Best Day Trips from Florence
Florence is a stunning Renaissance city brimming with historic buildings, monuments and churches. It is considered to be Europe’s centre of culture containing numerous works of art from many famous artists but the surrounding cities are not lagging behind in terms of beauty and cultural heritage. We bring you a list of eleven breathtaking places only a short distance away from Florence.
Pisa
Pisa is a beautiful city located in the region of Tuscany in Italy, on the banks of the River Arno. It is most famous for its Leaning Tower, but the whole city centre is overflowing with numerous historic buildings, squares, churches and monuments, so there’s plenty to see.
What to see and do
The most important thing to do in Pisa is, of course, to take a picture in front of the Leaning Tower. Next to the tower, you will notice the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta decorated with beautiful ornaments and in front of it is a Fountain with Angels. Only a short walking distance from the tower is the Piazza dei Cavalieri, a historic square with Medici statue, surrounded by numerous important historic buildings such as Palazzo della Carovana, Palazzo della Canonica, Palazzo dell’Orologio and Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici. Two minutes walk south from the square and you will find yourself on the bank of the River Arno. Take a walk along the Ponte di Mezzo and don’t forget to bring your camera because you will want to capture this magnificent scenery.
Where to eat
Gusto Giusto is a restaurant with a wide selection of Italian dishes; the portions are large and the prices are cheap.
Branzo is a restaurant offering Italian and Mediterranian cuisine with a modern twist; they also have gluten-free options.
For a quick bite we recommend going to I Porci Comodi or L’Ostellino to try some of the best sandwiches or salami and cheese plates accompanied by a nice glass of wine.
How to get from Florence to Pisa
The road distance between Florence and Pisa is around 82 kilometers. The cheapest way to get there is by bus. The buses depart approximately every 30 minutes and operate every day. Travel time is around 1 hour.
Siena
Siena is a small lively city with a population of approximately 53,700. The city centre is packed with numerous historical landmarks and it is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Moreover, the famous Piazza del Campo is so popular that it made it to the list of the most popular Instagram locations in Italy. In addition, the city’s most famous event, the Palio di Siena horse race, takes place here twice a year (July 2 and August 16).
What to see and do
The historic centre of Siena is well-preserved so wandering around its alleyways feels like being in a fairy tale. Piazza del Campo is the main square with a beautifully ornamented Gaia Fountain and it is surrounded by many historical buildings such as the Palazzo Pubblico with the Tower of Mangia providing the best panoramic views of the city, Museo Civico, Rinnovati Theater, Palazzo Chigi Zondadari and the Museo della Tortura. The Siena Cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, housing the Biblioteca Piccolomini covered in astonishing frescoes by Pinturicchio.
Where to eat
La Taverna di San Giuseppe is a restaurant located in the city centre; the ambience is very romantic and the food is delicious.
Osteria degli Svitati is a restaurant offering Italian and Mediterranian cuisine, the portions are large and the prices are moderate.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to La Piccola Ciaccineria for some fresh, tasty pizza.
How to get from Florence to Siena
The road distance between Florence and Siena is around 72 kilometers. The best ways to travel are by bus or by train. Both buses and trains operate every day and depart almost every hour. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is an area containing five villages, located in the region of Liguria in the northwest of Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The coastline and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, it is impossible to visit more than one village in a day, but if you have more than a day to visit, it is definitely worth exploring Cinque Terre a bit more because they have a lot to offer.
What to see and do
Monterosso al mare is a village divided in two parts: the old village and the modern village (Fegina). The old village has remains of fortifications with three defensive towers, built to protect the village from the pirate attacks. Fegina is famous for its long pebble beach and the huge statue of Neptune. Other than good wine, Monterosso is also known for its lemon trees and anchovies.
Vernazza has one main street, Via Roma, that connects the seaside piazzetta (Piazza Marconi) with the railway station. The street is brimming with cozy cafes, craft shops and wine bars. For the best panoramic views of the village visit Doria Castle.
Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access. To get to the village from the bus station, you must climb a stairway of 382 steps, or take a shuttle bus. Taking the stairway might leave you breathless, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. The village is full of narrow alleys filled with colorful houses and try some of the local specialties such as gelato al basilico.
Manarola is teeming with historical places such as Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV, Oratorio dei Disciplinati, Church of San Lorenzo and the old watermill. One of the newer attractions is Mario Andreoli’s lighted outdoor nativity scene, containing 300 characters illuminated by 15,000 bulbs.
Riomaggiore is the largest village of the five. The most famous attraction is the medieval castle built to protect the village from the pirate attacks. Piazza Vignaioli is the centre of the village, connected to the high part of Riomaggiore by Via Colombo, the village’s main street, brimming with eateries, bars and shops.
Where to eat
Whichever of these five villages you choose, you won’t regret it because they all have delicious food. Every single one of these villages has at least a dozen different restaurants so you will definitely find something you like. Liguria is famous for its good food and many specialties that you must try. Some of them are: focaccia (Ligurian bread), paniccia (best described as chickpea polenta), cappon magro (best described as pyramid shaped salad), paciugo (bitter-chocolate ice cream with a mix of fruit) and pandolce (this literally means “sweet bread”, and no, it is not a cake).
How to get from Florence to Cinque Terre
To get to Cinque Terre, first you must get to La Spezia, the nearest town connected to the villages. The road distance between Florence and La Spezia is around 147 kilometers. Travel time is around 2 hours. Another option is to travel by train. They depart twice a day and operate every day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is located in the region of Tuscany, only about an hour drive from Florence. This astounding town is also known as the ‘’Medieval Manhattan’’ because of its 14 towers that dominate the skyline. The entire historic centre is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is incredibly well-preserved.
What to see and do
The beautiful historic centre is an absolute jewel. Walking down its narrow cobbled streets feels like being back in time. The centre originally had 72 stone towers and nowadays has only 14. It is possible to climb the Torre Grossa, the tallest of the remaining towers, which provides the best panoramic views of the city and the astonishing surrounding landscape that adds up to the town’s rural ambience. The centre is brimming with historic buildings, churches, museums and palaces such as Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Duomo, Torre e Casa Campatelli, Museo d’Arte Sacra, etc. In the heart of the historic city, there is the best ice cream shop of San Gimignano – Gelateria Dondoli, known worldwide for its unique and amazing flavours.
Where to eat
Besides the famous ice cream shop, San Gimignano has a lot of eateries with delicious food:
Echoes is a small place in a little alley famous for its wide selection of bruschetta but also serving other traditional dishes.
Osteria San Giovanni is a restaurant serving traditional Italian and Tuscan dishes with a modern twist.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to La Bottega, a small place serving street food and platters of cheese and salami.
How to get from Florence to San Gimignano
The road distance from Florence to San Gimignano is only about 57 kilometers but unfortunately, there are no direct buses. However, due to the very short distance between the two towns, you can rent a vespa and explore this part of Tuscany in a true Italian way! Travel time is approximately 51 minutes.
Another option is to check the bus schedule at the Florence bus station and ask for available transfers.
San Marino
San Marino is the capital of the microstate in north-central Italy, called the Republic of San Marino. The town is located on the hillside of Monte Titano and it is famous for its medieval walls and narrow cobbled streets.
What to see and do
San Marino looks like a fairy tale town and it is best known for its three towers out of which the oldest and the most famous one is Rocca Guaita, located on the peaks of Mount Titano. Castello Cesta is the second tower and it is housing the Museum of Archaic Arms which contains a large collection of historic weapons.
Piazza della Libertà is a beautiful historic square with a fountain and a statue called Statua della Libertà. The square is surrounded by many historical buildings and from late June to mid September you can see the changing of the guards that happens several times a day.
The best way to get to know the history of San Marino is to visit the State Museum of San Marino.
Shopping is another great idea because San Marino, just like many other microstates, has a low-tax policy.
Where to eat
La Terrazza is a restaurant with a romantic setting providing breathtaking views, the food is delicious and the staff is friendly.
Smaller is a restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist and it offers vegan and gluten-free options as well.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to Il Matterello. Although it is a small sandwich shop, you will be spoilt for choice.
How to get from Florence to San Marino
The road distance between Florence and San Marino is around 238 kilometers. The cheapest way to travel is by train or by bus. Both depart several times a day and operate every day. Travel time by train is approximately 2 hours, and the travel time by bus is approximately 4 hours.
Livorno
Livorno is a city in the region of Tuscany, located on the western coast of northern Italy. It is a perfect mix of the sea and the city which makes it a great destination for relaxing. It doesn’t have as many historic buildings as other towns in Tuscany, but it sure has its own charm.
What to see and do
Livorno is probably most famous for its Terrazza Mascagni, a beautiful immense terrace (observation deck) overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Acquario di Livorno is located on the Terrazza, displaying the sea life from the Mediterranean and other ocean habitats.
Nuova Venezia is the area of Livorno reminding a lot of Venice due to similar architectural techniques. It is possible to get boat tours that take you around Fortezza Nuova and down the canal underneath the Piazza della Repubblica.
Fortezza Vecchia is located in the port and inside it is a small church of San Francesco. The fortress is usually open for tours and provides great views of the city and the coastline.
Where to eat
Biancazerozero is a small place with a wide selection of ‘’pinsa’’, which is a special type of pizza. The staff is friendly and the prices are cheap.
New Lal Qila is an Indian restaurant serving large portions of food (with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options) at cheap prices.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to Torteria da Gagarin for some unique and delicious sandwiches, or if you’re craving something sweet, go to Antica Friggitoria for the best donuts in town.
How to get from Florence to Livorno
The road distance between Florence and Livorno is around 93 kilometers. The best way to travel is by train. They depart every hour and operate every day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Another option is to travel by bus. The buses depart several times per day and operate every day. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
Chianti
Chianti is a rural part of the region of Tuscany, most famous for its wine production. It mainly consists of hills and mountains and it stretches across three municipalities: Gaiole in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti.
What to see and do
The Chianti area is a perfect destination if you want to escape the busy tourist hub and enjoy some peace and quiet. All three municipalities contain numerous medieval buildings and churches and the surrounding landscape is a breathtaking combination of vineyards, olive trees and woods. The reliefs outline a stunning picture of magnificent untouched nature colored in green, blue and yellow as the fresh air clears your mind and gives you an unforgettable feeling of absolute relaxation and peace. If this sounds like something you’d like to experience, then Chianti is the best option for you.
Where to eat
Il ristoro di lamole is a restaurant with a beautiful view over the vineyards and meadows in Greve in Chianti, and serving delicious Tuscan dishes.
Taverna Squarcialupi is a restaurant located in the historic centre of Castellina di Chianti serving traditional dishes with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
L’Osteria Rifugio Del Chianti is a restaurant in Radda in Chianti serving traditional dishes, the portions are large and the prices are moderate.
How to get from Florence to Chianti
The road distance from Florence to Greve in Chianti is around 32 kilometers, to Castellina in Chianti is around 45 kilometers and to Gaiole in Chianti approximately 69 kilometers. All three places can be reached by trains and Greve in Chianti can also be reached by bus. Travel time is approximately 1-1,5 hours.
Arezzo
Arezzo is a city located in central Italy, in the region of Tuscany. It was settled by Etruscan people on a hill and that’s why the city is now split into two parts: the upper part that is predominately historic, and the lower, modern part.
What to see and do
Piazza Grande is the main square surrounded by many historic buildings such as Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici and Palazzo Lappoli.
Only a two minute walk from the Piazza Grande and you will find yourself in front of the Fortezza Medicea, a huge fort with 5 towers that provide the best panoramic views of the city.
A bit further from the fort, but in the same park, is an immense Monument of Francesco Petrarca and only a short walk away from the monument is Petrarca’s house.
The city centre is brimming with theatres and museums such as Teatro Petrarca located next to the basilica di San Francesco, Museum of Medieval and Modern Art and Museo Archeologico located next to the Roman Amphitheatre.
Where to eat
Antica Fonte is a charming restaurant offering traditional Italian and Tuscan cuisine at moderate prices.
Teorema Del Gusto is a restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes, portions are large and the prices are cheap.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to Piadineria La tua Piadina, a casual place serving Italian street food at cheap prices.
How to get from Florence to Arezzo
The road distance from Florence to Arezzo is around 78 kilometers. The best way to travel is by train. The trains depart almost every hour and operate every day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Another option is to travel by bus, but the buses don’t operate as frequently and the travel time is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a hill town in southern Tuscany, Italy. It is best known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture. The historic centre is extremely well-preserved and it was used as a shooting location for the popular movie Twilight: New Moon.
What to see and do
Piazza Grande is the main square in Montepulciano. On the square, you will notice the beautiful Palazzo Comunale. You can climb the stairs to enjoy the best panoramic views and, on a clear day, the view stretches all the way to Siena. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located next to the Palazzo and the 16th-century duomo is located on the left from the church with a beautifully ornamented well in the front. Just a short walk from the Piazza Grande and you will find yourself in front of the Church of Sant’Agostino, on the Piazza Michelozzo, with an astonishing Renaissance façade. The underground part of the city contains wine cellars, Etruscan tombs, a museum and medieval instruments used for torture. Montepulciano is famous for its red vine, Vino Nobile, produced in the nearby vineyards.
Where to eat
Pane Vino & Zucchero is a cozy place with a great atmosphere and delicious food.
La Vineria di Montepulciano is a restaurant offering a wide selection of platters of meat, cheese and croutons as well as some excellent wine.
For a quick bite we recommend going to La Casa di Edel for some street food. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable.
How to get from Florence to Montepulciano
The road distance between Florence and Montepulciano is around 112 kilometers. Unfortunately, there are no buses that go directly to Montepulciano, but there is a bus that operates once a day from Monday to Saturday and stops at the P.Ta Delle Farine via Bettolle Piazza Del Popolo which is only a 20-minute drive to Montepulciano, or a 35-minute bus drive. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Cortona
Cortona is a hilltop town in the province of Arezzo, in Tuscany, Italy. It was founded by Etruscans and later it became a Roman colony. The town contains numerous well-preserved Renaissance buildings and is surrounded by historic stone walls. Cortona also served as a setting for the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.
What to see and do
Piazza della Repubblica is the main square that was once a Roman forum. Nowadays it is a lively place with lots of craft shops, cafe bars and eateries. The main sights on the Piazza are the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the Palazzo Comunale. From the main square, you can proceed to Piazza Signorelli and there you will see the magnificent Palazzo Casali that is housing the beautiful Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona (MAEC). The museum contains an impressive collection of Etruscan, Roman and Egyptian antiquities.
If you want to wander the streets of Cortona make sure to check out Via Iannelli, a street brimming with perfectly preserved medieval houses and, when you get to the Diocesan Museum, you will notice the Cortona Cathedral. On the left side of the cathedral is a short stone wall that reveals a beautiful panoramic landscape view of the surrounding nature.
Where to eat
La Bucaccia da Romano is a charming restaurant with beautiful ambience serving traditional Italian dishes at moderate prices.
The Gozzoviglio Tavern is a small restaurant in the historic centre serving traditional Tuscan food; the portions are large and the prices are cheap.
If you’re craving something sweet, we recommend trying the best gelato in town at Gelateria Snoopy.
How to get from Florence to Cortona
The road distance between Florence and Cortona is around 108 kilometers. The best way to travel is by taking the Regionale train RE. The trains depart every hour and operate every day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Modena
Modena is a city in the region of Emilia-Romagna in the north of Italy. It has a rich culture and history, but it is also known for the manufacture of some of the most prestigious Italian sports cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.
What to see and do
The Cathedral of Modena is a great example of well-preserved Romanesque architecture and it is located on the Piazza Grande, the main square. For the best panoramic views of the city climb the Torre Ghirlandina, a bell tower sitting right next to the cathedral. Palazzo Ducale is undoubtedly one of the most impressive buildings in Modena and it is located on the Piazza Roma, a beautiful square with a stunning Monumento a Ciro Menotti in front of which is a fountain. Only a 15 minute walk from the Piazza Roma and you will find yourself in a unique museum dedicated to the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the famous Ferrari brand. The Enzo Ferrari Museum also contains two semi-professional simulators that allow you to experience what it’s like to drive a Ferrari Formula 1.
Where to eat
Trattoria Il Fantino is a restaurant serving traditional Italian and Emilian dishes; the portions are large and the prices are reasonable.
Bottega Mamma Puglia is a restaurant with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, traditional dishes and cheap prices.
For a quick bite, we recommend going to Pepa L’Arepa, a street food place serving exceptional arepas at cheap prices.
How to get from Florence to Modena
The road distance between Florence and Modena is around 131 kilometers. The cheapest way to travel is by bus, and the travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. The other option is to travel by train, they depart three times a day and operate every day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
