Florence in November: A Local's Guide

Florence in November is one of the most underrated experiences for travellers. While everyone thinks of spring or summer, those who visit the city in late autumn discover a completely different Florence: museums with almost no queues, lower prices, a collected and authentic atmosphere. It is the time of year when the city returns to its inhabitants.

The advantages of low season in Florence

The first and most obvious advantage of visiting Florence in November is the reduction in queues. At the Uffizi you can buy tickets on the day itself, something practically impossible from April to October. The Galleria dell’Accademia, always crowded in the high season, becomes a pleasure to visit at leisure. Even Palazzo Vecchio and the Bargello can be enjoyed without the pressure of crowds.

The second advantage is financial. Accommodation prices fall significantly compared to high season: the same apartment or room that costs €150 a night in August can be found at €80–90 in November. Restaurants and trattorias are also quieter, the service less frantic and there is more time to talk with the owners.

The third advantage is the atmosphere. November in Florence is a slightly melancholic but beautiful month: the light is low and golden during the central hours of the day, the piazzas have a different character from summer, and the bars are frequented by Florentines who stop for breakfast without rushing.

Climate and what to pack

The climate in Florence in November is variable. Average temperatures range between 5 and 14°C, but sunny days can be very pleasant, especially in the first half of the month. Rain is frequent, particularly in the second part of November: the city lies in a river valley and autumn precipitation can be intense.

For clothing, a layered system is ideal: a light base, a medium sweater and a coat or waterproof jacket. Waterproof shoes are recommended, especially because Florentine paving becomes slippery in the rain. A compact umbrella is useful to keep in your bag at all times.

What to do in Florence in November

Museums without the queues

November is the perfect month to spend the right amount of time in the main museums. At the Uffizi, without the pressure of crowds, you can really stop in front of the works that interest you: Botticelli’s Primavera, Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni, the rooms of Leonardo. You do not need to rush to see everything: you can choose the sections that interest you most and take your time.

The Bargello Museum, on Via del Proconsolo, is one of Florence’s most underrated and in November it is particularly tranquil. It holds the most important collection of Renaissance sculpture in the world after the Uffizi: Donatello’s David, Michelangelo’s Bacchus, works by Cellini and Verrocchio.

Novello wine and seasonal markets

November is the month of new wine and fresh olive oil. In the first week of November, when the novello wine goes on sale, many Florentine wine bars organise tastings and special evenings. Chianti and Morellino di Scansano are among the most beloved Tuscan wines.

New-pressed olive oil is one of Tuscany’s November specialities: just-pressed extra virgin olive oil, bright green and peppery on the throat, is a unique product found in food shops and farmers’ markets. Eating it on a slice of toasted bread with coarse salt (the original bruschetta, without tomato) is one of Tuscany’s simplest and most memorable gastronomic experiences.

Fairs and autumn markets

The Santa Caterina fair, on 25 November, is one of Florence’s traditional fairs: market stalls in the historic centre with artisan, food and seasonal products. The antiques market at Piazza dei Ciompi, every last Sunday of the month, is particularly interesting in autumn.

Day trips in November

November is one of the best months for trips around Tuscany. The roads are free from summer tourists, and the Val d’Orcia and Chianti landscapes have the golden and red colours of autumn.

San Gimignano, about 50 kilometres from Florence, is far more pleasant in November than in August: the medieval village with its towers can be visited at leisure, restaurants welcome you without a reservation and Vernaccia di San Gimignano can be tasted with proper attention.

Siena, about 70 kilometres away and reachable by bus from Florence in 1h 15min, is captivating in autumn: Piazza del Campo is bare and silent, the Duomo can be admired without queues, and the wine bars in the medieval alleyways offer bruschetta and Brunello di Montalcino in an intimate atmosphere.

Practical tips for November

Florence’s churches are always open and free (with a few exceptions): November is the ideal time to visit at leisure the basilicas of Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, Santo Spirito and Ognissanti, often overlooked by the hurried summer tourists.

Restaurants in November return to seasonal menus: ribollita, cavolo nero soup, pappardelle al cinghiale and porcini mushrooms are the typical autumn dishes. In neighbourhood trattorias, the set lunch menu is often inexpensive and excellent.

Where to stay

Homelink The Key, at Via Cittadella 22, is 5 minutes from SMN station: perfect for those arriving by train for a short stay of a few days in Florence in November, taking advantage of low-season prices and the quieter city.

Related property: Homelink The Key Link: /the-key/