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Plan Your Florence Holiday: Best of Florence

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Explore Florence

There’s no better place for Renaissance art and architecture than Florence—from the Galleria dell’Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David) to the cathedrals and arches that make up the Piazzale Michelangelo. But just beyond the main sights, you’ll find some of the city’s off-the-beaten-path gems, with (bonus) way less crowds. San Miniato al Monte is worth the climb for the frescoes and unbeatable views. Oltrarno, just across the river, offers plenty of vintage shops, boutiques, and cool cafes. When in doubt, do as the locals do: Post up in a piazza with a plate of fresh tagliatelle and a glass of Chianti and watch the city go by.
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Essential Florence

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Travel Advice

3 great walks in Florence

An insider shares her secret spots in the Tuscan capital
Read on

A wine lover’s guide to Florence

Most people visit Florence to see the Renaissance art, but my main priority was the wine. I wanted to drink it, of course, and also learn about Florence’s long history with wine. The city is an ideal jumping-off point for day trips to countryside vineyards, but I discovered that there are enough great spots in the city itself to keep wine lovers busy for days.
emilypricetravels, Durham, NC
  • Fiaschetteria Fantappie
    58
    We stumbled into Fiaschetteria Fantappie on a food tour and it quickly became our happy hour spot. The bar has affordable local wines by the glass as well as light snacks. My move was pairing a glass of Chianti with the crostone with olive oil, truffle salt, and pecorino. If you go, be sure to also check out the Grocery Pirgher Marzio a few doors down for local meats and cheeses.
  • Le Volpi E L'Uva
    1,150
    The Ponte Vecchio is a must-see in Florence, but the crowds are intense. Le Volpi e l’Uva is located just far enough away from the bridge to offer some much-needed peace—and wine, both by the glass and bottle to go. The shop buys wine directly from the makers, with a focus on native grapes and organic and biodynamic farming methods, and has an amazing selection.
  • Eataly Firenze
    1,980
    I enjoyed Eataly in both New York and Chicago, but the Florence location is by far the best. It has a bookshop, multiple restaurants, cooking classes, and, of course, lots of wine. I spent the better part of an afternoon strolling the aisles, but it’s also fun to have dinner here because the wine you order is usually available for purchase.
  • Coquinarius
    2,495
    If, like me, you’re hungry after seeing the Duomo, head to Coquinarius—a casual spot right behind the cathedral. It carries a more robust food menu than most wine shops (you have to try the carpaccio), plus an excellent list of wines by the glass and bottle. You can also opt for wine pairings with your meal.
  • Casa del Vino
    177
    This is a hidden gem, emphasis on the “hidden” (it took me a while to find it, but it was so worth it). It’s tucked behind the merchant stalls in Florence’s outdoor leather market and is the perfect place for a glass of wine and panini after shopping for handbags. The shop has a beautifully curated wine list—order a glass of prosecco col fondo—it’s only served at a handful of wine shops around town.
  • Enoteca Pinchiorri
    1,582
    If you’re looking for an extravagant night out, Enoteca Pinchiorri is the place. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in Tuscan cuisine and has an extensive wine list with over 4,000 different labels from both France and Italy, including hard-to-find vintages.
  • Vineria Sonora
    37
    Vineria Sonora was one of the hippest wine bars we visited on our trip. While most of the wine bars in Florence have an older vibe, Vineria Sonora felt very new and cool, with a much younger crowd. The bar has a focus on natural wines from small producers, so it’s a great spot to try some unique, affordable offerings. What we loved most: the live music.
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Florence Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Florence

Murphy5708

Your best bet for great food and reasonable prices are the smaller, family-run restaurants on the side streets.

Manatee27

If you’re going to be in Florence for at least three days, get a three-day Firenze Pass for entrance to museums. The easiest place to get one is Palazzo Vecchio.

OkArtist

Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk everywhere, but if you poop out, don't be shy about hailing a cab.

amyc

How do you travel like a native in Florence? You don't rent a car. Instead, you walk, or ride your bike, or, if you are brave, ride your scooter, or you take mass transit. Also, you live with the seasons, you appreciate beauty and history, you eat fresh and seasonal foods, and you appreciate living – especially aperitivo! Florence is a walkable, beautiful city. Go and enjoy.

OkArtist

Florence isn't just for world travelers. Grab your camera and get over there! It's an art lover's paradise!

Hammercounty

Florence the centerpiece of Tuscany. There’s so much to see. I recommend you add an extra few days and take in surrounding areas like Pisa and Chianti. My hidden gem is the Della Fortezza Fountain and park; quiet tranquil, nice fountain and near the main train station with the fort walls, but hardly any goes there.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Florence Airport (FLR) is served by many airline carriers and connects to other major European airports. Pisa Airport is another option and offers a shuttle to Pisa Centrale, where you can get a train to Florence. The trip is around an hour.

train

The city’s main train station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella (aka Firenze SMN), while the Firenze Campo di Marte station is its secondary.

bus

Several international bus companies offer service to Florence, but Eurolines has the largest network to and from cities across Europe.

For more info on getting to Florence, visit here.

Do I need a visa?

Since Italy is one of the 26 Schengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer: The best time to visit Florence is April-June and September, which is also the busiest and most expensive time as well. The average daily temperatures then are warm, but not too hot, as they can be in July and August when average daily highs can hit 88 Fahrenheit (31 Celsius). To that end, many businesses may close in August for locals to escape the heat.

Get around

cars

While you are able to rent cars, they are not recommended when visiting Florence due to traffic restrictions in its city center. Luckily, the city is small enough to navigate on foot. For more info, visit here.

taxis

Taxis are readily available in Florence, however, you cannot hail one from the street. You can request one by phone or at one of the several taxi stands throughout the city. For more info and a map of main taxi stations, visit here.

bus

ATAF and LI-NEA buses are one of the main ways to get around Florence, and tickets must be purchased in advance. For routes, fares, and tickets, visit here.

trams

There are currently two Tramvia tram lines making several stops across Florence. They accept the same tickets as buses. For more info, visit here.

ridesharing

Uber and Lyft do not operate in Florence.

bikes

Bicycles are a great way to get around Florence, and the city has two locations for its own rental service, “Mille e Una Bici.” For more info, visit here.

Another option is rideshare company Mobike, which is reserved and paid for via its free app. For rates, visit here.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Central European Summer Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

Plugs and sockets are type F and L with standard voltage 230V and frequency 50 Hz.

What is the currency?

The Euro

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Restaurants

Tipping in Florence restaurants is not as common as it is in the U.S., though some eateries do add a service charge to your tab. In that case, you won’t need to give more, but obviously, if you were well-cared for, an extra few euros are certainly in order.

Bars

Italians generally tip their bartenders by rounding up their tabs to the nearest euro. (If you ate at the bar, though, throw down a few extra euros.)

Taxis

Tipping drivers is not common in Florence. But, if they were super helpful, one to three euros would suffice.

Concierge

Tip five to 10 euros if you sought their expertise to explore Florence or land a restaurant reservation (do give more if they got you into a hot spot or went above and beyond). Bellhop: It’s standard to give one euro per bag.

Housekeeping

It’s common to tip at least one euro per each day of your stay. Some hotels leave envelopes for such tips, but if they don’t, a quick note saying “Thank you” will suffice.

Tour guides

Tipping a tour guide is one of the only tipping customs in Italy, and how much depends on the size and length of your tour. Per person, five euros is standard for a half-day excursion or 10 euros for full-day. It’s customary to give at least 10 percent of the total cost of a private tour.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The legal drinking age in Florence is 18.

Drugs

Cannabis is legal for medical use in Italy.

Greetings

Say “buongiorno” (good day) and “buona sera” (good evening). A two-cheek kiss is also a customary greeting.

Walking

Florence is not NYC, so leave your brisk (and aggressive) pace behind and enjoy the sights.

Florence travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended various hotels in Florence based on different preferences and budgets. For those seeking a traditional feel with large rooms, Hotel Burchianti and Hotel Alessandra were highlighted. Hotel Burchianti offers a historical ambiance with frescoes in every room, while Hotel Alessandra was praised for its perfect room offerings.

Location Preferences

Travelers have called out the importance of location when choosing accommodations in Florence. Many prefer hotels close to major sites and within walking distance to restaurants and cafes. Areas like Santa Croce and near the Duomo are frequently mentioned for their convenience and proximity to Florence's main attractions.

Price and Value

For many users, finding a balance between cost and comfort is crucial. Suggestions include looking for hotels that offer a local feel without needing high-end luxury, typically ranging from 200-300 EUR per night. Travelers often discuss options that provide good value, such as clean, well-located hotels that allow easy access to Florence's rich historical landscape.

Safety and Accessibility

Forum posts indicate that Florence is generally considered safe for walking, even during the evenings. This aspect makes the city appealing for solo travelers and those who enjoy exploring local culture through leisurely strolls.

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Popular Museums

According to forum posts, the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia, and the Pitti Palace museums are must-visit locations for travelers in Florence. These museums house significant art collections and are frequently mentioned as top attractions.

Additional Recommendations

Some travelers also recommend the Bargello Museum for its vast collection of pottery, jewelry, and Renaissance sculptures. The Museum of Anthropology and the Horne Museum, known for daily living items and artifacts from various periods, are also suggested for those interested in broader historical contexts.

Specialized Interests

For those with a specific interest in the Medici family, posts suggest exploring options for Medici-centric tours, which often include visits to related museum exhibits and historical sites managed by the powerful family during the Renaissance.

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Tram and Bus Service

According to forum posts, Florence offers a shuttle tram, the T2, which connects the Florence airport (Amerigo Vespucci) to the city center, specifically to the Unità stop close to the central station. This tram runs every five to ten minutes, and tickets are priced at €1.50 per person. Additionally, the Volainbus service runs every half hour from the airport to near the Santa Maria Novella station, with a 20-minute journey costing €6 for a single trip.

City Buses

Travelers have noted that for getting around the city, the local bus system is convenient. Specific routes mentioned include Bus 12 and 13, which can be taken from Rotonda Barbetti (near the train station) to reach Piazzale Michelangelo and other city areas.

Recommendations for Taxi Services

For those preferring taxis, posts highlight the availability of licensed taxis outside major transport hubs like the Florence train station. Radiotaxi Firenze is recommended for easy booking and reliable service, with a contact number provided: 055 4242.

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Itinerary Suggestions

According to forum posts, a weekend in Florence can be efficiently spent by focusing on key attractions. Many users recommend prioritizing visits to major museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where iconic pieces like Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's paintings are displayed. Pre-booking tickets for early morning can help avoid crowds and make the most of the visit.

Exploration and Dining

Travelers have called out the charm of simply walking through Florence's historic streets. Areas like the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views, and the local markets are highly recommended. For dining, exploring local eateries that serve traditional Tuscan cuisine can enrich your experience. Posts suggest checking out menus posted outside restaurants to find a place that suits your taste and budget.

Accommodation and Transport

Some travelers said staying near central locations like Ponte Vecchio can save time. Regarding transport, taking a taxi from the airport to central Florence is advised for convenience, especially if traveling with luggage, with an approximate cost of 25 euros. Alternatively, a tram can be used for a cheaper option, but be prepared for a walk with luggage on cobblestone streets.

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Popular Destinations

According to forum posts, popular day trips from Florence include visits to Siena, Pisa, Bologna, and Venice. Some travelers have also recommended exploring smaller towns such as San Miniato, Arezzo, and the Chianti region for winery tours.

Transportation Tips

For many users, the ease of transportation to these destinations is a key factor. High-speed trains can take less than two hours to Milan and Rome, making them feasible for a day trip. Pisa and Bologna are also accessible by train, with Venice being slightly farther, requiring about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way by train.

Historical and Less Touristy Options

Travelers have called out Fiesole, Pistoia, and Montefioralle as less touristy alternatives for those looking to escape the usual crowds. These locations offer historical sites and authentic Tuscan experiences without the heavy tourist traffic found in more popular destinations.

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Reputation and Convenience

According to forum posts, AutoEurope is frequently recommended by travelers for arranging car rentals in Florence as it offers competitive rates and includes major rental companies. Hertz and Europcar are also frequently mentioned for their reliable service.

Pick-up Locations

Some travelers have suggested picking up rentals at the Florence airport (Via Palagio degli Spini) to avoid the complexities of city driving and ZTL zones. Others have had positive experiences renting from downtown locations near the Santa Maria Novella station.

Insurance and Tips

Travelers have emphasized the importance of opting for zero-deductible insurance to avoid hefty charges. It's also advised to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and record any existing damage at the time of pick-up to prevent disputes upon return.

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Duomo Entry and Passes

Some travelers have noted that the Duomo's interior may not be as impressive as its exterior, suggesting that admiring the building from outside could be equally rewarding. For those interested in entering, it is advised to purchase passes like the Ghiberti or Brunelleschi, which provide access to multiple parts of the Duomo complex. The Ghiberti pass, for example, includes entry to the Baptistery and the Opera del Duomo Museum and offers a timed entrance to Santa Reparata.

Timed Entries and Queues

According to forum posts, even with passes like the Ghiberti, it is important to be aware of timed entries, especially from August 2023, when new regulations were introduced. These passes often allow entry through a side door, potentially reducing waiting times. However, travelers have shared that queues can still be significant, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Planning and Booking Advice

Travelers have called out the necessity of planning visits in advance, especially during busy months. Booking online and securing a time slot for entry is recommended to avoid long lines. This is particularly important if you're planning to see popular parts like the Duomo's crypts or the museum.

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Official Websites

According to forum posts, the official website for purchasing Uffizi Gallery tickets is www.uffizi.it/en or the B-ticket platform at www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/default_eng.aspx. These sites are consistently recommended for their reliability and direct access to ticket purchases.

Third-Party Providers

Some travelers mentioned using third-party websites such as www.getyourguide.com, which may offer different prices and packages. However, discrepancies in pricing and included services can occur, so purchasing directly from the official sources is often advised for clarity and security.

Guided Tours

If interested in guided tours, users have noted that the official Uffizi website might not always show available guided tour options. In such cases, travelers have recommended third-party providers like www.florencetown.com, www.walksofitaly.com, and www.citywonders.com for a variety of guided tour experiences.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.