About Florence – Guides in Florence

Enjoy your holiday in Florence

To help you plan your time in Florence, we have put together some frequently asked questions with specific information and contacts.

Museums

We recommend that you make reservations for the museums in Florence. This would be strongly advised for the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia (David) museums.

Firenze Musei

How can I book tickets?

For Uffizi, Accademia (David) and other State Museums you can contact the call center of Firenze Musei at +39 055 294883 or +39 055 2654321.

Can I buy tickets online for Uffizi and Accademia (David)?

Yes, you can buy tickets online visiting the official websites.

Galleria degli Uffizi

Galleria dell’Accademia

Or through the Firenze Musei website, where you can book and buy tickets for all other State Museums, too.

Firenze Musei

Where can I find the list of all florentine Museums?

At Feel Florence, where you can also find timetables, prices and contacts.

Feel Florence

Can I buy a Pass that allowes me to visit most of the churches and museums?

Yes, it is called Firenze Card. For more information you can visit the official website.

Firenze Card

Churches

Most churches have free entrance, however during services or special events access is limited or forbidden.
Tickets are requested when visiting the monumental part of some churches: at this time the San Lorenzo or Santa Maria Novella tickets are purchased only on location. For the churches of Santa Croce or the Duomo you can purchase them also online.

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Opera del Duomo di Firenze

Basilica di Santa Croce

How do I buy tickets to climb the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore?

These tickets are called Brunelleschi Pass and offer a combination of entrances.

Opera del Duomo di Firenze

It is recommended that during the high season (March-October) such tickets are purchased as soon as possible, at least a few weeks ahead to avoid issues of sold out days.

What is the dress code for churches?

Legs covered to the knees and no bare shoulders.

Is there any pass for visiting all churches?

For visiting most of them you can use the Firenze Card.

Firenze Card

For a priority entrance to the Duomo you have to buy a separate ticket (see above).

Transport

When staying in the city centre it is not necessary to use transportation because all the major sightseeing is within walking distance. If you plan to go outside the city centre, you can use the bus or tram line service of Autolinee Toscae. You can buy tickets from a vending machine located at each of the tram line stops. Also, tickets for the bus system and the tram line can be purchased at most Tobacco stores and newspaper stands.

Autolinee Toscane

How can I reach the city centre from the airport Amerigo Vespucci?

The airport of Florence is only 5 km distant from the central train station Santa Maria Novella.

You can reach it with the T2 tram line in 20 minutes:

Gest

Or with the Volainbus shuttle:

Aeroporto di Firenze

For reaching the train station and other parts of the city centre you can also reserve a taxi calling:

4242

4390

How distant is the train station from the Duomo?

The Santa Maria Novella station is located in the city center, only a few steps from the main landmarks.

Trenitalia

How do you call a taxi in Florence?

You need to dial +39 055 4242 or +39 055 4390.

4242

4390

Where can I park in the city centre?

There is only paid parking in the city centre. More information on where to find the location of the parking areas and availability are available online.

FiPark

Can I reach the city centre with a private bus?

You can get very close to the city center but the driver has to buy a pass online in advance. On the same website you can also find information about bus stops and locations to get on and off the bus.

Servizi alla Strada

Is there a place where you can store your luggage near the city centre?

There are some locations near the train station Santa Maria Novella and also near the Duomo.

KiBag

Left Luggage

Food & Wine

Florence and Tuscany are a real Paradise for lovers of good food and wine. From street food to gourmet restaurants the city offers a great variety of local specialities.

What are the specialities of the florentine culinary tradition?

10 dishes of the Florentine tradition

Where can I buy the typical florentine products?

We recommend the two historical markets of the city:

Mercato di San Lorenzo

Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio

Where can I find a good sandwich with the local tripe called “lampredotto”?

There are many tripe stands in Florence, but if you are looking for the best ones you can check here:

Best 5 tripe stands in Florence

Surroundings of Florence

With public transportation from Florence you can easily reach the countryside or some historical villages on the hills.

What can I see in the surroundings of Florence?

The hamlet of Fiesole is one of the most beloved destinations for short excursions from the city centre. There you can visit a famous archaeological site, the Cathedral and the medieval Monastery of Saint Francis. The bus n.7 of Autolinee Toscane or a taxi can take you there in only 20 minutes from the city centre.

Comune di Fiesole

Autolinee Toscane

If you would like to see some Medici Villas, with buses n.28 or n.2 in 30 minutes or by taxi in about 20 minutes you can reach the “Villa di Castello” and then, in a few minutes walk, “Villa Petraia”. Both offer free access to their marvellous gardens.

Ville e Giardini Medicei

Autolinee Toscane