Everything you need to know for a day trip to Florence from Rome
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is accessible in a day from Rome thanks to high-speed trains. With its renowned museums, historical monuments and dazzling architecture, the city of Dante, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci promises you an unforgettable cultural immersion. Take advantage of this excursion to discover masterpieces such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the David by Michelangelo. With a little organization, you can explore the treasures of Florence while returning to Rome in the evening, enriched by this cultural getaway.
Florence – The Cradle of the Italian Renaissance
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a must-see destination for a day trip from Rome. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, this city is overflowing with artistic and architectural treasures. A stroll through its cobbled streets will lead you to masterpieces such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its famous dome, as well as the Ponte Vecchio, the iconic bridge adorned with goldsmiths' shops. Art lovers will not miss the Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Florence offers a rewarding day between art, history and Italian charm.
Can you visit Florence in a day from Rome?
Yes, it is possible to visit Florence in a day from Rome. High-speed trains, such as the Frecciarossa, connect Rome to Florence in about 1h30 to 2h, with frequent departures throughout the day. This allows you to arrive in Florence early in the morning and leave in the evening, maximizing time to discover the city's must-see sites. However, Florence has a lot to offer, and a day can be a bit short to see everything, so you'll need to prioritize the main attractions.
What are the top 10 things to see in Florence?
Here is a list of the top 10 things to see in Florence:
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): The magnificent cathedral with its famous dome designed by Brunelleschi.
- The Ponte Vecchio: The iconic medieval bridge over the Arno with its jewelers' shops.
- The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi): One of the most famous art museums in the world, housing works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
- The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti): Former residence of the Medici with vast art collections and impressive gardens (Boboli Gardens).
- The Academy Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia): Home to the famous David by Michelangelo.
- Piazza della Signoria: A central square in Florence, filled with statues and dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio.
- The Palazzo Vecchio: The city hall of Florence, with impressive frescoes and halls.
- The Basilica of Santa Croce: Resting place of famous Florentines like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
- The Bargello Museum: Home to an exceptional collection of Renaissance sculptures.
- Michelangelo Square (Piazzale Michelangelo): Offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
What should I bring to visit Florence?
To visit Florence, here are the essentials to bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (especially in summer).
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Appropriate clothing: Covering shoulders and knees to visit churches.
- Camera or smartphone: To capture monuments and works of art.
- Light umbrella or raincoat: In case of rain, especially in spring or autumn.
- Tourist guide or app: To help you navigate and learn more about the sites.
- Cash: For small expenses or local purchases, even if cards are often accepted.
How to get to Florence from Rome?
- By train: From Roma Termini station, take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. The journey takes about 1h30.
- By car: If you prefer to drive, take the A1 motorway towards Florence. The journey takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic. There are tolls on this road.
The car allows more flexibility, but parking in Florence can be complicated due to limited traffic zones (ZTL). - By bus: Long-distance buses connect Rome to Florence, but they are generally slower than the train (about 3 to 4 hours travel time). You can for example use FlixBus or Itabus companies.
If you prefer a turnkey option where everything is taken care of for you, travel agencies in Rome offer day trips to Florence, fully organized, with guided tours and including round-trip transportation from Rome.
Discover our selection of day trips to Florence from Rome here.
And you, have you ever been to Florence? What treasures did you discover? Share your adventures, recommendations, or even your questions in the comments. Your experience could inspire another traveler's next getaway! Leave us a comment below.
Also check out our article on the best possible excursions, from one day to more, from Rome. You'll find other gems! Also get inspiration from our recommended itineraries to best organize your stay. There's so much to see in the Eternal City!
