Florence in Summer: What to Do When the City Heats Up
Summer in Florence has a unique quality that not everyone knows about.
While traditional tourists often complain about the high temperatures, those who know how to experience the city discover a completely different side of Florence. A slower, more authentic Florence, where the streets grow quieter during the hottest hours of the day and the city reveals unexpected pockets of coolness and tranquility.
By staying at Hotel Orto de' Medici, in the heart of the historic center, you'll have the privilege of experiencing Florence at the perfect summer pace: exploring the city on foot, choosing the best times for each visit, and returning to our garden whenever the heat becomes overwhelming. Because summer in Florence, when enjoyed slowly, becomes an unforgettable experience.
Art in the Early Morning Hours
The secret to visiting Florence’s great museums during the summer is simple: arrive early. Very early, if possible. The Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Pitti—at opening time, before the heat becomes intense and while Florentines are just beginning their day, these places offer a completely different atmosphere.
The galleries are peaceful, the lines are nonexistent, and you can wander with the curious gaze of someone truly discovering art rather than simply glancing at it. Standing before Botticelli’s *Birth of Venus* or Michelangelo’s *David*, without crowds surrounding you, feels like an intimate and exclusive encounter with a masterpiece.
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle filled with fresh water. From Hotel Orto de' Medici, Florence’s major museums are just a short walk away, allowing you to be among the first visitors of the day.
Gardens and Cool Retreats
When temperatures reach their peak in the early afternoon, it’s time to leave the sun-soaked streets behind and retreat to Florence’s historic gardens. These are the perfect places to experience the city from a different perspective.
The Boboli Gardens offer shade, fountains, and sweeping views of the city that you might never imagine from street level. The Bardini Gardens, less crowded yet equally enchanting, provide a genuine sense of discovery.
And then there is our own garden here at Hotel Orto de' Medici: a green oasis in the heart of the historic center, where an ancient chinaberry tree creates generous areas of shade and the air feels noticeably cooler. It is the ideal place to rest, read a book, or simply enjoy a moment of silence while the city continues to move around you.
Evening: The City's Authentic Rhythm
As the sun begins to set, Florence transforms completely. The heat softens, the light turns golden, and the city comes alive with a more genuine energy, becoming once again a place for Florentines as much as for visitors. This is the perfect time to stroll slowly along the Arno River, discover the artisan workshops of the Oltrarno district, or sit at a trattoria table and observe how locals truly experience Florence.
Neighborhood markets become lively gathering places, from Sant’Ambrogio to Parco delle Cascine. Artisan gelato shops stay open late into the evening, offering sweet tastes of a Florentine summer. And if you make your way up to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, you'll watch the city bathed in colors that shift minute by minute, while the warmth of the day gives way to a refreshing breeze.
Returning to the Hotel
After a summer day spent in the heart of Florence, returning to Hotel Orto de' Medici is a moment of pure comfort. A cool and welcoming room, the peaceful atmosphere of our garden, and the opportunity to enjoy one of our signature cocktails inspired by the stories and traditions of Florence await you.
Book your summer stay at Hotel Orto de' Medici and discover how to experience the city at its best, even on the hottest days.
