Romantic Things To Do in Florence (My Top List 2023) (2023)

A complete guide to the most romantic things to do in Florence for couples (+ the best sunset views, truffle hunting, horseback ride and wine tasting).

Looking for a romantic Tuscan escape with charming piazzas, excellent wines and beautiful sunsets? Well, Florence is the place to go. Located on the banks of the Arno River, Florence is the perfect destination getaway for a honeymoon or a special trip with your loved one.

The city will charm you with picturesque stone bridges, gorgeous Italian palaces and breathtaking views. This is Florence, a symbol of Renaissance and an open-air museum, where you’ll stumble on art and romance at every step!

You won’t find Florence short on romantic places. Yet, to plan the perfect getaway with your loved one, take a look at my suggestions for the most romantic things to do in Florence.

Most romantic things to do in Florence

While planning your romantic escape, you have to take in mind that Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It’s visited by 16 million tourists every year!

Don’t let this fact ruin your plans. Just follow my advice and step away from the main tourist places. You’ll find quiet piazzas, cobblestone streets with charming trattorias and breathtaking river views.

Most romantic things to do in Florence (for couples)

• Explore Florence by horse-drawn carriage
• Enjoy a classical music concert
• Take a private photoshoot
• Renew your vows in a romantic setting
• Enjoy the best view of Florence
• Sunsets on the Arno River
• Explore Florence at night
• Share some chocolate together
• Visit a 600-year-old perfume shop
• Balloon flight over Tuscany
• Truffle hunting
• Horseback ride and wine tour

For a truly romantic experience in Florence, stay at the Golden Tower Hotel & Spa. This boutique hotel features a fantastic location in the heart of the city and an excellent spa area!

Always book tours or skip the lines tickets with GetYourGuide or Tiqets (you get a mobile ticket + free cancellation). Tickets from the attractions’ official websites are mostly non-refundable.

Explore Florence by horse-drawn carriage

Florence is a perfectly walkable city. The historical centre is compact and easily explored on foot. There is nothing more romantic than walking hand in hand with your loved one, exploring this gorgeous city. Still, you can always add a bit of romance by taking a horse carriage ride.

The horse-drawn carriage is a great way to see the city from a different angle while cuddling with your partner. You can find horse-drawn carriages (fiaccherai in Italian) at Piazza del Duomo or at Piazza della Signoria.

Enjoy a classical music concert

The intimate churches and theatres in Florence are the perfect setting to attend a classical music concert. So, why don’t you spend a lovely evening with your loved one, listening to the romantic Italian Opera? Some of the most popular venues are the Church of Santa Monaca, St.Mark’s English Church and the Church of Santa Felicita.

Take a private photoshoot

Photos are an excellent way to preserve your memories of a dream trip. You can experience your romantic vacation all over again, you just need to take a look at them. And in a second, you’ll be taken back to your happiest and most precious moments.

However, no matter how good your photography skills are, it’s hard to take photos of you and your partner together if you’re travelling alone. Thus, I recommend you booking a private photoshoot. You’ll discover the most beautiful spots in Florence with a professional photographer, who will capture all your precious moments together!

Renew your vows in a romantic setting

Florence is the ideal setting to renew your vows or to make a symbolic wedding. Promise your love to your beloved at a panoramic terrace with magnificent views. A unique and unforgettable experience, that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

For more details take a look at this vows renewal ceremony package. The package also includes an authentic Italian meal and a professional photograph!

Enjoy the best view of Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo offers the most breathtaking views of Florence. Unfortunately, as it’s a popular spot, especially at sunset, it’s super crowded with tourists. Even if you manage to find a spot to enjoy the stunning view, you’ll be surrounded by tens of people. Something not quite romantic, right?

Thus, I’d recommend you climb a little further till you get to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. The basilica is less than a 10min walk away from Piazzale Michelangelo, but most of the tourists don’t go further than the latter.

You’ll be rewarded with the same stunning view as the one from Piazzale Michelangelo, but all to yourself!

Sunsets on the Arno River

Arno River is crossed by a few scenic stone bridges, as the most famous one is Ponte Vecchio. You’ll probably pass along it a few times a day while exploring the city. And although the views are lovely during the day, I’d advise you to return to the area at sunset.

Arno River is one of the most romantic places in Florence. Take a leisurely stroll along it, while watching the sun sets over the Tuscany hills. And don’t miss to stop at Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte Alla Carraia to enjoy some great views of Ponte Vecchio.

For a truly romantic experience, join this unique cruise on the Arno River. You’ll glide down the river in a historic boat while sipping Prosecco and enjoying the scenery.

Explore Florence at night

Florence is as pretty as a picture during day time, but wait till the night falls! The crowds thin out and the city’s beautiful squares and charming alleyways are left alone for you to explore. Hand-in-hand with the one you love, discover the city and its most romantic places. Or just sit quietly with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

To experience the magic of Florence by night, take this walking tour after sunset with an art historian guide. You’ll see the most popular tourist sites, including the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

Share some chocolate together

Love and chocolate are always a good combination. So, why don’t you share some chocolate together? The only thing you have to do is to stop at Vestri and choose your favourite flavours.

You’ll find any type of chocolate you can imagine – milk, dark, white, hazelnut, etc. My personal favourite is the white chocolate with pistachio. The quality is excellent, the chocolate is made of organic cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic!

Vestri
Address: Borgo degli Albizi, 11r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
vestri.it

If you’re visiting Florence in February, don’t miss the Fiera del Cioccolato. It’s a festival of artisanal chocolates that takes place every year around Valentine’s Day.

Visit a 600-year-old perfume shop

Near the Church of Santa Maria Novella, you’ll find a 600-year-old small pharmacy. Formerly run by Dominican monks, it’s one of the oldest pharmacies in the world! You can buy perfumes, soaps and other skin-care products, prepared by following centuries-old recipes.

Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Address: Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
smnovella.com

To dive into the world of perfumes, join this perfume masterclass. You’ll not only learn the story of perfume making during the Renaissance but also create your own fragrance to take home!

Must buy tickets in advance

Uffizi Gallery – the most popular museum in Florence (5,600 visitors per day). Lines are always long and tickets are valid for a certain time slot. So, be prepared and book in advance your Uffizi Gallery ticket here.

Galleria dell’Accademia – the city’s second most popular museum. Tickets are again timed entry, specifically for the date you booked. You can book your Galleria dell’Accademia ticket here.

Florence Cathedral – the cathedral is free to visit, but you have to pay if you want to climb the dome. Tickets are timed and often sold out for the day, so book your Duomo ticket here in advance.

Where to stay in Florence for couples

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the key points of a romantic holiday. Luckily, Florence is not short of romantic places to stay! You’ll find gorgeous hotels housed in historical palaces, featuring original frescoes and panoramic views.

To make your decision of where to stay in Florence as a couple easier, I’ve picked four of the most romantic places to stay. You can also take a look at my guide to where to stay in Florence first timefor more recommendations.

Alfieri Signature Suites – Most popular 4-star

Located next to the famous Ponte Vecchio, the hotel boasts stunning views over the Arno River. Each room has its own style and personality, you’ll feel like staying in an Italian palace!
Why book – located on the riverbank, luxurious spacious rooms, excellent selection at breakfast

Brunelleschi Hotel – Best rated 4-star

If you look for a unique experience and unbeatable location, Brunelleschi is the place. The hotel is housed in a 6th-century Byzantine tower and a medieval church, just a short walk from the Duomo. The perfect place to stay for a special romantic holiday!
Why book –2min walk from the Duomo, excellent gourmet restaurant on-site, high-quality buffet breakfast

Helvetia&Bristol Firenze – Most popular 5-star

Set in a 19th-century historical palace, the hotel boasts a luxurious interior enriched with fine fabrics, chandeliers and antiques. Each of the rooms has a unique character and comes with a marble bathroom.
Why book – 100m away from a high-fashion shopping street, luxurious rooms with an old charm

Hotel Lungarno – Best rated 5-star

To enjoy pretty river views, there is one place to stay – Hotel Lungarno. Set directly on the bank of the Arno River, the hotel features an elegant design with blue tones. Lungarno even boasts its own art collection with more than 450 works, including Picasso and Cocteau!
Why book – located on the riverbank, next to Ponte Vecchio, Michelin-starred restaurant, Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries

Romantic dinner in Florence

You can never go wrong with a romantic dinner! And Florence offers plenty of experiences for couples to choose from. From a lovely dinner at a sumptuous restaurant or a fun cooking class to an intimate wine tasting, just name it!

Take an authentic cooking class

Food always brings people together. As they say, couples who cook together stay together. So, why don’t you take a cooking class while in Florence? Plus, there is no better way to relive a trip, than cooking at home some of the delicious meals you’ve tried during it.

Join this Florence authentic cooking class and learn how to make pasta from scratch and the secret to the perfect Florentine dessert.

Find more recommendations in my guide to the best food tours in Florence.

Wine tasting

Wine tasting is one of the most popular activities for couples in Florence. And the reason behind that is, the Tuscany region is world-famous for its Chianti wine. It is a very dry red wine, best combined with delicious Italian food.

To taste some of the best wines from the Chianti region, join this Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting. You’ll explore the enchanting Oltrarno district at sunset and enjoy the taste of some great wines of Tuscany!

If you have the chance, visit any of the numerous wineries near Florence to taste the famous Chianti on the spot. However, if you prefer wine tasting in the city, take a look at my recommendations below.

Fratelli Zanobini – a great local stand up wine bar with an incredible selection focused on Tuscan wine. You can buy a bottle, or sample some of the numerous wines by the glass.
Address: Via Sant’Antonino, 47, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
lelame.com

Le Volpi e L’Uva – a cosy wine bar that features quality wines from small wine producers. You can sit and enjoy your glass of wine along with some delicious appetizers.
Address: Piazza dei Rossi, 1R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
levolpieluva.com

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina – an excellent wine bar, situated next to Pitti Palace. Their wine list is focused on high-end handcrafted Tuscan wines often from little known and family-owned wineries.
Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 16, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
pittigolaecantina.com

Most romantic restaurants in Florence

Il Palagio – this Michelin star exquisite restaurant is one of the most romantic places for dinner in Florence. The menu includes a wide selection of seasonal recipes from Italian haute cuisine. The wine list is exceptional – more than 1000 labels also served by the glass.
Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
ilpalagioristorante.it

Winter Garden Restaurant – an excellent Michelin-star restaurant with an elegant setting and lovely ambience. On the menu, you’ll find traditional recipes from Tuscany with a modern touch and more than 300 wine labels (40 of champagne).
Address: Piazza Ognissanti, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
wintergardenflorence.com

Degusteria Italiana agli Uffizi – a small and elegant restaurant in the heart of the city with an excellent truffle tasting menu. The wine list includes high-quality Italian wines from all over the country.
Address: Via Lambertesca, 7 Rosso, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
degusteriaitalianafirenze.com

Romantic day trips from Florence

Florence offers plenty of activities for couples, but if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, check out the ideas below.

Balloon flight over Tuscany

If you’re an adrenaline loving couple, this Balloon Flight Over Tuscany is just for you. Experience the magical feeling of flying high over the hills and vineyards of Tuscany. You’ll rise to an altitude of 2,000 feet on a hot air balloon and then float with the breeze. The best way to see Tuscany from the above!

Truffle hunting

This unique truffle hunting experience is a must activity for every foodie couple! You’ll not only learn the history of truffle hunting but also follow the dogs in search of truffles in the beautiful countryside. And after your hunt, you’ll enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal at a cosy Tuscan farm!

Horseback ride and wine tour

Join this guided horseback ride and ensure you and your loved one an unforgettable day! You’ll explore the beauty of the rolling hills of Tuscany from the back of a horse. After the horse ride, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and a delicious authentic lunch at a historic estate.

How would you spend a romantic weekend in Florence?

Pin for later

About the author

	Milena Yordanova
	I’m a full-time travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love to travel and to discover new places, cultures and food. I’m an expert in travel planning and I am here to help you plan your dream vacation.