Heading to Florence? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 2–3 days
- Best for: Art lovers, solo culture seekers, foodies, city wanderers
- Why visit: Renaissance beauty, safe walks, easy mixing, art galore for one
FLORENCE AT A GLANCE
- Population: About 382,000, capital of Tuscany
- Culture: Birthplace of the Renaissance; home of the Medici and genius artists
- Famous for: Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, epic views, Tuscan food
- Nickname: La città bella – “the beautiful city”
- Solo vibe: Welcoming, easy to meet other travelers, mostly safe for solo exploring
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)
- 🗣 Language: Italian (locals appreciate a few words)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: April–October (spring/fall are warm & less crowded)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Shuttle bus every 30 min, €4.50, 20 mins, buy tickets on board
- Taxi: ~€30, 25 mins; reliable and safe
- 🧳 Safety: Central Florence is safe, but watch for pickpockets at the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and station
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Scoppio del Carro (Easter, wild pyrotechnics); Firenze Jazz Festival (summer)
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “A Room With a View” (1985) – romance, Tuscan spirit, and Florence’s beauty
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: YellowSquare Florence – Clean, modern hostel, stellar rooftop pool, super social, easy to meet people; 12-min walk from train station, not dead-center but great transport links. Fills up fast – book ahead!
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: City center near Piazza della Signoria – all the sights, tons of cafes, very walkable
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Oltrarno district – artsy, local feel, hip bars, 10-min stroll across historic bridges
- 💸 Budget option: Trattoria da Mario’s area (by Mercato Centrale) – friendly hostels, lively market vibe, authentic food
- Tip: Book hostels/hotels near transit or central squares for easy solo arrivals after dark
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Florence’s historic center is compact – everywhere is walkable!
- 🚌 Bus: ATAF/LI-NEA run city buses; €1.50 advance/€2.50 onboard (90 min ticket), great for reaching hills or Oltrarno
- 🚋 Tram: Limited, mostly for modern suburbs; not needed for main attractions
- 🚖 Taxi: Can’t hail on street—call (055.4242 etc.) or use It Taxi app; €3.20–6.40 base fares
- 🚲 Bike: Florence by Bike, Mobike rentals—use dedicated riverside paths or pedal to Piazzale Michelangelo
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Climb the Duomo or Giotto’s Bell Tower – Iconic rooftops, thrilling for solo photo ops (go early to avoid lines)
- 🌿 Boboli Gardens stroll – Lose yourself in green mazes, sculptures, views—safe and peaceful solo retreat
- 🧠 Uffizi Gallery – Masterpieces galore, go early or late, plug in an audio guide for a solo museum date
- 🧭 Wander Oltrarno & artisan shops – Authentic, bohemian, awesome for solo street photography & people-watching
- 🎨 San Miniato al Monte at sunset – Meditative vibes, epic Florence skyline, listen to Gregorian chants
- 🔀 Wildcard: Fiesole Hill hike – Quick bus ride, ancient ruins, and jaw-dropping city panoramas
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Ponte Vecchio jewelry shops: Overpriced, super crowded, more fun to just cross and snap photos
- ❌ Gardens behind Fortezza da Basso: Not scenic, and has safety concerns—give it a pass
- ❌ Restaurants directly on main tourist squares: Menu fatigue, high prices, average quality
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Mercato Centrale – Casual counters, mix with locals, try everything from truffle pasta to gelato
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: The Lion’s Fountain – Classic hangout, international crowd, local beer on tap
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Braceria all’11), pici cacio e pepe (Trattoria da Burde), schiacciata sandwich (All’Antico Vinaio)
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Trattoria da Mario – Homey, bustling, lunch from €8
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Il Vegetariano – Longtime favorite, creative and filling
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: La Ménagère – Botanical chic, excellent Negronis, solo guests welcome
BEST OF FLORENCE IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Climb Piazzale Michelangelo for magical dawn city views
- Morning: Explore the Duomo (go up if queues are short), wander Piazza della Signoria
- Lunch: Tuck into a monster panino at All’Antico Vinaio (take it riverside)
- Afternoon: Dive into Uffizi Gallery (book tickets!), cross Ponte Vecchio, sniff around artisan boutiques
- Evening: Unwind in Oltrarno or Boboli Gardens, maybe catch sunset chants at San Miniato al Monte
- Dinner: Trattoria Cammillo or Mamma Gina for hearty Tuscan classics
- Night: Cheers with a Negroni at La Ménagère or soak up college-town energy at The Lion’s Fountain
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival tip: Scoppio del Carro at Easter floods the city with fireworks and parades—join the crowd!
- 📍 Hidden gem: Giardino Bardini – Fewer tourists, fairytale gardens, some of the best city views
- 📷 Photo spots: Duomo terrace, Piazzale Michelangelo, and sunset from any Arno bridge
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Order coffee at the bar for a quick, cheap caffè (and to blend in)
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Central Florence is very safe, but clutch your bag by the Duomo/Ponte Vecchio
- 👀 One last thing: Skip the gelato piled high in neon colors—find the tiny, “artisanal” spots and thank me later!