My husband and two adult daughters will be arriving in Florence by train mid-afternoon on New Year’s Day 2024. We are wondering 1) what will be open as far as restaurants and food go and 2) if any museums or others sites are open, or if any communal celebrations might be taking place. I want to be prepared for closures but am hoping for the best. Any help or advice? Thanks.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15826 posts
Some museums will be open some will be closed. The Uffizi for example will be closed (as every Monday). So you need to check the individual museums.
Many restaurants in the historical center will be open. Florence is busy 365 days a year.
There generally lots of concerts going on (in churches and various venues).
But if you arrive later in the afternoon, by the time you have checked in and gotten settled you may not have a lot of time. Take a walk around, and join the crowds, have a gelato, see the store windows, enjoy the place. Florence is an open air museum. You don’t need to enter one, it’s all around you.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1634 posts
Celebrations (sort of) are during the December 31st night; January 1st is very much a dead day. Restaurants may be open (if they have not spent all their energies on the night dinner), but be sure to reserve. I would bet for almost all shops and services being closed.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for the help, both of you!
Posted by
San Diego, CA
344 posts
Florence is a very attractive place to spend the Christmas/new years week. It can be extremely crowded—very festive with large crowds of all ages and nationalities walking about in the evening. I was extremely surprised how lively it was. Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for the reassurance, Susie,QQ!