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Florence is compact, walkable, culturally rich, and best enjoyed slowly—book major attractions in advance, be prepared for crowds in peak season, and respect local customs.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: passport or ID card; no visa.
- US/Canada/Australia/NZ/EU short-stay nationals: Schengen Area entry (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) — passport valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure is recommended. Check if a visa or ETIAS (from 2024 for some nationals) is required before travel.
- Long stays, work or study: apply for an Italian national visa at the Italian consulate well in advance.
- Always check latest requirements with your embassy or official Italian government sites before travel (COVID rules or entry changes can apply).
Best Time to Visit
- Shoulder seasons (April–June, September–October): best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
- High season (July–August): hot, crowded, higher prices—expect long lines at museums and churches.
- Winter (November–March): fewer tourists, shorter lines, cooler/rainy weather; some attractions have reduced hours.
Safety Tips
- Florence is generally safe for tourists; the main issues are pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Keep valuables in front pockets or a money belt. Use anti-theft bags and avoid leaving belongings unattended.
- Be cautious around train stations (Santa Maria Novella) and tourist sites.
- Avoid unofficial street sellers or people offering petitions/photos; politely decline and walk away.
- Emergency numbers: 112 (EU-wide), 113 for police, 118 for medical emergencies.
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Greeting: handshake or a friendly “Buongiorno”/“Buonasera.” Learn a few basic Italian phrases—locals appreciate the effort.
- Dress: smart-casual is common. For churches (Duomo, Santa Croce, etc.), shoulders and knees should be covered; no shorts or sleeveless tops in some religious sites.
- Dining: dinner often starts later (8pm). Tipping isn’t mandatory—rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated. Bread may be charged as coperto (cover charge); it’s normal.
- Noise and respect: be mindful of noise in residential areas, especially at night.
Currency & Payments
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; smaller cafes, markets and some trattorie may be cash-only. Carry some cash for markets, small purchases, and transport.
- ATMs widely available; use bank ATMs to avoid high fees. Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Transportation
- Getting there: Florence is served by Florence Airport (Peretola/FLR) with connections to European cities; Pisa Airport (PSA) is ~1 hour by train/bus. High-speed trains connect Florence to Rome, Milan, Venice, and other Italian cities.
- Getting around: the historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Many streets are pedestrian-only (ZTL zones) where unauthorized cars are fined—avoid driving into the centro storico.
- Public transit: ATAF buses and trams cover the city; buy tickets before boarding (tobacconists, ticket machines). Validate tickets when boarding.
- Taxis: use official white taxis (metered). Ride-hailing services are limited.
- Biking: possible but cobblestones and traffic can be challenging; consider guided bike tours or e-bikes for outskirts.
Must-Know Tips & Practical Advice
- Book major attractions in advance: Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (David), Duomo dome climb, and Pitti Palace often sell out—reserve timed tickets online.
- Duomo complex: climbing Brunelleschi’s dome and visiting the Baptistery and Bell Tower each may require separate tickets; combine if possible for savings.
- Museums & free days: check official museum calendars—some offer reduced rates or free-entry days.
- Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for photos with fewer crowds. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo offers iconic views—arrive early for a spot.
- Markets: San Lorenzo market and Mercato Centrale are great for food and souvenirs—bargain for leather goods at outdoor stalls but inspect quality first.
- Food: try Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina), ribollita, lampredotto (street-food), and local wines. For authentic dining, avoid restaurants right next to major tourist sites; seek trattorie a bit off the main lanes.
- Siesta/closing times: many small shops close midday (13:00–16:00); plan shopping accordingly.
- Day trips: consider Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Chianti wine region, or Cinque Terre (longer day trip) using regional trains or tours.
- Accessibility: some historic sites have limited accessibility due to stairs and narrow passages—check ahead if you need accommodations.
Local Insights
- Explore beyond the obvious: wander Oltrarno (craftsmen, artisan shops, local cafes), Boboli Gardens, and lesser-known churches for quieter moments.
- Photographic etiquette: flash photography may be restricted in museums and churches—observe signs.
- Seasonal events: research festivals like Scoppio del Carro (Easter), Maggio Musicale (spring opera/festival), and Calcio Storico (June) if your dates align.
Enjoy Florence—allow time to linger in cafes, soak up Renaissance art, and walk slowly through its streets to feel the city’s atmosphere.