Practical A–Z

EU Citizens

As an EU citizen, you need no visa. Italy is a Schengen member — you only need a valid ID card or passport. No border controls when entering from other Schengen states.

Swiss Citizens

Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen Agreement). Passport or ID is sufficient.

Tourist Tax

Florence charges a tourist tax (Imposta di Soggiorno): 2–7€ per person per night, depending on hotel category (5-star hotels: 7€). Collected at check-in, cash preferred. Children under 12 are exempt.

Florence is a very safe city — safer than most major European cities. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main risks:

Pickpocketing

As in any tourist city, pickpocketing is an issue, especially in these places:

• Piazza del Duomo: In the crowd in front of the cathedral.
• Ponte Vecchio: Narrow, crowded, perfect for pickpockets.
• Buses: Especially line 7 (Fiesole) and city buses.
• Santa Maria Novella Station: Area is a bit rougher at night.

Fraud

• Restaurant traps: Restaurants directly at the cathedral and on Piazza della Signoria are often overpriced and poor quality. Go at least 2 streets away from the cathedral.
• Leather goods: On the San Lorenzo market, cheap imported leather goods are often sold as "real Italian leather." Genuine craftsmanship can be found in the workshops of the Oltrarno.
• Street vendors: Men who "gift" bracelets and then demand money — ignore and walk away.

Always Book Online in Advance

For the Uffizi and the Galleria dell'Accademia (David), online reservation is absolutely essential in the high season (March–October). Without a reservation: 1–4 hours wait time. With a reservation: direct entry.

• Official booking: uffizi.it (+ 4€ reservation fee). Book 2–4 weeks in advance.
• Firenze Card (85€/72h): Access to 70+ museums, single entry, skip-the-line. Worth it for 3+ museums per day.
• First Sunday of the month: ALL state museums are free — but the queues are enormous. Arrive BEFORE opening (queue at 7:30 AM for Uffizi at 8:15).

The Ideal Museum Sequence

1. Accademia (David): Early morning (1–1.5h is sufficient). The David is the emotional opener.
2. Uffizi: In the afternoon or the next day (3–5h). The main attraction.
3. Palazzo Pitti: On the third day (2–3h museum + 1–2h Boboli Gardens). The crowning glory.
4. Bargello, Medici Chapels, San Marco: For connoisseurs and those extending their stay.

Free Art

Florence has more free art than any other city: churches (Duomo, Orsanmichele, San Miniato), squares (Loggia dei Lanzi), streets (Palazzo Medici-Riccardi courtyard), and bridges (Ponte Vecchio). One could spend a week in Florence without paying a euro in entrance fees — and still have a Renaissance overload.

What to Pack?

• Comfortable, sturdy shoes: THE most important. Florentine sidewalks are made of Pietra Serena (sandstone) and cobblestones — smooth, uneven, unforgiving for thin soles. Heels: forget it.
• Light layers: Cool in the morning (especially in the shade of the alleys), hot at midday, pleasant in the evening. Spring/Fall: jacket and scarf for the evenings.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses — even in spring and fall.
• Cover shoulders and knees: For churches (Duomo, Santa Croce, Santo Spirito) you must cover shoulders and knees. Have a light scarf or cardigan with you — checks are conducted at the entrance.
• Water bottle: Florence has excellent tap water and public drinking fountains. Saves money and plastic.
• Umbrella: In fall and winter — Florence gets rainfall.

Important Notes

• Tipping: In Italy, tipping is NOT obligatory. Many restaurants charge a "Coperto" (cover charge, 1.50–3€ per person) — this is legal and common, but not a tip. If satisfied: leave 1–2€ on the table or round up. Never 15–20% like in the USA.
• Coperto & Servizio: Coperto (cover charge) is listed on the menu. Sometimes also "Servizio" (service, 10–15%) — then no further tip is needed. Check the bill!
• Lunch break: Many small shops and churches close between 1 PM and 3:30 PM. Supermarkets and large museums remain open continuously.
• Sunday opening: Many shops are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets (Conad, Carrefour) in the city center are usually open. Restaurants: many have Monday or Tuesday as a rest day.