Discover the Best of Florence: Essential Florence Travel Tips for a Perfect Vacation
Florence, Italy is known for its stunning beauty and rich history. There is so much to see and do in this city that you could spend months exploring and still not see everything. To make the most of your trip, it’s helpful to have some travel tips to guide you. Here are some tips, tricks, and strategies to help you experience all that Florence has to offer without missing out on any of the “must-see” attractions
Insider Secrets for an Unforgettable Florence Vacation
All of the tips and tricks included below have been specifically curated to help those that are traveling to Florence on a budget as well as those that have a bottomless bank roll. Regardless of what brought you to Florence (or how much money you have to spend in this incredible city), the five Florence, Italy travel tips below will help you get the most out of your experience.
Unlock the Secrets of the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most important, valuable, and influential art in history. As an art historian, it is a complete delight. I’ve visited every time I have been in Florence. It’s also the world’s oldest museum. If you want to see everything the gallery has to offer, you can purchase tickets to explore on your own. If you’re new to Florence or want a guided experience, you can join a tour or hire your own personal guide.
- Plan ahead: Trust me, you don’t want to spend your entire visit waiting in line. I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long queues. You can also consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
- Allow enough time: The Uffizi has an incredible collection, and you’ll want to spend enough time to really appreciate it. I suggest allowing at least a few hours to see everything, and consider taking a break halfway through to rest and recharge.
- Take a guided tour: Even if you’ve been to the Uffizi before, a guided tour can provide new insights and perspectives on the art and history of the museum. I recommend booking a tour in advance or hiring a private guide on the spot.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Uffizi is a large museum, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Trust me, your feet will thank you if you wear comfortable shoes to avoid getting tired or sore. Just please don’t wear sneakers. Sneakers are for the gym. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
- Take breaks: The Uffizi has a café where you can rest and grab a snack or drink. It has a gorgeous outside area on the roof where you can get great views of the streets below. Don’t be afraid to take breaks and rest when you need to. You’ll enjoy your visit more if you’re feeling rested and refreshed.
Get Lost In The Duomo
The Duomo is an absolute must-see in Florence. It’s impossible to miss – you can see it from almost anywhere in the city.
The first thing you should do is tour the exterior of this incredible structure. It’s amazing to think that all of the work was done by hand, long before modern construction tools were even invented. After that, you should go inside. The Duomo is also the fourth largest cathedral in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top for a breathtaking view of Florence that you’ll never forget. Again, buy your Duomo tickets ahead of time so you can skip the lines.
Don’t get fooled by a “phony” statue
When you walk the Piazza della Signoria and see the world-famous Michelangelo statue of David covered in graffiti, you might be shocked. But don’t worry – it’s just a copy. The original statue, considered one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces, is safe and secure under lock and key at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence. So go ahead and take a moment to marvel at the copy, knowing that the real deal is just a short distance away.
Take a trip across the river
The Arno River is certainly one of the most hustling and bustling parts of Florence, and if you are traveling to Florence on a budget you’re going to want to see this part of the city. Market stalls abound, as do modern boutiques and shops from some of the biggest brands on the planet – and you’ll have the chance to haggle for some pretty incredible deals while strolling over this historic bridge. There are also some incredible cultural establishments.
Visit the Pitti Palace: The Pitti Palace is a stunning Renaissance palace that was once home to the Medici family. Today, it’s home to several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, and the Costume Gallery. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Stroll through the Boboli Gardens: The Boboli Gardens are a beautiful oasis located behind the Pitti Palace. They’re filled with plants, sculptures, and fountains, and they offer a peaceful escape from the city. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Explore the Oltrarno neighborhood: The Oltrarno is a charming and authentic neighborhood with narrow streets, artisan workshops, and charming squares. It’s a great place to wander and discover hidden corners of the city. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you explore the streets and alleys of this special neighborhood.
Visit the San Frediano neighborhood: The San Frediano neighborhood is located on the western side of the Arno river and is known for its lively atmosphere and independent shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. The energy here is contagious – you’ll love the vibe!
Go to the Santo Spirito neighborhood: The Santo Spirito neighborhood is located south of the Arno river and is known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife. It’s a great place to go for a drink or to listen to live music. The neighborhood is full of energy and creativity – you’ll feel inspired just by being there.
Check Out The Grittiest Fight In The World, The Calcio Storico
The second time we went to Florence, we went specifically to attend the Calcio Storico. Our friend Sabina knew a player who snuck us in through the parade and into the stadium since it was impossible to get tickets. It was incredible.
If you are ready for medieval football action, you can’t miss it. The Calico Storico Fiorentino, also known as the “Historic Football of the Commune of Florence,” is a traditional game played in the streets of Florence, Italy. It’s a rough and physical game that involves two teams of 27 players each trying to get a large ball into their opponent’s goal. The ball can be kicked, carried, or thrown, but players are not allowed to use their hands or arms. The game is played in the streets, and the goals are usually set up at opposite ends of a piazza or square.
The Calico Storico Fiorentino is a popular event in Florence, and it attracts thousands of spectators each year. It’s a unique way to experience the history and culture of the city, and it’s a lot of fun to watch. The game is played twice a year, on June 24 (the feast of St. John the Baptist) and December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day). If you’re in Florence on one of these dates, you won’t want to miss it! So come join the fun and cheer on your favorite team. You won’t regret it! You can’t get tickets online, so book your trip so you’re in Florence early enough to purchase them. You will need to go to the physical office of Tuscany’s Box office.
Love Shoes? Visit the Ferragamo Museum.
Attention shoe fanatics: the Ferragamo Museum in Florence is a fashion paradise that you won’t want to miss! Located in the Palazzo Spini Feroni, a stunning medieval building in the heart of the city, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Italian fashion designer, Salvatore Ferragamo.
With a collection of over 10,000 shoes, garments, and accessories, the Ferragamo Museum is a veritable treasure trove of fashion history. You’ll find everything from classic pumps to avant-garde boots, all designed with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that made Salvatore Ferragamo’s name synonymous with luxury. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on a variety of fashion-related themes, giving you the chance to see the work of other designers and artists up close.
But the Ferragamo Museum isn’t just for fashionistas – it’s also a place for research and scholarship. The museum has a library and an archive that are open to researchers by appointment, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of fashion and design.
So if you’re a shoe fanatic visiting Florence, don’t miss the chance to visit the Ferragamo Museum. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never forget!
Where to Stay in Florence?
If it’s available, stay at Sabina’s place. It’s an old Medici property with incredible gardens. I stay there every time I go to Florence.
Located in the historic center of Florence, Italy, La Magione is a peaceful retreat nestled in a monumental garden. This open-plan, luminous, and cozy apartment is spread over two levels, with a stylish bohemian vibe. The apartment features a double bedroom, an open-space en-suite bathroom with a bathtub on the mezzanine level, and a living room with a fireplace. The apartment also has a kitchen and a private garden, as well as a car space for a small car (like a Fiat 500 or Panda – we scratched our car on the garage walls the first time we visited – so you have been warned).
Despite its central location, Sabina’s place feels like a world away from the noise and crowds of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring all that Florence has to offer. Whether you’re soaking in the bathtub or sipping a glass of wine by the fireplace, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from it all at La Magione.
How to Save Money In Florence?
Get the Firenze Card
This would definitely NOT work for me, and I always question the value of city cards…but I think some of the “marathon travelers” – you know the ones, they take a bus tour of Italy and get off to take a picture next to all the items they said they’d see, and those that visit the Louvre just to take a picture in front of La Gioconda. Let’s break things down so that you can decide if the Firenze Card is worth it:
Assuming a person wakes up at 8am and leaves their accommodation at 10am (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good snooze button?), they would have about 8 hours until the museums close at 6:30pm. If they spend an average of 2 hours at each museum, they could potentially visit up to 4 museums in one day (maybe less since I didn’t deduct time for lunch, getting lost, etc… But beware, this is just an estimate! The actual number of museums a person could visit will depend on factors such as how much time they spend at each museum (will they be so captivated by the art that they forget to leave?), how far apart the museums are (will they have to sprint from one to the next?), and whether they take breaks in between (or will they be so determined to see everything that they keep going without stopping?). But hey, at least they’ll have a great story to tell about their marathon museum-hopping adventure. Here are some important things to know about the Firenze Card:
How Much Does The Firenze Card Cost?
As of the time of writing this article it is 85 Euros.
How Long Is the Firenze Card Good For:
It gets turned on when you visit your first museum and is good for 72 hours after that.
Who Does It Cover?
It covers the bearer of the card and any family members under 18 years old.
Any Extra Perks?
Once activated you can use it on Florence’s public transportation.
What Museums Are Included?
There are 58 museums/cultural institutions you can visit with the Firenze Card including the Pitti Palace (10€ to enter), Santa Maria Novella (€7.5 to enter), and the Ufizzi (12€ to enter).
Is the Firenze Card Really Worth It?
This is worth it if you have kids since they can enter for free and you get free public trasnport. However, if it is just you traveling alone, or with a hubby, it may not be. For 18€ you can get a 5-day pass for the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens. I could spend just a whole day in the gardens alone. So yeah, it all depends on what kind of traveler you are. For me, it is not worth it. I don’t like setting short amount of times in museums, churches and the like…so for someone like me, it is not.
Take A Free Tour
Running low on cash? No problem! Just join one of the many free walking tours offered in Florence. You’ll get to explore the city, learn all about its rich history and culture, and the best part? It won’t cost you a single euro (sort of)! Just remember, these tours are led by local guides who work for tips, so don’t be a cheapo – show your appreciation with a decent tip. Trust us, it’s worth it to have a knowledgeable and entertaining guide lead you around the city.
Bring Your Student ID
While the majority of museums and cultural institutions do not give student discounts, Uffizi and the Accademia do give them to students in the EU. They may not accept your college ID, so you will have to dish out a little over $25 to get your ISIC card which serves as an international student ID. I would tell you to bring your regular student ID as well so you have double proof.
Eat Where The Locals Do
Instead of eating at touristy places, try eating at local trattorias or markets where you can find more affordable, authentic Italian food. You can also eat breakfast at your hotel/hostel/airbnb and snack on light things throughout the day so you can have a really nice dinner. Here is a list of affordable but solid restaurants in Florence:
Trattoria Sostanza: This popular trattoria has been serving traditional Tuscan dishes since 1869, and is known for its mix of meat and seafood dishes, as well as its selection of vegetarian options. Prices are reasonable, with an average meal costing around €20-€30. The portions are generous, too, so you won’t leave hungry!
La Bottega del Chianti: Located in the heart of the city, La Bottega del Chianti is a great spot for a cheap and tasty meal. The menu features a variety of dishes, including pastas, sandwiches, and traditional Tuscan specialties. Prices are very reasonable, with an average meal costing around €15-€20. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, too, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
Trattoria Cibreo: This popular trattoria is known for its hearty Tuscan dishes and affordable prices. The menu changes daily, and there is always a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Prices are reasonable, with an average meal costing around €20-€30.
Ristorante Il Santo Bevitore: Located in the Oltrarno neighborhood, this restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable Italian cuisine. The menu features a mix of meat and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of vegetarian options. Prices are very reasonable, with an average meal costing around €15-€20. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great spot for a laid-back meal.
Trattoria la Casalinga: Located in the San Frediano neighborhood, this trattoria is known for its delicious and affordable Tuscan cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, including pastas, sandwiches, and traditional Tuscan specialties. Prices are very reasonable, with an average meal costing around €15-€20. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
Florence is a truly breathtaking city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone in this city. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make the most of your trip to Florence and create unforgettable memories.
As someone who has visited Florence three times and fallen in love with the city each time, I can attest to the fact that there’s always something new to discover in this beautiful place. Whether you’re strolling through the narrow streets of the Oltrarno neighborhood, admiring the art in the Uffizi Gallery, or climbing to the top of the Duomo for a breathtaking view of the city, you’ll find that Florence has a way of stealing your heart. So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with the city of Florence, just like I did.