10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Florence

Visiting Florence soon? These are the most important things to know before you go to Florence, Italy. Top tips for first time visitors, including how to get from Pisa airport to Florence's city center, tips for eating well (beyond pizza and pasta), and the lowdown on taxis in Florence.
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Nice area to stay in -- Oltrarno district (try around Piazza Santo Spirito) but you can't go too wrong. Make sure you have air conditioning if visiting in the summer. Horto Convento is a beautiful choice : www.booking.com/hotel/it/hort...
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Florence specialities - Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Lampredotta, Ribollita, Crostini

[@alecgreaves8369]

I'm an exchange student from California and Im currently studying here in Florence. This video is 100% true of what it is like here.

[@kenlee1416]

For those who intend to do a Uffizi-museums-palaces-churches marathon, the 72-hour Firenze Card is the way to go. You can visit as many places as you like within the 72 hours, but only one entry to each. And no bookings needed (except for climb up the Duomo), just skip the queues and walk right up to the entry points with your card. For the Uffizi, since it opens at 08:15, recommend waiting at the entrance by 08:10 and be one of the first to enter - you will have the place largely to yourself for about 30-40 minutes, before one huge tourist group after another start pouring in.

[@pieezio1]

Where can i get the Florence card? Hotels or paticular places? Planing to go to Florence i 2 weeks time. How do i book the climb to the Duomo? Price? All info will be much appreciated. Thz in advance!!

[@theanxietywhisperer8504]

Ken Lee or you can get the or eternal one

[@elisabetaioan5854]

@pieezio1 Check out their website for everything! www.firenzecard.it/index.php?lang=en

[@nailekara]

I did that and practically had to wait nothing any time... plus the hop on , hop off bus will make your tour way more comfortable, Also it helps you to get from one site to another while listening to great information and facts in your language via headphones.

[@rsdr2001]

You have helped my wife and I plan our trip to Florenz. Superb detail plus your energy is wonderful. Thanks!

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

This advice is excellent. I'm English and have lived in Florence for the past 30 years; I can endorse what is said here - Brava!! Do be aware of the tourist crowds, mind you: Florence is small (fewer than 400,000 inhabitants), and 16,000,000 tourists come here each year.

[@danielvinolo]

hi, what made you move to Florence? I would love to do the same. I'm from Puerto Rico

[@CommViewer]

I6 million tourists sounds crazy !!

[@ZipfelmannKD]

those facts are completely wrong. Florence has about 4.5 million tourists every year

[@nuggitron]

Excellent video! I've been living in Italy for 2 years now. Your advice is spot on!

[@DH-rs8nq]

Very helpful video, a lot of really good advice and no filler material. Impressed by the amount of know-how you packed into this. Really great.

[@traiecto]

Thanks for the vid! We're heading off to Florence for a long weekend and your 9 points (excluding the airport one) are just so useful!

[@bboyfriend]

this is SUPER helpful!!! thanks so much!!

[@briannacam.]

Great video. My first travel outside of the IS was England and I was so prepared thanks to your channel. Now I’m going to Florence and I’m so thankful for this video. Thank you so much

[@loveandlondon]

Enjoy!! Thanks for watching!

[@godivachoco6509]

Thank you for your sharing. I am changing my travel plan to Florence for other time.

[@jadeethan]

Thanks. This preps our visit! Good info!

[@ToyTastic]

What a great video! I'm planning a trip soon and found all your advice really useful! xx

[@loveandlondon]

Ah hii friend! So glad you found it helpful. Hope you're well xx

[@nicholas6519]

Great video. Thank you for the tips, and without the annoying music and clawing personality so many of these videos have. Loved it

[@suganthinimahendran7585]

Really good video. Very useful tips. Thank you

[@michellelane5312]

Thank you, very helpful and can't wait to do "happy hour!"

[@garyhampton4311]

I've just come back from Florence in January. You're definitely right about the time of year to go - it was comfortably warm (pretty lucky with the weather), it was a very quiet time of year. I didn't have to worry about pre-booking tickets which allowed me to be flexible each day. It only took me about ten minutes to get into both the Uffize and the Duomo. I adore Italy, but visiting the cities can be hellish in the Summer for both the unrelenting heat and the myriad toursts. In fact, late November to early February is always the best time to visit the cities (Venice in winter, although cold, is hauntingly beautiful). By the way, the taxis are not so expensive. If you can get a flight to the airport local to Florence, it's only €22 to the centre, and only takes about 20 minutes. The only other time I took a taxi was to go to Piazzale Michelangelo which is a bit steep to get to, which was about €10. Spectacular views first thing in the morning or as the evening draws in, and not too difficult to walk down from. Buon viaggio.

[@julianrivera9358]

Thank you for the information provided.

[@Twoesters]

Thank you for your video. I was trying to decide between two good places, one in Oltrano and the other in the historical district. Now I will choose Oltrano.

[@peterbateman676]

Very useful advice. Cheers

[@chelseajanele]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@maxmaxing17]

I loved your advices. And will definitely watch this video again before visiting Tuscany and Florence. Well done :) A big like from me.

[@tessacanzona610]

This was great, thank you!

[@MrGiantNoodle]

Great video! I will be traveling to Florence soon and you share some very insightful information. Thank you!

[@loveandlondon]

Welcome, have a great time!

[@destinationworld]

Great video and super useful! Can't wait to goto Florence. 😀🇮🇹

[@ucenic1]

Great info! Thanks!

[@johnjokela7513]

Thanks for this very helpful specific information. I plan to book ahead as you recommend, because standing in long lines in the heat is not fun.

[@xsample1000]

Brava ... well done. Good tips .. and I'm telling you as a 100% fiorentino from generations. cheers

[@suzannebrownlee9772]

Thank you very helpful. We are visiting Italy late September... Venice, Florence and Rome. will look for more of your videos!

[@loveandlondon]

Lovely!

[@soussous9640]

Thank you I'm planing to visit Florence in August

[@smpurani]

I am planning to visit Florence in September. Your video is very helpful!

[@BlueShoeMagoo]

Sujata Purani same! Leaving on Sunday

[@dcm703]

Heading there at the end of March, we can’t wait!

[@loveandlondon]

Nice!

[@LaChaleur]

I’m here in Florence right now watching this video!

[@roshawnbitsuie1572]

My family and I are heading to Florence in 2 weeks. Thank you for the tips. I'm hoping it's not too warm, but anything is better than this Arizona heat.

[@loveandlondon]

Ah well have a great time Roshawn!

[@alwaysnoticing]

Great tips, thanks!!

[@loveandlondon]

Welcome!

[@vivautd]

Your videos are really good and helpful..Cheers

[@loveandlondon]

Welcome Hasan!

[@marcofrosinini8530]

I’m from Florence and this is a very accurate video

[@pappuchak8605]

How is the weather like in May in Florence?! Nice cool?!

[@tookiecookie2266]

very interesting and helpful!!!!!!

[@NYchick23]

Great video! I am visiting Florence for about week in July and I've never been to Europe. Thanks for the tips. Really hoping to find some more information about non-touristy gems.

[@loveandlondon]

Have fun!

[@onlyhappywhenitrains92]

I was in Florence last Friday for a day, and it was beautiful!! I stayed in Rome for the rest of my European trip.

[@Yulia-kh1xb]

really great video!

[@karinemattacchini290]

visiting Florence in a few weeks. Can't wait, thanks for the tips. Was wondering where you got the different city prints on top of your shelf. They are fabulous.

[@chelseap7669]

I'm headed to Florence in 3 weeks. This video was super helpful. Would love your restaurant recommendations and lesser known sights to see.

[@loveandlondon]

Hey Chelsea, awesome! Glad it was helpful. I have a couple of blog posts on my website that will start you off, with more coming next week: loveandlondon.com/category/europe-tips/europe-travel-tips/italy/ If you signed up to the waitlist for my Florence 101 course then I'll send you emails when more Florence content gets published (link in description)

[@localtraveller6697]

Great video very informative! :) Awesome florence :)

[@batosato]

I am going to Florence for the first time this Feb 2023. Your tips are great!

[@loveandlondon]

Nice! This video is quite old so just be aware :)

[@ezharris7361]

train from Florence-Pisa every 20 mins it was 8 euros each way direct and took about an hour. The shuttle at Pisa train station goes to the airport every 10 mins for 5 euros, which took 5 mins. Pretty straightforward we found when there last week.

[@Martinwilhelminus]

Thanks for the tips. In the train to the airport as we speak to visit Florence!

[@loveandlondon]

Have fun!

[@robertellis5359]

MartinWB21 inj

[@retireorbust]

Great job. Informative w/o a lot of fluff. To the point. Going in October. First time to Italy. Staying in Lucca but will visit Florence.

[@cindyardoin1748]

A day trip itinerary would be fantastic!

[@gazzertrn]

thanks going there in june 2018 , really helpful vid will keep your comments in mind .

[@loveandlondon]

Welcome!

[@yelenay.6423]

Florence has its own airport. Very nice airport. There are a lot of flights connecting large European cities with Florence. The taxi from Florence airport to the Firenze center takes about 20 minutes and costs 22.00 Euro.

[@beermexui6775]

I just love u & all ur videos:) Good job! Already subscribed by the way.

[@loveandlondon]

Thanks :)

[@oliversimsiv]

i’m literally going to florence TODAY and now youtube decides to put it in my recommended

[@juliatrim5491]

I'm literally going today aswell❤

[@MihaelaClaudiaPuscas]

Amazing!!

[@artfrontgalleries1818]

We will spend 6 weeks in Florence in 2020. November 1 to Dec. 15. We always book museums online a week or so ahead.

[@danicagragg]

Love this! Headed there in a couple of weeks. Any tips on nightlife would be appreciated!

[@loveandlondon]

Hey Danica, head to Menagerie for nice cocktails. Enjoy and have a great time!

[@geskes]

Just came back from Tuscany and Florence and you are absolutely right on all 10 points. Unfortunately I only saw your video just now when we returned ;-)

[@DragonHeart29]

Going to Florence in a month so I am trying to collect as much information as possible. We will be staying for a day and a half then Sienna and Rome. So if you have any suggestions of the must see or do in Florence in a day please let me know in the comments 😄

[@pleunfloren4204]

MsSgirl92 the duomo, boboli gardens, Uffizi gallary, visiting palazzo Vecchio after 21:00, watching the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo and eating gelato were my favorite things to do. Have fun!

[@marcomugnaioni4373]

In Florence there is an airport. It 's at 10 km from to the center and can get it by the tram.

[@tholmes2661]

Agree on Jan. Was almost zero celcius. Walked straight into every site including David. All leather shops were more than 50% off. I brought a leather jacket for £200 that was easily £800-1000 high season. You just need to barter. Was my most expensive clothes purchase ever but is still my go to 10 years later and is still amazing. On a whole just do Europe in winter. Xmas markets, mulled wine, ice rinks, no crowds, locals etc. It just paints everything in this magical light that you just don't get in the overcrowded heat of August.

[@AmandaA0107]

My husband & I are headed to Italy in September.. Florence, Rome & Amalfi Coast. First time abroad for both of us! Excited and nervous! 😁

[@loveandlondon]

No need to be nervous! You'll have a great time.

[@navyretired230]

Thank you. Maybe if you could cover some special events like neighborhood swap meets and parades or other events.

We're going to Umbria this weekend but won't have time to see Florence - I'm so disappointed! It looks beautiful 😍

[@loveandlondon]

Oh that will be lovely !

[@luisarturomairenasegura4961]

Great ! Would like a video of Venice, sienna an Rome ! Thks

[@humlocker]

Hi and thanks for the weather hot tips. I've travel to Europe before and some of the places don't have a/c . this doesn't seem to bother most Europeans because they are used of the cold and heat without proper modern equipment so be aware if you travel to Europe. This June I 'm traveling to Cinque Terra and it will be hot but I'm staying in the upper hills less humid.

[@Ionabrodie69]

Is that right.. ?🙄perhaps we’re not whinging bastards like you yanks.. We are more than used to modern Equipment .. we even have ELECTRIC.. 😮🙄🇬🇧

[@78arunp]

Hi, Thanks for an amazing and informative video... Any thoughts on Florence in December??

[@rodriguezg100]

DO NOT let people at train stations "help you" with your luggage. Those are people do not work at the train stations but somehow still are allowed to be there. They are aggressive and will not go away if you don't give them money.

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

GLADYMAR Rodriguez Did this happen to you? How did you get out of that situation?

[@KingFuego]

Yeah they are junkies. Just ignore them and stay away from shady people.

[@oscarcheng5525]

same in much of South East and South Asia

[@SteppingStonevlogs]

Thanks for the wisdom!

[@TheJunierBug]

I literally had a guy try to “help” me. I said no, walked away. And literally took my €2 euro when the machine dispensed it. So pist.

[@elenamancini8990]

Very nice video! l am from Florence and l agree with all you say, just two remarks: at 7pm you can definitely eat in a restaurant just do not expect a crowd, therefore it can be kind of weird but nice. Not earlier though. Food specialties: you forgot my favorite one, tipical of Florence, thr Pappa al pomodoro (or pappa col pomodoro). Do not miss it 😉

[@CodyDunlap]

Elena Mancini agreed. It seems like you can eat 12-3 then 6-2am with there being no crowd from 6-8. Very interesting how nobody eats breakfast here.

[@arwenmegan]

Great tips, planning to visit Rome, Florence and Venice next summer (yeah summer, our daughter is off so no choice but summer)

[@loveandlondon]

Awesome Jason, you'll have a great trip!

[@kv-vt1wh]

Loved your video, informative as usual. I was wondering if you know anything about the bagbnb in front of the Santa Maria Novella train station? Specifically, if you've read any reviews regarding if it was user-friendly, indeed locked and without theft, etc.

[@loveandlondon]

I'm not sure what a bagbnb is :)

[@kv-vt1wh]

Love and London Here is the link: bagbnb.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA_c7UBRAjEiwApCZi8SVmqiQwHk0vCgnMNk-s6Yq7zv0UVvrIoomdMNJBgelX5ATyQXutfxoC0gUQAvD_BwE

[@loveandlondon]

I've never used it but I'm sure it's ok :) I personally would prefer to leave it rather than have to drag it along with me all day.

[@MMike1964]

Hi. Great video and advice. Planning on taking the family to Italy in June (yes I know it will be hot, but schedules are not going to allow us to go in the cooler months). Looking to spend 3 days in Florence, 3 in Rome and 2 at the Amalfi Coast. Any suggestions for sites to see outside the cities?

[@kashef1985]

I’ve just got back from Florence, there are two direct trains from Pisa to Florence SMN every hour.

[@Ann-zl7jn]

Awesome tips! We're visiting Florence soon. What do you recommend for Food Tour? We have two small children. Thanks!

[@ElaineBodha]

Thank you for this video. Will be visiting this gorgeous city including Rome, Venice and Milan in September - so excited!!!!

[@loveandlondon]

Have a great time!

[@pushtidesai7617]

Hey your videos are amazing. I am going to visit Italy during October. Can you please film a clothing look book during October?

[@Zante_on_google]

Regarding the airports, Pisa airport no longer has train tracks, they've been ripped up. There is a shuttle bus going between the airport and Pisa Centrale. I usually prefer to use Florence airport though, much more convenient, and you can get some good deals if you book early.

[@loveandlondon]

Hey Zante, they now have a shuttle train to/from pisa airport to pisa centrale.

[@Zante_on_google]

Since when? I fly to London every month, but for just over a year I've been using Peretola only, so it must be quite recent. Last time I went through Pisa it was June 2017 and there were no tracks.

[@SC-ew7pm]

There is the Pisa mover. This is a service that runs from the airport to Pisa centrale train station it costs €2.50 and takes about 5 minutes. I've used it every time I've visited.

[@down0068]

hey this was great!! did you end up going closer to Genoa and Camogli?

[@adelapeskorz9124]

First of all, thanks for your incredibly informative and helpful videos. One thing I am really nervous about is getting trains and buses right. We are flying into the Rome Airport (we used miles and this was the only way to make the amount we had squirreled away and extra fees manageable). We had thought taking a train straight from the airport was possible, but there seem to be only two and our arrival time seems to eliminate both as options. Since we would rather avoid extra stops from an already heavy travel day, we were instead thinking about the newer Fiumicino Express bus. Do you know anything about this and especially whether or not these need the same kind of validation stamps the train requires? Also, would you know if these can be pre-purchased from the US before going? Again, thanks so much for your insights and insider tips; they are enormously helpful and I've already learned a ton, thanks to you!

[@loveandlondon]

Hey Adela! I believe there's still a direct train from Fiumicino to Rome's main terminal. It will be quicker than the bus, but cost more. No validation needed for the bus but you'll have to check on the bus website to see if you can buy online, last time I used it, you could easily buy tickets at counter. Hope that helps!

[@navyretired230]

Thank you for sharing. Do you see any issue with taking the city bus with luggage from Santa Maria 20 minutes to the East side of the city? One carry on and one larger bag. early Afternoon weekday

[@simonadong6343]

I would like to tell everyone that the light rail t2 from Florence airport to the city center has been built. It takes less than half an hour to get there. The ticket price is 1.5 euros

[@annainaspen]

There is also the Firenze card. If I was going anytime other than winter I would just get it. It is a museum pass. You don’t wait in line with it. I know you are talking about Pisa but I always fly into Florence. It is around 20-25€ for a taxi. If you are flying from Europe look into flying into Florence. When I flew from the states our connection was through Frankfurt and then to Florence. I fly from Paris direct to Florence and also some carriers will connect through Rome. I also try to go to Florence once or twice a year.

[@loveandlondon]

I once layed over in Frankfurt too! I got a good deal on the flight because I was a student but after that, I only found those flights to be sooooo expensive. Generally speaking, Pisa will be cheaper to fly into.

[@annainaspen]

Love and London what I do now is fly to Paris and then fly to Florence. From Aspen I pay RT $587 and that is dirt cheap or from Denver $509 or less. Then I book another airlines to Florence RT for $180 or less including a checked bag. This is way less expensive than booking direct to Florence for me at least.

[@loveandlondon]

Totally-- hope you never have a super delayed flight to Paris! but I like your hacking :D

[@marianexuanpham]

Thanks for the video. Can you please advise best transportation from Assisi to Florence? Thanks.

[@amrehu88]

While on vacation, I flew in to Florence Peretola airport and took the tram to the city center. It was only a 20 min ride... and cheaper than a taxi.

[@LockedinAHazee]

How is the pick pocketing situation in florence? Is it less compared to Rome? You mentioned you like Florence in October. Does it get significantly cooler then? I'm thinking of going in October 😄

[@2002coldflower]

U nailed It girl. I live in florence and worked always in diffrent tourism departments so from my point of view u adviced all at best .

[@fabianriechers195]

Regarding transfers from Pisa airport to Florence: You can no longer take the direct coach to the center of Florence. They broke that once very convenient and comfortable transfer into several steps (in order to get more money out of tourists I suppose). You now need to take a train shuttle (takes literally two minutes and obviously costs money) to the new, external coach stop. Then you take the usual coaches to Florence. But surprise: it drops you outside the center - actually not far away from Florence airport - where you then need to take the tram (stuffed with people and super slow) or pay for a taxi. Great!

[@rheajain6821]

Hi I'll be visiting Florence in a month...so can you tell me some budget friendly places to eat and shop. Also are the outlet malls worth visiting and how far are they from city centre

[@jessicaawong]

such perfect timing!! currently planning my Europe trip for October/November and this quick video on Florence is amazing!!

[@loveandlondon]

Wooohoo!

[@mattepelman3320]

great video! any tips on doing florence in just one day? also advice on train selections from the major cities. we are considering going to florence from rome and back in one day. worth it?

[@loveandlondon]

Definitely do more than one day!

[@mattepelman3320]

@@loveandlondon lol we wish. so skip it u think and stay in rome?

[@ometofu]

one day is more than enough. florence is small. booked museum ticket way ahead. so u don’t have to wait online. book lunch and dinner. taxi to Piazza di Michelangelo and not walk up. don’t eat at Za Za. Macato food court is overrated but ok. Ask me anything i go there yearly... unlike Rome where Uber is awesome. florence got no taxi apps.

[@don7117]

Heading to Italy with my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary. Our first time to Europe. Visiting Florence, Rome, and Positano. Your videos and blog posts are very helpful. Thanks!

[@loveandlondon]

Wow, what an amazing trip Don! Have a great time.

[@gunterramp4437]

thanks for the very informative video. just wanna ask how long will it takes from st peter balica to florence by train or taxi? what kind of tranportation you can suggest. thanks

[@loveandlondon]

Use Rome2Rio to figure it out :) Taxi will be verrryyyyyyyyy expensive.

[@9fierce9]

Flying from Sicily, I always fly to the Florence airport without a problem.

[@loveandlondon]

I'm sure you do!

[@Kideaproduction]

love the sunset at florence! missed my holidays there last year

[@martanika7554]

So much to look at there I bet

[@RChhaya]

Where did you buy the “major city decor frames” in the background? Amazing decoration idea I’d like to copy!

[@loveandlondon]

Hey Ronak, thanks! They're from this Etsy shop: fave.co/2k0oSZ1

[@pableaux76]

Great video... i am going in April. I plan to hit Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Napoli using the eurrail pass. I am not sure if i should just get a hotel/airbnb in one city maybe Rome.... or should i spread out my hotel/airbnb stays for the 2 weeks of being there?

[@loveandlondon]

Those places are too far (and too great) for day trips :)

[@pableaux76]

Ok thanks. Even if I stay part of the trip in Rome and the other in Milan?

[@massimilianosabatini2833]

Ma mi potevi avvertire... Sarei stato un'ottima guida!!! Baci da Firenze!!!

[@loveandlondon]

❤️

[@Jrprez22]

Love Florence so much. Took the train from Rome and stayed right on the Ponte Vecchio. Love Florence the most. great sights and wonderful people. (not my favorite food in the tourist area). Take the little busses. Very cheap or free. (Locals don't pay.)

[@loveandlondon]

Yes you usually need to get away from the tourist areas to eat well (as in most cities really!) Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ahmadsamir4678]

Thanks for this great video i am planning to visit italy next month & florence one of the cities i will visit can you help me to tell me the most attractive places to go

[@heliotropezzz333]

Ahmad Samir. I would recommend: The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) The Duomo (Cathedral), the Uffizi (art gallery) Fiesole (town older than Florence in the hills overlooking Florence), Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria, Galileo's House, Dante's House Museum, Boboli Gardens.

[@Myria83]

Actually, locals DO pay to get on those buses... They usually have a pre-paid monthly or year-round pass.

[@beckyhung76]

Love Florence

[@abhishekpatil1522]

Grazie

[@tfamily5561]

Thanks for this video. I just decided to plan a solo trip to Florence late October/November. This will be my 1st trip outside of the USA. Well the Caribbean but those were cruises. I will admit I am nervous because I don't speak any other languages at this point. Any other suggestions for solo travelers. Is it rainy in November?

[@loveandlondon]

You could learn a whole lot of Italian by October! :)

[@azizahmad1614]

Jusr for back this Saturday from Italy. Stay at My Friends Hostel. The owner has a very good map with hand sketched best spots around the city. Eat at Fuoco Matto, All Antico, il Re gelato.

[@tfamily5561]

Love and London Yes, I am super excited. I just found channel that teaches Italian. The channel has changed my entire view on learning new languages.

[@Myria83]

November is usually the rainiest month, in Italy.

[@-Pocky-God-]

I’m going this July for 3 days. I’m kinda concerned about the heat. I’m from South Texas where summers get pretty hot and humid. What type of hot should I expect? And also I’ll be by myself. Any tips for me to do and not do?