Florence, with its towering cathedrals, quaint cobblestone streets, and art galleries galore, is a city that exudes old-world charm like no other. Explore iconic sights like the majestic Duomo and immerse yourself in Renaissance wonders around every corner. Remember, Florence is best explored on foot, so seize the pleasant April weather for your adventure. Don't miss this perfect time to experience Florence's timeless beauty and artistic splendor!
What makes Florence in April special?
Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Florence in April:
- Shoulder season: April falls bang in the middle of the shoulder season,when the city is not overflowing with tourists but isn't completely deserted either. What this means is shorter waiting lines for popular attractions, reasonably priced accommodation and a general escape from the overcrowded peak tourist season.
- Walk-away weather: The weather in Florence in April is best described as pleasant. The temperature is warm but doesn't get sweltering hot, maintaining an average of around 24°C. This makes for the perfect weather to be outdoors, soaking in the beauty of the Renaissance city with long strolls and bike tours. There are plenty of outdoor cafes open during the month as well, allowing you to take a well-deserved break from all the exploration.
- Events galore: April is an eventful month with both the Easter Weekend and Liberation Day celebrated in the city with aplomb. For the former, the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) is organized annually at the Piazza del Duomo. An elaborate wagon is constructed and paraded through the streets of Florence. At the end of the parade, a spectacular fireworks display sets off, delighting the crowds. For Liberation Day, Florence hosts a marching band procession and an open-air concert.
Florence in April: Weather
On a general note, the weather in Florence in April is quite tourist-friendly. Although unpredictable, the weather features far more sun than rain. The record monthly high for April is 28°C while the record low temperature is -2.2°C. The average high temperature during the month hovers around 18°C and the average precipitation falls at 86. In terms of the rains, April experiences the third-highest showers after November and October.
Florence in April: Things to do
1
Day trip to Siena
The stunning Tuscany region houses other beautiful cities including San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena. Go for a memorable one-day trip from Florence to Siena and explore the hill city in all its glory. During your trip, you'll get to visit the iconic Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio Horse Race is organized. The tour includes a multilingual escort who will keep the experience interesting by sharing amazing facts about the city.
April timings
Depends on the chosen tour
53100, Province of Siena
Italy
Getting There ›
2
Tuscan wine tour
Tuscany is a haven for wine aficionados. Opt for a Tuscan wine tour to experience the magical Chianti wine. The tour lets you explore two pristine Chianti villages, where tastings of four unique wines await you in a comfortable winery.
PS- The tour is part of a day trip from Florence to Tuscany and an enroute visit to the historical cities: Pisa and Siena. A local wine-tasting is setup with an authentic Tuscan lunch.
April timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
Getting There ›
3
Florence Duomo
Arguably the biggest landmark of Florence, the Duomo is a Gothic-style cathedral that was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dome-shaped cathedral was originally named Santa Maria del Fiore and boasts breathtaking mosaic flooring and opulent marble exterior. The church houses countless iconic artifacts, including Bandinelli's marble choir, Paolo Uccello's clock, Vasari and Zuccari's frescoes of the Last Judgement.
April timings
Monday to Saturday from 10:15am to 3:45pm (last entry at 3:30pm)
Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
4
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is amongst the most revered art galleries in the world and showcases an expansive collection of art from the Renaissance era. The remarkable visual experience will take you through the iconic works of legendary artists including Rafaello, Da Vinci, Giotto, Masaccio, Cimabue and more. Opt for a skip-the-line ticket of the Uffizi Gallery to avoid wasting time standing in long queues.
April timings
Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm
Closed on Mondays
Every first Sunday of the month, entrance to the gallery is FREE for everyone.
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
5
Siena Cathedral
One of the most prominent tourist attractions in the Tuscan region, the Siena Cathedral is an Italian Romanesque-Gothic architectural marvel. Featuring intricate details that you can explore for hours on end, the Siena Cathedral is replete with a bell tower, a projecting transept and a glorious dome. The cathedral exterior boasts Venetian mosaics and rose windows that add to it a distinct charm. The Siena Cathedral also houses some prominent works of art by many of Italy's famed artists.
April timings:
Daily from 10am to 7pm
On public holidays from 1:30am to 6pm
Piazza del Duomo, 8
53100 Siena SI, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Boboli Gardens
Spread across a massive 45,009 sq mt, Boboli Gardens functions as a backyard for the famous Pitti Palace. The garden boasts centuries worth of history with its serene greenery, beautiful fountains, famous statues, and other structures from the past. It features many old-school buildings that have been converted into open-air museums, making it amongst the most unique attractions in all of Tuscany.
April timings
Daily from 8:15am to 6:30pm
Closed on first and last Monday of every month
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
7
Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti, also known as the Pitti Palace dates back to the 15th century. Originally, the palace was constructed to serve as the official residence of several royal families, today the palace has been converted into a popular tourist spot with eight huge museums with attached galleries and the beautiful Boboli garden. At these museums, you can witness, first-hand, the wealth and artistic grandeur of Italian nobility. The museums house a great collection of artwork by famous artists like Caravaggio, Rubens, and Raphael.
April timings
Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 6:30pm
Closed on Mondays
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
Florence in April: Events to look out for
Florence half marathon
Date: April 7, 2024
This is an event for all running enthusiasts, with a flat route that winds its way through the historic center of Florence until it reaches the streets of Oltrarno, 21.097km away. Sign up today if you're in Florence this April!
National Liberation Day in Panzano
Date: April 25, 2024
On April 25th, Florence celebrates the anniversary of the Italian Liberation from Nazi-Fascist occupation, along with the Festa della Stagion Bona (Good Season Fair). The historical reenactment of the working class insurrection will be organized all over the village center, joyously celebrating the arrival of Spring.
Florence in April: Seasonal delicacies
A bite-sized version of bruschetta, Crostini di Fegato is topped with chicken liver pate. This traditional Tuscan starter is available in most restaurants in Florence but All'Antico Vinaio is where locals go.
One of the most famous dishes in Florence is the Florentine steak. Bistecca Fiorentina or Florentine steak is a must-have when in the city. Many restaurants serve Bistecca Fiorentina but we would recommend The Clubhouse.
A street food for the adventurous eater, Lampredotto is made with tripe, which is meat from the fourth stomach of a cow. Generally paired with a crusty bun and dipped in cooking broth. Try the Lampredotto at Sergio Pollini Lampredotto.
A vegetable and bread soup that was earlier used as peasant food in the Tuscany region, Ribollita is another classic from the area. You can enjoy a great Ribollita at Trattoria La Casalinga.
No trip to Florence is complete without enjoying some gelato. Florence is home to some of the best gelato in Italy, including some artisanal and interesting flavor combinations. Gorge on decadent gelato at Gelateria La Carraia.
Florence in April: Essentials
Where to stay in Florence in April?
What to pack?
There's a bit of unpredictability when it comes to the rains in Florence in April. When packing for your trip, stay prepared by bringing along a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. The sun is also quite often out in all its glory so pack sunglasses, hats and light cotton clothing. Also, remember to bring along a pair of comfortable shoes since Florence is best explored on foot.
Getting around
Getting around in Florence in April is pretty seamless thanks to the proficient public transportation in place. The primary mode of transport here are buses, run by ATAF Buses. These buses are wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned. Your journey will also be quite convenient because the buses are automated and can buy tickets before boarding the bus from authorized sale points. A single bus ticket is valid for ninety minutes straight. However, we would advise that you avoid taking the bus during rush hour. There's also a tram line available in the city that connects to Scandicci. Apart from that, you can also rent bicycles and taxis at your convenience.
Florence in April: Visiting tips
- To ensure that you have the perfect vacation, indulge in a bit of organizing and planning. This includes booking entrance tickets and accommodation in advance. This allows you to get the best deals and avoid wasting your precious time in long queues.
- When it rains (and it might in April), you can make your way to the indoor attractions in the city, such as museums and art galleries to avoid wasting your limited hours in the city.
- Many local shops remain closed between 1-4pm for an afternoon siesta, so keep this in mind when planning your shopping expedition. Also, it's okay to bargain when shopping locally so don't shy away from discussing the price with the shopkeepers.
- The best time for sightseeing in Florence is when the weather is pleasant, usually April and May or September and October. Visit these sights early in the morning or toward the end of the day for the shortest lines.
- You'll be walking around quite a bit in Florence. Stay hydrated and take plenty of rest throughout the day.
- Always carry cash on you. ATMs in Florence tend to charge a higher fee on Visa and Mastercard.
- Note: Italians dine late, prepare yourself for late dinners. By late we mean, 8pm onwards.
Explore Florence through the year
