Have the best time of your life in Florence in February. Florence is known as Europe’s only Renaissance art outdoor museum and home to famous traditional European architecture and designs – the Florence Duomo, Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Museo del Bargello, and Uffizi Gallery. Florence in February is carnival season, full of operas and tasty hot chocolate. It’s winter and the best time to witness Florence’s beauty.
Florence has several artistic monuments, including Titan’s Venus of Urbino, Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Allegory of Spring, and The Birth of Venus. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination throughout the year, Florence in February offers a unique experience with its chilly winter weather and excellent concerts. This season is often celebrated in Florence, attracting fewer visitors and providing an ideal opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Additionally, you can savor the delightful seasonal food and beverages that will help keep you warm during your stay in February.
Florence’s cobbled lanes are perfect for strolls and offer a chance to discover charming art galleries. February is a bustling month in Florence, with a plethora of exciting activities to indulge in. But in this article, we explore the top ten interesting things to experience in Florence in February.
Florence In February – The Weather
February has always been a beautiful time to visit Florence and enjoy a relaxing ambiance. The average temperature is around 54oF. And the rainy days are usually moderate— safe to say you can explore the city’s museums and historical sites without getting drenched. This season, expect a clear or partly cloudy sky with 4 to 5 hours of sunshine.
Explore more: Tuscany in Winter: 10 Reasons This is the Best Time to Visit
The best 10 Things To Do In Florence In February
If you are looking to escape into a world filled with history and enchanting sites, the city of Florence has won the hearts of many tourists and has never failed to take them back to history every single visit. You can have the time of your life when you visit in February and try out the locations we have captured below.
1. Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio, also known as Palazzo della Signoria, is Florence’s most significant medieval government structure. This art structure served as the seat of the Florentine Republic’s Signoria in the 14th century before becoming the administrative hub of the Medici grand dukes of Tuscany.
2. Pitti Palace
Pitti Palace is a popular tourist spot in the capital of Tuscany. It houses paintings, artworks, plates, jewelry, and luxurious possessions by famous artists and Italian nobility. It has grown to be a great treasure, and it opens from 8 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
3. Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is an eternal symbol of strength for the city of Florence. It was constructed near the Roman crossing and served as Florence’s sole Arno crossing until 1218. Since the 13th century, there have been stores on the Ponte Vecchio. At first, various stores’ “industrial waste” left the neighborhood smelling foul. To promote everyone’s health, including their own, as they crossed the bridge, Ferdinand ordered in 1593 that only goldsmiths and jewelers be permitted to have shops on the Ponte Vecchio. This makes the Old Bridge the perfect spot for a surprise proposal while on vacation.
4. Medici Chapel
Michelangelo focused his efforts mainly on the chapel’s marble interior, the highly unique wall design, and the carved figures on the tombs, which are an organic continuation of the dynamic curves of the wall features. Many tourists like to visit the Medici chapel to see the illustrative sculptures, the crypt, the chapel of the princes, and the new sacristy.
Read more: Medici Books – The 8 Best Books to Explore the Renaissance Tuscany
5. Fortezza da Basso
The Fortezza da Basso, also known as the San Giovanni Battista Fortress, is currently the most significant exhibition venue in the city, hosting a variety of local, national, and international events, including the famous Danza in Fiera.
6. Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is not merely the ideal setting for a picture but an awe-inspiring sight. You are gazing at a city that has produced world-class musicians, brilliant scientists, and a fascinating past of exploration and conquest that has inspired books and motion pictures. Piazzale Michelangelo gives a genuinely magnificent view of Florence at any time of day.
7. Enjoy the Carnival
The beauty, fervor, and artistic expression of the Florence Carnival celebrations are spectacular. Florence’s carnival is a time when both locals and visitors dress up in costumes and take part in celebratory events and activities throughout the city. You will need the best comfortable shoes for the carnival.
8. Craft Chocolate Fair (Piazza Santa Croce)
Prepare for delicious delicacies with chewy, sweet centers, fruits rich with a ganache coat that will dissolve in your mouth, and even praline truffles to glaze the festivities. Each year, the festival expands its offerings to include sticks of chocolate, a chocolate fountain in addition to solid fudge, and even chocolate that has been shaped into common household items like scoops that will melt in a cup of hot espresso. Everyone gets the best delicacy of their choosing at the Craft Chocolate Fair!
Read more: The Top 12 Books About Florence
9. Galleria degli Uffizi
This gallery is renowned around the world for its magnificent collections of antique paintings and sculptures. A priceless collection of historical statues and busts from the Medici family sit pretty in the Gallery, waiting to be marveled at by tourists and locals.
10. Cathedral of Florence
The Cathedral of Florence is an Italian Gothic architecture devoted to “Santa Maria del Fiore.” Arnolfo di Cambio (c. 1245–1302) designed the church and enlarged the pre-existing place of worship to an immense height of sophistication.
Read more: Cathedrals in Italy – Exploring Italy’s Historic Treasures
5 Benefits Of Visiting visiting Florence in February
If you wait till winter or February to be in Florence, you will get the best of the city and enjoy every moment. Here are five benefits of visiting Florence in February:
1. It’s not crowded
Because of the weather, Florence is usually open in February. You can enjoy the tourist attractions and discover the city’s history without distractions. Also, the reduced crowd during the period causes a reduction in the price of things; flight tickets, restaurants, and accommodation are included. You can walk the quiet back street of Oltrarno and take in a breath of fresh air.
2. Sales season
Florence in February offers the cheapest sales throughout the year. You can find many stylish and quality items at affordable prices. If you decide to go for luxury, you won’t be anywhere near disappointed with the prices.
Read more: What to Buy in Florence, Italy
3. Hot chocolate everywhere
Despite the lack of snow in the beautiful city of Florence, it will be chilly and peaceful – the perfect weather condition for loads and loads of hot chocolate beverages!
4. Ice skating on the longest rink in Europe
Florence is the ideal location to ice skate on the biggest rink in Europe. The 320-meter-long ice rink at the Florence Ice Village, situated in the Fortezza da Basso’s garden, is the most extended skating surface in all of Europe!
5. Warm up with red wine
Some of the best wineries you can visit are in Florence. The flavors are usually fresh and natural. The mouthwatering glass will leave you wanting more.
Explore more: Florence in Winter – Visiting During the Off-Season
Frequently Asked Questions From Travelers
Is Florence Worth It In Winter?
Florence is the perfect winter destination. It offers many interesting places and things to try. When you visit alone, you can join other tourists to explore the city, try out the seasonal food, join the pre-Easter festival, and see the outdoor markets and museums. Winter suits Florence and allows your body to relax and enjoy the moment. From the beautiful scenery of the Christmas market to ice skating on the longest ring in Europe, Florence in winter is a pure bliss.
How to Wear It In Florence in February?
You don’t want to be caught on the road looking unprepared in Florence- the home of architecture and many beautiful tourist attractions. The cold is not an excuse to appear boring and unprepared. When you visit in February, pack some natural-colored outfits, jackets, long sleeves, a scarf, a stylist, and comfortable shoes. These natural-colored wear will go with a warm jacket, stylish shoes, and a scarf around your neck for when it’s too chilly.
What To Do In Florence When It’s Cold?
There is a lot of love being shared across Florence despite the cold in February. The locals and tourists still turn up for many exciting activities and enjoy the irresistible treats and paintings. Here are a number of other things you can do when it’s cold in Florence;
- Ice-skating with your loved ones or here r tourist
- Appreciate art and the stories behind them
- Don’t forget the Hot chocolate in the evenings
- Tour the city by tourist bus
- Don’t miss the artisan chocolate festival or fair
- If you are on a romantic holiday, enjoy a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day.
- Pledge your allegiance with a padlock at Ponte Vecchio
- Don’t forget to blend in and walk like a Florentine
- Search for treasures in the Flea Market
- Shop the exciting offers and sales
- Lastly, don’t leave Florence without creating memories at the carnival.
How Is Tuscany In February?
Tuscany is slightly warmer around the coast, and the temperature in the mountains can be too chilly. However, the city still retains its charm and mystery. You will explore all the sweetness, taste the best wines, visit the irresistible bakeries, and enjoy a blast of fresh flavors. Tuscany offers plenty of delicious meals in February. The crowd by this time is beginning to reduce, and the prices of many activities drop. The locals are set to celebrate the coming spring of Lent and the almighty Carnevale.
Conclusion
Florence is the best place to visit in February alone, with your loved ones, or for a romantic getaway. You will get the best of the city at the best prices and explore every detail. Next February should be your visiting date.
