Florence, Italy, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and fall is the perfect time to visit. The crowds have thinned out, the weather is cooler, and the city is alive with autumnal colors. We’ve packed together a list of things to see and do to make the most of your trip and guide you to Fall Fun in Florence!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we have a list of things to do in Florence in the fall that will make your trip unforgettable!
Ciao, traveler! One of the best things to do in Florence in the fall is to explore the city’s historic center. It is extremely easy to get around Florence and walking around the city center is like stepping back in time, with churches, statues, palazzi, alleys, and markets everywhere.
We recommend taking a stroll along the Arno River to admire the stunning Renaissance architecture and artwork in the city’s famous galleries and museums. Or, wander the streets and enjoy the vibrant fall foliage that blankets the city this time of year!
If you’re looking for a romantic couples getaway, we have put together the Most Romantic Places in Italy for Couples to help you plan.
And, if you’re a foodie like us, Florence is the place to be in the fall! The city is known for its delicious cuisine, and fall is the perfect time to indulge.
Sample some of the city’s famous dishes, such as ribollita, a hearty soup made with bread and vegetables, or bistecca alla Fiorentina, a succulent grilled steak. And, of course, don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of Chianti, one of the region’s most famous wines.
Why Visit Florence in Fall
If you’re planning a trip to Florence, Italy, even though spring and summer are popular times, we believe fall is one of the best times to experience this beautiful city.
Perfect Time of Year
The weather in Florence in the fall season is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s (Fahrenheit) during the day and cooler temperatures at night. This makes it perfect weather for exploring the city on foot without getting too hot or too cold.
Beautiful Scenery
The beautiful scenery is one of the best things about visiting Florence in the fall. The leaves on the trees in the parks, avenues, and city streets change colors, creating a stunning backdrop for your visit. The glistening reflections in the Arno River are also a sight you must experience to believe!
Fewer Crowds
Another advantage of visiting Florence in the fall is that there are fewer crowds. While the city is always popular with tourists, it tends to be less crowded in the fall than in the summer months. This means you can explore the city’s many attractions without having to fight your way through crowds of people.
Best Time for Foodies
If you’re a foodie, fall is the perfect time to visit Florence. The food you find in Florence is incredible any time of year, but it does have some fall favorites!
The four most popular fall-season foods (ingredients) in Florence are porcini mushrooms, a highly prized delicacy in Italy, and they are especially abundant in the fall. Chestnuts which you’ll find roasted, ground into flour, or used to make a variety of desserts. Truffles, the most expensive mushroom in the world, and also one of the most prized ingredients in Italian cuisine and of course, olive oil. The fall harvest is a special time of year for olive oil producers. Buon appetito!
Early October Festivities
You’re in luck if you plan a trip to Florence in early October. This is when the city celebrates the Fiera di San Luca, a traditional fair that dates back to the 13th century. The fair features rides, games, and plenty of food and drink, making it a fun event for visitors of all ages.
Exploring the Historic Center
One of the best things you can do in Florence in the Fall is explore the Historic Center. There are many incredible sights to see, and places to visit that will give you a true sense of the history and culture of this beautiful city. Here are some of our favorite top attractions you should put on your travel bucket list:
Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is the main attraction in Florence’s Historic Center. This square is home to the Florence Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
You can climb to the top of the cathedral’s dome for stunning views of the city. The square also features the Baptistery of St. John and Giotto’s Campanile, which are both worth a visit.
Florence Cathedral
The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is a must-see attraction in Florence. The cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details make it one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
We highly recommend the guided tour (it includes your entry ticket) to make the most of this experience. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes, artwork, and the tomb of Brunelleschi, the architect who designed the dome.
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is a historic square that has been the center of political life in Florence for centuries. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio, which was once the seat of government in Florence. Today, the square is home to many outdoor sculptures and art installations, making it a great place to relax and take in the sights.
Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is a historic building in Florence that was once the seat of government in the city. Today, the building is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Florence.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful artwork, intricate frescoes, and stunning architecture. The museum’s highlight is the Salone dei Cinquecento, a massive hall once used for political meetings and events. There is so much to see and learn about the history of this building that we highly recommend the guided tour.
Exploring the Historic Center of Florence is a must-do activity when visiting the city in the fall. With its historic buildings, iconic landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Historic Center is a true gem of Florence.
Famous Museums and Galleries
If you’re a fan of art and history, Florence is the perfect destination no matter what time of year. The city is home to some of the most famous art museums and galleries in the world. Here are our three must-visit museums to add to your itinerary:
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It is home to an incredible collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum is located in a beautiful building that was once home to the Medici family. With over 50 rooms filled with art, you could easily spend an entire day exploring the Uffizi Gallery.
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is another must-visit museum in Florence. This museum is home to Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, David. The statue is 17 feet tall and considered one of the greatest works of art ever created. In addition to David, the Accademia Gallery also has a collection of other Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.
Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti is a massive palace located in the heart of Florence. It was once the home of the powerful Medici family and is now home to several museums and galleries. The palace has a vast collection of Renaissance art, including works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens. The Palazzo Pitti also has a beautiful garden that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to these famous museums and galleries. Whether you’re a fan of Renaissance art or just appreciate beautiful works of art, you’re sure to be impressed by what you find in these museums.
Tasting Local Delicacies
We love Florence in the Fall, and it is also a perfect time of year to indulge in the local cuisine! Fall is the perfect time to try out the city’s hearty dishes. The cool weather makes it ideal for savoring warm meals, and the abundance of seasonal ingredients means you’ll get to taste the freshest produce.
One dish that you absolutely cannot miss out on is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This is a thick, juicy steak that is cooked to perfection. It’s made from the Chianina breed of cattle, which is native to Tuscany. The meat is seasoned with just salt and pepper and grilled over an open flame. It’s typically served with roasted potatoes and a glass of red wine.
Speaking of wine…Florence is home to some of the best vineyards in Italy. You can take a wine-tasting tour and sample some of the finest wines in the region. A glass of Chianti is a must-try, as it’s made from the Sangiovese grape that is grown in the Chianti region of Tuscany.
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, head to the Mercato Centrale. This indoor market is a foodie’s paradise, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses. You can grab a quick bite to eat or stock up on ingredients to cook your own meal.
For an unforgettable experience, you’ll only get while in Florence, consider a pasta-making class! You’ll learn to make different pasta shells, such as ravioli, tagliatelle, and spaghetti, and take home your creations…along with a bottle of wine!
No matter where you choose to dine, savor every bite. The food in Florence is made with love and care, and each dish tells a story of the city’s rich culinary history. Indulge – you won’t regret it!
Day Trips from Florence
Florence is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer. But if you want to explore more of Tuscany, there are several great day trips you can take from Florence. Here are what we’ve found to be three of the best:
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a group of five small towns on the Ligurian coast. The towns are known for their colorful houses, stunning views, and hiking trails. The easiest way to get to Cinque Terre from Florence is by train. The journey takes about two and a half hours, and the train stops in each of the five towns. You can spend the day walking between the towns, swimming in the sea, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Noteworthy! Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre region. It has no car traffic and remains one of the truest fishing villages on the Italian Riviera.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a small town in the heart of Tuscany. It is known for its medieval architecture, including 14 towers that date back to the 13th century. The town is also famous for its wine, especially Vernaccia di San Gimignano. You can take a day trip from Florence to San Gimignano by car or bus. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and you can spend the day exploring the town, visiting wineries, and enjoying the local food.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. It is located in the city of Pisa, which is about an hour away from Florence by train. The tower was built in the 12th century and began to lean during its construction due to soft ground.
You can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the surrounding area. While you’re in Pisa, you can also visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery of St. John.
Overall, taking a day trip from Florence to a small town or the surrounding area is a great way to experience more of Tuscany. Whether you want to hike along the coast, taste local wine, or see a famous landmark, there is a day trip that will suit your interests.
Be sure to read our full Day Trips from Florence post for even more day trip ideas from this beautiful city!
Unique Experiences in Florence
Florence is a city that has something for everyone, from art and history to food and wine. However, there are some unique experiences that you should not miss when visiting Florence. Here are some of our favorites!
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous landmarks in Florence, and it is a must-see attraction when visiting. This bridge is unique because it is lined with shops that sell gold and jewelry, and it offers some of the best views of the Arno River. In the fall, the bridge is less crowded, making it a perfect time to walk across it and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are a hidden gem in Florence that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. These gardens are located behind the Pitti Palace and offer breathtaking views of the city. In the fall, the gardens are less crowded, which makes it a perfect time to explore the various paths and admire the beautiful foliage.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a square located on a hill and offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence. You’re even able to see the Arno River and the Duomo. In the fall, the square is much less crowded, which makes it a perfect time to watch the sunset and listen to live music!
San Miniato al Monte
San Miniato al Monte is a church on a hill that offers stunning views of Florence. This church is unique because it is made of white and green marble and is considered one of Tuscany’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. In the fall, the church is less crowded, making it a perfect time to admire the beautiful architecture and the rose garden surrounding it.
Florence has so much to offer, and these unique experiences are just a few of the many things you can do when visiting the city in the fall. Whether you are interested in art, history, food or want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, Florence has something for everyone.
Shopping in Florence
Florence is a shopper’s paradise, and the fall is the perfect time to indulge in retail therapy! From local markets to high-end boutiques, Florence has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places you should shop in Florence this fall.
San Lorenzo Market
If you’re looking for a local market experience, then San Lorenzo Market is the place to be. Located in the heart of Florence, this market is a bargain lover’s paradise. You can find everything from fresh produce to leather goods at San Lorenzo Market. Don’t forget to haggle with the vendors to get the best deals.
Leather Goods
Florence is known for its high-quality leather goods, and you can find some of the best leather products in the world here. From jackets to bags to shoes, Florence has it all. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, then a leather product is a great option. Make sure to visit the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) to see how leather products are made.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Florence
Here are some tips and tricks we’re passing along to make your fall trip to Florence more enjoyable:
Best Ways to Explore Florence
The best way to explore Florence is on foot. The historic center of Florence is pretty compact, so everything can be reached in 20 minutes or less. During all the time you spend in Florence, you won’t need to use a bus unless you are heading outside of the city. You can also rent a bike to explore the city, but be aware that some streets in the city center are pedestrian-only.
Be sure to pack good walking shoes for your travels. You can see a list of our favorite travel shoes here.
Guided Tours
If you want to learn more about the city’s history and art, you can take a guided tour. There are many different types of tours available, including walking tours, bike tours, and food tours. A guided tour can help you get a better understanding of the city and its culture.
Time Slots and Ticket Offices
To avoid long lines, it’s best to book your tickets in advance. You can book tickets online or at the ticket office. Some of the most popular attractions in Florence, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, have timed entry tickets. This means that you have to choose a specific time slot to visit the attraction. Be sure to arrive on time for your time slot, as you may not be allowed to enter if you are late.
Train Station
If you are arriving in Florence by train, you will arrive at the Santa Maria Novella train station. From there, you can take a taxi, a bus, or walk to your hotel. If you are staying in the city center, it’s usually a short walk from the train station.
Short Walks
One of the best things about Florence is that you can see many of the city’s attractions on a short walk. Some of the most popular attractions, such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, are located in the city center. You can easily walk to these attractions from your hotel. There are ample options for hotels of any budget in the city center!
Long Lines
During peak season, notoriously long lines plague many of Florence’s must-see sights. To avoid long lines, it’s best to book your tickets in advance and arrive early. If you don’t want to book tickets in advance, consider visiting the attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lines are shorter.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your trip to Florence and have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful city.
If you’re considering an extended stay in Italy, which we highly recommend if you’re able, we have a few articles to help you plan your best trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun fall activities to do in Florence?
Florence is a beautiful city to explore during the fall season. You can take a leisurely stroll through the Boboli Gardens or visit the Piazza della Signoria to see the changing colors of the leaves. You can also take a bike ride along the Arno River or go on a wine tour in the Chianti region.
What are the best places to see fall foliage in Florence?
Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Florence are the Boboli Gardens, Fiesole, and the Piazzale Michelangelo. These locations offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
What are some must-see sights in Florence during the fall?
Florence is home to many beautiful sights that are worth visiting during the fall season. Some of the must-see sights include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. You can also take a walk through the Oltrarno neighborhood to see some of the city’s hidden gems.
What are some of the best local restaurants to try in Florence in the fall?
Florence is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of great restaurants to try during the fall season. Some of the best local restaurants to try include Trattoria Sostanza, Osteria Santo Spirito, and Trattoria Mario. Be sure to try some of the seasonal specialties, like chestnut soup and wild boar stew.
What are some tips for packing for a trip to Florence in October?
When packing for a trip to Florence in October, it’s important to bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable. You’ll want to pack a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts, a light jacket, and a scarf. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as there is a lot of walking to be done in Florence.
What are some unique events or festivals happening in Florence during October?
One of the unique events happening in Florence during October is the Fiera di San Luca, which is a traditional fair that takes place in the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. The fair features food, games, and rides. Another event to check out is the Florence Biennale, which is an international contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years.