Florence, Italy

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Florence is a city brimming with history, stunning architecture, and gelaterias on nearly every corner. (Not really, but it sure feels like it!). It’s a place that felt familiar to me straightaway and one I keep coming back to. On this ever-evolving page, you’ll find tips, resources, and roundups to support your own Florentine adventure.

A Curated Guide to Florence

As always on this blog, use the links below as a starting point for your own Florence adventure, then message me with all of the noteworthy places and experiences you discover along the way.

Florence Travel Tips & Resources

Entry Requirements

Italy is part of the Schengen Zone, which means travelers from most countries — including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU — can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you plan to stay longer or are coming from a country that requires a visa, check your local government’s travel portal for specific requirements.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. When you enter Italy, border officers may ask to see proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, or proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Upcoming changes:

• The European Union is rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES) starting in October 2025, which will record the entry and exit of non-EU travelers.

• The ETIAS authorization (an online pre-travel permit for visa-exempt travelers) is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Travelers do not need ETIAS yet, so no online form or fee is required at this time.

Getting To, From, and Around Florence

Florence’s historic center is compact and highly walkable — most of the major sights, shops, and restaurants are within a 15–20 minute stroll. But if you need to get around faster, visit other neighborhoods, or reach the airport, the city’s bus and tram systems make it easy and affordable.

Bus & Tram System (Autolinee Toscane / AT)

Florence’s public transport is operated by Autolinee Toscane, which runs both city buses and trams under one ticketing system.

• A single urban ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 90 minutes from the moment you validate it — you can switch between buses and trams during that time.

• There’s also a 10-ticket pack (carnet) that offers a small discount on each ride.

• Tickets must be purchased before boarding. You can buy them from ticket machines, tobacco shops, bars displaying the AT logo, or through the AT Bus app.

• On some vehicles, you can tap to pay with a contactless card, phone, or smartwatch, though this works best for single riders.

• Always validate your ticket in the yellow machine on board. Failure to do so can result in a fine starting at €40 if checked.

Tram Lines

Florence’s Tramvia network currently has two lines:

• T1: Runs between Scandicci (southwest of the city) and Careggi Hospital in the north, passing through Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station — the city’s main train hub.

• T2: Connects Amerigo Vespucci Airport with Santa Maria Novella station, extending to Fortezza da Basso and Piazza San Marco as of early 2025.

The trams are modern, air-conditioned, and reliable. They operate from early morning (around 4:30–5:00 a.m.) until midnight, with slightly later service on Fridays and Saturdays.

Buses

Buses cover the areas the tram doesn’t reach, including many residential and hilltop neighborhoods. You’ll find most central bus stops near Santa Maria Novella station and Piazza San Marco, or just use the AT Bus app to find the stop closest to you. Because the heart of the old city around the Duomo is pedestrian-only, no buses run directly through it.

When boarding, enter through the front door and exit via the middle or rear doors. Always make sure your ticket has properly stamped — if the validation machine doesn’t print a date/time, find another one immediately. You can avoid all of that by just tapping your credit card when you board - once for urban routes, twice (once when you get on and once when you get off) for suburban routes.

Taxis, Trains, and Airport Transfers

Taxis can’t be hailed on the street — you’ll need to find a designated taxi stand (you’ll see them near major squares and train stations) or call one at +39 055 4242 or +39 055 4390. Uber operates in Florence, but only as Uber Black, meaning it uses licensed drivers at higher rates than regular taxis.

To get from Florence Airport (FLR) to the city center, the T2 tram line is the easiest option. It runs every 5–10 minutes, takes about 20 minutes, and costs the same as a regular ticket (€1.70).

For day trips, regional trains connect Florence to nearby cities like Pisa (1 hour), Bologna (40 minutes - check out my 1-day itinerary here!), Siena (1.5 hours), and Lucca (1.5 hours). Book tickets on Trenitalia.com or Italo.it, and remember to validate paper tickets before boarding.

Trainline and the Trenit app are also really useful for checking train schedules and purchasing tickets.

Money

Italy uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry a bit of cash for small cafés, markets, and gelato shops. ATMs are easy to find — for the best rates, use machines attached to major banks like UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, or BNL rather than generic ATMs in tourist-heavy areas.

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy. Service is often included in the bill (servizio incluso), though rounding up the total or leaving a euro or two for excellent service is always appreciated.

SIM Cards

If you’re not using an eSIM (like Airalo, Saily, or Drimsim), you can buy a local SIM card at the airport or in town. Major Italian carriers include TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre. TIM generally has the best coverage, while Vodafone is known for reliable service and easy prepaid options, while WindTre is the most affordable. Plans typically cost €25–€35 for a month of data and calls. You’ll need your passport to register and activate the SIM.

Travel Insurance

Even though Italy offers excellent healthcare, travelers from outside the EU are expected to pay upfront for any medical treatment without insurance. For peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Reputable providers include WorldTrips and World Nomads, or compare plans across providers on Squaremouth.

Don’t Forget to Bring

A few essentials that make exploring Florence more enjoyable:

• Comfortable walking shoes – The cobblestone streets can be uneven and tiring after a full day of sightseeing.

• A reusable water bottle – Tap water is safe to drink, and you can refill at the city’s public fountains.

• A light jacket or scarf – Evenings can get cool, especially in spring and autumn and a scarf is handy to cover exposed shoulders when entering cathedrals and churches

• A crossbody or anti-theft bag – Handy in crowded tourist areas like around the Duomo and train station.

• A plug adapter – Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs (230V).

• A small umbrella or rain jacket – Quick showers or daylong drenches are common, particularly in fall and spring.

Traveling elsewhere in Italy? Here’s more helpful content for you.