Florence at Ferragosto with Children
Florence at Ferragosto with children
Ferragosto is the Italian national holiday on 15 August. Around this date, Italian life shifts dramatically. Many businesses, restaurants, and local services close for a period ranging from a few days to two full weeks. At the same time, international tourism continues.
For families visiting Florence around 15 August, this creates a Florence that is simultaneously more difficult to navigate logistically and more interesting in some respects. Knowing what to expect in advance makes the difference between a frustrating stay and a genuinely pleasant one.
This guide covers what is open and closed, the unexpected advantages of visiting at this time, ideas for day trips, and how to manage the practical challenge of finding somewhere to eat.
What is open and what is closed
Italian state museums in Florence remain open over Ferragosto in 2026. This includes the Uffizi, the Accademia, Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Garden. Tickets sell out quickly around 14 and 15 August. Booking online in advance, at least two weeks before your visit, is strongly recommended.
The Museo dei Ragazzi at Palazzo Vecchio is typically open throughout August, though the summer programme changes in format. Check directly with the museum for the exact schedule in the final weeks of August 2026.
Most small local shops, pharmacies, and neighbourhood bars close for at least the week surrounding 15 August. The commercial streets around Via dei Calzaiuoli and Via Roma, which cater primarily to tourists, remain open.
Restaurants present the most significant challenge. Many Florentine-owned trattorie and osterie close for the entire second half of August. Hotel restaurants and restaurants in heavily tourist-facing areas (near the Duomo, near Santa Croce) remain open. Before making a reservation, confirm that the restaurant is open on your specific dates. A call or email check is more reliable than assuming.
Supermarkets in the city centre, including the Coop and Esselunga chains, remain open with slightly reduced hours on 15 August itself. On 14 and 16 August they operate normally. A supermarket shop on 14 August is a sensible precaution if you are staying in accommodation with kitchen access.
The advantages of 15 August in the city
There are genuine reasons why some families choose to visit Florence in mid-August rather than earlier in the summer.
The city is quieter for Florentine residents. Many locals leave for the coast during this period, which means the residential neighbourhoods feel less pressured. The Oltrarno district, the Sant’Ambrogio area, and the streets around San Miniato al Monte are noticeably calmer than in June or early July.
Public transport runs at a reduced but functional schedule. Buses operate on a Sunday/holiday timetable on 15 August. If you are relying on buses to reach parks or pools, check the ATAF Firenze timetable online before travelling.
The national museum free-entry Sunday policy does not apply on 15 August itself in 2026, as the holiday falls on a Saturday. However, the standard free-entry Sunday is the first Sunday of August, which means early-month visitors benefit.
Evening activity in Florence around Ferragosto is one of the most pleasant experiences the city offers in summer. Many bars and restaurants that are open organise special menus or outdoor tables. The embankment walks along the Arno are quieter than in early August.
One-day family trips
Florence is well positioned for day trips by train or car to the Tuscan coast and hill towns, and these become particularly practical around Ferragosto when the city itself is quieter.
The Tuscan coast at Viareggio is approximately 90 km from Florence by train. Journey time from Santa Maria Novella station is 60 to 75 minutes. A return ticket costs around 15 to 20 euros per adult and half that for children between 4 and 11. Note that Viareggio beach is extremely busy on 15 August itself. If you want a beach day, 14 or 16 August is significantly more comfortable.
Siena is about 75 km from Florence by bus (Siena is not served by direct fast train). The Sena/Tiemme express bus from Autostazione SITA in Florence takes about 75 minutes. Return tickets are approximately 15 euros per adult. Siena’s Piazza del Campo is one of the finest medieval squares in Europe and is far easier to appreciate with children than a museum collection. Children between 5 and 14 typically find Siena engaging for a half-day.
San Gimignano, the walled hilltop town known for its medieval towers, is about 55 km from Florence. It is reached by bus from Florence via Poggibonsi, total journey approximately 90 minutes. Entry to the hilltop town is free. Several museums inside the walls offer combined family tickets of around 20 euros. The town itself is best experienced in the morning before tourist coaches arrive.
Lucca, about 80 km from Florence, is one of the most child-friendly cities in Tuscany. The town is encircled by intact Renaissance walls that have been converted into a wide tree-lined promenade. Cycling on the walls is a popular family activity. Bike rentals inside the city cost around 3 euros per hour per bike. The train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lucca takes approximately 80 minutes.
How to find somewhere to eat
Finding an open restaurant in Florence around 15 August requires preparation. The following approaches are reliable.
Check Google Maps or TripAdvisor filters for “open now” on the specific dates of your visit. Call to confirm before arriving, especially for dinner reservations.
Restaurants serving international cuisine (Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern) are more likely to remain open over Ferragosto than traditional Florentine trattorie. The area around Via dei Benci, near Piazza Santa Croce, has a concentration of international options.
The food hall at Mercato Centrale remains open throughout August until midnight. It offers pasta, pizza, burgers, Florentine steak, and international dishes. Prices are slightly higher than a local trattoria but the range and convenience make it a reliable fallback.
Self-catering with food from the supermarket is a practical strategy for at least one or two meals. A focaccia, fresh tomatoes, local cheese, and prosciutto from the Coop near Piazza del Duomo cost under 10 euros and provide a satisfying lunch in a park or a room.
Where to stay
Charlotte guesthouse in Florence remains open over the Ferragosto period. The location in central Florence means you can access open restaurants, the main museums, and the tram line without depending on the neighbourhood services that typically close.
Booking well in advance for dates around 15 August is important, as central accommodation fills quickly.
Find dates, availability, and further details at Charlotte.
