Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is a stunning city with a lot to see and do. The best way to see Florence is on foot but some of the sights are not suitable for strollers such as the Medici Palace and the Uffizi Gallery and a sling/front carrier is very useful for such activities. Tuscany is a fantastic place to take young children and there is plenty of baby and toddler friendly accommodation from hotels to apartments to farmhouses (see ‘Where to Stay’).
Florence
The best way to see Florence is on foot but some of the sights are not suitable for strollers such as the Medici Palace and the Uffizi Gallery and a sling/front carrier is very useful for such activities. Most restaurants will offer high chairs and outdoor dining is very popular and you can easily park a stroller or pram beside your table.
The city is fantastic with a baby as you will be able to see the museums and churches however toddlers tend to tire of such activities quickly and you will need to create an itinerary that incorporates some toddler friendly activities. If you are travelling with a toddler and want to visit Tuscany, it might be a good idea to spend a day or two in Florence and then a longer period of time in the Tuscan countryside or at one of the many Tuscan beach resorts.
The streets of Florence are like museums with statues such as the Rape of the Sabine Women and a copy of Michelangelo’s David in the Piazza della Signoria. The Duomo Cathedral and its baptistery is a must see and the large pedestrianised squares are perfect for toddlers to run around. The Boboli Gardens is perfect for toddlers also and there is an airconditioned cafe within the Pitti palace, which is great for a cool drink after a stroll around. You can also walk up a hill to Piazzale Michelangelo for some stunning views of the city.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a fantastic place to take young children and there is plenty of baby and toddler friendly accommodation from hotels to apartments to farmhouses (see ‘Where to Stay, below). You might also opt to visit Florence, Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano however, these are not very toddler friendly areas although you will be able to walk around and find grassy areas or pedestrianised squares where toddler can take a break from the stroller.
Renting a car is by far the best way to see the place but be aware that driving in Tuscany can be a hair raising experience. The larger roads can be fast and drivers a little aggressive and the Tuscan countryside has some long winding roads through the hills. If you are flying to Pisa you will be able to rent a car at the airport but be sure to order a car seat in advance unless you are bringing your own.
Please see below for all the information you will need for travelling to Florence and Tuscany with a baby, toddler or young child.
You may also enjoy the French Riviera with a baby or toddler
