Malaika Arora's Florence Trip Is All About Slow Travel. Here Is How You Can Do It Too

Malaika Arora seems to have fallen in love with Florence, and honestly, we completely understand. Her recent Instagram post from the Italian city, featuring breezy outfits, delicious meals and soulful moments with son Arhaan, feels like the ultimate travel mood board. From sipping wine on a sunlit balcony to wandering through cobbled lanes, Malaika's Florence trip is a gentle reminder that travel does not always need to be fast-paced or filled with packed itineraries.

Also Read: This Italian Town Has Bright Colourful Houses

Here is a glimpse into her Florence travel diaries:

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A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial)

Looks dreamy, does it not? If you are craving a trip that is more about soaking in the vibe than ticking off monuments, Florence is calling. Here is how to do it at your own pace.

Here Are 8 Slow Travel Tips For Florence, Italy:

1. Start With Sunrise, Not A Schedule:

Skip the alarm and let the city wake you up. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence bathed in morning light. Carry a notebook or simply sit with a coffee and take a few quiet moments to breathe and absorb the sunlight.

2. Stay In Local Neighbourhoods:

Instead of booking a hotel near the Duomo, try a neighbourhood like Oltrarno. This area is filled with artisan shops, family-run cafés and quiet corners. Choose a guesthouse or Airbnb hosted by locals and you might get insider tips no guidebook offers.

3. Eat Without Guilt Or Deadlines:

Florence is a carb-lover's paradise. Think creamy pasta, buttery croissants and burrata salads, much like Malaika's plate. Slow travel means no rush - just long, delicious meals. Spend an afternoon wine tasting or enjoy a hearty Florentine steak without watching the clock.

Also Read: Vlogger Shares Delicious Food And Drinks You Can Get In This Italian City For Just 1 Euro

4. Find Art Beyond The Usual:

The Uffizi and Accademia are iconic, but slow travel is also about finding beauty in lesser-known spots. Visit Museo Bardini or Brancacci Chapel, both stunning and less crowded. Even street art or a tucked-away gallery can surprise you as you stroll.

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5. Pick Souvenirs With A Story:

Avoid the usual souvenir stalls. Instead, visit local streets to find handmade leather goods or marbled paper. These are places where craft meets culture, and each item you pick up carries a bit of the city's history with it.

6. Spend Time With Nature:

Florence is not only about buildings and museums. Spend time at Bardini Gardens or walk along the Arno River during sunset. These green pockets offer a breather from the bustle and a rare chance to be still and quiet.

7. Say No To The Checklist:

Let your feet lead you through narrow lanes, hidden bakeries and quiet piazzas. Get lost on purpose. Ask locals for directions, only to end up finding a new gelato flavour or a street artist painting portraits. That is often where the magic of travel lives.

8. Visit Iconic Spots, But In Your Own Time:

Slow travel does not mean skipping the big attractions. It means moving at your own pace. Visit when the crowds thin out, take your time and soak it all in without rushing from one stop to the next.

Also Read: This European Country Does Not Need A Schengen Visa And Is Cheaper Than You Think

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6 Must-Visit Places In Florence, Italy

1. Piazzale Michelangelo:

For the most breathtaking panoramic view of Florence.

2. Uffizi Gallery:

Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

3. Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore):

The dome by Brunelleschi remains a Renaissance marvel.

4. Boboli Gardens:

A green escape behind Palazzo Pitti, complete with sculptures, fountains and sweeping views.

5. Bargello National Museum:

A treasure trove of Renaissance sculpture, including works by Donatello and Michelangelo.

6. Basilica di San Lorenzo:

One of Florence's oldest churches, with striking architecture and the tombs of the Medici family.

How To Apply For A Visa To Visit Florence, Italy:

Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Italy. You can apply for a short-stay tourist visa (Type C), which allows you to stay up to 90 days within 180 days. Here is a basic checklist:

• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date
• Completed visa application form
• Travel itinerary and confirmed accommodation details
• Travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000
• Flight bookings
• Recent bank statements or income proof
• Apply through VFS Global for Italy. Appointment slots at visa centres get booked quickly, so it is ideal to apply at least a month before travel. Visa processing usually takes 15 to 20 working days.

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Best Time To Visit Florence:

The best time to visit Florence is from April to June and September to October. These shoulder months offer mild weather, fewer tourists and a more relaxed vibe for slow travel. July and August can be hot and busy, while winters are quieter and more suited to off-season wanderers.

How To Get To Florence From India:

There are no direct flights from India to Florence. The most convenient route is:

1. Fly to Rome, Milan or Venice from Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru
2. Take a high-speed train to Florence-1.5 hours from Rome, around 2 hours from Milan
3. Florence's central train station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), is well-connected and located close to most of the city's top attractions.

How Much Does A Trip To Florence May Cost:

If you are planning a week-long slow travel trip to Florence from India, here is an approximate cost breakdown per person:

• Flights (round trip): Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000
• Schengen visa and insurance: Rs. 9,000
• Accommodation (mid-range guesthouses or Airbnb): Rs. 6,000 per night (Rs. 42,000 for 7 nights)
• Local transport and train fares: Rs. 6,000
• Meals and wine experiences: Rs. 2,500 per day (Rs. 17,500)
• Museum entries, walking tours and shopping: Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000

Estimated total: Rs. 1.3 to Rs. 1.5 lakh for 7 days, excluding luxury shopping or upgrades. Slow travel often works out more affordable because you spend less on packed tours and transport and more on time.

Slow travel is not about doing less-it is about being more present. The next time you plan a trip, let Florence show you how to pause, taste, rest and wander