Florence in The Rain – Our Favourite Indoor Activities in Florence

Planning a trip to Florence and seeing rain in the forecast?

Don’t stress — we’ve been there! Honestly, some of our favourite memories in this gorgeous city happened with raindrops falling and clouds overhead.

Even when it rains, Florence has a special kind of magic. Whether you're taking shelter in a charming little café, exploring incredible museums, or enjoying a peaceful stroll with an umbrella in hand, there’s still so much to take in.

Let us show you how to make the most of a rainy day in Florence!

Rainy days in Florence have become our favourite—there’s nothing cosier than hopping between little shops while the city glistens outside

Florence's weather - A first-hand experience

We love the weather in Florence—it’s rarely too cold to get out and explore. We’ve visited at the end of November, in early spring (late March), early June, and mid-September, and each time the weather was just right for wandering the streets, sightseeing, and soaking in the city’s charm.

The warmest months are July and August, when it can be too hot during the day (ideal for having a siesta in your apartment or hotel). But still, nights are perfect for walking and al fresco dining.

👍 Handpicked rainy day activities in Florence

1. Museums in Florence are our rainy-day remedy—especially the Uffizi and Bargello

When it rains in Florence, we love to visit museums (there is no shortage of them in the city). You'll be inside, without getting wet.

When it rains in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is the perfect cozy spot with beautiful art and plenty to explore

The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is a great choice, offering enough paintings and sculptures by famous Italian and European artists to spend a couple of hours—or even an entire day—exploring.

The Uffizi Gallery is easy to find—it's not far from Piazza della Signoria and the Arno River. We took a tour with a local guide (that lasts 1.5 hours), which is a great way to experience the highlights of the museum. Those who want to explore the Uffizi on their own should book skip-the-line tickets.

The Bargello Museum

If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, the Bargello Museum is the right choice. This sculpture museum, situated in the heart of the city, holds unique artworks by Michelangelo, Donatello, and other artists. We especially loved the courtyard and portico of the Bargello—ideal for hiding from the rain.

When it rains in Florence, you can also head to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo 9, entry fee €6), where sculptures that once adorned the Duomo and Baptistery are now exhibited.

Although located just behind the Duomo, the museum is rarely crowded. At the top of the monumental staircase stands Michelangelo's radiant Pietà.

2. When it rains in Florence, we eat - slow lunches, rich wine, and endless pasta

Florence in the rain? Sounds like the perfect day to explore its food scene.

The city has many cosy trattorias and cafés, where you can escape the rain. We love to seat at Caffè Gilli or Rivoire, and have a cappuccino and brioche (this is how they call cornetto in Florence).

Eating delicious Tuscan food is one of the best ways to enjoy a rainy day in Florence

One spot we absolutely love is Ballerini Pasticceria, located at Borgo Ognissanti 132. It's become our regular stop on our walks from our Florence home - Casa di Chiara apartment to the historic center.

They serve amazing cappuccinos and a tempting baked treats - from fresh pastries to tasty sandwiches. Don't miss their house-made chocolate pralines! The staff is wonderfully friendly, which makes every visit even more enjoyable.

If you love quality coffee you can also relax in one of the Ditta Artigianale cafés (on several locations) - their coffee is outstanding.

Numerous trattorias and eateries offers a variety of food, starting from schiacciata sandwiches (ideal for a quick snack), lampredotto panini (unique) and other street food. 

For a full lunch or dinner, head to a restaurant or trattoria and enjoy sitting and feasting delicious food. Start with 'coccoli' (fried dough balls), then continue with ribollita soup and il peposo (hearty Tuscan stew) and end with some of Italian desserts.

More dining places that we love!

• Il Cernacchio (Via della Condotta 38R)
  A cute eatery for freshly made panini or schiacciata sandwiches with lampredotto, porchetta, or veggie options for about €8–9. They also offer traditional dishes like meatballs in tomato sauce, lasagna, pappa al pomodoro, and homemade pesto—all amazingly delicious. Super friendly owners! Great spot to save on dining!
  
• Il Girone De' Ghiotti (Via de Cimatori, 23R)
  Great place for crunchy schiacciata sandwiches filled with prosciutto, cooked ham, Tuscan salami, spicy salami, and various condiments. Prices start from just €6.
  
• Minuto Bauli (Via del Corso 69)
  We found this cute spot on the way from Piazza della Signoria to the Duomo (to the right). We love sitting here, enjoying cappuccino and soft buns with pistachio cream (also available: zabaione, nocciolata, whipped cream, and pastry cream). Affordable for the location, with polite and friendly staff. Small but full of charm!
  
  

3. A little rain just made a Florentine food tour cosier and warmer

If you want to discover the best foodie gems, we highly recommend joining a guided food tour through the city.

You’ll be in great company and get to enjoy delicious dishes! There are many tours to choose from, and we suggest these:

• Mid-morning foodie walk with Secret Food Tours that takes place in authentic Sant Ambrogio neighbourhood (included market visit)
• Eating Europe's sunset food and wine tour in Oltrarno neighbhourhood (many departure times)
  

👍 Enjoy Florence cuisine on these food tours

4. Rainy days in Florence are perfect for kneading pasta dough and making memories

The cooking classes make the perfect activity whether rain or shine. You'll spend time in the warm and cosy kitchen, cooking and chatting in a good company and the result will be a delicious meal.

Here are the best pasta-making classes we’ve found in Italy!

Florence cooking classes that we recommend:

1. Mastering Nonna's recipes pasta class in Florence
   Spend 3 hours making tortelli, tagliatelle and ravioli (with sauces), in the cooking school near the Basilica di Santa Croce (the very heart of Florence)
   
   
2. Pastamania Florence cooking class
   Make a bunch of fresh pasta and sauces too, in the kitchen studio near the Arno River; Tuscan wines are included
   
   
3. The Cooking Lab Experience
   Chef Luca Polverini welcomes you to his home; you'll prepare together fettuccine and gnocchi with sauces and tiramisù as well (ideal if you prefer smaller gatherings).

👌 3 Bonus cooking classes in Florence

5. Rainy Florence is best experienced under the roof of Mercato Centrale - with espresso and street food close by

The Mercato Centrale is a fantastic indoor market in Florence, just a short walk from the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

If you find yourself in Florence in the rain, this lively market is the perfect spot to explore. It’s packed with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and spices — offering a true taste of local flavour while you stay dry.

We enjoy wandering through the market, admiring the local produce and products.

When hunger strikes, we love grabbing a delicious schiacciata sandwich with mortadella or sitting down for a plate of salami and prosciutto. The upper floor has a food area with many options, though it can get quite crowded and noisy.

It's a great spot to pick up fresh ingredients for cooking, like pasta, salami, and vegetables. The market is also perfect for finding edible souvenirs - a jar of pesto, a wedge of parmesan, or a whole salami make wonderful gifts.

Read also: Best Food Tours in Rome - Our Top Picks

6. Rain gives you the perfect excuse to explore the Palazzo Vecchio

You can't miss the Palazzo Vecchio - the symbol of the Florentine Renaissance and one of the most beloved places by both locals and tourist.

You'll come across in when visiting Piazza della Signoria and recognize by the copy of Michelangelo's David statue in front of the entrance.

The rainy day is ideal for exploring this beautiful Florence sight. You can spend there a couple of hours and discover about the Florentine history.

For finding little bit more, take a guided walking tour! Note that, richly decorated courtyard (first one when you enter from Piazza della Signoria) can be seen for free!

👍 Check out this private Palazzo Vecchio tour with an expert guide!

7.  When it rained, we wandered into workshops, boutiques, and markets - and found pure gold

When rain clouds hover over Florence, shopping becomes our ultimate indoor adventure. The city is a treasure trove of stores, both grand and intimate, where you can easily while away an entire day exploring.

Simply wander from one shop to another, taking your time to soak in the delightful atmosphere.

Florence's streets are a shopper's paradise, lined with stores offering everything imaginable: stylish clothes, elegant shoes, luxurious leather goods, handcrafted jewelry, captivating artworks, charming home decorations, delicate ceramics, quality kitchenware, fine linens, enticing perfumes, beautiful stationery, luxurious silk, and of course, the irresistible Tuscan food and wines.

• For those seeking high-end fashion, Via de' Tornabuoni is your destination. Here, designer labels like Gucci, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Pucci, and Prada await.
• We're adore Floruit on Via dei Fossi, which offers stunning flower bouquets with preserved roses, scented candles, ambient perfumes, and hand-made ceramics.
• We can't resist stopping by Leonardo Firenze on Via Porta Rossa for their freshly baked brutti ma buoni, and their colombe and panettoni are simply the softest in the entire city.
• Via della Condotta is another favourite, especially Via del Tè, a haven for tea enthusiasts. Their amazing tea blends and beautiful tea cups are a must-visit.
• Near the Bargello Museum, Erboristeria De Herbore offers a wonderful selection of natural Italian products - from perfumes to shampoos and essential oils. Their naturally scented soaps wrapped in colorful paper make perfect gifts.
• L'Erbolario on Via del Corso is a charming store offering top-quality body care products. From face creams to perfumes, everything smells absolutely divine. The staff's professionalism and politeness make shopping here a true pleasure.
• And when the rain starts to pour, the Coin Department Store near the Uffizi Gallery is our go-to spot. Spread across six floors, it offers everything from clothing and cosmetics to kitchenware. Don't miss the ground floor bar/restaurant for a quick, delicious bite!

Read also: What to Buy in Italy

8. When the rain fell, we found peace and wonder inside Florence’s stunning churches

Florence’s churches are the ultimate rainy day escape—serene, beautiful, and timeless.

If you're on via Tornabuoni near the Arno river, stop in (for free) at Chiesa Santa Trinita to see the Sassetti Chapel. Bring a couple Euro coins to illuminate the frescoes. The ones done by Ghirlandaio in the late 15th century are fabulous, better than any photograph.

Basilica di Santa Croce is another must-see spot in Florence in the rain. This stunning church is the final resting place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo Galilei. You’ll be amazed by its beauty and historical significance.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in the rain.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is quite large and good to stay out of rain. Situated opposite the main train station, it was build in the 13th and 14th century.

Inside, you'll find a gothic crucifix by Giotto as well as early Renaissance fresco by Masaccio of the Trinity. An audio guide would be handy when visiting this church.

You may also like: Travel from Croatia to Italy

9. Florence in the rain means moody light, dramatic skies, and picture-perfect moments

The rainy day in Florence can be fascinating, as the city remains beautiful under the raindrops. We always take the opportunity to capture amazing photos of this wonderful city in the rain.

We love taking photos of Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the surrounding sculptures as they glisten in the rain.

Once the rain clears, we usually head to the banks of the Arno River for more shots—you can capture amazing reflections of the buildings and clouds in the water. It’s truly beautiful!

And when the sun starts to set after the rain, Florence looks magical. For the most breathtaking views, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo—it’s perfect for sunset photos!

10. With rain tapping on the window, our apartment felt like the ultimate cosy retreat

When it's wet out, what you require from a hotel/apartment is cosiness and facilities. And you need a hotel less than a destination.

One of the hotels with great facilities is 5-star Hotel Number Nine, that sits on a quiet pedestrian street, a stone's throw from Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Duomo.

At the hotel, you can pamper yourself in the spa, chill out in the gym or warm up in the sauna, steam room or whirlpool, or join one of the fitness classes.

Hotel also has both restaurant and bistro, where they prepare meals with the fresh seasonal ingredients. So, let it pour — you’ve got enough to occupy yourself.

We enjoy at Casa di Chiara apartment when it's raining. The place is super cosy, you have everything you need, from fully equipped kitchen, comfy sofa for relaxing and watching TV, and large bedroom where you can have a nap.

Read also: Best Places to Stay in Rome

11. Rain gives you a chance to slow down and make art, just like the Renaissance masters

The rainy day in Florence is ideal for taking an art class. You'll be inside and doing something unique. Make your own masterpiece to bring back home!

In Florence you can take any kind of art classes, from sculpting to different kind of paintings. We're sure you'll truly enjoy the act of making art and learning what's behind the most famous masterpieces.

Here are some of the best art classes in Florence:

1. Drawing and Watercolor Workshop in the Heart of Florence
2. Learn to Sculpt or Paint in a Private Florence Art Studio
3. Sculpt like Michelangelo

12. Florence’s rain means one thing: time to get crafty with marbled paper and handmade treasures

Florence is rich in craft traditions, such as leather or ceramic making. The rainy day in Florence is ideal for spending the day learning how to make something. You'll have a unique souvenir to take home.

You can choose from making your own perfume, a piece of jewelry or marbled paper.

These are the most popular workshops in the city of Florence:

1. Perfume Making Workshop in the Heart of Florence
2. Jewelry making workshop in the heart of Florence
3. Florentine Artisan Tradition in Paper Marbling
4. Private jewelry class in Florence - Tuscany

How to get around in Florence when it rains

The best way to see Florence is by walking because it's small and easy to navigate. We love to do this, rain or shine!

If it rains, we just grab an umbrella and stroll around - there's something charming about walking in the rain.

However, if the rain is really heavy and you need to reach a specific place, you can take a taxi. In Florence, there are two taxi companies you can call: 0554390 or 0554242.

If you call for a taxi and it doesn’t arrive, you can ask your host/hotel reception to help you call one. If you're near a café or restaurant, you can enjoy an espresso and kindly ask them to call a taxi for you.

Another option is to find an official taxi stand and wait in line.

Rainy days in Florence bring a unique charm to the Duomo, as locals and visitors alike stroll past under colourful umbrellas

When is the best time to visit Florence

In our opinion, the beautiful Florence is amazing to visit all year round.

But still, if you want to have a perfect mix of fewer crowds and enjoyable weather, the best time to visit is March and beginning of April, and mid-October through November.

Winter in Florence is actually fairly mild and brings the advantage of fewer crowds (outside the Christmas season).

Florence in December was magical—festive lights, cosy vibes, and unforgettable memories! Don’t miss exploring the Christmas markets and strolling along the Arno

Wondering where to check if it’s going to rain in Florence?

We personally love using the Italian weather website Meteo.it - it’s great for checking the current weather in a specific city or region, including Florence. You’ll also find detailed forecasts for the days ahead.

Another reliable option is AccuWeather, a well-known international weather service. It lets you check the forecast by the hour, day, or even for the whole month, all tailored to your exact location.

Read More from Tasty Italian Travels

• Spending one day in Milan
• Rome to Florence by train
• Pasta-making classes in Italy
• Visiting the Uffizi - Our story

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