Livorno to Florence Guide: Duomo, David & Divine Views

Your ultimate Livorno to Florence Guide starts here! If your cruise docks in Livorno and you’re yearning to see Florence’s treasures—like the iconic Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and its divine views—this DIY plan is for you. We’ll cover how to get from Livorno Cruise Port to Florence efficiently, including tips for how to get from Livorno to Florence by train, ensuring you make the most of your precious day!

This is Part 4 of my Livorno Cruise Port series. Part 1 covers Livorno and the various DIY excursion options from Livorno. You’ll need to read Part 1 for how to get from Livorno Cruise Port to Livorno train station quickly.

• Part 1 – Livorno: Livorno Cruise Port DIY Excursions: Florence, Pisa & Lucca
• Part 2 – Pisa: Livorno Cruise Port to Pisa DIY Guide to Tower & Hidden Gems
• Part 3 – Lucca: Livorno Cruise Port to Lucca: DIY guide to Tuscan Gem

Livorno Cruise Port to Florence: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎 Do-able but Needs Hustle!

Out of the four options I outlined in my main Livorno cruise port guide (Livorno, Pisa, Lucca & Florence), I would rate Florence as the most difficult DIY excursion from Livorno cruise port. Here’s why I rated it do-able but needs hustle:

• Frequent train services between Livorno & Florence: this is what makes it do-able but the ride is about 1 hour 20 minutes each way
• Pre-planning essentials for Uffizi & Duomo climb: Pre-booking tickets to the blockbuster attractions in Florence – Uffizi Gallery & the Duomo (if you want to climb the dome) – are essential at least a few weeks in advance during the summer months.
• Lots to do without pre-planning too: But there’s plenty to do if you’d like to just wander around Florence!

If your ship is calling at Livorno with an overnight port stay, then you should definitely schedule your Florence excursion on the first day (weather permitting). This means that you don’t need to worry about returning to port by a specific time. Then pick Pisa, Lucca or stay in Livorno for your second day at Livorno Cruise Port.

Planning Your Livorno to Florence Day Trip? Here’s What You Need to Know

1. Livorno Cruise Port to Florence: Plan your Logistics

• Livorno Cruise Port to Florence: Read my Livorno Guide on how to get to Livorno train station from Livorno cruise port for your train connection to Florence.
• Train Timetables: Use Omio to plan your return train times
  • Departure & Arrival Stations: Departure station is “Livorno Centrale” and arrival station is “Florence Santa Maria Novella” – note that there’s multiple train stations in Florence!
  • Journey Time: Fastest regional trains take 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes one-way
  • Tickets: One-way tickets from €11. I generally pre-book my train tickets in Italy, especially on a day-trip, because I don’t want the hassle of arriving super-early to queue in front of a ticket machine. But you can also buy a ticket at the ticket machine on the day.
    • Running Late on the Day? Tickets can be changed to a different train, so long as you haven’t scanned your code yet at the entrance turnstiles at the station.
    • All tickets are second-class and there’s no reserved seating on these regional trains. Just sit wherever you can find a seat.
• Arrival at Florence Santa Maria Novella: There’s one main exit at the station, after the ticket turnstiles. The walk to Piazza del Duomo – my suggested landmark to help you navigate your DIY excursion – is a 10-minute walk away.

2. Livorno to Florence Day Trip: Useful Tidbits

• Currency: Euros
• Language: Italian
• Official Tourism Website: Destination Florence
• Recommended App for Walking Directions: I prefer Citymapper in Florence but Google Maps or Apple Maps works just fine! If you’d like to have a PDF map on your phone, I’d recommend downloading this one.
• eSIM for roaming in Italy: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSIM data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANNA1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout

Florence DIY Shore Excursion Map

• On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
• On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
• If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps.

Florence: What to See & Do on a Day Trip

Even if you’ve got an overnight port stay in Livorno, meaning that you can stay in Florence till very late before you return, there’s so much to see in Florence, it’s impossible to see even the highlights of Florence in one day.

So be selective! I’ve only included the most famous sights of Florence and even then, it would be difficult to squeeze them all into a long day of sightseeing. I’ve shared details of all the included attractions in the Duomo complex because buying a Duomo ticket to climb the Dome (more details below) means that you can see everything in and around the Duomo. So it’s even more important to choose what interests you:

1. Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo, about 10 minutes walk from Florence Santa Maria Novella train station, is the perfect starting point for your DIY itinerary. The Piazza del Duomo is the historical heart of Florence, surrounded by some of the most famous buildings in Florence, showcasing centuries of Florence art and architectural genius.

When you get to Piazza del Duomo, you’ll be surrounded by: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo) with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower), The Baptistery of St John, the Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) – all of which I’ll cover in more detail below.

2. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (or simply The Duomo) is the main cathedral of Florence. This colossal Gothic cathedral began construction in 1296 and completed in 1436 with the consecration of Brunelleschi’s Dome.

The stunning multi-coloured marble facade (pinks, greens and whites) that we see today is actually from the 19th century.

Inside The Duomo

Don’t miss a few things inside the cathedral:

• Clock by Paolo Uccello: On the inside of the facade, look for a unique 24-hour clock face painted in 1443 by Paolo Uccello, with hands that move counter-clockwise!
• Giorgio Vasari’s “Last Judgment”: The interior of Brunelleschi’s Dome is covered by an enormous fresco of the Last Judgment, designed by Giorgio Vasari and largely painted by his student Federico Zuccari in the late 16th century. You get a closer look at this if you climb the Dome.
• Crypt of Santa Reparata: Beneath the cathedral lie the remains of the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata, the previous cathedral of Florence. Entrance to the crypt requires a paid ticket.

Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola)

Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the construction of the Dome was a groundbreaking engineering feat for its time (1420-1436), as it was the largest dome built since Roman times.

The Climb: You can climb the 463 steps to the top, winding between the dome’s inner and outer shells. It’s a narrow and sometimes steep, and often crowded climb, so unless you’re comfortable with climbing so many steps, I wouldn’t attempt it. Also not recommended for those who are not comfortable with confined spaces! Note that there is no lift.

Part of the climb takes you along the a gallery just below Vasari’s frescoes of the “Last Judgement“. Click here to jump to my section on how the Dome climb compares to the Bell Tower and Tower of Arnolfo.

Planning Your Logistics to Visit the Duomo

• Entrance to the Cathedral is free: You don’t need a ticket to visit the inside of the Cathedral but access to other parts of the Duomo complex (Dome, Bell Tower, Museum, Baptistery, Crypt) requires a ticket
• Rest of Duomo Complex is paid entry: Entry to the Dome, Bell Tower, Museum, Baptistery, Crypt all require a paid ticket – see below for your ticket options
• Cathedral Opening Hours: 10:15am to 3:45pm Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays due to church services.
• No Bare Shoulders & Bare Legs: Modest dress is enforced, so if you’d like to wear tank tops or short shorts, then bring a scarf to cover your shoulders and/or legs, or you’ll be refused entry at the Cathedral doors.

The Duomo Complex: Ticket Options

Pre-Book If Climbing Dome or Bell Tower: If you’d like to climb the Dome or the Bell Tower, be sure to pre-book a ticket online, especially if you’re visiting during summer months. It’s highly unlikely that there would be any tickets for sale on the day itself. (Again, no ticket is required to enter the Cathedral itself – if that’s all you want to see, then you don’t need a ticket.)

Dome Tickets are First to Sell Out: Access to the Dome (via the Brunelleschi Pass – see below) is the most popular and these tickets are the first to sell out. Be sure to book a time slot that you’re pretty sure you can make if you’re traveling from Livorno. You need to be on time to climb the Dome, due to space constraints on the stairs to the Dome!

Official Website Booking: You can normally book ahead a few months in advance at the official website. Tickets already sold out? When tickets are sold out on the official website, then there’s usually priority access / skip-the-line tickets left, which are more expensive. These skip-the-line tickets are not cheap but it does guarantee entry! (Different online sellers have different allocation of tickets, so do check the various providers below, especially if you’re booking for groups >2)

Ticket Options are:

• Brunelleschi Pass: Includes all monuments (Dome climb with mandatory time slot, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, Santa Reparata). Best for those who want to see everything and climb the Dome.
  • Book Priority / Skip the Line tickets for Dome climb at Tiqets, or from GetYourGuide – check both if one is sold out
  • If you buy the Brunelleschi Pass, you’ll get a timed slot to climb the Dome but you can climb the Bell Tower at your leisure, provided you visit the Bell Tower on the date(s) your ticket is valid.
• Giotto Pass: Includes Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, Santa Reparata (ie. the Cathedral crypt) (NO Dome climb). Good choice if you want to climb the Bell Tower for views but skip the Dome.
  • Book Priority / Skip the Line Tickets for Bell Tower plus the secret Duomo Terraces or Priority / Skip the Line Tickets for just Bell Tower climb (plus entry to Baptistery, Museum etc)
  • If you buy the Giotto Pass, you’ll get a timed slot to climb the Bell Tower but the other included monuments can be visited at your leisure
• Ghiberti Pass: Often includes Baptistery, Museum, Santa Reparata (NO Dome or Bell Tower climb). Best suited for those mainly interested in the ground-level art and history. This is unlikely to sell out but booking a ticket using the official website will save you time. To guarantee a visit to Santa Reparata, you’ll need to use the timed entry slot you choose when you buy the pass.

You may be wondering whether these “skip the line” tickets are really “skip the line”. They are, in fact, authorised third party guided tours of the Cathedral complex. So typically you’ll be in a small group tour, with an authorised guide, who will take you into the Cathedral (and/or whatever is stated as included in the tour) and you’ll be left with one of the passes, so you can climb the Dome or Bell Tower unguided.

3. Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower)

Standing adjacent to the Cathedral is Giotto’s Campanile, the free-standing Bell Tower completed in 1359. Like the Duomo, it’s clad in white, green, and red marble richly decorated with hexagonal panels depicting scenes of human creation, arts, virtues, planets and sacraments.

The Climb: There’s 414 steps to reach the top viewing platform. There’s no elevator! But you can get an amazing close-up view of Brunelleschi’s Dome itself – a perspective you can’t get from climbing the Dome.

• Bell Tower Opening Hours: 8:15am to 6:45pm
• Tickets: See ticket options above 👆

4. Baptistery of St John

Situated directly opposite the Cathedral’s entrance is the Baptistery of St John (Battistero di San Giovanni), dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence. For centuries, all Catholic Florentines, (including Dante Alighieri and members of the Medici family) were baptised here.

Exterior of the Baptistery: The Baptistery is known for its striking green and white marble geometric patterns. The south bronze doors depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist and the eight virtues. The north doors are scenes from the New Testament and the Evangelists. The east doors – dubbed the “Gates of Paradise” (“Porta del Paradiso”) by Michelangelo, consist of 10 gilded panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

The doors you see on the Baptistery itself are replicas. The original doors are housed in the Duomo Museum for preservation.

Interior of the Baptistery: Spectacular Byzantine-style mosaics cover the interior of the Baptistery dome, depicting scenes from the Last Judgement, stories of John the Baptist and from the Genesis.

• Baptistery Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Tickets: See ticket options above 👆

5. Duomo Museum

The Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), located just behind the apse of the Cathedral, houses the original masterpieces for the Cathedral, Baptistery and the Campanile (Bell Tower). It’s an absolute must-visit if you’re an art lover – here’s some of the highlights:

• Ghiberti’s Original “Gates of Paradise” – the original east doors of the Baptistery of St John by Lorenzo Ghiberti (1425-1452)
• Michelangelo’s “Pietà Bandini” (The Deposition): One of his later, more personal sculptures, which he intended for his own tomb and famously tried to destroy.
• Donatello’s “Penitent Magdalene”: A strikingly expressive wooden sculpture.

In addition, you’ll the original statues that once adorned the Bell Tower and the Cathedral facade, as well as reconstructions of the original Cathedral facade.

6. Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is most known for the copy of Michelangelo’s David, standing guard at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio. (The original is in the Accademia Gallery.) But David is not the only blockbuster sculpture in the Piazza, so don’t miss the following but all are copies:

• Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli (1534) sits on the right of David and was meant to represent physical strength overcoming evil
• Fountain of Neptune (1563-1565): The massive marble Neptune was nicknamed “Il Biancone” (the Big White One) by the Florentines!
• The Marzocco by Donatello: The Marzocco Lion means “small god of Mars” and is a symbol of Florence. The lion’s paw is on the city’s coat of arms.
• Judith and Holofernes by Donatello depicts the biblical heroine Judith, symbolising triumph over tyranny.

You’ll also see the Loggia dei Lanzi (also known as the Loggia della Signoria), a wide-arched Gothic gallery with a collection of antique and Renaissance sculptures.

• How to Get There: Piazza della Signoria is 5 minutes walk from Piazza del Duomo. It’s a straight line walk along Via dei Calzaiuoli
• Loggia is Free: The Piazza and the Loggia is free to visit

7. Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace)

Palazzo Vecchio was originally built in 1299 as the seat of the Priors (chief magistrates) of Florence, hence its original name, Palazzo dei Priori. Today, it’s the Town Hall of Florence, housing the Mayor’s Office and the City Council as well as a museum open to the public.

What to See Inside Palazzo Vecchio

• First Courtyard (Michelozzo’s Courtyard): Designed in 1453, the columns were later richly decorated for the wedding of Francesco I de’ Medici and Joanna of Austria in 1565
• Hall of the Five Hundred: Built in 1494 for the Grand Council of 500 members (during the Republic under Savonarola), Michelangelo’s “Genius of Victory” sculpture is here!
• Hall of Geographical Maps: Over 50 painted maps on leather cabinet doors, showing the “known world” in the 16th century
• Ducal Apartments: Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici lived here as his official ducal residence in the 16th century, so you can see his lavishly decorated private apartments (and those of his wife, Eleonora of Toledo)

Tower of Arnolfo

The Tower of Arnolfo is named after Arnolfo di Cambio, the same architect who designed the Duomo (the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and the initial structure of Palazzo Vecchio.

You’ll notice that the Tower of Arnolfo is not perfectly centred on the palace facade and that’s because Arnolfo decided to incorporate a pre-existing tower to the base of Palazzo Vecchio’s Tower.

The Tower stands at around 95 metres (~310 feet) tall. The viewing platform is at around 86 metres (~282 feet). To reach the main viewing level, you’ll need to climb around 220 steps from the base of the tower. Keep in mind that there’s some additional steps within Palazzo Vecchio itself to reach the base of the tower climb.

Secret Passages inside Palazzo Vecchio

If you’re interested in Medici history or just curious about how concealed rooms and hidden routes were built into the Palazzo Vecchio, then the “Secret Passages” (Percorsi Segreti) tour is for you! (A guided tour is the only option. It’s not possible to access and wander around the secret passages on your own.)

What’s Hidden:

• Little Treasury: Akin to the modern equivalent of “safe rooms”, you’ll see Cosimo I’d Tesoretto (Little Treasury), built to house his collection of precious objects and documents
• Private Study: Small, barrel-vaulted room which acted as the private study of Francesco I de’ Medici, with lots of concealed cupboards!
• Private Staircase: The “Scala del Duca Cosimo I” is a narrow, winding staircase built to allow the Duke discreet access between his private apartments and other parts of the palace.
• Vasari’s Trusses: The vast ceiling of the Hall of the Five Hundreds is supported by massive wooden trusses, a unique “behind-the-scenes” look at the engineering behind this enormous hall.

How to Book Secret Passages Tour: Pre-booking is essential, as the tours usually operate with fewer than 6 people. There are steps in the Secret Passages tour, so not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Planning Your Logistics to Visit Palazzo Vecchio & Arnolfo Tower

• How to Get There: Entrance is at Piazza della Signoria – 5 minutes walk from Piazza del Duomo
• Opening Hours: Palazzo Vecchio (the free public areas) is open 9am to 7pm. The paid museum is open daily 9am to 7pm except Thursdays when it shuts early at 2pm.
• What’s Free: Entrance to the three ground floor courtyards are free to enter.
• What Needs a Ticket: Museum (Hall of Five Hundred, Ducal Apartments etc) and Arnolfo Tower
• Tickets: Official website
  • Museum Only: €18.50 adults for museum including special exhibitions. The museum is free for kids under 18.
  • Arnolfo Tower: €12.50 for Arnolfo Tower. (If you just want to climb the Arnolfo Tower, you can pay for Arnolfo Tower separately, without having to pay for museum admission as well.)
  • Sold out Tickets? Premium “skip the line” tickets are often still available when tickets are sold out on the official website.
  • Guided Tour: Typical guided tour is about 75 minutes, covered both the free and paid parts of Palazzo Vecchio but not the Secret Passages

8. Uffizi Gallery & the Vasari Corridor

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, along the banks of Arno River, close to Ponte Vecchio, is one of the most oldest (and most famous) art museums in the Western World.

“Uffizi” means “Offices”: Cosmo I de’ Midici (the first Grand Duke of Tuscany), instructed Giorgio Vasri – the same architect that designed the Duomo and the initial structure for Palazzo Vecchio – to build administrative and judiciary offices of the Florentine State in 1560.

As early as 1574, the Medici Family started to use the top floor of the Uffizi to display their growing collection of art and precious objects. The last Medici, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, bequeathed the entire Medici art collection to the state of Tuscany in 1737.

So the Uffizi was officially opened to the public in 1769 by Grand Duke Peter Leopold who succeeded the Medici. It formally became a state museum n 1865.

What to See Inside the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi’s collection is vast, but here’s some of the most iconic works which are considered “must-sees” if you visit the Uffizi:

• Sandro Botticelli: The Uffizi holds the world’s best collection of Botticelli’s works!
  • “The Birth of Venus” (c. 1484-1486): Perhaps the most famous painting in the Uffizi, this iconic work depicts the goddess Venus arriving on shore on a giant scallop shell.
  • “Primavera” (Allegory of Spring) (c. 1477-1482): A complex allegorical painting filled with mythological figures, celebrating the arrival of spring.
• Leonardo da Vinci:
  • “Annunciation” (c. 1472-1475): An early masterpiece by Leonardo, painted while he was still in Verrocchio’s workshop
  • “Adoration of the Magi” (1481): An unfinished work, offering insight into Leonardo’s innovative compositional techniques.
• Michelangelo:
  • “Doni Tondo” (Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist) (c. 1507): The only finished panel painting by Michelangelo in Florence, notable for its sculptural figures and vibrant colors.
• Raphael:
  • “Madonna of the Goldfinch” (c. 1505-1506): A serene and harmonious depiction of the Virgin and Child with the young St. John, a quintessential High Renaissance work.
  • Portraits of Agnolo Doni and Maddalena Strozzi: Exquisite examples of Renaissance portraiture.
• Titian: “Venus of Urbino” (1538): A sensual and influential reclining nude that became a benchmark for the genre and “Flora”, a portrayal of a woman as the goddess of flowers.
• Caravaggio:
  • “Medusa” (c. 1597): A striking and gruesome depiction of the severed head of Medusa, painted on a ceremonial shield.
  • “Bacchus” (c. 1595): A youthful, slightly androgynous Bacchus, characteristic of Caravaggio’s realism.

What to See at the Vasari Corridor

The Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano) is an enclosed, elevated passageway that connects Palazzo Vecchio that connects Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti, winding its way through the Uffizi Gallery and over the Ponte Vecchio.

It finally re-opened in 2024, after having closed for 8 years for extensive renovations. So if you’ve been to Florence before, you may not have seen the Vasari Corridor!

The Vasari Corridor was originally built in 1565 as a private walkway for Cosimo I de’ Medici and his family to walk safely between their official seat of government (Palazzo Vecchio) and their new private residence at Palazzo Pitti.

It begins on the west side of Palazzo Vecchio, enters the Uffizi Gallery and runs along its western side, overlooking the Arno River. It then runs above the shops on the Ponte Vecchio. After crossing the river, it weaves its way over and around a few buildings before ending at Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens.

Walk: The walk is about 1 km long (~0.6 miles). To enjoy it, I would budget for about 45 minutes for the experience. Note that the walk is one-way only, so you’ll end up at the Boboli Gardens across the other side of the Arno River when you exit the Vasari Corridor.

Note: Beware that your timed slot to enter the Vasari Corridor is usually two hours after your timed slot to enter the Uffizi Gallery. So if you’d like to spend heaps of time at the Uffizi, a combined Uffizi and Vasari Corridor ticket may not work for you.

Planning Your Logistics to Visit the Uffizi Gallery

• How to Get There: 3 minutes walk from Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. If you’re walking from Piazza del Duomo, it will take less than 10 minutes
• Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. Open 8:15am to 6:30pm Tuesday to Sunday
• Tickets:
  • Uffizi Only: €25 adults, free for kids under 18. Young adults (18-25) with a EU passport also qualify for a €2 reduced price ticket. Official website charges an additional €4 booking fee per ticket.
  • Everyone needs a ticket, even kids entering for free, so effectively kids’ tickets cost €4.
  • Uffizi & Vasari Corridor: €43 adults, free for kids under 18 & young adults (18-25) with a EU passport qualify for €2 reduced price ticket. €4 booking fee applies per ticket.
• Can’t Find the Time Slot You Want? Then check slightly more expensive skip-the-line tickets
• Pre-Booking Essential: During summer months, you absolutely need to pre-book for a ticket if you’d like to go into the Uffizi. Because only timed tickets are available, if you just turn up at the box office, you may end up having the latest slots available, meaning very little time in the museum itself
• Timed Tickets: All tickets are in 15-minute entry time slots. Be sure to enter on time!
• Budget Time: I have spent an entire day at the Uffizi before! But for first timers, I would budget for at least two hours for the experience, so you can see, at a minimum, the masterpieces I noted above.

9. Galleria dell’Accademia

The Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) is most famous for housing Michelangelo’s original marble statue of David. (The copy is at Piazza della Signoria). David , standing at 5.2 metres (~17 feet) tall, depicts the biblical hero David just before his battle with the giant Goliath and is considered one of Michelangelo’s greatest works. Exhibited at the Accademia Gallery are also:

• Michelangelo’s Prisoners or Slaves (c. 1513-1534): four large, unfinished marble figures line the corridor leading up to David, originally intended for the grandiose tomb of Pope Julius II.
• Michelangelo’s St. Matthew (c. 1505-1506): this statue of the apostle was commissioned for Florence Cathedral but left unfinished.
• Michelangelo’s Palestrina Pietà: this moving sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary, Christ and Mary Magdalene but the attribution to Michelangelo is often debated by scholars

In addition, there’s a huge collection of Florentine paintings from 13th to 16th centuries, plaster casts and musical instruments.

• How to Get There: Galleria dell’Accademia is under 10 minutes walk north from Piazza del Duomo. (Note that the Uffizi Gallery & the Galleria dell’Accademia are on opposite directions from Piazza del Duomo)
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:15am to 6:50pm with last entry at 6:20pm
• Tickets: Official website
  • €16 adults, free for kids under 18, €2 for youth aged 18-25 with a EU passport, plus booking fee of €4 per ticket
  • Note all visitors require a ticket, even kids who go in for free.
• Tickets sold out for your preferred date / time slot?
  • Check Premium Skip-the-Line Tickets

10. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) is believed to be Florence’s oldest bridge, with its origins tracing back to Roman times. The first bridge at this narrowest point of the Arno River was built around 1st century BC, when Florence was the Roman colony of Florentia.

The bridge we see today was rebuilt in 1345 after a catastrophic flood in 1333 wiped out its predecessor. And that’s why you see the design of three sturdy segmental arches because fewer, wider arches reduced the risk of damage from debris during floods.

Until the 15th century, the shops on Ponte Vecchio were predominantly occupied by butchers, fishmongers and tanners. But when Duke Cosimo I started living at his private residence at Palazzo Pitti (1565) and had to walk above Ponte Vecchio via the Vasari Corridor to Palazzo Vecchio regularly, he decidedly to get rid of the smell. So by decree, still valid today, only goldsmiths and jewellers could occupy the shops on the bridge.

Goldsmiths and Jewelers Today: You’ll find everything from antique pieces to contemporary designs. Many of these are family-run businesses which have been there for generations.

• How to Get There: 5 minutes walk from Piazza della Signoria or about 10 minutes walk from Piazza del Duomo

11. Mercato Centrale

If you love food markets, then Mercato Centrale is for you! As it’s conveniently located on the way back to the train station, this is also a good place to stop by and grab a snack, before your journey back to Livorno.

The market is spread over two floors in a beautiful iron and glass building dating back to 1874. There’s no shortage of fresh produce, as well as cheese, cured meats, baked goods and olive oils to buy and eat now. But head upstairs to the first floor and you’ll find a gourmet food court!

What to Eat for Lunch

There’s large communal dining tables, so I would walk around and see what catches your eye. The fun is in assembling your own lunch. Then grab a seat to enjoy. There’s also some stalls and restaurants with service if you prefer.

• Classic Italian Dishes: Fresh pasta dishes, pizza, Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) and risotto are all on offer in various stalls. (Note authentic pizza stalls sell pizza by weight, so just ask for however large a slice you’d like.)
• Street Food: Lampredotto (a Florentine specialty – a sandwich made from the stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in broth), tripe (trippa alla fiorentina), porchetta sandwiches, arancini (fried rice balls), trapizzini (stuffed pizza pockets)
• Sandwiches & toasted panini: Lots of options to choose from
• Local Chianti: Grab a glass of chianti to accompany your meal
• Desserts & Gelato: Finish lunch with a sweet treat! (or grab it to take away and enjoy on the train.) Pastries, cakes, and artisanal gelato are all available.

After lunch, if you’d like some Tuscan olive oil to take home as souvenirs, head back downstairs to the ground level.

• How to Get There: About 10 minutes walk from both Piazza del Duomo or Santa Maria Novella train station
• Opening Hours: Individual stall opening hours may vary but the market is open daily from 9am to 11pm, with late opening till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
• Card Acceptance: Almost all stalls take debit/credit cards. You won’t go hungry if you don’t have € cash!

Note: The food court is often very busy during lunch and dinner times, so head there a little earlier or later will mean it’s easier to find a seat in the communal dining tables.

12. San Lorenzo Market (Leather Markets)

If you feel like doing a bit of shopping or browsing, then outside Mercato Centrale is the famous outdoor San Lorenzo Market! San Lorenzo market is renowned for:

• Leather Goods: You’ll find an enormous array of leather jackets, bags (handbags, briefcases, backpacks, wallets), belts, gloves, and shoes.
• Clothing: Scarves (especially silk ones), pashminas, t-shirts, etc
• Souvenirs: Loads of Florentine and Italian souvenirs, from small trinkets and magnets to ceramics and notebooks.
• Accessories: Hats, ties, and other fashion accessories.

Note: Haggling is expected and is part of the shopping experience here. The initial price quoted is rarely the final price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate politely. If you’re looking to buy expensive leather goods, then be sure to check the craftsmanship and seams, as not everything sold here is “Made in Italy”. Most stalls do take debit/credit cards but they may be willing to give you a cash discount.

13. Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum brings to life his genius as an inventor, scientist and engineer with hands-on exhibits. The working models on display were are reconstructed from the drawings in his famous notebooks.

You’ll see Leonardo’s flying machines and war machines (catapults, tanks) to hydraulic devices as well as reproductions from his detailed anatomical studies. The exhibits are very kids-friendly.

• How to Get There: 3 minutes walk from Piazza del Duomo
• Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am to 7:30pm
• Bring: Your charged phone with headphones if you’d like to use the free audioguide.
• Tickets: €8 adults, €6.90 kids – you’ll need to pre-book for a timed entry

Note: There’s multiple Leonardo da Vinci museums and experiences in Florence. Even the most die-hard Leonardo fans will only have time for one. I recommend the Leonardo Interactive Museum because you can touch, operate or experiment with almost all of the exhibits. It’s also quite a cheap attraction compared to the rest of Florence!

Dome, Bell Tower or Tower of Arnolfo?

If you’re on a day trip from Livorno Cruise Port, you won’t have enough time to do more than one climb. At least if you’d like to see other major attractions in Florence. So how do these three experiences compare? And which one should you choose if you could only do one?

The “best” option will always come down to personal preference and what you’d like to see but at least I can give you some facts to help you decide:

Brunelleschi’s Dome (Duomo)

• Pros: 
  • Highest Viewpoint of the three potential climbs
  • True 360-degree panoramic view
  • Amazing Art to “break-up the climb”: you get close-up views of Vasari’s “Last Judgment” frescoes inside the dome.
• Cons: 
  • No Dome in Your Photos: You are in the most iconic part of the Florence skyline, so you can’t see the Duomo’s dome itself in your panoramic photos
  • Most steps to climb: The climb can be narrow, steep, and sometimes claustrophobic, especially during busy periods. 
  • Most expensive & planning required: It’s the most expensive climb and you need to book in advance with a timed slot

Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile)

• Pros: 
  • Great View of Dome: Arguably the best vantage point for seeing (and photographing the exterior of Brunelleschi’s Dome
  • Several Platforms: The climb has several platforms where you can rest and enjoy views at different levels, but the climb is roughly the same number of steps as the Dome 
• Cons: 
  • Mesh Grate at Top: While good for safety, serious photographers won’t like it as an obstruction. (If you shoot with a smartphone, you can fit the lens through the mesh but you can’t get a selfie without the mesh in the background.)
  • Planning Required: You’ll also need to pre-book a time slot during summer months, unless you’re willing to pay for a premium skip the line ticket.

Tower of Arnolfo at Palazzo Vecchio

• Pros: 
  • Classic “Postcard View”: the Duomo (Cathedral, Dome, and Bell Tower) as a magnificent, cohesive unit within the cityscape, beautifully framed by the surrounding red rooftops
  • Fewer number of steps: If the Dome or Bell Tower climb seems daunting to you (400+ steps), then the Tower of Arnolfo has fewer steps because the Tower itself is at a lower height.
  • Probably Least Busy: It’s often hard to say with crowds in Florence but it’s generally less crowded than the Dome and Bell Tower
• Cons:
  • Not the Highest Point: The view is still great but it’s not the highest vantage point in Florence

Featured Image by darrenquigley32 from Pixabay

This blog post has been a long time coming! I had it saved in draft last year and somehow just got lost in the pipeline until prompted by a reader who messaged me via Facebook.

So if you have a long port stop in Livorno (or even an overnight one), then I hope that this guide has given you ideas on how to structure a whirlwind day trip in Florence! Happy cruising as always!

Anchors aweigh! Search for your next port of call 👇

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