8 incredible ways to celebrate your birthday in Florence

Can you think of anywhere better to celebrate your birthday than among the rolling Tuscan hills and historic Renaissance buildings of Florence? Whether you want to sip chianti at an elegant winery, feast on handmade pasta at a traditional osteria, or admire Michelangelo’s Statue of David, there are endless things to do in Florence on your birthday.

Although just strolling around the city and following your nose to cafes and market stands is already a great way to spend a day in Florence, these eight ideas will make your birthday in Florence extra special.

1. Ride around the city in a vintage Fiat 500

Hop into a classic Fiat 500 and zip around the city and surrounding countryside for a taste of la dolce vita. If you don’t feel like getting behind the wheel, there are private vintage car tours available too, with drivers who can pass by landmarks like Piazza di Santa Croce and Piazzale Michelangelo. Go all out with stops along the way for photo opportunities and winery visits just outside of town.

Insider tip

If you want to drive yourself, make sure to specify if you’d like an automatic transmission, since many vintage Fiats are manual.

2. Take a romantic gondola ride along the Arno

Glide along Florence’s tranquil Arno River on a private barchetta (gondola-style boat ride). Sit back and relax as you drift under the famous Ponte Vecchio, pass Renaissance palaces, and see the historic Tuscan city from a new perspective. Your gondolier will likely know quite a bit about local history and legend, too.

Insider tip

Request a departure near Ponte Santa Trinita, since the views of Ponte Vecchio from the water are unbeatable. It’s also best to book in advance, especially during summer.

Address

Ponte Santa Trinita, 50100 Florence

Opening hours

Most gondola rides run daily between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

3. Head to the hills on horseback

See Tuscany’s stunning countryside in a new way on your birthday with a horseback ride through the surrounding hills, olive groves, and vineyards. Your morning or afternoon out riding will give you a special opportunity to explore trails that lead to gorgeous views and enjoy being out in nature.

Insider tip

Wear close-toed shoes and layers for late afternoon and evening rides, since temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. Pair your time riding with a wine tasting at a nearby winery afterward to make a day of it.

4. Birthday picnic in Boboli Gardens

For a chill birthday in Florence, get a blanket, fill up a backpack with food and drinks, and relax beneath the shade of cypress trees in the stunning Renaissance surroundings of Boboli Gardens. As you find the perfect spot to stretch out, you’ll pass ornate fountains and sculptures, which make for a great background for birthday festivities. Hit up a bakery and cheese shop for picnic essentials, and you’re good to go.

Insider tip

Claim your picnic spot near the Kaffeehaus terrace for fantastic city views, or sit down by Isolotto Pond for a more peaceful setting.

Address

Boboli Gardens, 50125 Florence

Opening hours

Open daily
March to October, from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM
November to February, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
Last entry is one hour before closing.

5. Explore art at world-class museums

No trip to Florence is complete without taking in some of its famous art. One of the best Florence birthday ideas for art lovers and history buffs is to spend a day strolling around the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, or Palazzo Pitti. There’s something significant to see no matter which you choose: You can see Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia, view Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” at the Uffizi, or take in the awe-inducing wealth of Medici treasures at Palazzo Pitti.

Insider tip

Florence’s museums and art galleries get extremely busy, especially on weekends. Book a skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid spending your birthday in a line. Visiting first thing in the morning or during lunchtime should give you a quieter experience.

Opening hours

Most museums and galleries operate from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM.

6. Take in the view from the Duomo

Get your steps in by climbing the 463 steps to Brunelleschi’s iconic dome for panoramic views of Florence. This cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most famous landmarks in Northern Italy. From the top, you’ll see the city’s famous terracotta rooftops, surrounding green hills, and legendary landmarks like Santa Croce Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio below. Inside, you’ll be able to take in Vasari’s stunning “Last Judgment” frescoes up close.

Insider tip

For a unique and less crowded experience, consider climbing Giotto's Bell Tower right next to the Duomo. A striking example of Florentine Gothic architecture, you’ll enjoy epic panoramas of the city that add the splendid Duomo to the scene.

Address

Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday,10:15 AM to 3:45 PM

7. Dig into incredible Florentine food

An important part of any trip to Italy is food, and birthdays are the perfect reason to indulge. Experience Florence’s favorite foods by starting your day with a cappuccino e cornetto from a local bakery before grabbing a hearty sandwich made with schiacciata (a Tuscan spin on focaccia that’s thinner and crispier). End the day with fresh pasta or bistecca alla Fiorentina (a massive steak, usually ordered by the kilo for two or more people) from one of the many osterias (restaurants) around the city.

Insider tip

If you’re a foodie looking for one of the best birthday things to do in Florence, don’t miss the fantastic upper floor of Mercato Centrale. This food court is packed with local food stands selling fresh pasta, sandwiches, local truffles, pizza, and more. Try the local specialty of lampredotto (Florentine tripe sandwich) at Da Nerbone for an authentic local bite.

Address

Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Florence

Opening hours

Sunday to Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to midnight

8. Expand your palate with a Tuscan wine tasting

You’re in the home of chianti, and what better way to learn about this and other famous Tuscan wines than on a tour or by doing a wine tasting? Typical wine tasting and tours will allow you to sip rich brunellos, velvety super tuscans, and crisp vernaccia whites while surrounded by some gorgeous landscapes.

Insider tip

Castello del Trebbio is a must-visit for a fantastic wine tasting with a view of the postcard-perfect Tuscan hills that might have inspired your visit in the first place. It’s particularly stunning at sunset. Book in advance (it might be worth dropping in that you’re coming for your birthday, too), and consider splashing out on a stay at the property’s five-star-hotel, too.

Address

Castello del Trebbio, Via di Santa Brigida, 9, 50065 Pontassieve

Opening hours

Contact Castello del Trebbio directly for information about wine tasting times.