Searching for the perfect girls’ trip destination that combines culture, incredible food, and endless Instagram-worthy moments? Florence delivers all of this and more – a dreamy Italian escape where you and your best friends can sip Chianti on sun-drenched terraces, get lost in world-class art museums, and indulge in gelato without judgment. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, reconnecting after too long apart, or simply craving an adventure that doesn’t involve carpools and work emails, Florence offers the ideal backdrop for making memories that’ll have you laughing about “remember when” for years to come.
Let’s be honest: planning a group trip can feel overwhelming. Between coordinating schedules and finding activities everyone will love, it’s easy for the excitement to turn into stress. That’s where this guide comes in. As someone who’s explored some far-reaching cobblestone corners of Florence, I’m sharing my insider knowledge to help you create the ultimate girls’ getaway. From the best food spots where locals actually hang out to hidden boutiques and wineries worth the day trip, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. This isn’t just another generic travel guide, it’s your blueprint for a girls’ trip filled with Renaissance treasures, wine-fueled laughter, and those magical Tuscan sunset moments that make you grateful you finally made this happen.
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Girls’ Weekend in Florence: How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip
Where to Stay in Florence on a Girls’ Trip
The historic center is the best home base for a girls’ trip to Florence. Neighborhoods around the Duomo, Santa Croce, and Piazza della Repubblica are ideal places, putting you within easy walking distance of museums and restaurants. Across the water in San Niccolò is also a good option. Staying central also means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying all the best places in the city of Florence. Many Florence rentals on VRBO could be a good option if you all want to stay under the same roof.
If you’re leaning toward a luxury hotel, Hotel Continentale is a prime choice. Its rooftop terrace overlooks the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. Perfect for evening cocktails! As E.M. Forster said, women love a room with a view. Palazzo Niccolini Al Duomo is another fabulous option, blending historic Florentine architecture with chic, modern interiors. It’s just steps from the Duomo, so some rooms overlook this incredible cathedral too!
For mid-range accommodations without sacrificing comfort or location, check out Hotel Calzaiuoli and or Hotel Calimala. Both boutique hotels are cozy, centrally located, and packed with character. The latter even has balconies overlooking Palazzo Vecchio!
If you prefer a more independent stay, I can’t say enough about La Gabbia del Grillo. They have 9 serviced apartments located steps from the Duomo. You can even see the beautiful landmark from the property’s courtyard. They are a stylish home away from home with outdoor communal spaces where you can relax together after a day of exploring.
See all of our favorite Florence hotels for groups HERE!
How to Get Around Florence on a Girls’ Trip
Florence is a compact city, and most of the top historic sites are easily reachable on foot. Plus, there’s no better activity after an indulgent lunch than walking. However, most streets are cobblestoned, so comfortable shoes are a must!
There are trams and buses, but they don’t cover the whole city. Tickets are cheap if you do need them, but most groups won’t have to rely on public transport while in Florence.
For taxis or ride shares, download AppTaxi or FreeNow for ride shares. Uber exists, but it’s less common and expensive. Your hotel can also recommend trusted local taxi services. Take a business card and snap a photo of it for later. You may need it to get back to your hotel after dark or if you’re stuck in bad weather.
Note: If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you may want to consider booking a taxi ahead of time, especially when coming from the train station. The lines at the station can be LONG, and even though a walk of 10-15 minutes might not seem like a lot, it feels longer when dragging your bags over cobblestone streets.
Best Things To Do on a Girls’ Trip to Florence
1. Climb up Brunelleschi’s Dome
Kick off your first day in Florence at Piazza del Duomo with a climb up Brunelleschi’s Dome, guided by The Tour Guy. Fair warning: the 463 narrow, spiraling steps are intense, but the experience is absolutely worth it! This 600-year-old architectural masterpiece is part workout, part adventure. You will need to rally each other along the way.
As one of the first groups to enter, you’ll witness the antique keys used to unlock the cathedral doors and explore the stunning interior before the crowds arrive. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the church’s construction and explain the engineering genius behind the cupola’s creation.
With fewer visitors around, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the intricate frescoes and snap a group photo at the top. Once you reach the summit, spectacular panoramic views of Florence’s historic center, the Arno River, and Giotto’s Bell Tower await – the perfect way to launch your girls’ trip!
2. Shop on Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s most iconic and popular destinations, spanning the Arno River with a mix of history and charm. Dating back to the 14th century, the bridge has long housed small shops selling gold, silver, and artisan jewelry. Browse delicate pieces or pick up unique souvenirs. Don’t miss Oro Vivo, a longtime favorite for fine gold pieces.
Take your time wandering the tiny storefronts with your best friends, but be sure to walk along on one of the neighboring bridges too. You’ll get a full view of Ponte Vecchio’s charm and its colorful shops reflected in the river below.
Other great shopping spots in Florence include: Via de’ Tornabuoni (home to high-end luxury shops including Ferragamo and Gucci), Mercato delle Pulci (the Florence Flea Market), and Scuola del Cuoio (the leather market).
3. Wander the grounds of Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are next door to each other in the Oltrarno neighborhood and are a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon on your girls’ trip. Once home to the powerful Medici family, the 15th-century palace’s royal apartments showcase lavish rooms, Renaissance art, and opulent furnishings.
Outside, the Boboli Gardens stretch behind the palace with fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns perfect for wandering. Combination tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. It’s worth planning ahead to skip lines in the peak season. Don’t forget to walk to the back of the Boboli Gardens for skyline views.
4. Plan a Wine Tasting Day Trip
Surely it’s illegal to plan a girls’ trip to Florence and not visit the Tuscan countryside. Its rolling hills are covered in farms, vineyards, and produce Chianti wines, olive oil, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs … I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! Dotted between the wineries are quaint medieval towns that you just have to visit too.
This small-group Full-Day Chianti Region Tour from Florence is ideal. Your tour guide and driver will provide transport to the heart of Tuscany. Taste local wine from two wineries, dine on an authentic Italian lunch (included), and take a guided tour of San Gimignano. This UNESCO-certified hilltop village’s towers gave it the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. You can stroll its labyrinthine streets, pick up souvenirs, and no one has to draw the short straw and plan anything!
5. Visit Basilica of Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce is one of Florence’s most popular spots, yet it is a quieter alternative to the Duomo. This Gothic church has a long, rich history and houses the tombs of local luminaries like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Inside, admire frescoes by Giotto and intricate chapels full of Renaissance art. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance; there’s usually not much wait. Afterward, wander the piazza and treat yourselves to gelato at Gelateria dei Neri or Gelateria La Carraia, both just a short stroll away. It’s a perfect mix of history, art, and sweet indulgence for your girls’ trip.
6. Take a Coffee Break with a View
All that walking around requires several breaks. If it’s too early for a spritz, stop at Biblioteca della Oblate in central Florence for a unique coffee stop with great views. This historic library has a rooftop terrace with great views of the Duomo. Inside, you’ll find a quiet, airy café serving pastries, panini, and light snacks. You can never see too much of Florence’s cityscape!
7. Check out the Art Galleries
Girls traveling to Florence for the first time will enjoy this private small-group Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery Tour. Those skip-the-line entrances will be a welcome relief after seeing the long lines in peak season! These are two of the best museums in the world, let alone in Florence. See the most important Italian Renaissance art and Michelangelo’s David, with no one being responsible for the research and planning.
Already visited Florence? There are so many other beautiful palaces filled with priceless art and artefacts. Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s former town hall), just off Piazza della Signoria, is a must. Head slightly north across the heart of the city center to the 15th-century Palazzo Medici Riccardi. It’s home to one of the most beautiful Medici chapels and a charming courtyard.
8. Try a Tuscan Cooking Class
Cooking classes are a favorite family activity in Florence. So, if you’ve managed to escape to Florence on a girls’ trip sans kiddos, you might prefer a private experience! Context Travel runs a fabulous Market Tour and Tuscan Cooking Class.
Follow a friendly, local chef around the bustling Sant’Ambrogio market. Select fresh, seasonal ingredients and take them back to the kitchen to learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes. Try your hand at making dishes like pasta from scratch, sauces, and tiramisu. The class concludes with a communal meal, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor together with a glass of wine (or two!).
9. Create a Signature Perfume
A little off the beaten track but still a quintessential Florentine experience, this Perfume Masterclass takes you inside a master perfumer’s workshop in a Renaissance palace. Florence is the perfect place for this experience because Catherine de’ Medici brought perfume to Europe in the 16th century. The Medici family was essentially Florentine royalty.
Over two hours, you’ll learn how fragrances are crafted and even create your own signature scent. Everyone gets a certificate from the master perfumer, and with a small group, you’ll have plenty of guidance and personal attention. It’s the perfect souvenir and a fun thing to do on a girls’ trip to Florence!
10. Indulge in a Florence Food Tour
Curious Appetite runs a 4-stop Florence Dinner Crawl, with a small group. (Large groups can book private tours too.) This intimate evening tour takes you through Florence’s historic center, sampling Italian aperitivo, freshly made pasta, and the renowned bistecca alla fiorentina.
Each stop is paired with sommelier-selected wines, offering a taste of Tuscan flavors. This was one of my favorite tours in Florence!
11. Ride the Rails to Siena or Pisa
While a day trip is perfect for a weekend in Florence, you must plan another if your girls are staying a week! There are so many amazing places to visit. Both Siena and Pisa are close to Florence, and the perfect way to reach either city is via a direct, regional train ride. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station, it’s about a 1-hour ride to Pisa and roughly 1.5 hours to Siena. Use the Omio app to buy train tickets quickly and check the timetables.
In Pisa, stroll through Piazza dei Miracoli and snap fun photos at the famous Leaning Tower. In Siena, admire the medieval architecture of Piazza del Campo and walk along the Duomo’s City Walls.
12. Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
For your last evening in Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s a terrace overlooking the city and the Arno River with a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David. It’s the perfect destination for catching breathtaking views of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Florence’s terracotta rooftops. Arrive before sunset to snag a spot by the fence and take your final group pics!
13. Order from Wine Windows
A quick stop at Florence’s wine windows is a fun, historic tradition. Originally built in the 16th century, these small openings in palazzo walls let aristocrats sell wine directly to passersby without leaving their homes. They experienced a resurgence during the pandemic, and some are still in operation.
BABAE, Antinori, and Procacci are three wine windows you can visit in the city center. Not all have menus outside, but you can usually order a glass of red or white, prosecco, or an Aperol Spritz. Being handed a glass through a small hole to drink on the street is definitely a novel experience!
14. Have drinks with a view
One of my favorite experiences in Florence is having drinks at a rooftop bar. Many of them take reservations in advance, so if this is something your group wants to do, be sure to book ahead. Favorite spots are: Loggia Roof Bar, La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, and Antica Torre Tornabuoni.
Where to Eat in Florence with the Girls
Florence is a dream for groups who love good food, long meals, and bottles of Tuscan wine shared around the table. Whether you’re craving a small restaurant with hearty pasta, a lively market with plenty of choices, or simply delicious food between sightseeing stops, you’ll find amazing food everywhere.
Start your girls’ getaway with your first dinner at Cacio E Pepe, a cozy trattoria known for its creamy bowls of cacio e pepe sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Larger groups might want to make dinner reservations. Even places without a booking form will often accept bookings through Facebook or Instagram. No need to worry about the language barrier!
For something more casual, Gustapizza is the go-to spot for wood-fired pies. One line is for takeout, and one line is to sit in. It’s a long line, but it’s one of Florence’s most popular spots for pizza – and that’s a good thing! Don’t worry, it’s worth the wait.
If you want a buzzing atmosphere and lots of options in one place, head to Central Market (Mercato Centrale). Here you can grab plates of pasta, charcuterie, fresh seafood, and more. Eating here is the best way to cater to lots of dietary restrictions and preferences. Head upstairs for seating if it’s bustling on the main floor!
Coffee, Sandwiches, and Gelato
Of course, you can’t skip Italian coffee. Pop into Caffè Gilli on Piazza della Repubblica, one of the oldest cafés in Florence. Join locals standing at the bar for a frothy cappuccino and a pastry; it’s breakfast the Italian way!
Any trip to Florence wouldn’t be complete without queuing at All’Antico Vinaio, where the schiacciata sandwiches are their bread and butter. It’s the perfect lunch on the go and will keep you fueled during a busy sightseeing day! Check the menu online beforehand so you aren’t flustered when ordering; it can get a little manic.
When your sweet tooth kicks in, Gelateria Perché no!… is a local favorite dating back to the 1930s. Gelateria la Carraia is another option for scoops of pistachio or stracciatella after dinner.
Book a Fabulous Florence Girls’ Getaway
Booking a girls’ trip to Florence and Tuscany is the perfect way to reconnect with your besties while exploring this dreamy corner of Italy. With one of Europe’s most iconic major cities as your base, there are plenty of options for food, shopping, and day trips.
Between vineyard visits, gelato breaks, shopping for leather goods, and laughing over late-night cocktails, you’ll have a great time with your favorite people. Hopefully, this guide gives you plenty of inspiration for planning the girls’ getaway you’ve been saying you’ll take for years!
About the author: Kirsten is an award-winning family travel expert who has been traveling with kids for over 20 years. She has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Parents Magazine, AFAR, Vogue, NBC, Lonely Planet, and Thrillist, to name a few. Kirsten is also the content creator behind Kids Are A Trip, an award-winning site for planning family vacations.