Florence Marathon 2026: The Complete Travel Guide

Running a marathon through Florence is like running through a living museum. The Firenze Marathon takes you past the Duomo, across the Arno via the Ponte Vecchio area, through the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint, and past Renaissance palaces on nearly every block. The course is mostly flat with a few gentle hills, and the compact city centre means spectators can easily move between viewing points. Combine world-class art, extraordinary food, and Tuscan wine, and Florence becomes one of the most memorable marathon experiences in Europe.

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The Event

Weather: Early November in Florence averages 9–16°C (48–61°F). Mornings are cool, around 7–9°C (45–48°F), and rain is common in November. Conditions are generally good for running, but pack a disposable rain jacket for the start.

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The Venue: Piazza del Duomo

The start and finish area is centred around Florence's cathedral square, dominated by Brunelleschi's dome — one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. The Piazza del Duomo and surrounding streets are transformed into a race village for the weekend, with the expo typically held at the Fortezza da Basso convention centre nearby.

What's nearby:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) — the iconic domed cathedral; climbing to the top of the dome offers breathtaking views over Florence and the Tuscan hills
• Baptistery of San Giovanni — directly in front of the Duomo, famous for Ghiberti's gilded bronze "Gates of Paradise" doors
• Galleria dell'Accademia — home to Michelangelo's David, located a 10-minute walk north of the Duomo
• Piazza della Signoria — Florence's main civic square, 5 minutes south, with the Palazzo Vecchio and an open-air sculpture gallery

Important: Florence's historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised. Most of it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Road closures for the marathon will affect the entire centre — plan accordingly and be in your corral early.

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Where to Stay

The best areas for marathon runners are the historic centre (Santa Maria Novella station area), the Oltrarno district (south of the Arno, charming and less touristy), and the area near Fortezza da Basso (close to the expo). Florence is small enough that almost anywhere in the centre puts you within walking distance of the start.

Hotel Lungarno — Luxury Pick

A Ferragamo-owned boutique hotel on the banks of the Arno, with views of the Ponte Vecchio. Elegant rooms filled with original artwork, plus an excellent restaurant. A 10-minute walk to the start line along the river.

Hotel Davanzati — Best Mid-Range

A family-run hotel in a 14th-century palazzo on Via Porta Rossa, between Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella station. Beautifully decorated rooms, generous breakfast, and an unbeatable location for both the race and sightseeing.

Plus Florence Hostel — Best Budget

A modern hostel-hotel near Santa Maria Novella station with private rooms available alongside dorms. Facilities include a pool, sauna, and restaurant. A 15-minute walk to the start line. Excellent value for solo travellers and groups.

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Getting There

From Florence Airport (FLR)

From Pisa Airport (PSA)

Pisa is served by more budget airlines and is well connected to Florence by train.

Public Transport

Florence's centre is best explored on foot. The Tramvia (tram) and ATAF bus network cover the wider city.

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Where to Eat

Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo) — A two-storey food market near the station. The ground floor has traditional market stalls with fresh produce, meats, and cheese. The upper floor is a modern food hall with artisan vendors serving pasta, lampredotto, pizza, and gelato.

Oltrarno (south of the river) — The neighbourhood across the Ponte Vecchio is where locals eat. Santo Spirito square and the streets around it have trattorias with honest Florentine food at lower prices than the tourist centre.

Florence Food to Try

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina — a thick T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, grilled rare over hot coals; Florence's most famous dish (best saved for post-race)
• Ribollita — a hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, perfect for carb-loading the night before
• Lampredotto — braised tripe served in a roll from street carts; a Florentine street food tradition that is more delicious than it sounds
• Pappa al pomodoro — a thick tomato and bread soup, another classic Tuscan comfort dish ideal for pre-race eating
• Gelato — Florence is arguably the birthplace of gelato; Vivoli and Gelateria dei Neri are local institutions

Budget eating: Look for trattorias offering a pranzo (lunch) menu for €10–15 including primo, secondo, and water. Pizza al taglio (by the slice) shops are everywhere and cost €2–4 per generous slice. Avoid restaurants directly on Piazza della Signoria or the Duomo — prices double for the same food.

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Essential Florence Tips

Currency. Euro (€). Italy uses the euro throughout.

Cash vs card. Cards are widely accepted in Florence, including at most restaurants and shops. Smaller trattorias and market stalls may prefer cash. Gelaterias are mixed — some card-only, some cash-only.

Tipping. Not expected but appreciated. Rounding up or leaving €1–2 at restaurants is common. Many restaurants include a "coperto" (cover charge) of €2–3 per person, which is not a tip.

Language. Italian. English is widely spoken in the tourist centre, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few Italian phrases will be warmly received.

Weather in November. Average highs of 14–16°C (57–61°F), lows of 5–8°C (41–46°F). November is one of Florence's rainiest months — bring a waterproof jacket and expect overcast skies.

Safety. Florence is very safe. The biggest nuisance is street vendors and pickpockets around the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella station. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

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What to See

• Uffizi Gallery — one of the world's greatest art museums, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio; book tickets in advance
• Ponte Vecchio — the famous medieval bridge lined with jewellery shops, spanning the Arno in the heart of the city
• Piazzale Michelangelo — a panoramic terrace on the hillside south of the Arno with the definitive view of Florence's skyline
• Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens — a vast Renaissance palace and gardens on the Oltrarno side, once home to the Medici family
• Basilica of Santa Croce — the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, with stunning frescoes by Giotto
• San Lorenzo Market — a vibrant outdoor leather market surrounding the Basilica of San Lorenzo, great for souvenirs and people-watching

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Quick Reference

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This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.