Florence with toddlers: what to see in 4 hours
Florence is a city brimming with art, architecture and Renaissance atmosphere. Visiting for anything less than a long weekend would be a crime against the great artists themselves. But alas, it’s a misdemeanour of which we are guilty. During our call in the city we had just four hours in Florence. So how did we make the most of our short time in Florence with toddlers?
We could have gone on a guided tour to take in all the important sights. But with two children under the age of four and a pushchair in tow, a group expedition did not appeal.
Instead we opted for a self-guided wander through the narrow, scooter-lined streets in search of the must-see landmarks and public art. We had a map, a recommended route, and a will to do Florence justice in the time we had. So, here’s what you can see in four hours if you visit Florence with kids.
Florence with toddlers – a self-guided tour
We arranged to see a snapshot of Florence while on a Mediterranean cruise in June. We were picked up from the ship by our guide, Elisa, who briefed us on Florence during the coach journey from the port of Livorno.
We parked on the banks of the River Arno and walked to Santa Croce Square where we were left to explore.
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Santa Croce Square
Back in the UK, the very first thing we usually do at the start of a day out is find the nearest cafe to refuel Tin Box Tot and Baby. Our visit to Florence was no different.
Santa Croce Square is full of restaurants and cafes ready to serve the daily influx of tourists arriving for sightseeing tours. We chose Ristorante Finisterrae, which had an amazing display of pastries, cakes and ice-cream behind the glass counter.
The square is usually extremely picturesque – you would expect nothing less of the burial place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.
However, when we visited a large temporary sports arena had been erected in the centre of the piazza ready for the Calico Fiorentino. This is a historic football tournament where fighting on the pitch is encouraged.
The scaffolding and plastic sheeting took the shine off the square, so we quickly set about finding the next landmark on our itinerary: the Duomo.
The Duomo
We took a couple of side streets and then rejoined a main road heading north to reach the Duomo. Along the way there were street stalls selling leather. Leather shoes, leather bags and leather purses.
Florence is well known for this but we were warned to inspect all items closely for the words ‘Made in Florence’ rather than ‘Designed in Florence’ in order to buy a genuine Florentine piece.
Tin Box Tot was starting to get the hang of souvenir shopping at this point in our eight day cruise and was eyeing up the magnets, bracelets and handmade puppets.
We settled on a small leather bracelet for the princely sum of €3 as her keep sake from the day.
When we arrived at the Duomo, I was surprised by the vivid white and green marble. I had seen pictures of the cathedral but in real life it was a remarkable sight.
It was about 10am by now but the streets around were already very busy and there was a long line of people queuing to go inside the Duomo or climb up into the dome.
We didn’t have time to do either tour without forfeiting some of the other places we wanted to see, so instead we opted for a few pictures outside.
Poor Tin Box Tot had had an unfortunate accident the day before which involved her face and the side of one of our ship’s swimming pools so had a swollen lip in this shot.
Piazza Della Repubblica
Next we headed south towards the river through Florence’s designer shops and high street eateries. It wasn’t long before we were distracted by a square to the right with a carousel.
This was Piazza Della Replubblica and the carousel dates from the early 20th Century. Tin Box Tot was a happy girl when we agreed to pay the €3 for her to have a ride on the antique horses.
Tin Box Baby was fast asleep in her pushchair by this point so missed out on the fun.
Piazza Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
Back onto the main street we took a left into Piazza Signoria, which is known as the heart of Florence. It holds an array of famous statues including Michelangelo’s David (a replica) and the impressive Palazzo Vecchio – Florence’s town hall.
This was another busy spot with far too many people milling around to get a good shot of the most historic works of art. However we did have better luck getting close to the modern Searching for Utopia, which resonated more with our girls. This was a temporary installation in 2016.
Uffizi Gallery
Next we walked in front of the Uffizi Gallery, which is home to Florence’s 2D Renaissance art collection by the likes of Rosso, Botticelli and Raffaello.
It was certainly not a place to visit with two toddlers but I would have dearly liked to have put my head inside if we’d had the time. Instead we satisfied ourselves with looking at the statues of the 28 Florentine Popes and personalities that line the courtyard outside.
Read about our family-friendly Uffizi tour a few years later.
Under the archway we turned right along the river where we were greeted with the sight of our next city landmark.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest surviving bridge across the River Arno in the city. The others were destroyed by retreating German troops in World War II. It dates back to Medieval times and is lined with high end shops selling gold, watches and jewellery.
The views from the bridge were fabulous and obviously inspired many declarations of love as evidenced by the collection of love locks we found here.
This is where our sightseeing ended. We walked over bridge and back long the opposite side of the river to Ponte Alle Grazie where we crossed back to the north side and found our way through the side streets to Santa Croce Square for lunch.
A part from a tiny bit of clock watching, we had a very relaxed walk around some of the sights and delights of Florence.
I’m not suggesting this is the best or only way to see Florence. We would love to return and spend much longer in the Tuscany region. However, it is possible to make a spend four hours in Florence with toddlers and come away having experienced some of the magic it has to offer.
Getting to Florence
We visited as a day excursion from the port of Livorno. It took two hours for our coach trip to reach Florence – half an hour longer than advertised.
This extra time was spent getting out of the busy port. Be prepared to entertain any small children for this length time on the road.
We took an iPad loaded with cartoons, as well as snacks and drinks for the journey.
Florence also has its own airport, Toscana Airoporti, which is 4km from the city centre. A taxi ride into Florence will cost €20 plus €1 per piece of luggage. You’ll find cheaper flights into Pisa, which is 80km away or an hour and a half drive away.
Florence for kids: tips for your visit
- Finding public toilets can be a challenge in any city. Instead of searching for one with a toddler who’s crossing their legs pop into a restaurant or cafe and order an espresso. This will cost you around €1 but they’ll be happy for you to use their rest room.
- Make sure you wear something appropriate for visiting religious buildings. Shoulders and knees should be covered. A scarf is a handy thing to have in your bag and kids will love using it to dress up.
- When you are on a whistle-stop excursion, don’t do what we did and try to enjoy a sit down meal in a restaurant before rejoining your group. Lunch is a long, leisurely affair in Italy. It may feel unnatural in a region renowned for its amazing food and wine, but grab food to go from a cafe and make the most of your sightseeing time.
Our visit to Florence with kids was a highlight of our holiday and gave me a thirst to return for another look, this time without children.
If you’d like to read more about our excursions during our Mediterranean cruise, why not take a look at our 48 hours in Barcelona or how we toured Marseille by land train.
Have you been to Florence with toddlers or kids of other ages? Where would you suggest we go during our next and hopefully longer family visit?
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This takes me back, we also spent about 4 hours in Florence during a cruise stop on our honeymoon – 10 years ago!! I would love to go back with our son.
You probably did a similar route 🙂 I’d go back again in a heartbeat, with or without the kids 🙂
I loved your post. Firenze has so many things to do with kids. Come and visit us again soon. My Cipolli and me are waiting for you
Luciana recently posted…Settimana bianca sull’Alpe di Siusi: i nostri consigli per chi non scia
Great post. I’ve been to Italy loads of times but not since having a potty trained child so the tip on toilets and espresso is very useful! I’ll remember that when I visit Italy this year.
I’ve just come across this post – so many great tips! We visited Florence pre-approved kids and loved the architecture. Hoping to go back soon! Thanks for sharing!
The architecture rally is a big draw for me too. As is the gelato!! 🙂
Florence is truly beautiful. Nice tips
You definitely made the right decision not to go on a full day guided tour with kids Claire. I have escorted excursions to Florence many times, great fun and memorable for adults, not so for young children. Love your tip re: the mini tour. You look like you all had a fabulous day exploring the city! #MondayEscapes
I’m glad we made the right decision on the self-guided tour and that we went. As you know, I laboured over whether to not to go to Rome too. I’m still gutted that we didn’t but I think pacing ourselves proved for a more chilled out holiday.
Florence is one of our favourite European city breaks but we haven’t returned since we’ve had kids – not that we’ve avoided it we just haven’t managed to get back there yet. Your post has certainly stirred something as you describe the the piazzas, galleries and bridges we know so well. Great tips and great photos too.
Potty Adventures
#MondayEscapes
Thanks David. I hope you and your family get to visit again soon 🙂
Top idea! Tin Box Tot loves being in charge so we try to involve her in decisions when we are out. She also loves working out our route by looking at a map. We really must teach her how to read on properly!!
Ah, such a useful tip about the loos! That’s always a difficulty wnen you’re in a city with children. Poor old Tin Box Tot, with her swollen lip – but she’s a lucky lady to have ridden on such a beautiful carousel. €3 is rather steep!
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Are the Glénan Islands the most beautiful in Europe?
That’s what I thought, but it was a nice treat half way through our tour and kept her legs a going a bit longer…Mr TB was playing pack horse by the time we reached the bridge 🙂
That one came from our tour guide. We were pretty much the only people on out coach with really young kids and I think it was mostly for our benefit. She was really conscious of making sure we felt we had enough information to make our trip work.
I’ve done lots of travelling on my own but it’s taken me until now that my girls are older 10 and 12 I am just starting to think about taking them to new places. You do a great job travelling with a toddler, I have been a complete coward!! Florence is def one for the list and I would be happy for excuses to buy coffee! #MondayEscapes
Thanks Clare! It’s not all as easy as the pictures sometimes suggest. The snack stops are definitely not just for the kids 🙂
Wow! I went to Florence a long time ago. I do not remember the Searching for Utopia statue. I think it wasn’t there when I went. Have to admit it is pretty cool. Loved remembering the city thru your photos.
Ruth recently posted…Why you have to visit the Wachau Valley?
Thanks Ruth. Yes, Searching for Utopia is pretty recent’ I must find out how new it is as a few people have mentioned it.
My mummy visited Florence before she had me and loved it (she was studying art and doing her masters at the time). She remembers sitting in Santa Croce Square watching the world go by and savouring amazing and super large Gelatos! #MondayEscapes
Baby Isabella recently posted…Our Treehouse Adventure! Uplands Treehouse Review, Somerset
You’ll definitely have to get your mummy to take you back. Tin Box Tot loved the gelato!!
It’s a wonderful place to go if you get the chance 🙂
I adore Florence. This is such a good guide when you’re on a time limit with kids. I hope to go back again soon #mondayescapes
Thanks! I think it’s a well trodden route, but definitely a good one to do with small children
It looks like a beautiful place and is on my list of places to visit!!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Smithills Hall – A very first school trip
You should definitely try to visit if you get the chance 🙂
Love the photos ! We have been to Florence but only pre children -must visit with them in tow, I think they would enjoy it too.
Coral , Waytoomuchluggage recently posted…More to Murcia than buckets and spades
Thanks Coral. There was a lot there to capture their imaginations.
I’ve been several times to Florence:) the giant turtle must be the newest addition to beautiful Signoria square:) #mondayescapes
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Monthly Blog Overview: September 2016
Yes, a few people have said it must be very new as they didn’t see it during previous visits. It is an amazing place turtle or no turtle 🙂
It’s about 20 years since we visited Florence and that was just for a day so we were also pushed for time. I think we all need to go back again for a more leisurely trip and take our time soaking up the atmosphere. We did manage to go inside the Uffizi but it was a bit of a rush although thankfully, it was pre-children.
#mondayescapes
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Douglas comes home to Threave Castle
I think our next visit might be without the kids. I’ll be eyeing up out of season flights for Mr TB and I and roping in the grandparents for a bit of quality granddaughter time 🙂
I think you did really well for such a short amount of time. Better four hours than none! Florence is such a beautiful city – I hope you get to go back and spend longer one day. Your tips for short stays with young children are spot on.
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) recently posted…Folegandros: Is this the Perfect Greek Island?
Thanks Clare. We’re definitely learning a lot as we go along. Florence and Tuscany are back on the bucket list 🙂
We did a trip to Florence a couple of years ago and had a blast – we saw a lot of things on your list, the other thing we did was book a private tour of the Uffizi, which was fantastic and surprisingly child-friendly, and we took two cookery classes, one learning to make pizza, and the other which included a tour around the food market with tastings – both of which were really, really good fun – totally recommend them!
I’d love to do a tour of the Uffizi. It’s good to know you can get child-friendly ones. The cooking classes sound great too. My two love making pizza!
I haven’t been to Florence for many years, but it just goes to show how Italian cities are wonderful places for toddlers. The carousel and turtle would be a winner with Monkey too. Oh I want to go back now!
Me too! A few hours really wasn’t enough 🙂
You managed to pack a fair bit into four hours! I remember being totally amazed by the exterior of the Duomo. It is an incredible building. I don’t remember the ‘Searching for Utopia’ sculpture – it’s so shiny! Love the pics of you guys. Carousels are always a winner! #citytripping
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…City Tripping #46
I think the turtle is a fairly recent addition. It looks a bit out of place but was a kiddie pleaser.
We did manage to fit in a lot – it was only when I started writing this that I realised. It would still be great to go back and do it all again a bit more leisurely 🙂
Gelato not gelatin! Stupid autocorrect…
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #46
I was in Florence for less than a day when I visited (years ago) as I was interrailing so train in and train out. We did make the Uffizi but I remember mostly it being staggeringly hot so nit a lot more. I love the sound of your mini tour and seems perfect not to overwhelm kids. Hope the gelatin helped TB Tot’s poor lip! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #46
That’s exactly why we bought the gelato. We don’t usually do desserts mid-morning 🙂
We went to Florence before kids, but spent most of that time wandering round the museums, sipping vino and having leisurely lunches- guess you can’t do that with a toddler?!! This sounds like a great walking tour and you certainly packed a lot into 4 hours. Glad you enjoyed it. #citytripping.
Jo Addison recently posted…Meet The Parents: A Review Of Center Parcs De Eemhof in The Netherlands
Ah, those were the days. My last trip was pre-kids but I was also with work, so less relaxing more rushing 🙂
Glad to see you found the carousel on Piazza della Repubblica! We spent 2 weeks in Florence with the kids and that was their favourite spot (and a great bribe to get them to walk a little longer!). I love the sculpture of the turtle: it wasn’t there when we visited but it looks really cool: I like when an ancient space allows for displays of modern art
Marta recently posted…How to plan (and enjoy!) the perfect city break with kids
The turtle was striking, both in its own right and because of its position next to all of the ancient sculptures. Having more time in Florence must have been a real treat!
Florence looks incredibly beautiful. We visited Milan recently and it was a lovely city as well #citytripping
Mellissa Williams recently posted…Bidvine Photography Review
I’ve drive through Milan to the airport – not so scenic! I must get back another time 🙂
You certainly saw a lot in 4 hours! It’s such a beautiful city, it’s definitely worth going back and staying longer! #CityTripping
Absolutely. I thought the same thing when writing this post. Apart from the last hour when we were making sure we were all fed and back at the meeting point, it didn’t feel at all rushed.
Great tips! I love Florence, but still haven’t been with C yet – something I clearly need to do xx
Yes! Make sure you go for longer than us 🙂
This looks amazing and so beautiful 🙂 Great post and it is making me want to go!!! xx
mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…How we relax and unwind as busy parents
It is a stunning city and definitely worth a longer stay than we had 🙂
I absolutely adore Florence – this is a great little walking tour.
Jennifer Howze recently posted…iPhoneography: The streets of Nepal
Thanks Jen. We were definitely left wanting more!