Essential Apps to Download Before Visiting Florence
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This is the guide I wish I had before visiting Florence—a streamlined, no-overwhelm roundup of the essential apps you’ll want on your phone for your trip to Florence (and Italy).
Florence is easy to navigate, sure, but the right apps can make your stay in the city smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable. This is the sort of information you don’t even realize you need until you’re on-the-ground wondering how to call a taxi, find the local bus schedule, or get food delivered to your hotel room.
I’ve prepared this Florence apps guide as a way to skip a step and get your phone prepared for everything you might need while in Florence, from restaurant reservations apps to the local bike share app, apps with self-guided walking routes through Florence, and more.
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On to the 7 apps you’ll need for your Florence trip:
1. AT Bus (Autolinee Toscane) – Local Transport
Florence’s public transport network runs on buses and trams, and the AT Bus app is the easiest way to:
Buy and validate tickets from your phone
Check real-time schedules and track your bus
Avoid the stress of figuring out machines or paper tickets, especially when not every station or stop has a ticket machine
If you plan to use public transportation even once or twice (to and from the airport for example), this app saves you a headache.
2. AppTaxi or TaxiMove – Local Taxi Services
Florence does have Uber, but because only Uber Black is allowed in Italy, its typically more costly than a taxi. AppTaxi and TaxiMove are the better apps to use for:
Booking official taxis
Tracking your ride
Avoiding long taxi-stand lines
Especially useful late at night or when traveling with luggage.
3. Google Maps or Maps.me – Navigation & Offline Maps
Reliable navigation is a must in Florence’s maze of medieval streets. And if you don’t have data, a local SIM, or an eSIM setup (my go-to is SIM Local) on your phone, you’ll want to have an offline map downloaded at the very least.
These are two of my favorites:
Google Maps: To download an offline map on Google Maps, you’ll need to go to your profile, then scroll down and click “offline maps” and select your own map for download. The offline maps won’t let you search locations while offline or deliver directions, but at least you’ll be able to see where you are. It’s smart to pin the location of where you’re staying in Florence, so you can see it on the offline map.
Maps.me: Ideal if you want fully offline walking maps, meaning with navigational function too. I haven’t really used Maps.me much, but I’ve met many travelers who swear by it while traveling. It’s great to have, even if you do have data, as it could save you if there’s low cell coverage at any given moment while you’re out exploring. Just remember to download the map of Florence while you’re connected to WiFi and you’re all set!
4. Google Translate – Language Help
While many Florentines do speak English, you will still encounter Italian-only menus, signs, and locals who don’t speak your language.
You can use Google Translate for:
Instant camera translation (so useful!)
Voice-to-voice conversation mode
Offline language packs (downloadable files that allow you to translate text, and in some cases camera input, without an internet connection)
If you’re really motivated, you could skip translation altogether and learn some basic Italian on apps like Duolingo, Babbel (my personal preference), Rosetta Stone, and Pimsleur.
5. The Fork, OpenTable, & Resy – Restaurant Reservations
Florence’s restaurants often fill up fast—especially at well-loved trattorias and wine bars. Having a few reservation apps on hand makes mealtimes smoother and gives you more flexibility.
The Fork: The most widely used reservation app in Italy. Great for browsing menus, reading reviews, and securing tables across casual and mid-range restaurants. Many spots also offer discounts through The Fork, which is a nice bonus.
Download The Fork (if you’re new to The Fork, use this link or code 501F9B50 and earn 2000 yums on your first reservation)
OpenTable: Less common than The Fork in Florence, but still useful for a handful of popular restaurants—especially those that cater to international travelers.
Resy: Increasingly adopted by trendier, more contemporary spots. If you’re seeking new-wave or chef-driven dining, this one can help you snag harder-to-get reservations.
Using all three covers a broader range of restaurants and gives you the best chance of securing the places you’re excited to try.
6. FeelFlorence – Official City Guide App
This is Florence’s official tourism app, and it’s surprisingly helpful. Use it to:
Find curated itineraries
Discover lesser-known neighborhoods
See live updates on crowded areas
Get info on museums, events, and mobility options
If you want to go beyond the main tourist path, this one’s gold.
Don’t miss my complete Florence City Guide for more tips and recommendations for your stay in the city.
7. Trenitalia – Train Travel in Italy
If Florence is your base for day trips or regional adventures, trains will likely play a major role in your travels. The Trenitalia app is the best starting point, as it’s the official app for Italy’s primary rail operator.
Use it to:
Buy regional and high-speed tickets
Check live platform changes
Store mobile tickets
Monitor delays and schedule updates
Trenitalia covers the widest network, so this is the app most travelers will use most often.
That said, Italy has more than one rail operator—and there are a few additional apps that can also be useful:
Italo – A private high-speed rail company offering fast trains between major cities (including Florence → Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, and Bologna). If you’re planning long-distance travel, check Italo as well—it can sometimes be faster or cheaper depending on the day.
Trenit! – Great for comparing schedules and prices quickly across both Trenitalia and Italo. It doesn’t sell tickets directly, but it’s excellent for planning.
Trainline – A very user-friendly booking app that sells both Trenitalia and Italo tickets in English, making it especially convenient for international travelers.
Download Trainline (if you’re a new user, you can get 10% off your first ticket purchase using this link)
If you want the most straightforward experience, start with Trenitalia. If you’re traveling between major cities or want to compare options, checking Italo, Trenit!, or Trainline can help you find the fastest or best-priced route.
Related Content: Since we’re on the subject of day trips and regional adventures, be sure to read and use my Bologna one-day itinerary and Naples Food Guide if and when you head to Bologna or Naples for the day or after Florence!
Bonus Apps to Consider (Optional but Handy)
If you want to customize your trip with extra conveniences or deeper experiences, these apps are worth downloading:
RideMovi: Bike and e-bike sharing around the city.
Glovo: Food, groceries, or late-night essentials delivered to your door.
Enjoy: Car-sharing in a Fiat 500 hybrid for short trips or exploring outside Florence.
GPSmyCity: Self-guided walking tours you can take at your own pace.
Rick Steves Audio Europe: Excellent (and free!) audio guides for Florence’s major sights, including Accademia Gallery, the Uffizzi Gallery, Bargello Museum, and more.
Uffizi Gallery App: Many major museums in Florence offer digital guides, maps, and audio tours. There’s usually a QR code upon entry that you can scan to download the museum’s app.
Firenze Card App: If you purchase the Firenze Card museum pass (available here), this app helps manage your pass, reservations, and museum entries.
AllTrails or Wikiloc: If you're planning hikes around Florence or the Tuscan countryside, these apps are perfect for trail maps, trail conditions, and GPS tracking while offline or unable to get cell service.
What to Read Next
Whether you’re working or studying, Florence has more than a few spots that welcome the laptop-clad crowd. In this post, I share the coffee shops, study nooks, and cafe-restaurants that served as my “office” in Florence.