Florence is home to massive architecture, layers of ancient history and neighbors with flourishing vineyards that line the Tuscan valleys. There’s so much to experience within the city walls, but if you’re craving even more adventure, there’s a whole world beyond Florence to soak in la dolce vita. From the ruins of Rome to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the colorful seaside villages of Cinque Terre, here are some of the best day trips you can take from Florence. 

Tip: Use the app Trainline to decide the best option for these day trips. The app let’s you know cheapest routes or the fastest way to get to your destination!

Rome: 1.5 hours from Florence by train 

Rome makes for a bold, culture-filled day trip. The city is packed with Roman history, massive monuments, and charming cobblestone streets. When I studied abroad, we spent the day walking everywhere. From exploring the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, you really can see a lot of Rome in one day if you plan well (and wear comfy shoes!).

Pisa: 45 minutes from Florence via Train

The iconic Leaning Tower is just a short ride away. Pisa is totally doable in half a day, but this was manageable because we didn’t climb the tower. We walked around the town, snapped that classic tourist pic, and got a feel for the city. I promise you, everyone is pretending to hold up the tower, so just lean into it (literally). 

Since we had extra time, we made a spontaneous decision…

Castiglioncello: 35 minutes from Pisa 

After Pisa, we realized we were so close to the coast, so why not hit the beach? Castiglioncello is a stunning seaside town with colorful buildings, beach clubs, and rocky spots where locals sunbathe. We didn’t plan anything in advance. We just followed the streets toward the water and ended up finding the perfect hidden beach spot. It turned out to be one of the most relaxing parts of our trip.

Cinque Terre: 2.5 to 3 hours from Florence

Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. There are five villages to explore, but we chose Vernazza which was the best decision ever. The crystal blue waters, lit up by the colorful buildings stacked along the green hillside, looked like something straight out of a movie. Literally Luca!

Getting there is totally doable, but it does take some time. Here’s how: 

The cheapest route takes about 3 hours: Florence → Pisa → La Spezia Centrale → Cinque Terre train to your village.

Some faster trains go straight from Florence to La Spezia Centrale (about 2 hrs 15 min), where you then hop on the regional Cinque Terre train. No matter how you get there, start your day early. That way, you’ll have time to wander, explore, swim, and really soak in the coastal magic.

Overall:

Day trips from Florence are the perfect way to expand your Italy experience. Whether you’re craving ancient ruins, coastal towns, or beachside relaxation, there’s so much beauty just a short train ride away. Say basta to staying put and let yourself explore beyond the map.