Florence in March: What to Do, What to Pack & More (2024)

Looking to visit Florence in March? You’ve come to the right place! 

As one of Italy’s shoulder-season months, March is one of the best times to visit Florence!

With fewer crowds, cooler weather, and cheaper prices than peak tourist season, March is a great time to save money and avoid crowds in this popular tourist destination. 

I’ve partnered with my friend Cate from Intentional Traveling, who spent several weeks exploring Italy and is excited to share her experience of visiting Florence in March!

Let’s jump in!

While Florence is worth visiting any time of the year, it is particularly lovely in the spring! From its blossoming gardens to its festive New Year’s and Easter celebrations, Florence has plenty to offer this time of year. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Florence in March.

1. Celebrate the Traditional Florentine New Year

Date: March 25th each year

Did you know that Florence celebrates the New Year on March 25th?

That’s right! From the Middle Ages until 1750, Florence’s New Year began on March 25th every year.

This date commemorated the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would be the mother of Christ, exactly 9 months before Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

Although the Florentine New Year now officially begins on January 1st, the Florentines still continue their traditional New Year celebrations on March 25th each year.

The day is celebrated with a grand parade and other New Year festivities. The historic parade typically begins in Piazza della Parte Guelfa, runs through Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza del Duomo, and ends in front of Santissima Annunziata (the Church of the Holy Annunciation).

You will also find many other local New Year activities taking place around the city!

2. Watch the Scoppio del Carro (the Explosion of the Cart)

Date and Location: Easter Sunday (beginning around 10 am), Piazza del Duomo

If you find yourself in Florence on Easter Sunday, you should not miss this unique and exciting Florence tradition: the Scoppio del Carro (or the Explosion of the Cart)!

This Florentine tradition dates back over 350 years. Every year on Easter Sunday, an ornate, 30-foot-high cart is filled with fireworks and rolled out to the Piazza del Duomo in front of the cathedral. 

The cart is typically pulled by a team of white oxen adorned with flowers and is usually accompanied by a number of musicians, locals dressed in elaborate Renaissance costumes, and crowds eagerly awaiting the “explosion of the cart.”

If you are standing in the square, you will hear the “Gloria” being sung from inside the cathedral.

Inside the Duomo, the cardinal will light a dove-shaped rocket and send it flying down a wire through the Duomo until it collides with the cart outside, igniting the fireworks in the cart and causing a spectacular display!

The fireworks display usually lasts around twenty minutes, while the bells of Giotto’s bell tower ring.

A successful Explosion of the Cart is traditionally meant to bring good luck and a bountiful harvest. If you are in Florence on Easter, don’t miss this memorable Florentine tradition!

3. Celebrate Dantedí (National Day of Dante)

Date: March 25

The Florentine New Year is not the only celebration that takes place on March 25th every year. Each year, Florence also celebrates Dantedí on March 25th in honor of the famous Italian author and poet, Dante Alighieri.

Dante was born in Florence in 1265 and is best known for his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy.

Here are a few places you can visit on Dantedí and learn more about Dante:

• Florence Duomo: The Florence Duomo is a must-visit on any trip to Florence! On Dantedí, be sure to go inside the Florence Duomo and look up at the ceiling of the dome. There, you will see The Last Judgment painting inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but consider taking a guided tour to get priority access and climb to the top of the dome!

• Dante’s House (Casa di Dante): Visit the official Dante museum, which is also said to be the former residence of the Dante family. The museum offers discounted tickets on Dante Day.

4. Explore Florence’s Beautiful Gardens in the Spring

One of the best things to do in Florence in March is to explore its beautiful gardens while they are in bloom! Florence has many exquisite gardens. Two of the most famous are Boboli Gardens (behind Pitti Palace) and the nearby Bardini Gardens.

In March, visit Bardini Gardens and walk through the dreamy wisteria tunnel, which blossoms only in March and April! Both gardens also offer stunning panoramic views of Florence.

You can also book a private tour to both the Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens and get a local’s insight!

5. Shop Florence’s Local Markets

March is the perfect time to visit some of the many local markets in Florence! Whether you are looking to try some delicious local foods, buy a leather bag or jacket, or shop for antiques, Florence’s markets are a great place to shop!

Here are a few of the best markets to visit in March:

• Mercato Centrale: This two-story market and food hall is one of the most popular markets in Florence with both tourists and locals! The market is open Monday to Friday from 7 am – 3 pm, and Saturday from 7 am – 5 pm. It is closed on Sundays.

• Mercato Sant’Ambrogio: This local food market is located in the Santa Croce neighborhood and has everything from cheese shops and bakeries to fresh produce stands. It is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am – 2 pm. It is closed on Sundays.

• Porcellino Market: This famous covered leather market is located under the ancient arches of Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. It is open every day from 9:00 am – 6:30 pm.

• Santo Spirito Vintage Market: This lesser-known antique market is held in Piazza Santo Spirito, an authentic local neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River. The market is held on the second Sunday of every month.

Tip: Bring small cash (euros) with you when visiting the markets in Florence. While some vendors take credit cards, some only accept cash, so it is best to be prepared!

6. Visit Florence’s Best Museums Without the Crowds

One of the advantages of visiting Florence in March (particularly early March) is that you can enjoy many of Florence’s best museums without the crowds!

One of the best museums in Florence is The Uffizi Gallery. This world-famous art gallery is home to one of the finest collections of Renaissance art.

Here, you will find marble sculptures and paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and other renowned Italian artists. The Uffizi Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am – 6:30 pm.

Another museum to visit in Florence in March is The Accademia Gallery. This gallery houses Michelangelo’s most famous work, the 17-foot high marble statue of David.

Michelangelo created this amazing statue when he was just 26 years old! The Accademia Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 am – 6:50 pm.

Although Florence is far less crowded in March than in the summer months, we still recommend booking skip-the-line tickets or tours of the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery in advance to guarantee you have a spot!

7. Enjoy Festa della Donna (International Women’s Day)

Date: March 8th

Every year on March 8th, Florence celebrates International Women’s Day. On this day, admission to the Uffizi Gallery, Bargello National Museum, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens is free for women!

You will also find storefronts and restaurants adorned with yellow mimosa flowers on this day. The tradition in Florence is to give these yellow flowers as a gift to the women in your life.

8. Take a Day Trip to the Tuscan Countryside

One of the best things about visiting Florence is its accessibility to the Tuscan hill towns! 

Florence makes a perfect base for exploring the Tuscan countryside. By taking a train, you can easily get to Pisa, San Gimignano, Lucca, or Siena in under two hours. We would definitely recommend visiting at least one of these small Tuscan hill towns on your trip!

While you can certainly explore these charming towns on your own, if you would rather visit several towns in one day, we would suggest booking this well-rated day trip from Florence, which stops in Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa, and includes lunch at a beautiful Tuscan winery.

The weather in Florence in March is very nice. With highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s, March weather in Florence can be a little cold but overall is very pleasant! You can also expect some rain during your visit, as it usually rains around eight days in March.

If you have more time on your trip and are looking for where to go next, Venice is a wonderful city to visit in March as well!

Since the weather can be cold and there may be some rain, here are a few recommendations on what to pack for Florence in March: 

• Layered tops
• Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain jacket
• Jeans
• Water-resistant shoes or boots 
• Small, portable umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Also, while the weather may be cold, don’t forget your sunglasses! Even with cooler temperatures, the sun still shines bright in Florence in March, so you will be glad you brought your shades when you’re taking in those spectacular views.

Florence is known for its mouthwatering Tuscan cuisine. From hearty pasta and Neapolitan pizza to Florentine steak and gelato, Florence has it all. 

Here are a few local sweet treats to try in Florence in March:

• Frittelle: These deliciously sweet, soft pastries are fried and covered in sugar. More importantly, they are only made this time of year! Frittelle is specifically made for Father’s Day, which is celebrated on March 19th in Italy, and can be found in pastry shops all over the city.

• Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: This traditional flat Florentine cake is marked by its orange, zesty flavor. Pop into Pasticceria Giorgio or Caffè Gilli to try a piece of this delicious cake.

• Gelato: While it may be a little chilly in March, it’s worth bundling up to have some Florentine gelato! We personally loved the Gelateria la Carraia, which is located just on the other side of the Arno River.

For a really fun and memorable experience, consider taking a cooking class in Florence to learn how to make your own pasta, pizza, gelato, or tiramisu! We took a pasta-making class in Florence on our most recent trip, and it was one of our favorite experiences!

For your visit to Florence in March, we recommend staying at least 2 nights. Generally, the hotel prices in March are cheaper than in the summer months.

The exception is during Easter weekend when Florence can be very crowded, so you will definitely want to book your accommodations as early as possible!

Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Florence in March:

Helvetia & Bristol Firenze

Book this his luxury 5-star hotel set in a historic residence in the heart of Florence. It is only a five-minute walk from the Duomo and just a few steps away from Via de Tornabuoni, the most famous shopping street in Florence.

Corte Calziuoli Elegant Suites

Check out this elegant bed and breakfast, which is located in the city center, just a short walk away from all of the main sights and attractions. It gets excellent reviews.

Brunelleschi Hotel

• Book this historic hotel set in a medieval church overlooking the Duomo. It has great reviews and is ideally located in the center of Florence.

The best way to get around Florence in March is simply by walking. If you are staying in the city center (near the Duomo), all of the main sights will be within a short walking distance. 

Since the weather can be chilly in March, wear layers and bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket when walking around the city!

We do not recommend renting a car while in Florence. Much like in Rome, the traffic in Florence is crazy! However, you can conveniently book a private transfer to and from the airport to get to your hotel!

Here are a few important tips for visiting Florence in March to make the most of your trip:

• Early March is generally less crowded than late March. As you get closer to April, more and more people will start trickling in.

• Book your accommodations early, especially if visiting over Easter weekend. Easter weekend is one of the more popular times to visit Florence, so make sure you book your accommodations as soon as you know your travel dates!

• Book tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome in advance to guarantee a spot. Even in early March, it is best to book these main sights in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!

• Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket or umbrella when walking around the city. It is best to be prepared for temperature fluctuations and light rain showers throughout the day!

March is a wonderful time of the year to visit Florence! With fewer people, cheaper prices, and cooler weather than in peak tourist season, visiting Florence in March is a great way to save some money on accommodations and enjoy this amazing city without the crowds. 

Whether you want to celebrate the traditional Florentine New Year, watch the exciting Explosion of the Cart, or enjoy Florence’s exquisite gardens in the spring, you are sure to enjoy your time in Florence in March!

Ready to visit Italy? Check out these travel resources!

Author Bio: Cate is the owner and author of Intentional Traveling. She is a wife and homemaker who also loves to travel! Her goal is to provide you with practical travel itineraries, tips, and guides to simplify your travel planning to help you make the most of your time on each trip.

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