10 Romantic Things To Do In Florence Italy in 2023
Can you get a more romantic place than the gorgeous Italian city of Florence? Recently we went to Florence as part of our 10-day adventure to Italy. Safe to say, we absolutely loved it. That is why we are bringing you a guide on 10 romantic things to do in Florence Italy.
Being a symbol of the renaissance period and famous for its architectural beauty, Florence is home to some of the most romantic settings. We would argue that Florence is more romantic than Venice and Rome. It has a certain charm that is undeniable when visiting with a partner.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just visiting just like us, you will not be disappointed. Set in the heart of Tuscany, Florence really does offer it all. Romantic views, wine tours, stunning views and mind-blowing architecture.
If you have followed us for some time now, you know we love finding the most romantic things to do in different cities. So, Florence is the perfect destination to add to the list. Carry on reading to find out the top 10 romantic things to do in Florence, Italy.
About Florence, Italy
Florence's history will help us understand why it is such a romantic city for couples to visit.
The Roman city is over 3,000 years old, founded in 59 B.C. Florence was recognised as an independent city in 1425 after prospering through the Roman-Byzantine, Mediaeval and Renaissance periods.
The Florence Duomo was built in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio. Arnolfo was also responsible for a lot of the architecture in the 13th & 14th centuries. A cool fact is that the Duomo actually remained dome-less until the 14th century. This was because there was no technology to create the dome.
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After the black death, the architect Filippo Brunelleschi created the dome between 1420-36. We will come back to the Duomo in just a minute!
Another really interesting fact about Florence's history was that during world war 2, Hitler actually ordered Ponte Vecchio to be saved. Since, Florence and Tuscany have been revitalised with wine, fashion and tourism.
Duomo Catterdrale Di Santa Maria Del Fiore
The Duomo is hard to miss as it is in the centre of the city and can be spotted through gaps in the tiny surrounding streets.
Famous for its appearance in the popular video game Assassins Creed, the Duomo is more beautiful in real life than you can imagine.
As we had just arrived from Milan, we didn't think anything could top the Duomo Cathedral there. We were wrong. In our opinion, the Duomo in Florence is hands down the best one we have ever seen.
We say that because it is just so unique compared to other Cathedrals we have seen. Don't get us wrong, of course, the Milan Duomo was breathtaking. There is no denying that. However, Florence Duomo was just like nothing we have seen before.
It is the perfect romantic thing to do in Florence, Italy. Standing tall over the city, you can't help but look in awe. You can stroll around the Duomo and bask in its glory, or you can take a tour and go to the top!
This tour will help you skip the line and get you climbing all the way to the top. As the Duomo is so big, there are so many little avenues to explore. The outside terraces at the top are very narrow and old. They have only recently been open to the general public and hold some of the most amazing views in the city.
Even if you are not interested in the rich history and culture, the Duomo holds, a guide to the top is worth it just for the views.
La Giostra
La Giostra. Wow, what a unique place.
We would argue this has to be one of the most romantic restaurants in Florence, Italy. The restaurant is located across two different plots on the same street and is flooded with fairy lights. The tunnel shape restaurant feels super cost and romantic as each table is candle-lit.
When we arrived, it had a massive crowd of people and a queue outside. It just showed how popular the place was! After waiting a while, we were actually taken down the street to another part of the restaurant. Whilst we thought this was weird at; first, it added to the authenticity of the place.
Going for a meal is one of the most romantic things to do in Florence, and La Giostra is the perfect location for that. We enjoyed a stunning meal here accompanied by a tasty bottle of red. If you check it out, we recommend the fillet mignon; it was to die for.
Tuscany Wine Tour
A highlight of our trip was a tour of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We were amazed at just how close Tuscany is to Florence. It only took us a 40-minute drive before we arrived at our first stop.
What is a more romantic thing to do than visit a vineyard for the day, drinking wine and eating cheese! We got a small group tour which included visiting 2 vineyards and at least 6 glasses of wine! Oh, and some lovely bread, olive oil, meats and cheeses.
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Suppose you are going for a special occasion and want to make it extra romantic. In that case, we suggest opting for a slightly more expensive tour. While we enjoyed our tour a lot and met some great people, we would pick a slightly smaller tour if we did it again.
The scenery in Tuscany is breathtaking and so beautifully Italian. They specialise in Chianti wines in the Tucson area, which is a beautiful red. (We will discuss this later in the blog!) It is super tasty, especially when it is made in the very place you are visiting.
The vineyard tour wasn't too expensive either, which is how it also made it onto our things to do in Florence for young couples guide.
Sunset At Piazzale Michelangelo
Sunsets are one of the most romantic things to do as a couple. Where better to watch the sunset in Florence than high above the city at Piazzale Michelangelo.
If you know us, you know Robyn loves a sunset. However, we actually went early in the morning to this viewpoint as it was far too hot to venture up during the middle of the day. The benefit of going for sunrise over sunset was that there weren't any tourists!
However, sunset's have that romantic magic that is just undeniable. The Piazzale Michelangelo has the most beautiful views over Florence, and you can see all of its iconic spots! It is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening together.
It is a popular spot, so don't be alarmed if you arrive and there are no good spots left. Our top tip would be to go a bit early and set yourself up. Then, grab a bottle of wine and some picky bits and make a date night out of it. Such a romantic thing to do in Florence, Italy that does not break the bank!
Or, don't go to the top; come one row down and sit there. You can still see the city but won't be surrounded by all the tourists at the top! Or do what we did and go for sunrise. Either way, you will enjoy a spectacular view from the top to share with your loved one.
Get A Romantic Picture Together On The Ponte Vecchio
Spanning across the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is a stunning bridge. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, but it is easy to see why! Built in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1557, the bridge holds so much history.
Opposite the Ponte Santa Trinita, built in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1557, the bridge holds so much history. It is often jam-packed and full of people walking up and down it. Go to the Ponte Santa Trinita if you want to avoid the crowds and get a romantic picture together with the Ponte Vecchio behind you.
Our best efforts at a romantic picture…
Both bridges are stunning. The Ponte Vecchio has golden arches halfway across, which is the perfect romantic setting for a picture together. You might have to wait for the crowds to go, but it is worth it for that insta worthy shot!
There are lots of shops across the bridge, specifically jewellery shops! Now, when looking for romantic things to do in Florence, picking up a nice piece of jewellery couldn't be more fitting! There is even a Rolex shop on the bridge, which Henry was tempted by! It had to be one of the most incredible shops we had ever seen!
Romantic things to do in Florence Italy, go on a River Cruise
So, yes, you could stand on either bridge and look down over the Arno river. Or, you could jump on a boat and see the bridges from down below! If you are looking for romantic things to do in Florence that are a little more special, a river cruise is just that. We didn't do this as we took a boat out on our trip to Lake Como, but if we go again, we would 100% do this!
It gives you a whole new perspective of the city! Florence is blessed with tiny little side streets that maze around the entire city. So, sometimes it is hard to see the whole of the city for what is in it. You can lose yourself in the side streets, so a river cruise allows you to step back and observe from a different angle.
The river cruises are typically done in a barchetto. A very romantic and cute version of a gondola. You can hire one just for the two of you for the ultimate romantic evening in Florence. Go at sunset for the perfect date night in Florence.
Balloon Flight Over Tuscany
If you want to go even bigger when looking for romantic things to do in Florence, take a balloon flight over Tuscany. Yes, a hot air balloon ride!
Unfortunately, we didn't know about it when we were in Florence. That's why we are telling you about in this guide to romantic things to do in Florence, so you don't miss out like us!
This is the perfect activity to book if you are going to Florence for a special occasion. For example, if it is your anniversary, a birthday, or maybe even you are planning to propose, a balloon flight over Florence would be unforgettable.
If you take the flight at sunrise, you can watch the sunrise over the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Then, float across the sky over the beautiful vineyards before the hustle and bustle of the day started. Finally, take a romantic picture together to show off to all your friends and family.
This is for sure one you won't forget!
Cooking Class
Unlike our other romantic things to do in Florence, Italy, a cooking class is definitely a team bonding experience. Rather than sitting enjoying the view with a glass of wine, taking part in a cooking class together is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
We took part in a pasta-making class we found on Airbnb. It was such a lovely, unique activity to do together. What better place to make pasta together than in Italy! It sounds like something out of a romantic movie.
Getting stuck in and helping each other create the pasta is super fun! Then, when the pasta is done, enjoying it with a glass of wine is really satisfying. We really couldn't recommend a cooking class enough when in Florence! It is the perfect activity to do together.
Opera
This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but going to see the opera is such a romantic thing to do in Florence.
You could take yourself out for a lovely meal beforehand and dress up all fancy. Then, make an evening of it by putting on your best outfit and heading for a classy evening. There is an Italian Opera night in the Santa Monaca church.
Even if you don't like opera, this beautiful 15th-century church is breathtaking. It is such a stunning setting in the heart of Florence. The intimate setting is the perfect setting for a romantic evening with your partner. You can sit back and take in the classical singing and stunning architecture.
It also gives you an excuse to dress up!
Florentine Steak With Chianti Red Wine
Arguably one of our favourite everyday activities. Steak and Wine. Guilty!
As much as we enjoyed the wine tour and the cooking class. Two of our favourite things are food and wine. Nothing will beat setting up at a romantic restaurant, a bottle of red and a good steak. It has to be up there with one of the most romantic things to do in Florence, Italy. (Sorry for any vegetarians and vegans reading!)
Luckily for us, Florentine Steak and Chianti Red wine are what Florence is known for. We discovered a new favourite red wine whilst in Florence, which you need to try! Steak is, fortunately, one of our favourite foods, so safe to say we were in heaven!
In our opinion, red wine just screams romance, and we could not get enough of it! The wine tour taught us to ask for Organic wine as it stops you from getting a hangover. So, top tip, ask for organic wine! You won't get a hangover, and you will sound like a wine professional!
However, our biggest top tip would be not getting trapped by the chains! On our last night, we booked a florentine steak restaurant we spotted on our first night there. The reason we booked it was because it was one of the first ones we saw! Do not make this mistake!
Luckily for us, we had experienced lots of excellent steaks before this night, so we knew it was not the best you could get! But stay away from chains as they are very mediocre and expensive for what you get. Instead, opt for a more low-key smaller, family-run place for the most authentic experience!
What can couples do in Florence?
There are plenty of couples things to do in Florence, some of the top ones include:
Visit Duomo Catterdrale Di Santa Maria Del Fiore
Eat at La Giostra
Go on a Wine Tour
Watch Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Get a Romantic Picture Together on the Ponte Vecchio
Go on a River Cruise
Take a Balloon Flight Over Tuscany
Go on a Cooking Class
Eat Florentine Steak With Chianti Red Wine
Is Florence the city of love?
Florence is commonly called the city of love. With stunning architecture, amazing bars and some of the best history in Italy, this is one of the best places to visit as a couple.
What is Florence best known for?
Florence is best known for its culture, stunning food, Renaissance art and architecture and leather. When we visited the city, we found amazing spots to visit and have listed them in this blog for you to discover.
Conclusion
We hope this helped give you some ideas of romantic things to do in Florence, Italy.
We really enjoyed Florence and hope that you do too! The city is ideal for a romantic getaway for 2, with loads of perfect activities for couples to do together.
If we had to recommend anything, it would have to be; Steak & Wine (a must in any Italian city), the cooking class and the Tuscany wine tour. We enjoyed these the most during our stay, so we would highly recommend them.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions we might have missed! You can contact us here. We would love to hear!
But for now, enjoy eating lots of pasta and drinking lots of wine! Other places you may want to visit include Boboli Gardens, Galleria Dell Accademia, Villa Bardini, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza Della Signoria.
