Best Things To Do in Livorno

If you are visiting the beautiful city of Livorno, then you should not miss a moment, as there are many things to see and do. You can admire some Renaissance fortifications, learn about the wine culture, taste the local cuisine, explore nearby cities like Pisa and Florence, among other activities.

Among the must-see sites are the Central Market, the Aquarium of Livorno, the Civic Museum, the Marina di Cecina or other of the main beaches of the city. Without a doubt, there are many options to have fun in Livorno. Here are the most popular ones.

During your stay in the city you can join one of Livorno' s best wine tours either through a guided tour or on your own. Whichever the case, you will experience a unique wine tourism adventure, where you will discover the process of making this popular drink.

You will have a great selection of wineries located in the province of Livorno. For example, Terre del Marchesato, Petra Winery, among many others.

No matter which one you choose, you will have the opportunity to learn how the fruits are cultivated and selected in the vineyards of the wineries. All this, thanks to the help of a winemaker belonging to that winery, who usually accompanies you during the visit.

Also, this type of tour incorporates a tasting of red and white wines. Many of them are award-winning vintages, specially arranged for this type of activity. In addition, depending on the winery where you are, you can taste some cold meats, cheeses and even taste extra virgin olive oil produced in the region.

Useful information

• Price: if you hire a guided tour it could start from 48€ per person.
• Duration: this type of visit usually lasts 3 hours (approx.).
• Advantage: this activity will allow you to learn about the wine production process and taste some vintages.

If you want to take advantage of your trip to visit some of the nearby cities like Florence and Pisa, then the best option is to take a day trip from Livorno. You will be amazed by the history and architectural monuments of these places.

During this experience you could board a cruise from Livorno that will take you all along the coast, allowing you to contemplate a beautiful panoramic sea view until you reach Pisa. You will then disembark at the port of this city and you can connect with the guide in charge of the activity, if you have hired one, or take a tour on your own.

Pisa

Once in Pisa, you will have the opportunity to go to the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the iconic Leaning Tower is located. You will be able to take souvenir pictures and even climb 297 spiral steps to the top of the tower. You will also see the Cathedral of Pisa which is located in the same square.

Florence

In Florence you can walk through the historic center. It is a pedestrian area with a large number of locals and tourists every day. There, you will find several options to explore:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with the largest brick dome in the world.
• Giotto's bell tower, whose structure is representative of the Florentine Gothic style of the 14th century.
• Piazza della Signoria, the ancient commercial area of the city.
• Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), which is a medieval construction with hanging houses.

Also, if you wish, you can walk through the historic Piazza Santa Croce, surrounded by boutiques, stores, restaurants and cafes. You can stop at any of them to do some shopping or have lunch. Also, if you are interested in art, you could enter the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you will find a David by Michelangelo.

Interesting information

• Price: if you hire a guided tour it could start from 735€ per person.
• Duration: for this type of visit you will need 9 hours (approx.)
• Advantage: with this tour from Livorno you will get to know the history and see the architectural monuments of two important Italian cities in one day.

The Aquarium of Livorno is a place with great historical importance, due to its location on the seafront. Upon arrival you will have the opportunity to explore the marine world: fish, vertebrates with aquatic life phase (amphibians), insects, among others.

During the tour you will find approximately 33 tanks, in which marine species are exhibited: green turtles, zebra sharks, jellyfish, Napoleon fish, seahorses, among others.

You will also find an area dedicated to the world of insects, reptiles and amphibians, where you can see these animals in their terrariums. You will meet the famous species of leaf-cutter ants, spider turtles, the camouflaged chameleon, the giant African snail, stick insects, etc.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to interact with some species in the contact pool and take a walk through the observation tunnel. In this way, you will be able to see in detail the behavior of the species in the habitats created for them.

Information of interest

• Price: the entrance to the Aquarium of Livorno costs about 16€ per adult, children pay from 10€, seniors 11€.
• Duration: the average time to visit the whole place is 3 hours (approx.). However, you can stay there as long as you wish.
• Advantage: during this visit you will meet species of fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians. All of them belonging to this coastal region and other places.
• Address: Piazza Mascagni, 1, 57127 Livorno.

The Central Market of Livorno is a must-see destination during your stay of at least 1 day in Livorno. It is a picturesque place, visited daily by locals and tourists. You can find fresh produce, food stalls, wine, fashion and much more.

This is an activity you can do at your own pace. Just approach the Scali Aurelio Staffi and you will find the iconic market. Upon entering you will immediately notice the characteristic Parisian iron style of the building and you will also take in the smells, colors and sounds of the place. You won't know where to start exploring.

Inside the Central Market you will see approximately 200 stalls and 34 stores with meats, seafood, eggs, cheeses and sausages. You will also find vegetables, mushrooms, bread, an important selection of red and white wine, among others. Meanwhile, in the open-air area you will find clothing, souvenir and handicraft stores, among others.

Information of interest

• Price: Entrance to the market is free. However, if you wish to shop in the stores, eat or drink, costs may vary depending on each product.
• Duration: touring the place can take between 3 and 4 hours (Approx.)
• Advantage: in this market you will be able to feel like a local buying high quality local products. You will also enjoy the attractive architectural style of the place.
• Address: Via Buontalenti, 57126 Livorno.

If you are an art enthusiast, then the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori is a destination you should incorporate into your itinerary for visiting Livorno in 2 days or more. In the rooms of this museum you will see interesting pictorial collections and exhibits of ancient artifacts.

Once you are in the museum you can walk through its rooms, distributed on the three floors that make up this emblematic building, inaugurated in the mid-90s. You will enjoy important art exhibits, different styles of painting and sculpture. For example:

• Eugenio Cecconi (Cenciaiola Livornesa, 1880).
• Adolfo Wildt (Sculpture of Santa Lucia, 1926).
• Cristiano Banti (Beggars, 1870).

In addition, at the end of the tour of the rooms, you will have the opportunity to take a walk through the garden area of the museum. You will be able to contemplate the beautiful bushes and flowers, sit down to rest and take some pictures.

Information of interest

• Price: the entrance to the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori in Livorno costs about 6 ¤ per adult, children under 6 are free and seniors from 4 ¤.
• Duration: the average time to visit the whole place is 3 hours (approx.). However, you can stay as long as you wish.
• Advantages: you will discover important works of art that will allow you to learn about the past of the city and Italy in general.
• Address: Via San Jacopo In Acquaviva, 65, 57127 Livorno.

Livorno is characterized by a large number of fortresses and defense towers. Such is the case of Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova. These are a pair of structures that have stood for hundreds of years. Pay a visit to these monuments to contemplate their beauty and discover part of the city's history.

Fortezza Vecchia

This is a defensive fortress that serves as an example of 16th century architecture. To admire this ancient castle you should head to the old port of the city, right on the Darsena Vecchia.

You can explore the Fortezza Vecchia on your own, as it is open to the public. In fact, you will have the opportunity to climb its towers and get a privileged view of the harbor and the city.

Fortezza Nuova

Right next to the Fortezza Vecchia, you will find the Fortezza Nuova. This is a fort built in the late 1500s, which is surrounded by the famous canals of Livorno. You will be amazed by its pentagonal style, ancient walls and beautiful central gardens.

During the visit, you can walk around the grounds including the gun ports, access the pointed battlements, observe the surroundings and take pictures. Also, if you wish, you can eat and drink in the bars inside.

Information of interest

• Price: entrance to the fortresses is free. However, if you wish to eat or drink in the bars inside, costs may vary depending on the product purchased.
• Duration: touring each of the fortresses can take between 1 to 2 hours (approx.).
• Advantages: you will learn about the history of Livorno through its fortresses and enjoy beautiful panoramas from their towers.
• Address: Fortezza Vecchia (Piazzale dei Marmi, 57126 Livorno), Fortezza Nuova (Scali della Fortezza Nuova, 57123 Livorno).

If you want to walk on golden sand and dive into crystal clear waters, then you should visit the town of Marina di Cecina in Livorno. There, you will find beautiful beaches, nature reserves and other spaces where you will spend an unforgettable day.

To reach Marina di Cenia you can travel by car or bus from the center of Livorno (about 40 minutes). Upon arrival, you will have several options to explore and enjoy.

Some of the tourist destinations in the area are:

• Tomboli di Cecina nature reserve; this is a beautiful green lung where you will find picnic areas, beaches and a forest with a marked hiking trail.
• Spiaggia Marina di Cecina beach, about one kilometer long, fine dark sand, crystal clear waters and an amazing sunset.
• Spiaggia Libera Marina di Cecina beach, with shallow waters and a quiet environment to relax.

Information of interest

• Price: the entrance to the Marina di Cenia is free, but, if you want to eat or drink in the surrounding restaurants, you should know that the costs could vary.
• Duration: for this activity you will need from noon to a full day.
• Advantages: you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the beautiful beaches and nature reserves of the Marina di Cenia.
• Address: 57023 Cecina, Livorno.

If you want to explore the city of Livorno at your own pace, then hopping on the sightseeing bus with free stops is a good alternative for you.

With the ticket for the sightseeing bus you have the option to tour the whole city in a route of about one hour. You will get great panoramic views and, thanks to the audio guide, you will identify each of the monuments, fortifications and other destinations.

Likewise, you can use the ticket for 24 hours, getting off at any of the 10 stops to visit an attraction. Afterwards, you just wait for the next bus and get on to continue the tour.

Some of the stops available are usually:

• The Aquarium of Livorno.
• The Fortezza Nuova.
• The Museum of Natural History Mediterraneo.
• The Central Market.

Information of interest

• Price: the ticket for the Livorno sightseeing bus costs about 16 Euro per adult, children under 5 to 15 years old pay from 8 Euro and children under 5 years old are free.
• Duration: the ticket for the bus is valid for 24 hours and the tour without getting off lasts about an hour. In addition, you can wait for the bus at its respective stops every two hours between 10:00 and 15:00.
• Advantages: you can get on and off the bus as many times as you wish, so you can explore the city at your own pace.
• Address: Capolinea Via Cogorano, Piazza Grande, Livorno (Bus departure point, but you can get on and off at any stop).

A walking tour with a local guide will allow you to delve into the history and culture of Livorno. You will get to know the main streets and destinations of interest, which are frequented daily by locals and tourists. All this, in just one hour.

The route of this activity usually incorporates the following places:

• Fortezza Nuova, now converted into a public garden.
• Central Market, with the best fresh produce, handicrafts and fashion.
• The Museo della citta, with permanent art exhibitions.
• Monumento dei Quattro Mori, erected in Piazza Micheli Giuseppe to celebrate the victory of Ferdinand I de Medici against the Ottoman Empire.

In addition, you will stroll through the Venezia Nuova quarter, known as the Venezia Nuova, because it was built on the water. In fact, if you are visiting during the last month of the year you could incorporate this activity among the things to do at Christmas in Livorno at night, as both the canals and the city in general will be covered with lights and decorations.

Interesting information

• Price: if you take the guided tour, you can find this activity from 36€ per person. You can also do the tour on your own, although the company of the guide will allow you to know the history of each place in more detail.
• Duration: this tour through the streets of Livorno can take 3 hours (Approx.)
• Advantages: you will visit the main attractions of Livorno in just a few hours and, at the same time, you will learn about the historical context of each place.
• Address: the activity usually starts at Scala della Fortezza Nuova, Livorno.

The Cathedral of San Francesco or Livorno Cathedral, as it is often referred to by locals, proves to be a destination that arouses the interest of tourists. This is due to its historical and architectural importance. Get to know the city's main Catholic place of worship and discover its hidden gems.

When you arrive at the cathedral you will see its elegant façade composed of a portico with three arches. Then, you will begin to tour the interior, where you will find:

• The side chapels, one of them dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the other to the Conception of Mary.
• The nave, where the paintings of the Assumption of the Virgin, San Francisco receiving the Child of the Virgin, and the Apotheosis of Santa Julia are preserved.
• Funeral monument of the eighteenth century, in honor of Marco Alessandro del Borro, who was governor of Livorno.

You will also have the opportunity to observe the Mascioni opus 804 organ, located behind the High Altar, specifically above the choirs in the apse. All this, restored after the bombings of World War II.

Information of interest

• Price: entrance to the Cathedral of Livorno is free.
• Duration: touring the Cathedral of Livorno can take 1 hour (approx.)
• Advantages: you will know all the architectural majesty that houses one of the main Catholic places of worship in Livorno.
• Address: Piazza Grande, Livorno.