Florence FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Visitor Questions
Updated: 4 days ago
Updated October 2026
Friends ask me the same questions before every Florence trip, so here are short answers to the 25 I hear most. For more, read my practical tips for travelers in Florence and my list of common tourist mistakes in Florence.
Before you go: my short checklist
Book the Duomo climb, the Uffizi and the Accademia as soon as your dates are set.
Pack comfortable walking shoes and a light scarf for churches.
Download the bus and tram app, or plan to tap your card.
Save the address of your hotel in Italian, for taxis.
Check museum closing days against your itinerary, especially Mondays.
Learn a few words: buongiorno, grazie, il conto per favore.
Plan one slow afternoon with nothing booked.
More quick answers
Can I climb the Duomo dome? Yes, with a pass and a fixed time slot. It is 463 steps with no lift. See my Duomo guide.
Is the Duomo free to enter? The cathedral is free. The dome, bell tower, Baptistery and museum need a pass.
When are museums free? State museums, including the Uffizi, Pitti and the Accademia, are free on the first Sunday of each month, and lines are long.
How do I get from the airport? The T2 tram reaches the station area in about 20 minutes. See my airport guide.
Can I pay for the tram by card? Yes. Tap a contactless card or phone on board. One ticket covers 90 minutes.
Can I drive in Florence? Not into the ZTL without a permit. See my ZTL and parking guide.
Is the Firenzecard worth it? Only if you plan several museums within 72 hours.
Is tap water safe? Yes, and the public fontanelli are free.
What should I wear to churches? Cover shoulders and knees.
Is Florence safe? Generally yes. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on buses.
Where is the best view? Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, and the top of the dome or bell tower.
Do people speak English? In hotels, museums and most restaurants, yes.
Should I tip? Tipping is not expected the way it is in the US. Rounding up for good service is kind.
What food is Florence known for? Bistecca, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, lampredotto and schiacciata.
Which day should I avoid museums? Monday, when the Uffizi and Accademia are closed.
Can I take day trips? Yes. Siena, Pisa, Lucca and Chianti are easy.
Is Florence good for kids? Yes. See Florence with kids.
How do I avoid crowds? Go early or late. See beating the crowds.
Questions about the seasons
Spring, from April to early June, is warm and lovely, with Easter and the June festivals. Summer is hot, but evenings are long and the city has open air cinema and concerts.
Autumn brings the harvest, white truffles from nearby hills and soft light into November. Winter is quiet, with short lines, Christmas markets in December and cozy trattorias. Rain is most likely in autumn and early spring, so pack a small umbrella.
Questions about food
Lunch is usually from 13:00, and dinner from 19:30 or 20:00. Most restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Book dinner on weekends, especially at popular trattorias. Breakfast is light: a cappuccino and a cornetto at the bar.
The famous steak is served rare and shared. Gelato is best from shops that keep it in covered metal tubs, a sign that it is made in house. My gelato guide lists my favorites.
Questions about staying
The center is best for a first visit. The Oltrarno is quieter, with a local feel. For families or groups, an apartment or a villa in the hills gives you space. Browse villas near Florence at Exclusive Villa Collection.
Questions about getting around
The center is best on foot, and most sights are within a 25 minute walk of each other. The tram links the airport, the station and the outer districts. Buses climb the hills to Fiesole and Piazzale Michelangelo.
Taxis wait at ranks or come by phone or app; you usually cannot hail one in the street. Bikes are a good way to follow the river, but watch for pedestrians in the narrow lanes. For day trips, regional trains leave from Santa Maria Novella, and express buses run to Siena.
Questions about money and phones
Cards are taken almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for markets and small bars. ATMs are easy to find; use those attached to banks.
Most hotels and cafes have Wi-Fi, and an eSIM is the simplest way to stay online. Plugs are the European two-pin type, so bring an adapter. My coffee and Wi-Fi guide lists good places to work.
Questions about shopping
Florence is famous for leather, gold, paper and perfume. Look for workshops where you can see the work being done, and ask where it is made.
Questions about museums
Do I need to book the Uffizi and the Accademia? I strongly recommend it. Timed tickets on the official sites save you long waits, especially from spring to autumn. Without a booking, you may queue for an hour or more.
Which museums close on Mondays? The Uffizi, the Accademia and the Pitti Palace close on Mondays. Some smaller museums close on other days, so always check before you go.
Can I take photos inside museums? In most Florence museums, yes, without flash or tripods. Some special exhibitions and chapels, such as the Brancacci Chapel, may restrict photography.
How long should I spend in the Uffizi? About two to three hours for the highlights. Art lovers can easily spend a full day.
Questions about churches
Is there a dress code? Yes. Cover your shoulders and knees in churches, including the Duomo. Staff may turn you away otherwise. A light scarf in your bag solves it.
Are churches free? Many are, including the Duomo itself, Santo Spirito, Santa Trinita, San Miniato and Ognissanti. Some, like Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo, charge an entrance fee that supports their upkeep.
Can I visit during mass? Visits are usually paused during services. You are welcome to attend, quietly.
Questions about safety
Is Florence safe? Yes, it is generally a very safe city. The main risk is pickpocketing in crowded places, on buses and at the station. Keep bags closed and in front of you, and do not leave phones on café tables.
Is it safe to walk at night? The center is lively and generally safe at night. Use common sense, stick to busy streets and take a taxi late at night if you are far from your hotel.
What number do I call in an emergency? Dial 112, the European emergency number, for police, ambulance or fire.
Questions about language
Do people speak English? In hotels, museums, shops and restaurants in the center, most people speak some English. Learning a few words of Italian, such as buongiorno, grazie and per favore, is appreciated.
What is the tipping custom? Tipping is not expected as in the US, as service is usually included. Leaving a little extra for good service is a kind gesture, but never required.
Questions about health
Can I drink the tap water? Yes. Florence's tap water is safe, and the public fountains offer free still and sparkling water.
Where do I find a pharmacy? Pharmacies, marked with a green cross, are everywhere, and some stay open all night, including one at Santa Maria Novella station.
FAQ
Is Florence walkable?
Very. The historic center is compact, and most major sights are within a 20 to 25 minute walk of each other.
How many days do I need in Florence?
Three days covers the highlights. My 3 days in Florence itinerary shows how.
Do I need to book the David in advance?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. The Accademia is closed on Mondays.
Do I need to book the Uffizi?
Yes, timed entry is the way to go. The Uffizi is also closed on Mondays.
Can I climb the Duomo dome?
Yes, with a pass that includes a fixed, mandatory time slot. It is 463 steps, with no lift. My Duomo guide has the best order of visit.
Where to stay
My neighborhood page answers the next big question: where to stay in Florence.
About the author
I'm Jason GaNung, and I write every guide on Florence Life. I have spent extensive time in Florence over many trips, and I have stayed in many of the hotels and villas I cover, so my picks come from my own stays, not press releases. More about me.
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