Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, boasts numerous masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Among its most famous landmarks is the Duomo, a cathedral featuring a terracotta-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi and a bell tower crafted by Giotto. We took a day trip to Florence while staying in Tuscany, as it was just a brief train ride from the closest station to our holiday park, Figline Valdarno.
Here’s our itinerary for a family-friendly day in Florence.
We made our way from the train station to the stunning Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, known for its striking red dome and the intricate Giotto’s bell tower.
Entry to the main area of the Cathedral (Duomo) in Florence is free, allowing visitors to explore the interior without needing a ticket. However, access to certain attractions within the complex, such as climbing the Bell Tower or Dome, or visiting the Crypt, Baptistery, and Museum, does require a ticket.
Even with free admission to the Cathedral, we encountered a wait of at least an hour, which we felt was too long for the kids. Instead, we decided to relax at one of the many nearby cafes, enjoying coffee, juices, and croissants. The exterior of the Duomo is so intricately detailed that it remains a breathtaking sight. Although I’m sure the Last Judgment frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari inside the dome are undoubtedly worth the wait and the price if your kids are up for it.
We booked tickets to the Leonardo Da Vinci Interactive Museum, which I knew would be enjoyable for the girls. This museum is dedicated to recreations of the machines and mechanisms that Leonardo Da Vinci designed and documented in his renowned codices.
Visitors can interact with and operate many of these creations, making it a truly hands-on experience to learn about Da Vinci. There are even puzzle tables and areas where you can design a bridge, construct a self-supporting dome, or assemble the Polyhedrals. Additionally, there are rooms featuring reproductions of Da Vinci's famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. The ticket prices were quite reasonable at €7.90 for adults and €6.90 for children, and the timed entries ensured it didn't feel overly crowded. It was a fantastic way to introduce the girls to Leonardo Da Vinci and the Renaissance history of Florence.
After the Leonardo Da Vinci Interactive Museum we walked to the Piazza della Signoria where a replicate of the Michaelango’s Statue of David stands in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (the real Statue of David is inside the Accademia Galleries which you can visit with an admission ticket) Next to the Palazzo Vecchio is the Loggia dei Lanzi where you can observe a number of other marble statues free of charge. The girls recognised the names of Hercules (who is depicted fighting a centaur named Nessus) and Perseus and Medusa from their interest in myths and legends. However, upon reflects these statues are very gruesome, and depict some shocking things, you may want to gloss over the descriptions for younger kids.
From Piazza della Signoria, we took a short stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge spanning the Arno River. This iconic structure is adorned with jewellery and art shops. While walking across is free, be prepared for the crowds that make capturing good photos quite challenging.
I bought tickets for Farley and me to explore the Uffizi Galleries, located near the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio. This remarkable venue houses some of the most renowned artworks, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi and Annunciation, as well as Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo. Farley has a passion for painting and drawing, so it was really special to introduce her to a slice of art history in Florence, the home of many Renaissance masters. Plus, spending some one-on-one time together is always valuable.
I’m certain Hallie and Rooney would have enjoyed the art gallery as well, but we had to weigh the cost of admission against their level of interest. Instead, they spent an hour or so exploring bookshops and toy stores with Braino.
One location we overlooked, but I would highly recommend to others, is Piazzale Michelangelo. Here, you’ll find a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David along with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city—arguably the best vantage point for the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore. While it requires a bit of a walk across the river, it is accessible via the hop-on-hop-off bus route if you choose to go with that option. The sunset view on a sunny day would be absolutely stunning, though a zoom lens might be necessary to capture a stunning photo.
In summary, while I believe we made the most of our day in Florence, providing the girls with an educational experience, it was here that I thought, "Wow, the crowds are overwhelming!" Of course, we are tourists ourselves, so we can't really complain, but I was taken aback by the sheer number of people queuing at the cathedral and in the streets around the Ponte Vecchio. We visited in the later part of September, which is typically the tail end of the busy tourist season.