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 plenty of things to see and do. You can admire some Renaissance fortifications, learn about the wine culture, taste the local gastronomy, explore nearby cities such as 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 for 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.

There is 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 an oenologist belonging to that winery, who usually accompanies you during the visit.

This type of tour also includes 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 cured meats, cheeses and even sample 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 ship from Livorno that will take you along the coastline, allowing you to see a beautiful panoramic view of the sea 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 booked one, or go on 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 can take souvenir photos 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 around the historic centre. It is a pedestrian area with a large number of locals and tourists every day. There, you will find several options to explore:

• Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, 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.

You can also walk along the historic Piazza Santa Croce, surrounded by boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafes. You can stop at any of them to do some shopping or have a bite to eat. If you are interested in art, you could enter the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you will find a David by Michelangelo.

Useful information

• Price: if you hire a guided tour it could start at 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 of 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 see the famous species of leaf-cutter ants, spider tortoises, the camouflaged chameleon, the giant African snail, stick insects, etc.

You will also 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 behaviour of the species in the habitats created for them.

Useful information

• Price: admission to the Livorno Aquarium costs around 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 as long as you wish.
• Advantage: during this visit you will get to know 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 alike. 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, colours 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 shops selling meats, seafood, eggs, cheeses and sausages. You'll also find vegetables, mushrooms, bread, an important selection of red and white wine, among others. Meanwhile, in the open-air area you will find shops selling clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, etc.

Useful information

• Price: admission to the market is free. However, if you wish to shop in the shops, eat or drink, costs may vary depending on each product.
• Duration: it can take between 3 and 4 hours to walk around the place (Approx.).
• Advantage: at this market you can feel like a local by shopping for 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 must-see destination on your itinerary when visiting Livorno in 2 days or more. In the rooms of this museum you will see interesting pictorial collections and exhibits of ancient artefacts.

Once you are in the museum you will be able to walk through its rooms, distributed in the three floors that make up this emblematic building, inaugurated in the mid-1990s. You will enjoy important art exhibitions, different styles of painting and sculpture. For example:

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

At the end of the tour of the rooms, you will also have the opportunity to take a walk through the garden area of the museum. You can admire the beautiful shrubs and flowers, sit down to rest and take some photographs.

Useful information

• Price: admission to the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori in Livorno costs around €6 per adult, children under the age of 6 are free and older adults from €4.
• Duration: the average time to walk around 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 characterised by a large number of fortresses and defence 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 harbour 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 Livorno's famous canals. 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. You can also eat and drink in the bars inside if you wish.

Useful information

• Price: Admission 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 centre 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 kilometre long, fine dark sand, crystal clear waters and an amazing sunset.
• Spiaggia Libera Marina di Cecina beach, with shallow waters and a quiet atmosphere for relaxing.

Useful information

• Price: the entrance to the Marina di Cenia is free, but, if you wish to eat or drink in the surrounding restaurants, you should know that the costs may vary.
• Duration: this activity will take you 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 taking the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is a good alternative for you.

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

You can also use the ticket for 24 hours, getting off at any of the 10 stops to visit an attraction. Afterwards, just wait for the next bus and hop 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 around 16€ per adult, children under 5 to 15 years old pay from 8€ 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. You can also 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 often as you like, 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 give you an insight into the history and culture of Livorno. You will get to know the main streets and places 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.
• 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 neighbourhood, known as the Venezia Nuova because it was built on the water. In fact, if you're visiting during the last month of the year, you could incorporate this into your Christmas activities in Livorno at night, as the canals and the city in general will be covered in lights and decorations.

Useful 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 a guide will allow you to get to know the history of each place in more detail.
• Duration: this tour of the streets of Livorno can take up to 3 hours (approx.).
• Advantages: you will visit the main attractions of Livorno in just a few hours and, at the same time, you will get to know 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 of great interest to 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. You will then begin to explore the interior, where you will find:

• The side chapels, one of which is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and the other to the Conception of Mary.
• The nave, which houses the paintings of the Assumption of the Virgin, Saint Francis receiving the Child of the Virgin, and the Apotheosis of Saint Julia.
• Funeral monument from the 18th century, in honour of Marco Alessandro del Borro, who was governor of Livorno.

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

Useful information

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