Planning a solo trip to Florence, Italy? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- Florence (Firenze) is the capital city of Tuscany and the most populated city of the Tuscan region, with 382,000 inhabitants.
- As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city attracts millions of tourists annually.
- Florence truly flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries, having established itself as the center of European trade and finance.
- Nicknames: Firenze is sometimes known as la cittá bella in Italian (“the beautiful city”).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Spoken languages: Italian is the official language.
- Best time to visit: from April to October. Summers can get very hot.
- Great festivals to catch: Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) during the Easter season, or the Firenze Jazz Festival in the summer.
- Arriving via airport: Peretola Airport is just 4 kilometers away from the city centre.
– Airport shuttle service is available every half an hour between 6 AM and 11.30 PM.
– Tickets cost EUR 4.50 and can be purchased on board.
– A taxi ride will take about 25 minutes, and costs around EUR 30. - Emergency number: 112 (all over Italy)
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers: YellowSquare Florence. Very clean and safe, this is a modern take on a hostel (even has a rooftop swimming pool!) Social atmosphere, very easy to make friends. Not in the centre, but right next to metro/bus stops for quick access to the city’s main attractions. 12 minute walk to the train station.
- Anywhere in the city center. Piazza Della Signoria is the heart of the city, with most historical sights located within walking distance.
GETTING AROUND
- The Historic Center is relatively small, making it easy to see everything and get around on foot. Maps of the city can be found at the Tourist Information offices.
- City buses are run by ATAF and LI-NEA. Single-use bus tickets cost €1.50 if purchased in advance, €2.50 if bought on the bus. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes.
- Taxis can be called at 055.4242, 055.4390, 055.4798, and 055.4499. Information on prices will be displayed inside the vehicle.
– Within the city boundaries, the initial fixed charge is EUR 3.20, (EUR 6.40 at night, and EUR 5.10 on Sundays and public holidays).
FLORENCE NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, last call is 2 AM.
- Hip/local scene: bars in the middle of the city’s history center, between the Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria.
- Trendy scene: Yab at Via dei Sassetti, 5. Check out Habana 500 for a casual night by the river with great music. For the classic pub experience, head to The Lion’s Fountain.
- College crowd: clubs in the city center, near Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce neighborhood.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo). The Cathedral is possibly the most important piece of Renaissance architecture in the city. Located in the heart of the historic city center.
– Entrance to the Cathedral is free, while entry to the dome is EUR 8.00. - Giotto’s Bell Tower. Standing adjacent to the Duomo, this tower is one the masterpieces designed by Giotto.
- The Uffizi Gallery, designed by Giorgio Vasari, is one of the greatest museums of the world. Housing a vast collection of Italian Renaissance art by premier masters (Giotto, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Raphael), this museum is truly a visual feast for any art lover.
- Visit the Accademia Gallery. Michelangelo’s David arrived here in 1873, moved from the Piazza Signoria. One of the most visited museums in Europe, the museum features legendary works by Michelangelo, Boticelli and Giambologna.
- Ponte Vecchio, the “Old Bridge” of Florence, was the first bridge built in the city across the Arno River. Having survived World War II, it offers a great view of the river.
- Baboli Garden and Palazzio Pitti. After you cross the old bridge, you will see Balboa Garden – a huge park on a hillside. Not an ordinary garden, Baboli features a collection of sculptures from the 16th to 18th centuries, as well as some Roman antiques.
– A short walk away, the Pitti Palace contains museums displaying renowned Renaissance-era Medici family collections. - Tip: book museum tickets online in advance to avoid long wait times, especially for popular attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Walk from Piazza Marco to the historic center and then carry on to Galleria Accademia. Walk around the semi-circular Piazza della Republica – treat yourself to a meal from an authentic trattorias, or indulge at a local gelateria.
- Cross the Ponte Vecchio towards the Baboli Garden. Check out the goods on display at the traditional jewelry shops lining the bridge.
- Walk through the Baboli Garden, while admiring both Roman and Renaissance sculptures.
- Walk around the historical Florentine Hills. 8 kilometers up, the commune of Fiesole offers a breathtaking view of the city.
- Stop by Giardino di Boboli – a green space which offers not only history and art but pleasant areas for relaxation.
- Walk through Mercato di Santo Spirito, which features local artisans and a more bohemian vibe.
- Visit the Basilica San Miniato al Monte for breathtaking views and Gregorian chants around sunset.
WHERE TO EAT
- Must-try local dishes: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pici cacio e pepe, and Panzanella.
- Great restaurants for authentic Tuscan cuisine: Braceria all’11 (Via Sant’Agostino, 11), Trattoria da Burde (lunch only, reserve in advance), Mamma Gina, Trattoria Cammillo, Alla Vecchia Bettola.
- Where to find good cheap eats: check out the traditional trattorias! Trattoria da Mario, a friendly family run trattoria located at the Mercato Centrale, has been serving classic Tuscan food for 50 years.
- Unique pick: All’Antico Vinaio for their famous oversized schiacciata sandwiches.
LOCAL WISDOM
- An English to Italian dictionary (or translation app) will come really handy in Italy. Great for getting directions, ordering food, or even just shopping for the right size of clothes.
- Use the city’s “nasoni” fountains to refill water bottles for free. There’s even a fountain in Piazza della Signoria offering both sparkling and regular water.
- Italians are usually warm and welcoming people and they love to relax and socialize. Don’t be surprised if you meet some friendly Florentines!
- Dangerous areas: While Florence is generally safe, be extra vigilant around Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the main train station, as these areas are known for pickpocketing.
- Avoid the gardens behind Fortezza da Basso, especially at night, as it’s become a new area for drug activity.
Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days