Florence, Firenze in Italian, is the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy and the cradle of the Renaissance. A Florence honeymoon is for couples who want to spend their once-in-a-lifetime trip in an ultra-romantic setting while basking in beautiful architecture, breathtaking views, and world-class art masterpieces.
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Is Florence a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Want to kick off your married life on a high note? Visit the ultimate art city and indulge in the best gelato on the planet.
A Tuscan getaway, specifically a Florentine one, sets the mood right for honeymooners looking for a romantic ambiance. Simply strolling through its picturesque alleys and streets is already a beautiful experience. As the city is home to some of the most famous landmarks Italy offers, you and your new spouse are in for an unforgettable vacation.
Since Florence is compact, it’s easy to explore on foot. Make sure to plan because the city can be chock-full of tourists during the peak travel season.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Florence?
- Indulge in the city’s art scene. Satisfy your artistic craving when you visit the best museums in Florence. Accademia Gallery houses David, the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, while Uffizi Gallery has jaw-dropping frescoes and the greatest Renaissance masterpieces from Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.
- Go for a romantic stroll. Florence offers several places where you can wander around with your loved one. The beautiful Boboli Gardens, located behind the famous Pitti Palace, and the Palazzo Vecchio (Pitti and this building are connected by Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge) offer romantic settings for this activity.
- Climb to the top of the Duomo. Florence’s famous 13th-century Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore features a dome added and designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. The cathedral was a project by the Italian architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio. When you climb to the top, you’ll get the most magnificent views of the city.
- Cruise the Arno River. After hours of sightseeing, you can wind down with your loved one and cruise the scenic Arno River aboard a gondola-style boat. Many cruises feature tour guides explaining the colorful history of the city.
- Explore the region’s vineyards. Tuscany is famous for its wine. If you want to do some wine tasting, go on a day trip to Chianti. This place is known for its gently rolling hills, majestic cypress trees, and gorgeous stone castles.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Florence?
Florence’s travel season is in full swing come summer, so if you want to enjoy a quieter honeymoon, opt for March to mid-May or October to November, the city’s spring and autumn seasons.
During these shoulder months, you will enjoy pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices. Just note that late autumn tends to be colder and rainy.
Is a Honeymoon in Florence Expensive?
The cost of a honeymoon in Florence depends on several factors, such as accommodation, dining, and excursion choices. On average, couples spend around $2,000 to $4,000.
How To Plan a Budget Florence Honeymoon
- Don’t visit Florence during the peak season. Travel in the shoulder or off-season to save money on flights, accommodations, and activities.
- Make the most of Florence’s excellent food scene and dine at local trattorias, cafes, and street eateries.
- Use the city’s efficient public transportation to your advantage.
- Take advantage of free things to do in Florence. You can enjoy streetside arts, parks and gardens, and cathedrals at no cost.
5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In Florence
Centro Storico
The historic center of Florence is a great base to choose if you want to be near Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Piazza della Repubblica. These squares at the heart of Florence radiate energy with the presence of many shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Most importantly, the best attraction sites will be more accessible — from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and its world-famous dome to the Uffizi Gallery.
Piazzale Michelangelo/San Niccolò
South of the Arno River is the calm neighborhood of San Niccolo in Oltrarno. Along the stretch of San Niccollo, you can find the Piazzale Michelangelo.
You’ll find many verdant spots like the Boboli Gardens and Terzo Giardino. But it’s also full of bars, shops, and medieval architecture to explore.
San Lorenzo & San Marco
These areas teem with tourists for good reasons: They have museums, charming cafes, and the Mercato Centrale. Both areas are nearby major tourist attractions and have many family-owned restaurants and bars, allowing you to get a peek into everyday life in Florence.
If you’re into art and history, San Lorenzo Basilica is a must-visit: It has Donatello artworks and the tombs of the influential Medici family. San Marco, on the other hand, is home to the Accademia Gallery.
Santa Croce
To the east of the city center lies Santa Croce. It has one of the most impressive churches in the city: the Basilica di Santa Croce. But one of the things it’s more known for is its nightlife.
This is the place to be if you’re the type of couple who would enjoy exploring the coolest bars in town. It also offers an array of restaurants to reward yourselves with authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Santa Maria Novella
A truly convenient location, Santa Maria Novelle in the west is between the river and the central train station. It has several historic structures, including the Santa Maria Novella Basilica.
Although it’s ideal for the budget-conscious, it’s still close to the historic center and the central market, where you can find things to splurge your money on.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Florence?
Kickstart your romantic getaway by flying into Florence Airport, only 5 miles from the city center, or Pisa International Airport, around 62 miles west of the city.
From the Pisa Airport, you can ride a train to Florence. If you arrive at Florence Airport, you can hop on a bus, grab a taxi, or avail of your accommodation’s airport transfer service.
If you don’t mind a longer trip, you can fly into Venice, Milan, or Rome and board a train for a more scenic sojourning.
Traveling Within Florence
Once in Florence, the best way to get around is by using the public transportation system, which comprises buses and trams. You can rent a car or hail a taxi for more flexibility. You can also walk or hop on a bike or a Vespa to explore Florence more like a local.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Florence?
Luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, apartments, villas, and guesthouses abound in the touristy city of Florence.
Lungarno, one of the best 5-star luxury hotels in the city, is beautifully set along the stunning Arno River. Four Seasons Hotel is an excellent choice if you want a place that melds Old World décor and modern amenities. Meanwhile, Ville Sull’Arno is a more remote Italian oasis. All these boast Michelin-starred restaurants as well.
You can also find hip hotels with modern sculptures and frescoed ceilings or historic lodging options such as Hotel Vasari, which is set in a 16th-century monastery.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Florence?
- Gelato. Known as the birthplace of gelato, Florence is undoubtedly the best place to taste this ice cream. Apart from the conventional flavors, try unique ones such as black sesame and vanilla risotto.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This tender Florentine beefsteak is a traditional dish featuring meat from Chianina, an ancient breed of cattle in Tuscany.
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale. Never leave Florence (or Italy, for that matter) without indulging in pasta dishes. This Tuscan-style ribbon pasta dish uses wild boar meat native to the region.
- Ribollita. Looking for something to warm your stomach? You and your loved one will enjoy this hearty bean/vegetable dish served with rustic country bread.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Florence Honeymoon?
The activities mentioned in the earlier section already lean toward culture. However, if you want more cultural experiences when visiting Florence, take cooking classes at Mercato Centrale Firenze (Florence’s central market). You can also book an apertivo tour. In Italy, locals consume apertivo or a pre-meal drink to “open” their bellies before dinner.
If you’re into theater, dive into Florence’s rich opera scene and catch a show or two at the Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze, Teatro della Pergola, or Teatro Niccolini.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Florence
Florence has a thriving fashion industry (it’s home to the fashion company Salvatore Ferragamo, among others). While many locals wear casual clothes, you can find people dressed in fancier, more luxurious fits in certain areas.
When packing, bring casualwear and dressier attire. Also, pack some layers to keep yourself warm when temperature levels plummet in the evening.
Bring your most comfortable shoes as you will likely do a lot of walking. Put on sunscreen and bug spray before you head outside for proper protection. As for your gadgets, don’t forget to bring European-standard power adapters.
Is Florence Safe to Visit?
It’s safe to visit Florence, and you’ll enjoy a stress-free vacation, especially if you exercise precaution and practice common sense. Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Be alert for pickpockets and be particularly vigilant if you’re in high-traffic tourist areas.
- Never wander around at night and avoid narrow alleys. If you’re staying in Santa Maria Novella, you must be more careful not to stroll around after sunset.
- To avoid scams, always buy tickets from official offices and websites.
- Be extra cautious when crossing streets, as traffic in Florence can be unpredictable.
- Say no when illegal street vendors try to approach you.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Florence?
Florence is one of the best honeymoon destinations for US couples. Florence, and the rest of Italy, don’t require tourist visas if you and your significant other are staying for a maximum of 90 days. Ensure that your passports have at least a six-month validity.
Bonus Florence Travel Tips
- Though tap water is safe to drink, locals rarely do so.
- Tipping in Florence and Italy isn’t mandatory, but giving an extra 10 to 15% is a welcome gesture of appreciation.
- Bring small amounts of cash outside to make payments at smaller establishments. They transact in euros, so you must exchange US dollars for this currency. As of writing, $1 is about €0.92.
- Not all Italians can communicate in English, so load up some Italian vocabulary or find a reliable app to help you translate.
- When visiting religious sites, dress appropriately and cover your knees and shoulders.