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Florence is an easy city to travel in, but a few practical details, from which airport to fly into to how tipping works, make the difference between a smooth visit and a frustrating one. The car-free historic centre is best covered on foot, the main rail hub links the whole of Tuscany, and the tap water is safe to drink. Here are the answers to the questions travellers ask most. For more on the things to do, read our things to do guide. For more on the events and festivals, read our events and festivals guide.
Florence Travel Tips: Airports and Getting In
Which airport serves Florence and how much is the transfer?
Florence Peretola (FLR), 8 km north-west of the centre, is the city airport but has a limited runway and few long-haul flights, so most international visitors arrive via Pisa (PSA), about 80 km away, or Bologna (BLQ), about 100 km away. The Volainbus shuttle links FLR to the Santa Maria Novella station for €6 and takes about 20 minutes. From Pisa, a direct train to Santa Maria Novella costs about €9.20 and runs in roughly an hour; a taxi from FLR is a flat €22. For more on the neighborhoods, read our neighborhoods guide. For more on the where to stay, read our where to stay guide.
Florence Travel Tips: Getting Around
The historic centre is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), so taxis and resident vehicles are the only permitted traffic, and nearly everything is walkable in under 25 minutes. A single bus or tram ticket on the ATAF network costs €1.70 and is valid for 90 minutes; buy and validate tickets before boarding. The T1 tram line links the Santa Maria Novella station toward the airport direction and the Cascine park. Walking is faster than any bus across the centre for most journeys between the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio.
Florence Travel Tips: Money, Tipping and Practical Questions
Can I drink the tap water in Florence?
Yes. Florence’s tap water is safe to drink, and the city maintains public fountains, including the Fontanello della Frati in Via della Chiesa and the Marzocco fountain in Piazza della Signoria, where you can refill a bottle for free. Carrying a reusable bottle saves several euros a day over buying bottled water.
How much should I tip in Florence?
Tipping is optional and modest. Most restaurants add a coperto, or cover charge, of €1.50 to €3 per person shown on the bill, which is not a tip. Leaving 5% to 10% in cash, or simply rounding up, is appreciated but never expected, and there is no percentage-based tipping norm as in North America. You do not tip at bars or for a single espresso.
Is Florence safe, and how do I avoid pickpockets?
Florence is a safe city for visitors, with the main risk being petty theft rather than violent crime. Pickpocketing is most common around the Santa Maria Novella station, on crowded buses and trams, and in dense queues at the Uffizi and Duomo. Keep wallets in a front pocket, use a cross-body bag worn to the front, and never leave a phone on an outdoor cafe table; the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria are the busiest spots to stay alert.
Florence Travel Tips: Museums and Tickets
The three sights that absolutely require advance booking are the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Duomo dome, which all use timed entry and sell out days or weeks ahead in high season; book directly through the official museum websites to avoid reseller markups. The Firenze Card, which includes entry to dozens of museums and some transport, costs €85 for 72 hours, but it only pays for itself if you visit four or more paid sights a day, so crunch the numbers before buying. Most museums close on Monday, so check each venue’s day when building an itinerary.
Florence Travel Tips: Day Trips
Florence’s rail links make it the natural hub for Tuscany. Siena is an 80-minute direct train or bus ride, Pisa 60 minutes by train, and the hill towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni are reachable by bus or regional rail with a connection. Book regional trains (Regionale or Regionale Veloce) on the day or a day ahead, as prices are fixed and they rarely sell out, unlike the pricier high-speed Frecciarossa routes to Rome and Milan.
Suggested Hotels in Florence
The St. Regis Florence
A 15th-century riverside palace with frescoed ceilings, a Michelin-starred restaurant and butler service on the north bank of the Arno. Best for couples and travellers marking an occasion who want classic luxury. Check rates and availability
Hotel Brunelleschi
A restored medieval tower and Byzantine church beside the Duomo, with parquet-floor rooms, a private museum and cathedral views. Best for first-time visitors who want the centre at a mid-range price. Check rates and availability
Aurora Garden Lodging
A well-rated bed and breakfast near Santa Maria Novella station with garden access and comfortable, good-value rooms. Best for budget travellers and early-train day-trippers. Check rates and availability
For the best months to plan around weather and queues, see the best time to visit Florence guide, and for the full month-by-month climate data, the Florence weather by month guide has the numbers.
