Things to Do in Fiesole, Plus Where to Eat and Stay
Fiesole sits in the hills above Florence, and the bus ride down into the city takes barely 20 minutes. That’s close enough that I’d rather base myself up here than in Florence itself, especially for a luxury stay. Piazza Mino is small and easy to get your bearings in, and most of what’s worth seeing is within a short walk from there. Between the archaeological ruins, the views, and a proper sit down meal, there are enough things to do in Fiesole to make it more than a quick stop on the way to somewhere else.
Fiesole has been drawing people uphill for centuries, long before it was a day trip written up in a guidebook. Etruscans built here first, then Romans, then generations of Florentines who wanted the view without giving up the city. That layered history is still visible everywhere you look, in the ruins, the villas, and the streets themselves.
Read on to learn about things to do in Fiesole along with my restaurant and accommodation recommendations.
Fiesole: A Quiet Alternative to Staying in Florence
The town is about 8 kilometers northeast of Florence, close to 300 meters above the city. The historic center is small and easy to cover on foot, built around Piazza Mino. The whole town has a certain aristocratic reserve to it, more villa and garden than souvenir shop, and that quiet is exactly what you lose staying in central Florence. It’s why I point people toward Fiesole for a base, particularly when a luxury stay is on the table.
Staying over also means you’re not eating on a day tripper’s schedule. The food here leans Florentine, built around Chianina beef, wild game, and the region’s earthy autumn flavors, and a proper dinner in town is one more reason to stay past the last bus back to Florence. I’ll get into specifics further down.
Getting to Fiesole
Fiesole is close enough to Florence that getting between the two is easy in either direction, whether you’re staying up here and heading into the city for the day or coming up just to visit.
By Bus
The ATAF number 7 bus is the easiest way in. It runs from Santa Maria Novella train station or Piazza San Marco straight up into Piazza Mino. Buses run roughly every 20 minutes. The ride itself takes about 20 to 25 minutes, winding past villas and olive groves on the way up. Buy your ticket beforehand at a tabacchi in Florence, since you can’t always purchase one on board.
By Car
Driving up is simple too, since Fiesole sits just a couple of kilometers from central Florence along Via San Domenico. The trip takes well under 20 minutes outside of heavy traffic. Once you’re in the historic center, the streets narrow considerably. Plan to park near Piazza Mino and continue on foot from there.
Things to Do in Fiesole
Looking for a sightseeing tour of Fiesole from Florence? I have two tours that I recommend: Florentine Hills, Roman Theater & Piazzale Michelangelo and Florence Golf Cart Tour with Piazzale Michelangelo or Fiesole. Keep reading for more attractions to visit…
The Archaeological Area
Start at the Archaeological Area, the reason many people make the trip up here in the first place. It holds a well preserved Roman theater, a set of Roman baths, and the remains of an Etruscan temple, all in one compact site behind the cathedral. Entry runs around 7 euros on its own. A combined ticket covering the adjoining Civic Archaeological Museum runs about 10 euros. Prices can shift, so double check before you go. Give yourself a good 45 minutes to an hour here. Bring water too, since there’s very little shade once you’re inside.
Cathedral of San Romolo and Piazza Mino
Back down in Piazza Mino, the Cathedral of San Romolo anchors the square. Its bell tower has been rebuilt more than once since the 11th century. Inside, look for the frescoes attributed to Piero Perugino and the crypt beneath the altar. Piazza Mino itself is where Fiesole actually lives, ringed by cafes and the old Palazzo Pretorio. It fills with a lively evening crowd once the day trippers have headed back down the hill.
Convento di San Francesco
For the view that makes the whole trip worth it, climb the steep road from Piazza Mino up to the Convento di San Francesco. The walk is properly steep in spots. The payoff at the top is a sweeping panorama over Florence, with Brunelleschi’s dome visible on a clear day. The convent itself is small and still active. A modest museum is tucked inside if you have a few extra minutes before heading back down.
The Bandini Museum
Right next to the Archaeological Area, the Bandini Museum is easy to miss but shouldn’t be skipped. It holds a compact, surprisingly strong collection of 13th to 15th century Florentine paintings, plus several glazed terracotta pieces by the Della Robbia family. Most visitors spend twenty to thirty minutes here, enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Dining in Fiesole
Fiesole’s food culture is Florentine at its core, built around Chianina beef, wild boar (my favorite with a surprisingly mild flavor), and the earthy ingredients that define Tuscan cooking. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick cut of beef grilled rare over a wood fire, shows up on nearly every serious menu in town. Order it here rather than waiting until you’re back in Florence. Alongside it, look for wild boar ragu over pappardelle and ribollita, the thick Tuscan bread and vegetable soup.
My Dining Recommendations
For a splurge, La Reggia degli Etruschi sits on one of the most panoramic terraces in town, a former monastery turned restaurant with Florence laid out below the window. Order the Bistecca alla Fiorentina or the Chianina beef carpaccio. Don’t skip the wine list either, which locals consider one of the best in Tuscany. Book ahead, since the terrace tables go quickly.
For something more casual, Osteria Vinandro is located right in Piazza Mino and has been serving honest Tuscan cooking for years. The ribollita and the tagliatelle al cinghiale, tossed with a rich wild boar sauce, are both excellent choices. The outdoor tables in the square make for an easy, unhurried meal.
Where to Stay in Fiesole
Two properties are worth booking if you decide to stay up here rather than down in Florence, one a globally known luxury address, the other a smaller villa hotel with nearly the same view for a fraction of the price. Both sit above the city noise while keeping Florence itself a short bus ride away.
LUXURY: VILLA SAN MICHELE, A BELMOND HOTEL
Villa San Michele is one of the most celebrated hotels in the entire Florence area, and it’s worth the splurge if you can swing it. Built into a 15th century monastery with a facade attributed to Michelangelo, it sits just outside the historic center. Terraced gardens and a pool look straight down over Florence. The restaurant alone draws guests who aren’t even staying the night. If you want the kind of place you plan an entire trip around, this is it.
MODERATE: FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole
FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole is a 19th century villa turned hotel, set in the hills just outside town, and it gets you nearly the same view at a fraction of the price. The rooftop terrace and pool look straight down over Florence, and several rooms come with their own frescoes and private balconies. Breakfast is served on the terrace each morning, and the on-site restaurant, Serrae, is run by a Michelin-starred chef if you’d rather not leave the property for dinner.
Before You Go
Fiesole’s charm is real, but so are its hills. Wear real walking shoes, not anything you’d hesitate to climb in. Bring cash for the Archaeological Area entrance, since small local sites like this one aren’t always set up for cards.
If you’re only coming up for the day, aim to arrive earlier rather than later, since the town empties out noticeably by late afternoon and the light on the view from San Francesco is best before the crowds and heat both peak. Better still, stay the night. Fiesole after the last bus of day trippers leaves is a different, quieter town, and that’s when it earns its case as a base over Florence.
About the Author
Benvenuti! I’m Kim, an Italian travel expert, Italy resident, a Certified Italy Destination Specialist from the Travel Institute (USA) and a Certified Italy Travel Specialist recognized by the National Italian Tourist Board. I bring over three decades of professional travel industry experience to your Italian adventure.
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