Day trip to Florence, Italy at Christmas time
MORNING
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
Start your morning in Florence by enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and tasty pastries at Caffe Pasticceria Serafini. It's a bit away from the city center, but the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and yummy pastries make it the perfect spot to begin your day. At Christmas time, make sure to buy their delicious panettone.
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, make your way to the city center. Starting from the main train station, follow the path toward the main attractions along Via Panzani and Via de' Cerretani. These bustling streets are adorned with numerous shops to explore. As you stroll, they will guide you straight to the iconic Piazza del Duomo, where you can marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
VIA DEI CALZAIUOLI & PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA
With numerous remarkable attractions situated in close proximity, it's nearly impossible to take a wrong turn. After immersing yourself in the breathtaking architecture at Piazza del Duomo, take a stroll towards Piazza della Signoria along Via dei Calzaiuoli—one of the city's most picturesque streets adorned with charming shops—to further admire its beauty.
LUNCH TIME
It's lunch time! While the renowned sandwich shop All'Antico Vinaio is indeed fantastic, it often gets crowded, with no seating available. As a wonderful alternative, consider visiting Lo Schiacciavino, a personal favorite of mine. Here, you'll savor equally incredible sandwiches with the added perk of having a table to sit at while enjoying a glass of delicious Chianti.
AFTERNOON
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT PIAZZA DI SANTA CROCE
After a delicious meal head to Piazza di Santa Croce to wander through the charming Christmas Markets. While they might not rank as the finest in Europe, they're definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.
PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
After immersing yourself in the festive Christmas atmosphere, head towards Piazzale Michelangelo, boasting breathtaking panoramic views that overlook the entire cityscape.
COFFEE BREAK
If, like me, you're a coffee enthusiast, you might already be contemplating the perfect spot for your afternoon coffee break. Once you've absorbed the inspiring views, descend the hill and make your way to one of my cherished coffee spots on this side of the Arno river - Ditta Artigianale caffè.
As the evening slowly approaches it's the perfect moment to wander and admire the beautiful Christmas lights spread across Florence.
PONTE VECCHIO
Return to the city center from the coffee shop, passing through Ponte Vecchio, where the festive Christmas decorations add an extra layer of charm to its already enchanting beauty.
CITY CENTRE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Upon returning to the city center, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully decorated streets such as Via degli Strozzi, Via de' Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, and more. Feel free to explore each one individually or wander among them all to soak in the festive atmosphere.
LEATHER MARKET
In the evening, make your way to Mercato Centrale. Begin by strolling around the market's exterior to explore the vibrant leather markets.
DINNER
Inside Mercato Centrale, you'll discover a multitude of restaurants on the first floor, each offering a diverse array of delectable cuisines. This spot stands out to me as one of the finest dining destinations, boasting delicious food options amidst a delightful ambiance. With a wide variety to choose from, it's the ideal place to conclude a day spent exploring the festive charm of Florence.
WHERE TO SLEEP?
Two of my top picks for accommodations in the city center are:
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