Florence City Guide

Florence is an open-air museum where every cobblestone tells a story of the Renaissance. Start at the Piazza del Duomo to witness the sheer scale of Brunelleschi’s Dome and the intricate marble facade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The city’s heart is best explored on foot, wandering through narrow medieval streets that lead to the sprawling Piazza della Signoria, a gallery of outdoor sculpture that remains the city's political soul.

Art enthusiasts will find their sanctuary within the walls of the Uffizi Gallery, home to an unparalleled collection of Italian masterpieces, and the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David stands in eternal perfection. Beyond the galleries, cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio to reach the Oltrarno district. This quieter side of the river offers a glimpse into traditional artisan workshops and the lush, terraced beauty of the Boboli Gardens, perfect for panoramic views of the terracotta-roofed skyline.

Beyond the marble facades of the Duomo lies a version of Florence cherished by those who call it home. Escape the midday bustle at the Giardino dell'Orticoltura, where the stunning 19th-century Tepidarium Roster glasshouse serves as a backdrop for quiet afternoon strolls and local families at play.

For a true taste of Florentine life, bypass the larger markets for the vibrant Sant'Ambrogio Market. Here, the air is thick with the scent of fresh Tuscan produce and the lively banter of vendors serving loyal neighborhood residents. It is the heart of the community's daily ritual.

Venture near the market to find Sergio Pollini Museo del Lampredotto. Tucked away from the typical tourist routes, this humble stall serves the city's most iconic street food, offering a savory connection to centuries of culinary tradition in an unpretentious atmosphere.

Florence is an exceptionally compact city, making walking the most efficient and enjoyable way to explore. The historic center is largely a pedestrian-only zone (ZTL), meaning many major attractions like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio are just minutes apart on foot. For longer distances, the modern tramway system is highly reliable, with Line T2 connecting Peretola Airport (FLR) directly to the central Santa Maria Novella station in about 20 minutes for a modest €1.70 fare.

Public buses operated by Autolinee Toscane cover the outskirts and the scenic hills of Piazzale Michelangelo for the same €1.70 price. Taxis are widely available at designated stands throughout the city but cannot be hailed on the street; a typical trip from the airport to the city center carries a fixed rate of approximately €25 to €28, plus small fees for luggage. While Uber operates in Florence, it is restricted to premium Uber Black services, making traditional taxis or the tram the more cost-effective choice for most travelers.

Florence is a treasure trove for shoppers, blending Renaissance craftsmanship with modern luxury. For those seeking high-end fashion, Via de' Tornabuoni is the place to be, hosting flagship stores of legendary Italian designers. Just a short walk away, the glittering windows of the Ponte Vecchio showcase world-famous gold jewelry, a tradition that has defined the bridge for centuries.

Leather is the city's most iconic export, and options range from affordable market stalls to exquisite handmade pieces. The San Lorenzo Market offers a bustling atmosphere filled with jackets, bags, and belts, while the Scuola del Cuoio provides a more refined, artisanal experience. For unique finds, head across the river to the Oltrarno district, where small workshops continue centuries-old traditions of bookbinding and jewelry making.

Budget-conscious visitors can find charming boutiques tucked away in the side streets of the historic center. Keep an eye out for Florentine paper and marbled stationery, which make for affordable and authentic souvenirs. Whether you are hunting for a designer handbag or a simple handcrafted trinket, Florence offers a shopping experience that is as much about the history as it is about the goods.

In Florence, tipping is a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict obligation. Most restaurant bills include a coperto, a small per-person cover charge, and occasionally a servizio or service charge for larger groups. If service isn't explicitly included, rounding up the total or leaving a few extra Euros is a gracious way to acknowledge exceptional hospitality. For a quick espresso at a stand-up bar, leaving the small change from your transaction is a common local custom.

Transactions are conducted in Euros (€), with 1 Euro currently equal to approximately 1.08 US Dollars. When utilizing taxis or hotel porters, rounding up the fare or offering one to two Euros per bag is standard practice. Unlike rigid percentage-based systems elsewhere, the approach in Florence is understated and flexible, ensuring that a modest, thoughtful tip is always seen as a kind acknowledgement of good service.

The ideal window for visiting Florence is late spring (April and May) or early autumn (September and October). During these shoulder seasons, the Tuscan sun is pleasantly warm without the stifling humidity of midsummer, and the city’s historic gardens are in full bloom or transitioning into vibrant autumnal hues. While these months are popular, they offer the best balance of manageable crowds and comfortable walking weather, though hotel rates remain relatively high.

For those seeking solitude and value, the winter months from November through February provide the quietest experience and the lowest prices for accommodation. Aside from the festive holiday rush, the Uffizi and Accademia galleries are far less congested, though visitors should prepare for cooler, damp days. Conversely, the peak summer months of July and August bring intense heat and dense crowds, making it the most challenging time to navigate the narrow Renaissance streets.