Top 5 Outdoor Activities To Enjoy Spring In Florence, Italy

1) Bike

Florence is a really lovely city to bike through, as you can cover a lot of ground in a shorter period of time. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike; the city recently introduced a bike sharing program called Mobike, which is affordable and super convenient since you only pay a small fee and you can drop off the bikes practically anywhere. Download the app, then hop on one of the bright orange bikes and pedal your way up to the scenic Piazza Michelangelo or escape the crowds by heading out of town to the nearby suburb of Bango a Ripoli for a taste of leisurely Italian lifestyles.

2) Gardens

The gardens in Florence burst into beautiful colors come springtime, with the yellows of daffodils, purples and blues of irises, and pinks and reds of fragrant roses. To enjoy an abundance of vibrant blooms coupled with great views, visit the Giardino delle Rose and the Giardino dell’Iris. Both of these gardens offer free entry, but do be sure to check the opening hours and dates online before planning a visit as entry dates and times vary.

Though you must pay for entry, the Bardini Gardens (10.50 EUR / 13 USD for adult entry) is definitely worth seeing with its beautiful English garden and wisteria lined paths. The popular Boboli Gardens (~10 EUR / 13 USD for adult entry) are also a sight to behold with its beautiful statues scattered about carefully landscaped grounds. The Boboli Gardens is especially nice to visit before the heat of the summer hits Florence.

3) Eat and drink outdoors

With Tuscany world famous for its wines and Italy as a whole well-known for its coffee culture, it would practically be a crime to come to Florence without enjoying these beverages—especially outside when the weather is nice. In the spring, you can enjoy pop-up outdoor eateries, such as Moe 5 and Mo Lo, along either side of the Arno River. If these pop-ups have yet to open during your visit, don’t dismay because numerous other cafes and restaurants, particularly those in tourist-heavy parts of the city, offer outdoor dining year-round.

4) Sightsee

Visiting Florence in April, May, and June allow you to beat the summer crowds and extreme heat of July and the closure of many establishments in August for the typical Italian summer holiday. The glorious spring weather also lets you take advantage of sightseeing in the city without getting heatstroke. Be sure to marvel at the Santa Maria del Fiore (the Florence Cathedral), wave to David at the Accademia Gallery, get lost in the Uffizi Gallery, and learn about the Medici family’s role in the city at the Basilica di San Lorenzo.

5) Boating on the Arno

Now, you’ve viewed the city at ground level and from above, so how about seeing Florence from below while boating on the Arno? Boating on the Arno is a great way to avoid the extensive crowds that are always on the famous Ponte Vecchio.