A day trip to Florence from Rome will most likely result in a stressful day, followed by tired eyes and sore feet on the train ride back to Rome but it will be worth it.
After more than a half-dozen journeys to Florence (including a spectacular month-long stay) and counting, we’re still as enthralled with the Cradle of the Renaissance as we ever were, and we want to make sure you leave feeling the same way.
Here’s all you need to know to plan an unforgettable, self-guided day trip to Florence from Rome.
Getting to Florence from Rome on Your Own
There is only one reasonable mode of transportation for a delightful day trip to Florence from Rome: the fast train. Trains leave Rome daily, usually from Termini but rarely from Tiburtina.
They’ll arrive in Florence an hour and a half later, giving you plenty of time to explore on your Florence day trip. Regional (or slow) trains go from Florence to Rome regularly, but they take about 4 hours each way, making them unfeasible for a day trip to Florence.
Keep in mind that rapid train tickets from Rome to Florence can be very expensive and do climb in price as your dates approach closer so purchase your tickets as soon as you’re able to commit to a date!
We recommend searching for tickets through Omio to compare prices and train timetables. Omio will compare multiple businesses and help you find the cheapest route.
Trains will arrive at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, which is less than a 10-minute walk from Florence’s Piazza del Duomo and cultural hub.
Things to Do on a Day Trip to Florence from Rome
Of course, it’s impossible to visit everything in Florence in a single day, but there’s plenty to see to make the journey worthwhile. Here are some things we recommend you do on your day trip to Florence, Italy.
Day Trip To Florence From Rome (Morning)
Duomo
The first stop of the day is Piazza del Duomo, an incredible plaza for many reasons, but especially for one: the stunning Brunelleschi’s dome, which sits atop Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.
Filippo Brunelleschi constructed the Duomo in 1436, and it is the world’s largest masonry dome! Indeed, its structure is so highly innovative and spectacular that it continues to astound architects from all over the world more than 600 years later.
From Piazza del Duomo, you can also view the cathedral’s construction, take stunning photographs, and meet the pigeons. If you want to visit the cathedral or climb to the top of the Dome, you must buy your tickets ahead of time because admission is limited to a specific time frame.
Baptistery Of San Giovanni Battista
San Giovanni Battista Baptistery is regarded to be one of Florence’s oldest places of worship. Built between 1059 and 1128, the Baptistery is still standing today.
It bears the name of Florence’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista). Christians sought to figure out how to have this discourse as smooth as possible as they tried to replace the pagan religion with Christianity.
One of these methods was to substitute a Christian saint for a Roman god. That is how Florence got its patron saint, St. John the Baptist. He took the place of Mars, their most revered deity.
Since Mars was the god of battle, they had to look for a saint who would appeal to similar people. It seems that Saint John’s rough exterior and lack of apparent “holiness” or neatness compared to other saints, appealed to Florentine sensibilities.
Lunch at Trattoria Antico Fattore
By now, you’re probably starving, so take a short break to stretch your legs and eat some Italian food before continuing your day of touring in Florence.
Trattoria Antico Fattore is a fantastic restaurant located on Via Lambertesca that serves delicious and authentic Italian and Tuscan delicacies.
Highlights of the restaurant include great antipasti options, a huge pasta menu, and meat selections. If you’re not driving from Rome for your day excursion to Florence, you should also try their superb wine.
Day trip to Florence from Rome (Afternoon)
Uffizi Gallery
After getting your energy back up, head to the Uffizi Gallery, one of Florence’s top attractions. Here you will find an enormous collection of works by some of the greatest artists of all time, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Botticelli.
Even if you won’t have enough time to see everything, at least not without hurrying, I’d still think spending a few hours there is worthwhile if you have any interest in architecture, art, or history. The day trip to Florence from Rome is already successful if you only get to view a small portion of those artists’ creations.
You must reserve your time slot in advance for this Skip-the-Line Ticket because it is timed. To get the most out of your visit, you can opt to include an audioguide in addition to having unrestricted access to the gallery.
To fully appreciate the masterpieces on the show and discover more about the artists, the Uffizi Gallery Tour includes both the entrance ticket and a guided tour of the gallery. The two-hour tour shows you the most famous sections of the gallery.
If viewing the renowned Michelangelo’s David was one of your travel objectives, you will need to visit the Accademia Gallery instead of the Uffizi Gallery, as it is where the sculpture is kept.
Accademia Gallery
One of the best museums in Florence and the entire globe is the Accademia Gallery. Millions of tourists visit the Accademia each year in Florence and Tuscany to witness firsthand Michelangelo’s David as well as other of the most well-known pieces of art and masterpieces that have symbolised human creativity over the ages.
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (last admission at 6:20 pm) is when the museum is open. Mondays are the only days the museum is closed. Additionally, the museum is closed on January 1, May 1, December 25 (as well as every Monday).
Mercato Centrale
It’s less than 10 minutes from Florence’s train station and provides an excellent introduction to the city’s gourmet culture. This big indoor market was erected in the 1870s and has served its purpose ever since; many Florentines still buy here for groceries.
There are numerous food kiosks selling anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal baked items, buffalo mozzarella, and, of course, pizza.
If you didn’t have breakfast in Rome before you left, this is an excellent spot to stock up on Italian snacks, bread, and pastries. Or forego breakfast in favour of pizza – it’s always pizza time somewhere in the world. There is a food court section with chairs where you may enjoy your food or take it with you.
The lively outdoor section of San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) is right outside the structure. The street is lined with stalls, the majority of which offer leather, but you can also find other things and souvenirs.
Vendors can be quite pushy, and costs can skyrocket. During this Florence day trip, you’ll come across another leather market that’s worth a look and where We’d encourage exploring and shopping.
Day Trip To Florence From Rome (Evening)
Palazzo Vecchio
The entrance to Palazzo Vecchio, guarded by the David statue, is also accessible from the Piazza. Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s city hall since the Middle Ages, was the Medici’s seat of government and private residence before they relocated to Pitti Palace, and it houses a vast number of paintings, sculptures, and murals.
The Palazzo Vecchio Entry Ticket includes a video guide that will educate you on the palace’s history and the lives of the Medici during your visit. It also allows you to bypass the wait and begin the tour right away.
Ponte Vecchio
One of Florence’s oldest bridges, Ponte Vecchio, is only a short stroll from the Uffizi Gallery. As a matter of fact, until 1218 it was the sole bridge over the Arno River; after WWII, however, it was rebuilt in the 1300s when the original was destroyed by flooding.
A German consul who could not bear to see this exquisite bridge collapse is the reason it survived the war when the Germans were instructed to destroy every bridge over the Arno River. Rather, structures on either side of the bridge were demolished and put to use as barriers.
One of its biggest draws is the bridge, which is one of the few in the world with shops and stores all along it. After snapping a ton of photos of Ponte Vecchio, you should spend some time perusing the stores there.
Don’t forget to conclude your visit to the bridge across the river so you have time to tour Florence’s southern region.
Gelato Pit-Stop at Cantina del Gelato
After crossing the river, bear left and begin walking in the direction of Piazzale Michelangelo, your next stop. But along the route, you’ll come across Cantina del Gelato, a gelateria serving smoothies, fruit and acai bowls, and crepes in addition to a large assortment of handmade gelato flavors.
For a quick pick-me-up to get you through the remainder of your Florence day trip, this is the ideal location.
Piazzale Michelangelo
You can get the greatest views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. It is undeniably true, and when you arrive there, you’ll understand why: in addition to being very well-liked, it also offers a breathtaking view of the setting sun, so be sure to visit during that time.
Although Piazzale Michelangelo’s vistas are undoubtedly the main attraction, the plaza also has a replica of Michelangelo’s David and other replicas of his artwork, as well as gifted musicians who provide a relaxing atmosphere for taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
San Miniato al Monte
San Miniato al Monte is a stunning Romanesque church that is quite close to Piazzale Michelangelo. It is frequently disregarded in favour of the Piazzale, but it is worth a visit.
In addition to being a fantastic place to get another perspective of the city, it was built in the eleventh century and has amazing artwork and creative architecture. The fact that it’s usually empty and free is its best feature.
Dine at Trattoria il Contadino
After seeing the most impressive sights in the city, extend your stay and round off your day trip to Florence from Rome with a delicious Florentine dinner.
With its menu of reasonably priced dishes, Trattoria il Contadino, which specializes in Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, provides food of remarkable quality.
The house’s specialty is pasta, but you may also savor your favorite pizza or a succulent Florentine steak. Additionally, you might take advantage of their dinner specials, which include a main course, a side dish, and a drink for a set price.
You should have a glass of wine or two up or a beer with supper if you travel by train from Rome to Florence.
You’ll be prepared to return from Florence to Rome after dinner because this restaurant is conveniently located near the Santa Maria Novella train station.
Conclusion
A fantastic option to explore one of Italy’s most famous cities in a single day is to take a day trip to Florence from Rome. There are numerous options available to get from Rome to Florence, so you may select the one that best fits your requirements and price range.
In case you’re searching for a quick and easy mode of transportation, taking the train is an excellent choice. There are regular trains throughout the day, and the trip takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
Alternatively, a great option to get the most out of your trip to Florence is to go on a guided bus tour. The inclusion of admittance tickets, a cosy minivan, and a tour guide will guarantee a seamless and enjoyable journey.