🌸 10 Reasons Florence in Spring Is Pure Magic (and 3 That Might Ruin the Vibe)
From wisteria-covered streets to aperitivo in the sunshine—why spring in Florence is a dream (plus a few things that might test your patience).
Spring in Florence is like a Renaissance painting come to life—bursting with color, energy, and that unmistakable dolce vita vibe. The city shakes off its winter chill, locals swap their puffy coats for breezy cotton, and suddenly, every restaurant terrace is packed with people sipping coffee and soaking up the Tuscan sun.
It’s also peak bloom time which means that every influencer in the city will be posting, and posing, under wisteria blooms, magnolia trees and any green space since we have all been starved for outdoor time due to a long, wet, winter season. Luckily where I live there are so many wisteria to be enjoyed along the walk I normally go on when I have a free hour or so (and when cars aren’t plummeting to murder me down the two way that should be a one way street).
But let’s be real—not everything is perfect. If you’ve followed me for awhile or just recently, you know I’m going to tell you how it is. For all its dreamy springtime charm, Florence still finds ways to test your patience. It’s the groups of tourists, lack of parking, endless tram line construction, crowded sandwich/affogato lines and pollen explosions that happen to be the less appealing aspects that you often don’t find highlighted on social media. Nico brought home a cold last week and I woke up with a sore throat the other day which needs to GO AWAY before we leave for Vienna on Saturday.
So, let’s dive into what makes Florence in spring absolutely magical—and the few things that might have you rethinking that April/May visit.
🌷 15 Reasons Why Florence in Spring Is the Best
Wisteria Takeover – The city turns into a pastel paradise, with wisteria dripping over ancient walls like something out of a fairy tale. One such place to see them is the Florentine dreamscape at Villa Bardini, where wisteria cascades over historic terraces, framing breathtaking panoramic views of the city that can be enjoyed from mid-April. Inside, immerse yourself in the captivating new exhibition “Caravaggio and the 20th Century”, featuring Caravaggio’s Boy Bitten by a Lizard and rare works by Giorgio Morandi and Anna Banti.
But don’t forget about the other blooms – Another place to see beautiful flowers is the Iris Garden near Piazzale Michelangelo, where rare varieties paint the hillside in vibrant shades (open for a month in late April (usually from the 25th) to late May), the Rose Garden, where fragrant blooms frame postcard-perfect city views. Just outside the city, the Scandicci Tulip Park offers a sea of dazzling tulips and not only. Luckily my dear friend Alexandra “Arttrav” wrote this spectacular post on her blog about where to find fantastic flowers and she went deep.
Cocktail enthusiasts can imbibe at the Florence Cocktail Week – From April 7–13, Florence Cocktail Week 2025 celebrates the city’s vibrant bar scene, with standout events like “The Maestro” Salvatore Calabrese inaugurating the Artemisia Bar at Hotel Savoy on April 9. Join Baldoria Vermouth at Saporium Lounge for an exclusive talk on “Contemporary Vermouth,” exploring the art of botanicals, raw ingredients, and terroir with Master Distiller Piero Nuvoloni Bonnet and industry experts on April 9th (with cocktails to sip - honestly this is one of the coolest bars in Florence that no one ever talks about). International mixology takes center stage as Julian Short of Johannesburg’s Sin+Tax leads a wine-in-cocktails talk at Enoteca Alessi on April 12, and hosts a guest shift at Santa Cocktail Club on April 11, sponsored by Altamura Distilleries. There are over 50 participating venues—from rooftop bars like Empireo at Plaza Hotel Lucchesi to cocktail hotspots like Manifattura and Locale Firenze—where locals and visitors alike can sip their way through Florence’s finest flavors, including alcohol-infused treats at pizzerias and gelaterias across town. Check out the full calendar of events here.
Picnic Season in Pratolino (Villa Demidoff) and other green spaces – Grab some pecorino, prosciutto, and a bottle of vino—you’ve earned it. Since living in Switzerland, I have officially become a nature-loving picnic person and there are some great spots to lay down your blanket and stay awhile. Villa Demidoff is a great (weekend or during the week with a reservation) escape among ancient trees and the giant Colosso dell’Appennino, otherwise top spots include Cascine Park, Parco Albereta-Anconella, the Rose Garden, Villa Stibbert, Villa Strozzi and Giardino dell’Orticoltura. Also if you want to combine park/picnic with a beautiful walk, head to my favorite Bobolino Park on viale Machiavelli heading towards piazzale Galileo (and more ideas for urban walks can be found here). Also one of the city’s best restaurants, Leggenda dei Frati, is now offering a picnic option to be enjoyed at the adjacent Villa Bardini where guests can enjoy gourmet specialities complete with a blanket.
Outdoor Food Markets Are Thriving – Fresh strawberries, farm-fresh eggs, asapragus and pees and all of the yummyness that Italy has to seasonally offer is enough of an excuse to visit. Personally I love the market at Sant’Ambrogio (San Lorenzo is way too crowded) but we often go to the Saturday morning Mercato Campagna Amica in Cascine park where you can find some exceptional quality produce and products at great prices. Other options include Le Cure which is a great daily market open from 7am-1pm (except Sundays) and the newest addition to local markets: Piazza Pier Vettori on Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays (8am-2pm). In Santo Spirito square you will find La Fierucola organic market which pops up every third Sunday of the month from 9am to 7pm. Also every Friday there is an afternoon, no-frills, local market in Piazza Tasso from 4pm that often sells fresh veggies, kombucha, natural wines, aged cheeses. If you want to learn more about Florentine food with an expert, Curious Appetite runs an excellent street food and market tour and
Gelato Just Hits Different – It’s warm enough to indulge daily and not going to lie, I probably hit up a gelateria in Florence at least three times a week. I wrote this list that I still stand by today for Timeout but right now I am really enjoying the Cioccolato Venezuela, an entirely vegan chocolate sorbet at Il Sorbettiera that is so rich and so addictive or the matcha latte gelato at My Sugar (also obsessed with their rose flavor when it’s available).
Creative Markets/Pop Ups are abundant. It might feel like there’s a vintage market popping up every weekend in Florence (and honestly, you're not wrong), but why not shake things up and tap into your creative side—and maybe meet some new people while you're at it? Thankfully, Florence has no shortage of inspiring spaces. One gem is Creative People in Florence on Via dei Serragli, where you’ll find a rotating lineup of workshops—think punch needle embroidery, Easter crafts for kids, and more—all lovingly detailed on their Instagram. Over at The Social Hub, April brings a fun mix of hands-on experiences, from embroidery to gel plate printing—perfect for anyone who wants to get crafty without committing to a whole new personality.
And if you’re in town between April 25 and May 1, don’t miss the 89th International Handicraft Exhibition (MIDA) at Fortezza da Basso. This iconic fair gathers artisans from around the globe and features seriously cool workshops led by Tuscan masters—everything from leatherworking to reviving your sad old hat. It’s basically Etsy come to life, but with better coffee.
Springtime Pasta Dishes Appear – My advice is to always ask for what is in season because often those dishes are the ones you want to order. Asparagus risotto, fave beans served with pecorino cheese, and carciofi (artichoke) everything. In fact, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina (one of my favorite wine bars in Florence) has a fresh homemade pappardelle dish stuffed with ricotta and artichokes that is simply divine.
It’s Warm, but Not Sweat-Inducing – Before summer turns Florence into an oven, spring gives us those perfect 14-22°C days where you could wear a light sweater (and at times, short sleeves) and all feels right in the world. Personally I love when there is still some crispness to the air. Beware this will soon change once summer hits but for now lets bask in this season. Remember that nights get cold so take a light jacket/sweater/scarf with you and rainfall is to be expected. We’ve actually had quite the rainy winter and this Spring so far is no exception so pack accordingly.
Day Trips Are a Dream – Tuscany is extra stunning right now—think Val d’Orcia in full bloom and it’s a great time to go exploring (plus Bagno Vignoni is home to several beautiful thermal pool spas). Where to go? The sky is endless but a few places worth exploring can be found here. Also, Trebbio Castle is located just 25 minutes from Florence near Pontassieve and is home to both mystery and history within its rich Medicean past. You can visit (by appointment) and do a wine tasting, cooking class, the usual. Pisa: Famous for its Leaning Tower, this Tuscan city offers more than its iconic landmark and might I suggest making sure to visit the actual historical center? A visit to Palazzo Blu this Spring in Pisa will have you visiting the exhibition “From War to Liberation” which showcases the dramatic period experienced by Pisa in the broader context of World War II. If it’s the seaside you crave before summer arrives, I’ve always loved the Gulf of Baratti, home to serene beaches and Etruscan ruins. One of Tuscany’s most artistic enclaves, Pietrasanta is where marble meets modernity. Not many know that it is also dubbed the “Little Athens” of Italy due to its marble-strewn piazzas, artisan workshops, and contemporary galleries that make it a dream for design lovers. Think of it as Florence’s laid-back, creative cousin.
😵💫 3 Things That Will Test Your Patience
Allergies on Steroids – Wisteria is gorgeous, but if you have hay fever? May the odds be ever in your favor. Both Nico and I can be prone to Spring sneezing fits so make sure to stock up any antihistamine meds or head to your local pharmacist.
Tourists Are Back in Full Force – By Easter, crowds make walking through Piazza Duomo feel like a slow-motion marathon and it can be very overwhelming as are the street performers which can crowd city streets or belt out the same song, every single day damn lol. Carve some time to walk through less crowded hotspots and just prepare to book anything you really, really want to see: a climb up the Cupola, a great restaurant, Uffizi tickets, you get my drift.
Price Surges Everywhere – Hotels, restaurants, and flights all know you want to be here in spring—and they charge accordingly so be aware that deals as far as accommodation etc are concerned will be few if any. At times it can be surprisingly cheaper in the heat of summer because the city resembles Dante’s Inferno (kidding but not really).
Also here are a few extra favorite things worth sharing
My friend Lisa aka This Tuscan Life has just come out with these handpainted floral cards (that come with envelopes) that I am swooning over, they basically are a compilation of Magnolia, Wisteria, Poppies, Wildflowers and Iris.
“I often ask myself why those of us who live this culture day in and day out seem less visible in the media landscape.” Giulia of Jul’s Kitchen wrote a beautiful piece on Tuscan food and more importantly “who gets to tell the story” and it is one of those articles that really gets you thinking, highly recommend.
Alexandra Lawrence is one of those people that really awakens the spirit when it comes to Florentine history and bringing it to modern day. If you aren’t on her substack, get on it, but if you’re in Florence consider attending her four-part lecture series at the British institute (also available via Zoom), where she will takes you on a journey through the fascinating politics, culture, art, and architecture that made history in the Duecento.
Would I still choose Florence in spring over any other season? Assolutamente. Just pack your antihistamines and patience, and you’ll be golden.
What’s your favorite thing (or pet peeve) about Florence in spring? Drop a comment below—I love hearing from you!
Florence in the spring is delicious, especially in those moments towards evening when the crowds have lessened and the city feels fresh. Great tips for making the most of it (and thank you so much for the mention!) 🩷
Loveddddd your sélection ! Fully loaded with antistaminico too !