Back when I was 22 and didn’t speak a lick of Italian, I spent five weeks in Florence by myself after graduating college. I had already studied abroad there, but I wanted to go back on my own, really soak up local life in the city, and explore more of the surrounding countryside.
I had a little list of places I wanted to visit, and I quickly fell in love with the act of waking up early, getting a cappuccino and cornetto to go, hopping on a train, and watching mountains and sunflowers sweep by as I was whisked along somewhere deliciously new.
As an American from the Midwest, traveling by train is a treat in and of itself. And Florence, as beautiful as she is, has plenty of pretty neighbors that are only a short ride away. So whether you’re living, studying, or traveling through, here’s a list of the best day trips from Florence.
In Tuscany, having a car has its advantages, but this list was created specifically for the public transport traveler like me. Every city is less than 2.5 hours away (most closer to 1 hour) and conveniently reachable by train or bus.
Note: this is a list of small towns that I feel are easy to explore in a single day. There are plenty of other nearby cities you could visit in a day (Bologna or Rome for example) but in my opinion those places need more time. Stay tuned for another post on that – weekend trips from Florence 🙂
Siena
Distance – approx. 1.5 hours by train
Siena is truly the perfect size for a day of strolling, eating, and exploring, naturally bookmarked by ooh-ing and aww-ing. If you only had time to take a single day trip, I would tell you to go to Siena.
This enchanting Medieval city is surrounded by rolling hills and full of winding cobblestone streets and picturesque alleys. The Duomo of Siena is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever been inside in my life (and I’ve been in many!).
Make sure to visit the shell-shaped Piazza di Campo, enter the Duomo (plz), and climb the bell tower for entrancing views of the city and countryside beyond.
Lucca
Distance – approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes by train
Another gem just a stone’s throw away from Florence, Lucca is a perfect day trip destination for Italophiles.
Wander along the city’s unique medieval walls, climb the Torre Guinigi for a marvelous view, pop into the Duomo and the many churches, and have a drink in the beautiful Piazza Anfiteatro. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also rent a bike and ride it around the city walls for a unique day trip experience.
Read also: Where to Eat in Florence, Italy
Arezzo
Distance – approx. 1 hour by train
Compact and charismatic, Arezzo is the birthplace of poet Petrarca and one of the filming locations for the classic Italian film “La Vita E’ Bella” starring Roberto Benigni.
This is another ideal spot for wandering through the city’s cobblestone streets and experiencing some beautiful panoramas of the hills around the city.
The city’s main piazza, a sloping sight for sore eyes, is a wonderful place for sipping on a Spritz and people-watching. Don’t miss the view from the Passeggio del Prato or better yet, climb up the Fortezza Medicea for awe-inspiring surroundings.
Pisa
Distance – approx. 50 minutes
A grand classic because of the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa, this petite city was made for a quick train trip. In the main square – Piazza dei Miracoli – you’ll find all the main attractions: the Tower, Duomo, museum, and baptistery.
If you venture deeper into Pisa’s center, you may discover there’s not a whole lot of differentiating landmarks or undeniable charm, but it’s worth a visit to see the marble monuments, have a long lunch, and get that Insta pic.
Prepare for some swirly vertigo if you climb the tower because you really can feel the impact of the uneven floor! That makes it all the more fun though.
San Gimignano
Distance – 1.5 to 2 hours by train/bus
Perhaps one of the most popular day trips and for good reason, San Gimignano is a UNESCO world heritage site and breathtaking hilltop town in the heart of Tuscany.
Small and easily strollable, the town is known for its 14 preserved tower houses from feudal times although it used to boast 72 of them (can you imagine?).
Make sure to try its famous white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and leave yourself plenty of time to stare at the countryside with your mouth agape.
Cortona
Distance – 1 hour 20 minutes by train
Another dreamy hilltop town, Cortona is a bite-sized but beautiful destination for a day trip from Florence.
Easily reachable by train, you’ll need to hop on a bus up to the city center because it’s way way up there, but you know what that means…the higher the climb the better the view from the top.
There aren’t many attractions per say: the main piazza, quaint churches, and a few museums with Etruscan artifacts, but that’s what makes it so perfect for a leisurely afternoon. This was also the location for the novel-turned-film “Under the Tuscan Sun,” and a big reason why it’s on the tourist radar now.
I hope you enjoyed this petite roundup of beguiling Tuscan towns. If you’re taking the train, do me a favor. Turn your phone off and look out the window.
Read more: The Best Cafes for Studying and Working in Florence
