May Day (May 1) in Florence

Seby QoB

New member
We (4 adults) will be in Florence on May 1. Are there special events that we'll want to attend? Will museums, shops and restaurants be open? Thanks in advance.
 
majority of things will be closed

There aren't any particular special events in Florence for May 1 - there is a large free concert in Rome but nothing like that is planned in Florence.
Museums will be closed (unless a few declare special openings at the last minute) EXCEPT for Palazzo Vecchio (which will be open from 9am-midnight) and so will many shops even if it is up to the shop owners to decide whether to remain open or close for the day. Unions have declared strikes in the commerce sector for that day if they are made to work.... so it is likely you'll find lots of things closed.

You will find several small restaurants/trattoria and fast food snack places open so you shouldn't have a problem from that point of view.... but definitely expect to spend the day outdoors enjoying Florence from the outside.

If you have the chance and the weather is nice, plan on a picnic and head to Piazzale Michelangelo from which you can enjoy a great view. Explore downtown Florence, from Ponte Vecchio to Piazza della Signoria to Piazza del Duomo. Do visit Palazzo Vecchio, it is a wonderful chance to see the rooms where past and current rulers of Florence continue to preside over the city ;-).
 
April 30 - Notte Bianca - "White Night"

Is there any way you can make it to Florence the day before, on April 30th? The Uffizi and Accademia will be especially open that day (they are normally closed on Mondays) because on the evening of April 30th the "White Night" will take place in Florence. Starting at 6pm and running until 6am of May 1st, there will be concerts and special openings throughout the night, all of them free. Many will take place outdoors throughout the city center in the main squares, from Piazza della Signoria to Piazza Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. The complete program will be published shortly on http://www.insonniacreativa.it/
 
Re: majority of things will be closed

Grazie Lourdes! We will be in Florence on Apr 30, thanks so much for the ideas! Notte Bianca sounds great. We arrive on April 28th and leave on the 5th and look forward to getting to 'know' the city in more detail. (we've been once before). I appreciate you taking the time to reply
 
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