Though there’s a ton to see and do in Florence, it’s great to keep in mind its proximity to other wonderful Italian cities. Because of its convenient central location, Florence is a great home base if you’d like to explore central and northern Italy during your stay. Luckily, many beautiful cities are at your fingertips if you’re staying in Italy, which are all typically accessible by train and/or bus. Here are some of the best day trips from Florence to consider!
Hey, we sell tours too!
We’re all about giving you free content to prepare for your trip. We’re also all about meeting you once you get to Italy and showing your our favorite sites. Make sure you check out our best Florence tours to make sure you carve out time to see Florence’s main sites and attractions.
Florence to Chianti
You might know already that not so far from Florence, in the countryside, there’s a region called Chianti where the best wine is produced. This magical Tuscan region is known for its vineyards, nature, good wine and food. Wander in the tiny streets and get lost or even enjoy a perfect pasta plate while drinking the best Italian wine. To visit Chianti, get on a train from the Santa Maria Novella station or a bus in the city center that will lead you there or, if you look for perfection, check out our Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence with Farm to Table Lunch.
Florence to Rome
Why don’t add another Italian city to your tour? Rome is only two hours away from Florence by train, which you can catch at the Santa Maria Novella station and that will lead you to the Roma Termini train station, basically in the center. Once there, you might enjoy a daily trip take will easily include all the Roman milestones such as the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna and the Pantheon. All those special places are at a very affordable walking distance and you might even dazzle your trip with a special lunch in a typical Roman Osteria in the city center.
Florence to Venice
In Santa Maria Novella train station, you might find several trains, that, in few hours, can transport you to the most romantic Italian city. Once there, you might enjoy a trip on the gondola and be amazed by the history and the beauty of the city or opt for a walk in Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge and the very well-known Grand Canal. Experience the best of Venice in a Day with us if you’re trying to fit all of the city’s magic in before returning back to Florence. Don’t forget to taste the Venetian drinking specialty, the Spritz!
Florence to Pisa
Even closer to all the other Italian cities, Pisa might be included in your trip if you are staying in Florence. In one hour or so by train, you will land in this small town defined by rich history. There, you have to visit the famous St. Mark’s Bell Tower and you will be ridiculously close to all the main attractions such as the Baptistery, the Duomo and even a very famous Keith Haring graffiti. Aside from the attractions, enjoy the city itself and walk in the city center comprised of tiny streets and square. Sit down for a good and tasty lunch in the small restaurants that you will find. Want us to show you around? Check out our Private Pisa Day Trip.
Florence to Siena
At a very affordable price, and in one hour, you can make to Siena, a small town in the Tuscany countryside. What you absolutely have to visit once there is the very famous Piazza del Campo and the Duomo as well as the Pubblico Palace with its Mangia Tower. If you are willing to go there in the summertime, don’t miss the chance to explore the famous Siena Palio, the horse ride that the whole city attends. In Siena, other from the perfect wine, you should taste the ham and cheese plates and experience aperitivo as a real Italian!
Florence to Bologna
In 30 minutes or so by train from Florence, you will reach Bologna, one of central Italy’s gems. You can easily visit its tiny center in one day. Start from the astonishing Piazza Grande. Then, you might want to continue by checking out the San Petronio Basilica and the Santo Stefano area, where all the main churches are located. In between visits anyway, don’t forget to sit down and taste the city’s special plate, the delicious tortellini pasta.
Florence to Lucca
From the Florence train station, you might reach the city in one hour or so and start to discover this special place. In Lucca, don’t miss the chance to visit the Guinigi tower and the San Frediano Church. Of course, your Lucca visit is not complete without exploring the Saint Martin Cathedral and the breathtaking Villa Reale di Marlia. The town can even offer you plenty of tiny restaurants or osterie where you might have the chance to taste some of the best Tuscan products.
Florence to Milan
If you are in the mood for some fashion, you might consider a trip to Milan from Florence. By train, from the Santa Maria Novella station, you can land in Milan in less than two hours and be right in the city center. Once there, you absolutely have to take a look at the well-known Duomo and the Montenapoleone street, where you could enjoy some shopping. Not so far from the Duomo, you might find the Palazzo Sforzesco, a special location surrounded by a magical park. In Milan, you can’t miss the chance to have a proper aperitivo on a terrace.
I Want More Italy!
- If you want us to arrange the entertainment in Florence (and beyond!), contact our Trip Planning Team to coordinate an unforgettable Italian experience.
- Check out our YouTube video and step-by-step guide about how to do Florence in a Day. If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our Florence tours.
- Not sure where to stay in Florence? Read this guide!
- Follow our adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.
- Looking for awesome tips for cities all over Europe? Check out The Tour Guy Travel Blog!
