Early Spring is a great time to be in Florence. Nature comes back to life in an explosion of colours. Days are longer so you can spend more time outside. The temperature is pleasant, and lots of events are put on to liven up the city. Here are a few great ideas for things to do in April in Florence, from art to nature and traditional markets!
DID YOU KNOW? There are many links between Florence and Spring -> A legend traces the origin of the name Firenze (Fiorenza in Medieval time) to ‘fiore’ (Italian for flower). One of its symbols is the ‘giglio di Firenze‘ (Florentine iris), a variety that grows profusely in the fields surrounding Florence. From 25th April to 20th May 2026 the charming ‘Iris Garden’ at Piazzale Michelangelo will be open for visitors.
LAST UPDATE: March 2026
April in Florence – Best Events and Things to Do
Easter Events 2026
Usually Easter falls in early April (this year il falls on April 5th 2026), and Florence celebrates Easter with a spectacular event, the Explosion of the Cart. This traditional event happens every year on Easter Sunday morning in the cathedral Square. Exciting and full of folklore, the show involves a big cart filled with fireworks, a rocket in the shape of a dove and a parade in historical costume.
= > See more Easter Traditional Events in Florence
Open-air Markets
On 13th April 2026 the traditional food market Fierucolina is in Piazza del Carmine in the morning – local producers sell their wares with an emphasis on organic, local produce.
On 19th April 2026 the artisanal and food market Fierucolina is on in Piazza Santo Spirito from 9am to 7pm, with local food products and local crafts.
Every Tuesday morning there’s a huge market at the Cascine Park, with some food stalls and mainly cheap clothing and homewear. It’s a lively place and a great spot to wander along the river Arno.
San Lorenzo Food Market attracts visitors with its modern layout and varied food offering in the indoor Food Market, and dozens of stalls and shops selling all sorts of leather goods.
A photo under the wisteria pergola at Villa Bardini
April is the perfect time to visit one of our favourite Florentine gardens. The Garden of Villa Bardini, located on the slope of a hill in the Oltrarno area, is a 15 minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio, and a real delight. An historic terraced green space that offers mesmerising views over Florence.
In April the gardens put on their best show as the wisteria pergola comes into full bloom. You’ll be able to take gorgeous photos of Florence framed in purple, the perfect picture to illustrate the magic of spring.
=>Make the most of your visit to Florence with these Popular Tours in Florence
=> Read more about the Best Florentine gardens.
Exploring Boboli Gardens
Boboli, Florence’s popular historic garden is vast – over 30 hectares. And full of surprises. Its long history is visible in the range of buildings, fountains and architectural details that create a romantic and atmospheric ensemble.
BOBOLI GARDEN AND PITTI PALACE TOUR => Immerse yourself in Florentine art, nature and architecture. On this intimate small-group tour, you’ll explore some of the city’s highlights – Pitti Palace, the Palatina Art Gallery, and Boboli Gardens. Your guide will provide in-depth commentary about Renaissance history and fascinating details.
What’s on in Florence in April 2026 – Flower Shows and Art
From 25th April to 3rd May 2026 it’s time for Florence’s annual Mostra dell’Artigianato, featuring hundreds of stalls with the best of Made in Italy, and art crafts from all over the world.
Flowers are the great stars of the show in Tuscany in April: the Florence Flower Show at Giardino Corsini, a historic garden right in the centre of Florence, is usually on early April (please note that this year is on 28th and 29th March 2026). Another Flower Show is held every year at the Giardino Orticoltura at the end of April, just outside Florence’s city centre. This year from 25th April to 3rd May 2026.
Art Exhibits – April 2026 in Florence
To stay on theme, you must admire the “Allegory of Spring” by Botticelli, one of Florence’s most celebrated masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery.
ROTHKO at PALAZZO STROZZI – With over 70 of his works coming to Florence from different museums around the world, Palazzo Strozzi celebrates the entire career of American abstract painter Rothko.
From Palazzo Strozzi, the project extends to other Florentine museums: the San Marco Museum, where a selection of his artworks will be presented in dialogue with the frescoes of Fra Angelico, and the Laurentian Library’s vestibul (within the San Lorenzo Church complex) designed by Michelangelo.
INNOCENTI MUSEUM – Toulouse Lautrec (from September 2025 to 7th June 2026) A journey into Paris of the Belle Époque. Iconic painter, illustrator and graphic innovator, Lautrec captured the nightlife and bohemian spirit of late 19th century Montmartre, Paris.
=> See more Art Exhibits on in Tuscany in 2026.
Day Trip from Florence – a few ideas
April is a great time to explore the Chianti region, and enjoy some wine tasting. The countryside is alive with colours and the buzz of nature reborn.
Get a train or a guided tour to the magical city of Lucca. Wander along the city walls or visit the Villa Pfanner Garden. If you happen to be around on the 27th April, you’ll see the Saint Zita Festival.
Check out some more ideas for Things to do in April around Tuscany: traditional festivals, best places to visit.
=> My Secret Florence: Hidden Gems in the City of the Renaissance
=> 10 Top Art Museums in Florence
Weather in April in Florence
Temperature from 8 degrees (46 F) minimum to 18/20 (65 F) maximum. Expect fair to summery weather punctuated by a few rainy and windy days. It does get cooler in the evenings and on grey days. By the end of April, the weather gets really lovely, with balmy temperatures.
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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