What to Do in Florence on a Rainy Day

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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. 

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

Even when it rains, Florence has so much things to do. Just pack your umbrella and take cover under the many porticos. We picked the best things to do in Florence when it's raining.

The city is surprisingly small and easily walkable. You can make it from place to place with an umbrella in rain without much hassle. If the rain starts to pour, there are great places to stop for an hour or two while you wait it to stop.

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

You're in Florence, so there is no shortage of museums in the city. During the rainy day, it's ideal for spend the day without getting wet, and for that, you can't go past the Uffizi.

The Uffizi is large enough, that you can spend a couple of hours or even a day exploring all 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 and avoid waiting in the line. For getting to know a bit more about the artworks in the Uffizi, then you may like to join a guided tour (we recommend this small-group tour we took and liked it!).

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.

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

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!

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. 

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

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 love smaller gatherings, choose cooking class with chef Luca Polverini at his home (a truly unique experience!).

We also have a long list of the best quality cooking classes in Florence (and some in the countryside) - see all of them here!

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

Visiting Mercato Centrale in Florence’s San Lorenzo neighbourhood is a fantastic idea, especially on a rainy day. Just a few minutes from iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and Basilica of San Lorenzo, this covered market offers a cosy escape from the weather and a feast for the senses.

Inside, you'll spend time exploring vibrant stalls, sampling delicious foods, and hunting for perfect foodie souvenirs. Head to the first floor for a variety of snacks and 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? Then spend 2.5 hours on this fabulous food tour with a local!

5. 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!

6. Spend time shopping

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

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.

Here are our most favourite stores 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 - 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!

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

Even in the rain Florence is beautiful. So take this opportunity and capture amazing photos of Florence streets and sights when it's raining. Once, the rain stops, head to the Arno River and take stunning photos of the river and bridges.

The river reflects the buildings and clouds, which make photos so fabulous. These will be some of the most beautiful photos from your visit to Florence. Head also to Piazza della Signoria to capture some photos of Palazzo Vecchio and sculptures around.

Planning Your Travel to Italy

What to See in Florence

Cooking Classes in Florence

Best Places to Stay in Rome

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