What to Do in Florence On a Rainy Day

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Wonder what to do in Florence on a rainy day? Spending your vacation in Florence during the autumn and spring months is a great option. You'll skip the summer heat and the tourist crowds all around the city. Florence has a fairly mild climate, so most of the days will be sunny but there might be some rainy days too. 

But, don't worry! The rainy day in Florence can be turned into a opportunity to spend an amazing day in the city. Just pack your umbrella and get to explore the city. You can make it from place to place and without much hassle, as the city is small and easily walkable.

A rainy day in Florence offers numerous options of what to do

Anyway, rain in central Italy is likely to be showers not thunderstorms.

Museums are enjoyable regardless of weather, and much of the sights in Florence are in those museums. You may choose to sit down for lunch in a cosy trattoria and have a wonderful meal.

The only activity that shuts in the rain is climbing the tower and walking the battlements at Palazzo Vecchio. 

Visiting the churches when it rains in Florence is ideal - our personal favority is Santa Croce. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is another good place to visit on rainy days.

We picked below the best things to do in Florence when it rains!

🏠 Wonder where to stay while in Florence? We recommend Casa di Chiara, the super comfortable and stylish apartment, with the best possible hosts. We're sure you'll love staying here!

What is the weather like in Florence?

The city of Florence, has hot humid summers and chilly winters. The warmest months are generally July and August, while June and September are both nice with warm weather without it being too hot.

November is the month with the most rain on average but October, December, March and April also generally have a good amount of rain. In these months, plan to dress in layers in the evening when it gets cooler.

1. Visit one of the many museums (we recommend the Uffizi and Bargello)

When it rains in Florence, a good option would be visiting one of museums (there is no shortage of them in the city). On a rainy day, it's ideal spending time inside, withouth getting wet, and for that, you can't go past the Uffizi.

The museum is large enough, that you can spend a couple of hours or even a day exploring everything it has to offer. This famous Florence museum houses a huge number of painting and sculptures from famous Italian and European artists.

The Uffizi Gallery is easy to find, it's not far from Piazza della Signoria and the Arno River. Book one of skip-the-line tickets to get inside quickly. We recommend to take a guided tour, like this one (we took it and love it!), to get to know more, and then after the tour, continue to explore on your own.

If you prefer less crowded museums, we recommend visiting the Bargello Museum, situated also a short walk from Piazza della Signoria. This museum if full of beautiful sculptures from the famous artists such as Michelangelo.... You can explore for hours here and also spend time under the portico, enjoying also sculptures and the courtyards.

When it rains in Florence, you can also head to Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo 9, entry fee €6) where sculptures that once packed the Duomo and Baptistery are exhibited. Although just behind the Duomo, the museum is rarely crowded. At the top of the monumental staircase stands Michelangelo's radiant Pietà.

2. Enjoy delicious Tuscan food (and wines too)

Eating delicious Tuscan food is among the best things to do when it rains in Florence

Take advantage of bad weather and enjoy delicious food when it rains in Florence. The city has many cosy cafés where you can escape the rain. Enjoy a cappuccino and a slice of cake at Caffè Gilli or Rivoire. There are delicious things to eat on every corner of Florence. Numerous trattorias and eateries offers a variety of food, starting from schiacciata sandwiches (ideal for a quick snack), lampredotto panini (unique) and other street food. 

For a full lunch or dinner, head to a restaurant or trattoria and enjoy sitting and feasting delicious food. Start with 'coccoli' (fried dough balls), then continue with ribollita soup and il peposo (hearty Tuscan stew) and end with some of Italian desserts.

Some of the places that we love!

Il Cernacchio (Via della Condotta 38R) - A cute eatery where you can grab freshly made panini or schiacciata sandwich with lampredotto, porchetta (or even vegetarian ones) for about €8 - 9. Plus, they offer traditional cooked meals, such as meatballs in tomato sauce, lasagna, pappa al pomodoro, homemade pesto - all amazingly delicious. The owners are super friendly! You'll love this place! Great for save on dining!

Il Girone De' Ghiotti (Via de Cimatori, 23R) - Great place for having a crunchy schiacciata sandwich; choose from those filled with prosciutto, cooked ham, Tuscan salami, spicy salami plus various condiments. The sandwiches are pretty affordable - starting from €6.

Pasticceria Nencioni (Via Pietrapiana, 24/R) - This pastry shop has a great selection of Italian regional baked goods, savory pastries, cakes and petit bites of sweets. They have a really great coffee bar and the service is jovial- a great spot to devour some of the city’s best fried snacks. 

Ballerini (Borgo Ognissanti 132) is a cute café/pasticceria where you can have anything, from cappuccino and pastry to tasty sandwich, a slice of hot pizza, or even a chocolate praline! The staff is super polite and the atmosphere is cosy.

If you love quality coffee you can also relax in one of the Ditta Artigianale cafés, there are several in the city. Their coffee is outstanding, and I have a soft spot for their gin and tonics.

3. Join a cooking class (learn to make fresh pasta, pizza, tiramisù...)

Taking a cooking class is another great activitiy for a rainy day in Florence. Why not to get your hands dusted in flour and spend a couple of hours chopping, kneading, cooking and eating delicious food on a cooking class. You'll learn new cooking skills and spend time in a good company.

Choose from a variety of classes - our favourite ones are Chefactory pasta class taking place in historic centre and Pastamania Florence cooking class near the Arno River. If you prefer smaller gatherings, choose the cooking class with chef Luca Polverini at his home (a truly unique experience!). 

Take a look at full list of cooking classes worth taking in Florence (selected by us!).

4. Take a foodie tour of Florence

When it rains in Florence, you can still take a food tour, to explore the best places to eat. You won't mind a couple of rain drops as you'll be tasting yummy food and you'll be most of the time indoor.

We suggest this private food tour, that lasts 3 hours and can be arranged at any time of the day. Plus, you can tell the guide what you want to visit. If it's morning tour, you'll start with a coffee and pastries, then follow with some lampredotto and coccoli, prosciutto and cheeses. For a nice lunch or dinner, your guide will suggest you a good restaurant. Once there, you can try a bowl of soup, pasta with truffles, or peppery beef ragu. Of course, you'll sip on quality Tuscan wines! You won't skip a cone of creamy gelato! We assure you that you'll be full by the end of the tour!

5. Enjoy Tuscan wine tasting

A rainy day in Florence is perfect for tasting wines. In addition to the many bars and resturants serving fine wines, Florence offers many wine shops (enoteche) where you can enjoy excellent local wines. One of these is Piazza del Vino, a well-stocked specialised wine shop just outside the historic centre. 

For a wine lesson, head to the wine bar, close to the Arno River, and take private wine tasting lesson. You'll taste two quality wines (Chianti, Vermentino or Verdicchio) and learn how wine is made (tastings take place from 12pm until 12am).

6. Explore Mercato Centrale (foodie heaven in the heart of Florence)

Visiting Mercato Centrale when it rains in Florence, is a great idea. Situated only a few minutes from the Duomo and Basilica of San Lorenzo, this covered market offers a cosy escape from the rain and feast for the senses. 

You can spend hours inside, exploring vibrant stalls, sampling delicious food and hunting for a perfect gift for the food lovers. Head to the first floor for a variety of lunch options. However, if you prefer a calmer atmosphere, the ground floor is your best bet.

Start your culinary journey with a mouthwatering lampredotto panini or a hearty schiacciata sandwich filled with delicacies like mortadella and prosciutto. For a more laid-back experience, find a spot in a trattoria and enjoy appetizing platter of salami and prosciutto.

Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with some cantucci cookies or a decadent slice of panforte. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, take advantage of the fresh pasta and vegetable stalls to create your own Italian meal back at your apartment.

Want to be guided through Mercato Centrale? Learn some inside tips from the guide on this fabulous food tour around the market.

7. Discover beautiful Palazzo Vecchio

You can't miss the Palazzo Vecchio - the symbol of the Florentine Renaissance and one of the most beloved places by both locals and tourist. You'll come across in when visiting Piazza della Signoria and recognize by the copy of Michelangelo's David statue in front of the entrance.

The rainy day is ideal for exploring this beautiful Florence sight. You can spend there a couple of hours and discover about the Florentine history. For finding little bit more, take a guided walking tour! Note that, richly decorated courtyard (first one when you enter from Piazza della Signoria) can be seen for free!

One of the most popular tours of Palazzo Vecchio is this private tour with an expert guide!

8. Spend time shopping (the choice is huge)

Florence is a paradise for those who love to shop. The rain shouldn't stop you to explore all the goods on offer. Take an umbrella and go from one shop to another.

On every corner you'll find small shops offering clothes, shoes, leather goods (bags and wallets), made-to-order jewellery, art works, home decoration, ceramics, kitchenware, quality linen, perfumes, stationery, silk and of course, delicious Tuscan food and wines (including coffee and tea).

For luxury shopping head to Via de' Tornabuoni, where you'll find designer labels such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Pucci and Prada. We love Via della Condotta, a street not far from Piazza della Signoria, dotted with small shops and eateries.

A couple of great places for shopping in Florence:

• Floruit (Via dei Fossi, 3R) sells beautiful fresh flower bouquets, scented candles, ambient perfumes, hand-made ceramics, painting... Great ideas for your special occasions!
  
  
• Leonardo Firenze (Via Porta Rossa, 14R) - buy here a pack of cantucci cookies or brutti ma buoni, panettone, colombe, sweet spreads (pistachio, chocolate and hazelnut), a bottle of Vin Santo - an ideal foodie gifts.
  
  
• Erboristeria De Herbore (Via del Proconsolo 43R), near the Bargello Museum - great store selling natural perfumes, shampoos, body lotions, face creams, essential oils (all Italian brands). We especially love naturally scented soaps packed in beautiful colourful packages (an ideal gift to dear one). The selling staff is super friendly and helpful!
  
  
• Venchi Chocolates (Via dei Calzaiuoli 65R / Via Calimaruzza 18) - selling a range of finest chocolates (cremino, pistachio, gianduiotto...); chocolates are sold by weight (make your own selection) or opt for chocolate bars; creamy spreads are ideal for filling pancakes, donuts or any baked goods. A paradise for chocolate lovers!
  
  
• Via del Tè (Via Santo Spirito, 11; Via della Condotta, 28R and Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 22/23R) - shops ideal for tea lovers; they offer some of the most exciting tea blends you can find; their tea packages are gorgeous and are an ideal gift you can bring to the dear ones!
  
  
• Coin Department Store - not far from the Uffizi Gallery; spreading across six floors, they offer clothes, cosmetics, bags, kicthenware and home products. On the ground floor, grab a tasty sandwich or pastry from the bar/restaurant!
  
  
• L' Erbolario (Via del Corso 23R) - cute store where you'll find a range of quality products for the care and well-being of your body. Choose from face creams, make-up removers, body lotions, shampoos, perfumes, all smelling so nice... You rarely find such a polite and professional person as the lady that works here! Head here to buy something to pamper yourself or a gift to someone else!

9. Visit a church (or two) in Florence

Visiting churches is another great idea of what to do in Florence when it rains. If you're on via Tornabuoni near the Arno river, stop in (for free) at Chiesa Santa Trinita to see the Sassetti Chapel. Bring a couple Euro coins to illuminate the frescoes. The ones done by Ghirlandaio in the late 15th century are fabulous, better than any photograph.

Basilica di Santa Croce is yet another on the list of things to do in Florence on a rainy day. The church is the resting place for Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei. You'll be amazed how beautiful this church is. Buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in the line.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is quite large and good to stay out of rain. Situated opposite the main train station, it was build in the 13th and 14th century. Inside, you'll find a gothic crucifix by Giotto as well as early Renaissance fresco by Masaccio of the Trinity. An audio guide would be handy when visiting this church.

10. Capture stunning photos of Florence in the rain (and after)

The rainy day in Florence can be a fascinating, as the city is so beautiful even when it rains. Take the opportunity and capture some amazing photos of the Florentine in the rain. Once, the rain stops, head to Arno River for more photo shooting. Here, you can make stunning photos, capturing a reflection of the buildings and clouds on the river. So beautiful!

Head also to the Piazza della Signoria to take some photos of the Palazzo Vecchio and the sculptures around. Sunset in the Florence after the rain is marvelous! Go to Piazzale Michelangelo to take stunning photos from there!

You can even walk side-by-side a professional photographer and create an amazing photo album of your trip to Florence.

11. Relax at your cosy hotel

When it's wet out, what you require from a hotel is cosiness and facilities. And you need a hotel less than a destination. One of the hotels with great facilities is 5-star Hotel Number Nine, that sits on a quiet pedestrian street, a stone's throw from Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Duomo.

At the hotel, you can pamper yourself in the spa, chill out in the gym or warm up in the sauna, steam room or whirlpool, or join one of the fitness classes. Hotel also has both restaurant and bistro, where they prepare meals with the fresh seasonal ingredients. So, let it pour — you’ve got enough to occupy yourself.

12. Explore the Pitti Palace (and Boboli Gardens)

Another great option for sightseeing when it rains in Florence is Pitti Palace. Cross one of bridges on the Arno River, to get to this beautiful building, one the residence of the Medici family. It hosts four museums.

On the ground floor, explore the Treasury of the Grand Dukes with its exquisite silverware and porcelain. Upstairs, the first floor houses the Galleria Palatina with masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Botticelli, alongside the Royal Apartments adorned with stunning 17th-century frescoes and 18th- and 19th-century tapestries. The second floor features the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

For a hassle-free visit, consider booking skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour. If the rain just sprinkling, enjoy the beautiful Boboli Gardens, a Renaissance gem.

13. Take an art class (sculpting and painting)

The rainy day in Florence is ideal for taking an art class. You'll be inside and doing something unique. Make your own masterpiece to bring back home! In Florence you can take any kind of art classes, from sculpting to different kind of paintings. We're sure you'll truly enjoy the act of making art and learning what's behind the most famous masterpieces.

Here are some of the best art classes in Florence:

1. Drawing and Watercolor Workshop in the Heart of Florence
2. Learn to Sculpt or Paint in a Private Florence Art Studio
3. Sculpt like Michelangelo

14. Take a workshop (make your own perfume, a piece of jewelry or marbled paper)

Florence is rich in craft traditions, such as leather or ceramic making. The rainy day in Florence is ideal for spending the day learning how to make something. You'll have a unique souvenir to take home. You can choose from making your own perfume, a piece of jewelry or marbled paper.

These are the most popular workshops in the city of Florence:

1. Perfume Making Workshop in the Heart of Florence
2. Jewelry making workshop in the heart of Florence
3. Florentine Artisan Tradition in Paper Marbling
4. Private jewelry class in Florence - Tuscany

15. Go to the theater or opera

What to do in the evening in Florence when it rains? Florence is one of the world's capitals of music and theater. The opera was born here and first performances were staged for the Medici's wedding celebrations. Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino prepares an interesting opera and concert season each year. Teatro della Pergola is a place to go in Florence if you love going to the theater. It's situated in the centre of the city and offers amazing atmosphere and comfortable seats (visit will be an experience you won’t forget!).

16. Spend time at Giunti Odeon - Libreria e Cinema

For a relaxing time when it rains in Florence, head to the Cinema Odeon, which is contained within the Renaissance Palazzo dello Strozzino. The cinema shows Italian classics, many shot in Florence, with English subtitles.

This is amazing place, a perfect combination between a place to buy books, just hand out and take a break from crowded streets. 

17. Discover fashion in Florence

If fashion and design are your passions, the Gucci Garden is a must-visit. The ground floor houses a Gucci retail store, while the two upper floors feature a museum that chronicles the history of the Gucci fashion house, originating in Florence.

Fashion enthusiasts will appreciate viewing some original pieces on display. Another highlight is the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, located in Florence's oldest palace. In 2022, the museum was rebranded simply as Ferragamo. This Italian company, based in Florence, is celebrated for producing luxury items, particularly footwear and leather goods.

How to get around in Florence when it rains

Florence's historic centre is compact and easy to walk. If it's not raining too heavy, grab a rain jacket or an umbrella and walk around - it's very charming to walk in the rain.

On the other hand, if it's raining too heavy and you need to get to your destination, take a taxi. There are two taxi companies in Florence and you can call either 0554390 or 0554242.

If you called a taxi and it doesn't come, ask your host to call it for you. Or if you are near a cafè or restaurant, grab an espresso and ask politely if they'll call a taxi for you. Alternatively, find an official taxi stand and get in line. 

When is the best time to visit Florence

In our opinion, the beautiful Florence is amazing to visit all year round. But still, if you want to have a perfect mix of fewer crowds and enjoyable weather, the best time to visit is late March through end of April, and mid-October through November. Winter in Florence is actually fairly mild and brings the advantage of fewer crowds (outside the Christmas season).

Visiting Florence in the end of November, early December is a truly pleasant experience!

Where to check weather forecast for Florence

We love using Italian weather website called Meteo.it, where you can check the current weather for specific city of region, as well as weather forecast for the next days.

You can also use well-known weather service, AccuWeather, where you can check hourly, daily and monthly weather for specific location.

Planning Your Travel to Italy

Best Florence Food Tours

What to See in Florence

Rome to Florence by Train

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