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The Renaissance period began in Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy. The spirited city has great art and history culture, making it an ideal place for all explorers. If you're visiting this amazing city, this article will present you with some useful travel tips and hacks.
24 Essential Florence Travel Tips
1. Purchase Bus Tickets in Advance
Travel Tip
- Bus tickets cannot be purchased on the bus, so stock up ahead of time. Tickets cost €1.50 per, or you may buy a 24-hour, 48-hour, or weekly pass to save money.
- Bus tickets can be purchased at any convenience store or tabaccheria in the city (little convenience stores marked with a huge T).
2. Take Rest on Mondays
Etiquette Tip
- Residents of Florence feel the need for rest after a busy weekend in a tourist hotspot like Florence. As a result, many museums and attractions in Florence are closed on Mondays.
- Use this day to go on a day trip outside of the city or to explore Florence's gardens and parks. On Mondays, avoid visiting the Vatican Museums because they attract the majority of tourists in Florence.
3. Try the Street Food
Food Tip
- When in Florence, eat like a local. Although Florence boasts numerous exquisite dining establishments, nothing beats soul cuisine from a street vendor.
- Look for places where local residents gather. This signifies that the hawker provides tasty cuisine without compromising on quality.
4. Tips are not Mandatory
Etiquette Tip
- A service charge is added to your bill at most Florence restaurants to cover the expense of the wait staff's services.
- Even so, if you were particularly pleased with a restaurant's services or if your bill did not include a service charge, you may leave a 10% tip.
5. Call for a Taxi
Transport Tip
- It is customary in Florence to call taxi operators and request cabs rather than hailing one on the street. You are likely to be blown off if you hail a taxi.
- Taxis, as always, are expensive, so use them only as a last choice. Many taxi services have ongoing discounts and special offers, so check with the firm ahead of time.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Dressing Tip
- It is pretty enjoyable to walk around Florence because it is a city with well-maintained walkways. There is no better way to get to know a city than to go for a walk around the neighborhood.
- Wearing comfy shoes while strolling through Florence is vital to avoid foot troubles the next day.
7. Watch out for Streetside Art
Sightseeing Tip
- The city is a work of art in and of itself, and there is likely to be street art on every other corner. Take a break from the inside art scene and see the many street painters at work.
- Many notable and well-known art pieces can be seen among the many gardens, squares, cathedrals, and fountains in Florence.
8. Adhere to the Dress Code
Dressing Tip
- When visiting Florence's holy sites, you must wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. If you are not dressed appropriately, you may be denied access.
- Bring a scarf if you're afraid of getting cold. Outside of most of Florence's tourist attractions, hawkers sell scarves.
9. Climb the Duomo
Sightseeing Tip
- The beauty of the Duomo is not limited to its external facade. There are about 500 steps that lead you to the top of the Duomo, and you must consider climbing it if you are able to.
- The view from the top of the Duomo is breathtaking. The entire city of Florence, with its historic skyline, is visible from this unbeatable vantage point.
10. Use Skip-the-Line Tickets
Sightseeing Tip
- Florence is usually bustling with visitors, particularly in the districts surrounding the most renowned monuments. If you wish to save time, purchase skip-the-line tickets.
- Affordable skip-the-line tickets are a fantastic opportunity to see Florence's beauty while also saving money.
11. Visit Florence in the Shoulder Season
Best Time to Visit Tip
- Because Florence is such a famous tourist destination, avoiding the peak season will be critical to your trip's success.
- April, May, October, and November are the shoulder seasons in Florence, and they are also the months when the city's vegetation is at its most beautiful.
12. Always carry cash in Florence
Money Tip
- Despite Florence's technological sophistication, the city's shops and marketplaces are still predominantly cash-based.
- Instead of frequent trips to the ATM, bring cash from your starting point to avoid surcharges and fees.
13. Order Coffee at the Bar
Budget Tip
- Going to a café for a table is quite a treat because you will be charged a service fee if you order food or drink there.
- Instead, go to the bar, get your drink, and consume it without deliberation. By the conclusion of the journey, you will have saved a fortune.
14. Be Mindful of your Belongings
Safety Tip
- The most popular tourist attractions, such as the Historic Center, are virtually constantly packed with visitors. As a result, pickpockets thrive in these environments.
- Keep an eye on your wallet and any bags containing important documents. Carry a safe backpack that will keep you safe from pickpockets.
15. Expect Late Dinners
Etiquette Tip
- Most restaurants in Florence don't start serving dinner until after 9 PM. Because Florence has such a vibrant nightlife, this late meal culture is ideal for party animals.
- If you are hungry, you can go for an aperitivo, as most locals do, around 7 PM. Many restaurants provide an open buffet and drinks at this time of day.
16. Book Tickets in Advance
Sightseeing Tip
- Whatever they say, Florence's tourist sites are never completely vacant. Purchase your tickets in advance and online to ensure entry to the most popular Florence attractions.
- If you want to travel during or around peak season, get your tickets as soon as they become available.
17. Find the Good Gelato
Food Tip
- In Florence, gelato is a must-have. Many of the city's gelaterias, however, are cheap and badly manufactured. To get the best gelato, look for establishments that draw a large number of locals.
- Brightly colored gelato should not be pursued. Natural-ingredient-based ones are typically drab in color, much like the product itself.
18. Visit Museums for Free Once Every Month
Budget Tip
- All state-owned museums, galleries, archeological sites, parks, and gardens in Florence are open to the public on the first Sunday of each month. Make the most of the situation.
- Arrive early or travel to a lesser-known place for free because this is the busiest day for visiting these attractions.
19. Refuse Bread at Restaurants if you Don’t Want it
Food Tip
- Most people believe that, like in other countries, bread is served complimentary with meals in Florence. That is not correct.
- Because bread is charged, let the waiters know as soon as you sit down if you don't want it. Otherwise, you will be charged.
20. Bring a Universal Adapter
Packing Tip
- A type C plug is used by the majority of appliances in Italy. Make sure you have a universal adaptor for your phones and other electronics.
- To avoid paying extra in Florence for the same item, buy one from your starting location.
21. Take a Day Trip from Florence
Sightseeing Tip
- If you have a few free days in Florence, day trips are a terrific way to save money while seeing the sights. You won't have to worry about making new hotel reservations, and you'll be able to see more of the city.
- You can visit exotic locations like Chianti to learn about the intricacies of wine tasting or visit the world's marvel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Cinque Terra region is another excellent day trip destination.
22. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully
Accommodation Tip
- If you just have a short time in Florence, it's best to stay in a reputable hotel or hostel in the city center. However, these hotels will cost higher than usual.
- If you're on a budget, though, venture outside of the historic district and into residential areas. The areas on the other side of the Arno are less expensive and give you a flavor of Florentine life.
23. Take a Food Tour in Florence
Sightseeing Tip
- Cuisine in Florence is an art form in and of itself, and a food tour is one of the greatest ways to learn about the city's history and culture.
- Although the trip appears to be extensive, the time flies by as you eat your way from one spot to the next.
24. Don’t Buy Single Use Bottled Water
Budget Tip
- Carry a reusable bottle with you and fill it up at the Florence taps as needed. In the city, tap water is safe to drink.
- Single-use plastic water bottles are not only costly but also hazardous to the environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Travel Tips & Hacks
What are the best Florence travel tips about transport?
The best travel tips for transport in Florence are, always using the public transport system whenever possible, using the shuttle for airport transfers, and walking to places that are a short distance away instead of taking a taxi.
What are Florence travel tips to know about sight-seeing?
The best travel tips for sightseeing in Florence are visiting the free attractions, leaving early if you want to go to one of the popular attractions, and taking a day trip from Florence.
What are Florence travel tips to know about accommodation?
The best travel tips for accommodation in Florence are picking the right locality to make sightseeing easier and purchasing bus tickets in advance.
What are Florence travel tips to know about budget travel?
The best tips for budget travel in Florence are booking your flight and attraction tickets well in advance, having street food from popular vendors, and drinking tap water.
What should I avoid in Florence?
Avoid ordering cappuccinos after 12 noon, visiting the city during the peak tourism season, and going shopping on weekends.
How should I prepare for a trip to Florence?
Check if you have the right credit card, purchase a universal adapter for your electronic appliances, and book tickets for the major attractions before leaving for Florence.
Do and don'ts in Florence?
In Florence, you should obey the traffic rules, carry a scarf for the evenings in case the weather turns cooler, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Conversely, avoid going for dinners before 8:30 PM, visiting the city during the peak tourism season, and going shopping on weekends.
How do I travel to Florence for the first time?
When traveling to Florence for the first time, always fly to the closest airport to your hotel.
Is it rude to tip in Florence?
Florence’s eateries generally levy a service charge on the bill. Even so, if you feel inclined to tip, you may.
How many days should you spend in Florence?
Depending on the time of the year, a comprehensive trip to Florence will take 3 to 5 days.
Where should I stay on my first trip to Florence?
Try to stay as centrally as possible on your first trip to Florence. Fortezza da Basso, Piazza Beccaria, and Porta al Prato are all great neighborhoods to stay in on your first trip.
Is Florence expensive?
Yes, Florence is a bit expensive to visit. The average daily cost for a person in Florence is €125. The weekly budget for a couple in Florence is about €1700.
Is Florence a dirty city?
No, Florence is a fairly clean city despite a high tourist volume. The authorities are quite proactive in maintaining the hygiene standards in Florence.