One of Italy’s most visited cities every year is undoubtedly the Tuscan capital Florence. And it’s easy to see why, especially if you are an art lover. So when it comes to wondering ‘is Florence worth visiting’, of course this city merits the trip. However, this city also experiences intense over tourism especially in the summer season (but more and more in Fall/Spring too) that I might ask you to reconsider when you’re visiting Florence. Keep reading to find out if a trip to Florence is worthwhile in 2024.

Art lovers asking ‘is it worth visiting Florence’, the answer is yes. If you adore art, then this really should be a trip you take to set eyes on incredible works of art at the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries. Likewise, if you’re a history buff, you’ll get a thrill out of wandering the medieval Florentine streets, beautiful basilicas, palazzi and traipsing in the steps of famous artists and writers from Renaissance times.

Why shouldn’t I visit Florence?

However, if you aren’t interested in art or history and you can only visit in the summertime, I’d suggest you reconsider your reasons for wanting to visit. It will be extremely hot, very busy and you might not appreciate taking in the ‘beauty’ of the city in these conditons. Why is it you actually want to visit Florence? There are so many wonderful medieval Tuscan towns to explore that can satisfy your craving to ‘see a Tuscan town’ with fewer crowds!

Recently Juls Kitchen published a really interesting article about why she’s asking people to reconsider visiting Florence that I think is worth reading too.

5 Best Reasons to Visit Florence in winter

This goes for art lovers, history fans, food & wine lovers or anyone who just feels they need to see this wonderful Renaissance capital for themselves. My favorite time of year to visit Florence (and Rome for that matter) is in the winter. Whilst Florence does get quite cold (lows of 2C/35F), the benefits outweigh the frost for me because:

1. Stroll medieval streets with way fewer crowds

Make no mistake – there is barely any ‘off-season’ in the major cities of Italy anymore. However, that said, there are a hell of a lot fewer tourists around in the wintertime. The last two times that I’ve stayed in Florence has been during the winter and I’ve loved it everytime. December is by no means empty, especially in the lead up to Christmastime and there are many locals out and about doing their Christmas shoppign too, so I would avoid this and come after New Year’s. 

What will await you is reasonably quiet medieval streets that you can have to yourself! Sure, you might get rain and very cold temperatures, but as long as you pack with the right clothing, you’ll keep warm and dry and be able to take in the sights without elbowing others out of your way. 

2. Enjoy shorter waiting times to enter museums, churches, and other attractions

There are so many wonderful things to do in Florence and the beauty of visiting in the wintertime is that lines are shorter! Plus fewer crowds means a more enjoyable experience when you get inside the Duomo/museum/gallery too! Some of the best things to do in Florence include: 

• Visit the Duomo 
• Walk over the Ponte Vecchio
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery
• See the Statue of David at the Accademia
• Admire the sunet from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce
• Visit the Pitti Palace
• Climb the tower of Palazzo Vecchio

3. Enjoy Tuscan food and wine without sweltering

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know I’m a serious foodie. Tuscan food and wine is some of my favorite (hello wild boar pasta and a glass of Chianti Classico!) but it’s really hard to work up an appetite whilst you’re sweating in a cute Tuscan trattoria on a summer’s day in July. In the crisp winter nights, there’s nothing better than cosying up in a little trattoria with a good bottle of Sangiovese as you taste crostini di fegatini (duck liver), pici pasta, a steaming bowl of ribolitta, or a delicious slice of bistecca. 

4. Get restaurant reservations easily

One of the annoying things living in Rome (a much larger city than Florence) is that it’s impossible to get last minute dinner reservations just about all of the year now. So you can imagine the same is true for the much smaller Florence. By all means, you will find something to eat (these cities are FULL of restaurants), but they might not be the restaurant or experience you had in mind. Think overpriced and not the best quality for what you’ve paid for. 

Whilst I would absolutely still make restaurant bookings in the wintertime, one of the best things is you can easily find a seat at some of my favorite wine bars for a pre-dinner drink (aperitivo) which can be near impossible in the summertime. And when it comes to restaurants, call a few days to a week before and you’re likely to get a booking too!

5. Stay at a wonderful hotels with cheaper rates

And if points 1-4 haven’t moved you, maybe an appeal to the hip pocket will! Florence in the summertime is seriously expensive. In fact just this summer 2023, my colleague from Untold Italy told me her horror at discovering hotel prices in Florence were 600 euros a night (and we aren’t talking 5 star luxury either!). Visiting in the winter means you’ll enjoy a hotel stay in the centre of Florence for at least half the price. More funds to splash on shopping, activities and dining out. 

Alternatives to visiting Florence

Of course sometimes you have to seize the moment and holiday at whatever opportunity you can get. For many people, this coincides with their kids vacation days and is often during the European summer. If you’re open to trying something that isn’t Florence (but has way fewer crowds) these are my top ideas for you:

Umbria 

Of course it’s a region and not just one place. Lesser known than its famous Tuscan neighbor, Umbria is literally just next door and full of beautiful surprises. Gubbio is one of my favorite medieval towns in all of Italy (seriously we are planning our wedding there, we love it so much). Of course it does not have the art, history and culture of Florence (no where but Florence does), it has its own unique character. The best part? The lack of tourists allowing you to explore in the summertime easily! 

Arezzo

Also known as where they filmed Life is Beautiful, I’ve been to Arezzo twice now and it is really such a sweet quaint Tuscan town! It’s so easy to get there – just an hour on the train from Florence or Rome. It’s full of interesting Etruscan history so if you want your fill of medieval and Renaissance architecture, this is for you. Art lovers will also rejoice with the Basilica of San Francesco, which features Piero della Francesca’s “Legend of the True Cross” frescoes.

I am a huge fan of markets, so a key selling point for me is the monthly antique market here! It happens on the first weekend of every month and is a great place to find unique souvenirs or decorative pieces. Next time I visit, I’d love to come in the summer just to see the Giostra del Saracino. It’s a medieval jousting tournament held twice a year – a little like the Palio in Siena but with way less crowds.

Tuscan Countryside

Or why not simply go on a road trip in the Tuscan countryside! Stay at an agriturismo with a swimming pool and venture into some little hilltop towns in the mornings or the evenings when the sun goes down. Chianti will be busy during the summer (especially San Gimignano , Siena and Volterra), but there are lots of lesser known towns to explore. Consider the lower part of Tuscany near the border with Lazio, the Val d’Orcia or even the gorgeous town San Miniato where Emiko Davies lives! 

Looking for more Tuscany content? Have a read of the best Tuscan medieval towns, or how to spend a weekend in Chianti.