Florence is an Italian city that hardly needs an introduction. Famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has had an outsized impact on the history not only of Italy but of the entire world. It was here that some of history’s most famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo practiced their trade, and the city remains one of the best destinations in the world for art lovers. Plus, thanks to its legacy of historic buildings, Florence is also an ideal location for architecture and photography fans.
The modern city of Florence also offers exceptional food, great shopping opportunities, and just about everything else you need to enjoy an incredible holiday. In fact, there’s so much to see and do in Florence that it’s easy to spend all your time in the city enjoying what it has to offer.
But that could be a mistake. Florence is the capital of Tuscany, one of Italy’s most legendary regions, and there’s much more to explore beyond the city itself.
Drop off your bags in a luggage storage locker at Florence train station, and you can travel light as you explore the rest of what this magical region has to offer. Bring your camera and a sense of adventure, and you’ll discover there’s much more to love about this region of Italy than just its beautiful capital.
Pisa
Thanks to its famous Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of the most famous and iconic cities not just in Italy, but in the whole world. And it’s incredibly easy to reach by train from Florence. Really, it’s tough to visit Tuscany and not get at least a couple of photos of this world-famous building, and because you can reach Pisa from Florence in just one hour by train, there is no excuse not to pop in and see the tower for yourself.
Plus, there’s much more to this city than just its tower. Pisa is known for its charming medieval streets that are the ideal place to wander, grab a drink or a bite to eat, and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll also find some excellent museums and cultural attractions in this town, so it makes the perfect place for a change of scenery while visiting Florence.
San Gimignano
This medieval hill town is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and it’s just a short train ride from Florence. The city is known for its stunning towers that date back to the 12th century, when they were built as symbols of power by the rich families who lived here. There are 14 of these towers still standing today, and you can climb to the top of many of them for incredible views over the Tuscan countryside.
San Gimignano is also home to some excellent restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine, as well as a number of art galleries and museums. If you’re looking for a place to relax and recharge while still enjoying some of the best sights Tuscany offers, this is the perfect spot.
Siena
If you’re a fan of horse racing, then you’ll definitely want to add Siena to your list of places to visit while in Florence. This city is home to the Palio di Siena, an annual event where 10 different horses race around the city’s central square. But even if you’re not interested in horse racing, Siena makes for a great day trip from Florence, thanks to its beautiful medieval streets and magnificent cathedral.
Make sure to try some of the excellent food on offer here, too, as Siena is known for dishes like ribollita (a hearty Tuscan soup) and panforte (a type of fruitcake).
Rome
From the capital of Tuscany to the capital of Italy. A high-speed train can take you from Florence to Rome in around an hour and a half, and with everything there is to see in Rome, there’s really no reason not to. The Eternal City has been one of the world’s most important locations for thousands of years, and Rome combines cutting-edge modernity with ancient ruins, mind-blowing art, and exceptional food to make it one of the world’s great holiday destinations.
You could spend a lifetime in Rome and never get bored of everything there is to do. In fact, a day isn’t nearly enough to really get to grips with everything there is to do here. Once you’ve seen it for yourself, chances are you’ll want to come back again and again.
Perugia
If you’re looking for a place to really get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Perugia is the perfect day trip from Florence. This charming town is located in the Umbria region of Italy, and it’s known for its slow pace of life and tranquil atmosphere.
That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to do here, though. Perugia has a number of excellent museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. Check out the Priori Palace first. The medieval building houses local art spanning from the 13th century. Additionally, the cathedral has stunning frescoes and other Renaissance paintings.
You can also sample some delicious food in one of the many excellent restaurants here or simply wander the streets and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Bologna
Bologna is another excellent day trip option from Florence. This city is known for its delicious food, which includes dishes like tortellini (a type of pasta) and ragù (a meat-based sauce). Bologna is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the 12th-century Basilica di San Petronio, as well as a lively student population that gives the city a great atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a place to eat well and enjoy some of Italy’s best sights, then Bologna should definitely be on your list.
Milan
Last but not least, Milan is another excellent option for a day trip from Florence. This city is known for its high-end fashion, design, and many historical landmarks. Some of the most famous sights in Milan include the Duomo (Milan’s cathedral), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (a glass-roofed shopping arcade), and the Teatro alla Scala (one of the world’s most famous opera houses).
Whether you’re interested in fashion, art, or simply want to enjoy some of Italy’s finest food and wine, Milan is a top day trip destination. And with trains running frequently between Florence and Milan, it’s easy to get here too.
Conclusion
Florence has lots to see and do, no matter what you’re into. But don’t let that distract you from how much there is to do just a short train ride away from the city. Drop off your luggage at Florence train station and explore some of these destinations, and you’ll come away with some great memories of your Italian journey.
