Florence: Your Complete Guide

Autumn (September to November) brings cooler, pleasant temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C to 27°C, and beautiful foliage, making it an excellent time for sightseeing. Crowds are generally thinner than in summer, particularly in October and November. This season is also a highlight for food and wine lovers, being the harvest season in Tuscany, with events like the Chianti Classico Wine Festival in September. November is usually the wettest month, so an umbrella is recommended.

Spring (March to May) is a delightful time to visit Florence, with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C and the city coming alive with blooming flowers. Key events include the traditional Scoppio del Carro during Easter. While the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration, be mindful that crowds start to build, especially around Easter and public holidays like April 25th, potentially leading to higher prices.

Summers (June to August) in Florence are hot and bustling, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and July being the warmest month, sometimes reaching up to 32°C or even 40°C. This is peak tourist season, meaning larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation and flights. Many outdoor festivals and events take place, though some local businesses may close in August as Florentines take their holidays. It's best to explore indoor attractions during the scorching afternoons and enjoy the city in the mornings and evenings.

Winters (December to February) in Florence are mild compared to many northern cities, with average temperatures from 3°C to 12°C, and snowfall being rare. December offers a magical festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and decorations. This is the low season for tourism, resulting in fewer crowds and more affordable prices for accommodation and airfare, providing a more intimate experience of the city's indoor attractions like museums and galleries.

The historical heart of Florence, home to the iconic Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. This area also includes Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, making it ideal for art and architecture enthusiasts despite its bustling atmosphere.

Located on the 'other side of the Arno' river, this district is known for its authentic Florentine charm, artisan workshops, and a vibrant local atmosphere. It offers a mix of hip restaurants, traditional crafts, and sites like the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Situated north of the Duomo, these neighborhoods feature the lively San Lorenzo Market, the Mercato Centrale food hall, the Basilica of San Lorenzo with its Medici Chapels, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David. It's known for affordable dining and a bustling market scene.

East of the city center, this area is centered around the impressive Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of many famous Italians. Sant'Ambrogio boasts Florence's oldest food market and a genuine local feel, with lively bars and restaurants, particularly popular in the evenings.

Located west of the historic center and north of the Arno, this elegant neighborhood is centered around the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a treasure trove of Renaissance art. It's also home to the historic Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the city.

Cycling is a popular way to explore Florence, especially within its historic center, which is largely closed to motor traffic. While dedicated bike paths are limited within the immediate city center, over 90 km of paths exist, predominantly outside the core and along the Arno River. For convenient cycling, consider using the RideMovi bike-sharing system, which operates via a smartphone app. It offers traditional bikes (€1.25 for 20 minutes) and e-bikes (€0.30 per minute plus a €1 unlock fee) with a 'free-flow' model, allowing you to pick up and drop off bikes at any designated bike rack. Numerous private bike rental shops also offer various bicycles. Cyclists should be mindful of traffic rules, as riding against traffic on one-way streets is not permitted, and exercise caution when sharing roads with cars, scooters, and pedestrians.

Florence is consistently ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the world, with its historic center being a pedestrian's paradise. Major landmarks such as the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are all within a half-mile radius, making it possible to visit them on foot within minutes. The city's narrow, car-restricted lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets encourage leisurely exploration. Due to cobblestone streets, comfortable and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Florence is generally safe for walking, even at night in well-lit areas, but standard vigilance is always advised.

Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is conveniently located about 8 km from the city center. The most efficient way to reach the city center is via the T2 tram line, which takes approximately 18-20 minutes to the Unità station, near the Santa Maria Novella train station. A single tram ticket costs €1.70. Taxis are also readily available, offering a fixed rate of around €28 during the day and €32 at night to the central district, with potential extra fees for luggage (€1.10) or additional passengers. Private transfer services are another option, with prices varying by provider and service level.

Florence's public transportation mainly consists of buses and a tram system, managed by Autolinee Toscane. A single ticket, valid for 90 minutes across buses and trams, costs €1.70. You can purchase tickets at tobacco shops (Tabaccherie), newsagents, electronic ticket machines at tram stops, or most conveniently, by tapping a contactless credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly on the onboard validators for a slightly discounted fare of €1.50. Day buses typically operate from 6 am to 10 pm, while trams run from early morning until around midnight, extending later on Fridays and Saturdays. There are no daily or weekly passes for tourists; only monthly subscriptions are available online.