Located just across from the Bardini Museum, the gardens offer the perfect place for a stroll through the beautifully-kept foliage. After perusing the museum, think about spending an afternoon in the sun here enjoying the 17th-century decorations that adorn each twist and turn of the gardens. From up top, there is also an excellent panoramic view of the city where you can see a great view of the city below you. It's a great way to get away from the hot cobblestone and to enjoy your summer days within some of Florence's limited green space. This gem has only recently been opened for the public to enjoy.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: For a beautiful view of Florence and some immaculate gardens, this is the best place in the city.
Alexa's expert tip: Enjoy both the Bardini museum and gardens together.
Very few people know that Florence has its own beach where you can relax and hang out. Think about putting on your bathing suit and grabbing a towel to sit and tan on the banks of the Arno River. You'll find stands with refreshments in the summer where you can purchase items to keep you cool. The bank is sandy and offers the next best thing to the Italian coastline. If you want the beach experience without having to leave the city itself, Spiaggia sull'Arno (or "beach on the Arno") offers you some summer relaxation and a beach-like vibe for everyone.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: You'll find a beach-like atmosphere without leaving the city of Florence.
Alexa's expert tip: Get there later to watch the sunset and enjoy the crowd who shows up.
Perhaps no place is better to sit and enjoy the sun in Florence than the illustrious and large Boboli Gardens. You'll find a large area to stroll or to sit and enjoy your company with friends. Not only that, but you can see some excellently-done and famous statues brought in by the Medici family in order to impress the few guests they allowed inside. You'll want to stay long after it closes. Think about buying a ticket for all attractions located around the Pitti Palace for something to do inside on an especially hot day where you want to escape the sun.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: Some of Florence's best greenery is located near the Pitti Palace.
Alexa's expert tip: Buy a ticket for all the attractions at a reduced price.
One of the perfect spots to relax and enjoy some sun is the piazza in front of the Santa Croce, where you can order a glass of wine and view the facade of the church while enjoying the different festivities that take place during the year. You might also want to think about sitting on the steps with some of the locals It's the perfect place to see Florence's youth heading out to a fun night out or some street performers putting on their best shows. You'll find it's the perfect spot to catch some rays and it attracts several different kinds of crowds throughout the day.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: Santa Croce offers a great spot to sit and people watch in the summer.
Alexa's expert tip: Check out some nearby spots for delicious house wine.
For those who would like to get a little extra exercise and enjoy the outdoors, taking a bike tour to nearby Lucca or Pisa can be the perfect way for you to see the region from Florence. Taking a tour can offer you valuable information about the area and all it has to offer. There are different kinds of tours for different riders, as well, so you are sure to find the kind of tour that would be best for you and the people whom you are traveling with. Make sure to bring water! The beautiful Tuscan sun can get hot while you are riding your bike across the countryside.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: Taking a bike tour is one of the best way to see the surrounding area.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about visiting multiple cities in order to really enjoy the area.
In a city like Florence, some of the most intriguing aspects of the city are located outside. You'll find little bits of history located throughout, and the best way to really get to know the city is to have someone show you around--you won't know all the hidden truths about this special city until you do. With the lovely Tuscan weather, any day you pick is perfect to head out and enjoy a stroll down the cobblestoned streets. You'll never thinking of Florence the same way again after taking a tour with a guide who knows the city inside and out.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: When you are looking for quality walking tours, this is a great company to use.
Alexa's expert tip: Bring some good shoes and a water bottle with you.
Perhaps Florence's most famous spot is Piazzle Michelangelo where you can bring a bottle of wine and enjoy some of the best views of the city. The perfect activity for a hot day, you can find a spot overlooking the beautiful Arno River. Musicians are usually there willing to share their best songs and covers with you--making it the perfect spot to bring a loved one and to enjoy the evening. You'll find something new to see every night, and when you want the best view of the Ponte Vecchio bridge during sunset, this is the spot you should think about climbing to.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: Some of the best views of Florence are from up here.
Alexa's expert tip: You'll want to bring good walking shoes to make the climb.
Enjoy the Tuscany area the old fashioned way by looking into taking a horseback riding journey through the countryside. These rides are often a great way to get a glimpse of the beautiful fields and wineries surround the city. You'll want to choose an experience tour company to take you through the best parts of the surrounding area and to provide you with gentle horses used to beginners and advanced riders. It's an unexpected and unique way to enjoy your afternoon under the Tuscan sun and to take a day out in the best parts of nature with your new equine friend.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: This is a great way to spend an afternoon when you are tired of the city.
Alexa's expert tip: Ask beforehand about what level of horseback rider you have to be.
Located just a few miles from the city center of Florence, you can experience some ancient ruins at the Fiesole Archaeological Site. An easy bus or taxi ride from Florence will take you up the hill where you can stroll through the ruins of ancient theaters, baths, and tombs. You'll find an entire afternoon is taken up when you choose to wander through the many different sites offered. Tours are also available if you want to know more about the structures and the original people who built them--it's the perfect way to learn more about the Etruscan culture and spend your day.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: You'll find amazing Etruscan ruins at this ancient site with multiple things to see.
Alexa's expert tip: Make sure you check the bus times back before you leave.
One of the best things to do in the Tuscany region is to think about taking a tour of the many different wineries that are available. Arguably one of the best places in the world to taste and enjoy a full-bodied red wine, you will want to take a whole day to enjoy your time led by expert guides. Sampling some of the options available in the area is unlike any wine tour you can take in another area, and it would be a shame not to enjoy some of the different kinds of chianti available for you--a bottle also makes the perfect gift to bring home to someone you care about.
Recommended for Outdoor Activities because: This tour company knows the best wineries in the area to sample different bottles.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about booking in advance so you know you'll make it on the tour.