Visitors to Florence need a travel guide that will steer them away from wasteful spending while focusing resources on the best experiences. Florence, known to Italians as Firenze, is a popular tourist city rich in history and artistic treasures.

When to Visit

Florence is a city where much of your day can be spent indoors, enjoying the priceless works of art and architecture that made this great city famous. Many find it better to visit in the winter, when crowds are smaller and prices tend to be lower than in summer. Spring is a wonderful time to see the rebirth of the city’s gardens and the surrounding countryside.

Where to Eat

To skip sampling Tuscan cuisine is unthinkable for any visitor to Florence. Therefore, budget for at least one splurge meal. Save up by opting for takeout lunches or picnics. Pizza-by-the-slice is a common budget saver. Cucina Povera cooking, translating to “modest kitchen,” includes some delicious yet unpretentious foods. Recommendations for excellent dining experiences abound here, and locals offer the best tips, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions.

Where to Stay

Hotels near the city center often come at a premium; however, the inconvenience associated with outer offerings can offset the added expense. Florence can be noisy at all hours, which might affect light sleepers. They may want to avoid rooms near the main railroad station or at least request accommodations away from the street. Budget options are readily available west of the station. Hostels are easy to find, as Florence has long been a destination for backpackers on a tight budget. Other frugal travelers sometimes prefer Bed and Breakfast options. Additionally, Convents and Religious Institutes offer clean, reasonably priced accommodations, although they require cash payments and observance of curfews. A recent search on Airbnb.com revealed more than 130 properties available for less than $30/night.

Getting Around

Most travelers arrive by train at the central station, Stazione Centrale di Santa Maria Novella, often abbreviated as S.M.N. From here, you may also board buses bound for nearby cities such as Siena and Pisa. The airport in Pisa is about an hour from Florence, with frequent ground connections available. Distances in central Florence are relatively short, and cars are banned from most key tourist areas, enhancing the pedestrian-friendly environment.

Florence and the Arts

The Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’ Accademia are celebrated as two of the world’s most important museums. Unfortunately, visitors can find themselves spending a significant amount of time waiting in line for tickets. Online ticket purchases through TickItaly are available for both venues. Even with tickets secured, anticipate waiting in line for entry, as there are limits on the number of visitors permitted inside at once. Arrive early and remember that the Uffizi is closed on Mondays.

Florence Parks

It’s essential not to make the mistake of spending all your time indoors, as Florence boasts beautiful parks, including the acclaimed Boboli Gardens. A modest entry fee grants you access to wander these manicured grounds. Boboli is also home to the Pitti Palace gallery, which was once the residence of the ruling Medici family.

More Florence Tips

Consider using Florence as a base for exploring Tuscany. While Florence is indeed swarmed with tourists, it’s also a gateway to many small, fascinating Tuscan towns that remain relatively undiscovered. Siena, although a popular tourist attraction, is well worth an excursion. Buses make the 70-kilometer (42-mile) trip in about an hour; look for rapido buses to avoid multiple stops along the way.

Dining with strangers can be a unique and enjoyable experience. Numerous charming restaurants in Florence creatively utilize limited space, leading to crowded aisles and shared tables. Embrace the atmosphere! You might find yourself seated next to a self-described “artist who has not yet been discovered,” pointing out interesting exhibits that you might have otherwise missed.

Learning a few words of Italian is advisable. While you won’t require extensive language skills for a short visit, spending a few moments to master some useful phrases can significantly enhance your experience. Politeness often opens doors that may otherwise remain closed. Key phrases include: Parlate inglese? (Do you speak English?), per favore (please), grazie (thank you), ciao (hello), quanto? (how much?), and scusilo (excuse me). Familiarizing yourself with the Italian names for food items is also beneficial.

Take your time exploring the Duomo and other Renaissance treasures. It took 170 years to complete the Duomo, Florence’s magnificent cathedral. Don’t rush through it; take your time to appreciate the artistry in every corner. This is why you invested your money to visit. Entry to the Duomo is free (donations accepted), but a small charge applies for entry to the adjoining Baptistry.

Lastly, don’t miss the best free sites: The Duomo and the view from Piazza Michelangelo. You may take a taxi to this hillside park south of the Arno River or choose to climb on foot. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning and memorable views of Florence. It’s an experience not to be overlooked, and it’s completely free!