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A Day Trip to Florence + Interactive Map
- Truvhana
- Feb 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 16
When in Rome, the city’s vibrant history, stunning architecture, and cultural treasures are enough to captivate anyone. However, if you’re staying for more than five days, taking a day trip to Florence is a must. Just a short train ride away, Florence is the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and offers a refreshing change of pace with its timeless beauty and charm.
Quick Guide
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Getting to Florence
Travelling to Florence is straightforward and convenient. High-speed trains from Rome’s Termini Station to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station take about 1.5 hours. Opting for Italo, we enjoyed a scenic ride through the Italian countryside, with rolling hills, picturesque villages, and rows of vineyards painting a beautiful backdrop. The journey itself is part of the experience, setting the tone for a day of discovery.
Keep your camera handy—this journey offers a snapshot of Tuscany’s iconic beauty. Relax and enjoy the views as you prepare for a day filled with exploration.
Getting around Florence
Florence is incredibly walkable, making it one of the most enjoyable cities to explore on foot. We got to every spot on this list simply by walking, which allowed us to fully soak in the beauty of its streets, architecture, and charming corners. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the cobblestones with ease.
Morning: Piazza del Duomo & Galleria dell’Accademia
Start your day in Florence with a visit to the Piazza del Duomo the heart of the city and home to the iconic Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore). This breathtaking masterpiece features intricate Gothic architecture and Brunelleschi’s famous dome. You can admire the exterior, visit the Baptistery of St. John, or even climb the dome for panoramic views of the city. Absolutely stunning!
From there, we headed to Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David. Seeing this masterpiece in person is an unforgettable experience, as its size, intricate details, and emotional impact leave a lasting impression. The gallery also houses other remarkable Renaissance works, but David remains the highlight.
Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. The museum is busiest at midday, so heading here early will give you a quieter and more enriching experience.
Mid-Morning: Leather Souvenirs & Shopping
After exploring some of Michelangelo’s finest works, make time for shopping. Florence is renowned for its high-quality leather goods, and this is the perfect opportunity to bring home something timeless. From bags to wallets, belts to jackets, the craftsmanship is second to none.
Explore the charming streets around the gallery for boutique shops offering exquisite leather pieces. Shopping early in the day not only gives you the pick of the best items but also lets you stroll through quieter streets. With a bit of browsing, you’re sure to find a piece that will remind you of Florence every time you use it.
Lunch: Authentic Tuscan Flavours
For lunch, indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at Matto Matto Pizzeria Grill Ristorante, a charming restaurant nestled on Florence’s cobblestone streets. Located adjacent to Osteria Il Basilico, both eateries deliver exceptional dining experiences.
We recommend trying the seafood pasta, which is fresh, rich, and bursting with flavour, or the pizza, specifically the Margherita pizza, a crispy and cheesy delight. At around €6 per pizza, the price is unbeatable for the quality. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to experience authentic Italian flavours without breaking the bank. These dishes capture the essence of Tuscan cooking and are sure to be a highlight of your day.
Afternoon: Cannolis & Perfume
No trip to Florence is complete without sampling cannoli. Head to Carabè Firenze, a delightful spot known for its traditional cannoli. These sweet treats are light, creamy, and perfectly balanced—an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Next, immerse yourself in history at the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy (Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella), the world’s oldest perfumery established in 1221. This historic site offers a range of products, from perfumes to soaps and skincare, all crafted using centuries-old recipes. Even if you’re not a perfume enthusiast, the setting itself is worth a visit.
Evening: Capturing the moment with Foto Automatica
Florence has this way of making you want to freeze every moment. We found one of the Foto Automatica booths scattered around the city and decided to give it a try. These booths have a charming, vintage appeal, but be prepared for a little quirkiness. The booth we visited was a bit janky and took a while to reset after the previous use. In fact, we had to wait about 10 minutes as the couple ahead of us finished their session.
When it was finally our turn, we weren’t entirely sure how to use it, which added to the fun. The photos came out a little imperfect—but that’s part of the charm! It’s all about creating memories, and this experience was definitely one for the books. The black-and-white photo strips now serve as a unique and nostalgic reminder of our day in Florence. It’s a simple yet memorable way to capture your Florence adventure.
As the sun set, we reluctantly made our way back to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station for the train ride back to Rome. The trains run late into the evening, giving you plenty of time to soak in Florence’s magic.
Tuscan Escape: Half-Day Winery Tours
If exploring Florence’s streets and galleries doesn’t fully capture your vibe, consider taking a half-day trip to the Tuscan countryside. Just a short drive from Florence, you can embark on a winery tour that offers not only picturesque vineyard views but also tastings of Tuscan wines and traditional treats. Many tours include a leisurely lunch featuring local delicacies, paired with a selection of fine wines. It’s a delightful way to experience the flavours and landscapes that make Tuscany famous.
Florence Interactive Map
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
Florence is a treasure trove of history, art, and culinary delights. To ensure a seamless day trip, keep these tips in mind:
Book Tickets in Advance: Save time and avoid long queues by reserving your train and attraction tickets ahead of time.
Pack Light: A small backpack is ideal for carrying essentials.
Comfort Matters: Wear sturdy shoes to navigate Florence’s cobblestone streets with ease.
Savour Every Moment: Take time to enjoy the scenic train ride and the city’s unique charm.
With its captivating art, high-quality leather goods, delicious cuisine, and historic streets, Florence offers an unforgettable day trip experience. Whether it’s a bite of cannoli, a glimpse of David, or a polaroid from Foto Automatica, the memories you make here will stay with you forever.
Just reading makes me want to take another trip
A wonderful read!