Location of Florence:
Florence is in the heart of Italy's Tuscany Region in western Italy along the Arno river. It is 172 miles north of Rome and 185 miles south of Milan.Population of Florence:
Florence, the capital of the region of Tuscany, has a population of around 400,000 people, with around 200,000 more in suburban areas.Florence Airport:
The Aeroporto de Firenze, commonly refered to as Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci or simply Peretola, is located 4 km from the center of Florence. A taxi can make the trip in 15 minutes, and the Sita/Ataf "Fly by Bus" between the airport and Santa Maria Novella railway station takes 20 minutes. If you are coming into Florence from an international destination, you are probably using Galileo Galilei airport, closer to Pisa.Florence Train Station:
Florence's central station is called Santa Maria Novella. It is located in the northwest corner of central Florence. Many services, including stores and internet points, are located within the station.Florence: Transportation Options:
If you're looking to use Florence as a base for travel to other Tuscany or Umbria hilltown destinations, often the best public transportation option is the extensive Bus service. For a full overview, see our Florence Transportation Options.Florence - When to Go:
The narrow lanes of Renaissance Firenze are clogged with sweating tourists in July and August. Spring (April and May) or Autumn (September and October) are much better, although it's still tourist season. Tourists flock to Florence at Easter as well. November can be ok if you bring warm clothes and expect some rain.To check on conditions for the time you're planning to spend in Florence, see: Florence Travel Weather
If you are going to Florence in the high season, you might want to book some of your attractions in advance. We like Select Italy for Florence reservations.
Florence - Food and Drink:
Tuscan cuisine is world renowned for simple combinations of absolutely fresh ingredients. Try the Florentine T-Bone bistecca alla fiorentina (but beware that it's listed on the menu priced per 100 grams--and this bistecca is usually huge). Tripe is also a specialty. Tuscan starters include crostini and bruschetta, toasted bread with various toppings.Florence Tourist Information Points:
There is a small tourist information office (Uffizio Informazioni Turistiche) inside the train station. Otherwise try the Azienda Promozione Turistica offices on Via A. Manzoni or Via Cavour.Florence: The Language:
Italian, of course. And Tuscans are said to have spoken the purest form for years. English is widely spoken, and in the summer months you'll hear little else.Florence Top Attractions:
- Florence's Archaeological Museum - housed in a palace with great Egyptian and Etruscan collections. Via della Colonna, Admission less than 5 Euros.
- Baptistry of John the Baptist - dates from the 11th century, with three sets of amazing bronze doors.
- Il Duomo (Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore) - The Florentine Gothic duomo was begun in 1296 and consecrated in 1436. Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece of construction. Piazza del Duomo. Entrance is free, but in summer you may have to wait in line to get in. Fees to see the excavations or go up into the cupola.
- Uffizi Gallery - housed in a 1560 Medici palazzo, the recent renovations have meant that visitors don't have to wait outside and the galleries have expanded. There's a good view of Florence from the upper floors. Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, 8 Euros to enter.
- The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. The palace encompasses several museums and holds paintings from some of Italy's most celebrated masters. The Renaissance gardens are a delight. Piazza Pitti, south of the Arno. Various entry fees.
- Dante's House (Casa di Dante) - ok, it's a little offbeat, but I liked the medieval section of the city and visiting a house of the famous Dante. Via S. Margherita, 1, 3 Euros, closed Tuesday.
- The Ponte Vecchio - The Old Bridge looks from the outside as if it were still crowded with the crammed blacksmith and butcher shops of the medieval period, but it's all glittery gold and tourist baubles today. Spared from bombing in WWII, it used to be built of wood but a rebuild in the 1300's made it mostly stone. Free, unless you run afoul of a jewelry or porcelain statue salesman.
- The Church of San Lorenzo - It's not impressive from the outside, but it's probably the oldest religious structure in Florence. They say it was probably founded before year 400 and its art holdings include stuff by Donatello and Bronzino.
For more things to do in Florence, see the Top 10 Things to do in Florence, from Italy for Visitors.
For a map of the main attractions in Florence, see the interactive Florence Map.
