Tips and tricks to Florence

These tips and tricks will help you travel like a local.

Florence tips and tricks

Whether visiting Florence for the first time or discovering some of its secrets, these tips and tricks will help you travel like a local.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

What to wear

Florence is an incredibly well-turned-out city, with people of all ages looking perfectly put together to even pop to the bank or a cafe. There is a sense of care and pride in quality versus quantity – an Italian is more likely to buy one great cashmere sweater than ten fast-fashion items. As the seasons change, the city’s residents’ uniforms also change.

In summer, lighter fabrics like linen are popular; coats and scarves come out in force come winter. Ultimately, the look is always polished yet comfortable. As the city is made for walking, flat shoes are recommended. For men, a smart/casual philosophy is key to fitting in with the locals, with jeans, collared shirts, and leather shoes as a good go-to for men’s style. Italians opt for a more tailored look any time of the day.

Speak the lingua

As a tourist city, many Florentines speak English; however, it is best to learn a few greetings. A bright ‘buongiorno’ (good morning) and ‘grazie’ (thank you) will be appreciated. Warm and friendly, most locals will happily help you with the language barrier, and you can always ask, ‘Parla inglese?’ (Do you speak English?) or say ‘non parlo Italiano’ (I don’t speak Italian). If in doubt, hand gestures can always help to express what you need in true Italian style.

Late nights

Florentines enjoy festivities into the night, and in the warm summer months, the city is buzzing with free outdoor concerts. My tip is to take a post-dinner night stroll to see the city’s true charms. With the main streets and squares lit, come dusk, it makes for a magical tour. While galleries like Palazzo Strozzi offer late-night Thursday open hours until 11 pm each week, in summer, late-night gallery openings include the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio.

Street numbers

Black versus red, residential versus business, it’s easy to become confused with the street numbers in Florence. All residential buildings are numbered in black, while businesses are numbered in red. Addresses finish with an ‘r’ (i.e. Via San Miniato 2r) for rosso (red). Street names have often changed over the centuries, so don’t be surprised to see plaques with two names on one street corner. Using landmarks is the easiest way to navigate the city centre. And when in doubt, ask a local for directions by asking where it is (‘dov’e. . .’).

MUSEUMS

Florence has a vast number of museums and galleries, some famous, others less well known. It pays to plan visits and be informed about passes, discounts, and how to avoid the queues, especially in summertime. There used to be free entry to State and most civic museums on the first Sunday of each month; however, this was changed in 2018.

Firenzecard

The museum pass Firenzecard offers a 72-hour pass to many of the city’s main attractions. This allows priority access (avoid the queues!). It is also ideal for families with free admission for those under 18s travelling with a Firenzecard holder. Download the app via www. firenzecard.it for the swiftest way to sign up.

Discount tickets

Some of the major museums offer discounted tickets. For example, at the Uffizi Gallery, European Union citizens aged 18–26 are offered 50% off. You must show a passport or ID. Tickets are cheaper from November to February in winter. Uffizi tickets also grant access to the Archaeological Museum in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.

Palazzo Pitti offers a 50% discount early in the morning for tickets bought before 8.59 am. As long as you enter before 9.25 am. Perfect for the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

At the Duomo, you simply buy one ticket. Then you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Wi-Fi

You can find Wi-Fi in most cafes, and the city also offers a free service: ‘Firenze Wi-Fi’ to log on to. If you are staying more than a few days, grabbing an Italian SIM at one of the TIM stores is an easy and affordable way to stay connected on your travels.

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