Travelers have come in search of Florence’s art and beauty for centuries, drawn by its enchanting architecture, medieval streets and wide-open squares. The city’s lineup of masterpieces, museums, sites and experiences is never-ending and ready to be discovered.
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did you know?
Florence’s Il Duomo (formally, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), the third largest cathedral in the world, took approximately 140 years to construct and boasts the largest masonry dome in the world, comprising 4 million bricks.
QUICK GUIDE
WHEN TO GO
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.
NEED TO KNOW
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, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.
GETTING AROUND
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 INTEL
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.