and potentially causing further delays. As a result, all other travelers should anticipate traffic congestion on SR 79 in both directions into Florence.

How to get to Country Thunder in Florence, AZ

With over 8,000 campsites at Canyon Moon Ranch, many fans will spend the entire weekend at Country Thunder. The rest of the estimated 20,000 fans will be traveling the two-lane highway between the festival and U.S. 60.

If you're looking to avoid the traffic hassle , arrive early. Live music starts at 2 p.m. the first three days and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Traffic tends to intensify between 6 and 7 p.m., and the heaviest traffic is expected Saturday evening for Jelly Roll. Pay for your parking in advance and have your ticket ready when you pull up.

To stay informed, sign up for Country Thunder emergency text alerts by messaging CT2024 TO 65513.

GUIDE: When to see the partial solar eclipse in South Carolina

by Courtney Rowles

Here's a guide to help you prepare for the 2024 Solar Eclipse spectacle happening on Monday.

WHEN TO SEE THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN SOUTH CAROLINA?

While Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas are not in the path of totality, NASA Ambassador Tony Rice said part of the rare total eclipse will be visible.

For Carolinians, the solar show starts just before 2 p.m. with a partial eclipse, and will then peak around 3:10 p.m.

Below is a breakdown from the National Weather Service in Charleston of peak timing for Lowcountry and Coastal Empire viewers:

Charleston:

• Begins: 1:53 p.m.
• Peaks: 3:10 p.m.
• Ends: 4:24 p.m.
• Begins: 1:50 p.m.
• Peaks: 3:07 p.m.
• Ends: 4:22 p.m.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

The eclipse from the moment the moon begins to block the sun in Eagle Pass, Texas, begins at approx. 12:10 p.m. CDT. It will take three and a half hours before the moon exits the sun's path in Houlton, Maine, at 4:40 p.m. EDT.

The total solar eclipse event (totality) where the moon perfectly blocks the sun, lasts anywhere from a minute to almost five minutes, depending on where it is viewed from.

ECLIPSE'S PATH OF TOTALITY

The path of darkness is usually less than 150 miles wide, but will be a long and narrow path that will dash into the country. In the U.S., it will cross Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic.

ABC15 SPECIAL: Total solar eclipse as it moves across the U.S. | WATCH LIVE

TIME OF SUN'S DISAPPEARING ACT

The path of totality will enter Texas at 1:27 p.m. local time. It'll reach Maine at 3:35 p.m. local time before it moves out to sea.

RELATED: Solar Eclipse: Guide to safely see the April celestial phenomenon in Myrtle Beach

PREPARE TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE SAFELY

You will need to protect your eyes with proper eye protection to view the total solar eclipse. "Eclipse glasses" or handheld solar viewers, which are thousands of times darker than sunglasses, are advised to use to watch a partial solar eclipse or the partial phases of a total eclipse.

According to NASA, it is never safe to look directly at a partially or uneclipsed Sun without proper eye protection. Only during the brief moments of totality during a total solar eclipse can you look directly at a solar eclipse without eye protection.

For those wanting a closer look, experts advise placing a safe solar filter on the front of a telescope, binoculars, or camera. The filter will protect optics from the Sun's intense heat and light.

After a safe eclipse viewing, send in your solar eclipse pictures to ABC15's ChimeIn !