Florence is an incredible city and you should definitely visit it, but let’s be honest: sometimes even the most magical places can feel a bit too much, especially when the crowds roll in or the summer heat hits full blast. That’s just the perfect time to step away from the city, catch your breath, and see something new.
The good news? You don’t have to go too far. One of the most underrated joys of spending time in Florence is just how easy it is to “escape it”. All around the city, there are towns and villages that are just as worth your time. And they’re just a short train ride (or bus, or car) away!
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About an hour and a half south of Florence, Siena feels like a world of its own. The city is divided into the famous contrade (neighborhoods) with their own colors, symbols, and deep-rooted pride. Because here, people aren’t just from Siena; they’re from the Onda, or the Torre, or the Selva. It’s not just geography, it’s identity.
At the center of it all is Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square where people stretch out on the warm bricks and let time slow down. On most days, it’s calm in that classic Italian way. But twice a year, it turns into something completely different: the Palio. That’s when the square becomes a racetrack and all the rivalries between contrade explode into a few intense, unforgettable minutes.
Just a few steps away is the Duomo, easily one of the most impressive churches in the region. With its black and white marble columns, detailed mosaics, sculptures by Pisano and Donatello, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop without even meaning to. And if you’re up for a climb, the view from the Facciatone (the unfinished part of the cathedral) is worth every single stair!
Lucca is the kind of place that doesn’t rush to impress you. The train drops you off just outside the old walls, and from there it’s like stepping sideways into an older, quieter version of Tuscany where locals ride their bikes along the top of the thick Renaissance walls and snack on focaccia in the shade.
Inside the walls, it’s all cobbled alleys and piazzas. There’s history everywhere, but unlike Italy’s more touristy cities, here it doesn’t shout. You’ll notice it in the Roman amphitheater, now a peaceful oval filled with small shops and restaurants. And if you look up, medieval towers will peek out between the houses, standing as witnesses to centuries of life unfolding in these streets.
Then the contrast: in summer, Lucca flips. Massive names roll in for the Lucca Summer Festival (Springsteen, Elton John, whoever’s on tour that year) and all of a sudden the quiet town is singing along with thousands under the stars. And the same happens once again in the fall, when the streets fill with cosplay, stalls, and people from all over Italy for the Lucca Comics & Games. It might sound like chaos but, trust us, it still feels like Lucca.
San Gimignano feels like stepping into a medieval postcard, with its famous stone towers (once symbols of rival families showing off their power) still piercing the sky. At its peak, the town had more than 70 towers; today, 14 remain, shaping its unmistakable silhouette and giving the place that fortress-like vibe.
Wandering the narrow streets, you’ll pass centuries-old stone buildings where local artisans keep old traditions alive, selling everything from hand-painted ceramics to saffron grown just outside town. But don’t just admire the towers from below: climb Torre Grossa or Torre Salvatucci Maggiore. From the top, the view opens up beyond the walls to rolling vineyards and olive groves stretching quietly into the distance, a peaceful contrast to the town’s historic bustle.
Even when the summer crowds flood in, San Gimignano never loses its relaxed charm. And to really soak in the atmosphere, grab a gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, with its award-winning flavors that draw lines!
Bologna is a paradise for food lovers. From fresh pasta to cured meats and aged cheeses, it’s a city that takes its culinary traditions seriously. And with good reason. The recipes here aren’t new; they’ve been around forever, handed down through families. Wherever you go, you’ll find yourself digging into tagliatelle al ragù that’s slow-cooked just right, or tortellini stuffed with simple, honest flavors.
But food is just the beginning here. Bologna’s charm lies in its balance of history and energy. The city’s medieval center is famously shaded by endless porticoes, creating a rhythm that’s part ancient architecture, part student hangout. The town is home to the oldest university in the Western world, and you can feel that youthful buzz everywhere, from cafés where ideas are born to bookstores stacked with dusty tomes and new voices.
Need a break from the buzz? Climb the Asinelli Tower. It’s a workout (498 steps) but the panoramic view over terracotta rooftops, church domes, and distant hills gives you a rare chance to see the city in full, from its food markets to its quiet, hidden corners.
If your idea of the perfect day involves rolling hills, vineyards, and a glass of wine in your hand, then the Chianti region is calling for you. Located between Florence and Siena, it isn’t just one town but a whole countryside area dotted with villages like Greve, Radda, and Castellina, each one easy to explore at your own pace.
The best way to soak it all in? Take it slow, there’s no need for a strict plan. Rent a car or, even better, let someone else handle the driving so you can relax while looking at the scenery. Just get to a town, stop in a piazza, drink a coffee, and peek into local shops when something catches your eye. Let yourself slow down and forget about the clock as the afternoon light softens.
And if you’re up for some wine tasting, there’s no better place. The winemakers themselves will pour you the wine straight from the barrel and you’ll get to taste it alongside simple, local bites like pecorino cheese and salumi. All while listening to the stories of the people who’ve tended these lands for generations.
About an hour from Florence by train, Arezzo often flies under the radar. It’s easy to overlook, especially with the bigger names nearby, but that’s part of its charm. This isn’t a city built for tourists but a place where people live, work, and carry on traditions every day. And this gives it a grounded, authentic feel that’s hard to find.
Strolling through the streets, you’ll see a blend of everyday life and history. The Piazza Grande, with its unique trapezoidal shape, sits at the heart of the city, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings. Not far from there, the Basilica di San Francesco holds Piero della Francesca’s famous frescoes, while the Duomo impresses with its colorful stained glass windows.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit the city in June or September, you’ll see Arezzo come alive with the Giostra del Saracino, a medieval jousting tournament rooted in centuries-old tradition. The event fills the city with color, music, and a fierce local pride that’s impossible to miss. It’s a real and vivid reminder that here, history still pulses through daily life!
If you’re short on time but still want to escape Florence’s bustle, Fiesole makes for a perfect quick trip. Just a 20-minute bus ride from the city, this hilltop town feels like a quiet retreat with views over Florence and the rolling Tuscan hills beyond.
Though small, Fiesole holds layers of history waiting to be discovered. Take your time to wander through the well-preserved Roman amphitheater or step inside the archaeological museum to glimpse its ancient roots. It’s a perfect way to step away from the city noise for a few hours without needing a full day.
Now that you’re ready for your trip, let us remind you one thing: planning can make all the difference. Always check train and bus schedules in advance as some routes can be less frequent, especially on weekends or holidays. And don’t forget to bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and maybe a light jacket. The weather can change quickly, especially in hill towns!
Lastly, don’t hesitate to talk to locals. They often have the best insider tips on where to eat, hidden spots, or special events happening. And then… just enjoy the journey!
Take your chance and shape your future in the “Bel Paese”!
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