Far from the holiday crowd and its banter, Florence in January is the unexplored winter wonderland that not a lot of travelers have discovered yet. With the new year warming up in the city, you’re most likely to find it bubbling with exciting workshops and folkloristic events that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Grabbing a chair at one of its outdoor cafes or enjoying a plateful of pasta are just some of the activities that you can enjoy in Florence in January.
What makes Florence in January special?
After the euphoria of the festivities in Florence passes it by, the low-season commences from January onwards, making it a relatively peaceful time to visit. With little to no crowds on the streets, there’s a good chance of getting yourself cheap accommodation and shorter queues.
The month also calls for festivities on the occasion of the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to catch a peek of its nativity scenes that are often around until early January.
Florence in January will acquaint you with soulful live music and classical orchestral performances as well. Taking a stroll across its parks can also land you at one of their outdoor concerts! With the city free from its touristy activities, you’re free to explore its well-known museums as well as art galleries minus the crowds.
Florence in January: Weather
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Expect a good amount of frost and frigid temperature in Florence, which ranges from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. While the chances of it snowing in Florence are extremely rare, the chilly weather is a good enough reason to bundle up warm. Untimely rainfall tends to make its appearance on cloudy days — so having an umbrella at hand is a must.
Florence in January: Things to Do
1
Walking Food & Art Tour
There’s no better way to get to know a city than through its food. Put on your walking shoes and explore Florence with an intimate tour of its markets. Sip on the local wines and dig into some delicious food on your way during the tour. An immersive culinary experience, this walking tour lets you learn about the traditions and the historical backstory of Florence.
Timings
The tour begins at 9:30 AM
Kiosk , Firenze, Italy
Getting There ›
2
Uffizi Gallery
Best known for its Renaissance-era artworks, the opulent Uffizi Gallery of Florence is a popular attraction amongst tourists. The gallery is open to visitors between Tuesday to Sunday. However, do keep in mind that the Uffizi Gallery remains closed to the public on Mondays.
Timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
3
Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti is best known for the impressive collection of art and historical exhibits that are housed within the premises. Comprising eight large museums within the enclave, the Palazzo Pitti gives visitors a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle of the aristocrats that called it home for several centuries.
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
4
Boboli Gardens
Originally designed for the Medici family, the landscaping Boboli Gardens were opened to the public in 1766. Home to a variety of plants and sculptures, the 111-acre sprawling gardens are considered as the finest example of Italian gardens. The Boboli Gardens have served as a source of inspiration for several European courts.
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
5
Florence Duomo
An iconic symbol of Florence, the Duomo Florence is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world. Climb its dome for stunning panoramic views of Florence.
Timings
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturdays: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Sundays: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Accademia Gallery
Among the finest museums in Florence, The Galleria dell’Accademia is a sprawling two-floored gallery that houses some of the greatest pieces of art by Michelangelo.
Timings
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM
Closed on Mondays.
Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
7
Florence Segway Guided Tour
Looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to tour Florence? Hop on a Segway and explore the city on a 3-hour tour of the most popular sights and attractions. The tour also features a guide who will make sure you’re trained well beforehand.
Timings
Tour runs daily at 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
8
Day trip to Siena
Home to some of the most piquant wines across Tuscany, Siena is well worth an extended visit. Embark on a day trip while exploring other scenic attractions including the Cathedral of Siena, Palio Museum, Monteriggioni as well as the Oratory. Don’t miss out on a chance to sample four authentic wines at a well-known winery during your Florence to Siena day trip.
Timings
Tour runs daily at 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM
53100 Siena, Province of Siena, Italy
Getting There ›
Florence in January : Events to Look Out For
New Year's Day
Date: 1 January 2024
Capodanno or New Year’s Day is a holiday in Florence. With museums, restaurants, and shops being closed for the day — it is a great time to set off exploring the quiet vicinity of Florence. If you’re not someone who likes to keep it low-key, you may visit Palazzo Vecchio — which is open on all days.
Pitti Uomo, Number 105
Date: 9-12 January 2024
Sleek suits, trendy accessories, and a whole lot of fashion-forward folks strutting their stuff. Whether you're a fashionista or just love people-watching, Pitti Uomo is the place to be. So, grab your shades and strike a pose – Florence is about to get a whole lot more stylish!
ORT - Stagione
Date: 1 January 2024
Get ready for a season of captivating performances, from classical concerts to contemporary masterpieces. The renowned Orchestra della Toscana (ORT) is set to enchant audiences with their musical prowess. Whether you're a Mozart enthusiast or a fan of modern compositions, ORT - Stagione promises a symphony of entertainment. So, tune in for an unforgettable cultural experience – Florence's cultural scene is about to hit all the right notes!
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour:
Date: 9 January 2024
This January, immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of Florence with a Cooking Class and Lunch at a charming Tuscan Farmhouse. But that's not all – kick off the experience with a stroll through a bustling local market, where you'll pick up fresh ingredients for your culinary masterpiece. From pasta-making secrets to savoring your creations amidst the rustic charm of a farmhouse, this is a foodie's dream come true. Bring your appetite and a dash of culinary curiosity – Florence is serving up a delicious experience you won't forget!
Florence in January: Seasonal delicacies
A delicacy that needs no introduction, the quintessential pizza is a must-have in Florence. Available in both restaurants as well as in smaller street shops, the iconic Margherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita. We recommend trying the delicious pizzas at Melloo and Livio Pizzeria Napoletana.
A folk dish with great historical significance, Lampredotto is made using tripe, boiled in broth and served with a sandwich. Lampredotto is available almost anywhere and is considered as a local favorite in Florence. Whether you prefer it with spicy red sauce or minty green, this should be on your bucket list.
An all-time favorite, Lasagna is another sought after dish in Florence and is and it is essentially made using homemade pasta sheets stuffed with Ragu — a meat sauce béchamel sauce, and cheese which is ideally Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano or a combination of two.
Widely recognized for being a popular appetizer, Crostini is made using Tuscan bread topped with different sauces, purees, or vegetable salsas. Easily available at any restaurant, the dish often has bread with assorted toppings.
You’re bound to find Tiramisu in every menu card across Florence, as this international favorite is said to have originated from the city. Made using soft simple mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers that are soaked in coffee, the tiramisu is known for its several variations.
Florence in January: Itinerary
Check out our complete 3 day itinerary to Florence and plan your vacation to the T! In Florence for just a day? We've got you covered with our 24 hour Florence itinerary.
Florence in January: Essentials
Where to stay in Florence in January?
Depending on your budget, you can stay either within the historical centre, the residential area or in the relative quiet of the countryside.
The historical centre has all the main attractions of Florence so staying here would ensure that everything is within walking distance.
What to pack?
As the winter season continues to persist, it is essential to carry abundant warm clothes during your visit to Florence. Keep an umbrella handy as the city tends to receive untimely showers. Have sturdy boots that can withstand rain or hail. Carry winter gear to make sure you’re the chilly weather does not affect you.
Getting around
Getting around in Florence could be difficult, as some parts of the town have limited access. While walking is the most sought after way of commuting in the city, some also prefer renting a two-wheeler to get around. Apart from this, you may also opt for cab-sharing and buses, which can be easily found in the city. Bus tickets in Florence can also be purchased from local shops, and are available at a discounted rate when compared with their original cost onboard. According to your stay, you can choose to buy a bus pass that is valid for up to three days.
Florence in January: Visiting tips
With favorable weather conditions, it is a good idea to take some trips to the countryside. You can book your tickets in advance via Headout to avail some exciting combos.
- If you’re looking forward to taking some souvenirs back home, make sure you scout for pop up markets that are still around in January.
- January brings a lot of open-air concerts and free orchestral performances that you simply shouldn’t miss.
- Winter season will mean it gets dark quicker than usual. Get a night tour ticket to watch the illuminated city like never before!
- Look out for winter discounts at many-a-hotels and restaurants.
Explore Florence through the year
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