Is Florence a good place to take your girlfriend in winter?

Question

Hey,

It's my girlfriends 21st at the beggining of december and i wan't to take her away. I have found cheap flights for Florence and it looks beautiful, just wondered what it is like in winter? are there christmas markets and the like?

cheers,

Mark

Answer 1

If my boyfriend took me away to Florence no matter what the weather was like I would love him forever!

Your girlfriend is very lucky!

Answer 2

Im living in Florence at the moment and I think its a beautiful city. It does get a little bit cold in winter (depending on what your used to, Im from Australia so its cold for me) but it is very rare for it to snow. December is a good time to visit cause there are less tourists and all the  markets and shops are open leading up to Christmas. They also have special Christmas markets in certain areas. And they decorate the city with lots of Christmas lights etc, its very pretty. As well as the touristy stuff there are plenty of other things to see and do here. There are a lot of websites that tell you whats going on in Florence:

http://english.firenze.net/

http://www.vivifirenze.it

http://www.aboutflorence.com

For accommodation check out:

www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelbookers.com

(they have hostels, hotels, B&Bs and others)

Im sure your girlfriend will love it and if she doesnt maybe you need a new girlfriend! (What kind of girl wouldnt like to be taken to Florence by her boyfriend?!?!)

Answer 3

dear, its the thought that counts. your Girlfriend must be really lucky .As far as Florence is concerned u can visit Florence any time of the year.Enjoy

Answer 4

I'm Italian and I think Florence is fantastic, even if it's winter... Christmas markets are in the north-east... I've never seen them in Florence...

and the weather it's ok... not very hot, of course, but better than English... bye!!

Answer 5

ARE YOU KIDDING??!! Florence is a WONDERFUL place to take your girlfriend, period!  Any time of year is nice, and if it's a little colder in December, so much the better for cuddling as you walk through the historic areas!  I lived in Padova for a year, and went to Florence as often as I could, have been back 9 times in the 20 years since, I love it so much, any time of year! It's one of the most romantic cities in the world. Yes, there are Christmas markets!  Look at "rentvillas.com"...I used them last year for a three week trip...the first two weeks our group stayed at a castle outside of Florence (for about $25 per night per person...that's dollars, not euros, granted we were a group of 6, so it was cheaper than it would be for two, but this place was gorgeous... Montegufoni is the name of the place--it's in the wine country, and they have an active vineyard, a couple of nice restaurants, a cute little town down the hill, the castle is of historical significance, and it's a breathtaking location with excellent staff...check it out on the web, and believe me, the pictures do NOT do it justice!!!  You would have to rent a car if you stay there, but that is not too bad either, go through National...we had three cars and it was great!  The drive into Florence is only about 30 mins and you can park at the central train station for a fee.  For accomodations, I would also recommend the "Let's Go!" series...it's a budget guide, but I have used it for 20+ years and always been extremely happy with their accomodation and restaurant recommendations (real local stuff, not the tourist traps). My question is, where did you come from, and do you have an older brother??!!

Answer 6

Better in summer.... but Florence is an incredible city in every season.... romantic choice....go

Answer 7

It might be a bit cold but both of u are lucky because they won't be too many tourists around.Of course the X-mas season is in full swing like anywhere else and "locals" will be there more than ever - viva l'italianata. Enjoy your shopping!

Answer 8

the tickets are probably cheap b/c no one visits in the winter! but either way, Florence is beautiful. She'll enjoy it I'm sure!

Answer 9

Florence is ideal for you: it is so fascinating, romantic in every period of the year....!!!

In winter Florence it's magic: all the Christmas lights....I love this atmosphere.

If you need others information about the city contact the "Florence Official Tourist Office" at the following number : ([phone]

I hope I helped u....

Enjoy ur visit...

Answer 10

December's a good time to visit Florence. I always do part of my Christmas shopping there.

There's an excellent,  big Christmas market in the old train station in Florence in December and another good one in Piazza Santa Croce. There was a small restaurant set up in the one in the train station which had great pasta and other dishes. In the past, there's been a Scottish Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Maria Novella that was interesting. Make sure to visit the nativity scenes exhibits too. That's a big deal here, and many of them are spectacular.

These websites have some information on Christmas markets: http://www.florencevillas.com/newsletter...

http://www.vivifirenze.it/cgi-bin/news/g...

Answer 11

Florence is the most beautiful romantic city on Earth!!!!  It will be a trip you will never forget!  Rain, shine or snow!

Answer 12

Mark, if the two of you love each other's company, that's the most important factor in your favour. If your girlfriend will also get off walking around the cradle of the Renaissance with its outstanding gothic and renaissance buildings, sculptures and paintings, then go for it for sure. I've spent three Christmases in Florence and loved it every time. One piece of advice. Trying to cram all the important sights is a killer. You won't be able to do it. There is a lifetime of art viewing in that small city. Go through the numerous guide books and check off your personal must-sees and when you've done that set aside a half-day for the nearby hilltop town of Fiesole. Believe me, after walking the busy busy hard narrow cobbled streets of Florence you will really appreciate the peacefulness, fresh air and space of this place. But the other reason is the famous view of Florence. If its a sunny day it may well be warm enough to eat out in the Piazza. Number 7 bus from the SMN Station may still be the bus to take. When you get back down into Florence you will both feel renewed!

Answer 13

You can never go wrong when you visit Florence, any time of year, Make sure you go up to Piazza Michelangelo for a great view of the city from above.

http://flickr.com/photos/gpollara/448667...

http://flickr.com/photos/gpollara/448669...

Enjoy - I'm looking forward to going back one day

PS I can recommend the Pitti Palace as a hotel:

http://www.vivahotels.com/framuk_p.htm

Good quality, great location (just the other side of Ponte Vecchio) and a great view from the breakfast restaurant:

http://flickr.com/photos/gpollara/448663...

http://flickr.com/photos/gpollara/448668...