5 of the Best Day Trips from Florence

Florence is a city that captures the heart—but some of Tuscany’s most enchanting treasures lie just beyond its borders. From medieval hilltop towns to seaside escapes and culinary havens, these five day trips from Florence offer the perfect mix of history, culture, and unforgettable views. Whether you’re craving a quiet countryside stroll or a taste of authentic Italian life, each destination promises a unique glimpse into Tuscany’s timeless charm.

1. Lucca

Famous for its intact Renaissance walls, Lucca invites visitors to stroll or cycle around its tree-lined ramparts and explore cobblestone streets filled with elegant shops and trattorias.

Wonder around and get lost in Lucca. There are so many charming streets and piazzas to enjoy making this a great day trip.

Skip: Pisa.. or just plan on a quick stop and then head to Lucca or Viareggio.

2. Bologna

The culinary heart of Italy, Bologna delights with its portico-lined streets, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine—especially fresh pasta like tagliatelle al ragù.

Be sure to checkout my list of The Best Things to Do in Bologna.

If your focus is food, check out The Best Places to Eat in Bologna. If you are short on time, 1 full day in Bologna is good. But if you are a foodie like me, I would spend closer to 3 days here to fully enjoy the culinary scene.

You will find beautiful porticos throughout the city. It’s really nice when walking through the city on a rainy day!

3. Montecatini Alto

Perched above Montecatini Terme, this hilltop village charms with panoramic views, narrow stone lanes, and cozy trattorias reached by a historic funicular.

Take a train to Montecatini Terme then walk to the funicular. Take the funicular up to Montecatini Alto. The views are incredible.

Be sure to check times to go up and back down.

The picture above shows the funicular you take to get to Montecatini Alto. The views on the way up are gorgeous!

Enjoy some gelato or sit outside at a restaurant or cafe while you are up in Montecatini Alto.

Back down in Montecatini Terme, they have this beautiful carousel. Our kids loved this! Carousels are very common in Italy so we have to limit them to one per city we visit!

4. Viareggio

A stylish seaside town on the Tuscan coast, Viareggio is known for its long sandy beaches, Art Nouveau architecture, and the lively Carnival that fills the promenade each year.

Have a beach day in Viareggio. Be sure to call and reserve some chairs during peak summer season. We visited in early May and didn’t need to reserve ahead of time.

Take a walk through Parco Pineta di Ponente in Viareggio on your way to or from the beach.

5. Pistoia

Pistoia is a charming, less-touristy gem in Tuscany. It offers medieval architecture, lively piazzas, and authentic Italian life without the crowds of nearby Florence.

The food scene here is incredible. Be sure to check out The Best Restaurants in Pistoia post.

Free 15 Day Italy Itinerary:

Example Itinerary – 15 Days in Italy

Other Posts You Might Like:

• How to Spend 2 Days in Genoa, Italy
• How to Spend 24 Hours in Rapallo, Italy
• How to Spend 2 Days in Cinque Terre, Italy
• How to Spend 3 Days in Florence, Italy
• The Ultimate 15 Day Italy Itinerary

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