Florence is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. Within an hour or two, you can be in a medieval hill town, a walled city, a Chianti vineyard, or posing with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Here are the best day trips from Florence, with travel times and tips for each.
Day Trips From Florence at a Glance
- Pisa: About 1 hour by train.
- Lucca: About 1 hour 20 minutes by train.
- Siena: About 1 hour 15 minutes by bus.
- San Gimignano: About 1 hour 30 minutes by bus, via Poggibonsi.
- Chianti: 30 minutes to 1 hour by car or tour.
- Fiesole: About 20 minutes by bus.
1. Siena
How to get there: Direct buses from Florence take about 1 hour 15 minutes and drop you closer to the center than the train.
Siena is one of Italy's most beautiful medieval cities. Its heart is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held every 2 July and 16 August. Climb the Torre del Mangia for views over the terracotta rooftops, then visit the striped marble cathedral, with its inlaid marble floor and the frescoed Piccolomini Library.
2. San Gimignano
How to get there: Take the bus or train to Poggibonsi, then a local bus to San Gimignano, about 1 hour 30 minutes in total. It's easier by car or on a tour.
Known as the medieval Manhattan, San Gimignano still has 14 of its original stone towers, built by rival families to show off their wealth. Wander its cobbled streets, taste the local Vernaccia white wine, and try what some call the world's best gelato in Piazza della Cisterna.
3. Lucca
How to get there: Regional trains take about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Lucca is surrounded by perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. Rent a bike and ride the tree-lined path along the top, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) around. Then explore Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, an oval square built on a Roman amphitheater, climb the Guinigi Tower with oak trees on its roof, and visit the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini.
4. Pisa
How to get there: Frequent trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella take about 1 hour.
Take the classic photo with the Leaning Tower, then explore the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery. You can climb the tower with a timed ticket. Pisa is easy to combine with Lucca in one day.
5. The Chianti Wine Region
How to get there: By car or on an organized wine tour, as public transport is limited.
Between Florence and Siena, the Chianti hills are covered in vineyards, olive groves, and stone villages. Visit Greve in Chianti, Radda, and Castellina, tour family wineries, and taste Chianti Classico with its black rooster symbol. If you drive, choose a designated driver, or book a tour.
6. Fiesole
How to get there: Bus number 7 from Florence takes about 20 minutes.
For a short half-day trip, head up into the hills to Fiesole, with its Roman theater, quiet monastery, and sweeping views over Florence. It's especially lovely at sunset.
Tips for Day Trips From Florence
- Combine nearby towns, such as Pisa and Lucca, or Siena and San Gimignano.
- Book a tour for Chianti and the hill towns if you don't want to drive.
- Validate paper regional train tickets before boarding.
- Avoid driving into ZTLs, the restricted traffic zones in historic centers.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Italy eSIM keeps your train times and maps on hand. See our Italy eSIM guide. See also the best train trips in Europe.
Make the most of the city with the best things to do in Florence, and see the best places to visit in Italy.
FAQs: Day Trips From Florence
What is the best day trip from Florence?
Siena and San Gimignano are favorites for medieval charm, while Pisa and Lucca make an easy combined trip by train.
Can you visit Pisa and Lucca in one day?
Yes. They're about 30 minutes apart by train, so you can easily see both from Florence.
Is it better to visit Siena by train or bus?
The bus is usually faster and drops you closer to the historic center.
How do you visit Chianti without a car?
Join an organized wine tour from Florence, which includes transport and tastings.