Rain features heavily on the wintertime forecast in Florence, Italy, but when the sun finally comes out, what is there to do? Join the locals and head outdoors when the sun is shining and blend in with the Florentines who definitely know how to make the most of great weather. Here’s five great ways to celebrate spring in the city:
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.
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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.
Florence Tour Guide
Sara Pallabazzer
I am a lively well-spoken tour guide and tour leader from Florence, and a person who has the ability to motivate different sets of audience; to communicate effectively and possesses a high degree of energy and enthusiasm.I am able to manage multiple tasks, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. I am proficient in Italian, English and Norwegian and possess a strong love for art and culture and enjoy passing on this passion for our land to my guests in an exciting and educational manner which will leave them not only with a lasting memory of the country that they have visited but also of myself and the company I am working for.Come with me and explore the best Florence has to offer. From world class museums and galleries to famous sites such as Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and the Palazzo Vecchio! I will ensure guests get the most out of their visit. I can show off Florence and Tuscany's hidden treasures such as narrow medieval street, hidden gardens, unique shops, and the quirky details that make a tour memorable while discovering Florence's past, present and future.I am very adaptable and flexible with guests' interests and taking into account any special events or the weather. With me as a private guide, guests will have the time to fully experience Florence - stopping to take the perfect photo or popping into one of the shops, cafes or pubs.I am also an enthusiastic well-spoken language teacher who has the ability to motivate different student ranges and a freelance translator for English and Scandinavian languages! I have a great passion for art and cooking, and consider cooking to be a high art form, so I suggest how to pair food and wine, while also looking for the right setting, as eating should be an all-around experience. I love cooking and make my own pasta, bread and pizza!
Tours by Sara
Florence Tour Guide
Joanna
Hello, my name is Joanna. I was born and raised in Poland but then I fell hopelessly in love with Tuscany and have been living in Florence for 20 years. Wisely enough, I decided to turn my passion into work and became a tour guide. Now I can share with you my immense love for the beauty, history and art of these enchanted places. I am particularly passionate about the Middle Ages, history, sculpture, nature and sports. In my spare time, I travel, read, go to concerts, play sports and do a lot of hiking. I work mainly in Florence and Siena but I love going to Lucca, less known Tuscan beauty and Pisa. I can also organize a food tour, a wine tasting or a day trip in Tuscany.
Tours by Joanna
Florence Tour Guide
Irina Willmer
Florence Tour Guide
Dina
Florence Tour Guide
Francesca Boldrini
Linguist specializing in art history. I am a licensed tour guide with natural communicating skills and a big passion for Tuscany andRinascimento. I speak five languages: Russian at B2 TRKI level, German at B1 level, English, Italian and French at the mother tongue level.I’ve got a great problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure gained thanks to my experience in hospitality. I Believe in thepower of creativity. I offer tourists a unique, memorable experience involving them in what is going on around them. I love leading visitorsthrough sites of historical and cultural interest sharing my passions for history of art, especially the period of Renaissance. Optimistic andopen-minded and meeting diverse people from all over the world, I have got a real genuine interest for Guest satisfaction.
Tours by Francesca
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.
Further afield
Once you’ve enjoyed the colors, sights, and flavors of spring in Florence, take advantage of the great weather to explore more of Tuscany. Public transportation can easily connect you to neighboring Tuscan towns of Fiesole, Lucca, Pisa, and Siena where you can taste more wine, enjoy beautiful gardens, and take in historic sights set amidst rolling hills.
History
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