Enjoying some quality time in Florence with your teens can be a real peasure. Florence is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy, with over 16 million tourists flocking to the city in 2019 alone. As the capital of Tuscany, this is hardly surprising given the historic attractions the area has to offer. Said to be the âbirthplaceâ of the Renaissance, the city boasts one of the most impressive art collections in the world, held in countless museums, chapels, and churches. Furthermore, the architectural style is unique to the area. This can most notably be seen at Giottoâs Bell Tower. However, while undoubtedly impressive, these things may not appeal as much to the cityâs younger visitors. So here are our top ten things to do in Florence with teenagers.
Eat and Drink in Florence with Teens
Like many Italian cities, much of Florenceâs culture revolves around eating and drinking so it’s a great destiantion to bring our eternally hungry teenagers! Enjoying the local fayre in Florence with teens can be a real treat for the tastebuds but also a great cultural experice and even a history lesosn all-in-one. The city is arguably best known for its Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine beef steak). The traditionally cut T-bone comes from Tuscanyâs ancient cattle breed – the Chianina – and is served rare to be enjoyed with friends and family alike. Many local restaurants cook this iconic dish and is a must have for anyone visiting the area. Older teenagers may wish to enjoy an apĂ©ritif before dinner in a local cafe, or perhaps a night-cap at one of the cities many famous cocktail bars. After all, the Negroni was invented in Florence.
One extremely popular tour is a dark history tour of Florence which includes a number of stops at the bars of Florence en route to give you a real flavour of the Florence nightlife. Find out more at Get Your Guide.
Take part in a cooking class
Florence is a great city to finally fulfil that dream of being able to cook like a local. From tiramisu to tagliatelle, thereâs bound to be a cooking class for you, regardless of your age or experience.
Many classes also incorporate a market tour which can be a great way to see parts of the city that are usually missed by tourists. Find out plenty of Florence cooking classes at Get Your Guide.
Explore the local area
While the summer months of July and August regularly see average temperatures soar to over 30 degrees, the Spring and Autumn months are typically more temperate, making it the perfect time to explore the local area by bike. The stunning Tuscan landscape surrounding Florence offers picturesque scenery set among some of the most famous vineyards in the country. More experienced cyclists who are looking for a challenge may wish to cycle to the city of Siena. Situated a little over 70km from Florence, it can be reached via the Chiantigiana road. This is widely regarded as one of the most scenic journeys in Italy and is a great way to take in the local surroundings. There are plenty of bike hire options in Florence if you want to find your own way, or alternatively, take a look at some of the organised bike tours of Florence available from Get Your Guide.
Visit Pisa
From the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station in the heart of the city of Florence, Pisa is only an hour away by train and return tickets can be purchased for as little as âŹ20 from Trainline. The city itself offers many attractions such as the Piazza del Duomo, and of course, the iconic leaning tower.
From Pisa, a fifteen-minute drive or twenty-five minute bus journey takes you to the coast, where you can swim at one of the many public beaches, or just enjoy the Mediterranean sun. If you do plan on going to Pisa for the day, it’s worth booking any Pisa attraction tickets ahead of your visit to make the most of your time there.
Enjoy an Ice Cream
A trip to Italy wouldnât be complete without a refreshing gelato after a long day of sightseeing. The familiar chocolate waterfall can be found in the Venchi store on the Via Calimala, however high-quality gelato can be found all across the city. Or, for the ultimate ice cream experience, try your hand at a gelato making class in Florence.
Go Shopping in Florence with teens
If youâre looking for high-end clothing, youâre in luck as Florence is home to some of the biggest design houses in the world. Via Degli Strozzi boasts an impressive collection including Gucci, Moncler, and Louis Vuitton, while Via Calimala offers a more affordable shopping experience. If youâre looking for a bargain, the Mall Firenze, an outlet mall, is less than an hourâs drive from the city centre. No matter your budget, Florence has shops which cater to everyone and enjoyign a bit of shopping in Florence with your teens can be a great way to spend your time between gelatos!
Take an Electric Scooter tour
In recent years, the invention of the electric scooter has led to many tour companies changing the way they operate. Florence is no exception to this, and e-scooter tours are now a popular way of seeing the famous sights of the city with ease. Most tours run in the evenings, allowing you to enjoy the city at its best without the crowds. There are some great organised e-scooter tours of Florence which take place both during the day and at sunset. Take a look at Get Your Guide for more information and for prices.
Visit the Ponte Vecchio
This bridge is one of the most famous attractions of the city and is known for the jewellery shops that line the sides of the bridge.
This version of the bridge, built in 1345, was commissioned after the previous bridge was swept away by the river in 1333. For the best view, walk along the Arno River to avoid the crowds, and to take in the sight from the riverbank. Located just five minutes walk from the Palazzo Vecchio, this is undoubtedly a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Kayak down the Arno River
Kayaking down the River Arno can be a great way to see Florence with your teens from a different perspective, and to get away from the crowds during the peak months. Paddle through famous sites such as the Ponte Vecchio mentioned above, whilst learning about the city from a knowledgeable tour guide. Tours are up to two hours long and can be a good way to burn some calories after a Bistecca alla Fiorentina the night before! Find out more at Get Your Guide.
Climb the Tower of Arnolfo
With over 400 steps to climb to get to the top, this tower is perfect for teenagers looking to burn off some energy. The tower is 95 metres high and boasts panoramic views across the city and the surrounding area.
It was only opened to the public in 2012 and is taller (and typically less crowded) than Giottoâs bell tower situated to the east. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance during the peak months of the year as queues for tickets can build on the day. Skip the line and book your Arnolfo Tower tickets ahead of time at Get Your Guide.
Our final tip is to always remember to get your teen an Airlo e-SIM for your trip to Florence. It’s the best way to allow them to use their phones while in Italy without breaking the bank with roaming charges. Learn more about using an e-SIM in Italy here.
Click here for more ideas on what to see and do in Florence for teenagers, head to Get Your Guide. Or check out where to stay in Florence at Florence apartment rental specialists, Bookings For You.