Quick Guide

Summer is peak tourist season in Florence, and festivals abound, but beware: The city is hot, crowded and expensive this time of year.

Additionally, many businesses and restaurants close during August, when Italians take their summer vacations. Time your visit for spring or fall when temperatures cool, crowds thin and prices dip.

Visas

Citizens of the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand with a valid passport don’t need a visa if they stay less than 90 days and are not working there.

Money

Italian currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted by most businesses.

Travel Health

Check with the Italian Ministry of Health for the latest health safety information. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Most travelers get to Florence by train, arriving at Stazione Santa Maria Novella via airports in Rome or Milan. It’s also possible to fly into Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport (60 miles/97 km west of Florence) and take a bus into Florence’s city center. A smaller number of European airlines serve Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR).

Getting Around

Florence can be easily navigated (and arguably best enjoyed) on foot. To get further afield, the city’s ATAF bus system is convenient to use. Bike shares are available throughout the city. Taxis are pricey and cannot be hailed on the street; find taxi stands at the train station and in Piazza Santa Croce.

Local Lingo

Learn a few Italian basics prior to your trip. Ciao: Hello/goodbye (informal). Buongiorno/Buonasera: Good morning/good evening. Per favore: Please. Grazie: Thank you. Prego or niente: You’re welcome. Mi scusi: Excuse me. Il conto, per favore: The check, please.

Must-Have Apps

Google Maps; Google Translate; WhatsApp; Discover Florence; Uffizi Gallery App

Insider Tips

Plan a day trip beyond Florence, and discover that the surrounding low-rolling, vine-and-olive-tree blanketed hills hide romantic villas, rustic taverns and medieval hill towns, like San Gimignano.

Summer is peak tourist season in Florence, and festivals abound, but beware: The city is hot, crowded and expensive this time of year.

Additionally, many businesses and restaurants close during August, when Italians take their summer vacations. Time your visit for spring or fall when temperatures cool, crowds thin and prices dip.

Visas

Citizens of the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand with a valid passport don’t need a visa if they stay less than 90 days and are not working there.

Money

Italian currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted by most businesses.

Travel Health

Check with the Italian Ministry of Health for the latest health safety information. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Most travelers get to Florence by train, arriving at Stazione Santa Maria Novella via airports in Rome or Milan. It’s also possible to fly into Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport (60 miles/97 km west of Florence) and take a bus into Florence’s city center. A smaller number of European airlines serve Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR).

Getting Around

Florence can be easily navigated (and arguably best enjoyed) on foot. To get further afield, the city’s ATAF bus system is convenient to use. Bike shares are available throughout the city. Taxis are pricey and cannot be hailed on the street; find taxi stands at the train station and in Piazza Santa Croce.

Local Lingo

Learn a few Italian basics prior to your trip. Ciao: Hello/goodbye (informal). Buongiorno/Buonasera: Good morning/good evening. Per favore: Please. Grazie: Thank you. Prego or niente: You’re welcome. Mi scusi: Excuse me. Il conto, per favore: The check, please.

Must-Have Apps

Google Maps; Google Translate; WhatsApp; Discover Florence; Uffizi Gallery App

Insider Tips

Plan a day trip beyond Florence, and discover that the surrounding low-rolling, vine-and-olive-tree blanketed hills hide romantic villas, rustic taverns and medieval hill towns, like San Gimignano.