How to plan a trip to Florence: tips and advice for a unique experience
Florence, with its noble history and great charm, has always been one of the most popular Italian destinations for tourists from all over the world. This city is able to convey to visitors the elegance that distinguished the past, making the stay a unique and memorable experience.
If you are planning a trip to Florence, here are some useful tips to make your vacation perfect.
Arranging the journey: choosing the right season and the accommodation
Once you have decided to visit Florence, all you have to do is start planning your trip by first evaluating the most suitable time. When discussing about the best time in relation to the seasons and thus the climate, it is necessary to keep in mind that the months with the most pleasant temperatures are obviously autumn and spring, that is, from October to November and from April to May. During these months, moreover, the city is also slightly less crowded, although tourists are never lacking. On the other hand, the months when the presence of visitors is greatest are the summer months, as well as the holiday season.
That being established, the next step is to book accommodation. The advice is to always think about it in advance so as to evaluate and have the opportunity to choose from the best Florence hotel deals. In fact, the most suitable solution if you want to enjoy the essence of the city is to choose a central hotel, in this way you will not only have the opportunity to quickly reach the major attractions, but also to take advantage of countless comforts and services.
How to get to Florence
Florence is well connected to major European cities thanks to its airport, Amerigo Vespucci. Once you land, you can opt for a cab or shuttle bus to reach the city center in minutes.
If you are already traveling in Italy, however, you can opt for a high-speed train from cities such as Rome, Milan, or Venice. The train will take you to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, a stone’s throw from the center. In addition, if you have rented a car, then it will be even easier for you to get to the city by simply following the directions on your navigator and the road signs.
Things to know before leaving: 5 useful tips
At this point, especially if it is your first time in Italy, it may be helpful to know a few basic things before you leave. Here are the most essential ones.
Learn a few Italian words
Since it is a touristic city, many people in Florence speak English. However, it might be fun and much appreciated to learn a few words or phrases in Italian. An example are the most common ones related to basic conversations. You could then jot down the meaning and pronunciation of words such as:
- Buongiorno (/buɔŋɡɪjɔrnɔ/) to say Good Morning
- Grazie (/ɡrazɪjɛ/) to thank for a service
- Quanto costa? (/kvuantɔ t͡sɔsta /) to ask the price of a product or souvenir you want to buy.
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Always carry cash
While most stores, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for payments in markets or neighborhood stores. ATMs are available throughout the city, but it is good to inquire about any fees charged to your card.
Tipping
In Italy tipping is not mandatory or required, but it can be appreciated. If you are in a restaurant, for example, you might round up the bill or leave a tip of 5-10%. In cafes, you may instead leave a few coins after having coffee or breakfast. So act as you see fit; no one will say anything or be offended if you do not.
Being cautious
Florence is a safe city, but as in any large metropolis it is good to take some precautions such as being careful with personal belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation, avoid carrying large sums of money or important documents when not needed.
Pay attention to limited traffic zones (ZTLs)
If you opt for the car as a means of transportation, you need to know that there are restricted traffic zones (ZTL). These are zones subject to restrictions regarding hours, categories of vehicles, and categories of users (such as those with specific permits).
It is important to be careful not to violate the rules, because the zones are monitored by cameras and fines can also be high.
However, if you stay in a hotel in downtown Florence, you will be able to move freely on foot without any effort.
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