Category: Blog

When central Florence gets crowded, Fiesole is the ideal escape: fresh air, quiet, Etruscan and Roman ruins and one of the finest views of the city.

How do you get from Florence to Fiesole?

Take city bus line 7 from Piazza San Marco (about 15 minutes’ walk from our apartments) to Piazza Mino in Fiesole, about 20-30 minutes. A standard Florence city ticket is valid. A taxi takes about 20 minutes. Check current timetables before you go.

What to see in Fiesole?

• Archaeological area and Roman theatre: the theatre, baths and Etruscan-Roman temple, with a small museum.
• San Romolo Cathedral, on Piazza Mino.
• San Francesco convent: walk up a steep lane to the viewpoint over the whole of Florence.
• The village lanes and cafés on the square.

Can you walk back from Fiesole to Florence?

Yes: a lovely downhill walk leads from Fiesole to San Domenico along Via Vecchia Fiesolana, past villas and olive groves. From San Domenico you can catch the bus back to the centre. Some stretches are steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

When to go to Fiesole?

Late afternoon light over the city is beautiful. In summer, the Roman theatre hosts the Estate Fiesolana festival with evening concerts and shows.

Combine Fiesole with other experiences

Fiesole is one of the destinations in our day trips from Florence guide. For another panoramic view, don’t miss sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of our experiences to try in Florence.

FAQ

How long does it take from Florence to Fiesole?

About 20-30 minutes by city bus line 7 from Piazza San Marco.

What can you see in Fiesole in a few hours?

The archaeological area with the Roman theatre, San Romolo Cathedral and the San Francesco convent viewpoint.

Is Fiesole worth visiting?

Yes, for its peace and quiet, Roman and Etruscan remains and one of the best views of Florence.

Florence isn’t just the Uffizi and the Duomo: the best way to understand it is to live it. Here are 10 experiences we recommend to our guests, from the tastiest to the most romantic.

1. Take a Tuscan cooking class

Make fresh pasta, a ragù or tiramisù, then eat what you cooked: cooking classes are among the most loved experiences, great for kids too. Many include market shopping with the chef.

2. Ride a Vespa through the Chianti

Riding a Vespa among cypresses and vineyards, with winery stops, is an iconic experience. There are also vintage Fiat 500 and e-bike versions. More in our Chianti tour from Florence guide.

3. A food tour of markets and street food

Try lampredotto at historic kiosks, stuffed schiacciata, Tuscan cured meats and artisan gelato. A guided tour of the Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio takes you to the right places.

4. Visit the artisan workshops of the Oltrarno

Around Santo Spirito and San Frediano, leatherworkers, gilders, restorers and marbled-paper masters are still at work. Some workshops offer small hands-on sessions.

5. Have a drink at a “wine window”

The buchette del vino are small windows in palazzo walls once used to sell wine straight from the cellar. Some are back in use, serving wine, coffee or gelato.

6. A boat ride on the Arno

The traditional renaioli boats offer a unique view of Ponte Vecchio, especially at sunset.

7. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Free and unforgettable: the whole of Florence at sunset. Just above, San Miniato al Monte is even quieter.

8. Tuscan wine tasting in an enoteca

Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: many wine bars in the centre offer guided tastings with cured meats and cheese.

9. A bike tour along the Arno and to the Cascine

The city is small, and by bike you’ll find corners away from the crowds. Cascine Park is a few minutes from our apartments.

10. Join a Florentine tradition

In June the Calcio Storico is played in Piazza Santa Croce, with the final on 24 June, the feast of St John. Every Tuesday there’s the Cascine market.

Tips for booking experiences

• Book cooking classes and tours in advance, especially in high season.
• Choose experiences meeting in the centre: you can walk there from our apartments.
• For trips out of town read day trips from Florence.
• Last day? Leave your bags at Luggage Storage Hub and enjoy your experience worry-free.

FAQ

What is the most authentic experience in Florence?

A Tuscan cooking class with a market visit is one of the most authentic and popular experiences in Florence.

What are Florence’s wine windows?

They are small windows in Florentine palazzi once used to sell wine; some now serve wine, coffee or gelato again.

Can you do a Vespa tour from Florence?

Yes, several operators run Vespa tours in the Chianti departing from Florence.

If you want a simple, cheap, stress-free day out, Pisa and Lucca are perfect: walk from our apartments to Santa Maria Novella, hop on a train and be back for dinner.

How do you get from Florence to Pisa?

Take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale: about an hour, with frequent departures. From Pisa Centrale it’s about a 25-minute walk through the centre to Piazza dei Miracoli, or a city bus.

What to see in Pisa?

• Piazza dei Miracoli: the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto. Book a time slot to climb the Tower.
• Borgo Stretto and Pisa’s riverside.
• Piazza dei Cavalieri, home of the Scuola Normale.

How do you get from Florence to Lucca?

By regional train from Santa Maria Novella: usually between 1 hour 20 and 1 hour 40. Lucca station is just outside the walls, a few minutes’ walk from the centre.

What to see in Lucca?

• The Renaissance walls, over 4 km you can walk or cycle on a rented bike.
• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre.
• The Guinigi Tower with trees growing on top.
• San Martino Cathedral and the church of San Michele in Foro.

How to see Pisa and Lucca on the same day?

1. Early train from Florence to Pisa and a morning at Piazza dei Miracoli.
2. Train from Pisa to Lucca (under half an hour).
3. Lunch and afternoon in Lucca, with a loop of the walls.
4. Evening train from Lucca back to Florence.

Practical tips

• Buy regional tickets at the station, online or in the app; no seat reservation needed.
• Check for strikes or engineering works the day before.
• Leaving Florence the same day? Store your bags at Luggage Storage Hub.
• More destinations: day trips from Florence.

FAQ

How long is the train from Florence to Pisa?

About an hour by regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale.

Do I need to book the train from Florence to Lucca?

No, regional trains don’t require seat reservations: just buy a ticket.

Can you visit Pisa and Lucca on the same day?

Yes, the two cities are linked by frequent trains in under half an hour.

Siena and San Gimignano are two medieval gems of Tuscany that can be combined in one full day. Here’s how to plan it from Florence.

How do you get from Florence to Siena?

• By bus: express buses leave from the Santa Maria Novella station area and reach Siena in about 75 minutes, close to the centre.
• By train: about an hour and a half, sometimes with a change; Siena station is outside the centre, linked by escalators and buses.
• By car or tour: best if you also want to see San Gimignano or the Chianti.

What to see in Siena in a few hours?

• Piazza del Campo, the famous shell-shaped square where the Palio is run (2 July and 16 August).
• Torre del Mangia and Palazzo Pubblico, with a climb to the top for a unique view.
• Siena Cathedral, with its inlaid marble floor and the Piccolomini Library.
• The contrade and medieval streets around Banchi di Sopra.

How do you get to San Gimignano?

San Gimignano has no railway station. On your own, take a train or bus to Poggibonsi and then a bus up to the village. A tour or car is much easier, especially if you combine Siena on the same day.

What to see in San Gimignano?

• The medieval towers, the town’s symbol, visible across the valley.
• Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo.
• The Collegiata church and its frescoes.
• A glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the local white wine.

Suggested one-day itinerary

1. Leave Florence at 8am.
2. Morning in San Gimignano, before the tour groups arrive.
3. Lunch in the Chianti or in Siena.
4. Afternoon in Siena: Piazza del Campo, the Cathedral and a walk through the contrade.
5. Back in Florence in the evening.

More ideas: our Chianti wine tour and the day trips from Florence guide. On your departure day you can leave your bags at Luggage Storage Hub, near the station.

FAQ

How long does it take from Florence to Siena?

About 75 minutes by express bus or about an hour and a half by train.

Does San Gimignano have a train station?

No, you need to reach Poggibonsi by train or bus and continue by bus to San Gimignano.

Can you see Siena and San Gimignano in one day?

Yes, leaving Florence early; an organised tour or rental car is the most convenient option.

Endless vineyards, castles, Romanesque churches and cellars where you can taste Chianti Classico: it’s one of our guests’ favourite experiences. Here’s how to plan it from Florence.

Where is the Chianti?

The Chianti stretches between the provinces of Florence and Siena. The Chianti Classico area, home of the Black Rooster, begins about half an hour’s drive south of Florence.

What is the best way to visit the Chianti from Florence?

• Organised wine-tasting tour: the easiest option. Departure from Florence, 2-3 wineries with tastings, often lunch included, and nobody has to drive.
• Rental car: total freedom, but the driver must limit tastings. Pick the car up outside the ZTL.
• Bus: some regional lines link Florence with the main villages such as Greve, but services are infrequent.
• Bike or e-bike: guided tours for active travellers, with challenging hills.

Which Chianti villages should you visit?

• Greve in Chianti: arcaded square and wine shops.
• Panzano in Chianti: famous butchers and views over the “Conca d’Oro”.
• Castellina in Chianti: the medieval Via delle Volte.
• Radda in Chianti: a compact village among the vines.

When to visit the Chianti?

Spring and autumn are best. September and October bring the grape harvest, the most atmospheric time. In summer, leave early to avoid the heat.

Practical tips

• Book wineries and tours in advance.
• Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for vineyard visits.
• Want to add Siena? Read Siena and San Gimignano from Florence.
• More ideas in our day trips from Florence guide.

FAQ

How far is the Chianti from Florence?

The Chianti Classico area begins about 30 minutes’ drive south of Florence.

Can you visit the Chianti without a car?

Yes, with an organised wine-tasting tour from Florence or regional buses to the main villages.

When is the best time to visit the Chianti?

Spring and autumn, especially September and October during the grape harvest.

Florence is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. Staying near Santa Maria Novella station, you can leave early and be back in the evening without changing accommodation. Here are the destinations we recommend most to our guests, with the easiest way to reach each one.

Which day trips from Florence are easiest by train?

Pisa and Lucca: frequent regional trains from Santa Maria Novella take about an hour or a little more, and you can combine both in one day. Read our guide Pisa and Lucca in one day by train.

How to see Siena and San Gimignano in one day?

Siena is reachable by bus or train; San Gimignano is easier on a tour or by car, since public transport needs a change in Poggibonsi. Details in Siena and San Gimignano from Florence.

Can you visit the Chianti from Florence?

Yes, the Chianti starts just outside the city. The best option is a wine-tasting tour with transport, so nobody has to drive after the wine. More in our Chianti tour from Florence guide.

What to see near Florence in half a day?

Fiesole, on the hill above Florence: a Roman theatre, a stunning view over the city and a relaxed atmosphere, reached by city bus. Full guide: Fiesole in half a day.

Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre: can you do them in a day?

Yes, but they are long days. The Val d’Orcia, with Pienza, Montalcino and Tuscany’s most photographed cypress roads, is easier on a tour or by car. The Cinque Terre can be reached by train with changes or on an organised day tour.

Organised tour or DIY?

• DIY by train: ideal for Pisa, Lucca and Siena; cheap and flexible.
• Organised tour: convenient for the Chianti, San Gimignano, Val d’Orcia and Cinque Terre, where public transport is less practical.
• Rental car: maximum freedom; pick it up and drop it off outside the ZTL (see our Florence ZTL guide).

Practical tips for day trips from Florence

• Leave early: at 8am trains and roads are less crowded.
• Check train times and strikes the day before.
• On your departure day, leave your bags at Luggage Storage Hub on Via Palazzuolo 170 (7am-11pm) and enjoy your last trip hands-free.
• Want to experience Florence differently too? Read our experiences to try in Florence.

FAQ

What is the easiest day trip from Florence?

Pisa is the easiest day trip from Florence: about an hour by regional train from Santa Maria Novella.

Can you visit Pisa and Lucca on the same day?

Yes, Pisa and Lucca are on the same railway line and can be combined in one day.

Do you need a car to explore Tuscany from Florence?

No, many destinations are reachable by train or bus; for the Chianti and Val d’Orcia an organised tour or rental car is easier.

Florence with kids is wonderful, but you need the right base. A hotel room quickly feels cramped: an apartment gives you space, flexible routines and a kitchen. Here’s what to look for.

What should a family apartment in Florence have?

• Two bedrooms: everyone sleeps better.
• Two bathrooms: a game-changer in the morning.
• A fully equipped kitchen: breakfasts, snacks and easy dinners.
• Air conditioning: essential in summer.
• Self check-in: arrive whenever you like, no waiting with tired kids.

What is the best area in Florence for families?

A central but quiet area near the station and the Arno. Piazza Ognissanti is ideal: you’re home 5 minutes after your train arrives, the Duomo is 15 minutes away and Cascine Park, perfect for letting kids run, is close by. More in where to stay near Santa Maria Novella station.

Our family apartment: L&D 51 Suites

L&D 51 Suites sleeps up to 6, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room and an eat-in kitchen. It’s in a historic building near Piazza Ognissanti, about 5 minutes on foot from the station, with self check-in, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

What to do in Florence with kids?

• Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower or the Dome (with kids old enough for lots of stairs).
• Boboli Gardens: green spaces, grottoes and statues to explore.
• Cascine Park and the Tuesday market.
• Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, with the whole city below.
• Artisan gelato after a walk across Ponte Vecchio.

To plan your days, follow our Florence in 2 days itinerary at a slower pace.

How much tourist tax do you pay with children?

Children under 12 are exempt. See a worked example in our Florence tourist tax guide.

FAQ

Hotel or apartment in Florence with kids?

With children an apartment is usually better: more space, separate bedrooms and a kitchen for meals.

Is Florence good for kids?

Yes. Florence is kid-friendly: the centre is largely pedestrian and there are parks, gardens and views to discover.

How many people can L&D 51 Suites sleep?

L&D 51 Suites sleeps up to 6 people, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Steps from Florence station is a place that feels frozen in time: frescoed halls, wooden cabinets, perfumes made to centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the stops we recommend most to our guests, because it’s so close and always surprises.

What is the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy?

It’s the historic pharmacy of the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella. The friars made remedies, essences and ointments from the herbs in their garden; in 1612 the pharmacy opened to the public. Today it’s a world-famous perfume brand, but the Florence flagship keeps its original atmosphere.

Where is the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy?

At Via della Scala 16, behind the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. It’s about 5 minutes on foot from the station and Piazza Ognissanti.

What can you see inside?

• The Sales Hall, with frescoed vaults and historic furnishings.
• The Spezieria, the old apothecary with antique jars and instruments.
• The museum rooms with objects and documents on the pharmacy’s history.
• The cloister and garden, visible from some rooms.

What to buy at Santa Maria Novella?

The best-known products are Acqua di Santa Maria Novella and other colognes, soaps, almond hand paste, pot-pourri and liqueurs such as Alkermes — great gifts to take home from Florence.

How much does it cost and when is it open?

Entry to the shop and historic rooms is free; paid guided tours may be available for some areas. Opening hours change during the year, so check the official website before you go.

What else is nearby?

Combine your visit with the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the stops in our guide to things to do near Piazza Ognissanti, including Botticelli’s tomb. For the full city, follow our Florence in 2 days itinerary.

Stay 5 minutes from the pharmacy

Our apartments L&D 51 Suites, Suite Mariasole and Suite Piccolo Principe are a few minutes’ walk from Via della Scala.

FAQ

How old is the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy?

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella opened to the public in 1612, founded by Dominican friars, and is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.

Is entry to the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy free?

Yes, entry to the shop and historic rooms is free.

What is the address of the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy?

It is at Via della Scala 16, Florence.

If you’re in Florence on a Tuesday, the Cascine Market is a truly local experience: it’s where Florentines shop, with hundreds of stalls under the trees of the park. Here’s how to enjoy it.

When is the Cascine Market?

It runs every Tuesday morning all year round, except on some holidays or special events. Stalls open early and start packing up around lunchtime: the best time is between 9 and 11am.

Where is the Cascine Market?

Along the main avenue of Cascine Park, the large park on the right bank of the Arno west of the centre. From Piazza Ognissanti just follow the riverside west: about 15-20 minutes on foot. Or take tram T1 (Cascine stop).

What to buy at the Cascine Market?

• Clothing and accessories: new and sometimes second-hand items, scarves, leather bags.
• Shoes and leather goods: always check the quality before buying.
• Homeware and textiles.
• Food: fruit, vegetables, cheese, cured meats and plants.

Tips for visiting

• Bring cash: not every stall takes cards.
• Keep an eye on bags and wallets, as in any crowded place.
• After the market, stroll through the park or walk back along the Arno.

Are there other markets in Florence?

Yes. The Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo) for food, open every day, is 10 minutes from the station, and the Sant’Ambrogio Market is where Florentines do their grocery shopping. They’re the best places for Tuscan specialities.

Shop at the market, cook in your apartment

One of the perks of staying in an apartment is cooking what you buy at the market. All our apartments have a fully equipped kitchen: L&D 51 Suites, Suite Mariasole and Suite Piccolo Principe. More ideas in our guide to things to do near Piazza Ognissanti.

FAQ

What day is the Cascine Market in Florence?

The Cascine Market is held every Tuesday morning in Cascine Park.

What time does the Cascine Market close?

Stalls stay open until around lunchtime; the best time to go is between 9 and 11am.

How do you get to the Cascine Market?

Walk along the Arno from Piazza Ognissanti in 15-20 minutes, or take tram T1 to the Cascine stop.

Florence is compact and perfect on foot: in two well-planned days you can see the most famous masterpieces without rushing. This itinerary starts from Santa Maria Novella and Piazza Ognissanti, where our apartments are, and is designed for travellers who like to walk and hate queues.

Day 1: what to see in the morning?

1. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella: start early with Alberti’s façade and Ghirlandaio’s frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel.
2. Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo): 10 minutes away, for a Tuscan snack upstairs.
3. Duomo, Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower: to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome you must book a time slot in advance.

Day 1: what to do in the afternoon?

1. Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, with the Loggia dei Lanzi.
2. Uffizi Gallery: allow at least 2-3 hours and book ahead.
3. Ponte Vecchio at sunset, then walk back along the Arno to Piazza Ognissanti (about 15 minutes).

Day 2: what to see in the Oltrarno?

1. Ponte Santa Trinita and the artisan workshops of the Oltrarno.
2. Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: best in the cooler hours.
3. Santo Spirito, the liveliest square in the area, for lunch.

Day 2: where to watch the sunset in Florence?

In the afternoon cross to Santa Croce, then climb to Piazzale Michelangelo (about 20-25 minutes uphill) for the city’s most famous sunset view. If you have time, continue to San Miniato al Monte.

What about the Accademia and the David?

To see Michelangelo’s David, add the Accademia on the morning of day one, right after the Mercato Centrale — it’s 5 minutes away. Booking is strongly recommended.

Practical tips for 2 days in Florence

• Book the Uffizi, Accademia and Dome online to skip long queues.
• Wear comfortable shoes: you’ll walk 10-15 km a day.
• On your last day, leave your bags at Luggage Storage Hub (Via Palazzuolo 170, 7am-11pm) and explore hands-free until departure.
• You don’t need a car: see why in our Florence ZTL guide.
• Got a free hour? Explore the lesser-known sights near Piazza Ognissanti, like Botticelli’s tomb.

Where to stay for this itinerary?

Piazza Ognissanti is an ideal base: 5 minutes from the station and 15 from the Duomo. Our apartments L&D 51 Suites, Suite Mariasole and Suite Piccolo Principe are perfect for it.

FAQ

Are 2 days enough for Florence?

Yes. Two days are enough to see Florence’s main sights on foot if you book the busiest museums in advance.

Can you see Florence on foot?

Yes. Florence’s historic centre is compact: the main sights are 5-20 minutes’ walk from each other.

What is the best viewpoint in Florence?

The most famous viewpoint is Piazzale Michelangelo, especially at sunset.