Florence

Politically, economically, and culturally, Florence was the most important city in Europe for around 250 years, from some time before 1300 until the early 1500s.
Florentines reinvented money, in the form of the gold florin. This currency was the engine that drove Europe out of the "Dark Ages", a term invented by Petrarch, a Florentine whose family had been exiled to Arezzo. They financed the development of industry all over Europe, from Britain to Bruges, Lyon and Hungary. They financed the English kings during the Hundred Years' War. They financed the papacy, including the construction of the papal palace in Avignon, and the reconstruction of St. Peter's and the Vatican when the papacy returned to Rome from the "Babylonian captivity".
Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio pioneered the use of the vernacular — the use of a locally spoken language, rather than Latin, and in their case, it was Tuscan, which, because of them, became the standard Italian language. Because Dante, et al., wrote in Tuscan, Geoffrey Chaucer, who spent a lot of time in Northern Italy and who used some of Boccaccio's little stories to inspire his Canterbury Tales, wrote in English. Others started writing in French and Spanish. This was the beginning of the end of Latin as a common language throughout Europe.
The Florentines, perhaps most notably Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1466) and Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), invented both Renaissance and neoclassical architecture. These architectural styles revolutionised the way Rome, London, Paris and every other major city in Europe, from Barcelona to St. Petersburg, were built.
Florentines were the driving force behind the Age of Discovery. Florentine bankers financed Henry the Navigator and the Portuguese explorers, who pioneered the route around Africa to India and the Far East. It was a map drawn by the Florentine Paulo del Pozzo Toscanelli, a student of Brunelleschi, that Columbus used to sell his "enterprise" to the Spanish monarchs, and which he then used on his first voyage. Mercator's famous "Projection" is a refined version of Toscanelli's map, taking into account the Americas, of which the Florentine was obviously ignorant. The western hemisphere itself is named after a Florentine writer who claimed to be an explorer and mapmaker, Amerigo Vespucci.

Galileo and other scientists pioneered the study of optics, ballistics, astronomy, anatomy, and so on. Pico della Mirandola, Leonardo Bruni, Machiavelli, and many others laid the groundwork for our understanding of political science.
Opera was invented in Florence.
And that is just a smidgen of what went on in this city, which never had a population above 60,000 from the first attack of the plague in 1348 until long, long after it became unimportant.
And there were the Medici, perhaps the most important family that ever lived. The Medicis changed the world more than any other family. Forget all the art for which they paid. They taught first the other Italians, and then the rest of the Europeans, how to conduct statecraft. For example, Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589) married Henry II of France (reigned 1547-1559). After he died, Catherine ruled France as regent for her young sons, and was instrumental in turning France into Europe’s first nation-state. She brought the Renaissance into France, introducing everything from the châteaux of the Loire to the fork. She also was, to 16th and 17th century European royalty, what Queen Victoria was to the 19th and 20th centuries – everybody’s grandmama. Her children included three kings of France, Francis II (ruled 1559-1560), Charles IX (ruled 1560-1574) and Henry III (ruled 1574-1589). Her children-in-law included a fourth king of France, Henry IV (ruled 1589-1610), plus Elizabeth of Hapsburg, Philip II of Spain (of Armada fame), and Mary Queen of Scots.
And that is without mentioning any "artists". From Arnolfo and Cimabue to Giotto, Nanni di Banco, and Uccello; through Lorenzo Ghiberti and Donatello and Masaccio and the various della Robbias; through Fra Angelico and Sandro Botticelli and Piero della Francesca, and on to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the Florentines dominated the visual arts like nobody before or since. And this list does not include many who, in any other place, would be considered among the greatest of artists, but in Florence must be considered among the near-great: Benvenuto Cellini, Andrea del Sarto, Benozzo Gozzoli, Giorgio Vasari, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Fra Lippo Lippi, Buontalenti, Orcagna, Pollaiuolo, Filippino Lippi, Andrea del Verrocchio, Bronzino, Desiderio da Settignano, Michelozzo, the Rossellis, the Sangallos, Pontormo. And this list does not include the prolific Ignoto. Nor does it include the near-Florentines, such as Raphael, Andrea Pisano, Giambologna, the wonderfully nicknamed Sodoma and so many more, such as Peter-Paul Rubens, all of whom spent time in Florence and were educated by it.

By plane

The best airport for Florence is usually Pisa International Airport (PSA), just 2 km south of the centre of Pisa. This has extensive connections across Europe and beyond, and most budget airlines fly in there. There are direct buses between the airport and Florence Piazzale Montelungo, which is east side of the main railway station Santa Maria Novella. (On arrival, follow ramp into station to access city centre.) Buses are run by Autostradale (cream buses) and Caronna (black buses) every 75 mins or so till 00:40, taking 70 mins. Single fare €14, you can buy tickets in the baggage hall before exiting through Customs. Alternatively take "Pisamover" tram or airport bus or taxi to Pisa Centrale railway station, which has frequent trains to Florence SMN via Rifredi.
Florence's own airport is

Amerigo Vespucci International AirportKnown locally as "Peretola", this has only a single runway hemmed in by hills, and limited flights. However it's become a base for Vueling, flying via Barcelona, and direct destinations (some seasonal) include Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London City LCY, Munich, Paris CDG, Rome and Zürich. Reaching city centre takes 15-20 minutes by taxi or bus.

From airport by bus: The Volainbus shuttles between airport and SMN main railway station every half an hour from 05:30 to 20:00, then hourly to around midnight. The city bus stop is the ATAF-SITA bus station, west side of the railway station; some early morning / late night buses run from the corner of Valfonda and Piazza Adua north of the railway station. Fare €6 one way, €10 return, buy it on the bus.
You can save all of €4 by taking a standard city bus from Via Pratese; it's only 10 minutes walk but involves scuttling across the autostrada A11. Walk out of the terminal, ignore the airport bus stop, and cross the northbound carriageway of A11. Ignore likewise the bus stop midway, which has few services, but choose your moment to dash across the southbound carriageway - there's no crosswalk. Go under the flyover into Via Piantanida, the little residential street directly opposite, and turn right at the other end into Via Pratese. A bus stop, and a newspaper kiosk that sells tickets, are across the street. Tickets are €1.20: if the kiosk is closed just pay the bus driver €2 (and he won't give change). Any bus from that side of the street will drop you near SMN railway station, and they run about every 15 minutes.
To return to the airport from central Florence, a cheap easy option is the coach to Prato, which stops right outside the airport. They leave from the at the end of Via Nazionale near SMN station, round the corner from McDonald's. Look for big blue coaches. Buy your ticket (€1.20) from the CAP office right next to the bus stops. You can do this in advance. Buses run every 15 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00. Ask the driver for "aeroporto" or "Peretola" (the suburb it's in).
Taxis charge a €25 flat rate from the airport to anywhere in the historic centre of Florence, plus €1 per large item of luggage.

By train

Frequent direct trains connect Florence with Rome (90 mins), Milan (1 hr 40 min), Venice (2 hr), Naples (2 hrs 50 min) and Italy's other main cities.
Coming by train from other countries usually involves changing at Milan. However a direct Nightjet runs from Munich leaving around 20:00, reaching Florence around 06:00 and continuing to Rome, with the return leaving Florence towards 22:00 to reach Munich shortly after 08:00. The fare is about €100. This Nightjet divides and also runs to Vienna, with similar times.
Almost all trains run from the main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella|alt=Firenze SMN on the north edge of the historic old town, near most accommodation and sights. There's a bank of Trenitalia ticket machines (cards or cash accepted) on the terminus platform concourse, staffed kiosks in the main hall, and various fast food options there and nearby. An underpass leads south into Piazza SMN.
A few regional trains bypass SMN, calling at Firenze Campo Marte, 2 km east near Florence Stadium, Firenze Statuto 1 km north of SMN, and Firenze Rifredi, 2 km north of SMN. Unless your ticket specifies otherwise, it's valid for any connecting train between those stations and SMN - you'll seldom have to wait longer than ten minutes. Otherwise take a bus or taxi from the street outside.

By car

Florence is well connected by good highways to the rest of Italy. Autostrada A-1 runs to Bologna, Milan and the North, and to Rome and the South. Use Firenze-Impruneta exit for these routes and for Siena via the "Fi-Si" highway. A-11 runs to Pisa and the West: for north of the river follow A-11 to the end, for south of the river turn onto A-1 south to Firenze-Scandicci exit.
Driving in the historic centre - inside the wide "viale" where the old city walls were (and still are, south of the river) - is strictly prohibited, except for residents with permits. This is ferociously enforced by camera - if you drive in the prohibited areas, you will be hunted down and sent a stiff fine - around €100 for every camera you pass before escaping the zone. The city raises over €50 million in traffic fines each year, half of this from traffic zone offences.
If you're just visiting for the day, use the Park & Ride areas at the edge of town, for instance Villa Constanza (described below under "By bus"). You can't leave your car overnight here.
If you're driving to pre-booked accommodation in the centre, check ahead with them: given your car registration (Italian targa) they may be able to get you a 30-minute waiver, barely enough to find the hotel in the warren of old streets, drop luggage and check in, then take the car out of the zone. Central car rental offices likewise have a waiver and permitted route to exit and re-enter the city.
Firenze Parking run a dozen or so edge-of-centre parking lots, with a long walk or a short bus ride to the centre. For example the lot just north of Piazza della Liberta charges €10 per day, €70 per week.
Near the centre, parking is more expensive: e.g. a garage costs €30 per night. On the street, you can only use a blue parking space, if you're lucky enough to find one free. White parking places are for residents only and yellow ones are reserved. The price is €1 per hour and charges apply from 08:00 to 20:00; leave the ticket visible inside the car. You need coins for parking, as the machine won't accept banknotes or cards.

By bus

Flixbus ply direct between Florence and Rome (3 hr 30, two per hour), Milan (4 hours, roughly hourly), Perugia (2 hours, 4 times), Naples (7 hours, every 2-3 hours), Geneva (12 hours, one overnight, else change in Milan), Marseille (9 hours overnight), Paris (17 hours), Munich (4 per day, 9 hours), Zurich (9 hours), Frankfurt (14 hours), Vienna (12 hours) and Budapest (14 hours).
Buses that originate or terminate in Florence run from the downtown bus station on Piazzale Montelungo next to SMN railway station. Buses that are passing Florence between other cities pick up and drop off at , just off Autostrada A-1 on the west edge of the city - take Tram 1. (And see "Get around: By tram" for practicalities.) The parking lot is short of shelter or other facilities.

Busitalia SITA Nord Autostazione

address: Via Santa Caterina da Siena, 15/17

Main bus stop for Tiemme SpA and CAPautolinee. Which serve many cities in Tuscany and beyond.

Firenzecard

The Firenzecard is a 72-hour pass giving access to some 80 museums, costing €85 per person (see "See"). It doesn't cover public transport, but you can add this with a Firenzecard+ for an extra €7 - this can't be bought separately. It covers you and any other family member under 18 travelling with you. Since the average entrance fee is €8.50, you'll need to see more than ten museums in your 72 hours to show a saving, but that target dwindles if you have other young family with you. It also gets you priority entrance; pre-booking is otherwise near-essential for the big name museums.

By foot

Most of the major tourist sights in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other. It is possible to walk from one end of the historic center of Florence to the other - north-south or east-west in a half hour. Walking is not only an easy way to get around, it also offers the chance to 'take in' much more of the city life. Be warned though, that electric motor scooters are small enough to fit where cars cannot. They are silent but quick and in the summer they often travel into the plazas. Some of the streets in central Florence are closed to traffic. Many more are simply too narrow for buses to get through. Therefore, bus and car tours are not recommended. This is a very small, very compact city that really needs to be seen by foot. And, of course, if you need to, you can always buy a new pair of shoes in Florence.

By bicycle

There is a bike rental service organized by the city. Bikes can be hired at several points in the city (and returned to the same place). One of the most convenient for tourists is located at SMN station. There are other locations at many railway stations, but often with restricted opening hours.
While there are hills north and south of the center of town, almost all of the historic center of Florence is easy for bikers, because it is as flat as a hat - flatter than that. But there is a problem: Traffic is terrible with buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians are fighting for almost no space. So pay attention.
Beyond the city bikes, some of the hotels in town provide their guest with free bicycles. Bike shops also often rent bikes and some of them organize guided bike tours in the countryside.

By taxi

Taxis are available, but it may be best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead. Taxis should be called by phone and the nearest one available is sent to you through the company's radio system with its meter ticking away. In Florence, it can be difficult to hail a cab from the street curb. You either call for one or get one at the very few taxi stands. One popular taxi stand is at the central Santa Maria Novella Train Station and in a few major squares. The first taxi in the taxi stand line should be free - ask in case of doubt. Most taxis do not take credit card for payment. Be sure to have cash and ask in advance in case you only have a credit card with you. Taxis in Florence are relatively expensive. Tipping is not expected, unless the driver helps you carry luggage etc.

By bus

Another way of getting around is by using the public buses from ATAF. A single ticket costs €1.50, a carnet of 10 tickets - €14. You can buy tickets at tabacchi (shops selling tobacco, which are marked with official looking "T"s out front"), kiosks/newsagents/bars where the symbol "Biglietti ATAF" is shown, as well as at the ATAF ticketing office at the bus station outside Santa Maria Novella train station. Within 90 minutes of stamping/swiping you can hop-off & hop-on on any bus of the urban ATAF network. Tickets need to be stamped when entering the bus (from the front and rear doors of buses - the central door is supposed to be exit only; though now it is more accepted to enter from the central door). If you are unable to find a ticket vendor, the automated parking kiosks will sell one for €1.50 and accept credit cards and coins. A ticket may also be available from the driver at €2.50 but there are no availability guarantees.
Unfortunately and completely against Italian law, it is not uncommon to see bus drivers talking merrily on their mobile phone while driving. Don't expect riders to complain about it and don't panic - they will still drive with the same non-comfortable style as when they are "only driving". Hold tight to hand rails as Florence traffic is unpredictable and frequent sudden braking is necessary. Bus rides are not by all means "smooth". Buses are "safe" but pick pocketing is quite common. Please keep a close eye to your belongings and avoid showing off cash, jewelry, etc. especially in very crowded buses (especially for lines 17/23/14/22 - generally speaking any crowded bus can give a chance to pick pocket).

By tram

There are two tram lines in the city. The first one runs from Villa Constanza Park & Ride on the south-western edge of the city, just off the A-1, so most users are commuters. It runs into town through the western burbs of Scandicci and L'Isolotto to SMN main railway station (25 mins), then turns north to Rifredi and the University / Hospital area. It runs daily 05:00-00:30 every three to ten minutes, and a single ride costs €1.50. The second, recently opened (as of 2019) line connects the airport and the near west side to the city centre and the Santa Maria Novella station.

By car

Don't even think of it - see "Get in". Just thinking of it is probably enough to incur a fine.

Consider whether you'll benefit from buying a Firenzecard, described earlier, but learn from Stendahl and don't try to see too much. Most tourists rush to do the Uffizi, the Duomo and the Bargello. These are indeed splendid, but you may wait hours to get in, and be jostled by tour groups. Pre-book if you know you want to see them; otherwise spread out and see stuff that is equally fine but less touristy. A long weekend here could comfortably take in a sprinkling of old churches, and a couple of museums or galleries. But leave time and energy for just enjoying the ambience.
Churches: the standout is definitely the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. But other fine churches north of the river include San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Trinita, Santa Croce, Santo Spirito, SS Annunziata and Ognissanti. Highlights south of the river are Santa Maria del Carmine and San Miniato al Monte.
Art galleries: aim to do at least one of Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Accademia, Bargello and the Museum of the Works of the Duomo. They are filled with the brilliant creations of all the renaissance big names: Donatello, Verrochio, Desiderio da Settignano, and Michelangelo. There's also a leavening of modern galleries.
City views: the classic panorama is from Piazzale Michelangelo, on the hillside just south of the river, and from San Miniato al Monte a little higher up. But every tour bus pauses here for photos so it can get mobbed. Down on the riverside, perhaps the best view is from the south bank late afternoon, as Ponte Vecchio and the Centro Storico become bathed in honey-coloured light. There's also a great view from the dome of the Cathedral or Giotto's Bell Tower, and an even greater line to climb them.
Florence is featured in Assassin's Creed II; see Assassin's Creed Tour.

Piazza del Duomo

The Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, is an astonishing confection dominating the piazza below and the skyline above. It's the third largest Christian church in the world, behind St Peter's in Rome and St Paul's in London. It's an early example of "technology-forcing" - like the US lunar missions of the 1960s, the 13th C Florentines started building it without knowing how they'd complete it, until along came Brunelleschi and his vast crowning dome. The eye-catching facade is 19th C. In front of the cathedral is the ornate medieval Baptistery, in use until modern times. Also in the piazza is the Bell Tower, designed by Giotto. The artwork from these buildings has been replaced by replicas, with the originals in the adjacent Museum of the Works of the Duomo. Buy a combined ticket online for €18 (concessions €3) to enter the following monuments (one entry per monument, valid for 72 hours after first use, book up to 30 days ahead; all closed first Tuesday of the month):

• Santa Maria del FioreThe cathedral interior is to a basilica pattern; it's vast and at first feels dark and empty. Give your eyes time to adjust, and admire the stain glass windows, funeral monument of Bishop d'Orso, and altar of St Zanobius. Below is the Crypt (M-Sa 10:00-17:00) with remains of the preceding cathedral of Santa Reparata, and the tomb of Brunelleschi. Giotto is believed to lie here somewhere, but his tomb has yet to be identified. Above is the soaring cupola or Dome. The cathedral itself is free, but you need a pre-booked ticket and time slot to climb the 464 steps up to the Dome (entrance north side of the church). Slots are available M-F 08:30-19:00, Sa 08:30-17:00 and Su 13:00-16:00.

• Giotto's TowerAlmost 85 m tall, with 414 steps to climb, this richly decorated tower is topped by an open terrace with a panorama of the Duomo, city and surrounds.

• BaptisteryOctagonal plan, with a pyramidal roof covering its dome. It's famous for its bronze doors by Andrea Pisano (14th C) and Lorenzo Ghiberti (15th C) and a beautiful interior vault decorated with 13th C mosaics.

• Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

  address: Piazza del Duomo 9
  This houses original artworks from the Duomo and surrounding religious buildings, including sculptures by Donatello, a Michelangelo Pietà (different from his version in Saint Peter's, Rome) and the losing entries in the 1401 contest to design the doors of the Baptistery. Plus models and drawings of the Cathedral.

Museums

Book ahead for the big-name museums. All of these (plus Boboli Gardens) have a combined booking portal and there are several combi-tickets. In practice, it's Uffizi that draws the biggest crowds and so is hardest to access; your options are:

• Galleria degli Uffizi

  phone: +39 055 294883
  address: Piazzale degli Uffizi
  Outstanding fine art museum with Renaissance paintings and sculptures from classical antiquity. It's in a late 16th C palazzo designed by Vasari, in two wings enclosing a long narrow courtyard, effectively a street, an innovation in its day. Originally the palazzo was magistrates' offices (hence "Uffizi") and state archives; then it came to house the Medici's vast art collection. The artworks are on the first and second floors, they keep the lifts well hidden. Highlights include Birth of Venus by Boticelli, Dukes of Urbino by della Francesca, Medusa by Caravaggio, Venus of Urbino by Titian, Annunciation by da Vinci, Pope Leo X and family by Raphael, Velasquez' self-portrait, Rembrandt's final self-portrait, and many other big names. Allow three hours for a visit. Uffizi majors on Renaissance, so although later styles are represented they're few: you don't really come here for the 18th - 20th C material. The restaurant/cafè has a large balcony overlooking the main piazza with good views of the Palazzo Vecchio, and naturally their prices reflect the views.

• Bargello

  phone: +39 055 294883
  address: Via de Proconsolo 4
  Used as a barracks and prison until the 19th C, this museum houses some of the best Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture. Big names here include Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli, Andrea and Jacopo Sansovino, Desiderio da Settignano, Giambologna, and Antonio Rossellino. It also displays ceramics, textiles & tapestries, ivory, silver, armour and coins. Allow two hours.

• Galleria dell'Accademia

  address: Via Ricasoli 58-60
  Highlights are Michelangelo's original David (the one in Piazza della Signoria is a copy) and his unfinished Slaves. It also includes Florentine painting, a museum of musical instruments, and Russian icons. No photography is allowed inside. N.B. the "Accademia di Belle Arti" next door is a university department, not connected with the Gallery.

• Palazzo Pitti

  address: Piazza de' Pitti
  The original Pitti was a banker; the palace has housed royalty but became best known for its Medici family treasures. It's nowadays divided into four museums (same ticket): ground floor is the Treasury of the Grand Dukes; first floor houses the Palatine Gallery and the Royal and Imperial Apartments, second floor is the Modern Art Gallery and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. The Boboli gardens are just behind the palazzo.

• Palazzo Davanzati

  address: Via Porta Rossa
  a house museum with antique fittings and furniture

• Museo Galileo

  phone: +39 055 265 311
  address: Piazza dei Giudici 1
  This museum shows the evolution of the instruments used in various scientific fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy. The room of Galileo Galilei shows some of his original instruments as well as models from his drawings. The room of Spheres and Globes houses an excellent cartographic collection. In a rather macabre twist the museum also has the middle finger of Galileo's right hand on display.

• Museo Horne

  address: Palazzo Corsi on via dei Benci, 6
  Displays art and furnishings of the 14th & 15th C. The building and art collection were owned by art historian Herbert Percy Horne.

• Archaeological Museum

  address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata 9B
  The Etruscan art collection is particularly good.

• Museo Novecento

  address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella 10
  Gallery of 20th & 21st-century art, on three floors of palazzo.

• Museo Marini

  address: Piazza di San Pancrazio
  Houses the work of that contemporary sculptor.
• A Contemporary Art gallery is sited in , and there are several other collections around city centre.

• Stibbert MuseumHas a great collection of armour and arms.

Old town centre

• Palazzo VecchioOld city palace/city hall, adorned with fine art. The replica of Michelangelo's "David" is placed outside the main door in the original location of the statue, which is a symbol of the Comune of Florence. The site displays an important collection of Renaissance sculptures and paintings, including the Putto by Verrochio and the series of murals by Giorgio Vasari at the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundreds) - the hall which used to display the now lost Renaissance masterpiece, that is, the so-called Battaglia di Anghiari, by Leonardo da Vinci.

• Piazza della Signoria is the grand open space in front: not quite a square, as Palazzo Vecchio blocks out one corner. Sights here are the equestrian statue of Cosimo de Medici, the Fountain of Neptune, the statue of David, and Loggia dei Lanzi, an open arched gallery of Renaissance sculpture.

• Ponte VecchioThe oldest and most celebrated bridge over the Arno, and the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II. The design is distinctive: it's a three-arched bridge supporting a parade of shops supporting another bridge. It dates to 1345 (hence Ponte Vecchio, "old bridge"), with earlier bridges being swept away by floods, rebuilt and swept away again. At street level it's a pedestrianised cobbled arch. It's lined by shops, which were butchers until Renaissance times then - in an insight as dramatic as the discovery of perspective in painting - they realised that goldsmiths' shops paid higher rents and didn't stink; so from then to this day it's just been overpriced jewellery shops and market stalls. Above these is the higher bridge, the Vasari Corridor, a private walkway added in 1565 so that the Medici Dukes could move between Palazzo Vecchio (Town Hall) and Palazzo Pitti (their blingy residence) without mixing with common folk. On the south bank, the Corridor nowadays continues as a gallery of the Uffizi, and there is sometimes talk of extending this over the bridge, or otherwise making the space accessible. Nothing's come of this so far, so the common folk will have to continue admiring the scene from street level.

• Santa CroceContains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante, Rossini, and many other notables in addition to artistic decorations. There is also great artwork in the church. Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce (included in ticket) displays a flood-damaged but still beautiful Crucifix by Cimabue (Giotto's teacher), which has become a symbol of the disastrous floods of 1966. Ticket also includes Pazzi Chapel, a perfectly symmetrical example of sublime neo-Classic Renaissance architecture.

• Santa Maria NovellaA beautiful church with great artwork, including a restored Trinity by Masaccio. Also, the Chiostro Verde, to your left when facing the front entrance of the church, contains frescoes by Paolo Uccello which are quite unusual in style and well worth seeing, if the separate entrance is open. Off of the church's cloister is the wonderful Spanish Chapel which is covered in early Renaissance frescoes.

• OrsanmicheleA beautiful old church from the 14th century, which once functioned as a grain market.

• San LorenzoThe façade of this church was never completed, giving it a striking, rustic appearance. Inside the church is pure Renaissance neo-classical splendor. If you go around the back of the church, there is a separate entrance to the Medici chapels. Be sure to check out the stunning burial chapel of the princes and the sacristy down the corridor. The small sacristy is blessed with the presence of nine Michelangelo sculptures.

• San Marco ConventHouses frescoes by Fra Angelico and his workshop. Fra Angelico painted a series of frescoes for the cells in which the Dominican monks lived.

• Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence

  phone: +39 055 234 6654
  address: via Farini, 6
  Lovely Moorish-style synagogue built in 1882 and a museum with many artefacts and documentation of Florentine Jewish life going back many centuries; visits are guided.
• The English Cemetery in the 19th century received anyone that the city's churchyards wouldn't receive, e.g. Orthodox Christians, but Britons and Americans were the majority. Famous names here include Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Fanny Trollope and Beatrice Shakespeare, a relative of William. There are lots of ornate gravestones with flowery inscriptions in multiple languages. It's on the ring-road 1 km east of the centre near Campo di Marte railway station.

South bank of the Arno

• Santa FelicitaContains frescoes of the Annunciation and a painting of the Deposition of Christ by the brilliant and weird mannerist painter, Pontormo. They are to be found in the Barbadori Chapel, which is to your immediate right when entering the church.

• Pitti Palace: see Museum listing above.

• Boboli GardensElaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures, behind the Pitti Palace. Wonderful city views. Don't miss the Bardini gardens. Entrance to that is included in the combination ticket price for the Boboli, and it's a short walk from the Boboli Gardens. There are great views of the Duomo from the Bardini gardens.

• Natural History Museum ("La Specola") is on Via Romana next to Pitti Palace. Open Tu-Su 09:00-16:00.

• Santa Maria del CarmineFamous frescoes (Masaccio’s Adam and Eve Banished From the Garden and others by Lippi and Masolino) in the Brancacci Chapel.

• Piazzale MichelangeloPlaza on a hillside with a great view of the city. Go there by bus or climb the stairs and paths from the Lungarno della Zecca.

• San Miniato al MonteThe Sacristy contains frescoes by Spinello Aretino. In the cemetery near this church there are graves of famous people of Florence, including Carlo Lorenzi (Collodi) - author of the famous Pinocchio. Also, turn around when you reach the top of the stairs before entering the church, to see perhaps an even greater view of the city than from nearby Piazzale Michelangelo.

• Museo Stefano Bardini: collection of early Florentine art, housed in the Palazzo Mozzi just south of Ponte alla Grazia. It's open F-M 11:00-17:00.

Great places to walk include along the Arno and across any of its bridges; through narrow, medieval back streets in the Santa Croce area; and in the Oltr'Arno - on the south side of the river, in many ways like Rome's Trastevere or Paris's Left Bank - but far, far smaller.

• Climb the Duomo or CampanileTraverse the winding staircases inside the duomo or the nearby bell tower to see some of the best views of Florence. Not only can you see the Tuscan countryside in the distance and the impressive palaces and churches of Florence in the fore, but it also shows you just how large the Duomo is.

• Stroll the Boboli GardensThese extensive gardens behind the Pitti palace provide excellent views of the city of Florence and numerous sculptures in a relaxed environment. Stop in the hilltop café, grab a drink and a seat outside and enjoy the view.

• Street Performers by the Uffizi

  address: in front of the Palazzo Vecchio
  In the evenings street performers often put on a show here. Performances can range from violin duets to people dressed as sculptures. A nice place to stop while you eat your after-dinner gelato.

• Enjoy the view from the Piazzale MichelangeloIt's a big square on a hill, but somewhat distant from the traditional tourist sites. It's easy to reach it even on foot using the stairs called "Rampe di San Niccolò". They are on the side of the Arno river just in front of the national library. Do this during the summer and during the night to admire Florence's lights.

• Join a monastery: those aged 18-35 are invited to take a two-day spiritual retreat at Badia Fiorentina on Via del Proconsolo. Or just come to hear sung vespers at 6 pm and mass at 6.30 pm nightly in this peaceful church, filled with artwork. It's central yet virtually free of tourists.

Outside the city

• Impruneta's spa

  address: Via Cassia 217, Terme di Firenze
  The thermal waters of Impruneta spring from two sources and are used to treat respiratory diseases, liver, gastrointestinal, and skin allergies.

Photography

• Florence Phography Workshop & Tour

  phone: +39 348 840 0459
  Discover Florence with your camera and with a professional photography teacher (a Vogue-featured American photographer) and a official Florence guide at your side.

Italian language

• ABC School

  phone: +39 055 212001
  address: Via dei Rustici 7
  Italian language school offering language and cultural courses since 1982.

• Centro Machiavelli

  phone: +39 0552396966
  address: Piazza Santo Spirito 4
  Italian language and cultural school for foreigners. The structure and the contents of the programmes for the levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The school also organises a programme of cultural activities and excursions to complement the language classes and enable the students to come into contact with the Italian culture and practice Italian in the field.

• Istituto Galilei

  phone: +39 055 29 46 80
  address: Via Alfani 68
  Italian language school specializing in one-to-one, personalized and small group (max 4 people) full immersion courses.

• Michelangelo Institute

  phone: +39 055 240975
  address: Via Ghibellina 88
  Italian study programmes for foreign students. Cooking workshop, art history classes, plastic arts and visual arts programs are also taught in this academy.

Cooking

• Cooking ClassFlorence and Tuscany are becoming synonymous with "cooking class". Tuscan cuisine is appreciated worldwide and a cooking class experience is now more and more part of the attraction of Tuscany, as a way of carrying back home memories and improved cooking skills. There are many in the area, either in historical villas in the countryside or in central Florence, from Florentine use of tripe and giblets to the use of organic ingredients from the local producers, and classes range widely in size. During high season, make sure to book in advance.

There are a few places to buy things, from the high-end jewelry stores lining the Ponte Vecchio to some of the most famous shops in the world; Gucci, Pucci, Ferragamo, Valentino, Prada, Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Buccellati, Frette, as well as many more wonderful shops that aren't yet world famous. Souvenirs related to art and Florence's sights can be found everywhere. Books, leather goods, art handcrafted journals, frames, pencils etc. in that gorgeous Florentine paper with swirls of color and gold are great gifts.
It is increasingly difficult to find bargains, but keen-eyed shoppers can still find good deals on smaller, side streets running off of those above and elsewhere in the center of town. Better stores in/near the city center offer superb leathers at sometimes decent prices...perhaps after some bickering. Goldsmiths on the Ponte Vecchio display beautiful and quality work, but can be very expensive. Shops that are not located in the very centre of the city are significantly cheaper. There are also superb shopping streets, such as the Via Tornabuoni, the Via del Parione, and the Via Maggio. The San Lorenzo market is now largely for tourists. There are also a couple of collections of "outlets" in the suburbs.
Some of the most uniquely Florentine shops and sights can be found in the Oltrarno, which is Florence's "Left Bank" and home to countless generations of artisans. This section of town can be found by crossing "Ponte Vecchio" (the old bridge) or Ponte Trinità from the center. This "undiscovered" Florence is a must-see.

• Enoteca Mondovino

  phone: +39 055 215214
  address: Via S. Agostino 27-29/R
  Decent wine and Liquor store with interesting collection of potable bitters in the back (Italian and German).

• Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

  address: Via della Scala 16 N
  An old pharmacy, which sells high-qualitiy beauty products like soaps, shaving cream, eau de Cologne.

• Pitti Vintage - Italian & European Vintage Clothing & Accessories

  phone: +39 055 230 2676
  address: Borgo degli Albizi 72r
  Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Lancetti, Valentino. Specializes in Italian and European designer and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

• Cose Del 900 - Italian Glass Connection

  phone: +39 055 283 491
  address: Borgo San Jacopo 45R
  Since 1981 specializing in sized-to-order, affordable beaded jewelry featuring handmade Murano glass beads.

• Ortigia SRL

  phone: +39 055 282129
  address: Borgo San Jacopo 12R
  Luxurious soaps, scents, creams, candles and lotions inspired by the aesthetics, colours, and scents of Sicily.

• Albrici

  phone: +39 055211095
  address: Via dei Serragli 20R
  Long-established antiques and home decor store located among the traditional artisans' workshops of Oltrarno. Within it, Recollection sells vintage clothing and accessories.

Beware: If the police catch you while buying a knock-off version of something with a brand from an (illegal) street vendor, you can be fined up to €10,000. You'll see plenty of people on the street selling imitation Gucci sunglasses, Rolex watches, and Prada purses dirt cheap. It's okay if the item doesn't have a real brand on it, but buying a knock-off is illegal.

Remember that restaurants have separate prices for food to go or eaten standing up versus sit down service; don't try to sit at a table after paying for food or coffee from the restaurant's to go booth. Also ask always beforehand for the price if you want to sit at a table. Otherwise you might be uncomfortably surprised. Cappuccino al banco i.e. standing up might cost €1-3; but at a table €4.
Florence's food can be as much of a treat to the palate as the art is a treat to the eye. There is good food for any price range, from fine restaurants to take out food from window stands. The best price/quality ratio you will find outside the historical center where normal Italians go to eat. The worst ratio is probably in the neighbourhood of Mercato di San Lorenzo where there are a lot of tourist restaurants, while many of the best restaurants in the city are found in the Santa Croce district. In some, requests for pizza may be met with a rebuff. For local pizza look for small shops near the Duomo.
The best lunch places don't always turn out to be the best dinner places. Dinner in Florence really starts sometime between 19:00 and 21:00. If a place looks like they're preparing to close before 20:00, it might not be the best option for dinner. Reheated pasta is not very tasty.
Typical Tuscan courses include Bistecca alla fiorentina which is huge t-bone steak weighing from 500g to 1,500g. It has always price given per 100g, e.g. €3.5 etto (an etto is a "hectogram" or 100 gram-ettogrammo). Crostini toscani are crostini with tuscan liver pâté.
There is also a uniquely Florentine fast food with a 1,000-year history - lampredotto, a kind of tripe (cow stomach, or calf for preference, but a different part than the more familiar white "honeycomb" kind, dark brown in color; the name comes from its wrinkled appearance, which apparently reminds locals of a lamprey fish). The trippaio set their carts in the public squares in the center, dishing out the delicacy straight from the cauldron in which it is being boiled with herbs and tomatoes, chopping it and slapping the portions between halves of a Tuscan roll; the top is dipped in the broth. A mild green parsley- or basil-based sauce or a hot red one goes with it.
There are many gelato (Italian ice cream) stands; some connoisseurs consider the better Florentine gelato the finest in the world. Often gelato is made in the bar where you buy it. Because of this there are many exotic flavors of ice cream like watermelon, spumante or garlic. It's hard to find a gelato place open very late, so after dinner might not be an option. Near the Duomo though, there are a few places open after 22:00.
Tuscany is also the wellspring of cantuccini, also called biscotti di Prato. (In Italian, the singular of biscotti is un biscotto). It's traditional to enjoy them after a meal by dipping them in Vin Santo ("Holy Wine"), a concentrated wine made from late-harvested grapes, but you can also buy bags of them in stores throughout the city and eat them however you like.

Budget

There are numerous caffè and pasticcerie where you can find excellent sandwiches.
Pizza sold by weight is an equally excellent solution for budget dining (vegetarian and vegan options are almost always available), as is any caffè displaying a "Primi" card in its window where you'll find pastas and other dishes at low reasonable prices. The delis (rosticcerie) are very affordable (and the food is often quite good), and some also have dining tables if you don't want to take away.
You can buy the makings for a picnic or snack at the Mercato Centrale. This large market has everything you might need, often at more affordable prices than supermarkets. The stalls will also sometimes vacuum seal whatever you buy so you can take it home with you.
A general rule: the closer you are to the historic old town, the higher the price.

• Il Vegetariano

  phone: +39 055 475030
  address: Via delle Ruote, 30 r
  Budget restaurant with more formal front room, the eclectic middle room, or the peaceful outdoor garden in the back. Daily changing menu with vegan and gluten-free items clearly marked, desserts, salads, soups, hearty brown bread, and a good selection of coffee, tea, wine, beer, and liqueur.

• I fratellini

  phone: +39 055 239 6096
  address: Via dei Cimatori, 38R
  Good street food: panini (€4) and wine (€2+) from a tiny hole in the wall. Patrons eat on the sidewalk while resting their glass of wine on small shelves nested along the street wall.

• Oil Shoppe

  address: Via S. Egidio 22r
  Deli selling olive oil, but with an extensive sandwich bar, to sit in or to go. Student crowd, feels more Californian than Italian.

• Trattoria Mario

  phone: +39 055 218550
  address: Via Rosina 2/R
  Lunch only, no booking, you'll be seated with other walk-ins. Good food, try to save room for a meat main course.

• Trattoria Le Mossacce

  phone: +39 055 294361
  address: Via Del Proconsolo, 55R
  Reliable local eatery. Local produce and meats are prepared simply using traditional recipes and time-honoured tradition. Some pastas are made fresh daily, so ask for the daily special. If you want to experience Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak), they do it amazingly without breaking your wallet. They sell and cut the steak from a larger rib slab in increments of 100g (with a minimum of 500g per serving).

• Leonardo

  phone: +39 055 284446
  address: Via de' Pecori 11
  Although there is a menu at the entrance, it is better to go straight in and pick what you like. You can also order Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

• Tiona

  address: Via della Scala 24R
  Not that you'd admit to wanting a break from Italian food, but this small friendly Sri Lankan restaurant makes a refreshing change. Ayubowan!

• Za-Za

  address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26R
  A very nicely decorated restaurant with many vegetarian choices. You can choose to sit inside or outside in the piazza. The menu is huge, lots of choices, and the prices are fair. Service is outstanding, they really cater to your needs. Make sure to try the chianti house wine. Note that they have two seating areas on the piazza: between are two other restaurants, Cantastorie and Garibaldi.

Mid-range

• al Tranvai

  phone: +39 055 225197
  address: Piazza T.Tasso, 14 r
  Tourists seldom venture this far south. Traditional Tuscan food at decent prices. 1st courses at €7 and mains at €10 to €16. Vino at €4 / 0.5L. The rabbit, asparagus souffle and fiori fritti are excellent and the service very welcoming and warm.

• "Il Latini" Restaurant

  phone: +39 055 210916
  address: Via dei Palchetti, 6r
  Fun place, communal seating and lively staff. The steaks are good.
• Osteria Dell'Olio, Piazza dell'Olio 10r, just west of Duomo. Good food with friendly service.

• Palle d'Oro

  phone: +39 055 88383
  address: Via S. Antonino, 43/45R
  Long-standing family-run Tuscan restaurant. This is where the locals come, not least for the low prices. Fixed price 2-course lunch or €13, dinner €14.

• Trattoria Cammillo

  phone: +39 055 212427
  address: Borgo San Jacopo 57/R
  Fairly good Tuscan cuisine, with a number of options for vegetarians and vegans. Make reservations or be there as they open.

• Dolce Vegan

  phone: +39 328 821 1220
  address: Corso dei Tintori, 36
  Everything on the menu is vegan, from breakfast to dessert after dinner. The menu offers several cuisines: breakfast all day long, Italian cuisine classics like ravioli and "steak", burgers, and pizza; all with tasty vegan emulations of meat or with proudly vegetable tastes. The service is a little slow and forgetful, so have patience.

Splurge

• B-Roof

  phone: +39 055 235 80
  address: Piazza Unità Italiana, 6
  Fine dining with wonderful night panorama of the city.

• Enoteca Pinchiorri

  phone: +39 055 242777
  address: Via Ghibellina, 87
  They've had the occasional bad night, but mostly draw rave reviews for exquisite meals at splurge prices: ravioli at €85 clearly needs to be something special. A bottle of wine will be well north of €100, but try the tasting menu.

• Il Cibreo

  phone: +39 055 234 11 00
  address: Via Dei Macci, 118/R
  Great choice of Tuscan food, with highly selected ingredients.

• Trattoria da Tito

  phone: +39 055 472 475
  address: Via S.Gallo 112/r.
  Although a bit of a walk from the main attractions, this restaurant speaks for itself with mandatory reservations. Great Italian food and atmosphere. Dinner often includes impromptu free drinks and lively table staff.

Dessert

• Gelateria dei Neri

  address: Via dei Neri 20r
  Ice cream in many flavors, some experimental, all excellent.

• Festival Del Gelato

  address: Via Del Corso 75
  50 flavors and has an upbeat atmosphere
• Perché No Via dei Tavolini 19. Freshly made daily from quality ingredients. The pear will be made with real pears and will taste of pears. Typically fruit flavors will be made with seasonally available fruits. Chocolate flavor will taste of cocoa rather than chocolate milk-powder. If you are a chocolate fan, this is the place to go. Specialties are "sorbetto" (ice cream made with water rather than milk, both with fruit and standard flavors, and "mousse" ice creams. Ask for the "special" taste of the day.

• Vivoli

  phone: +39 055 292 334
  Via Isole delle Stinche, 7/R. Close to Piazza Santa Croce. Vivoli has a good gelato fruit selection, so definitely try the fragola, or strawberry. Make sure that you ask for the cream on top as well, because it adds another element to an already great dessert.

Tap water is safe but those who prefer bottled water will find it plentiful.
Make sure to sample the excellent wines of the region.
Chianti is the local wine that can be ordered cheaply. Many eateries will offer carafes of various sizes of "house chianti", usually for under €4.

Bars

• La CiteA very nice and cozy cafe/bookstore. Good prices, nice atmosphere, good books. Borgo San Frediano 20r.

• Enoteca Le volpi e l'Uva

  phone: +39 055 2398132
  The must of the tasting wines and savory titbits. Piazza dei Rossi, 1.
• Uffizi Museum The bar at this museum offers an amazing view overlooking la Piazza della Signoria, but it's only accessible through the museum, so you'll have to buy a ticket.
• Irish Pub (The Fiddlers Elbow) Piazza Santa Maria Novella. This pub has plenty of seating, in addition to live music and great staff.
• Bebop-great coverbands everynight and a €4 pint. Can be found north of the Duomo on the right on Via Dei Servi, before you reach Piazza d Annunziata.
• Ambrosia - Found in Piazza de Ambrosia. This is primarily a wine bar, and you can sample some great wines at a low cost provided you come with friends and share the price of whole bottles.
• Rivoire Piazza della Signoria. Founded in 1872 this terrace facing the Palazzo Vecchio is a Florentine institution.
• Paszkowski or Gilli. On the Piazza Republica, next to the hotel Savoy. The terraces on the other side of the piazza are equally pricey.

• Été

  address: Via Faenza 63
  A lovely little café with warm service and good local beer and wine.

Clubs

• Cavalli Club

  address: Piazza del Carmine, 8
  Roberto Cavalli, Italian fashion designer, has one his beautiful clubs in Florence. The inside has a stage with a projector of Roberto Cavalli's fashion shows running non-stop. The upstairs can be a private lounge for parties or VIP section on certain nights. This club was the most popular on Wednesday nights, but it’s open on the weekends as well. It’s black and leopard interior fits the natural and animalistic designs Roberto Cavalli creates. Roberto and his two sons are frequently at the club so look out! All ages are appropriate and the dress attire here is rather upscale. This is not just a seasonal club so all year visitors are encouraged to go.

• Bamboo Lounge Club

  phone: +393394298764
  address: Via Giuseppe Verdi, 57/R
  Bamboo Lounge Club is a great place for young adults and students to party. The music is great from European to American techno and many other worldwide DJs. Bamboo Lounge Club offers VIP tables and has two midsized bars. It is very clean and safe to be in. It is located on Via Giuseppe Verdi not far from the Duomo. Dress is a little more than casual, but not too upscale. The loud music, dancing, and exciting atmosphere gives people a chance to let loose and have fun. The club features mostly house, techno and hip hop music.

• Tenax

  address: Via Pratese, 46
  If you love house and electronic music this is the best club to go to. It’s a two-story club, located on the outskirts of Florence, features DJ’s from all around Europe, America, and Australia. This club also holds many concerts during the winter and summer. Many people come from all over to enjoy this clubs atmosphere. The dance floor is extremely large and is always very crowded. Be smart where you keep your bag and wallet because it’s very easy to get pick pocketed in large clubs like this. This club usually has a cover of €20 and the drinks are rather expensive, but it is a great place to experience at least once. It is very different than most of the clubs in Florence because of the multi-story building. To venture here would be best by taxi or bus. Since it is located in the outskirts of Florence walking could be difficult and not advised. There are many people who can help in directions in the Santa Maria Novella Station.

As elsewhere the price of hotels in Florence has been climbing quickly in the last few years. The golden rule here is if you want something cheap you'll have to stay outside of the historic center. The area around the train station is cheaper, but not as safe, especially for women travelers at night. If you are looking at big chain hotels you should be aware that they are usually quite a distance from the centre, the Novotel for instance is almost at the airport.
Certain hotels, particularly those oriented toward business travellers offer special reduced rates during the weekend (e.g. Starhotel Michelangelo) or during slow weeks like Baglioni. Sometimes you can also get a substantial discount by reserving online. In the train station there is a tourist information office which also offers hotel reservations; you can often get good deals through them at the very last minute, but it's not guaranteed.

Budget

There are quite a number of one or two star alberghi within a short distance of the station.
Young women can find accommodation with certain convents at very low prices, and usually in historic locations. On the other hand, you'll have to forget about any late-night Tuscan craziness.

Camping

There are campsites round the edge of town: to SW is Ostello Tasso Ente, north is Elite Firenze Gestioie SRL, NE is Camping Albergue, east is Me & Mom in Tuscany, and 3 others further east in Rovezzano. Camping Michelangelo south of town has closed.

Hostel

• Hostel Florence Experience

  phone: +39 55 293215
  address: Via Maggio, 9
  A hostel in a historic Florentine noble palace built in the 14th century and modified in the 17th century. Rooms are occasionally clean.

• Hostel Archi Rossi

  phone: +39 55 290804
  address: Via Faenza, 94r
  Never mind the renaissance-kitsch walls. Rooms are clean and rates include breakfast, dinner (except Saturdays) and internet access.

• Hostel 7 Santi

  phone: +39 55 5048452
  address: Viale Dei Mille, 11
  A converted 19th-century convent. Rooms are clean and quiet. Has dorm bunks and private rooms.

Bed and breakfast

• B&B Duomo View

  phone: +39 055 288290
  address: Piazza San Giovanni, 6
  Large choice of double bedrooms. Services are in common and some of the guestrooms boast a fantastic view of the Duomo. Internet connection and breakfast also available.

• B&B Giglio Bianco

  phone: +39 055 225873
  address: Via Romana 28
  This B&B has just the one room, the Camera Verde. They feature gourmet meals and cooking classes directed by Chef Vary.

• B&B Tourist House Battistero

  phone: +39 333 8379256
  address: Via dei Cerretani, 1
  A lovely B&B in the centre, with the Duomo just 30 m away.

• Giulia Residence

  phone: +39 55 3216646
  address: Via Porte Nuove 19
  Decent 3-star, access through clanky iron gate in apartment block.

• B&B di Piazza del Duomo

  phone: +39 055 285018
  address: Via dell'Oriuolo 49
  A small B&B, rooms with private bathroom and shower, A/C, LCD TV, free Wi-Fi.

• Florence Stadium B&B

  phone: +39 055 212617
  address: Via Campo d'Arrigo, 15/A
  3-star with clean, spacious rooms near the Stadium and Mandela Forum.

Hotels

• Arizona Hotel

  phone: +39 055 245321
  address: Via Luigi Carlo Farini 2
  This 3-star hotel is in a renovated villa from the 18th century.

• Convitto della Calza

  phone: +39 055 222 287
  address: Piazza Della Calza 6
  3 star in converted 16th C cloister, with frescoed rooms and a modern conference centre.

• Hotel Desirèe

  phone: +39 055 2382382
  address: Via Fiume, 20
  Friendly 3-star with 18 rooms, next to railway station.

• Hotel Byron

  phone: +39 055 280852
  address: Via della Scala, 49
  Three-star hotel with parking.

• Hotel Casci

  phone: +39 055 211 686
  address: Via Cavour 13
  This small 2-star is in a 15th C palace and has some original fresco ceilings. Composer Gioacchino Rossini lived here in the 19th C.

• Hotel Dali

  phone: +39 055 2340706
  address: Via dell'Oriuolo 17
  One star, consistently clean & cosy, good location, owners Marco and Samanta helpful and fluent in English.

• Hotel Fiorita

  phone: +39 055 283189
  address: Via Fiume, 20
  Next to railway station, on 3rd floor of building that has two other hotels. Rooms have a/c, TV and a safety deposit box. Some rooms also have modem sockets.

• Hotel Masaccio

  phone: +39 055 578153
  address: Via Masaccio, 228
  Cozy one-star in 20th C villa, with restaurant.

• Hotel Giglio

  phone: +39 055 2381752
  address: Via Cavour, 85
  Simple 3-star on edge of centro storico.

• Hotel Kursaal & Ausonia

  phone: +39 055 496 547
  address: Via Nazionale, 24
  A small 2-star, basic but clean.

• Hotel Lorena

  phone: +39 055 282785
  address: Via Faenza 1
  Two-star hotel in the historic centre, simple but comfy.

• Hotel Montreal

  phone: +39 055 2382331
  address: Via della Scala, 43
  Two star, central but basic and dated.

• Hotel Palazzuolo

  phone: +39 055 214611
  address: Via Palazzuolo, 71
  Basic 2-star, many stairs & no lift, but central.

• Hotel Romagna

  phone: +39 055 211005
  address: Via Panzani, 4
  Two-star hotel near SMN train station. 22 bedrooms en suite, internet connection and satellite TV. Cosy (ie small rooms, basic), no lift to upper floors.

• Hotel Delle Tele

  phone: +39 055 238 2419
  address: Via Panzani, 10
  Central 3-star near SMN Duomo.

Mid-range

• Albergo Firenze

  phone: +39 055 268301
  address: Piazza Donati, 4
  2-star hotel, central but basic.

• Il Bargello B&B

  phone: +39 055 215330
  address: Via dei Pandolfini 33
  Clean friendly 3-star.

• FH Calzaiuoli Hotel

  phone: +39 055 212 456
  address: via Calzaiuoli 6
  Central 4-star going on 3.

• Hotel Caravaggio

  phone: +39 055 496 310
  address: Piazza Indipendenza
  Good 3-star, consistently clean, well-run & helpful.

• Galileo Hotel

  phone: +39 055 496645
  address: Via Nazionale, 22/a
  3 star in elegant 19th C building, but a/c and wifi erratic.

• Hotel Basilea Florence

  phone: +39 055 214587
  address: Via Guelfa 41
  This 3-star hotel offers 38 bedrooms, single, double, twin, triple and 2 large suites, all with private bath, television and internet connection.

• Hotel Boston

  phone: +39 055 496747
  address: Via Guelfa, 68
  3-star hotel with 16 bedrooms, not all en-suite. Clean but small and basic.

• Hotel Crocini

  phone: +39 055 212905
  address: Corso Italia 28
  Central 2-star, not all rooms en suite.

• Hotel La Gioconda

  phone: +39 055 211023
  address: Via Panzani 2
  3-star hotel.

• Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco

  phone: +39 055 288330
  address: Via Cavour 29
  3-star in 15th C building.

• Hotel Malaspina

  phone: +39 055 489869
  address: Piazza Indipendenza, 24
  3-star in charming late 19th-century residence, enriched with modern comforts.

• Hotel Marignolle

  phone: +39 055 2286910
  address: Via di San Quirichino a Marignolle 16
  4-star in hills outside town, in bosky Tuscan scenery. Outdoor pool May to October.

• Hotel Mario's

  phone: +39 055 216801
  address: Via Faenza 89
  Central 3-star.

• Hotel Mia Cara

  phone: +39 055 216053
  address: Via Faenza, 90 (red)
  Small 3-star a short walk from Santa Maria Novella. Friendly English-speaking staff.

• Hotel Morandi alla Crocetta

  phone: +39 055-2344748
  address: Via Laura, 50
  Comfy 3-star in Dominican 16th C convent. On-site garage parking is available.

• Privilege Hotel

  phone: +39 055-2478220
  address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 26
  3-star hotel on the bank of the Arno, with single, double, triple and "Family" rooms. Breakfast buffet, hotel bar and garage available.

• Relais Villa Antea

  phone: +39 055 484106
  address: Via Puccinotti 46
  Historical residence in an old palazzo with friendly staff. Rooms are spacious.

• Hotel Rivoli

  phone: +39 055 27861
  address: Via della Scala 33
  4-star in former 14th C Franciscan convent.

• Hotel De Rose Palace

  phone: +39 055 068 1097
  address: Via Solferino, 5
  4-star hotel in a traditional Florentine mansion.

• Hotel Savonarola

  phone: +39 055 587824
  address: Viale Giacomo Matteotti, 27
  3-star with one single and 15 twin, double, triple and quadruple rooms. All with private bath, Wi-Fi connection, telephone and breakfast included.

• Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto

  phone: +39 055 53821
  address: Via Tevere 23, Osmannoro
  4 star handy for airport. Well out of city but they have free shuttle to the city center.

• Villa il Mosaico

  phone: +39 055 7135481
  address: Via di Monticelli, 9-15
  Elegant villa, ten self-catering apartments with kitchen, living room, bathroom, internet connection and TV. Private parking and 100 square metre terrace with solarium.

• Residence Select Executive

  phone: +39 055 330342
  address: Via G. Galliano 13/a
  4-star hotel; 12 rooms, some with kitchenette.

• Hotel Unicorno

  phone: +39 055 287313
  address: via dei Fossi, 27
  Small 3-star hotel in 17th C building.

Splurge

• Grand Hotel Adriatico

  phone: +39 055 27931
  address: Via Maso Finiguerra 9
  Modern 4-star hotel in the historical centre, very close to the train station. Rooms and suites are suitable for both couples, families, single travellers and group of friends. The hotel features a Tuscan restaurant, a private car park, complimentary breakfast served on a terrace on the ground floor and free minibar for direct bookings.

• Grand Hotel Cavour

  phone: +39 055 266271
  address: Via del Proconsolo, 3
  Friendly, efficient hotel in 13th C palazzo. Former residence of the Strozzi-Ridolfi dynasty.

• J and J Hotel

  phone: +39 055 26312
  address: Via di Mezzo, 20
  4-star hotel in former convent. Has double, twin, junior suite, suite, and double rooms for single use, all en-suite services.

• Kraft Hotel

  phone: +39 055 284273
  address: Via Solferino, 2
  4-star hotel near the centre with swimming-pool, restaurant and 5th-floor terrace with bar.

• Hotel Laurus al Duomo

  phone: +39 055 2381752
  address: Via dei Cerretani 54/r.
  A historic 4-star hotel, close to the Cathedral and Firenze SMN railway station.

• Milu Hotel

  phone: +39 055 217103
  address: Via Tornabuoni, 8
  Central 4 star with roof garden with a charming view.

• Hotel Mirage

  phone: +39 055 352011
  address: Via Francesco Baracca, 231 (interno 18)
  Comfortable straightforward 4-star hotel with restaurant. Regard this as an airport hotel and you won't be disappointed.

• Hotel Monna Lisa Florence

  phone: +39 055 2479751
  address: Borgo Pinti, 27
  Four-star hotel, and yes it's Monna, that's not a typo. In a restored 14th-century Florentine noble palace. Gym facilities, sun terrace and meeting rooms.

• Hotel Ponte Vecchio Suites & Spa

  phone: +39 055 217379
  address: Via De' Belfredelli, n° 9
  4-star hotel with modern rooms and suites. The hotel offers a private spa for two with a hot tub. Continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

• NH Porta Rossa

  phone: +39 055 2710911
  address: Via Porta Rossa,19
  Gorgeous hotel built in the 12th century.

• L'Orologia

  phone: +39 055 27 73 80
  address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
  Swanky boutique 4-star hotel with rooms themed on watches. Nice view of Piazza & Basilica from breakfast room.

• Orto de' Medici

  phone: +39 055-483427
  address: Via San Gallo 30
  4-star hotel in 19th C building with gardens.

• Palazzo Magnani Feroni

  phone: +39 055 23 99 544
  address: Borgo San Frediano, 5
  It's in a 16th-century building that belonged to Marquis Feroni. It has twelve comfortable suites with classic furniture and original frescoes.

• Residence La Repubblica Florence

  phone: +39 055 214496
  address: Piazza della Repubblica, 4
  21 self-catering apartments for a maximum of six people, all with kitchenette, private bath, internet connection, satellite TV and cooking facilities. Short stays (eg single night) welcome.

• Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

  phone: +39 055 2398711
  address: Via Borgo San Jacopo, 3
  4 star overlooking the bridge; you're paying for the location.

• Villa Poggio ai Merli

  phone: +39 055 250257
  address: Via di Giogoli 5, Scandicci
  A historic residence on edge of city, in large park.

• Villa la Vedetta

  phone: +39 055 681631
  address: Viale Michelangiolo 78
  5-star luxury hotel with panorama of Florence's skyline.

• Hotel degli Orafi

  address: Lungarno Archibusieri, 4
  Boutique 4-star in Florence city centre, overlooking river near Ponte Vecchio.

• Palazzo Vecchietti

  phone: +39 055 2302802
  address: Via degli Strozzi, 4 50123 Firenze
  Historic residence a few steps from Piazza della Repubblica, in the center of Florence. Few suites, elegant and modern. The hotel also offers two apartments in the central area. Gluten-free products and breakfast included in the room rate.

Since there are a large number of tourists around, the center of Florence is brimming with webcafés and telephone call centers. Most evenings there are long lines for access to the phone-booths.
You can also buy a pre-paid card which will give you a steep discount on international calls by dialing a special number.
Wireless LAN access is becoming popular. Even when offered for free, you will need to provide your name and contact details to the provider of the service to obtain an access code. This is because of Italian anti-terror laws. Anonymous access is not possible.

Florence is generally safe and healthy, but beware the inevitable purse-snatchers and pickpockets. They thrive in crowds, particularly around SMN railway station and on the buses, sometimes working with a decoy such as an insistent beggar. If you have a bag with a classy, noiseless zipper, it will be opened.

• Florence is a great starting point and base for a tour of Tuscany. Attractive day trips include Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Fiesole, Lucignano, Siena, and of course the wine zone of Chianti. Greve in Chianti is the market town of the Chianti zone and it is in the hills surrounding Greve that you can rent a B&B room or a small apartment on a working vineyard for less than a hotel in Florence. The SITA Pullman buses take you to Greve and Panzano in about an hour. From then on you see few cars and many cypress and olive trees.

• Fiesole is in the hills above Florence, only a short bus ride away from the centre. It offers a beautiful view of the sunset, and a small museum located on ancient Roman and Etruscan ruins of a temple and an amphitheater.

• World War II Florence American Cemetery and MemorialThe cemetery is the final resting place for 4,402 American military dead lost during after the capture of Rome and the battle for the Apennines. A monument is inscribed with the names of 1,409 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. The atrium of the chapel contains marble maps of World War II Italy campaign.

• Biking options outside of the city include the Chianti area, where you can fully enjoy the hills and the elegance of the landscape surrounding you, which has been taken care of endlessly through centuries. Strong scents can be enjoyed in Spring. The warm temperatures and usually stable weather in the good seasons can make the ride even more enjoyable. If you feel more energetic, ascents to Vallombrosa from Pontassieve through Tosi can be very enjoyable. You start from the Arno river plain and you end up in a thick, shady, fresh forest. In all cases, avoid the hottest hours in Summer and be aware of the traffic, which can be heavy and not cyclist-savvy, until you get in secondary or less populated roads.
• UNESCO World Heritage Listed rural building complexes (Medici Villas and Gardens) are scattered around Florence.