How to plan a trip to Florence?

Florence is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. Thousands of tourists visit the Piazza del Duomo every year and enjoy visiting the emblematic buildings of the city. However, if you’re thinking of going on holiday to this unique destination, we recommend you prepare your trip well and inform yourself before you go so that you avoid endless queues, escape the sweltering heat, don’t overpay and don’t get overwhelmed by the crowds. At Passporter we know that planning a trip to Florence can be a challenge, so we’ve decided to help you with this post.

During our travels we’ve learned the best time to go, how to get around the city, as well as many other little details that we wish we’d been told about before our first visit to Florence. Luckily for you, in this post we are going to share all these facts and give you numerous travel tips so that everything goes smoothly during your holiday.

1. Prepare the necessary documentation for travelling to Florence

If you’re travelling from the European Union, you’ll only need your ID card or passport to cross the Italian border. It’s that easy! Just remember that these documents must be in order, and if you are flying, that they must be valid for more than 6 months from the time of departure, and that you can stay for a maximum of 90 days.

Travellers outside the Schengen area who require a visa must apply for it through the Italian embassy or consulate in their country, either in person or online. The processing fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children. In addition, all travellers must present the following documents:

• Filled-in form with personal and travel information.
• Return ticket.
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of your visit.
• Travel medical insurance, valid throughout the European Union and with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Florence

When planning a trip to Florence it’s essential to think about when you’re going, as the city changes dramatically from one season to the next. Depending on when you travel you may find a beautiful city or a city overrun with tourists that will prevent you from seeing any of the monuments.

The peak tourist season is Easter and summer, when the city fills up and accommodation prices rise. It’s also true that there are more daylight hours and the temperature is more pleasant.

We recommend that you travel between October and March, as even if it’s colder, you’ll be able to visit the city comfortably without having to wait in queues.

3. Find out how to get to and around Florence

There are several options for getting to Florence, although the most common is flying into Pisa or Bologna Airport, from where you can get to Florence by bus, tram for €2 or train for €9. All of these will drop you off at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station. These airports are well connected to other European cities, but you also have many other options for getting to the city:

• Airplane: If you’re flying from outside the European Union, there may not be direct flights to Pisa or Bologna airports. In this case, you will have to make a stopover in another European city or at Rome airport.
• Train: Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station is well connected to Milan or Rome. You can buy your tickets online as far in advance as you wish. If you are travelling from Rome, the journey time is 1.3 hours and prices range from €20 to €40.
• Car: Discovering Italy by car is a great option, despite Italian driving. However, be aware that it’s not easy to park your car in Florence, and that the city centre is restricted to traffic. These are the main car parks near the centre: Fortezza – Fiera, Parterre, Sant’Ambrogio, Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Most are open 24/7 and the price for the day ranges from €20 to €140.

Once you’re in the city, you’ll be able to get around on foot. If your accommodation is on the outskirts, you can always use public transport or take a taxi, although it’s not the cheapest option at around €10 each way.

We remind you that with the Passporter App you can compare and book your flights directly through Skyscanner. It’s the best way to keep all your bookings in order.

4. Compare and find accommodation with Passporter

Florence offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, although it’s not a cheap city to stay in, especially if you want to spend the night near the centre. Here are the best areas to look for accommodation in Florence according to your interests:

1. Historic Centre: the heart of Florence, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to the main attractions such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. It is the most expensive area.
2. Santa Croce: known for its lively nightlife and the magnificent Basilica of Santa Croce. This neighbourhood is ideal for young people and those looking for nightlife entertainment, as well as still being very close to the main sights.
3. San Marco: this neighbourhood is quieter and more residential, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. Here you will find the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David.
4. Oltrarno: located on the other side of the Arno River, it is famous for its artisan workshops, art galleries, and more local atmosphere. It is perfect for those who wish to experience Florentine daily life and enjoy its quaint cafes and restaurants.
5. San Lorenzo: this neighbourhood is known for the Central Market, where visitors can enjoy fresh Italian food. It is an affordable and convenient option, with easy access to the train station and cultural attractions.

If you’re travelling in high season it’s best to book well in advance to secure your accommodation at a good price. With the Passporter App you can see where other travellers have stayed during their stay and manage your bookings through Booking.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Florence

To visit Florence it is recommended to spend a minimum of 4 days to visit all the monuments and points of interest. You should also bear in mind that, depending on the time of year, there will be more or less queues which will make your visit more difficult. If you want to avoid long waits for some points of interest, you can buy tickets online.

If you want to make the most of the essence and history of the city, we encourage you to sign up for a freetour or hire a guide. The city hides thousands of stories and you won’t want to miss a thing.

Sightseeing in Florence

Here’s a list of the must-sees in Florence, and if you want to know more about the city, we recommend you read this post: Things to do in Florence

1. Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Il Duomo): Brunelleschi’s iconic dome dominates Florence’s skyline, a testament to Renaissance ingenuity. Admission to the cathedral is free, but climbing the dome costs approximately €20, which includes access to other parts of the complex. Opening hours: 8:30-19:00.
2. Uffizi Gallery: one of the world’s most famous art museums and home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo. Price: 20€ in high season, 12€ in low season. Hours: 8:15-18:50, closed Mondays.
3. Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s oldest bridge, famous for its jewellery shops.
4. Palazzo Vecchio: this fortified palace serves as Florence’s town hall and houses magnificent rooms and works of art. Price: 12,50€. Opening hours: 9:00-19:00, with seasonal variations.
5. Galleria dell’Accademia: is best known for housing Michelangelo’s David. Price: 16€. Opening times: 8:15-18:50, closed on Mondays.
6. Boboli Gardens: a stunning example of an Italian garden, behind the Palazzo Pitti, perfect for a stroll among sculptures and fountains. Price: 10€, which includes the Porcelain Museum and the Bardini Garden. Opening hours: 8:15-16:30 in winter, until 18:30 in summer.
7. Santa Croce Basilica: A fascinating museum of history and art. Price: 8€. Opening hours: 9:30-17:30.
8. Central Market: A foodie’s paradise with two floors of vendors selling fresh produce and local dishes. Free access. Ground floor: 7:00-14:00; first floor: 10:00-00:00.
9. Piazzale Michelangelo: the place with the best panoramic views of Florence.
10. Church of San Miniato al Monte: one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, located in one of the highest areas of Florence. Free admission. Opening hours: 9:30-19:00.

From Florence you can also organise day trips to the surrounding area. For example to Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena or Milan.

6. Where and what to eat in Florence?

In Florence you can indulge your senses with the delights of Tuscany and many other typical Italian dishes. The city is a sea of possibilities where you can choose between eating at street stalls for paninis, pizza or focaccia, indulging in a fine restaurant or enjoying homemade pasta and pizza dishes from the trattorias.

Here are some of the must-try dishes to try during your stay:

1. Bistecca alla Fiorentina: an impressive thick cut of veal grilled over charcoal or wood fire, seasoned with salt, pepper, and often served with lemon. It is one of Florence’s most emblematic dishes.
2. Ribollita: it is a humble but delicious dish. It is a thick soup made with stale bread, cannellini, red cabbage, carrots, celery and other vegetables.
3. Pappa al Pomodoro: another traditional Tuscan soup, this time with tomato as the main ingredient, along with stale bread, garlic, basil and plenty of olive oil.
4. Panino con Lampredotto: Florence is famous for its paninis, especially those filled with lampredotto, which is the fourth and last stomach of a cow. Simmered in a broth with tomato, onion, parsley and celery, it is served in a crusty roll, often with a spicy green sauce.
5. Cantucci with Vin Santo: for dessert, you can’t miss cantucci, hard almond biscuits that are dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine. This combination of sweet and wine is a perfect end to any Tuscan meal.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Florence

Florence is the perfect getaway to take with friends. Together you can experience unique moments and great adventures in one of the most captivating cities in the world. However, we are also aware that travelling with friends can bring with it certain challenges. There may be conflicts of interest, budget or how to organise your trip. That’s why it’s important to get to know the person you’re travelling with and discuss your preferences before setting off on your trip. Here are some useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends

With the Passporter App you can also plan your travel itineraries from start to finish and discover the experiences of other travellers. You can read about the best places to visit in Florence, but also about transport, necessary documentation and many other details. Add your friends and create together your travel itinerary with the stops you are going to make and the points of interest you are most interested in. Later on you can share your experience through the photos you take during the trip.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Florence

• The currency in Italy is the Euro.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• The best time to visit Florence is between October and March.
• To enter some churches you’ll need to be decently dressed; avoid shorts or bring a scarf to cover yourself.
• State museums are free on the first Sunday of every month.
• If you’re travelling from the EU, you won’t need a visa to travel to Italy; a passport is enough.
• The official language is Italian, but in tourist areas you can communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in Florence is safe to drink.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance for best prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Florence travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you to get inspiration from other travellers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Florence

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Florence.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Florence