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

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.

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 on rainy days are ideal - our personal favourity 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 on a rainy day!

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.

🏠 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!

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.

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

Florence 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...) or a food tour (eating delicious food)

Taking a cooking class is another great option on 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!).

Consider also taking this popular food tour that takes you to Saint'Ambrogio market and local trattoria (you won't get wet!). You'll spend 3-hour eating a delicious food and enjoying a good company (meet your guide at Piazza di Santa Croce - not far from Piazza della Signoria).

4. 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. 

5. 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 gift for the food lovers. 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!

6. 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!

7. Spend time shopping

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!

8. Visit a church (or two) in Florence

Visiting churches is another great idea of what to do in Florence on a rainy day. 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.

9. 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 streets and sights. 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.

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

10. Relax at your cosy hotel

When it's wet out, what you require from a hotel are size 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.

11. Explore the Pitti Palace (and Boboli Gardens)

Another great option for a rainy day in Florence is a visit to Pitti Palace. This beautiful building once the residence of the Medici family, is nestled on the south side of the Arno River at the base of Boboli Hill. It now 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.

12. Take an art class (sculpting and painting)

The rainy day in Florence is ideal for taking an art class. 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. Some of the best classes in Florence are following:

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

13. 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

14. Spend time at Giunti Odeon - Libreria e Cinema

For a relaxing break, 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. 

15. 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 as 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. 

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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