Livorno delivers a different Tuscan experience from the hill towns and vineyards most visitors expect: a working port city with 16th-century fortifications, a canal district built by Medici engineers, one of Italy’s best covered markets, and some of the region’s finest seafood restaurants. The city repays travelers who look past its industrial waterfront to find the elegant Liberty-style architecture, the dramatic seafront promenade, and the atmospheric Venice quarter. For a complete overview, visit our Livorno travel guide.
Things to Do in Livorno: Historic Landmarks
Terrazza Mascagni
Livorno’s iconic seafront terrace stretches along the waterfront with a striking black-and-white checkerboard pavement of over 34,000 tiles, framed by a white balustrade and the Ligurian Sea beyond. Built in the 1920s and named after the Livornese composer Pietro Mascagni, the terrace is free to visit and open 24 hours. Come at sunset when the sky turns orange behind the islands of Gorgona and Capraia, or on Sunday mornings when locals promenade in their finest clothes. The gazebo at the center hosts summer concerts. Free entry, no closing time.
Fortezza Vecchia (Old Fortress)
This imposing 16th-century fortress guards the entrance to the Medici Port. Built on the site of an earlier Roman castrum, the current structure was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici and designed by Antonio da Sangallo. The fortress is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 18:00 (17:00 in winter). Entry costs €5. Climb the Mastio di Matilde tower for panoramic views across the port to the sea. The fortress also houses occasional art exhibitions in summer.
Fortezza Nuova (New Fortress)
Despite its name, the New Fortress dates to the late 16th century and sits in the heart of the Venice district, surrounded by canals. The pentagonal fortress is now a public park, free to enter daily from 8:00 to 19:00 (winter) and until 22:00 (summer). The grassy ramparts are shaded by pine trees and offer elevated views over the canal network. On summer evenings the fortress hosts outdoor cinema screenings, concerts, and the Effetto Venezia festival.
Things to Do in Livorno: Venice District
Canals and Bridges of Venezia Nuova
The Venezia Nuova quarter is Livorno’s most atmospheric neighborhood, built in the 17th century on reclaimed land with a network of navigable canals lined by pastel-colored merchants’ houses. Start at the Mercato delle Vettovaglie, then walk south along the Fosso Reale canal past Ponte di Marmo and the Santa Caterina church. The best photo spots are the bridges at Scali delle Ancore and Via della Venezia. Unlike Venice, there are no gondolas or organized boat tours, just quiet canals reflecting the facades of 300-year-old warehouses converted to apartments and wine bars.
Chiesa di Santa Caterina
This octagonal Baroque church with a distinctive dome was built in the 1720s and dominates the skyline of the Venice district. The interior features paintings by Vasari and Passignano. Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 18:00. Free entry. Walk around to the back for views of the 63-meter dome rising above the canal-side buildings.
Things to Do in Livorno: Food and Markets
Mercato Centrale (Mercato delle Vettovaglie)
Livorno’s covered market is one of the largest in Italy and the city’s culinary heart. Housed in a soaring 19th-century iron-and-glass structure on Via Buontalenti, the market operates Monday through Saturday from 7:00 to 14:00 (also Friday afternoons from 16:30 to 19:30 for fish only). The ground floor is a working fish market with swordfish, octopus, mussels, and the local cacciucco fish mix displayed on ice. The upper gallery houses fruit, vegetable, cheese, and salumi stalls. Do not miss the tripe stand for lampredotto sandwiches (€4) or the fresh seafood fritto misto from the fry counters (€8-12).
Cacciucco alla Livornese
Cacciucco is Livorno’s signature dish: a rich fish stew made with at least five types of seafood simmered in tomato, garlic, and chili, served over toasted bread rubbed with garlic. The best versions are found at Trattoria da Galileo (Via della Campana, €18-22), Ristorante Enoteca Il Montino (€16-20), and Osteria La Barrocciaia. Most restaurants serve cacciucco only at dinner and only on Friday and Saturday in winter months. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Things to Do in Livorno: Museums
Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori
Housed in the 19th-century Villa Mimbelli, this museum holds the largest collection of works by Giovanni Fattori, the leading painter of the Macchiaioli movement, Italy’s 19th-century precursor to Impressionism. The collection includes Fattori’s military scenes, Tuscan landscapes, and portraits, alongside works by Signorini and Lega. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Entry costs €6 (€4 reduced). Bus 1 or 2 from the station to Piazza Matteotti, then a short walk.
Acquario di Livorno
The Livorno Aquarium sits on the Terrazza Mascagni seafront with Mediterranean tanks featuring moray eels, octopus, seahorses, and loggerhead turtles, plus a touch pool for children. The highlight is the underwater tunnel through the main shark tank. Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 (until 21:00 in July and August). Tickets cost €14 for adults, €10 for children aged 4-12. Allow 90 minutes.
Things to Do in Livorno: Day Trips
Pisa (20 minutes by train)
Pisa is the obvious and easiest day trip from Livorno. Trains depart Livorno Centrale roughly every 30 minutes, take 15-22 minutes, and cost €2.70 one way. The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli are a 25-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride (LAM Rossa) from Pisa Centrale station. Tower tickets cost €20 and should be booked online at least a week ahead in peak season. Combine the tower with the Cathedral (free, ticket required) and the Baptistery (€6).
Lucca (45 minutes by train)
Lucca’s intact Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, and medieval towers make it one of Tuscany’s most charming small cities. Trains from Livorno Centrale take 45-55 minutes and cost €5.70. Walk or cycle the 4.2km circuit atop the city walls (bike rental €4/hour from shops near Porta Santa Maria), climb the Guinigi Tower (€6, 230 steps), and visit the Duomo di San Martino (€3). A full day pairs well with lunch at Trattoria da Leo (€10-15 for pasta dishes).
Bolgheri Wine Region (50 km south)
For wine lovers, the Bolgheri region produces some of Italy’s most celebrated Super Tuscan wines including Sassicaia and Ornellaia. The drive south on the SS1 takes about 45 minutes. The cypress-lined Viale dei Cipressi leading to the village is one of Tuscany’s most photographed roads. Wine tastings at Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia) start at €35 and require advance booking. No direct public transport exists, rent a car or book a wine tour (€85-150 per person from Livorno).
