Florence is worth visiting in any weather.
A rainy day shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the city, as there are plenty of indoor activities to explore.
So, what exactly can you do in Florence on a rainy day?
Here you’ll find the best activities and ideas for Florence in the rain, ensuring you have a great time in the city influenced by the Medici family, even when the weather isn’t ideal.
Florence In The Rain: Our Top Activities
Beyond the top activities like visiting the Uffizi Gallery, the David statue in the Galleria dell’Accademia, or the Florence Cathedral, here are our other favorites:
# 1 TOP-PICK
with Secret Passage Guided Tour
Explore the Palazzo Vecchio including hidden passageways and medieval staircases behind concealed doors
# 2 PICK
church from the 13th century
The first basilica in Florence houses frescos and beautiful paintings by Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Lippi.
BOOK HERE# 3 PICK
Interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum
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What To Do In Florence In The Rain
Florence, one of the best cities to visit in Italy for first-timers, offers numerous activities and attractions perfect for rainy days.
Apart from the top attractions, which are all included in the Florence City Card, such as the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia, here are more activities in various categories:
- Museums and Art Galleries
- Culinary Experiences and Highlights
- Relaxation and Leisure
- Shopping in Florence
- Historic Churches and Buildings
- Other Unique Indoor Activities
⭐ Tip: If the rain is relentless, but the weather is better in the surrounding area, consider a day trip from Florence.
1. Museums And Art Galleries
Museo Galileo
The Museo Galileo holds one of the world’s largest collections of scientific instruments.
Here, you can see Galileo Galilei’s original instruments, such as his thermometer, microscopes, and meteorological devices.
The museum also features other rooms dedicated to the Medici collections and instruments from the House of Lorraine.
TICKET FOR THE MUSEO GALILEO GALILEI
Uffizi Gallery
A highlight in Florence, and one of the reasons to visit Italy, is the Uffizi Gallery. This museum houses famous works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
You can spend hours admiring Renaissance art over several floors and enjoy a fantastic view of the Ponte Vecchio.
Galleria dell’Accademia With Michelangelo’s David
Another must-see in Florence and top things to see in Italy is the Galleria dell’Accademia, known for Michelangelo’s David.
Besides this iconic statue, there are many other impressive artworks to admire.
TICKET FOR THE GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA
Interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The interactive museum about Leonardo da Vinci is near the Florence Cathedral.
Leonardo is one of the most renowned inventors and artists of all time.
While his famous work The Last Supper is in Milan, he also worked in Florence.
In this museum, you can build bridges and domes yourself and marvel at the machines designed by Leonardo.
There are also wooden replicas of flying machines and other inventions based on his drawings.
If you have limited time, this interactive museum is perfect; you only need about an hour.
TICKET FOR THE INTERACTIVE MUSEUM
2. Culinary Experiences
Florentine Cooking Classes
Learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine in a cooking class.
Many schools offer courses where you can prepare and enjoy traditional dishes.
Find classes for making pasta, tiramisu, or pizza here:
Food Tours in Florence
Even in bad weather, you can join a food tour and discover the culinary highlights of Florence.
Armed with an umbrella, you’ll visit markets, special shops, and gelaterias.
3. Relaxation And Leisure
Historic Cafés
Florence has many cozy cafés where you can escape the rain. Enjoy a cappuccino and a slice of cake at Caffè Gilli or Rivoire.
Spas and Thermal Baths
Relax in one of the city’s luxurious spas or thermal baths. A massage or a soothing bath is perfect for a rainy day.
4. Historic Churches and Buildings
Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
The cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Florence and a must-see. The magnificent frescoes, the interior, and the artworks inside the cathedral, as well as Brunelleschi’s massive dome, are awe-inspiring.
TICKET FOR THE FLORENCE CATHEDRAL + DOME ACCESS
Palazzo Vecchio
This historic palace not only has an impressive facade but also fascinating interiors and exhibitions to explore.
PALAZZO VECCHIO TOUR WITH SECRET PASSAGES
Santa Maria Novella Church
The first basilica in Florence houses frescos and beautiful paintings by Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Lippi.
The church was built in the 13th century by Dominican monks and offers a multimedia-supported visit.
With a tablet featuring audio guide narrations and 3D reconstructions, you can discover the church in an engaging way.
It’s located near Florence’s main train station.
TICKET FOR SANTA MARIA NOVELLA BASILICA
5. Shopping In Florence
Mercato Centrale
The covered market is ideal for buying local products or sampling Tuscan specialties in bad weather.
Luxury Shopping on Via de’ Tornabuoni
If you’re into fashion, Via de’ Tornabuoni offers numerous luxury boutiques from international designers.
😱 Travel Tip: Read our how to avoid tourist scams in Italy article! We witnessed these in Florence as well!
6. More Unique Indoor Activities In Florence
Final Thoughts About What To Do In Florence When It Rains
A rainy day in Florence offers many opportunities to discover the city, which the Medici family has shaped.
With countless museums, beautifully decorated churches, and culinary highlights, a day in the historic city center is still a wonderful vacation day, even in the rain.
Recommended for you:
Plan your Florence trip with our Florence travel guide.
Day trips from Florence to Tuscany.
Want to see more of Tuscany? Don’t miss out on the best small towns in Tuscany
Not sure how many days in Florence you should add to your itinerary? We help you decide based on your interests and share the best itineraries with you.
The best cities near Florence
Florence In One Day
Florence In 2 Days
Florence In 3 Days
What do you think? Is Florence worth visiting?
