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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[kenlee]

For those who intend to do a 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.

[michaeljohnangel]

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.

[alecgreaves]

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.

[batosato]

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

[yelenay.]

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.

[garyhampton]

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.

[oliversimsiv]

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

[rsdr]

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

[nuggitron]

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

[marcofrosinini]

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

[marcomugnaioni]

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

[LaChaleur]

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

[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

[nicholas]

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

[rodriguezg]

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.

[tholmes]

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.

[ME_Privato]

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 😉

[xsample]

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

[ezharris]

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.

[maxmaxing]

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