Where to Hide from the Heatwave in Florence

If you’ve ever been to Florence in the peak of summer, you know the feeling: the heat radiates off the cobblestones, the narrow streets seem to trap the warmth, and even the gelato melts before you’ve taken three bites.

Florence is beautiful year-round, but in July and August, the midday sun can turn sightseeing into a sweaty endurance test. This year, they even cooked an egg on the hood of a car.

The good news? This Renaissance city is full of cool, shady escapes where you can hide from the heat without missing out on its magic.

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Table of Contents

Where to Hide from the Heatwave in Florence

Where to Hide from the Heatwave in Florence

Step into History at the Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace isn’t just one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks – it’s also one of the best places to cool down.

This massive Renaissance palace, once the home of the Medici family, has thick stone walls and high ceilings that naturally keep the temperature pleasant.

Inside, you’ll find the Palatine Gallery with its gilded rooms and incredible collection of Renaissance art, the Royal Apartments with lavish furnishings, and a variety of museums, including the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

You could easily spend hours wandering its halls while the sun blazes outside.

Find Cool and Calm in Florence’s Churches

Florence’s churches aren’t just architectural masterpieces; they’re also among the coolest (literally) places in the city. Many have thick stone or marble interiors that stay refreshingly cool even in the height of summer.

San Miniato al Monte – While it takes a bit of a climb to reach this Romanesque church on a hill, the breezes at the top are worth it. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Florence while staying out of the midday crush.

Santa Maria Novella – Just a few steps from the train station, this Gothic beauty is filled with stunning frescoes by masters like Masaccio and Ghirlandaio. The cloisters are peaceful and shaded—a perfect place to pause.

Santa Croce – Known as the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, Santa Croce is vast and airy, with cool marble underfoot and a sense of stillness that offers a welcome respite from the heat.

Spend the Hottest Hours in Museums

Where to hide from the Heatwave in Florence

The Uffizi Gallery is a must, housing masterpieces like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation. The building itself stays cool, and you can pace yourself as you move from room to room.

Another great option is the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. While smaller than the Uffizi, it’s just as impressive, and its air-conditioned rooms make for a comfortable visit.

Check out other less usual museums where you will want to hide inside in Florence. Chances are you won’t have to fight the crowds here!

Pro tip: book your tickets online in advance to skip the outdoor lines and get inside faster.

Retreat to Shady Gardens

When you’re craving greenery, Florence’s gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s heat and bustle.

The Bardini Garden is a lesser-known gem with shaded pergolas, terraced paths, and sweeping views of the city. It’s quieter than the Boboli Gardens and perfect for a tranquil break.

For something even more low-key, head to the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). Nestled below Piazzale Michelangelo, it has shaded benches, sculptures, and of course, roses. It’s a great place to catch your breath and maybe even read for a while.

Linger Over a Long Tuscan Lunch

In Italy, escaping the midday heat is a cultural tradition, and it often involves food. Many Florentines retreat indoors for a long lunch in a cool, stone-walled trattoria.

Find a spot that’s away from the busiest tourist streets and order something seasonal.

In summer, you might enjoy pappa al pomodoro (a thick tomato and bread soup served at room temperature) or a plate of panzanella (bread salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and basil).

Pair it with a glass of chilled local white wine, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to linger until the streets cool down.

Check out the Food Tour we did and love in Florence!

Cool Down with Florence’s Best Gelato

Of course, no heatwave survival guide would be complete without gelato. Florence has countless gelaterias, but look for those using natural ingredients and small-batch production.

Some local favorites include:

Perché No! – Serving gelato since 1939, with seasonal fruit flavors that taste like summer in a cone.

Gelateria dei Neri – Rich, creamy flavors and a wide selection.

La Carraia – Generous portions and great prices.

Slitti – we love this one and it is right next to the Duomo, yet hidden from the crowds

Time Your Sightseeing Wisely

When the heat is intense, timing is everything. Do your outdoor sightseeing early in the morning or later in the evening when the light is softer and the air is cooler.

Florence is magical at sunrise, with the Arno River reflecting the first light of the day, and at night, when monuments like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio glow under the city lights.

Use the midday hours for indoor attractions, leisurely meals, or a shaded garden break.

Not only will you stay cooler, but you’ll also experience a calmer, more enjoyable side of Florence.