Discover the romance, rhythm, and richness of a Florentine summer. Longer days mean more time to explore Renaissance treasures, enjoy long, relaxed lunches in shaded piazzas, and stroll along the banks of the river Arno, gelato in hand. Beyond the city, Tuscany’s cinematic beauty and the cool breeze of the Italian Riviera await. Perfectly placed in the heart of Florence, Hotel Savoy is your starting point for an unforgettable summer.
Summer in Florence is a vibrant celebration of art, history and tradition. Visit the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia in the cool of morning, enjoy cinema beneath the stars, or relax in the Boboli Gardens. As evening falls, it’s time for aperitivo, ordered through one of the city’s historic buchette del vino or enjoyed onboard a sunset cruise.
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the world’s most celebrated artworks. During the summer, timing is everything when it comes to exploring the city’s galleries. Visit the Uffizi early to admire Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, or marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery before the crowds arrive. As the evening approaches, climb Brunelleschi’s dome to watch as the sun paints the city in a soft palette of orange and gold.
Destination Highlights:
When the city grows warm, retreat into Florence’s more shaded corners. The Boboli Gardens offer dappled paths, sculptures, and sweeping city views, while just below Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden is dotted with more than 400 varieties of fragrant blooms. Nearby, the Iris Garden—open from late April into May—pays tribute to the city’s historic symbol. End the day with a cruise along the Arno River, taking in Florence’s glowing façades as you glide beneath the arches of the Ponte Vecchio.
For an authentic taste of Florentine life, visit the Mercato di San Lorenzo early, when the stalls are brimming with fresh pasta, oils, and cheeses. The 19th-century market hall remains where Florentines shop for daily ingredients, whilst visitors can take part in workshops and cooking classes, sharing in the local traditions and techniques which have been passed down through generations. Outside, the cobbled streets are lined with vendors offering hand-stitched leather goods – celebrating a legacy of craftsmanship which dates back to the Middle Ages, and is kept alive by passionate artisans.
Beyond the city, Tuscany’s rolling hills, medieval towns, and world-renowned vineyards promise slow-paced, scenic journeys. Explore historic abbeys, sun-drenched wine estates, or charming coastal villages—each offering a different slice of Tuscan life. Florence is just the beginning, as your base for day trips and discoveries.
When summer calls for the sea, Florence is perfectly placed. Venture to Cinque Terre—five cliffside villages that spill down to turquoise waters, ideal for hiking and swimming. For something more relaxed, the sandy beaches of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi promise classic Riviera charm, lined with umbrellas, boutiques, and seafood restaurants.
The best beaches near Florence:
Step into a gentler pace with day trips into Tuscany’s sun-drenched hills. Nearby Fiesole offers panoramic views and Roman ruins, while San Gimignano’s medieval towers rise above olive groves. The city of Arezzo is home to magnificent frescoes by Piero della Francesca, and on the first weekend of every month hosts a popular Tuscan antiques fair. For wine enthusiasts, spend the day following the Chianti Classico trail, stopping for tastings between Florence and Siena.
The best towns near Florence:
In the height of the season, locals gather for aperitivo and dinners in quiet courtyards or bustling piazzas with friends - a tradition long upheld and loved by generations. Light, seasonal ingredients fill the table, including fresh seafood and ripe figs. Conversations carry across the rooftops. This is a city that lives with ease and intention, and welcomes you to do the same.
Evenings stretch long into the night, and Florentines make the most of them. Tables fill cobbled squares as diners share plates of grilled vegetables, peach salads, and local pasta. Try the panzanella, a Tuscan favourite of torn bread and tomatoes. With the clink of glasses and scent of summer herbs in the air, every meal feels like a celebration.
As the sun begins to set, Florence eases into aperitivo hour—a cherished daily ritual of pre-dinner drinks, antipasti and relaxed gatherings. Soak up the ambience of a quintessential Florentine summer as the city’s Rooftop terraces and piazzas become social salons, filled with the sound of clinking glasses and warm conversation. Within the historic piazzas like Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria, sip a classic Negroni or a refreshing spritz as the city slows down.
In summer, Florence’s cultural life moves outdoors. Spend enchanting evenings under the stars at Piazza Pitti, with open-air screenings of classic films and contemporary releases, often with Italian subtitles for an authentic local touch. Bardini Gardens’ Belvedere Terrace hosts its annual ‘Cinema in Villa’ event, with family-friendly features and thrilling blockbusters shown in an elegant al fresco Florentine setting.
Ferragosto encapsulates the essence of Italian summer on the 15th of August, with picnics, outdoor barbecues, and vibrant communal celebrations throughout the city, before the day ends with a dazzling fireworks display.
At Hotel Savoy, you’re at the heart of Florence, just moments from the Duomo. Inside, elegant rooms offer a cool retreat, where contemporary design meets classic Florentine style. With curated artworks, a beautifully-appointed Artist Suite, and views over the city’s rooftops, it’s the perfect base to experience Florence’s summer rhythm, surrounded by culture, history, and creativity.
Take a seat on Irene’s terrace in Piazza della Repubblica and watch the city unfold before you. Chef Fulvio Pierangelini honours seasonal, local ingredients with dishes such as veal stuffed Florentine-style and spaghetti with sun-ripened tomatoes, best enjoyed with a glass of Chianti or Super Tuscan.
Perfect for families, join a guided walking tour beginning at the bottega of local artist Garnieri, following the banks of the river Arno. Wandering to the Rose Garden near Piazzale Michelangelo, you’ll capture Florence’s beauty in watercolours under the guidance of this skilled painter.
This summer trace the legacy of the family that shaped Renaissance Florence, without the crowds. Begin at the Basilica di San Lorenzo and continue through Medici chapels and palaces. From Brunelleschi’s sacred designs to Botticelli’s Primavera, this curated itinerary reveals the Medici’s enduring mark on art, architecture, and history.
Beyond its beautiful architecture and rich history, Florence’s summer calendar is filled with unmissable cultural experiences, from classical concerts beneath the stars to traditional festivals. Don’t miss the MusArt Festival, where world-class music meets historic venues; or the Firenze Jazz Festival, bringing mellow rhythms to hidden gardens and Renaissance villas. Celebrate the season as music, art, and tradition fill warm evenings with unforgettable moments.
Discover Florence’s MusArt Festival, where live music and cultural heritage come together, as renowned performers take to stages set in historic city venues. Meanwhile, entry often includes access to nearby museums and exhibitions, making for rich and immersive encounters.
Venture beyond the city for an unforgettable evening at the Festival Puccini in Torre del Lago. Experience the iconic operas of Giacomo Puccini performed in a breathtaking open-air theatre overlooking Lake Massaciuccoli.
Returning for its 78th edition, the Summer in Fiesolana festival brings a diverse programme of open-air theatre, music, dance, and cinema. From June - September, the Roman Theatre of Fiesole uses its stunning amphitheatre as a stage, with a wide selection of evening events just a short journey outside the city.
The sounds of smooth jazz float through Florence’s historic Oltrarno during this two-week festival, with performances staged in hidden gardens, Renaissance villas, and intimate palazzi, featuring both rising stars and renowned names.
A magical Florentine tradition, the Festa della Rificolona sees children parade handmade lanterns through the city’s streets. Celebrated since the 17th century, the festival fills the historic centre with lights, music, and laughter—a joyful farewell to summer, and a celebration of local creativity and community spirit.
For more information and reservations, please call +39 05 52735836 or email concierge.savoy@roccofortehotels.com
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de’ Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de’ Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.
The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Via de’ Tornabuoni… nowhere has neighbours like Hotel Savoy.